Resistance of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites in Tropical Environments

Authors

  • Wahyu Purwo Raharjo Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia and Research Group of Nonmetal Materials Technology and Processing, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia.
  • Dody Ariawan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia and Research Group of Nonmetal Materials Technology and Processing, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia.
  • Kuncoro Diharjo Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia and Research Group of Nonmetal Materials Technology and Processing, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia.
  • Wijang Wisnu Raharjo Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia and Research Group of Nonmetal Materials Technology and Processing, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia.
  • Bambang Kusharjanta Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia and Research Group of Nonmetal Materials Technology and Processing, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cteims/v2/4764E

Keywords:

Polymers, composites, natural fibers, tropical environments, outdoor application

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the degradation mechanism of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites in tropical environments.The use of polymer matrix composites reinforced by natural fibers is increasing due to their high specific strength and stiffness, low manufacturing costs, corrosion resistance and abundant availability of raw materials. However, polymer matrix composites have low weather resistance when applied outdoors which are directly exposed to sunlight, rain, varying temperatures and air containing pollutant particles. This condition often occurs in tropical areas which are characterized by high intensity of sunlight and rainfall and an atmosphere that contains a lot of dust. This chapter discusses the mechanism of degradation of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites in tropical climates. By understanding this mechanism, it is possible to determine the life of the composite component and the appropriate protection method to increase the life of the component.

Published

2023-07-21

How to Cite

Wahyu Purwo Raharjo, Dody Ariawan, Kuncoro Diharjo, Wijang Wisnu Raharjo, & Bambang Kusharjanta. (2023). Resistance of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites in Tropical Environments. Current Topics and Emerging Issues in Materials Sciences Vol. 2, 51–116. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cteims/v2/4764E

Issue

Current Topics and Emerging Issues in Materials Sciences Vol. 2

Section

Chapters