A review of abaca fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Different modes of preparation and their applications

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have received increased attention due to their environmental friendliness and sustainability, aside from at par - if not better - property enhancement achieved through fiber reinforcement over mineral-based fillers. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on the various methods of fiber-based polymer composites preparation as well as their applications, particularly focusing on abaca-reinforced hybrid materials. Among the natural fibers available in the market, abaca fiber has been a major contender in the development of natural fiber composites. It has a great potential to be a renewable fiber source for industrial and technological applications owing to its inherent high mechanical strength, durability, flexibility and long fiber length. Impacts of different treatment strategies of abaca-based composites preparation resulting in property enhancements over bare polymer counterparts and that of synthetic fibers are discussed. Being eco-friendly and naturally sustainable, abaca fiber-reinforced composites can also exhibit better strength without substantial weight gain – characteristics that have been exploited in various commercial and technological uses. How these enhanced properties of the resulting composites had led in a wide range of applications such as in the automobile and construction industries and other fields had been included as well.