The influence of moisture content on the interfacial properties of natural palm fiber–matrix composite

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of moisture content on the interfacial properties of natural palm. An oval fiber pull-out model was first introduced. Then, the fiber cross-sectional shape and tensile properties were investigated. Single fiber pull-out test was used to study the effect of moisture content on the interfacial properties of natural palm fiber–matrix composite. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the fiber interfacial morphology. The result showed that the interface shear strength, chemical bond and frictional stress increase, while the slip-hardening coefficient keeps constant with the decrease in moisture content.