Combining the pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) and industrial ramie fibre to the epoxy matrix for high-strength light weight medium-density fibreboards

In this research work, the mechanical properties, characterization studies, and absorption studies of ramie and pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)-reinforced epoxy hybrid polymer matrix composites are examined. A hot press compression moulding machine was used to produce the hybrid composites. Different lengths (10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm) and different weight percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) of ramie and PALF fibres are used during composite production. Tensile strength improved from 24.14 to 36.54 MPa, flexural strength improved from 29.46 to 48.18 MPa, and impact strength improved from 1.25 to 4.5 J. The Taguchi optimization technique was used to optimize the mechanical strength of the ramie and PALF hybrid composite samples. A contour plot was used to determine the optimum fibre length and fibre weight percentage. The Taguchi optimization mean plot, SN ratio plot, and contour plots clearly denote the optimum (larger strength is better) composite sample with respective length (20 mm) and weight percentage (30%). Absorption studies indicated the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the hybrid composite sample. The 30% of the PALF and ramie hybrid composites improved the absorption behaviour by up to 12%. Crystallinity index percentage varied between 44 and 56% according to the characterization studies. The FTIR method was used to identify the essential functional group in hybrid polymer composites. SEM studies identify fibre cracks, gaps, and voids between the hybrid composite's primary and secondary phases.