"Hybrid syntactic foam composite polymer is a lightweight composite material made of a polymer matrix filled with hollow microspheres, in the form of small particles filled with gas or air," BRIN Polymer Technology Center researcher, Jayatin, stated on Tuesday.
He explained that the microspheres can be made of glass, ceramics, or plastic and provide a foam-like structure. "That is why it is called syntactic foam but with much better mechanical properties," he remarked.
Jayatin explained that the material's application is widespread, as it is both light and strong, making it suitable for use in the aerospace industry for aircraft.
He affirmed that the advantages of hybrid syntactic foam composite polymers include low specific gravity, high compressive strength, and thermal and chemical stability.
"It can be adjusted for a certain combination of strength and lightness by formulating what percentage and what microspheres to add, and so on. Thus, we can get a certain density or strength according to what we want," he remarked.
Jayatin explained that developing lightweight hybrid syntactic foam composites for drone components and transportation equipment is important, as light and strong materials are essential for the development of drones and transportation equipment.
With its lightweight, strong properties, and low heat generation, the material is expected to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
"Lighter drones will increase the exploration range and maneuverability needed for civil purposes, such as for mapping areas, supporting the agricultural industry, fertilization, and others," he remarked.
Jayatin also explained that hybrid syntactic foam composite polymers can be applied to wind turbines installed on floating platforms along the coast or to floating wind platforms.
He found floating wind platforms especially interesting to develop in Indonesia, given that Indonesia's territory consists mostly of seas, featuring long coastlines and made up of numerous islands.
"I feel that this is something that does not exist in Indonesia yet, and if anyone is interested, we can develop it together to create a floating wind platform or wind turbine installed on the beach,"
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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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