Taweechai Amornsakchai

            This research aims to develop high-performance and low-carbon composites using bio-based poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) reinforced with well-aligned pineapple leaf fibers (PALF). PBS/PALF composites containing 10% and 20% PALF by weight (wt.%) were prepared using a two-roll mill. During the mixing process, the molten material was slightly stretched to align the fibers in the machine direction, forming uniaxial prepreg. The prepreg was subsequently stacked and compressed into composite sheets at compression temperatures of 120 °C and 140 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and crystalline morphology analysis revealed the presence of matrix orientation in the prepreg, which was preserved in sheets compressed at 120 °C but not at 140 °C. The composites prepared at 120 °C exhibited significantly higher flexural strength and modulus compared to those prepared at 140 °C, attributed to the combined effect of matrix and PALF orientation. Additionally, the composites displayed an increase in heat distortion temperature, with a maximum of 10 °C higher than the matrix melting temperature (~113 °C) for the composite with 20 wt.% PALF. These findings indicate the potential for increased utilization of this low-carbon green composite.

Reference:

“Achieving High-Performance Green Composites from Pineapple Leaf Fiber−Poly(butylene succinate) through Both Fiber Alignment and Matrix Orientation across the Thickness”, Duangsuwan, S.; Amornsakchai, T., Phinyocheep, P.; Thanawan, S., ACS Omega, 2023, 8 (39), 35693–35705.