Fabrication and Characterization of Pineapple Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Based Composites

Abstract

Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF)-reinforced polypropylene (PP) based composites were prepared successfully by conventional compression molding technique. Different percentages (25,30,35, 40 and 405% by weight) of fiber were used to prepare composites. Tensile Strength (TS), Tensile Modulus (TM), Elongation at Break (Eb %), Bending Strength (BS), Bending Modulus (BM) and Impact Strength (IS) were evaluated. The 45 wt% PALF/PP composite exhibited an increase of 132% TS, 412% TM, 155% BS, 265% BM, and 140% IS with respect to the matrix material (PP). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was employed for functional group analysis of PALF/PP composites. For all percentages of fiber, the composites demonstrated lower water uptake. The fabricated composites were immersed in alkali solution (Sodium hydroxide solution, 3%, 5% and 7% by weight) for 60 min and showed low TS, TM and Eb% compared to control composites.