Kekerasan Komposit Dengan Matriks Pati Singkong Dan Chitosan Berpenguat Mikro Jelatang

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of adding micro nettle on the mechanical properties of cassava starch and chitosan-based
composites, particularly in terms of hardness. Composites were synthesized with varying micro nettle volume fractions using
the hand lay-up method, then hardness tests were conducted to evaluate changes in material properties. Hardness testing was
conducted based on the ASTM D2240 standard using a Durometer (Shore D) testing device. The test results showed that the
addition of micro nettle had a significant effect on increasing the hardness value of the composite. At addition variations of
1% to 3% micro nettle, there was an increase in hardness value of 11.88%, with the highest value reaching 64.89 Shore D at
a composition of 85% cassava starch : 11% chitosan : 1% mekpo : 3% micro nettle. These findings indicate that micro nettle
plays an important role in strengthening the mechanical properties of composites.