Application of Surface Modification Routes to Coconut Fiber for its Thermoplastic-Based Biocomposite Materials

Coconut fibers are high potential reinforcing additive in green polymer composites due to its composition, structure and the ease of availability. Modifications of coconut fiber by chemical and physical methods play key role to achieve desired performance. This review provides a comprehensive description of the influence of varied treatment routes applied to coconut fiber to confer thermal, mechanical and structural behaviors of its eco-composites with reinforcing mechanisms achieved by the help of tunning surface functionality of fibers as well as the chemical interactions with the polymeric matrix. This review covers the related academic research studies dealing with the development of thermoplastic composites containing surface modified coconut fiber. Remarkable future objectives and challenges based on the use of this natural fiber as an effective reinforcing agent in mainly transportation and construction fields are also discussed.