Characterization of Mechanical Seal using Hybrid of Natural Materials

Objectives: The aim of this research is to design and analysis of natural fibre mechanical seal using hybrid of Agave sisalana fibre and natural rubber as reiforcement and bio epoxy resin as matrix material. Methods/Analysis: The fabrication of the mechanical seal will involve internal mixing which is to mix up the waste tires with the Agave sisalana and hot pressing is to press or sinter the material into mechanical seal. The testing involved in this project is Tensile Test, Hardness Test, Absorption Test and last is Thickness Swelling Test. The result and data collected will be analysing by using graphs. Apart from that, ANSYS has been used to providing solid modelling and analysis on mechanical seal and mould. Findings: Fibre exhibits a very good reinforcement by increasing the mechanical properties in polymer but at certain amount it can change the properties of the composites. The best composition is 85% natural rubber+5% Agave sisalana fibre+10% Bio Epoxy Resin. Application/Improvement: With the growth of the industrial sector, mechanical seal will become one of the most important things in the piping industrial. By converting natural rubber into mechanical seal, it gives advantages to both parties. Embedding with Agave sisalana increases the mechanical strength of the natural rubber material.