Process optimization and material characterization of fiberboards produced from pineapple leaf waste

Natural fibers, known for their accessibility and biodegradability, have been explored as alternatives in fiberboard production. This research focuses on harnessing pineapple leaves for crafting paper and fiberboard sheets. Three classifications of pineapple leaves underwent NaOH treatment (ranging from 0.5 to 2%) to facilitate paper production. Optimal NaOH concentrations were determined to be 2% for dried pineapple leaves, 0.5% for fresh pineapple leaves, and 0.5% for a mix of fresh pineapple leaves and straw. In the context of fiberboard sheets, thicknesses were standardized using an extrusion force of 8 kef/cm², resulting in 6, 9, and 12 mm variants. Flexural strength, tested in line with ASTM C293, peaked at 15.120 MPa for the 12 mm variant. Notably, water absorption capability improved by 65% when using the 12 mm pineapple leaf fiberboard. The observed thermal conductivity of this fiberboard lay between 0.03957 and 0.04295 W/m.K, denoting low thermal conductivity. These findings pave the way for the production of fiberboards tailored for residential constructions and energy-efficient applications, capitalizing on agricultural byproducts.