Recent study by R. Bharath and P.A. Jeeva detailed their findings on creating composite pipes using pineapple fiber and two different filler materials: biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and biosilica. The study aimed to evaluate the mechanical and water absorption behavior of these composite pipes, finding that the addition of biosilica, particularly at a 3% volume ratio, significantly enhances the pipe’s strength compared to biochar fillers.  

The pursuit of sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics has led to increased interest in biodegradable polymers and natural fiber composites. Pineapple fiber, known for its high cellulose content, offers a promising reinforcement for these composites due to its strength and eco-friendly nature. This research explores the use of biochar from pineapple leaf waste and biosilica from barley straw to further enhance the properties of pineapple fiber-reinforced composite pipes.  

The researchers fabricated composite pipes using a prepreg method, combining polyester resin, pineapple fiber, and either biochar or biosilica fillers. They then conducted a series of tests to assess the mechanical properties and water absorption of the resulting pipes.  

One of the key findings of the study is the superior performance of biosilica-filled composites in terms of flat-wise compression strength. Specifically, the composite with 3 vol.% biosilica (PS3) exhibited a 98.6% improvement in flat-wise compression strength compared to the composite with 3 vol.% biochar (PC3). This result suggests that biosilica more effectively enhances the composite’s ability to withstand compressive loads, which is crucial for structural applications.  

Overall, the research indicates that while both biochar and biosilica can improve the mechanical properties of pineapple fiber-reinforced composites, biosilica offers distinct advantages, particularly in enhancing compressive strength and hardness. These findings have significant implications for the development of sustainable and high-performance materials for various industrial and structural applications.  

Source: R. Bharath & P. A. Jeeva (2025). Production and Characterization of Natural Fibre and Porous Biochar Particle Toughened Composite Pipes Prepared Via Prepreg Method. Fibers and Polymers, 0, 0-0.