Effect of Extraction on the Mechanical, Physical and Biological Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibres

Abstract

Natural fibres have been acknowledged as potential material in many countries and widely used in vast application due to its specific properties and positive environmental impact. Selection of natural fibres for research or applications is categorized as per availability in particular region. Pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) are well-known fibre in South-East Asia. Pineapple leaf contains only 2.5–3.5% fibre, covered by a hydrophobic waxy layer. Suitable extraction method is the main challenged to obtain good quality PALF for future applications. The methods for PALF extraction were classified into three main categories, manual, mechanical and retting method. Physical and mechanical properties of PALF may differ from the other PALF due to the different extraction method. Extraction of thousands of tons of PALF can be done only after harvesting the fruit. The extraction method was chosen based on different criteria that involve cost of manufacturing, PALF stiffness, physical appearances and time consumption. This topic aims to indicate different extraction methods to obtain PALF and discussed on its physical and mechanical properties.