Unlocking the Potential of Mensiang Fibre Composites: How Fibre Volume Fraction Influences Tensile Performance

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites continue to attract significant attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic fibre composites. Among the many natural fibres available in Southeast Asia, mensiang (Scirpuss grossus) has received relatively little scientific investigation despite its abundance and favourable environmental characteristics. The reviewed study evaluates the influence of different fibre volume fractions on the tensile behaviour of mensiang fibre composites using an unsaturated polyester resin matrix. Through ASTM D638 tensile testing and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations, the researchers identify the fibre composition that provides the best mechanical performance while also highlighting important interfacial characteristics that influence composite behaviour. This study provides valuable baseline information for future development of environmentally friendly natural fibre composite materials.

Bibliographic Information

Item	Information
Article Title	Tensile strength study of mensiang (scirpuss grossus) fibre composites with unsaturated polyester resin matrix
Authors	Evan Hakiim; Hendri Nurdin; Zainal Abadi; Wei-Ting Zhuang
Journal	Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer
Volume	4
Issue	1
Publication Year	2025
Pages	1–8
DOI	https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164
Publisher	Researcher and Lecturer Society
License	Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
ISSN	2963-7511 (Online)
Keywords	mensiang fiber; natural fiber; nature composite; renewable material

1. Research Background

Growing environmental concerns associated with synthetic fibre composites have accelerated research into renewable and biodegradable reinforcement materials. While synthetic fibres provide excellent mechanical performance and durability, their limited recyclability and environmental impact have motivated researchers to investigate sustainable alternatives derived from natural resources.

Among numerous natural fibres, mensiang (Scirpuss grossus) is an abundant wetland plant commonly found throughout Southeast Asia. Traditionally, local communities have used its fibres for weaving mats and bags because of their durability and flexibility. Despite these practical applications, the material remains largely underutilized as a reinforcement for engineering composites.

The reviewed study recognizes that composite performance depends not only on the properties of the reinforcing fibre and polymer matrix but also on their relative proportions. Fibre volume fraction strongly influences stress transfer, stiffness, tensile strength, and failure mechanisms. Determining an appropriate fibre-to-matrix ratio therefore represents a critical step toward developing reliable natural fibre composite materials.

Previous investigations have examined various natural fibres for polymer composite applications; however, limited experimental evidence is available regarding mensiang fibre composites. The authors therefore investigate how different fibre volume fractions affect tensile strength and elastic modulus while also examining fibre morphology and fibre–matrix interaction through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations. The study establishes an initial engineering reference for future optimization of mensiang fibre composites.

2. Research Objective

To investigate the effect of different mensiang fibre volume fractions on the tensile strength of unsaturated polyester resin composites.
To evaluate how fibre volume fraction influences the elastic modulus of the developed composites.
To manufacture mensiang fibre composites using the hand lay-up method and evaluate their mechanical behaviour according to ASTM D638.
To observe the morphology of untreated mensiang fibres and fibre–matrix interactions using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
To identify the fibre composition that provides the most favourable tensile performance.
To provide baseline experimental data supporting future development of mensiang fibre-reinforced composite materials.

3. Why This Research Matters

Promotes sustainable engineering materials. The study explores an abundant renewable natural fibre as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic reinforcement materials.
Adds scientific evidence for an underexplored fibre. Mensiang fibre has received relatively little attention compared with other natural fibres, making this work an important contribution to composite material research.
Improves understanding of fibre volume optimisation. The research demonstrates that mechanical performance depends strongly on selecting an appropriate fibre volume fraction rather than simply increasing fibre content.
Supports development of green composites. Using renewable plant fibres may reduce dependence on non-renewable synthetic materials while encouraging sustainable manufacturing practices.
Provides guidance for composite fabrication. The experimental results offer practical information for researchers and engineers designing natural fibre-reinforced polyester composites.
Highlights the importance of fibre treatment. SEM observations reveal interfacial features that explain mechanical behaviour and indicate opportunities for improving fibre bonding through future chemical treatment.
Creates a foundation for future engineering innovation. The findings establish baseline performance data that future studies can build upon to improve mechanical properties and expand engineering applications.

4. Research Methodology

The study employed an experimental approach to investigate the tensile behaviour of mensiang (Scirpuss grossus) fibre-reinforced polymer composites with different fibre volume fractions. Composite specimens were fabricated using the hand lay-up method with an unsaturated polyester resin matrix, followed by standardized tensile testing and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations to evaluate both mechanical performance and microstructural characteristics.

