Properties Of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Research Articles

The Effect of Spinning Parameters and Fiber Blending Ratio on the Physical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF)-Cotton Yarns

Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is known as pineapple residue and has potential as a textile material. Typical yarn manufacturing adopts ring spinning technique, yet it is challenging for course fibers, including PALF. PALF has been used in clothing and paper production using textile thread. It has the highest modulus among leaf fibers, comparable to synthetic fibers such as aramid and glass, and possesses the greatest tensile strength among leaf fibers. PALF has high fineness index makes it ideal for industrial yarn and woven fabric applications. Using natural fibers offers benefits such as being environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and lightweight yet sturdy. This study evaluates the physical properties of PALF-cotton yarn at three twist speeds, two total drafts, and three PALF-cotton blending ratios. The methodology of this study involves carding, drawing, and ring spinning of the PALF-cotton fibers. The process starts with cutting and opening PALF before blending it with cotton fiber using a carding machine. The finding shows that the average diameter and fineness values range from 205 μm to 458 μm and 31.2 to 67.0 tex, respectively. The study also reported that twist speed, total draft, and blending ratio affect the diameter and fineness of the yarns. In contrast, the increment of twist speed and total draft decreases the fineness and diameter of PALF-cotton yarns. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) shows great potential in the apparel industry. Three regression models were presented to predict the future ring-spinning process, and pineapple waste can be repurposed into valuable products, reducing overall waste.

Cure Behaviour and Tensile Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites

Short natural fibres replace synthetic fibres as filler in natural rubber (NR) as they are environmentally beneficial and sustainable. This study investigates the cure behaviour and tensile properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced NR composites at various fibre contents. The fibre contents are varied at 0, 10, 20 and 30 parts per hundred rubber (phr). PALF reinforced NR composites are prepared using a two-roll mill. Surface morphology of tensile fractured specimens is examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the optimum cure time decreases significantly with greater fibre content. The hardness value increases gradually with increasing filler content. The stress-strain graphs show an increasing trend in stress at higher fibre content particularly at low strain regions. On the contrary, the tensile strength reduces when the fibre content is increased up to 30 phr. SEM analysis reveals that the fibre-matrix adhesion is considerably poor due to the fibre pullout phenomenon observed. It is indicated that higher fibre content could be possibly reinforced to NR to achieve high deformation stress at incredibly low strain regions.

Effect of Coupling Agent on the Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber/ Polypropylene Composite

Natural fibre matrix composites have been utilized in numerous industries, including the automotive, construction, and aerospace sectors. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used in this study to examine the effect of the coupling agent on the properties of a composite-produced using pineapple leaf fibre. The weight ratios of pineapple leaf fibre, polypropylene, and MAPP were 20g:180g, 15g:180g:5g, and 10g:180g:10g, respectively. The materials were mixed using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder machine at 170 °C and 50 rpm. The composite was then manufactured by injection molding at 185 °C. The mechanical and physical properties of PALF composite were examined by using a tensile test, impact test, and water absorption test. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to characterize the thermal properties of PALF/PP, and PALF/PP/MAPP composite. The surface morphology and fracture surface of the composite was characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Compared to the composite containing 5 g of MAPP, the tensile strength composite containing 10 g of MAPP produced a stronger interfacial bond. According to the impact test, adding more MAPP increases the material's strength and stress transmission. The average percentage of water absorption indicates low water absorption after the addition of the coupling agent. It can be concluded that the addition of a coupling agent improved the composite's properties.

Influence of fly ash filler on the mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of epoxy polymer composites reinforced with pineapple leaf fibre for biomedical applications.

This study explores the impact of fly ash (FA) filler on the mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)-reinforced epoxy composites for biomedical applications. PALF, sourced from abundant agricultural waste, offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibres. Employing the hand layup process, varying wt% of FA (3%, 6%, and 9%) are incorporated into PALF-reinforced epoxy composites with different PALF concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30%). Mechanical assessments, including impact, flexural, and tensile strength, reveal that the introduction of up to 6 wt% FA enhances tensile strength by 65.3%, reaching its peak at this concentration. Flexural strength also improves by 31.9% with 6 wt% FA, while impact resistance reaches its maximum (74.18% improvement) at 9 wt% FA. Water absorption measurements demonstrate a decrease with increased FA content and exposure period, indicating enhanced water resistance. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the uniform distribution of FA, contributing to improved mechanical characteristics and water resistance. Optimality tests using Taguchi and response surface methodology (RSM) further confirm the experimental outcomes, emphasizing the potential of FA to enhance natural fibre-reinforced composites. This research suggests FA as a promising filler to elevate mechanical performance and water resistance in environmentally friendly composites.

