Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering (FE) at the University of Indonesia (UI), Prof. Dr. Ir. Tresna Priyana Soemardi, S.E., M.Si., IPU ASEAN-Eng. has become the first in Indonesia to develop an environmentally friendly Pre-Impregnated (Prepreg) material called Ramie Fiber Reinforced (RFR) – PolyLactic Acid (PLA). This innovation is the result of collaboration with the Composite Laboratory of the Université Paris Nanterre, Ville D’Avray, Paris, France, and the Laboratory of Mechanical Design, Biomechanics, and Sub-Lab of Composites, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Indonesia.
“Prepreg is a semi-finished composite material commonly used in manufacturing, consisting of a natural polymer matrix (PLA) and natural reinforcing fibres from ramie trees. Initiated in 2020, this research serves as a solution to the needs of the conventional Prepreg market, which typically uses synthetic fibres such as carbon, glass, and Kevlar. Compared to Prepreg using synthetic fibres, RFR-PLA Prepreg is more affordable, environmentally friendly, lightweight, and has lower emissions,” said Prof. Tresna. The advantage of Prof. Tresna’s Prepreg innovation lies in the use of local ramie fibres as its main raw material.
Since the end of 2023, Prof. Tresna, along with his Ph.D. students Ardy Lololau, Herry Purnomo, and Mustasyar, has collaborated with ramie cultivators in West Java under the guidance of the Textile Research Institute. This collaboration aims to produce ramie fibers into yarn and fabric, empower local farmers, and increase Domestic Content Level (TKDN) value.
These local ramie fibres are then taken to France for further research at the Composite Laboratory with Prof. Olivier Polit, Vice-Chancellor of Université Paris Nanterre, and Head of the Laboratory for Electronics, Mechanics, and Magnetics. Prof. Tresna stated, “This original discovery has gone through a lengthy research process since 2000. We continue to experiment with various aspects, from composition, equipment, processes, and temperature, to striving for the best prototype version. The current prototype Prepreg has reached the Delta (𝛿) version.”
A Professor in Mechanical Design & Construction and Applied Mechanics for Composite Materials, Prof. Tresna also conveyed that in the multiaxial load test phase, this prototype showed satisfactory results with a strength of 60-80 megapascals (MPa) at 0° and 20-40 MPa at 90°. Furthermore, there is no significant difference between imported and local ramie fibres. This testing is part of the effort to create RFR-PLA Prepreg with an optimal manufacturing process, namely easy production processes on an industrial scale.
Currently, the copyright patent for RFR-PLA is being submitted through the Directorate of Innovation and Science Techno Park (DISTP) at UI. Once this material meets testing standards, it is planned to be applied to automotive bodies and interiors, and it is currently being applied to aircraft structure and body models, with potential use for fishing boats. RFR-PLA will mainly be used in automotive bodies and structures and rotating parts, which are the heaviest components of vehicles. Using composites can reduce vehicle weight by 20-30 percent. Additionally, this material can also be applied to household appliances.
This innovation is solidified through the Séjour Scientifique de Haut Niveau (SSHN) high-level scientific research collaboration scholarship program followed by Prof. Tresna. From November 2023 to January 2024, Prof. Tresna attended Université Paris Nanterre for the SSHN Visiting Research program. Prof. Tresna expressed that this program greatly assisted his research in producing advanced polymerization manufacturing processes.
Prof. Tresna said, “In Indonesia, research on this material is still relatively scarce, making it difficult to meet research needs regarding equipment and human resources. This collaborative scholarship program is very helpful in elaborating on the performance of the developing Prepreg, especially for static and fatigue multiaxial loading experiments.”
The Dean of FEUI, Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah, ST., M.Eng., IPU fully appreciates the creation of the RFR-PLA innovation. He said, “The collaboration involving FEUI and Université Paris Nanterre in the development of this Prepreg enables Prof. Tresna to access state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborate with experts in his field. This also demonstrates FEUI’s commitment to international cooperation with leading universities worldwide, opening opportunities for technology transfer and further superior and impactful research development.”
The results of this collaborative research will be published under the title ‘Experimental Study on Mechanical Behavior and Damages of Ramie Fiber-Reinforced PolyLactic-Acid Natural Prepreg Composite Under Multiaxial Loading Using Modified Arcan Fixture.’ In the future, Prof. Tresna will also publish a book titled ‘Development of Natural Composites and Their Use in Human Life and Advanced Industry,’ co-written with Prof. Olivier.
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Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia
