Abstract:
This study aimed to develop pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) which is very tough as a value added composite reinforced with polymer. This can be used as an alternative environment friendly material. Hence, Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) was studied.
To prepare the fiber, a 2 centimeter-long pineapple leaf was immersed in 5, 7, 10% wt. of NaOH for 6, 12, and 24 hours. The treated fiber was then rinsed with 7 pH distilled water and dried in the oven at 60 degree Celsius for 24 hours. Next, it was mixed with polymer by a two-roll mill at 180 degree Celsius. After that, the composite was fabricated by compression molding at 90 MPa and 180 degree Celsius for improving, non-improving surface of pineapple leaf fiber, and added coupling agent. This aimed to examine the effect of PALF on mechanical property of composite by implementing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 % wt. of PALF.
The yellow like composite gained was then tested for its mechanical property. It revealed that its tensile strength increased with an increased amount of PALF. However, its hardness differed slightly because PALF reinforced polymer matrix in tensile testing at break and % elongation at break. This composite had mechanical property suitable for use as environment-friendly material.