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Plant fibers' wide availability and accessibility are the main causes of the growing interest in sustainable technologies. The two primary factors to consider while concentrating on composite materials are their low weight and highly specific features, as well as their environmental friendliness. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) stands out among natural fibers due to its rich cellulose content, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and good fiber strength. This review provides an intensive assessment of the surface treatment, extraction, characterization, modifications and progress, mechanical properties, and potential applications of PALF-based polymer composites. Classification of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, chemical composition, micro cellulose, nanocellulose, and cellulose-based polymer composite applications have been extensively reviewed and reported. Besides, the reviewed PALF can be extracted into natural fiber cellulose and lignin can be used as reinforcement for the development of polymer biocomposites with desirable properties. Furthermore, this review article is keen to study the biodegradation of natural fibers, lignocellulosic biopolymers, and biocomposites in soil and ocean environments. Through an evaluation of the existing literature, this review provides a detailed summary of PALF-based polymer composite material as suitable for various industrial applications, including energy generation, storage, conversion, and mulching films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites based on natural polymers alone are extremely sensitive to moisture and their mechanical properties deteriorate upon the absorption of water, limiting their usefulness in practical applications. Ongoing research cooperation between USDA and the University of Pisa, Italy, has yielded several composites based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and corn fibers (CF). In this study, variable amounts of CF and PVA were processed in the presence of both dry and liquid plasticizers, glycerol and pentaerythritol. Cornstarch was introduced in the formulation to reduce the cost and to further increase the composition of natural components in the composites. Composites made with as low as 30% PVA were injection molded into tensile bars and evaluated. The addition of starch moderately reduced the tensile properties of the composites, lowering the elongation (∼600% to 400%) and increasing Young's modulus (∼36 MPa to ∼100 MPa) while the ultimate tensile strength remained constant at about 8 MPa. Composites prepared from CF and PVA showed little change in their mechanical properties even after conditioning them at various relative humidities, or after soaking in water. Composites tested after storage for one year, at 50% relative humidity and 23°C, exhibited mechanical properties similar to those of freshly prepared composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of the cross-section and longitudinal-section of bagasse fibers of Agave angustifolia Haw from the elaboration process of mezcal were investigated and tensile tests were performed in function of the diameter (0.20–0.79 mm), gauge length (10, 15 and 20 mm) and strain rate (5–50 mm/min). The cross-section of the fibers is ribbon-shape like with dislocations and the longitudinal section has mechanical damage in its surface. The ultimate tensile strength (14.83–86.51 MPa) and Young’s modulus (0.20–1.26 GPa) are influenced by the diameter and the strain rate, while the strain at failure (16–26%) is influenced by the gauge length. These results are discussed in light of information on relationship between morphology and tensile properties of natural fibers and possible effects of the elaboration process of mezcal.

The article discusses the study conducted on the bagasse fibers of the plant Agave angustifolia including the mezcal elaboration process, tests for tensile strength influenced by strain rate, and testing strain failure from gauge length.