Pembuatan dan Karakterisasi Komposit Serat Palem Saray dengan Matriks Poliester

Abstract

The manufacture and characterization of composite made from mixed palmsaray fiber - polyester matrix using Chopped Strand Mat method has been done. The composites were made from composition of the palm saray fiber of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%. To make it more solid, each composite was added the MEKPO catalyst for 5 % of its polyester volume. And then, it was mixed by using a motor stirrer, in the mould, and finally pressed for 20 minutes in 50oC. The result of the research of composition of palm-saray fiber according to physical characters was: the density value from 0,85 g/cm3 to 1,21 g/cm3, water absorption value from 1,26 % to 3,42 %, water containing value from 2,04 % to 5,35 %. While the mechanic characters including flexural strength value was from 64,89 MPa to 51,3 MPa, impact strength value was from 24,33 kJ/m2 to 32,33 kJ/m2, and tensile strength value was from 3,9 MPa to 7,3 MPa. The results of test based from its physical characters and mechanical characters show that the composition of palm-saray fiber for 0 % , 1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 % and 5 % can be qualified as a standard composite up to the Japan Industrial Standart (JIS) A5905 – 2003. The composite of palm saray with polyester matrix can be recommended as car’s bemper.