Prof. Ariadne Lakshmidevi Juwono Studies Green Composites from Natural Materials as Sustainable Materials

Prof. Dra. Ariadne Lakshmidevi Juwono, M.Eng., Ph.D., was inaugurated as a Permanent Professor in Composite Materials Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), University of Indonesia (UI). The inauguration was led by UI Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., and took place at the UI Convention Center, Depok, on Wednesday (08/01/2025). Prof. Ariadne delivered an inaugural speech entitled "Green Composites from Natural Materials as Advanced and Sustainable Materials" and became the 2nd UI Professor to be inaugurated in 2025.

In her inaugural speech entitled Green Composites from Natural Materials as Advanced and Sustainable Materials, Prof. Ariadne explained the importance of developing environmentally friendly composites for future sustainability. “Green composites are one of the materials developed by considering materials that are more easily decomposed for environmental sustainability. Biodegradable composites are composites in which one of the components is easily decomposed; while green composites are composites in which all of the components are easily decomposed, environmentally friendly, and have sustainable value,” he said.

According to Prof. Ariadne, Indonesia has great potential in developing green composites because of its wealth of natural materials, including montmorillonite (MMT) clay. This clay has a unique layer structure so that it is suitable for use as a reinforcement in polymer-based composites.

“Research on clay-reinforced composites is ongoing and will be continued with the use of easily degradable matrices, such as natural polymers or biomass waste,” he said. Prof. Ariadne also highlighted hybrid composites that combine natural and synthetic fibers, which have the potential to be future structural materials.

In addition, Prof. Ariadne’s research includes the use of biomass waste, such as pineapple leaves and oil palm bunches, for composite reinforcement materials. "Biomass waste is one thing that needs attention because Indonesia is one of the largest producers of biomass waste in the world. This research is ongoing to produce more environmentally friendly solutions," he said.

Prof. Ariadne also emphasized the importance of collaboration with universities and research institutions at home and abroad to create research results that have a broad impact. "My hope, and also the science and technology researchers at UI, is that UI will continue to equip existing research facilities with sophisticated and qualified equipment," he said.

As a productive academic, Prof. Ariadne has published various studies, including studies on clay-based composites, natural polymers, and biomass waste. Some of his works include: Preparation, Characterization, and Decomposition Test on Tapanuli Organoclay Reinforced Cellulose Acetate/Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Blend Composites (2024) and Analyzing the Influences of Fabrication Methods on the Mechanical Properties of Sumberejo Kenaf/Epoxy Sandwich Composites with Polyurethane Foam Core I (2024).

The inauguration event was attended by various important figures, such as UI Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., and a number of other academics and practitioners. Their presence further emphasized the importance of green composite research as a step towards environmental sustainability and the advancement of materials science in Indonesia.