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

Abstract

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