Water Absorption Behaviour and Mechanical Performance of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites

E. H. Agung; M. H. M. Hamdan; Januar Parlaungan Siregar; D. Bachtiar; C. Tezara; J. Jamiluddin

doi:10.15282/ijame.15.4.2018.4.0441

Authors

E. H. Agung Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Malahayati, Jl. Pramuka No. 27, Kemiling, Bandar Lampung, 35153, Indonesia.
M. H. M. Hamdan Structural Materials and Degradation Focus Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
Januar Parlaungan Siregar Structural Materials and Degradation Focus Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
D. Bachtiar Structural Materials and Degradation Focus Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
C. Tezara Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering & Quantity Surveying, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
J. Jamiluddin Structural Materials and Degradation Focus Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.15.4.2018.4.0441

Keywords:

Mechanical properties; pineapple leaf fibre; polylactic acid; water absorption; maleated polyethyelene

Abstract

Fast-growing scientific work is focusing on alternative sources to replace modern synthetic fibre materials due to the adverse effects caused by petroleum-based materials. Natural fibre possesses high potential as a replacement for synthetic fibre and petroleum-based products. These materials are not only greener and environmental-friendly, but also safe for human health. As such, this study investigated the influence of compatibilising agent of maleated anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) on mechanical performance of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). The raw materials, such as PALF, PLA, and MAPE, were mixed by using a hot roller mixer machine and hot compression moulding at 190ºC. The specimens were then tested for water absorption and flexibility. The specimens were submerged in water for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Three types of tests were conducted, namely water absorption, tensile, and flexural assessments. The results of water absorption, tensile, and flexural tests for the untreated PALF composite (UPALF) and treated PLAF composite (TPALF) were recorded and explained. As a conclusion, composite materials based on hydrophilic natural fibre may reduce the tensile and flexural properties of the composite.