Characteristic of polypropylene/ cellulose biocomposite derived from pineapple leaves fibre /

Noor Zahira Binti Noor Khizan,

Characteristic of polypropylene/ cellulose biocomposite derived from pineapple leaves fibre / Noor Zahira Binti Noor Khizan - xi, 63 pages : illustrations ;

Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology

Final Year Report (Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Technology) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah - 2024

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The production of cellulose and biocomposite from pineapple leaves fiber represents a sustainable and innovative approach towards developing eco-friendly materials. The objective of this research is to study the characteristic of polypropylene/cellulose biocomposite derived from pineapple leaves fibre (PALF) treated with NaOH. This study focuses on the extraction of cellulose from pineapple leaves through an alkaline treatment process, optimizing parameters for enhanced purity. The extracted cellulose is then integrated into biocomposites by combining it with a polypropylene matrix, with varying weight percentages to evaluate the influence on mechanical and thermal properties. Fibre was treated with NaOH solution (3wt% and 5wt%) for 6 hours at room temperature. The treated and untreated fibre with size of <500 μm were extruded with polypropylene (PP) at fiber content of 5, 10 and 15wt%. The effect of alkaline treatment was analyzed for its chemical composition, thermal stability and morphology. The biocomposites were tested for its tensile properties and water absorption. For analysis, microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals a well-dispersed fibre network emphasizing the effectiveness of the alkaline treatment. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms successful cellulose extraction, showcasing characteristic peaks and compatibility with the polymer matrix. Thermal stability analysis through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicates improved thermal to degradation. Moreover, tensile strength testing demonstrates enhanced mechanical performance with optimal weight percentages, emphasizing the importance of balanced fiber-matrix ratios while water absorption analysis reveals reduced water uptake, indicating improved hydrophobicity and resistance to environmental moisture. The physical appearance of the biocomposites is aesthetically pleasing and uniform, aligning with potential applications in various industries. Results showed that alkaline treatment at 3wt% for 6 hours had higher cellulose composition which was 29% compared to untreated fibre. Thermal stability of treated sample increased and had high percentage of residue which showed the improved hydrophobicity of the sample. The surface of treated sample was rough due to removal of hemicellulose and lignin. The tensile properties of biocomposite prepared from 3wt% NaOH with 15wt% fibre loading were higher by 43% compared to untreated. This study shows that alkaline treated fibre had better characteristics compared to untreated fibre and lead to the higher tensile properties of the PP-based biocomposite. Furthermore, after being immersed in water until reached the saturation point at a duration of 7 days, it shows that alkali treated PALF at 5wt% showed that the treatment was successfully removed some percentage of hemicellulose and lignin content and decreased the water absorption of its PALF/PP biocomposite. Recommendations for future research include conducting a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the overall environmental impact and comprehensive mechanical testing and exploring environmentally friendly solvents for cellulose extraction could minimize the ecological footprint of the process

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