Pengaruh Perlakuan Alkali (NaOh) pada Serat Agave Cantula terhadap Kekuatan Tarik Komposit Polyester

Abstract

Purpose of this research is to know the influence of alkali treatment on tensile properties of agave cantula fiber reinforced composite with polyester matrix. Fiber of agave cantula soaked in alkali solution (2% and 5% NaOH) during 2, 4 and 6 hour. After that, the fiber cleaned use water and dried naturally. Matrix which is used in this research is polyester unsaturated resin 157 BQTN with MEKPO hardener. Composite made with method press molding at Vf = 25%. The tensile testing is made related at standard of (American standard of testing materials) ASTM D-638. Tensile testing is done with universal testing machine and the elongations of measured by using meter shove. Result of this research indicate that highest tensile stress obtained on 5% alkali treatment during 2 hour with value is 36,866 Mpa while the lowest tensile stress obtained on 2% alkali treatment during 2 hour with value is 22.707 Mpa. Highest tensile strain obtained on 5% alkali treatment during 6 hour with value 2, 449% while lowest tensile strain obtained on 2% alkali treatment during 4 hour with value 1.780%. Highest Elasticity modulus obtained on 2% alkali treatment during 4 hour with value 18.078 MPa, while the lowest elasticity modulus obtained on the 2% alkali treatment during 2 hour with value 11,203 MPa