Abstract
A study has been conducted to investigate the properties of recycled agricultural wastes as potential alternatives to commercial jute rope. The plant fibres of banana stems, sugarcane peels and pineapple leaf were first treated with Sodium Carbonate (NaCO3) to remove the organic acids, as well as to increase the adhesive bonding with the resin. The fibres were then weaved in Z-twist orientation and coated with epoxy resin. The tensile strength, water resistance and fire resistance of each rope sample was studied accordingly. Results showed that pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) recorded the highest tensile strength of 41.1 KPa, as compared to the ordinary jute rope (11.6 KPa). The combination rope made of banana stem fibres (BSF) and PALF exhibited the most excellent water resistance with 3.7% water uptake, and the best fire resistance at 25.6% burning loss. In conclusion, the epoxy coated recycled plant fibres can be considered as the potential alternative in light-weight rope industries.
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