1. INTRODUCTION (revA)12.9.

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Fabrication of composite utilizing biodegradable materials has attract more interest not only
from the researches from educational institutes or universities, but also gain attention from the industry
counterpart where the concern highlighted from the local authorities and societies towards greener
technology and environmental friendly awareness. The widely used nowadays of these renewal
resources have gain a lot of advantage due to its strength, multifunctional & recyclability, . [xx]
Exploitation of natural fiber composites are not limited only in automotive but also other transportation
sector such aviation, railways, shipping, building and construction sector, furniture and household,
medical and sports, and others.Natural fibers is now be more preferred and viable as the reinforcement
composites based on the study that has been done by many researchers (Alavudeen et. al, 2011, Cicala
et. al, 2012). The plant fibers is a type of natural fiber as a constituent or reinforce agent of the
composite which benefit to the eco-system that shows a positive impact to environment and society due
to it’s biodegradability and safer handling behavior respectively. Plant fibers can be considered as
reinforced composites having cellulose embedded in lignin matrix, and combination with other
components such hemicelluloses, pectin, and waxes (Kalia et. al, 2013).Kenaf, bamboo, sisal, jute, flax,
ramie, sisal, and hemp are the example of plant fiber that found much suitable for replacement of
synthetic fibers such fiberglass which are comparatively heavy, high cost, and not environmental friendly
(Cicala et. al, 2012).
Most of investigations based on the study of the mechanical and physical properties of
composites reinforced which limited to continuous short and long fibers, for random oriented non-
woven textiles, with different types of matrix and process approached.[xx] Mechanical and thermal
characteristics of pineapple leaf fiber by Sena Neto et al. (2015) have gain a lot of valuable information
for the selection of vegetable plants for specific application. Hojo et al., (2014) has studied tensile
property especially on low cycle fatique behavior of three natural fibers mat (bamboo, jute and kenaf)
reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. The natural fibers mat reinforced composite show good
tensile property as well as potential to replace the petroleum-based composite. Shah, (2013) has
presented the polypropylene (PP) reinforced with randomly-oriented short fiber mat bast fibers exhibit
significantly superior mechanical properties in comparison to leaf and wood fiber reinforced PP. In
general, the best mechanical properties of composites can be obtained when the fiber is aligned parallel
to the direction of the applied load. The alignment of natural fiber, however is quite difficult to achieve
for short fiber if compared to long fiber which can be carded and placed manually in sheet prior to
matrix impregnation (Pickering er al., 2016).
Alternatively, processes such braiding, knitting and weaving which are common to fiber textile
processing can be employed on natural fiber. Woven fabric is now become popular as the reinforcement
to polymer which providing balanced properties in the fabric plane compared to non-woven or
unidirectional fiber [XX]. Through the study made by Hani et al, (2013), the combination of a resin
system with a textile fibre, yarn or fabric system as reinforcement through ANOVA analysis results had
shown that yarn types and fabric structures gives significant effects towards the performance of impact
and flexural properties. Woven structure exhibited greater impact and flexural strength performance
compare to unidirectional ply in a desired orientation, cross-ply 0°/90° and cross-ply 45°/-45°. The
interlacing of fiber bundles or yarns have increase the strength of lamina and greater damage tolerance.
Woven structure parameters such yarn weight, fabric count and weave pattern are also influence the
strength and stiffness of fabric composites (Nicolais & Canonico, 2012). Warp (lengthwise yarn on the
loom) and weft (horizontal) yarn are interlace each other to produce a woven fabric. The changing of
sequence of warp and weft yarn crossing over each other will form a specific pattern . The common
weave geometries