Water Absorption Behaviour and Mechanical Performance of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites

Abstract

Fast-growing scientific work is focusing on alternative sources to replace modern synthetic fibre materials due to the adverse effects caused by petroleum-based materials. Natural fibre possesses high potential as a replacement for synthetic fibre and petroleum-based products. These materials are not only greener and environmental-friendly, but also safe for human health. As such, this study investigated the influence of compatibilising agent of maleated anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) on mechanical performance of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). The raw materials, such as PALF, PLA, and MAPE, were mixed by using a hot roller mixer machine and hot compression moulding at 190ºC. The specimens were then tested for water absorption and flexibility. The specimens were submerged in water for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Three types of tests were conducted, namely water absorption, tensile, and flexural assessments. The results of water absorption, tensile, and flexural tests for the untreated PALF composite (UPALF) and treated PLAF composite (TPALF) were recorded and explained. As a conclusion, composite materials based on hydrophilic natural fibre may reduce the tensile and flexural properties of the composite.

Physical and flammability properties of treated sugar palm fibre reinforced polylactic acid composites

“…The sorption coefficient decreased after treatment, proving that treated composites exhibit good adhesion between SPF and the matrix compared to untreated fibre reinforced PLA composites. Similar trends of diminished sorption coefficient values for pineapple leaf fibre reinforced PLA composites were also reported by Agung et al 49,66 Figure 6 displays the diffusion curves for untreated and treated SPF/PLA composites. Compared to D and P, the value of S is higher, implying an increased tendency of the penetrant to dissolve into the polymer.…”

Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability of Polylactic Acid/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene with Cellulose Particle Isolated from Nypa Fruticans Husk

“…This microcrack served as a precursor area to leach surrounding water into the matrix. These phenomena accelerated the biodegradation process as compared to PLA/ABS/NFH biocomposite due to the difference in water uptake rate [29]. Figure 7(a) shows the fractured surface of PLA/ABS blend.…”

Investigation of the Effect of Coupling Agent on the Properties of Kenaf Fiber/Polypropylene Composites

“…Kenaf fibres is preferably to be choose by the industrial as its potential to be a polymer reinforcements in the natural fibre composite industry. Numerous previous studied had claimed that mechanical strength and thermal properties of kenaf composite are superior to other type of natural fibre polymer composites, thus regarded as a suitable applicant for high-performance kenaf fibre polymer composites [6][7][8].…”

“…The use of kenaf fiber-reinforced composites has increased in the building, maritime, packaging, sports, and automotive industries in recent years, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. In addition, the surface morphology of reinforcements and hybridization of reinforcements present opportunities for the development of materials with a cost advantage for specific applications [8][9]. A select number of automakers use kenaf fibre reinforced composites to manufacture automobile interior components including door panels, armrests, seat backs, dashboards, package trays, trunk liners, headliners, and consoles.…”