A short review on the recent progress and properties of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced composite

Because of the increase in demand and the enhancement of environmental awareness, researchers are committed to the research and development of innovative, high-performance, and low-cost green materials, especially since there is a large amount the study of natural fiber reinforced composite materials. An abundance of waste of pineapple leaves in Malaysia every year. If pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) can be extracted from the waste of pineapple leaves and made into green composites, it can not only solve the agricultural waste but also produce environment-friendly green composite materials to be applied in related industries. The main purpose of this review is to give an overview of recent developments in PALF reinforced composites as well as their properties. In this short review, the characteristics of PALF and its composites, the mechanical properties and the environmental impact of PALF reinforced composite are studied. In the future, with the increasing research on PALF, selection of different composite materials and design of appropriate structures, the performance of PALF reinforced composites will significantly be improved, and thus has great potential to be widely used in product production and manufacturing.

Influence of dammar gum application on the mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced tapioca biopolymer composites

AbstractThe objective of this work is to investigate the influence of the utilization of dammar gum (DG), which is a biodegradable and renewable binder, on the mechanical properties of short pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced tapioca biopolymer (TBP). Samples with variable DG concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight) and a constant 30% PALF composition were created with varying TBP percentages using an internal mixing process and compression molding. The results showed that PALF‐TBP with 10% DG had the highest mechanical properties with tensile, flexural, and impact strength of 19.49 MPa, 18.53 MPa and 13.79 KJ/m2, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images prove the enhanced mechanical characteristics. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that the DG improves the matrix and PALF interface. The results show that the utilization of DG significantly enhanced the mechanical characteristics of composites. In addition, it is anticipated that it will be able to create PALF‐TBP‐DG composites as a potential alternative for conventional polymers in various applications, especially in engineering applications such as automotive and packaging industries. Therefore, it is expected to be capable of contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs).Highlights Recent studies show that damar gum (DG) has potential as a sustainable binder. Optimal composition is a critical factor in bio‐composite manufacturing. The mechanical properties improved the most when 10 wt% of DG was applied. DG could serve as a viable substitute for petroleum‐derived coupling agents. Bio‐composites may serve as alternative polymers for forthcoming applications.

Study of mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber and E-glass fiber reinforced hybrid epoxy matrix composite materials

Environmental consciousness is presently driving researchers throughout the globe to examine polymer composites with reinforced fibres in an effort to find more affordable alternatives to synthetic fibre reinforced composites. Recent decades have seen a fast advancement in material research, resulting in the creation of hybrid materials like composites. A lot of research is focused on developing structural materials with high strength, low weight, and low cost. In general, materials with high strength are generally dense, whereas those with low strength are lighter. Composite materials are therefore preferred because they provide a balance between strength and weight. Four different specimens were created utilising E glass fibre and pineapple leaf fibre, resin as the bonding agent, and carbonate as the filler, in order to evaluate the effects of additions in composites. Using a universal testing machine, the mechanical characteristics—more especially, the tensile and flexural strength—were assessed. The general goal of this project is to produce a hybrid composite material utilising the Hand Lay-Up process and compare the resulting mechanical characteristics through experimental analysis, with an emphasis on tensile and flexural strength.

The mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)/carbon hybrid laminate composites at anti-symmetric ply orientation

The mechanical properties of antisymmetric pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)/carbon hybrid laminate composites have been studied by researchers. The laminates were produced by vacuum infusion, and the void content easement was applied during validation. The laminates were tested on tensile (ASTM D3039) and flexural (ASTM D7264) testing. Analysing the results of tensile testing, it was determined that the laminate composed of PALF as the first layer and carbon as the second layer has the maximum tensile properties, at strength 110 MPa and modulus 6.5 GPa, respectively. After examining the flexural data, it was determined that the laminate made up of the first carbon and second PALF layers had the highest flexural strength and modulus, 235 MPa and 4.6 GPa respectively. Hence, the results imply that the stacking order influences the tensile and flexural properties. As concluded, stacking sequence has significant effect on anti-symmetric laminates.

Effect of Surface Modified Montmorillonite Nanoclay on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Due to their biodegradability, affordability, low density, and numerous other benefits, natural fiber polymer composites are preferable to conventional GFRP in maritime applications. However, when exposed to moisture, their mechanical qualities deteriorate. A significant agricultural waste called pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) can be employed as reinforcement in epoxy matrices. Improved interfacial bonding between phases improves interfacial bonding and hence enhance mechanical and water absorption properties. Only evaluation of mechanical properties is undertaken in this paper. Nanoclay in 1.5 and 3 wt% was incorporated in epoxy resin via magnetic stirring and ultrasonication. PALF fibers were subjected to NaOH treatment and was analyzed using SEM and FTIR techniques. Hand layup and compression moulding were used to fabricate composites using a nanoclay-epoxy resin combination and chemically treated PALF (20 & 30 wt%). The combination of 30 wt% PALF and 1.5 wt% nanoclay results in the maximum mechanical properties, namely tensile and flexural properties. The results of SEM investigation of fractured specimens show that interfacial bonding in epoxy composites containing PALF is poor while that in epoxy composites containing PALF and 1.5 wt% nanoclay is excellent. Due to nanoclay agglomerations, bonding is inadequate at 3 wt% nanoclay, which lowers the mechanical properties.

Analysis of physio-mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber

The present research demonstrated that different fiber intimate blends allow the broader use of pineapple leaf fiber for the textile and clothing industries. This fiber is obtained from the leaves of pineapple plants by extraction, carried out to separate the cambium and fiber using a decorticator Machine. The physic-mechanical properties such as bundle strength, whiteness, lustre, linear density, breaking load, breaking extension tenacity, textile modulus were determined as per standard method using different testing machine. There is correlation between length, width and thickness where, if the length is higher than width and thickness also higher. Pineapple (PALF) has tremendous mechanical properties and can be applied in making eco-friendly textile goods. Density of PALF is similar to other natural fibers while Textile modulus is very high, and tensile strength is highest among the related natural fibers. These properties are suitable for its application so this pineapple fibers by blending and mixing with other natural fibers and can be produce various types of cloths.

Moisture Absorption and Thermal Properties of Unidirectional Pineapple Leaf Fibre/Polylactic Acid Composites under Hygrothermal Ageing Conditions

In this study, the effect of fibre content on moisture absorption and thermal properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) at elevated temperature and humidity was assessed. The unidirectional PALF/PLA composites were fabricated by using pre-pregging technique and compressed moulded to produce composites with two fibre loadings (40 and 60 wt. %). The composite was saturated in a humidity chamber that contains 90% relative humidity at 50°C for 30 days. The effect of different fibre loading on moisture absorption was measured through moisture uptake. Their thermal stability and thermal characteristic were evaluated by using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning analysis (DSC). The result showed that moisture absorption increases with the increase of fibre content and follows Fickian Law. The presence of PALF reduces the initial thermal degradation of the neat PLA as well as promoted the crystallization of the PLA. Upon exposure to the high temperature and humidity, the value glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of the neat PLA and PALF/PLA composites shifted to the lower temperature possibly due to hydrolytic degradation in the composite structure.

