Rapid Fabrication of Pineapple Leaf Fibers from Discarded Leaves by Using Electrolysis of Brine

Abstract

Instead of contributing to global warming by the traditional method—burning crop wastes—in this study, discarded pineapple leaves were rapidly turned into multifunctional fibers: pineapple leaf fibers (PALF). In addition, the presence of pure hydrogen during treatment can be a competitive advantage. PALF were extracted by a conventional technique, then immersed into sodium hydroxide 6% before it was treated with an electrolysis system of sodium chloride 3%. The crystallinity index increased 57.4% of treated PALF, and was collected from XRD. Meanwhile, the removal of hemicellulose and lignin in the fiber formation was presented at the absorbance peak of around 1730 cm−1 by FTIR spectrums. Simultaneously, the purity of hydrogen reached 99% and was confirmed by GC analysis. The obtained PALF and hydrogen can be used for further consideration, aiming for a circular economy.