Fabrication and characterization of bio composite fiber boards from areca leaf sheaths

Abstract

Bio composite fiber boards were fabricated by utilizing the areca leaf sheaths. Areca leaf sheaths were obtained from areca nut tree and these leaf sheaths have fewer applications. Usually, these areca sheaths were decomposed in the soil without much utilization for practical applications. Bio composite fiber boards were fabricated by following the suitable methodology. The pulp consistency of the prepared pulp was determined by varying the different parameters. The pulp consistency of the fiber was found to be best suitable for manufacturing of bio composite medium-density fiber boards. The effect of NaOH on the fiber boards was also studied for different concentrations of NaOH and for the different soaking times. The density of the Bio composite fiber boards was studied by varying the different parameters during the fabrication methodology. Surface roughness (S_a) and Profile roughness (R_a) of the fabricated fiber boards were studied using NANOVEA ST400 USA-made 3D non-contact profilometer. It was found that the Surface Roughness value and Profile Roughness value of the fabricated materials are almost similar to the commercially available fiber sheets.