Sustainable chemically treated lignocellulosic pineapple leaf fibre-reinforced polymer composites: mechanical properties, environmental aspects and applications

Abstract

In conjunction with environmental concerns, the cheap raw materials, renewability and value properties, besides the decline of synthetic material resources such as petroleum, have increased the interest in lignocellulosic fibre-based composites. The progress of lignocellulosic fibre in plastic technology has emerged into a new path to engulf this current issue due to its availability and sustainability, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, especially on Goal 12, and less hazard to humans and the environment. In Malaysia, pineapple has been one of the cash crops used to plant while waiting for the growth of oil palm plantations. In this particular case, pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) is one of Malaysia’s abundantly available waste materials. However, certain varieties, including MD2, Pina, and Sarawak, have yet to undergo the comprehensive study necessary to unlock their full potential. From an economic perspective, the PALF can be considered a new raw material source for industries that can substitute for glass fibre. However, the main disadvantage of PALF is its hydrophilic characteristics, which consume high moisture uptake and cause a reduction in mechanical properties. Therefore, researchers introduce chemical treatments to improve fibre wettability and increase fibre/matrix bonding. Based on the current literature, no one has written a review on the influence of chemical treatment on the mechanical behaviour of PALF-reinforced polymer composites. Hence, this review critically discussed the recent works on the influence of various chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of PALF-reinforced polymer composites to measure their potentiality for structural uses.