Dynamic mechanical properties of sugar palm fiber-reinforced polymer composites: a review

The incorporation of sugar palm fiber (SPF) into polymer composites presents an environmentally conscious and promising alternative to synthetic reinforcement materials. These composites exhibit impressive mechanical stiffness, strength, elongation, and thermal stability. Extensive research has centered on characterizing the thermal, mechanical, and physical behaviors of SPF-reinforced polymer composites under varying conditions. Despite their exceptional qualities, these composites have mainly been utilized in traditional applications such as brooms, brushes, and ropes. This study conducts a comprehensive exploration of their properties, employing dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to assess the thermal stability of SPF-reinforced polymer composites in both thermoplastic and thermoset matrices. The investigation focuses on critical parameters including storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E′′), complex modulus (E), and damping factor (tan δ), with particular attention to temperature-sensitive interfacial bonds between fibers and diverse polymer matrices. Factors such as matrix type, filler type, processing and post-processing conditions, frequency, temperature, fiber length, loading, volume fraction, orientation, and treatment significantly influence the DMA properties of natural fibers. This review synthesizes the latest literature of the past decade, offering an in-depth overview of SPF polymer composites, including hybrid composites, and exploring their diverse applications. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effects of integrating synthetic fibers and employing chemical treatments on the DMA properties, impact resistance, and post-impact performance of SPF-reinforced polymer composites. By advancing knowledge in this domain, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into designing and optimizing these composites for a wide range of engineering applications.