The Effect of Alkali and Fumigation Treatments on King Pineapple Fiber Properties and Interfacial Bonding of King Pineapple Fiber/Unsaturated Polyester on Microcrystalline Cellulose Reinforced Composite

Abstract

This study aims to determine and compare the effect of alkaline and fumigation treatment on the properties of King pineapple fibers (KPF) and the interfacial bond between King pineapple fibers/ unsaturated polyester and microcrystalline cellulose. Chemically, King pineapple fiber was extracted and dried at room temperature. The fiber was made using the alkaline method by soaking in 5% NaOH for 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, and 10 hours. The fumigation treatment method was carried out for 0 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, and 12 hours. The single fiber tensile strength test results showed an increase of 51.99% after the fumigation treatment and 59.62 % after the alkaline treatment. The increase in interface shear strength (IFSS) was 32.12% after fumigation treatment and 47.38% after alkaline treatment. The increase in fiber tensile strength and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) is caused by the loss of hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, and other impurities. These results indicate that the alkaline treatment is still better than the fumigation treatment.