The Effect of Fiber Pretreatment On Physical and Mechanical Properties in Water Hyacinth Fiber Composite

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of fiber pre-treatment through immersion in an alkaline solution with time and concentration variables on the physical and mechanical properties of the water hyacinth fiber composite. Knowing the optimal combination of variables will result in an increase in the mechanical properties of the rational composite so that it can be considered as an alternative to synthetic fiber. The engineering technique in this research is by immersing the continuous water hyacinth fibers that have been woven in unidirectional direction (00). Immersion is done using NaOH solution with a concentration of 2%, 6% and 12% on the variation of immersion time for 4, 8 and 24 hours. The immersed lamina fiber is then tested for humidity (ASTM D 2654) and tensile test (ASTM D3039). The process of making composites by flowing methyl methacrylate (MMA) polyester resin matrix in the water hyacinth fiber lamina arrangement uses the vacuum bagging method. Composite compositions of composite are chosen at 20% by weight fraction, while the ratio of resin to hardener is 50:1. In the preparation stage for the characterization of mechanical properties, the composites were cut using laser cutting to obtain dimensions corresponding to ASTM D3039. The SEM test was performed to observe the fracture results from the composite tensile test and morphology of the fiber. Alkali treatment can reduce fiber moisture, improve fiber morphology, and increase compatibility between fiber and composite matrix. The alkalization method with water hyacinth fiber immersion in NaOH solution can be used to increase the tensile strength of bio composites. The results of mechanical tests on water hyacinth fiber composites show a rational increase in tensile strength and has the potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic fibers. The application of water hyacinth composite fiber using methyl methacrylate resin can be applied for medical, building, transportation, sports and other applications that require safety in terms of contact with the body.