Nodular cast iron is a type of cast iron with spheroid graphite surrounded by ferrite matrix and / or pearlite. The size of the graphite and its matrix affects the mechanical properties of the cast iron. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of Magnesium composition on strength, stiffness and toughness of nodular cast iron. Magnesium addition is performed by adding FeSiMg alloys. After that, the composition of magnesium was investigated by using spectrometry. Then tensile test was conducted to obtain the yield strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. Further, impact test was performed to determine the impact energy needed to break the material. The result showed an increase of yield strength, tensile strength and stiffness and a decrease of toughness.
Banana fiber is agricultural waste that can be obtained after harvesting the fruit with no additional cost. Banana fiber has major drawbacks in composite product such as low interfacial bond strength between fiber and matrix as comparison with synthetic fiber. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of alkaline concentration treatment conditions on tensile strength and flexural strength properties of banana fiber reinforced polyester resin composite. Banana fiber was treated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment. There are four variations of NaOH concentration treatment, 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% for 1 hour immersion time at room temperature. Hand lay-up technique was used in composite fabrication with 40% fiber volume fraction at random orientation of banana fiber. Based on this research result can be concluded that composite with NaOH treatment has a better tensile strength and flexural strength if compared with untreated fiber. Banana fiber composite treated with 5% NaOH concentration show the highest tensile and elasticity modulus, and also flexural strength and flexural modulus better compare the other treatment. Banana fiber composite specimens on macro picture observation show that the untreated fiber has a lot of fiber pull-out, it is occur the weak interfacial bond between matix and fiber. On the other hand, the treated banana fiber composite shows a slight fiber pull out, because composite has high interfacial bond between matrix and fiber.
The objectives of the study are to develop biodegradable plastic composite and to investigate the mechanical characteristic and water absorption. It was made from polypropylene (PP) mixed with corn stalks powder. In this study, the weight fraction of polypropylene and powder was varied as 95% : 5%; 90% : 10%; 85% : 15%. For the water absorption test, the specimens were soaked in the water for 1, 7, and 14 days. The highest value of the tensile test was delivered from a specimen of 95% : 5% weight fraction. The tensile test of the soak specimen for 0, 1, 7, 14 days was obtained 17.41 MPa, 16.94 MPa, 16.11 MPa, 13.51 MPa respectively. The strain was 1.07, 1.19, 1.01, and 0.87%. The modulus of elasticity was 1686.74, 1500.42, 1712.1, and 1558.49 MPa. By adding the powder to the plastic, it was able to absorb water. The water absorption after 1, 7, and 14 days of water soak was 0.607, 1.468, and 4.651% respectively. The specimen of biodegradable plastic composites with a 95% : 5% ratio have compatible characteristics with commercial plastics and can be degraded easier than the origin plastic.
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