The cellulose effect on the tensile properties of pineapple leaf, coconut coir, and banana stem fibers reinforced natural rubber composites

Abstract A high demand for green, non-toxic, renewable, and environmentally friendly materials is mainly needed for bio application. Natural fiber composite reinforced natural rubber composite has potential in such applications. In this study, the materials used were natural rubber and natural fibers. The natural fibers were pineapple leaves, coconut coir, and banana stems. The cellulose content of pineapple leaf fiber, coconut coir fiber, and banana stem fiber was 50.98%, 33.10%, and 33.00% cellulose. The composite preparation was as follows: firstly, the fiber and natural rubber from the latex. Secondly, the fiber was arranged in the mold, and then the latex was poured into the mold and left to dry overnight. Then, the specimen was pressed with a load of 8 tons for 30 minutes. Finally, the specimens were dried in oven at 150°C. The pineapple fiber reinforced natural rubber has the highest tensile strength, followed by coconut fiber reinforced rubber composite, and the lowest was banana fiber reinforced rubber composites. The SEM observation shows a higher compatibility between the natural rubber matrix with the pineapple fiber as compare to the coconut and banana fibers.