Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of pineapple leaf and kenaf fabrics as potential reinforcement in bio-composites

The current focus has been shifted from artificial to natural fibers due to increasing environmental awareness and consciousness. In this regard, various types of natural fiber have been explored as potential reinforcement in composite materials. Pineapple leaf and kenaf fibers have been shown to have several outstanding characteristics over other natural fibers. This study examines the physical and mechanical properties of pineapple leaf and kenaf fabrics in plain weave architectures to determine their potential as reinforcement in composite laminates. A comprehensive characterization was performed on the two types of woven fabrics. Moreover, the tensile properties of both dry and wet woven fabrics were identified in two different orientations. The findings showed that the fabric density and weight of PALF were slightly higher than kenaf fabrics. However, the yarn size, crimp level, and fabric thickness of PALF were smaller than kenaf. In terms of tensile properties, the tensile strength and modulus of fabrics in the warp direction were higher than in the weft direction, regardless of fiber type. Fabrics at an off-axis angle demonstrated the lowest tensile strength and modulus but exhibited the highest tensile strain. In addition, it was found that the moisture absorption of the fabrics deteriorated their tensile strength and modulus but increased the tensile strain. Overall, PALF fabrics with lower crimp levels and higher mechanical properties outperformed kenaf fabrics, and thus, PALF fabrics have a higher potential to be the reinforcement for biocomposites.