Authors :
Jagadeesh P.; Dharani N.; Kamal Raj N.; Gowtham T.
Volume/Issue :
ICMST-2025
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4u5u9dwp
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/5n93vs29
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov749
Abstract :
The demand for sustainable and high-performance reinforcement materials has led to extensive research on
natural fibers derived from plant sources. Among these, bark fibers have emerged as a promising reinforcement for polymer
composites due to their unique combination of mechanical strength, low density, renewability, and cost-effectiveness.
However, the effective utilization of bark fibers in high-performance applications requires a comprehensive understanding
of their thermal, structural, and chemical characteristics. This paper presents an in-depth review of the advanced
characterization of natural bark fibers and their suitability for polymer composite reinforcement. It explores various
analytical methods such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which provide insights
into the fiber’s chemical composition, crystallinity, surface morphology, and thermal degradation behavior. The study also
discusses how alkali and silane treatments modify the fiber surface and improve fiber–matrix adhesion in polymer
composites. The results of such characterization are crucial in optimizing processing parameters and enhancing the
mechanical and thermal performance of bark fiber–reinforced composites for structural, automotive, and aerospace
applications.
Keywords :
Natural Fibers, Bark Fiber, Polymer Composites, Thermal Analysis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, Surface Modification, Fiber- Matrix Adhesion, Sustainable Materials.
The demand for sustainable and high-performance reinforcement materials has led to extensive research on
natural fibers derived from plant sources. Among these, bark fibers have emerged as a promising reinforcement for polymer
composites due to their unique combination of mechanical strength, low density, renewability, and cost-effectiveness.
However, the effective utilization of bark fibers in high-performance applications requires a comprehensive understanding
of their thermal, structural, and chemical characteristics. This paper presents an in-depth review of the advanced
characterization of natural bark fibers and their suitability for polymer composite reinforcement. It explores various
analytical methods such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which provide insights
into the fiber’s chemical composition, crystallinity, surface morphology, and thermal degradation behavior. The study also
discusses how alkali and silane treatments modify the fiber surface and improve fiber–matrix adhesion in polymer
composites. The results of such characterization are crucial in optimizing processing parameters and enhancing the
mechanical and thermal performance of bark fiber–reinforced composites for structural, automotive, and aerospace
applications.
Keywords :
Natural Fibers, Bark Fiber, Polymer Composites, Thermal Analysis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, Surface Modification, Fiber- Matrix Adhesion, Sustainable Materials.
