Thermogravimetric Analysis Properties of Cellulosic Natural Fiber Polymer Composites: A Review on Influence of Chemical Treatments

Abstract

Natural fiber such as bamboo fiber, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber, kenaf fiber, and sugar palm fiber-reinforced polymer composites are being increasingly developed for lightweight structures with high specific strength in the automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction industries with significant economic benefits, sustainability, and environmental benefits. The plant-based natural fibers are hydrophilic, which is incompatible with hydrophobic polymer matrices. This leads to a reduction of their interfacial bonding and to the poor thermal stability performance of the resulting fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Based on the literature, the effect of chemical treatment of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites had significantly influenced the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) together with the thermal stability performance of the composite structure. In this review, the effect of chemical treatments used on cellulose natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer composites has been reviewed. From the present review, the TGA data are useful as guidance in determining the purity and composition of the composites’ structures, drying, and the ignition temperatures of materials. Knowing the stability temperatures of compounds based on their weight, changes in the temperature dependence is another factor to consider regarding the effectiveness of chemical treatments for the purpose of synergizing the chemical bonding between the natural fiber with polymer matrix or with the synthetic fibers.

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polylactic Acid, Polylactic Acid Blends and Their Composites for Advanced Applications

“…This is the primary component that gives them resilience, stiffness, and stability. Polysaccharides bound together in short, branching chains known as hemicelluloses [ 41 ]. They are closely related to cellulose microfibrils and help to embed the cellulose in a matrix.…”

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polycaprolactone Green and Hybrid Biocomposites for Various Advanced Applications

“…The constituents of plant fibers include cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, pectin, waxes, and water-soluble substances [ 69 , 70 , 71 ]. The presence of cellulose, which is hydrophilic in nature, affects the interfacial bonding between the polymer matrix and the fibers, since the matrix is hydrophobic [ 72 , 73 ]. These compositions, in turn, will affect the mechanical properties of the fibers [ 74 ].…”

Critical Review of Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites: Processing, Properties, Applications and Cost

“…Therefore, an introduction of hybrid biocomposites consists of two or more fibers in one matrix is seen as a solution to enhance the natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites’ properties. Zahra et al [ 30 ] stated that hybridizing one natural fiber with another natural fiber/synthetic fiber in one matrix will improve it’s thermal and mechanical than the individual fiber composites [ 31 ]. This has shown that hybrid composites are more reliable for various applications, besides being more environmentally friendly.…”