Poly(butylene succinate) composites containing 10 or 20 wt% garlic-peel or pineapple-leaf fiber were milled and compression-molded at 120 or 150 C. Pineapple fiber retained a higher effective aspect ratio, but this did not translate proportionally into flexural improvement. Flexural behavior depended strongly on orientation and molding temperature, favoring longitudinal specimens and 120 C, while impact behavior followed different trends.
Key findings
- Post-processing morphology alone did not predict reinforcement. • Longitudinal testing and 120 C molding improved flexural response. • More fiber improved flexural properties, while impact trends differed.
Why this matters globally
The study improves agricultural-residue biocomposite design by treating processing history, not initial aspect ratio alone, as a key variable.
Thai researcher contribution
KMITL and Mahidol University valorize garlic peel and pineapple leaves through biopolymer engineering.
Limitations to consider
Laboratory coupons do not establish moisture, aging, biodegradation, scale-up or life-cycle performance.