Research Design

Experimental investigation of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites.
Comparison of four different fibre volume fractions.
Mechanical evaluation using tensile testing.
Microstructural characterization using SEM.

Materials

The reinforcement material consisted of mensiang (Scirpuss grossus) fibres collected from Tunggul Hitam Subdistrict, Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The fibres were extracted manually from the plant stems using a steel wire comb before being naturally dried under sunlight for approximately two to three days. Unsaturated polyester resin served as the composite matrix.

Fibre Preparation

After extraction, the dried fibres were cut according to the mould dimensions and subsequently compressed into fibre sheets using a roller press. This preparation process facilitated more uniform fibre placement during composite fabrication while helping flatten the fibres before lamination.

Composite Manufacturing

Composite laminates were fabricated using the hand lay-up method with a glass mould measuring 250 mm × 140 mm × 8 mm. Resin was manually applied onto the fibre layers using a brush before curing. Four different fibre volume fractions were prepared:

7.5% fibre and 92.5% resin
10% fibre and 90% resin
12.5% fibre and 87.5% resin
15% fibre and 85% resin

The corresponding fibre weights were 19 g, 25 g, 30 g, and 35 g, respectively. After curing, specimens were machined according to the ASTM D638 tensile specimen geometry.

Tensile Testing

Mechanical testing was performed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) following the ASTM D638 standard. Three specimens were tested for each fibre composition to improve the consistency and reliability of the experimental results. Tensile strength and elastic modulus were subsequently calculated and compared among the four composite configurations.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Observation

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis was conducted to examine the surface morphology of untreated mensiang fibres and the fractured composite specimens. The observations focused on fibre surface characteristics, impurities, fibre–matrix adhesion, matrix cracking, debonding, pull-out behaviour, and other microscopic features that influence composite performance.

5. Key Findings

Optimal Tensile Strength Was Achieved at 12.5% Fibre Volume Fraction

Among the four composite configurations, the specimen containing 12.5% mensiang fibre exhibited the highest tensile strength of 24.07 MPa. Increasing the fibre content from 7.5% to 12.5% improved tensile performance; however, further increasing the fibre fraction to 15% reduced tensile strength, indicating that excessive fibre content may adversely affect load transfer efficiency.

Elastic Modulus Followed the Same Performance Trend

The elastic modulus also reached its highest value at the 12.5% fibre composition, measuring 480 MPa. Lower fibre fractions produced reduced stiffness, while the 15% fibre specimen experienced a slight decrease in modulus compared with the optimum composition, suggesting that excessive fibre loading can reduce the effectiveness of matrix reinforcement.

Higher Fibre Content Does Not Necessarily Produce Better Mechanical Properties

The experimental results demonstrate that increasing fibre volume fraction improves composite strength only up to an optimum level. Beyond this point, non-uniform fibre distribution and less effective stress transfer reduce tensile performance. The findings highlight the importance of balancing fibre and matrix proportions during composite design.

SEM Revealed Untreated Fibre Surface Impurities

SEM observations identified several surface characteristics of untreated mensiang fibres, including lignin, hemicellulose, cavities, rough surfaces, and other impurities. These features may weaken fibre–matrix adhesion and limit the mechanical performance of the composite.

Composite Failure Was Dominated by Interfacial Damage

Microscopic examination of fractured specimens showed matrix cracking, debonding between fibres and the polyester matrix, fibre pull-out, void formation, and lumen structures within the fibres. These observations indicate that failure initiated primarily through insufficient interfacial bonding rather than fibre fracture alone.

Chemical Treatment Represents an Important Opportunity for Improvement

The absence of chemical treatment before composite fabrication likely contributed to the observed interfacial defects. The authors suggest that appropriate chemical modification of mensiang fibres may improve fibre cleanliness, enhance fibre–matrix adhesion, and ultimately increase the mechanical properties of future composites.

