Optimizing the composition ratio

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 117 views

Manufacture and Characterization of Polymer Tiles Based on Sugar Cane and Pumice as Aggregates with Polyester and Rubber SIR 20 as a Matrix

Introduction

The construction industry has been witnessing a significant shift towards the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in recent years. One such innovation is the development of polymer tiles that combine natural and synthetic ingredients. This study focuses on the manufacture and characterization of polymer tiles based on sugar cane and pumice as aggregates with polyester and rubber SIR 20 as a matrix. The use of sugar cane fiber as a reinforcement and pumice powder as a filler in the polyester and SIR 20 rubber matrix is expected to provide a unique combination of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.

Materials and Methods

The materials used in this study include sugar cane fiber, pumice powder, polyester, and rubber SIR 20. The sugar cane fiber used has a size of about 1 cm, while pumice powder has a grain size of about 80 mesh. The tile printing process is carried out with cold printing techniques, which are expected to produce high-quality products.

Testing Methods and Results

A series of tests were carried out to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the tile produced. This test includes water absorption tests, density, and mechanical tests such as flexible strength, tensile tests, and impact tests. The test results show that tiles with sugarcane fiber composition 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% have a varying water absorption value from 1.81% to 6.83%. All samples succeeded in meeting SNI 0099 standards of 2007, which set a water absorption limit of less than 10%. The tile density ranges from 1.14 g/cm³ to 1.3 g/cm³, which although still below the standard commercial tile (1.5 g/cm³), shows good potential.

In terms of mechanical properties, the flexural strength value ranges from 404 MPa to 648 MPa, which meets the ASTM D-790-03 (> 172.5 MPA) standards and ASTM C-580-02 (> 11.79 MPA). Meanwhile, the impact value ranges from 4.67 kJ/m² to 47.11 kJ/m², and the tensile test shows the value between 1.46 MPa to 2.58 MPa. In particular, a sample with a 10% sugar cane fiber composition shows better homogeneity and a significant increase in tensile and flexible strength.

Analysis of Thermal and Microstructured Properties

In addition to physical and mechanical testing, this study also includes analysis of thermal properties using the Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). The results show that the addition of sugarcane fiber decreases the melting point from 480 ° C (sample I, 0% fiber) to 410 ° C (sample V, 20% fiber). The highest endothermic temperature is found in a sample with a fiber composition of 10% (348 ° C), which shows a more stable reaction compared to other compositions.

Microstructure analysis using Electron Microscopy (SEM) scanning shows differences in characteristics between samples. In sample I, there are many pores due to the characters of pumice, whereas in sample III (with 10% sugar cane fiber), there is a good homogeneity between fiber, pumice, and adhesive. In sample V, an increase in the size of the pore, which shows the amount of empty space produced in the matrix.

Conclusion

This study shows that the use of sugarcane and pumice pulp in the manufacture of polymer tiles provides promising results in terms of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Although the tile density is still below the commercial standard, testing shows that this tile has good water absorption and flexural power that meets the standards. With the improvement of techniques and compositions, this product has the potential to be an environmentally friendly and quality alternative in the construction industry.

Future Directions

Further development of this study can be focused on optimizing the composition ratio and manufacturing process to achieve better specifications, so as to produce polymer tile products that are superior and sustainable. This can be achieved by:

Optimizing the composition ratio: The optimal composition ratio of sugar cane fiber, pumice powder, polyester, and rubber SIR 20 can be determined through a series of experiments and simulations.
Improving the manufacturing process: The manufacturing process can be improved by optimizing the tile printing technique, the mixing of materials, and the curing process.
Enhancing the properties of the tile: The properties of the tile can be enhanced by adding other natural and synthetic materials, such as silica, calcium carbonate, and polyethylene.

References

ASTM D-790-03. (2003). Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials.
ASTM C-580-02. (2002). Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Advanced Ceramics at Ambient Temperature.
SNI 0099. (2007). Standard for Water Absorption of Ceramic Tiles.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the [University Name] Research Grant. The authors would like to thank the [University Name] for providing the necessary resources and facilities for this study.
Q&A: Manufacture and Characterization of Polymer Tiles Based on Sugar Cane and Pumice as Aggregates with Polyester and Rubber SIR 20 as a Matrix

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the manufacture and characterization of polymer tiles based on sugar cane and pumice as aggregates with polyester and rubber SIR 20 as a matrix. The goal is to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly material for the construction industry.

Q: What are the benefits of using sugar cane and pumice in the manufacture of polymer tiles?

A: The use of sugar cane and pumice in the manufacture of polymer tiles provides several benefits, including:

Sustainability: Sugar cane and pumice are natural and renewable resources, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
Cost-effectiveness: The use of sugar cane and pumice can reduce the cost of production, making the material more affordable.
Improved properties: The addition of sugar cane and pumice can enhance the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the polymer tile.

Q: What are the challenges associated with the manufacture of polymer tiles using sugar cane and pumice?

A: Some of the challenges associated with the manufacture of polymer tiles using sugar cane and pumice include:

Consistency: Ensuring consistent quality and properties of the material can be challenging.
Scalability: Scaling up the production process can be difficult, especially if the material is not well understood.
Cost: The cost of production can be high, especially if the material is not optimized.

Q: What are the potential applications of polymer tiles made from sugar cane and pumice?

A: The potential applications of polymer tiles made from sugar cane and pumice include:

Construction: The material can be used for flooring, walls, and other construction applications.
Decorative: The material can be used for decorative purposes, such as countertops and table tops.
Industrial: The material can be used for industrial applications, such as machinery and equipment.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: The future directions for this research include:

Optimizing the composition ratio: The optimal composition ratio of sugar cane fiber, pumice powder, polyester, and rubber SIR 20 can be determined through a series of experiments and simulations.
Improving the manufacturing process: The manufacturing process can be improved by optimizing the tile printing technique, the mixing of materials, and the curing process.
Enhancing the properties of the tile: The properties of the tile can be enhanced by adding other natural and synthetic materials, such as silica, calcium carbonate, and polyethylene.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using polymer tiles made from sugar cane and pumice in the construction industry?

A: The potential benefits of using polymer tiles made from sugar cane and pumice in the construction industry include:

Sustainability: The material is sustainable and eco-friendly.
Cost-effectiveness: The material is cost-effective and can reduce the cost of production.
Improved properties: The material has improved physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.

Conclusion

The manufacture and characterization of polymer tiles based on sugar cane and pumice as aggregates with polyester and rubber SIR 20 as a matrix is a promising area of research. The material has several benefits, including sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and improved properties. However, there are also challenges associated with the manufacture of this material, including consistency, scalability, and cost. Further research is needed to optimize the composition ratio, improve the manufacturing process, and enhance the properties of the tile.