Comparative Investigation of Matrix and Fiber Orientation Composite Ramie

Abstract

The development on the use of composite materials in the field of engineering is increasing. This is due to its superior properties compared to conventional materials; the ratio between strength and densities is quite high, having high rigidity, the simple manufacturing process, and its resistance to corrosion and fatigue. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ramie fibers orientation with Epoxy and polypropylene Resin Matrix on increasing tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength and fatigue strength. However, the utilization of ramie fiber composites is not optimally done because natural fiber composites are very susceptible to failure due to the changes in the orientation of the fiber and the ability of fiber adhesion with a less optimal type of matrix. The object of this research is a composite with ramie fiber using Epoxy Resin and polypropylene as the binding material. The presence of both ramie which is reinforcing fibers with epoxy and polypropylene matrix is greatly influenced by the orientation of the fiber. The tensile strength test results in the epoxy matrix increased up to 140% while the increase in polypropylene matrix could reach 187%. Based on SEM observations, the reduction of composite mechanical properties was due to several factors, namely porosity, adhesiveness between fiber-matrices and between matrices, overlapping fibers and broken fibers.