Pengaruh Penambahan Zeolit Alam Pahae Terhadap Sifat Mekanik Papan Komposit Berbasis Serat Buah Pinang Dengan Resin Polyester

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of incorporating natural Pahae zeolite on the mechanical and physical properties of composite boards fabricated from areca nut fiber and polyester resin. Prior to use, the zeolite was physically activated at 400 °C for 4 hours, sieved to a particle size of 149 µm (100 mesh), and characterized using the XRF method. The composite boards were produced by combining polyester resin as the matrix with areca nut fiber and natural Pahae zeolite as fillers, in the following composition ratios: (60:40:0)%, (60:30:10)%, (60:20:20)%, (60:10:30)%, and (60:0:40)%. The molding process was carried out using a hot press at 100 °C for 30 minutes. Characterization included mechanical testing (Modulus of Rupture/MoR, Modulus of Elasticity/MoE, and compressive strength), physical testing (density, moisture content, and water absorption), and microstructural observation through SEM-EDS analysis. The results showed that the addition of natural Pahae zeolite as a filler improved the physical properties but reduced the mechanical properties of the composite boards in accordance with SNI 03-2105-2006 and JIS A 5908-2003 standards. Therefore, natural Pahae zeolite demonstrates strong potential as a filler for enhancing the performance of composite boards based on areca nut fiber and polyester resin.