Studi Eksperimental Pengaruh Tekanan, Waktu, Dan Temperatur Curing Terhadap Karakteristik Mekanis Bahan Komposit Resin Epoxy Diperkuat Serat Loofah Dengan Metode Vacuum Infusion

Abstract

This research aims to determine the effect of pressure, time, and post-curing temperature on the mechanical characteristics of epoxy resin-based composite reinforced with loofah fiber using the vacuum infusion method. The pressure variations used were –0.07 MPa, –0.08 MPa, and –0.09 MPa, with curing times of 60, 120, and 180 minutes, and post curing temperatures of 25°C, 50°C, and 60°C. The tests conducted include tensile test (ASTM D638), three point bending test (ASTM D790), and density test. The analysis was carried out using the Taguchi method with an L9 orthogonal array to determine the optimal parameters. The results show that variations in process parameters significantly affect the mechanical strength of the composite. The highest tensile strength of 7.74 MPa was obtained at a pressure of 0.07 MPa, curing time of 60 minutes, and temperature of 25°C. The highest flexural strength of 14.15 MPa was achieved at a pressure of –0.07 MPa and curing time of 180 minutes. Meanwhile, the highest density was obtained at –0.08 MPa, 120 minutes, and 60°C. Based on the Taguchi analysis, pressure was found to be the most dominant factor influencing the composite’s mechanical strength. So, the use of loofah fiber as a natural reinforcement for epoxy resin shows potential as an eco-friendly material suitable for automotive applications such as car headliners.