Recent Trends in the Surface Modification of Natural Fibers for the Preparation of Green Biocomposite

Academicians and researchers are exploring new opportunities in the field of natural fiber-based green composites because of excellent properties of natural fibers like lightweight, easy availability, sustainability and environment-friendly tendency. Cost effectiveness, diversity and renewability of natural fibers are also added advantages which attract scientific community and industrialists. Being lignocellulosic, natural fibers are hydrophilic in nature, and their poor adhesion with hydrophobic polymer matrix is one of the major issues which can create hurdles for the commercialization of their finished composites. Extensive research on different treatment methodologies has been done on these natural fibers and their reinforced polymer composites to get the improved properties. Various chemical, physical and biochemical methods have been suggested to get the excellent finished products. A detailed compilation of the existing treatment methodologies including traditional methods like alkali treatment, silanization, graft copolymerization and along with less common ways like enzymatic, radiation, ionic liquid treatment have been discussed. Emphasis has been given to add recent findings in the field of surface treatment of natural fibers to get the optimized green composites.