Biokomposit dari serat rami dan sekresi kutu lak termodifikasi dengan lateks terhidrasi dan tidak terhidrasi

Biocomposites are composite materials comprising one or more phases derived from a biological origin. Biocomposite with natural matrix developed more rapidly because they are more environmentally safer. The objective of research was to modify natural matrix from lac insect secretion with adding hydrated latex, to study effect of adding hydrated latex to the functional groups and the intrinsic viscosity of lac insect secretion, and to measure mechanical properties of biocomposite from modified lac insect secretion and ramie fiber. A sulfuric acid solution was used as catalyst in hydration of latex and then natural matrix of lac insect secretion was modified by adding hydrated latex. Biocomposite was prepared by mixing rami fiber and modified lac insect secretion. It was then pressed with hydraulic press at 150 kgf/cm2 and 150oC for 15 minutes. Biocomposites were characterized using tensile tester according to ASTDM D 638-90 Type IV. The adding of catalyst caused the decreasing of intrinsic viscosity of latex. The adding of hydrated latex to natural matrix caused the increasing of intrinsic viscosity and functional group of matrix. The using 30% of catalyst and adding 10% of hydrated latex produced biocomposite with strength at break of 0.982 MPa, elongation at break of 1.189%, and Young modulus of 0.929 MPa.