Analysis of reinforcement syntactic foam composite using K-15 microballoons

Syntactic foam composites are used in the aerospace industry, one of which is for buoys because they are lightweight materials that have flexural strength and are resistant to corrosion. This study aims to determine the flexural properties and morphologies structure of syntactic foam composite with K-15 microballoons filler mixed by epoxy resin. Syntactic foam is a lightweight material used in the maritime sector for buoys to make them float easily in water. Variations of K-15 microballoons of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% volume of syntactic foam composite. Flexural strength determinated using ASTM D790 and morphologie structure determined with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The addition of X-15 microballoons can reduce flexural strength compared to pure epoxy. Flexural strength in pure epoxy in the form of stress, elastic modulus, and strain each produces values of 71.28, 2928.47 MPa, 2.75 MPa. The highest impact is seen in the addition of 50% K-15 microballoons with stress, elastic modulus, strain and density values of 18.59, 1406.03 MPa, 1.43 MPa and 0.63 kgm-3 respectively. SEM analysis shows that plain epoxy has a smooth surface without voids, whereas with the addition of K-15 microballoons, voids appear on the surface of the syntactic foam composite.