Leaf Fiber Research Articles

Effect of Processing Treatment of Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PLF) with Liquid Smoke on Tensile Properties and Impact of Pineapple Fiber Reinforced Composites

Research objectives to determine the effect of treating pineapple leaf fiber (PLF) with liquid smoke on the tensile toughness of composites and the impact strength of pineapple leaf fiber (PLF) reinforcement. The Method of immersing the fiber with liquid smoke was done in 1, 2, and 3 hours, then heating it in the oven at 40⁰c for 30 minutes. A tensile and impact test specimen following the ASTM D638 – Type IV standard and ASTM D5942 standard. The tensile strength of the composite at 1 hour of treatment was 64.42 MPa; at 2 hours, it increased by 72.53 MPa, and at 3 hours, it increased again by 74.65 MPa. In the composite impact test with fiber reinforcement, the 1-hour treatment was 9.32 J/m², the 2-hour treatment increased by 13.44 J/m², and the 3-hour immersion decreased by 10.21 J/m². The effect of liquid smoke treatment processing on PLF on the tensile strength and impact toughness of the composites shows that the PLF reinforcing composite experienced the most significant change in tensile strength at 3 hours of treatment, and impact toughness occurred at 2 hours of treatment; this shows that liquid smoke can change the strength of PLF to be stronger and tougher.

Effect of Variation in Pineapple Leaf Fiber Composition with Polyurethane Matrix in Composite Panels on Acoustic Properties and Porosity

Noise can cause medical, psychological, and environmental disturbances. One of the efforts to reduce noise is by using acoustic materials. Acoustic materials can be made using natural fiber composites. This study uses pineapple leaf fiber as fiber and polyurethane as a matrix that will be formed into a sound-absorbing composite panel. This study aims are to determine the effect of variations in the composition of pineapple fiber-reinforced composites with polyurethane matrix on acoustic properties and porosity, determine the effect of frequency on acoustic properties, and determine the relationship between porosity and acoustic properties. The method used in this research uses a characterization tool in the form of a one-microphone impedance tube and porosity test equipment. Composite panels are made by varying the composition of pineapple leaf fibers with polyurethane matrix with the ratio of pineapple leaf fiber composition to polyurethane matrix, namely 50%: 50%, 60%: 40%, 70%: 30%, 80%: 20% and 90%: 10%. Based on the research, it was found that the more the amount of pineapple leaf fiber composition is used, the absorption coefficient, sound transmission loss, and prostitution will increase while the reflection coefficient decreases. The higher the frequency used, the absorption coefficient and sound transmission loss will increase while the reflection coefficient decreases for all frequencies. The relationship between porosity and acoustic properties is that the higher the porosity, the absorption coefficient and sound transmission loss will increase while the reflection coefficient decreases

Development of Green Leather Alternative from Natural Rubber and Pineapple Leaf Fiber

In the present research, a plant-based leather substitute material or leather alternative was developed from natural rubber (NR) and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) using a simple process. Pineapple leaf fiber was extracted from waste pineapple leaves using a mechanical method. Untreated PALF (UPALF) and sodium hydroxide-treated PALF (TPALF) were then formed into non-woven sheets using a paper making process. PALF non-woven sheets were then coated with compounded natural rubber latex at three different NR/PALF ratios, i.e., 60/40, 50/50, and 40/60. Epoxidized natural rubber with an epoxidation level of 10% (ENR) was used as an adhesion promoter, and its content was varied at 5, 10, and 15% by weight of the total rubber. The obtained leathers were characterized in terms of tensile properties, tear strength, and hardness. The internal structure of the leathers was observed with a scanning electron microscope. Comparison of these properties was made against those reported in the literature. It was found that the leather with NR/PALF equal to 50/50 was the most satisfactory; that prepared from TPALF was softer and had greater extension at break. With the addition of ENR at 5%, the stress-strain curve of each respective leather increased significantly, and as the amount of ENR was increased to 10 and 15%, the stresses at corresponding strains dropped to lower values but remained higher than that without ENR. PALF leather prepared in this study has comparable or better properties than other alternative leathers reported in the literature and is much stronger than that made from mushrooms. Thus, this type of leather alternative offers unique characteristics of being bio-based and having a lower carbon footprint.

