FABRIKASI DAN KARAKTERISASI SIFAT BENDING DAN PENYERAPAN AIR KOMPOSIT HIBRID ALKALI TREATED SISAL/KARBON/PVC DENGAN VARIASI SERAT SISAL DAN SERAT KARBON
Abstract
Composite materials have been considered to become steel substitutes. Recycable composite has been choice for today. The main reinforcing material for producing sport equipment that is widely used is synthetic fiber which are generally difficult to be degreded. Thus, in this study hybrid composites were made by combining synthetic and natural fibers. The purpose of this study are to produce alternative material for sport equipment that is easier to degrade, and to determine bending properties and characterize the composites.
Fabrication of hybrid composites was carried out manually with an engineered hot press machines at 170oC with of 120 Psi pressure for 15 minutes. Hybrid composite composition with a matrix to filler ratio of 80/20% by weight. Sisal to carbon ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 were used carbon liquid nitrogen for 10 minutes. Sisal fiber was soaked in a 6% NaOH solution for 4 hours. Bending test was done with according to the ASTM D790 standard, and water absorption test was done with according to the ASTM D570 standard. Then the fracture structure of the bending test was using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscope (OM, Olympus SZ61TR).
The results showed that the sisal / carbon / PVC hybrid composite with ratio sisal to carbon fiber 1: 2 fraction showed the highest bending strength of with 123,57 MPa and modulus elasticity 2,25 GPa. These results can be explained from the characterization of the fracture spesimen with SEM and macro photos that show a better fiber bond with the matrix. However, the distribution of hybrid fibers in the matrix is still uneven.