Arenga pinnata – Silicone biocomposite: Quantifying its tensile properties using neo-hookean model

Abstract

Silicone rubber has unique properties where it has the ability to elongate in large deformation and thus, its property is often investigated using hyperelastic theory. However, silicone rubber experiences weak mechanical strength and improvement via filler addition might counter several weaknesses in silicone rubber. Furthermore, due to the increase awareness on environmental issues, this study introduces the use of natural fibre; Arenga pinnata fibre reinforced with silicone rubber to promote biomaterials which are safe to be used and easy to decompose. In this study, the tensile properties of pure silicone rubber, 8wt% and 16wt% Arenga pinnata – silicone biocomposite were investigated and compared. The samples were prepared and tested using uniaxial tensile test machine according to ASTM D412. Neo-Hookean model is employed to determine its material constant, C1 value. Results indicate that Neo-Hookean model show good performance to mimic the 16wt% Arenga pinnata – silicone biocomposite deformation behaviour compared to pure silicone rubber and 8wt% Arenga pinnata-silicone biocomposite. It is also found that the material constant, C1 shows increasing value which indicates that material stiffness increase with the increase of fibre content. As a conclusion, this study shows that the addition of Arenga pinnata fibre enhances the stiffness of silicone rubber. Moreover, unlike synthetic materials, the use of natural fibres could preserve the environment.