PENGARUH PERLAKUAN SERAT TERHADAP SIFAT MEKANIS KOMPOSIT TANDAN KOSONG KELAPA SAWIT (TKKS)/EPOXY
Abstract
Oil palm empty fruit bunches (TKKS) is one of the solid wastes from the results of the oil palm plantation industry which is increasing every year. In this research, OPEFB fiber is functioned as a composite filler with epoxy resin matrix. This research was conducted with variations in the treatment of OPEFB fiber aims to determine the effect of variations in the treatment of fiber on the mechanical properties of bending and impact of OPEFB / Epoxy composites. In addition, the results of this study can be used to become candidates for substituting plastic materials for the use of motorcycle helmet shells.
In this study the OPEFB fiber was given three variations of treatment, namely the process of boiling, washing, and alkalization. Comparison of fiber and matrix volume fraction is 20:80, with a fiber length of 15mm. Specimens were prepared using the cold press and hand lay-up method with a pressure of 120 kg / cm2, for 7-8 hours at room temperature. The mechanical test carried out is a bending and impact test.
The impact test results showed the impact toughness of boiling fiber treatment was 12.72 kJ / m2, fiber washing was 7.8 3 kJ / m2, the treatment of 6% NaOH was 7.97 kJ / m2. The results of the bending strength test in the 33,207 MPa boiling fiber treatment, in the washing of 35,265 MPa fiber, on the alkalization of 6% NaOH fiber amounted to 36,110 MPa. The results of all specimen fractures observed with an optical microscope showed that the alkalization fiber treatment had better fiber bonding with the matrix than the other two variations, so the OPEFB fiber was recommended for the 6% NaOH alkalization treatment.