Abstract :
The use of composite materials as the alternative of metal in the field of
engineering is increasingly being used. This is because of its advantages are light,
corrosion resistance, strong, and reasonable price. The aim of this study was to
identify the effect of stirring speed variation on the tensile and impact strength
composite of epoxy matrix and reinforced by carbon black..
In this research, carbon black was made using Thermal Black Prosess,
produced by imperfection burning of diesel fuel. The matrix was epoxy resin
Bakelite EPR 174 and epoxy hardener versamid 140 while, the methodology for
making the composite was hand lay-up method. The composite were made by
stirring speed variations of 660 rpm, 885 rpm and 1020 rpm with stirring time of
15 minutes and 5% volume with drying temperature of 50°C then the composite
tested with the tensile and impact strength.
The testing result showed that the highest tensile and impact strength was
on the composites with stirring speed of 885 rpm, that was 44,39 MPa and 6,11
KgCm. This was because in its stirring speed variation, the particle of carbon
black was well distributed. Whereas, the lowest tensile and impact strength was
on the composites with stirring speed of 660 rpm, that was 27,34 MPa and 4,60
KgCm. In the low stirring speed, the particle of carbon black was not
homogeneously distributed. While, based on the result of Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM) analysis showed there were agglomeration at the particle of
carbon black, pull out, and void, that was 3,87% on the speed of 660 rpm; 4,38%
on the speed of 885 rpm; and 5,97% on the speed of 1020 rpm.