No abstract

No abstract

Abstract. In this research, characterization, and the mechanical properties of Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) composites with the objective of determining their suitability as biomaterials for an alternative composites material for Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) was investigated. The percentage of PLA is varies from 10% to 50% by weight. The PCL/PLA composites were prepared by melting and mixing using Brabender Plastograph machine. The characterization of PCL/PLA composites was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Meanwhile, the mechanical properties were evaluated are the Tensile, Flexural and Impact. It demonstrate that by the addition of PLA it improve the mechanical properties of PCL and leads to a better processability of PCL/PLA composites. With the decrement of PLA content in PCL/PLA composites the Tensile Strength the Young's Modulus and also the Impact Strength of the composites increased. The highest tensile strength was recorded at 10.00 Mpa and the Young's Modulus was recorded at 118.26 Mpa. The highest Impact Strength was recorded at 1.33 J. However, the Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus increased when the content of PLA decrease and it slightly drop when the content of PLA is at the 40%. The highest Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus were recorded at 7.59 Mpa and 35.33 Mpa respectively. Overall it can be concluded that the PCL70PLA30 composites are the best formulation and it gives a better mechanical properties result.

Nowadays, natural fibers getting attention from researchers and industries to optimize the use it, with combination of polymers as composite structure, due to environmental awareness. Furthermore, it show a few advantage, such as biodegradability, light in weight and non-toxic characteristic. In this study, kenaf natural fibers was used as reinforcement material, with combination of polyester as matrix material, known as polymer matrix composites. The main purpose of this study is to analysis the mechanical properties of kenaf natural fiber/polyester composite structure, in order to know the suitability of kenaf natural fibers as replacement material for table tennis blade structure, instead of using wood. The structural panel of composite laminates has been produced using hand lay-up technique. The experimental works are performed in tension, impact (Charpy) and shear condition. The characteristic of different condition on kenaf composite structure was studied. Based on the result, it found the properties of kenaf composite structure, and it will used as a benchmark, to compare with initial properties of table tennis blade made by wood. In addition, the strength and a weakness of that particular materials and lamination structure will be identified.

No abstract