Sifat Fisis dan Mekanis Bambu Belangke (Gigantochloa pruriens) Termodifikasi Polystyrene pada Berbagai Suhu Polimerisasi

Abstract

One of the obstacles in bamboo is its susceptibility to attacks by destructive organisms, so chemical modifications are needed to increase its durability and strength. One of the modification methods used is impregnation with 100 % polystyrene mixed with a potassium peroxide-disulfate catalyst (1:0.01 v/v). The purpose of this study is to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of Polystyrene modified belangke bamboo at various impregnation pressures. The raw material in the form of striped bamboo laminate is impregnated with polystyrene and vacuum for 30 minutes and continued to pressed for 30 minutes pressures of 6 Bar. The bamboo were then oven dried at different polymerization temperatures of 60 oC, 80 oC, and 100 oC. The results of the physical properties study showed that the average value from the test ranged from density 0.77-0.86 g/cm³, moisture content 6.05-8.2 %, Weight Percent Gain (WPG) 1.38-10.5 %, water absorption 35.36-39.84 %, thickness development 10.66-12.58 %. The mechanical properties test showed that the average values of the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) test ranged from 214,214-457,740 kg/cm2, Modulus of Rupture (MOR) 1,258-3,576 kg/cm2, and compression parallel to the grain 531-1,054 kg/cm2. Among the polymerization temperatures of 60 oC, 80 oC and 100 oC, the optimal polymerization temperature is 80 oC because it more efficient and has the best dominant results in each test.