PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL, AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARCTERISTICS OF KAPOK (CEIBA PENTANDRA) TREE BARK AND EPOXY COMPOSITE WITH COATING (AESO) TREATMENT

Environmentally friendly composites continue to be developed from kapok tree fiber (Ceiba pentandra) with an epoxy matrix. This study aims characterize the tensile behavior of single and its composite, pull-out properties fiber, morphology fiber. Kapok fibers were varied in NaOH solution AESO polymer. Single test pull out refer ASTM D3379-75 E399 standards, respectively. The composite manufacturing method used this research was infusion vacuum resin reference D638 standard. results (composite) showed that bark characteristics + Coating had a greater strength (197,88 Mpa), than without treatment treatment. Of all highest value treated (KNC). proved increased surface hardness by eliminating bonds crystallinity, topography, water absorption, unit cell structure orientation. These indicate 7% coating polymer has high potential as structural material replace wood or textile materials.