6. Scientific Contribution

Introduces new experimental evidence for mensiang fibre composites. The study expands the limited body of knowledge concerning the use of Scirpuss grossus fibres as reinforcement materials in polymer composites.
Identifies an optimum fibre volume fraction. The research demonstrates that a 12.5% fibre volume fraction provides the most favourable balance between reinforcement and matrix support for tensile loading.
Integrates mechanical and microstructural evaluation. Combining ASTM D638 tensile testing with SEM observations provides a comprehensive understanding of both composite performance and failure mechanisms.
Explains the relationship between fibre content and composite behaviour. The findings clarify why increasing fibre content beyond an optimum level may reduce tensile properties due to non-uniform fibre distribution and weaker interfacial bonding.
Provides baseline data for future material development. The experimental results establish reference data that can support future investigations involving fibre treatment, alternative matrices, hybrid composites, or advanced manufacturing techniques.
Supports the advancement of sustainable composite technology. By demonstrating the engineering potential of an abundant renewable fibre, the research contributes to the broader development of environmentally friendly composite materials.

7. Industrial Implications

Supports sustainable composite manufacturing. The findings demonstrate that mensiang fibre has potential as a renewable reinforcement material for polymer composites, supporting the development of environmentally friendly engineering products.
Provides guidance for composite designers. Identifying the optimum fibre volume fraction helps engineers design composite components with improved tensile performance while avoiding excessive fibre loading.
Encourages the utilization of local natural resources. Mensiang is widely available in many Southeast Asian regions and may become an alternative raw material for value-added composite products.
Creates opportunities for rural and agricultural industries. The utilization of mensiang fibre could increase the economic value of a plant that has traditionally been used only for handicrafts or regarded as an underutilized natural resource.
Supports lightweight engineering applications. Natural fibre composites have potential applications in non-structural automotive components, interior panels, furniture, consumer products, and other lightweight engineering materials where moderate mechanical strength is sufficient.
Highlights the importance of material processing. The observed interfacial defects indicate that manufacturing processes and fibre surface treatment should be carefully controlled to achieve consistent composite quality.
Provides a foundation for greener engineering materials. The study contributes to ongoing efforts to replace synthetic fibre composites with renewable alternatives that reduce environmental impact while maintaining acceptable engineering performance.

8. Research Limitations

The investigation evaluated only four fibre volume fractions (7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15%), so the optimum composition may exist outside the investigated range.
No chemical treatment was applied to the mensiang fibres before composite fabrication, limiting fibre–matrix adhesion and overall mechanical performance.
The study focused exclusively on tensile properties and elastic modulus without evaluating other important mechanical characteristics such as flexural strength, impact resistance, hardness, or fatigue behaviour.
Only one matrix material, namely unsaturated polyester resin, was investigated. The behaviour of mensiang fibre with other polymer matrices remains unknown.
The composites were manufactured using the hand lay-up technique, which may introduce variations in fibre distribution, resin content, and void formation.
The microstructural observations were limited to SEM analysis and were not complemented by chemical characterization of the fibre surface.
The long-term durability of the composites under environmental exposure, moisture absorption, thermal cycling, or ageing conditions was not investigated.

9. Future Research Opportunities

Investigate the influence of alkali or other chemical surface treatments on fibre–matrix bonding and mechanical performance.
Evaluate additional fibre volume fractions to identify the optimum reinforcement ratio with greater precision.
Compare different polymer matrices, including epoxy, vinyl ester, and biodegradable resins, to determine the most suitable matrix for mensiang fibre composites.
Investigate additional mechanical properties such as flexural strength, compressive strength, impact resistance, fracture toughness, and fatigue behaviour.
Study the effects of fibre orientation, fibre length, and hybrid reinforcement strategies on composite performance.
Assess moisture absorption, thermal stability, weather resistance, and long-term durability for engineering applications.
Apply advanced manufacturing techniques such as vacuum infusion or compression moulding to improve fibre distribution and reduce void formation.
Conduct chemical characterization of treated fibres to better understand changes in lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose content after surface modification.
Investigate hybrid composites combining mensiang fibre with other natural or synthetic reinforcements to achieve improved mechanical performance.
Explore practical engineering applications for mensiang fibre composites in automotive interiors, construction materials, consumer products, and other lightweight composite structures.

10. Potential for Public Policy Citation

Although this research is primarily focused on composite material development, its findings have broader relevance for public policies promoting sustainable materials, circular economy initiatives, and renewable resource utilization. The study demonstrates that locally available natural fibres can serve as potential engineering materials, supporting strategies aimed at reducing dependence on synthetic, petroleum-based reinforcement materials.

The research also aligns with policies encouraging the utilization of indigenous biological resources to generate higher-value industrial products. By transforming an abundant wetland plant into a functional engineering material, the study contributes to resource efficiency, sustainable manufacturing, and environmentally responsible innovation.

