Electronic Theses and Dissertation

Biokomposit merupakan material ramah lingkungan yang terdiri dari matriks dan penguat. Dalam penelitian ini, tandan kosong kelapa sawit (TKKS) digunakan sebagai penguat dan resin epoksi sebagai matriks. Penelitian bertujuan mengevaluasi pengaruh variasi komposisi partikel TKKS terhadap konduktivitas termal, sifat fisis, dan mekanis papan partikel biokomposit. Komposisi yang digunakan yaitu 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, dan 85:15 vol.% TKKS:resin, dengan ukuran partikel 100 dan 140 mesh. Pembuatan papan dilakukan dengan pengepresan hidrolik bertekanan 9 ton selama 30 menit. Karakterisasi dilakukan terhadap kerapatan, porositas, pengembangan tebal, konduktivitas termal, modulus of elasticity (MoE), dan modulus of rupture (MoR). Seluruh sampel menunjukkan konduktivitas termal

Biocomposites are eco-friendly materials consisting of matrix and reinforcement. In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) was used as reinforcement, while epoxy resin served as the matrix. The aim was to evaluate the effect of OPEFB particle composition on the thermal conductivity, physical, and mechanical properties of biocomposite particleboards. Compositions tested were 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, and 85:15 vol.% OPEFB:resin, using particle sizes of 100 and 140 mesh. Boards were produced using a 9-ton hydraulic press for 30 minutes. Characterizations included density, porosity, thickness swelling, thermal conductivity, modulus of elasticity (MoE), and modulus of rupture (MoR). All samples exhibited thermal conductivity values below 0.1 W/m°C, qualifying as thermal insulators. The lowest value, 0.0617 W/m°C, was found in the 100 mesh, 80:20 composition. The highest density (1.307 g/cm³) was observed in the 140 mesh, 75:25 composition, while the lowest porosity (1.26%) occurred at 65:35 with the same particle size. The highest MoE value (430.060 kgf/mm²) appeared in the 70:30 composition with 100 mesh, and the highest MoR (3.853 kgf/mm²) in the 75:25 composition with 140 mesh. Results indicate that both composition and particle size significantly influence biocomposite properties. The optimal formulation was found at 75:25 with 140 mesh, offering a compact structure, effective thermal insulation, and high mechanical strength. Keywords: Biocomposite, OPEFB, Epoxy Resin, Thermal Conductivity, Particleboard