Effects of acetylation treatment on pineapple leaf fiber (Ananas comosus) reinforced with tapioca bio-based resin (cassava starch)

Abstract

In this research, the effects of acetylation treatment on pineapple leaf fiber (Ananas comosus) reinforced with tapioca bio resin (cassava starch) were studied. The mechanical and chemical properties were examined using a yarn textile machine and an FTIR instrument. Alkali (NaOH), glacial acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O) were used for the treatment. After the treatment, an increase in the surface roughness of the fiber and a reduction in its hydrophobic nature were observed. A better mechanical locking property was also achieved due to the introduction of void on the fiber’s surface. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that there were slow but consistent changes that led to the removal of materials like oil, lignin, wax and pectin when the treatment time was increased. The results show various peaks in the absorbance versus wave number relation and the presence of O-H stretch, H-C-H bond, N-H stretch and N=O bond. The results from the tensile test proved that acetylation-treated pineapple fiber reinforced with cassava enhances the mechanical strength of the fiber when compared with untreated fiber.

Keywords:

• Acetylation
• cassava starch
• fiber
• pineapple leaf
• FTIR

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.