Achille Désiré Betené Omgba1,2,*, Cheryle Manfouo Tchoupmene1, Benoit Ndiwe1,2,*, Antonios N. Papadopoulos3, Remy Legrand Ndoumou Belinga1, Julien Clerc Obam1, Christel Cedrig Laris Nsi Ongo1, Ioanna A. Papadopoulou4, Armel Brice Mvogo1,2, Fabien Betené Ebanda1,2, Atangana Ateba1,2, Antonio Pizzi5
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0201
- 25 March 2026
Abstract The high hydrophilicity of pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) limits their use in cement- and gypsum-based composites exposed to moisture. This study evaluates, for the first time, the combined effect of palm kernel oil and beeswax on the hygroscopic resistance and mechanical stability of PALF. The fibres were functionalised with three formulations (oil, wax, and a 1:2 oil/wax blend) applied at different mass ratios (CR = 0.5–2). Treatments increased the average bundle diameter by up to +46% (238 μm) and reduced density down to 1.06 g/cm3. Hygroscopically, water absorption decreased from 202.4% (raw fibres) to 76.3% (CR… More >
Graphic Abstract