Muhammad Arsyad Suyuti, Rusdi Nur, Ahmad Nurul Muttaqin, Djarot B. Darmadi, Dahlang Tahir
This study presents an eco-friendly, statistically optimized approach to enhancing the mechanical and structural properties of Sansevieria trifasciata fibers (STF) for sustainable composite applications. The treatment combines coconut shell liquid smoke (CS-LS) soaking and microwave heating, optimized using the Taguchi method. The primary treatment factors, soaking time, heating temperature, and heating duration, were optimized to improve the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of STF. The optimal conditions 120 min of CS-LS soaking and microwave heating at 40 °C for 30 min resulted in a 33 % increase in tensile strength, from 269.82 MPa (untreated) to 358.87 MPa (treated). Characterization through SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC revealed significant changes in the fiber's morphology, chemical structure, crystallinity, and thermal stability. SEM analysis showed enhanced surface roughness and porosity, while FTIR indicated reduced hydroxyl and lignin content. XRD analysis confirmed an increase in the crystallinity index from 50.72 % to 80.91 %. TGA and DSC analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability and reactivity. These findings validate the effectiveness of the Taguchi-optimized treatment in improving STF's properties, positioning them as promising reinforcement materials for high-performance, environmentally friendly composites. © 2025 Indian Chemical Society.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang, Makassar, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya University, MT Haryono 167, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Physics, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
