In recent years, the polymer industry has intensified its efforts to produce renewable material based polymer. Therefore, the use of natural fiber composites has been widely considered in various engineering sectors to replace conventional synthetic composite usage. This is because natural fiber composite properties are easily disposed and environmentally friendly in generating economic and sustainability societies. Vinyl polymer is a group of matrices comprising of thermosets and thermoplastics that are normally preferred as matrices with natural fibers. Both groups have their own unique features in benefiting their applications. The composite made of thermoset resin cannot be reprocessed or recycled. The composites of the thermoset matrix tend to provide good mechanical strength, are fragile and have low tensile effects. This is in contrast to the properties of the thermoplastic polymer that can be formed and diluted without changing its physical properties. Thermoplastic has excellent impact resistance and ductile. However, various approaches continue to be carried out by researchers to meet the requirements of natural fiber composites in different applications.

Nowadays, natural fibers getting attention from researchers and industries to optimize the use it, with combination of polymers as composite structure, due to environmental awareness. Furthermore, it show a few advantage, such as biodegradability, light in weight and non-toxic characteristic. In this study, kenaf natural fibers was used as reinforcement material, with combination of polyester as matrix material, known as polymer matrix composites. The main purpose of this study is to analysis the mechanical properties of kenaf natural fiber/polyester composite structure, in order to know the suitability of kenaf natural fibers as replacement material for table tennis blade structure, instead of using wood. The structural panel of composite laminates has been produced using hand lay-up technique. The experimental works are performed in tension, impact (Charpy) and shear condition. The characteristic of different condition on kenaf composite structure was studied. Based on the result, it found the properties of kenaf composite structure, and it will used as a benchmark, to compare with initial properties of table tennis blade made by wood. In addition, the strength and a weakness of that particular materials and lamination structure will be identified.

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