Challenges and advancement in water absorption of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 124; p. 108083
• Main Authors: Mohammed, Mohammed, Jawad, Anwar Ja'afar Mohamad, Mohammed, Aeshah M., Oleiwi, Jawad K., Adam, Tijjani, Osman, Azlin F., Dahham, Omar S., Betar, Bashir O., Gopinath, Subash C.B., Jaafar, Mustafa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Nanoparticles; Natural fiber; Surface treatment; Water absorption; Nanoparticles; Water absorption; Natural fiber; Surface treatment
• ISSN: 0142-9418
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2023.108083

Natural fibres (NFRs) composite materials are acquiring popularity in the modern world due to their eco-friendliness and superior mechanical properties. Although it has been shown that determining this is a herculean endeavour in the literature, the water absorption (WA) qualities of the natural fibre (NFR) are crucial in the progressive degradation of the features of the resulting composites. This article seeks to report exhaustively on studies pertaining to the WA attributes of polymer composites reinforced with NFRs. This article provides an overview of NFR, its characterization, and the issues related to its addition to the matrix. The primary purpose of this research study is to investigate existing studies on the problems associated with the creation of cellulosic fibre hybrid composites, water absorption, and its impact on the tensile (TS), flexural (FS), and impact strength (IS) of NFR reinforced composites. We reviewed various surface treatments (ST) applied to NFR, including alkali treatment, silane treatment, acetylation, as well as recent advancements aimed at mitigating WA, enhancing hydrophobicity, and improving the interfacial bonding (IB) between NFR and the polymer matrix (PM). Additionally, we assessed the effectiveness of utilizing nanoparticles (NAPs) in specific ST of NFR to minimize water absorption. [Display omitted] •Introduction of the natural fiber, its characteristics.•Investigate the effects of surface modifications on aspects such as hydrophilicity.•The specifics of each surface treatment technique, along with the pros and cons of it.•The application of nanoparticles enhances the hydrophobicity.