Effect of Extraction Process and Surface Treatment on the mechanical properties in Pineapple Leaf Fibre

Abstract

Pineapple Leaf Fibre (PALF) is a one of the natural fibre that has high potential in the industry. Natural fibres have become the main alternative source in the modern world industry. The objective of this study is to observe the effect chemical treatment using Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution on the physical and mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibre. Different concentration of NaOH solution (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%) and different treatment time (1 hour, 3 hour and 5 hour) are used for the experiment. The tensile test was conducted to obtain the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Yong modulus, (E) and elongation at break. From the results obtained, NaOH concentration of 6% and five-hour treatment time that was used for treatment showed the higher physical and mechanical properties values. Furthermore, morphology analysis also shows the surface of the fibre at 6% NaOH after five-hour of treatment was in the better condition with good bonding arrangement of the fibre.