Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
1, 2010
ISSN: 2086-3799
Available online at: www.ijes.co
2010 Universitas Malahayati Press
Abstract
This study investigated mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus) of short sugar
palm fibre (SPF) reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites. The fibre sizes of 30-50 meshes
and five different fibre loadings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by weight have been used. Short SPFHIPS composites were fabricated using melt mixing and hot compression moulding. The flexural strength
and flexural modulus of short SPF-HIPS composites reinforced with varying fibre loadings were studied.
Testing was carried out according the ASTM D790 Standard. The results showed that the addition of
short SPF to the pure HIPS decreased the flexural strengths while improving the flexural moduli values of
the composites.
KEYWORD: Natural fiber, SPF-HIPS, sugar palm, Flexural.
Introduction
The use of natural fibres as reinforcements in polymer composites to replace synthetic glass fibres is
presently receiving increasing attention because of the several advantages. A number of real advantages
associated with the use of natural fibres include low cost, low densities, biodegradability, high specific
properties, reduces wear in processing equipment and nonabrasive processing [1]. Natural fibres such as
hemp, flax, abaca, sisal, jute, henequen, kenaf, ramie, sugar palm, oil palm, pineapple leaf, banana
pseudo-stem, sugarcane bagasse, coir, rice husk, wood, bamboo have been reported to be used as
reinforcement in polymer composites [2][3].
Sugar palm or Arenga pinnata fibre is a potential source of natural fibre from sugar palm plant, a
member of Palmae family. This plant commonly grows in the tropical regions like the Philippines,
Malaysia and Indonesia. It is naturally a forest species [4]. The full length of the trunk of a sugar palm
tree is completely covered by black fibres. This black fibre can be used as broom, paintbrush, septic tank
base filter, clear water filter, doormat, carpet, rope, chair/sofa cushion, and for fish nest to hatch its eggs
[5]. In certain region, traditional application of ijuk includes handcraft for kupiah (Acehnese typical
headgear used in prayer) and roofing for traditional house in Mandailing, North Sumatera.
The mechanical properties and morphological aspects of sugar palm fibre-reinforced epoxy composites
have been studied [6][7][8]. Study of mechanical properties of sugar palm fibre reinforced epoxy
composites gave promising results. The results of flexural strength test of sugar palm fibre reinforced
epoxy composites indicated that the 10 wt. % woven roving fibre has the highest value compared to other
fibre contents and arrangements.
D. Bachtiar, et al / Int. J. Eng and Sci.. Vol. 1, No. 1, 2010, 23 - 27
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The work of Siregar [7] has shown that using sugar palm fibres as a reinforcement agent for the epoxy
matrix has provided a new form of composite with good strength and rigidity.
The flexural (three-point bend) tests were carried out following the ASTM D790 that provides test
methods for evaluating flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical insulation
materials. The Instron universal testing machine (model 4301) was used. The maximum load and the
crosshead speed were specified as 1 kN and 1.3 mm/min respectively while the support span was 48 mm.
The samples were prepared and cut into 5 rectangular specimens of 127mm (L) x 12.7mm (W) x and
3mm (T).
The modulus properties of short SPF-HIPS composites are shown on Figure 5. It result show that adding
the fibre on the composites results the increasing modulus. It means that increasing of the loading of the
fibre can increase the stiffness of the composites. The same results also indicated by Zainuddins work
[10], that the flexural modulus of banana pseudo-stem fibre filled unplasticized PVC composites increase
as the increasing the fibre loading.
References
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in the fibre reinforced plastics? Composites Science and Technology, vol. 63, p.
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Polymer Science, 24(2): p. 221-274
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[7] J.P. Siregar. 2005. Study of the Tensile and Flexural Strength of Ijuk (Arenga pinnata) Fibre
Reinforced Epoxy Composites, Master of Science Thesis, Universiti Putra Malaysia,
D. Bachtiar, et al / Int. J. Eng and Sci.. Vol. 1, No. 1, 2010, 23 - 27
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[8] M.J. Suriani, M.M. Hamdan, H.Y. Sastra and S.M. Sapuan. 2007. Study of interfacial adhesion of
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[10] E.S. Zainuddin, S.M. Sapuan, K. Abdan and M.T.M. Mohamad. 2009. Mechanical properties of
compression molded banana pseudo-stem filled unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) composites,
Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 48: p. 97-101.
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