Monte Carlo Simulation Study on the Depth-Dose Distribution of Thermoplastic Reinforced Composites for Potential Applications in External Beam Radiotherapy

External beam radiotherapy is a crucial method in treating cancer as it requires a high level of accuracy in patient positioning. Hence, commercial thermoplastic masks have a significant role during radiotherapy treatment as it is an efficient way of accurately positioning the patient without risking their safety and comfort. However, these commercial masks are expensive due to the use of costly compounds and additives, and several studies have concluded that commercial masks can significantly increase the surface dose. This study examined the effects of various thermoplastic reinforced composites for an alternative economic mask in terms of depth-dose distribution through Monte Carlo simulations in GEANT4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE). The simulations were varied by incident beams and their energies, material composition of the phantom, and varying thermoplastic reinforced composites. In general, the results indicated that PCL/PLA (polycaprolactone/polylactic acid), PLA/PU (polylactic acid/polyurethane), PCL/RH (polycaprolactone/rice husk), LDPE/PALF (low-density polyethylene/pineapple leaf fiber), and PP/PALF (polypropylene/pineapple leaf fiber) composites showed relatively accurate dose delivery in the target volume, which the slight difference will accumulate the 5% marginal error in treatment planning systems.

Chemical, thermal and morphological properties of polybutylene succinate-waste pineapple leaf fibres composites

The use of natural fibres for polymer composite applications has been widely researched due to the biodegradable and lightweight nature of natural fibres. To achieve good adhesion and compatibility between the matrix and the fibre filler, prior modification of the fibre surface via the use of various methods has been found to be effective. The natural fibres have been modified using chemical, physical, radiation, grafting and biological methods. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of sodium hydroxide-treated waste pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) content on the chemical, thermal, and morphological properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) composites. PBS-PALF composites with fibre content ranging from 0 to 20 wt% were prepared using an internal mixer and their properties were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The FTIR results showed no noticeable functionality differences among the composites, however, carbonyl groups from PBS polymer at ∼1700 cm−1 and hydroxyl groups from PALF at ∼3000 cm−1 were observed in the composites. The water absorption uptake of the composites increased with fibre content due to the hydrophilic nature of the PALF fibres and the highest water absorption percentage achieved was ∼30 %. The incorporation of the fibres into the PBS matrix decreased the crystallinity of the composites as shown by the XRD peaks at 2ϴ = 22 and 30°. SEM images of the composites with 20 wt% exhibited morphologies where the fibres protruded out from the polymer matrix, and this was ascribed to the agglomerated fibres which were poorly mixed with the matrix at the higher fibre content. Overall, the incorporation of high PALF content in the composites disrupted the crystallinity and thermal stability of the PBS matrix. The composites have potential in industrial agricultural mulching film applications due to their sustainability characteristics.

Curing kinetics study of chemically modified pineapple leaf fiber/epoxy composite

Agricultural by-products have long hinder farmers, and subsequently, the food supply chain. Making use of their natural by-products will both reduce waste and increase industrial production. In particular, pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) can be extensively studied. Here, the curing kinetics of chemically modified PALF/epoxy resin crosslinked by an anhydride hardener was investigated by non-isothermal and isothermal methods with the differential scanning calorimetry technique. In this study, the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa methods, as well as Kamal's model, were employed to analyze the curing behavior of epoxy in non-isothermal and isothermal processes, respectively. The highest activation energies for pure epoxy and PALF/epoxy composite calculated differ when using the methods. Additionally, a decreasing trend in the activation energy values during the late stages of epoxy curing was observed. The results from Kamal's model indicate that the k1 values of the PALF/epoxy composite are only greater than those of pure epoxy at 100°C and 110°C. However, all the k2 values of PALF/epoxy are greater than those of pure epoxy. Additionally, the m value of the PALF/epoxy composite is lower than that of pure epoxy only at 100°C, while the n and m+n values of the PALF/epoxy composite are all greater than those of pure epoxy. Moreover, the results reveal that the Cure Index of the PALF/epoxy composite was larger than ΔH* and smaller than ΔT*. With PALF, it was found that the epoxy resin’s curing rate was increased and the activation energy was reduced. Meanwhile, the degree of crosslinks was less than that of the virgin resin. It is speculated that the hydroxyl groups on the plant fibers and the amine groups on the coupling agent-modified fibers can promote the cross-linking reaction. However, the curing reaction of the composite is affected by steric obstacles and high viscosity resulting from the addition of PALFs.