Sustainable Treatments of Pineapple Leaf Fibers for Polylactic Acid Based Biocomposites

ABSTRACT Sustainable composite materials based on biopolymers and natural fibers have attracted remarkable consideration globally due to their tremendous potential for a variety of applications. However, the poor compatibility among the natural fibers and biopolymers causes the reduced mechanical properties of the biocomposites, limiting their application spectrum and acting as one of the major barriers to commercialization. Therefore, surface modification of fibers using chemicals has been explored by several authors. However, most of the chemicals used are hazardous to the environment when used commercially. In the current investigation, sustainable chemicals (sodium bicarbonate and borax) were used to modify the surface of the pineapple leaf fibers (PALFs). Untreated and treated PALF/polylactic acid biocomposites were manufactured using the commercial-scale injection molding machine. The selected chemical treatment strategies were found to be efficient for improving the strength, crystallinity, and thermal properties of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF). An improved adhesion among the fibers and matrix, enhanced strength (tensile, flexural, and impact), and modulus (tensile and flexural) of the biocomposites were also recorded after the treatment. A robust structure-property linkage for PALF and their biocomposites has also been developed.

Experimental Investigation of Effect of Fiber Length on Mechanical, Wear, and Morphological Behavior of Silane-Treated Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

The development of the best properties in polyester composite from pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) as a reinforcing material is a subject of interest. The properties of PALF are reliant upon fiber length, wherein technical difficulties in production of long fibers and processing for better characteristics in polyester composites possess inherent challenges. The PALFs are subjected to silane treatment for altering fiber properties. This research attempts to analyze the impact of silane-treated PALF with varying fiber lengths (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm) on the performance of natural fiber composites (NFC) properties. Open mold and hand lay-up techniques were employed to develop the polyester composites. The prepared PALF-based polyester composites were examined for different properties (impact, flexural, tensile strength, and wear rate). Coefficient of friction and wear studies are performed on the prepared composites subjected to different loads (10, 20, and 30 N) via a pin on disc test rig. Polymer composite fracture surfaces were analyzed to observe the interfacial bonding between fibers and matrix via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM results showed that the application of silane treatment resulted in better surface topography (fiber length of 5–10 mm showed smooth surface resulted in crack proliferation possessing low fracture toughness of 15–32 MPa; whereas a 15–20 mm fiber length resulted in better fiber–matrix bonding, improving the fracture toughness from 42–55 MPa) as a result of change in chemical structure in PALF. The 20 mm length of PALF resulted in better properties (flexural, tensile, impact, and wear resistance) which are attributed to fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. These properties ensure the developed polymer composites can be applied to walls, building insulation, and artificial ceilings.

Mechanical Properties of PALF/Kevlar-Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Hybrid Composite Laminates.

Natural and synthetic fibres are in high demand due to their superior properties. Natural fibres are less expensive and lighter as compared to synthetic fibres. Synthetic fibres have drawn much attention, especially for their outstanding properties, such as durability, and stability. The hybridisation between natural and synthetic fibres composite are considered as an alternative to improve the current properties of natural and synthetic fibres. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the physical and mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) and Kevlar reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) hybrid composites. The PALF/Kevlar hybrid composites were fabricated by using hand layup method utilising unsaturated polyester as the matrix. These composites were laid up to various laminated configurations, such as [PKP]s, [PPK]s, [KPP]s, [KKP]s, [PPP]s and [KKK]s, whereby PALF denoted as P and Kevlar denoted as K. Next, they were cut into size and dimensions according to standards. Initially, the density of PALF/Kevlar reinforced unsaturated polyester were evaluated. The highest density result was obtained from [KKK]s, however, the density of hybrid composites was closely indistinguishable. Next, moisture absorption behaviour and its effects on the PALF/Kevlar reinforced unsaturated polyester were investigated. The water absorption studies showed that the hybridisation between all PALF and Kevlar specimens absorbed moisture drastically at the beginning of the moisture absorption test and the percentage of moisture uptake increased with the volume fraction of PALF in the samples. The tensile test indicated that all specimens exhibited nonlinear stress-strain behaviour and shown a pseudo-ductility behaviour. [KKP]s and [KPK]s hybrid composites showed the highest tensile strength and modulus. The flexural test showed that [KPK]s had the highest flexural strength of 164.0 MPa and [KKP]s had the highest flexural modulus of 12.6 GPa. In terms of the impact strength and resistance, [KKP]s outperformed the composite laminates. According to SEM scans, the hybrid composites demonstrated a stronger interfacial adhesion between the fibres and matrix than pure PALF composite.

