Characterization of epoxy filled 1,3, and 5 years old gigantochloa scortechinii and salacca sp. hybrid composite

In this study, epoxy filled 1, 3, and 5 years old Giganthochloascorthechinii and 10wt% of salacca sp. composite was conducted. Compression molding method is used to produce this biodegradable and green composite. Archimedes principles was used to test the density of composite, modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were tested with Instron Electrochemical Testing System, percentsge of water absorption and thickness swelling test. The result showed affected by the present of agglomeration of bamboo sawdust and salacca powder in the composite, and the present of weakness point on the surface of composite. As the weight percentage of bamboo used in composite increased, the density of composite was reduced because bamboo has lower density, 0.8 g/cm³ than epoxy resin, 1.02 g/cm³ to 1.61 g/cm³. The composite has lower MOE and MOR as compared to the other age of bamboo. 40wt% of 3 years old bamboo has the highest MOE, 1017.79 MPa while 10wt% of 5 years old bamboo has the lowest MOE, 41.01 MPa which is lower than the control , 67.40 MPa. 30wt% of 1 year old bamboo has the highest MOR, 12.25 MPa while 10wt% of 5 years old bamboo has the lowest MOR, 1.73 MPa as compared with others composite. 40wt% of 3 years old bamboo with higher exposed weakness point has the highest percentage of thickness swelling, 9.23% and highest percentage of water absorption, 67.12%. As the composition of bamboo in composite increased, the percentage of thickness swelling and water absorption were increased, since bamboo easily absorb the moisture from the surrounding. Thgis hybrid composite can be used as alternative materials on making furniture like table.