ITS Campus, ITS News — Indonesia’s dependence on imported materials remains a challenge to national technological independence. Responding to this issue, the 248th Professor of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Prof. Dr. Eng. Hosta Ardhyananta, ST., MSc., developed a hybrid polymer composite material that combines Indonesian natural resources with synthetic materials.

The development of materials technology is one of the factors driving the advancement of human civilization. Hosta explained that the increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance, and sustainable materials has given polymer composite materials significant potential in various strategic sectors. “These sectors include transportation, aerospace, energy, construction, healthcare, and defense,” he explained.

Furthermore, the lecturer from the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (DTMM) ITS explained that polymer composite materials are formed from a combination of a polymer matrix and a reinforcing filler material . According to Hosta, the matrix can come from various sources such as petroleum, plants, and animals. “In addition, natural fibers, biomass, cellulose, and microfibers also have the potential to be used as fillers with promising performance,” explained Hosta.

One of Hosta’s key innovations is a hybrid composite material that combines two or more filler components. This hybrid composite material features spherical microparticle fillers and microfibers. “This combination of components can produce a new material with superior properties, such as low density but high mechanical strength,” said Hosta.

The uniqueness of this Bandung-born man’s research lies in the cellulose fiber material derived from empty oil palm fruit bunches and other natural materials. Despite its abundance in Indonesia, according to Hosta, this material has not been optimally utilized. “In fact, natural fiber waste filler is highly valuable due to its strong bond with the epoxy matrix,” explained the doctoral alumnus of Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan.

Test results showed significant improvements in the material’s mechanical characteristics. Hosta stated that flexural and tensile strengths increased, while the material’s density remained low. “The cellulose fibers act as a bridge, strengthening the interaction between the components, thus improving stress load transfer,” Hosta explained.

On the other hand, Hosta noted that utilizing local resources extends beyond the development of composite materials. In the case of palm oil, empty fruit bunches (EFB) can be extracted to produce lightweight composite materials, while palm oil can be processed into biogasoline. “Utilizing these local resources can reduce dependence on imported materials,” he concluded.

Hosta hopes that the synergy between universities, industry, and government will further strengthen the development of hybrid composite materials in the future. Similarly, the research for his inaugural scientific oration as an ITS professor also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 7 on Clean and Affordable Energy and point 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Naurah Fitri
Translator: Devinka Mutianeira