Effects of stacking sequence of pineapple leaf-flax reinforced hybrid composite laminates on mechanical characterization and moisture resistant properties

The present study aims to investigate the effects of stacking sequence on physical, mechanical and moisture resistant properties of pineapple leaf fiber (PF) and flax fiber (FF) reinforced composite laminates. The non-hybrid and hybrid composite laminates are fabricated by using vacuum assisted resin infusion molding process (VARIM) with an inter-ply configuration. From the results, the maximum tensile strength (219.3 MPa), flexural strength (132.4 MPa), shear strength (39.1 MPa) and impact energy (50.2 J) have been recorded for FFRP composites while the minimum for PFRP (124.7 MPa, 52.3 MPa, 4.3 MPa, and 23.3 J) respectively. For hybrid composite laminates, the increase in volume fraction of flax fiber, improved the mechanical and moisture resistant properties while an increase in the volume fraction of PALF enhanced the elongation and flexibility of the developed composites. Furthermore, it observed that, stacking sequence configuration of flax fibers as outer layer exhibited better tensile, flexural, impact and moisture properties while flax fibers at inner layer examined maximum shear properties. Therefore, among hybrid composites, H7 recorded maximum tensile strength, flexural strength and impact energy (207.7 MPa, 121.7 MPa and 48.8 J) while H5 recorded maximum shear strength (24.2 MPa). The water absorption and chemical resistant behaviour of fabricated laminates with five different combinations of solution (distilled water, seawater, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and sodium carbonate) are examined and revealed that hybrid composite laminates have better resistance to water and chemical uptake. The morphology and fracture analysis of composite laminates are analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, the developed hybrid composite laminates have lighter weight, economical and better interfacial bonding with improved mechanical and moisture properties for distinct load-bearing applications.

Compressive, dynamic and thermo-mechanical properties of cellulosic pineapple leaf fibre/polyester composites: Influence of alkali treatment on adhesion

This study presents the influence of fibre treatment and fibre loading on the mechanical, physical, crystalline, and thermal properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced polyester (PE) composites. Fibre treatment with NaOH modified the fibre surface from smooth to rough and KOH treatment induced fibrillation, as evident from micrographs of the elementary fibres. Fibre surface modification with NaOH helped in improving the fibre-matrix adhesion while it resulted in inferior damping characteristics for the composite. Composites with the KOH treated fibres were found to have superior damping characteristics and poor fibre-matrix adhesion. The compressive strength of composites produced with treated fibres was lower than the composite with untreated fibre and could only be improved with the addition of more fibres. Maximum compressive strength was observed for NaOH and KOH PALF/PE composites with 45 wt% fibre loading. Thermo-mechanical analysis indicated that PALF/PE composite with 45 wt% fibre loading displayed the least dimensional change indicating better dimensional stability. Superior vibration damping, dynamic mechanical and thermomechanical characteristics of the treated PALF/PE make them a promising candidate for applications requiring vibration damping characteristics and dimensional stability.

The Effect of Stacking Sequence and Ply Orientation on the Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre (PALF)/Carbon Hybrid Laminate Composites.

In this paper, the effects of stacking sequence and ply orientation on the mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)/carbon hybrid laminate composites were investigated. The hybrid laminates were fabricated using a vacuum infusion technique in which the stacking sequences and ply orientations were varied, which were divided into the categories of cross-ply symmetric, angle-ply symmetric, and symmetric quasi-isotropic. The results of tensile and flexural tests showed that the laminate with interior carbon plies and ply orientation [0°, 90°] exhibited the highest tensile strength (187.67 MPa) and modulus (5.23 GPa). However, the highest flexural strength (289.46 MPa) and modulus (4.82 GPa) were recorded for the laminate with exterior carbon plies and the same ply orientation. The fracture behaviour of the laminates was determined by using scanning electron microscopy, and the results showed that failure usually initiated at the weakest PALF layer. The failure modes included fibre pull-out, fibre breaking, matrix crack, debonding, and delamination.

