Effect of alkali treatment on mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber/polyester composites by vacuum infusion method

This study investigates the effects of fiber treatments on mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced polyester composites (PALF/PE). The Fiber treatments were conducted with 3%, 6% and 9% NaOH for 2 hours. The untreated and treated PALF/PE composites were fabricated by the vacuum infusion method. The result analysis revealed that PALF/PE composites treated with NaOH indicated an increasing pattern in mechanical properties compared to untreated PALF/PE composites. The highest tensile strength was112 Mpa at 6 % NaOH and the highest impact strength was 0.11891 Joule/mm2 at 6 % NaOH. Moreover, the fracture images indicate relatively less fiber pull-out and improved fiber/matrix adhesion. The composites would be promising for construction, furniture and automotive materials due to their superior mechanical properties.