Synergistic effects of Areca and pineapple fiber reinforcements for sustainability of functionalized polypropylene hybrid composites

Palsule process has successfully been applied to develop pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) and areca nut fibers (ANF) reinforced chemically functionalized polypropylene (CF-PP) hybrid composites, [PALF/ANF]/CF-PP hybrid composites. The composites have been developed by extrusion and their samples have been obtained by injection molding. FE-SEM confirms that the PALF/ANF reinforcements are well adhered to the matrix in the hybrid composites. FTIR establishes their origin in the esterification forming ester bonds and also hydrogen bonds being formed between them. Mechanical properties of [PALF/ANF]/CF-PP hybrid composites increase in proportion to the increase in the contents of the PALF reinforcement in the hybrid composites, because of PALF having 20 % higher holo-cellulose than ANF. Of all the hybrid composites, the [20/10]/70 [PALF/ANF]/CF-PP composite has the highest mechanical properties, because of the highest combined holo-cellulose contents in their reinforcing PALF/ANF combinations, however, this hybrid composite composition also absorbs the highest amount of water. The processed [PALF/ANF]/CF-PP hybrid eco-friendly composites promote economy of farmers cultivating PALF and ANF fibers, and have technological and economic advantages, and therefore are sustainable materials. • [PALF/ANF]/CF-PP hybrid composites, developed by Palsule process. • Ester and hydrogen bonds impart reinforcements/matrix adhesion. • Reinforcement/matrix synergism imparts optimum properties and moisture absorption. • The developed hybrid composites are potentially sustainable materials.