Potential of Pineapple Leaf Fibers as Sound and Thermal Insulation Materials in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to create a database of botanical characteristics including fiber morphology, chemical composition and physical properties of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) from different areas of Thailand. Production efficacy and potential of PALF panel as sound and thermal insulation material were also investigated. Information on the botanical characteristics and morphology of Batavia pineapple leaf fibers from different areas of Thailand and commercial sound and thermal insulation products made from various materials was collected and used as primary and secondary data for business feasibility analysis as technique, cost and market. Results showed that thermal properties of PALF composites were better than commercial composites containing asbestos and PET fiber and similar to glass fiber composites. The sound absorption property of PALF composites was lower than polyester fiber but better than glass fiber and comparable with asbestos. The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) value of PALF composite products was lower than sound insulation materials made of PET fiber, a similar type of material to PALF composites. The developed PALF sound absorption and heat insulation panel showed promise as a commercial product in terms of production technology, market trend and competitive cost.