Nurhusna Faranisha Binti Jefrosd, <br/><br/>
The effect of naoh concentration hybrid with steam treatment for cellulose production / 
Nurhusna Faranisha Binti Jefrosd 
 - xi, 53 pages :  illustrations ; 
<br/><br/> Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology 
<br/><br/>Final Year Report (Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Technology (Hons) ) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah - 2025 
<br/><br/>Include bibliographical reference 
<br/><br/> The promise of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites to address the increasing need for environmentally friendly, lightweight, and high-performance materials has gained considerable interest in recent years. These composites are a promising alternative to synthetic fibre-reinforced materials due to their cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and renewable nature. This work emphasizes on the utilization of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), an easily accessible agricultural byproduct, as a reinforcement material in biocomposites based on polypropylene (PP). It especially explores the impact of hybrid steam treatment and alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on cellulose extraction, with the purpose of enhancing the interfacial adhesion between the fibres and the polymer matrix. A controlled autoclave cycle of 20 minutes is applied to evaluate the impact of different NaOH concentrations (0.5 wt.%, 1.0 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, and 2.0 wt.%) on the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the fibre. The treated fibres undergo analysis after bleaching using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to determine chemical structure, surface morphology, and thermal stability. These treatments are intended to enhance the cellulose content and surface texture of the fibres, hence strengthening their bonding with the PP matrix, by eliminating lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities. The fibres are integrated into PP at two independent fibre loadings (5% and 10% by weight) following the treatment. The resulting composite samples are then subjected to a range of manufacturing techniques, including extrusion, palletisation, and hot-cold press moulding, to produce high-quality and homogenous biocomposites. Tensile strength tests are done to evaluate the mechanical properties of the biocomposites in order to identify their load-bearing capacity, while water absorption assessments are implemented to evaluate their moisture resistance. The fibre’s surface qualities are greatly improved by the combination of alkali and steam treatment, as demonstrated by early studies. This leads in better fibre-matrix adhesion. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in water absorption and an increase in tensile strength, so addressing two important difficulties in natural fibre-reinforced composites. By optimizing treatment and fibre loading, this research helps develop biocomposites with superior mechanical performance and durability. This research promotes cost-effective and eco-friendly composite materials to help create a circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. 
<br/><br/><label>ISBN: </label>THE0010927 (Local) 
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