Dr.-Ing. Hairul Abral, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Padang 25163, Indonesia

Biography: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hairul Abral, graduated in 1991 in Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Indonesia. He finished his doctorate from University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 1999 in research area of Material Science. He got full professor in 2011 at Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Indonesia. His field of interest in research is biomaterial focused on natural fibers.

Speech Title: Study Moisture Absorption of Starch Based Biocomposites Reinforced With Water Hyacinth Fibers
Abstract: Bioplastic based on starch was very sensitive on moisture, meanwhile this substance may be used to replace synthetic plastic. In order to increase moisture resistance, the biopolymer was mixed with natural fibers of water hyacinth plants. Volume fraction of water hyacinth fibers (WHF) in matrix of tapioca starch (TSB) was varied of 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% respectively. The samples were placed in closed room with high relative humidity (RH) of 99% at 250C. The result showed that moisture absorption was decreased as increasing volume fraction of the WHF in TSB matrix. However, the studied composite samples cannot keep an equilibrium of moisture content as different duration in the moist chamber.