Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
Adamson University
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Gurtiza, John Albert Dupaya
Abstract/Executive Summary
The study aimed to enhance the durability and flexural strength of fiberglass composites by utilizing water hyacinth and surgical mask fiber ratios, with a focus on reinforcing water hyacinth fibers with polyester-containing surgical mask fibers. Employing a posttest-only controlled group design, the research tested various ratios, including a control group and three experimental groups, to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites. The results revealed that Experimental 1 (25:25:30) exhibited highest durability (97.33 MPa). Notably, the optimal ratio for the durability was found in Experimental 2 (96.33 MPa) (20:30:50). Moreover, the highest and optimal flexural strength was found in Experimental 2 (37.67 MPa) (20:30:50) compared to the Negative Control of both performances (37.33 MPa and 14.80 MPa, respectively). While natural fibers like water hyacinth show potential, their low mechanical strength necessitates the integration of synthetic fibers like surgical mask fibers to improve composite performance. The study underscores the significance of meticulously selecting the optimal fiber content to enhance composite performance, offering insights for advancements in composite material engineering and design.
Keywords
fiberglass; water hyacinth; surgical mask; durability; flexural strength
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Optimizing Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Surgical Mask Fiber Ratio for Durability and Flexural Strength
The study aimed to enhance the durability and flexural strength of fiberglass composites by utilizing water hyacinth and surgical mask fiber ratios, with a focus on reinforcing water hyacinth fibers with polyester-containing surgical mask fibers. Employing a posttest-only controlled group design, the research tested various ratios, including a control group and three experimental groups, to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites. The results revealed that Experimental 1 (25:25:30) exhibited highest durability (97.33 MPa). Notably, the optimal ratio for the durability was found in Experimental 2 (96.33 MPa) (20:30:50). Moreover, the highest and optimal flexural strength was found in Experimental 2 (37.67 MPa) (20:30:50) compared to the Negative Control of both performances (37.33 MPa and 14.80 MPa, respectively). While natural fibers like water hyacinth show potential, their low mechanical strength necessitates the integration of synthetic fibers like surgical mask fibers to improve composite performance. The study underscores the significance of meticulously selecting the optimal fiber content to enhance composite performance, offering insights for advancements in composite material engineering and design.
