The Influence of Multi layer Cantala fiber reinforced Carbon Nanotube composite on flexural strength and morphological.
Sakuri Sakuri1a), Nana Supriyana 1), Sutarno 1), Tarsono Dwi Susanto1)

Departement Of Mechanical Engineering Sekolah Tinggi Teknik Wiworotomo
Purwokerto Indonesia (53132)

Abstract

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of changes in alkaline cantala fibers by applying different angle and multi-layer patterns on tensile strength and morphology. The fiber was extracted manually from cantala leaves that were 9 months old. 6 wt% sodium hydroxide and distilled water were prepared to soak the fiber for 6 hours. The fibers were dried in the open air for 72 hours and put in the oven for 6 hours at 60 oC. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were mixed with unsaturated polyester (UPRs) with a composition of 5% by weight and mixed using a magnetic stirrer with a rotational speed of 250 Rpm, at a temperature of 40 oC, for 30 minutes. Composite molding using a vacuum infusion process system. Cntala fiber was prepared in printing with various angles and multi-layers, inserting a mixture of unsaturated polyester and carbon nanotubes (CNT) after being given a catalyst of methyl ethyl ketone perioxide (Mekpo). Composite molds were taken after 24 hours and put in an oven for curing at 60 oC for 3 hours and were ready for test specimens. The results showed that the alkali treated fiber with multi layers had increased bending strength. Morphologically, the fiber is cleaner because it has been removed from hemicellulose, pectin and other amourphus. The addition of CNT to the composite was able to close the micro-lubac so that the strength increased.

Keywords: Cantala fiber, Carbon Nantube, Flexural strength, Composite.

Topic: Materials Sciences: Synthetic and Characterization