Analisis Pengaruh Komposisi Serat Terhadap Nilai Uji Impak Pada Komposit Berpenguat Serat Pinang Dengan Matriks Polimer

Abstract

The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in composite materials continues to be developed due to their environmentally friendly nature, light weight, and abundant availability. This study aims to analyze the effect of fiber composition variation on the impact strength of areca palm fiber-based composites with a polymer matrix. The fabrication method used is hand lay-up with a matrix consisting of a mixture of epoxy and polyester resin. The natural fibers were treated by immersion in a 5% alkaline (NaOH) solution for 2 hours to improve the bonding between the fibers and the matrix. The fiber content was varied at 30%, 40%, and 50%, while the resin composition (epoxy and polyester) was adjusted accordingly at 70%, 60%, and 50%. The fibers were arranged randomly (in small cuts) to enhance impact energy absorption. Impact testing was conducted using the Charpy method according to ASTM D6110 standards. The results showed that the composition of fiber and resin significantly affects the impact strength. The highest impact strength was obtained at a composition of 50% areca fiber and 50% polyester resin, reaching 0.1792 J/mm ², which exceeds the standard impact strength value of ABS material (0.01348 J/mm ²). In general, increasing the volume fraction of areca fiber improved the impact strength of the composite. The results indicate that areca fibers play an important role in impact energy absorption. Composites based on epoxy resin tended to have lower impact values due to the stiffer and more brittle nature of the resin, which reduced energy absorption and accelerated crack initiation or delamination.