Bioplastic composites of pineapple leaf fibers with biopolymer
Abstract
Pineapple leaf that usually threw away has gained lots of attention from the
scientists. Salvaging natural fiber has carried out time to time. This study investigates the
effect on mechanical properties when pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) are reinforced with
biopolymer, polylactic acid (PLA). At the same time, production of this composite is
aiming to replace the non-biodegradable plastic. Pineapple leaves that collected for gratis
from the post-harvest will undergo retting process for a week after compressed using the
sugarcane machine. After extraction of fibers, the PALF was cut into 6-10 mm length to
ensure reinforcement process run efficiently. Both short treated and untreated PALF were
compounded respectively with PLA using the Z-blade mixer prior to compression molding
via hot press machine to form a sheet. Formation of composite sheet indicated the starting
of mechanical testing for tensile (ASTM D638), flexural (ASTM D790) and impact (ASTM
D256). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to scrutinize the topology and
morphology of the PALF/PLA composite while thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA)
determined the decomposition temperature of the composite. Outcome results showed
composite was brittle but able to withstand flexure and impact strength identical to neat
PLA sample. Treated PALF/PLA composite performed the best mechanical properties.