STUDI PENGARUH KOMPOSISI DAN ORIENTASI SERAT TERHADAP SIFAT FISIS DAN MEKANIS KOMPOSIT SERAT KULIT JAGUNG MATRIKS RESIN EPOXY

This paper presents composite materials with an epoxy resin matrix reinforced with corn husk fiber. The research variations include fiber orientation and volume fraction of corn husk fiber. The composite fabrication process includes soaking the fibers in a NaOH, combing, and fiber extraction, followed by preparation of a specimen for testing. Testing was conducted to measure density, water absorption, impact strength, and hardness. The impact test followed the ASTM D256 standard (Standard Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics). The results showed that the physical properties and mechanical strength of random fibers with 40% fiber orientation had more dominant results compared to other compositions and orientations. Random fiber orientation with 40% fiber fraction had a density of 1.81 g/cm3, a percentage of water absorption of 4.39%. Impact energy 0.4306 Joules, and value of Vickers hardness is 10.2844 kg/mm2. The strength of the composite increases with the increase in fiber volume fraction. Random fiber composites with a fiber fraction of 40% have a more even stress distribution and resistance to loads from various directions, as well as a larger contact area between the fiber and the matrix which increases strength.