Optimization of Durio zibethinus (Durian) Fiber-Reinforced Composite as Automotive Skin Material

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) was developed from Durio zibethinus (durian) husk using urea formaldehyde (UF) as a binder. The output will be applied as an automotive panel, realigning the conventional application of MDFs. Fiberboards were prepared at varying mixing ratios and pressing pressure to determine the optimal conditions. The fibers and optimized fiberboard were characterized in terms of surface morphology, elemental analysis, FT-IR analysis, and thermal stability. Moreover, the physical and mechanical properties of fiberboard were also studied. Results showed that the fiberboard was optimized at a 1:4 fiber-to-resin ratio by mass and press pressure of 640 kPa. It has a density of 0.71 g/cm3, thickness swelling (TS) of 3.33%, water absorption (WA) of 62.44%, internal bond (IB) of 2.85 MPa, modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 3008.06 MPa, and modulus of rupture (MOR) of 22.25 MPa. These were compared against properties of commercial MDF based on American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications (0.5≤D≤1, TS≤15%, IB≥0.6 MPa, MOE≥2500 MPa, and MOR≥22 MPa). Based on the results, the optimized fiberboard demonstrated high potential for commercial application in the automotive industries.