Abstract
A study on chemical, morphology, and thermal analysis of cultivated pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) were carried out. The chemical compositions were determined by using Technical Association Pulp and Paper Industries standards. Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy analysis of PALF detect sharp band at 1,733 cm(-1), due to the absorption of carbonyl stretching of ester and carboxyl groups which is most abundant in pineapple leaf hemicelluloses. Cell wall ultra structure of PALF was studied by using Transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron micrograph confirmed that cell wall structure of PALF consists of middle lamella, primary wall and secondary wall including S-1, S-2 and S-3 layers. X-Ray Diffraction indicated that PALF have crystalline nature. Thermal analysis of PALF shows that T-10% and T-50% weight loss occurred at temperature of 212 and 306 A degrees C respectively. Differential Scanning Calorimetry of PALF showed the broad endothermic peak at a temperature of 80 A degrees C. The relationships between these properties were discussed and relate it with industrial application of pineapple leaf fibers.