Effects of Alkaline Treatment and Fiber Length towards The Static and Dynamic Properties of Ijuk Fiber Strengthened-Epoxy Composite

摘要

This study focuses on the influence of some strong bases solutions of alkaline ammonium hydroxide (NH40H), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). It also assesses the various fiber lengths towards tensile properties, stiffness, natural frequency and damping ratio of ijuk (Arenga pinnata Merr.) fiber strengthened epoxy composites. KOH solution is the strongest alkaline followed by NaOH and NH40H. Fiber of A. pinnata was treated using three alkaline solutions of 0.25 M concentration each for 1 hour soaking time. The results showed that the composite fibers with KOH treatment generated the highest tensile strength and stiffness followed by composite with NaOH and NH40H treatment. Composites with 50 mm fibers had relatively higher tensile strength and stiffness than composites with 10 mm fibers. Natural frequency is proportional to stiffness and inversely related to damping ratio, thus composite with greater stiffness also had higher natural frequency but low damping ratio.