Intumescent fire‐retardant performance and small‐scale reaction mechanism on banana/bio‐epoxy composites

AbstractThe present work deals with the thermal degradation, the physical characterization, and kinetic mechanisms of green epoxy resin‐based biocomposites (BC) reinforced by banana leaf fiber (BLF). The two main samples have been manufactured using the vacuum bag resin transfer molding method. The first, BLF‐based BC, is used as a control sample, while the second sample is coated with 6% wt. of intumescent fire retardant (IFR), which contains APP and boric acid. The effect of IFR coating has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under inert and oxidative atmospheres and kinetic studies of model‐free and model‐based approaches have been applied for predicting the kinetic parameters of thermal degradation reactions. The TGA results show that the IFR coating delays the thermal degradation around 13–20 K of BLF‐based BC materials, which leads to an increase of 8% in the char residue under inert atmosphere. In addition, the sample has been characterized by SEM, EDS, and FTIR analysis (before and after the TGA test). The effectiveness of the IFR protective role is displayed on the SEM micrographs by showing the hole of the char enclosed and built the foam layer. The kinetic parameters from model‐free and model‐based curve fitting of BLF‐based BC and BLF‐based BC‐coated IFR are obtained, while the effect of IFR on the kinetic parameter increased the activation energy (model‐free and model‐based) under inert atmosphere. The fitting methods and optimization procedure gave excellent results for kinetic parameters, showing a particularly good correspondence with the TGA experimental data.

Comparative analysis of thermo-physical and mechanical properties of PALF/CF/epoxy resin with and without nano TiO2 filler

The performance of an engineering material depends on its potentiality and characterization under different mechanical and thermal test environments. The present research study has revealed the performance of a new class of hybrid composites, focused specially on the general trends observed in their impact of fabrication and its properties. To investigate how the mechanical and thermal qualities of the epoxy matrix may be improved, pineapple leaf fibre and carbon fibre were particularly chosen. By embedding the selected filler into the Pineapple leaf Fiber/Carbon Fiber(PALF/CF) reinforced epoxy resin, coordination effects, impact of embedding were achieved in the form of modified mechanical and thermal properties. The present research work is focused to perform the thermal and mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin(ER) composites with and without particulate nano TiO2 fillers. The comparison of hybrid fibre (carbon and pineapple leaf fibre) reinforced epoxy composites with and without particulate nano TiO2 fillers was done. The results of the mechanical tests demonstrated that, in comparison to all other composites, the inclusion of nano fillers improved the tensile, flexural, and impact strengths. Nano particle reinforced with hybrid composite has a score of 23.4, whereas clean epoxy only gets a score of 4.5. It follows from this example that the presence of nanoparticles raises the residual values.

PLA-Based Hybrid Biocomposites: Effects of Fiber Type, Fiber Content, and Annealing on Thermal and Mechanical Properties.

In this study, we utilized a hybridization approach for two different fibers to overcome the drawbacks of single-fiber-reinforced PLA composites. Coir fiber and bamboo leaf fiber were used as reinforcing natural fibers as their properties complement one another. Additionally, we combined thermal annealing with hybridization techniques to further improve the overall properties of the composites. The results showed that the hybridization of BF: CF with a ratio of 1:2 gave PLA-based hybrid composites optimal mechanical and thermal properties. Furthermore, the improvement in the thermal stability of hybrid composites, attributable to an increase in crystallinity, was a result of thermal annealing. The improvement in HDT in annealed 1BF:2CF hybrid composite was about 13.76% higher than that of the neat PLA. Annealing of the composites led to increased crystallinity, which was confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The synergistic effect of hybridization and annealing, leading to the improvement in the thermal properties, opened up the possibilities for the use of PLA-based composites. In this study, we demonstrated that a combined technique can be utilized as a strategy for improving the properties of 100% biocomposites and help overcome some limitations of the use of PLA in many applications.

