Percentage Composition of Water Absorption in Praksok Leaf Fiber (Cordyline australis) Composites with Epoxy Matrix

Abstract

Fiber plays an important role in composites as a structural reinforcement. In this study, Cordyline australis (praksok fiber),
which is biodegradable, was use as reinforcement combined with Sikadur 52-ID epoxy resin as the matrix. The aim this
research to evaluate the effect of the fiber composite on water absorption and morfologi composite. fiber was treated in a 7%
NaOH solution for 1 hour, then mixed with epoxy and hardener in a 2:1 ratio usinng volume compositions using hand lay-up
method and tested according to ASTM D570-98 for water absorption and morfologi. The water absorption test result showed
taht the 10% : 90% composite had the lowest absorption at 1,83%, followed by the 20% : 80% composite at 4,16%, and the
highest absorption was observed in the 30% : 70% composite at 4,96%. Thus, the higher the fiber content of Cordyline australis
and Siksdur 52-ID epoxy matrix, the greater the water absorption value obtained.