Optimasi Proses Sintesis Komposit Berbasis Mikrofibril Selulosa dengan Bantuan Design Expert Software

Abstract

This study focused on the synthesis process of wood polymer composite (WPC). The purpose of this study is to optimize the use of cellulose microfibrils, recycle-Polyethylene (rPE), Polyethylene-graft-Maleic Anhydride (PE-g-MA), and gamma ray irradiation on the tensile strength and elongation values of WPC. The analysis and optimization method used in this study is based on a mathematical model found in Design Expert Software (DES). WPC synthesis was carried out based on a formula determined by DES. The synthesis process includes compounding, crushing, printing, and cutting specimens based on ASTM 1822-L. While the process of testing the value of tensile strength and elongation is carried out based on ASTM D638 using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The results of the UTM characterization data analysis showed that the use of gamma ray irradiation can increase the interaction between the WPC materials. The results of the analysis also showed that the tensile and elongation strength values could be affected if there was an interaction between the cellulose microfibrils, rPE and PE-g-MA used. The optimum formula of the synthesized WPC was in the ratio of the composition of cellulose microfibrils: rPE: PE-g-MA (3.35 : 45.268 : 0.382) grams which was irradiated at a dose of 35,490 kGy. The formula produces tensile and elongation strength values of 12,401 MPa and 4.36%, respectively