Furthermore, the findings may support government programs related to green manufacturing, bio-based materials, and sustainable industrial development by providing experimental evidence for the engineering potential of renewable natural fibres.

11. Who Should Read This Paper?

Researchers working in natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites.
Mechanical and materials engineers interested in sustainable composite development.
Scientists studying renewable engineering materials and bio-based composites.
Graduate and undergraduate students in materials science, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering.
Industrial researchers developing environmentally friendly composite products.
Manufacturers seeking alternative reinforcement materials for lightweight applications.
Researchers investigating fibre treatment and fibre–matrix interfacial behaviour.
Government agencies and policymakers promoting sustainable materials and green manufacturing technologies.

12. Final Thoughts

This study provides valuable experimental evidence supporting the feasibility of using mensiang (Scirpuss grossus) fibre as reinforcement in unsaturated polyester composites. By systematically evaluating four fibre volume fractions, the researchers demonstrate that composite performance depends not only on the presence of natural fibres but also on selecting an appropriate balance between fibre and matrix. The identification of a 12.5% fibre volume fraction as the optimum composition represents an important contribution to the development of mensiang-based composite materials.

An additional strength of the study lies in the integration of mechanical testing with SEM observations. The microscopic analysis provides a clear explanation of the observed mechanical behaviour by revealing fibre impurities, matrix cracking, debonding, pull-out, and other interfacial features that influence tensile performance. These observations strengthen the interpretation of the experimental results and provide clear directions for improving future composite designs.

Overall, the research establishes a solid baseline for future investigations into mensiang fibre composites. Although further work is needed to optimize fibre treatment, manufacturing processes, and long-term durability, the study demonstrates that this abundant natural resource possesses promising potential as a sustainable reinforcement material for polymer composite applications.

13. Suggested Citations

UNP–Teknomekanik Style

Hakiim E, Nurdin H, Abadi Z, Zhuang WT. Tensile strength study of mensiang (scirpuss grossus) fibre composites with unsaturated polyester resin matrix. Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer. 2025;4(1):1–8. https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164

APA 7th Edition

Hakiim, E., Nurdin, H., Abadi, Z., & Zhuang, W.-T. (2025). Tensile strength study of mensiang (scirpuss grossus) fibre composites with unsaturated polyester resin matrix. Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer, 4(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164

IEEE Style

E. Hakiim, H. Nurdin, Z. Abadi, and W.-T. Zhuang, "Tensile strength study of mensiang (scirpuss grossus) fibre composites with unsaturated polyester resin matrix," Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1–8, 2025, doi:10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164.

Harvard Style

Hakiim, E., Nurdin, H., Abadi, Z. & Zhuang, W.-T., 2025. Tensile strength study of mensiang (scirpuss grossus) fibre composites with unsaturated polyester resin matrix. Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer, 4(1), pp.1–8. https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164

Vancouver Style

Hakiim E, Nurdin H, Abadi Z, Zhuang WT. Tensile strength study of mensiang (scirpuss grossus) fibre composites with unsaturated polyester resin matrix. J Eng Res Lect. 2025;4(1):1-8. doi:10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164.

Chicago Author–Date

Hakiim, Evan, Hendri Nurdin, Zainal Abadi, and Wei-Ting Zhuang. 2025. "Tensile Strength Study of Mensiang (Scirpuss Grossus) Fibre Composites with Unsaturated Polyester Resin Matrix." Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer 4 (1): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164.

MLA 9th Edition

Hakiim, Evan, et al. "Tensile Strength Study of Mensiang (Scirpuss Grossus) Fibre Composites with Unsaturated Polyester Resin Matrix." Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer, vol. 4, no. 1, 2025, pp. 1–8. https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v3i3.164.

14. Editorial Note

This review has been prepared solely from the scientific content presented in the published article and bibliographic information verified from the official journal webpage. The analysis summarizes the study's background, objectives, methodology, principal findings, scientific contributions, industrial relevance, limitations, and future research directions without introducing interpretations beyond those supported by the original publication.

Readers are encouraged to consult and cite the original article when referencing the experimental procedures, numerical results, figures, tables, or scientific conclusions presented by the authors. Proper citation of the original publication acknowledges the authors' contribution and supports the dissemination of high-quality engineering research.

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16. SEO Keywords

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