| Summary: |
Fiber and synthetic core as a component of composite sandwich proved costly and not
environmentally. Natural of Indonesia resources are very abundant natural materials. Human
resources in Indonesia are still need a lot of land to work. Back to nature is a smart step and wise
for the condition. Innovation of the natural material made to eliminate weaknesses in their
mechanical properties. Engineering Wood can be used as a core of composite sandwich is particles
board.
This research discusses the manufacture of composite sandwich with skin of agave or sisal
fiber (random distribution) and core of composit sandwich is particle board. Variable thickness of
the core used are 10 mm and 15 mm. The process of making the sandwich composite engineering
wood core is made through compression molding process of pressing the composite mold. Alkali
treatment of agave fibre at 2 % concentration NaOH solution for 2 hours..
Result of testing material (Bending and Impact) showed a sandwich composite with a core
thickness of 10 mm has a brittle compared to the core composite sandwich 15 mm which has a
ductile mechanical properties. These results are shown from the increase in the deflection bending
test is equal to 1,5 mm to 2,75 mm without alkali treatment (up 83%) and 2 mm to 3 mm with alkali
treatments for 2 hour (up 50%). Impact testing material results obtained is 0,007 J/mm2 at core 10
mm and 0,009 J/mm2 at core 15 mm (up 28,5%) for core thickness variations. Value of ductility
material raise result obtained is 0,012 J/mm2 (up 70%) at core 10 mm and 0,013 (up 44%) at core
15 mm with alkali treatments for 2 hours. The macro fracture from testing material can be
concluded that the sandwich composite materials are brittle will have the form of shear fracture
while the ductile will have the form of delamination skins and core on the interfacial bonding and
fiber pull out.
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