An Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of a Gum Arabic-Integrated Pineapple Leaf Fibre-Based Kraft Paper

Authors

  • Edem Gatogo Pan African University, Institute for Basic Sciences Technology and Innovation
  • Sunday Albert Lawal Federal University of Technology Minna
  • John Gerald Odhiambo Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Onesmus Mutuku Muvengei Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Keywords:

Pineapple Leaf Fibre, Gum Arabic, Mechanical properties, PALF-based kraft paper, Sustainable packaging

Abstract

Pineapple Leaf Fibre (PALF), a byproduct of pineapple cultivation, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional wood-based kraft paper and plastic-based packaging materials. However, balancing the tensile strength and flexibility for improved mechanical properties remains a challenge. This study investigates the integration of Gum Arabic (GA) into PALF-based Kraft Paper to optimize its tensile strength and flexibility. The effects of chemical treatments on pulp yield, chemical composition, and mechanical performance were analyzed. The results indicated that the incorporation of Gum Arabic significantly improved the mechanical properties of kraft paper, with the best tensile strength of 16.21N/mm² ± 4.95N/mm² observed for GA-integrated paper at 50% GA concentration, surpassing conventional wood-based kraft paper in flexibility and strength. Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was used to optimize multi-response parameters, yielding optimal tensile strength and flexibility values of 22.82 N/mm² and 2.33%, respectively. Comparative analysis shows that Gum Arabic integrated Pineapple Leaf Fibre-Based Kraft Paper possesses enhanced structural integrity. These findings accentuate the potential of PALF as a green alternative in Kraft paper
production, offering a sustainable solution for packaging applications.

Author Biographies

Sunday Albert Lawal, Federal University of Technology Minna

Department of Mechanical Engineering

John Gerald Odhiambo, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Department of Marine Engineering and Maritime Operations

Onesmus Mutuku Muvengei, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Published

2025-05-27

How to Cite

Gatogo, E., Lawal, S. A., Odhiambo, J. G. ., & Muvengei, O. M. (2025). An Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of a Gum Arabic-Integrated Pineapple Leaf Fibre-Based Kraft Paper. JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING, 8(4), 175–186. Retrieved from https://jsre.jkuat.ac.ke/index.php/jsre/article/view/223

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2025): JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Edem Gatogo, Sunday Albert Lawal, John Gerald Odhiambo, Onesmus Mutuku Muvengei

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