On the Tensile Properties of Polylactide (PLA)/Arenga Pinnata Ijuk Fibre Composite

Summary Composite as a plastic material derivative was widely used in various facets of life. Problems arising from the use of these common materials, among others, lies in the processing of components' waste that has reached the end of its life span. Through the use of polymeric materials derived from natural materials, namely poly lactic acid / polylactide (PLA), as well as reinforcing material prepared from natural fibers such as Arenga pinnata / ijuk fibers, polymer composites was made by hot compression molding (hot pressing). Chemical treatments with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with a set treatment time and concentration were conducted on short fibres to improve compatibility with the matrix. Moreover, the effect of variation of volume fraction will be observed in the form of reinforcement levels (10, 20, and 30% of the total weight of starting material) on the properties (tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation) of the resulting composites. The properties in question are tensile properties, and fibre - matrix compatibility. It was expected that the treatment would bring positive effect to the mechanical properties of composite and compatibility of fibre and matrix compared to the ones without treatment.