Achieving High-Performance Green Composites from Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Poly(butylene succinate) through Both Fiber Alignment and Matrix Orientation across the Thickness.

Abstract

This research aims to develop high-performance and low-carbon composites using biobased poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) reinforced with well-aligned pineapple leaf fibers (PALF). PBS/PALF composites containing 10 and 20% PALF by weight (wt %) were prepared using a two-roll mill. During the mixing process, the molten material was slightly stretched to align the fibers in the machine direction, forming a uniaxial prepreg. The prepreg was subsequently stacked and compressed into composite sheets at compression temperatures of 120 and 140 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and crystalline morphology analysis revealed the presence of matrix orientation in the prepreg, which was preserved in sheets compressed at 120 °C but not at 140 °C. The composites prepared at 120 °C exhibited significantly higher flexural strength and modulus compared to those prepared at 140 °C, attributed to the combined effect of matrix and PALF orientation. Additionally, the composites displayed an increase in heat distortion temperature, with a maximum of 10 °C higher than the matrix melting temperature (∼113 °C) for the composite with 20 wt % PALF. These findings indicate the potential for increased utilization of this low-carbon green composite.