Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Kenaf - Pineapple Leaf Fibre (PALF) Epoxy Composite For Engineering Application

Abstract

Natural fibres nowadays have been famously investigated as alternative fibres due to the depletion of petroleum sources. There are several natural fibres such as jute, hemp, sisal, kenaf, and pineapple leaf that have been actively investigated in terms of their mechanical properties. Malaysia produces kenaf and pineapple as its main commodities. The sources of kenaf and pineapple leaf can be obtained easily. Therefore, this research is focusing on the kenaf and pineapple leaf. Previous researchers have proved that the kenaf and pineapple leaf fibres have good mechanical properties. This study aims to characterized the mechanical properties of a hybrid kenaf and pineapple leaf Fibre (PALF) epoxy composite for engineering application. Different compositions ofkenaf and PALF were formulated to compare the best composition in terms of maximum stress. The tensile test was performed via the Universal Testing Machine. Hybridization of pineapple leaf fibre and kenaf fibre at a composition of 75 % pineapple leaf fibre to 25% kenaf fibre which is 87.06 MPa, shows the highest maximum stress. The result found that this composition performs better than the previous investigation of hybrid natural fibre. As a result, the findings of this study may provide a clear indication that natural fibre should be used rather than being discarded, particularly by the agricultural industry.