Tensile Characterization of Pre-harvest Treated Pineapple Leaf Fibre

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of field practice on the tensile properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PAFL). The pineapple leaves were treated in the field with calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) at four concentrations (0 mg/l, 100 mg/l, 200 mg/l and 300 mg/l). All the treatments were applied through foliar application, twice monthly, for duration of five months. The pineapple leaves were harvested after five months of the treatment application, and their fibre extracted through the retting method. In addition, the cellulose content of the PALF was determined according to approved method. The extracted fibre was subjected to tensile test, using ASTM International approved methods. Results obtained from the tensile test revealed that the pre-harvested treatment had significant (p ≤0.5) effect on the tensile properties of the PALF. The tensile strength increased from 583.67 MPa to 880.83 MPa; while the Young’s modulus increased from 23.77 GPa to 28.23 GPa, as the treatment concentration increased from 0 mg/l to 300 mg/l. Likewise, the tensile elongation decreased from 3.13 mm to 1.83 mm, as the treatment concentration increased from 0 mg/l to 300 mg/l. In terms of the cellulose content, the study revealed that the cellulose content of the fibre increased significantly (p ≤0.05) with increased in the treatment concentration. At the concentration of 0 mg/l, the PAFL had cellulose content of 63.6%, which increased linearly to 77% at the concentration of 300 mg/l. From these results, it can be seen that field practice greatly increased the potential of PALF in composites production and other industrial applications.

Influence of Alkali Treatment and Fiber Content on Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF)-Reinforced Cement-Based Composites via Full Factorial Design

In tropical regions such as the Philippines, pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is abundantly available as a low-cost and renewable source for industrial purposes. In this research, PALF was used as a reinforcing material for cement-based composites to open up further possibilities in waste management. Since natural fibers are not fully compatible with the matrix due to their hydrophilic nature, surface treatment is necessary to enhance the fiber-matrix bonding. Fibers were treated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with varying concentrations (4%, 8% and 12%) for 6-hr immersion time at room temperature. PALF was then added at varying content (1%, 4% and 7% w/w cement) to the concrete mixture with a design mix ratio of 2:1 (sand: cement) and a constant water-cement ratio of 0.55. The samples were mechanically characterized after 28 curing days following ASTM C209 and ASTM C473. Full factorial experimental design (FFED) was used to investigate the effects of alkali treatment and the fiber content on the mechanical strengths of the composite. Experimental methods, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and normality test were carried out to evaluate, analyze and validate the results. The best results for tensile strength parallel to the surface and flexural strength at 2.028 MPa and 1.495 kN, respectively, were observed at composites with 1% PALF with 4% NaOH. Meanwhile, composites with 1% PALF with 12% NaOH showed the best result for tensile strength perpendicular to the surface at 1.681 MPa. According to ANOVA results, only the model for the tensile strength perpendicular to the surface showed a curvilinear behavior (p-value=0.012). Results revealed that the factor with the most significant effect was the interaction of the fiber content and alkali treatment on the tensile strength parallel to the surface (p-value=0.000), tensile strength perpendicular to the surface (p-value=0.001) and flexural strength (p-value=0.001).

Effects of extraction method on dry pulp yield and morphological properties of pineapple leaf fibre

Pineapple leaves (PALs) are useful agro wastes which have the potentials to be used as an alternative source of non-wood natural fiber. In this study, different extraction methods had been investigated to identify the most feasible pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) extraction method, based on the dry pulp yield and the PALF morphology. The manual retting using a ceramic scrapper led to low yield of around 1.8 % (wt.), while water retting for 21 d led to about 6.0 % (wt.) yield of dark greenish dry pulp. Both methods resulted in PALFs which still contained with non-cellulosic residues, as verified by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) imaging. The chemical extraction of PALF using various NaOH solution concentrations (i.e. 1 to 20 % (wt.)) gave different yields. Based on the SEM images, clean and smooth surfaces of fibrils were observed when the NaOH solution concentrations applied at or higher than 6 % (wt.), implying that all impurities including lignin and wax had been completely removed. The mechanical-chemical extraction method produced significantly more dry pulp compared to the chemical extraction method at the same NaOH solution concentration. This is attributed to the fact that the crushed PAL has a larger surface area, thus providing more reaction possibilities with NaOH solution. Finally, it was found that the crushed PAL that cooked at 90 °C needed at least 90 min of cooking time to obtain satisfying whitish dry pulp.