Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Jl. A. Yani Tromol Pos 1 Pabelan Kartasura Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57102, Indonesia
2
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Jl. A. Yani Tromol Pos 1 Pabelan Kartasura Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57102, Indonesia.
3
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarangdisabled, Semarang, Indonesia
Abstract
Propylene based starch composites were used as water absorption agents in the environment. The research objective is to determine mechanical characteristics, water absorption, and microstructure of biodegradable plastic composite materials. Specimens were photographed on a cross-section of the fiber. The composite material developed in this study uses a polypropylene plastic matrix with corn stalk powder fibers. Variations in specimen composition between matrix and fiber were 95: 5, 90: 10, and 85: 15 in percentage by weight. The water absorption test was carried out for 1, 7, and 14 days. The results of the SEM test showed that there was a variation of 85:15% more adhesive between plastic and polypropylene, thus giving a more significant impact on the mechanical properties of the composite. That is also evidenced by the Scanning Electron Microscopy photo results, which show the fiber surface looks better than the macro photo. The results of tensile strength testing with treatment soaked in water for 0, 1, 7, 14 days obtained tensile stresses of 17.41, 16.94, 16.11, and 13.51 MPa. The strains were 1.07, 1.19, 1.01, and 0.87%. The modulus of elasticity is 1686.74, 1500.42, 1712.1, and 1558.49 MPa. The water absorption capacity of biodegradable plastic composites for 1, 7, and 14 days was 0.607, 1.468, and 4.651%. Composites with a ratio of 95: 5% by weight gave the best strength results. In comparison, the most easily degraded material is with a composition of 85: 15%.
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