Comparative Study of Flax and Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Poly(butylene succinate): Effect of Fiber Content on Mechanical Properties

Abstract

In this study, we compare the reinforcing efficiency of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and cultivated flax fiber in unidirectional poly(butylene succinate) composites. Flax, known for robust mechanical properties, is contrasted with PALF, a less studied but potentially sustainable alternative. Short fibers (6 mm) were incorporated at 10 and 20% wt. levels. After two-roll mill mixing, uniaxially aligned prepreg sheets were compression molded into composites. At 10 wt.%, PALF and flax exhibited virtually the same stress–strain curve. Interestingly, PALF excelled at 20 wt.%, defying its inherently lower tensile properties compared to flax. PALF/PBS reached 70.7 MPa flexural strength, 2.0 GPa flexural modulus, and 107.3 °C heat distortion temperature. Comparable values for flax/PBS were 57.8 MPa, 1.7 GPa, and 103.7 °C. X-ray pole figures indicated similar matrix orientations in both composites. An analysis of extracted fibers revealed differences in breakage behavior. This study highlights the potential of PALF as a sustainable reinforcement option. Encouraging the use of PALF in high-performance bio-composites aligns with environmental goals.

Preparation and Spectroscopic, Thermal, and Mechanical Characterization of Biocomposites of Poly(butylene succinate) and Onion Peels or Durum Wheat Bran

“…The main way to reduce the price of biodegradable polymer materials as well as to modify their properties is to use natural fillers such as wood chips [9], ground bran of wheat cereals [10][11][12], rice [13], ground coffee beans [14][15][16], shells of various nuts [17][18][19], natural fibers [20] (cellulose, hemp, flax, sugar cane, bamboo) and many other types of agricultural waste [21][22][23][24]. The latest works published in 2023 year on PBS compositions concerns the use of fillers such as biochar [25][26][27], flax and pineapple leaf fiber [28,29], graphene nanoplatelets and starch-based materials [30], biogenic wine by-products [31], plant fibers (jute, kenaf, flax, and hemp) [32], rice straw fiber [33], and nanofibrillated cellulose [34].…”

Modifications of Phase Morphology, Physical Properties, and Burning Anti-Dripping Performance of Compatibilized Poly(butylene succinate)/High-Density Polyethylene Blend by Adding Nanofillers

“…Its fine mechanical/thermal properties and processability make PBS one of the most promising sustainable (biodegradable) aliphatic polyesters [13][14][15]. PBS is widely used in textiles, monofilaments, packaging, and medical products [16][17][18]. However, its relatively high cost, low melt viscosity, limited gas barrier properties, and inadequate toughness hinder its commercial feasibility in further applications [19,20].…”