PENGARUH WAKTU DAN KADAR PERENDAMAN KALIUM PERMANGANAT TERHADAP KEKUATAN KOMPOSIT FIBER BAMBU BETUNG EPOKSI DENGAN METODE HAND LAY UP

Composites are defined as a material consisting of two or more components that have unequal properties or structures that are physically mixed together to produce a new material to have superior properties to the forming material. The choice of matrix and fiber has an effect in determining the properties of the composite. In this study using epoxy resin as a matrix and Betung Bamboo fiber as a filler. Alkalization treatment on Betung Bamboo fiber using KMnO4 solution. With varying levels of 3%, 5%, and 7% KMnO4 solution with soaking times of 15 minutes and 30 minutes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of levels and soaking time on epoxy bamboo fiber composites. Fabrication was carried out by hand lay up with silicone rubber molds which were then subjected to Bending strength testing on the composite and desity testing. This test aims to see the mechanical value of the composite. The results showed that the highest density value was found in the 5% KMnO4 content variation and the 30-minute immersion time variation, namely 1.173 g/cm3. As well as, from the results of Bending tests on immersion levels, the maximum force is in 5% KMnO4 mixing and 15 minutes time, namely 222.7 N, the highest stress is in the 5% variation and 15 minutes time, namely 79.6 MPa.

Keywords: Composite Natural, Betung Bamboo, KMnO4 Treatment, Epoxy resin, Bending test, Density test