Analysis of stinging nettle (Laportea bulbifera (Siebold & Zucc) Wedd) fiber in NaOH and silane on the impact strength of composite epoxy for electric battery box.

Inside Bedugul Tabanan Bali, Indonesia develops Stinging Nettle (Laportea bulbifera (Siebold & Zucc) Wedd) at altitude 1000 -1500 meters. Stinging nettle thrives and is abundant in the Bedugul area with the high tensile strength of the fiber. Nettle fiber has possible as a replacement for synthetic glass fiber used for composite reinforcement. Its advantages are in tensile strength, impact, and lightweight. The principle of this research was to clarify the impact strength of an epoxy composite reinforced with nettle fiber based on the fiber immersion treatment with a chemical solution with an impact test. This paper examines the effect of nettle fiber treatment on 5% NaOH solution and silane coupling agent at 3%, 6%, and 9% concentrations. Composite materials are produced by the hand lay-up molding method. The results showed that the highest impact strength value was 11.88 kJ/m2 at 6% silane, 30% fiber weight fraction. NaOH solution can remove impurities and lignin in the fiber. Nettle fiber treated with Silane coupling agent solution can form a strong bond in the matrix because it has removed the hydroxy group. Based going on the results of the research, it can remain concluded to the impact strength of the epoxy composite reinforced with nettle fiber has a higher impact strength in the 6% Silane treatment. Epoxy with nettle fiber has the potential to be applied as an Electric Battery Box. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]