The Effect of Surface Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Plant Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites: A Review

Nowadays, natural fibers are widely used for reinforcing polymer composites. Research investigations on such polymer composites have become widespread due to the low weight, low cost, environmental compatibility, abundance, and acceptable physical and mechanical properties of plant fibers. These polymer composites normally suffer from the incompatibility of natural fibers with the polymer matrix. To improve compatibility, various surface treatments can be used. In this study, the effects of different surface treatments on shear, flexural, tensile, and impact strengths of plant fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been reviewed. The mechanical properties of plant fiber-reinforced composites depend on the type of plant fibers, polymer matrix, production techniques, surface treatment methods, and materials. The chemical treatments can have undesirable effects on the impact strength of plant fiber composites with few exceptions, such as silanization.