Review on mechanical properties evaluation of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

The environmental problems associated with the production, disposal and recycling of synthetic fibre based polymer composites has prompted the development of eco-friendly natural fibres. It involves use of kenaf, jute, oil palm, cotton, flax, banana, hemp, sisal and pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) for various applications such as automotive, infrastructure, biomedical, furniture, packaging etc. PALF will be important in material development for structural and non structural industrial products with other natural and synthetic fibres with different matrix. This review paper deals with the mechanical properties evaluation of PALF and several factors influencing properties such as type of variety, fibre length, matrix type, fibre orientation, voids and porosity content. Recent research in the advancement of mechanical properties of PALF as reinforcement in thermoset, thermoplastic and biodegradable resins are briefly provided. Attempts have been made to characterize PALF as a hybrid composite with other natural and synthetic fibres. Surface treatments to improve the interfacial and interphasial PALF - matrix interaction with consideration of coupling agents for mechanical strength improving requirements are discussed. Along with limitations, technical solutions to the traditional problems of natural fibre composite processing, tensile properties improvement, durability, thermal stability and interfacial incompatibility enhancement are discussed. Overall, this review article investigates highlights and identifies gaps in the earlier research work. It provides the resourceful tabulated data for continuing future research in various streams with PALF as reinforcement.