Chemical Modifications and Tensile Properties of Areca Leaf Sheath Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Review

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 05 | Page : 94 106
    By

    Kishor Budda,

  • Madhu M G,

  1. Head of the Department, Department of Mechanical Engineering, GITAM School of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, GITAM School of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Areca leaf sheath (ALS) fiber is a promising eco-friendly material, offering a sustainable, lightweight, and cost-effective alternative for low-strength applications. Its natural biodegradability aligns well with the growing global demand for environmentally responsible materials. This review explores the transformative effects of chemical treatments, such as alkali, silane, and benzoylation, on the tensile properties of Areca leaf sheath fibers. Among these, alkali treatment consistently demonstrates the most significant improvement in tensile strength by eliminating surface impurities and enhancing fiber roughness, thereby facilitating superior matrix bonding. Silane treatment, while slightly less effective in tensile enhancement, offers improved moisture resistance. Other therapies, like benzoylation and peroxide, show moderate gains but are less consistent in performance. A critical balance must be maintained in alkali treatment, as excessive concentration or duration may degrade the fibers, underlining the importance of optimizing treatment conditions. Furthermore, the integration of chemically treated Areca leaf sheath fibers into polymer matrices, such as epoxy, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and hybrid composites, has significantly boosted composite performance. The effect of fiber loading also plays a crucial role: tensile strength increases in woven fiber composites due to enhanced load transfer. In contrast, short fiber composites exhibit reduced strength at higher loadings due to agglomeration and poor interfacial bonding. These findings emphasize the untapped potential of chemically modified Areca leaf sheath fibers for diverse applications, including electrical insulation, sustainable packaging, interior woodworking, and eco-friendly composite materials.

Keywords: Areca sheath fiber, tensile strength, epoxy, chemical treatments, hybrid composites.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

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How to cite this article:
Kishor Budda, Madhu M G. Chemical Modifications and Tensile Properties of Areca Leaf Sheath Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):94-106.
How to cite this URL:
Kishor Budda, Madhu M G. Chemical Modifications and Tensile Properties of Areca Leaf Sheath Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):94-106. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=223039


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 05
Received 12/02/2025
Accepted 24/05/2025
Published 17/07/2025
Publication Time 155 Days
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