Analysis of Recycled Fabric Wastes with Leaf Fiber Combinations for Automative Products

Analysis of Recycled Fabric Wastes with Leaf Fiber Combinations for Automative Products

Analysis of Recycled Fabric Wastes with Leaf Fiber Combinations for Automative Products

Analysis of Recycled Fabric Wastes with Leaf Fiber Combinations for Automative Products

Effects of Nanocellulose Extracted from Pineapple Leaf Fiber Incorporation on the Physico-Chemical and Thermal Properties of Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites

The effects of nanocellulose extracted from pineapple leaf fiber on the physico-chemical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposite are reported. Nanocellulose was added to the epoxy in different amounts of loadings (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.%) to prepare nanocomposites. The physico-chemical and thermal properties of the nanocellulose reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. Surface characterization of the nanocomposite was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Functional groups of the nanocomposites were evaluated using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential thermal analyzer (DTA). Experimental results revealed that the 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.% nanocellulose loadings were homogeneously distributed and well-dispersed in the composite matrix as indicated in the SEM images. However, aggregation was observed in the matrix with 2.0 wt.% nanocellulose loading. Moreover, FTIR spectra revealed that the absorbance of the vibrational mode corresponding to the interaction of nanocellulose and epoxy matrices significantly increases as the nanocellulose loading ratio increased. Furthermore, thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) showed that the incorporation of nanocellulose improved significantly the thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites.

Flexural and impact response of bamboo and pineapple leaf fiber reinforced composites using experimental and numerical techniques

The flexural and impact response of completely biodegradable natural composites, specifically bamboo and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced composites, is investigated using a combination of experimental and simulation techniques. The flexural strength and bending modulus are determined through 3-point bending tests while varying the weight fraction of the selected natural fibers from 5 to 15%. The impact of alkaline treatment at different percentages of 2 to 10% on the same properties such as flexural strength and bending modulus is also investigated. Subsequently, simulation techniques are employed to determine the behavior of the natural composite materials under bending loads. Finite element models are utilized to analyze the normal, and shear stresses in the composite structures. The research findings unveiled that incorporating a 10% weight fraction of bamboo fiber along with an 8% NaOH treatment led to the most significant enhancement in flexural strength, showcasing a notable advancement of 111.02%. Within the PALF fiber reinforced composite, employing 2% NaOH treated PALF fiber at a 15% weight fraction yielded an impressive improvement of 125.6%.

Mechanical Characterization of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Epoxy Composites with Steel Wire Mesh

In the present experimental research work hybrid composite is manufactured using hand lay-up technique, taking epoxy resin as matrix material and stainless-steel wire mesh along with alkaline treated and untreated pineapple leaf fiber as reinforcement. Mechanical characterization such as tensile, flexural, hardness and water absorption test were performed on the samples of developed composites as per ASTM standards. Mechanical characterization revealed that treatment of fiber is having significant effect on mechanical properties. Tensile strength and flexural strength of treated fiber reinforced composite is 132.12 % and 109.98% respectively higher than untreated fiber reinforced composite. Inclusion of wire mesh along with fiber enhanced the tensile strength by 11.22% whereas bending strength decreases by 8%. Analysis of fractured surfaces using scanning electron microscope revealed there is a lack of bonding between wire mesh and epoxy resin. Water absorption test revealed that treated fiber reinforced composite is having the least water absorption capacity of 6.63 %, wire mesh included composite is having water absorption capacity of 6.96 % and untreated fiber reinforced composite is having the highest water absorption capacity of 8.7 %.

Rekayasa Ketangguhan Impak Terhadap Polymer Hybrid Composite Fariasi Penambahan Serat Daun Nanas Dan Serbuk Arang

At the moment the demand for materials is increasing with good mechanical properties as well as economical. As an effort to meet these needs, composite materials are used. A composite is a combination of two or more inhomogeneously mixed materials consisting of a matrix and a reinforcement. Various studies conducted generally use one type of fiber so that the composite properties depend on one fiber used. The research that has been carried out has the aim of determining the effect of variations in the addition of pineapple leaf fiber and charcoal powder on the tensile strength and toughness of the impact of polymer hybrid composites. In addition, useful research provides information to readers regarding the strength and toughness of polymer hybrid composite with pineapple leaf fiber reinforcement and charcoal powder.There were three variations in the ratio of pineapple leaf fiber and charcoal powder, namely 10%:30%, 20%:20%, and 30%:10% used in the tensile test. The results showed that the tensile strength increased along with the increase in the volume fraction of pineapple leaf fiber due to good load distribution and the ability to withstand increased tensile load.The average yield of absorbent energy of polymer hybrid composites is 35.81 J, 35.526 J, and 30.93 J, respectively, while the toughness value decreases along with the increase in pineapple leaf fiber due to the bond between the fibers and the matrix that is getting weaker As for the average yield of impact prices of 0.506 J/mm2, 0.466 J/mm2, and 0.39 J/mm2, respectively Keywords: Composite, Polymer Hybrid Fiber Composite, impact, Matrix.

