An examination of recent research of water absorption behavior of natural fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites: A review

Azka MA 1 , Sapuan SM 2 , Abral H 3 , Zainudin ES 4 , Aziz FA 5

Affiliations 

  • 1 Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 2 Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Electronic address: sapuan@upm.edu.my
  • 3 Laboratory of Nanoscience and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Padang 25163, Indonesia; Research Collaboration Center for Nanocellulose, BRIN-Andalas University, Padang 25163, Indonesia
  • 4 Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 5 Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Apr 25;268(Pt 1):131845.
PMID: 38677695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131845

Abstract

Researchers have begun focusing on developing biodegradable materials, such as natural fiber/polymer composites (NFPC), since the growing of environmental concerns related to waste management. One crucial aspect that must be established in the development of these composites is their water-absorption behavior. This paper examines the water absorption (WA) behavior of NFPC, with a specific emphasis on natural fiber/polylactic acid (PLA) composites. It discusses processes and numerous aspects related to this behavior, based on recent published research. This review analyzes the influence of several factors, such as the loading of natural fiber, the combination of different natural fibers, the methods used in manufacturing, and the temperature of the water, on the WA behavior of natural fiber/PLA composites. It also explores how WA affects the properties of these composites. In addition, this review also presented techniques for improving the WA resistance of the composites. This review paper provides researchers with insights into the WA behavior of the composites, aiming to facilitate the development of a versatile and eco-friendly material that may effectively address waste disposal challenges.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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