Komposit Polimer Sabut Kelapa Pada Berbagai Kadar Katalis dan Waktu Alkalisasi

Abstract

Material komposit berpenguat serat alam mulai dikembangkan sebagai alternatif komposit fiberglass. Sabut kelapa berpontensi dijadikan sebagai penguat komposit polimer. Sifat hidrofilik menjadi kelemahan komposit berpenguat serat alam. Alkalisasi dan penambahan katalis dilakukan untuk meningkatkan kekuatan mekanis dan stabilitas dimensi komposit berpenguat serat alam. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pengaruh waktu alkalisasi dan kadar methyl ethyl ketone peroxide sebagai katalis terhadap sifat fisis dan mekanis papan. Papan komposit dibuat dengan target kerapatan 1 g/cm3 menggunakan serat yang diberi perlakuan alkalisasi 2, 4, 6, dan 8 jam dengan NaOH 5% serta penambahan katalis 2,4, dan 6%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kerapatan papan, nilai keteguhan lentur dan keteguhan patah meningkat dengan adanya peningkatan waktu alkalisasi dan penambahan kadar katalis. Waktu alkalisasi lebih dari 4 jam dan penambahan kadar katalis lebih dari 4% dapat menurunkan kekuatan mekanis papan komposit. Secara umum papan komposit polimer sabut kelapa memenuhi SNI 8154-2015. Papan komposit terbaik diperoleh dari perendaman alkalisasi 4 jam dan kadar katalis 2%.

Natural fiber reinforced composite materials began to be developed as an alternative to fiberglass composites. Coconut fiber has the potential to be used as a polymer composite reinforcement. Hydrophilic nature is the weakness of natural fiber reinforced composites. Alkalization and catalyst addition were carried out to improve the mechanical strength and dimensional stability of natural fiber reinforced composites. This study aims to analyze the effect of alkalization time and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide content as catalys on the physical and mechanical properties of the board. Composite boards were made with a target density of 1 g/cm3 using fibers treated with 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours of alkalization with NaOH 5% and 2, 4, and 6% catalyst addition. The results showed that the board density, flexural and fracture strength values increased with an increase in alkalization time and the addition of catalyst content. Alkalization time of more than 4 hours and the addition of catalyst content of more than 4% can reduce the mechanical strength of the composite board. In general, the coconut fiber polymer composite board meets SNI 8154-2015. The best composite board was obtained from 4 hours alkalization soaking and 2% catalyst content.