Development and Characterization of Green Composites from Agro Waste Aloe Vera and Pineapple Leaf Fiber

Natural fibers possess the advantage of low cost, abundant in quantity and biodegradability. Rising awareness about green products and supportive government regulations are likely to propel the growth in the field of green composite. In this current research, a comparative study of mechanical characteristics and water absorption behaviour of green composites incorporating Aloe Vera and pineapple leaf fibers in biodegradable matrix (polylactic acid) has been experimentally examined. Composite has been developed using compression molding technique. The effect of surface modification of fibers on mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of developed composite was investigated. Surface treatment was done using alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide having concentration of 5%. Treatment of fiber enhanced tensile, flexural, microhardness and impact properties of developed green composite and reduces water absorption capacity. Moreover, experimental results show that Aloe Vera reinforced composites have better mechanical properties in comparison to Pineapple leaf fiber reinforced composites. Thereby having potential to be used in various engineering applications

Analysis of Sugarcane Waste with Leaf Fibre Combinations for Automotive Products

Analysis of Sugarcane Waste with Leaf Fibre Combinations for Automotive Products

Nest construction and repairing habits of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus (Aves: Passeriformes: Ploceidae) in the agricultural landscape of Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

The intricate nesting habits of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus were studied on two Palmyrah Palm Borassus flabellifer trees in Chendur village, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu between 20 March and 30 November 2020. Observations concentrated on sources of fibers, developmental stages of nests, re-construction & repairing of nests, deposition of clay in the nest walls, and various threats. A total of 98 nests of various developmental stages (wad stage—4, helmet stage—31, egg-chamber closed stage—5, and complete nests—58) were studied on these two nest colonies. The birds used leaf fibers of Indian date Palm Phoenix sylvestris and Sugarcane Saccharum officinarum as nest materials, and took 6–48 days for construction of a complete nest. 95% of helmet stage nests (n = 126) contained clay deposits. Analysis of plastered clay revealed it was alkaline with pH 9, and dry weight ranged from 5.1–5.8 g. Males re-constructed new nests from the remnant stalks attached to tips of palm fronds, and also made repairs on damaged nests. Anthropogenic factors, wind, rain, and avian predators, such as House Crow Corvus splendens, Long-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos, Rufous Treepie Dendocitta vagabunda, and Shikra Accipeter badius posed threats to Baya Weavers. A total of 42 nests, 11 broken eggs, and 14 dead chicks were found fallen under the two supporting trees. The detailed systematic survey covering entire district, rapid urbanization, and the anthropogenic pressures will help in nest drafting an action plan to conserve local populations of Baya Weaver.

Quality of Paving Block With Additional Ingredients of King Pineapple Leaf Fiber (Agave Cantala Roxb)

TThe king pineapple plant (Agave Cantala Roxb) is a plant that grows in lowlands and hills with a stem height between 150-200 cm, and leaf lengths between 90-100 cm, on the inside of the leaves contain a lot of fiber wrapped in green outer ciliates. The quality of paving blocks with additional material of fibers of king pineapple leaves with a size of 2-3 cm, with a percentage of 0%, 3%, 5% and 7% of the weight of cement, in a ratio of 1: 5, then molded with a size of 20 cm x 10 cm x 8 cm. Conducted testing of the tensile strength of single fibers and compressive strength of paving blocks. The results of the takari sand fine aggregate gradation test meet the requirements of SNI 03-1986-1990 in zone III. Specific gravity testing is classified as normal fine aggregates of 2.5 to 2.7 according to SNI 1968-1990. The test results of sludge content of 2.62% ? 5% SK SNI S-04-1989-F, the content weight of 1,550 Kg/cm ? 1.2 Kg/Cm³ refers to the 1989 PBI. Test results Single tensile of king pineapple leaf fibers averaged 196,692 MPa. The weight of the block paving volume decreased by 2.16%, while the absorption of block paving water increased by 0.91%. The test results of the strongest compressive strength of paving blocks are found in additional materials of 5% capable of withstanding a load of 57.56 Kg / cm².

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

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.