Aulia Majid, Mujiyono, Didik Nurhadiyanto
This research investigates the impact of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a reinforcing agent to enhance the tensile properties of ramie fiber composites, focusing on the effects of different fiber processing techniques and MCC concentrations on composite mechanical performance. Ramie fiber, valued for its significant tensile strength and resistance to microbial degradation, presents a viable, sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers commonly used in sectors such as automotive, construction, and aerospace. In this study, ramie fibers underwent four distinct treatments - manual scraping, decortication, water immersion, and bleaching - and were combined with MCC at varying concentrations (0 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 0.1 wt%) to optimize fiber-matrix bonding. Composites were produced through a vacuum-assisted resin infusion method, and tensile properties were evaluated according to ASTM standards. The results demonstrated that adding MCC up to a concentration of 5% improved tensile strength and elongation, with the RFM-MCC5 specimen (manually scraped with 5% MCC) showing the highest tensile strength at 172.11 MPa and elongation of 8.01 mm. The untreated RFM sample also exhibited strong performance, reaching 137 MPa in tensile strength and 8.22 mm elongation. Conversely, at higher MCC levels (10%), performance declined, likely due to MCC particle agglomeration, which introduced structural weaknesses. This was evident in the RFB-MCC10 specimen, which displayed tensile strength and elongation values of 86.28 MPa and 8.02 mm, respectively. The study suggests that MCC effectively functions as a micro-reinforcement within the composite matrix, promoting stress distribution and enhancing fiber-matrix adhesion. However, excessive MCC levels result in aggregation, which can negatively affect mechanical properties. The optimal balance was found with decorticated ramie fiber at 5% MCC, providing a composite with both high strength and flexibility. These findings underscore the potential of ramie fiber composites with regulated MCC levels for use in sustainable, high-performance applications, supporting the development of environmentally friendly materials in various industrial contexts. © 2025 Author(s).
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
