Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Natural Composites Matoa Tree Wood as the Foundation for Environmentally Friendly House Piles

Composite materials, in simple terms, are materials that have a multi-phase system composed of reinforcing materials and matrix materials. Composite materials are divided into two types, namely synthetic composite materials and natural composite materials. Wood is a natural composite material consisting of a reinforcement and a matrix. The wood of the matoa tree (Pometia vinnata) is known for its good mechanical strength. The comparison of compressive mechanical strength in this study was conducted on matoa wood and ironwood tree wood (eusideroxylon zwageri). This was performed as supporting data in the discussion of natural composite materials of matoa tree wood as the foundation for environmentally friendly house piles. The results obtained were matoa wood and ironwood, respectively A1 = 6.07e^(-07) MPa, A2 = 1.11e^(-06) MPa, and A3 = 2.09e^(-06) MPa and B1 = 1.17e ^(-06) MPa, B2 = 2.13e^(-06) MPa, and B3 = 4.02e^(-06) MPa. These results indicated that the resistance to mechanical compression test of ironwood tree was greater than matoa tree. However, when it was seen based on the perspective of the impact on the environment, Matoa tree has environmentally friendly properties that are effective and efficient. This is supported by the nature of the matoa tree which is easy to cultivate and its roots do not damage other plants.

Use of Vibrational Optical Coherence Tomography to Analyze the Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials

Energy storage and dissipation by composite materials are important design parameters for sensors and other devices. While polymeric materials can reversibly store energy by decreased chain randomness (entropic loss) they fail to be able to dissipate energy effectively and ultimately fail due to fatigue and molecular chain breakage. In contrast, composite tissues, such as muscle and tendon complexes, store and dissipate energy through entropic changes in collagen (energy storage) and viscous losses (energy dissipation) by muscle fibers or through fluid flow of the interfibrillar matrix. In this paper we review the molecular basis for energy storage and dissipation by natural composite materials in an effort to aid in the development of improved substrates for sensors, implants and other commercial devices. In addition, we introduce vibrational optical coherence tomography, a new technique that can be used to follow energy storage and dissipation by composite materials without physically touching them.