The Effect of Pennisetum Purpureum Fiber Addition On The Tensile Strength and Morphology Of Polyester Composite

Efek Penambahan Serat Pennisetum Purpureum Terhadap Sifat Kekuatan Tarik dan Morfologi Komposit Poliester

Abstrak

This study analyze the effect of fiber volume fraction variation of elephant grass fibers on the tensile strength properties of polyester resin matrix composites. The research was conducted in five stages: fiber extraction, alkaline treatment using a 1% NaOH solution, composite fabrication with polyester resin at a ratio of 2% of resin volume, SEM analysis, and tensile strength testing. The highest tensile strength (21,934 MPa) was obtained at a fiber-resin ratio of 10/90. Variation of fiber 5/95, tensile strength of (21.737 Mpa), modulus of elasticity of (1776.9 MPa) and elongation of (2.1788 mm), shows the dominance of the resin matrix in supporting loads. Fiber variation of 20/80, decrease in tensile strength to (21.169 MPa) and elongation of (2.2255 mm) due to uneven resin distribution. The most significant decrease occurred in the 30/70 fiber variation, the total tensile strength was (18.833 Mpa), the modulus of elasticity was (1390.3 MPa), although the elongation increased to (2.606 mm). Increased elongation indicates weak interface bonds due to fiber agglomeration and increased void, making the composite more susceptible to deformation before breaking. The SEM results support the tensile test results, where the 10/90 variation, shows the most homogeneous structure with good fiber distribution and minimal void count. Overall, the composition of fiber and 10/90 resin is concluded to be the most optimal composition because it provides the best balance between tensile strength, rigidity, and deformation ability of the material.