A review on pineapple leaf fibers, sisal fibers and their biocomposites

The use of lignocellulosic fibers, pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and sisal as reinforcements in thermoplastic and thermosetting resins for developing low cost and lightweight composites is an emerging field of research in polymer science and technology. Although, these biofibers have several advantages, such as low densities, low cost, nonabrasive nature, high filling level possible, low energy consumption, high specific properties, biodegradability, etc., over synthetic fibers, the absorption of moisture by untreated biofibers, poor wettability, and insufficient adhesion between the polymer matrix and fiber deteriorate the mechanical properties of composites made up of these biofibers. Therefore, the modification of these fibers is a key area of research at present to obtain optimum fiber-matrix properties. This review article is concerned with the structure, composition and properties of PALF and sisal, the chemical modification of these fibers and PALF/sisal-reinforced thermosets, thermoplastics, rubber, cement, hybrids and biocomposites.