Studi Eksperimental Pengaruh Tebal Serat, Tekanan Hot Press Dan Temperatur Hot Press Terhadap Sifat Mekanis Bahan Komposit Resin Epoxy Diperkuat Serat Gambas (Loofah)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of fiber thickness, pressure, and hot press temperature variations on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites reinforced with loofah fiber (Luoofah) as an eco-friendly alternative material for automotive roof panels. Loofah fiber was chosen due to its lightweight nature, availability, and environmental friendliness. The composite specimens were fabricated using a hot press machine with pressure variations of 0.013 MPa, 0.016 MPa, and 0.020 MPa; temperatures of 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C; and fiber thicknesses of 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm. The tests conducted included tensile, flexural (three-point bending), and density measurements. The results showed that processing parameters significantly affected the mechanical properties of the composites. The highest tensile strength of 10.23 MPa was achieved at 3 mm fiber thickness, 0.013 MPa pressure, and 70°C temperature, while the maximum flexural strength reached 36.66 MPa under the same conditions. The highest density was 1.285 g/cm³, indicating a denser and more homogeneous structure. The use of binders also influenced the results, where rosin produced the highest tensile strength (17.84 MPa), followed by no binder (15.46 MPa) and latex (10.23 MPa). In conclusion, the optimal processing parameters for achieving the best mechanical performance of loofah fiber-reinforced composites are a 3 mm fiber thickness, 0.013 MPa hot press pressure, and 70°C temperature. These findings demonstrate the high potential of loofah fiber as a natural reinforcement material for sustainable automotive applications.