Thermoplastic-based composites from treated Arenga pinnata (Wurmb.) Merrill. fibers: A bibliometric analysis and literature review on dynamic mechanical analysis

• Published in: Polymer Composites
• Main Author: Khoo P.S.; Muhammad Rizal M.A.; Nordin A.H.; Ashraf W.; Hazrati K.Z.; Lee S.H.; Rafidah M.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: John Wiley and Sons Inc 2025
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85216231556&doi=10.1002%2fpc.29560&partnerID=40&md5=496d4a99ba408f01aa1f2b2acc38e6f2

The decline in petroleum resources has motivated researchers to explore Arenga pinnata (Wurmb.) Merrill. or sugar palm fiber (SPF), a promising lignocellulosic fiber from Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, in biocomposite applications. SPF primarily comprises cellulose, which provides excellent mechanical properties for domestic products, including brushes, ropes, twine, roofs, and brooms. Numerous studies have investigated SPF-reinforced thermosetting and thermoplastic composites' thermal, physical, and mechanical properties, investigating factors such as stacking sequence, chemical treatment, fiber size, loading, and orientation. However, a comprehensive review of the dynamic mechanical performance of Arenga pinnata (Wurmb.) Merrill. composites are still lacking. As a result, this review provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis coupled with a literature review focused on thermoplastic-based composites utilizing SPFs. This study systematically evaluates the evolution of research in this domain by analyzing publication trends, citation networks, and key contributors over the past two decades. Furthermore, the review highlights critical advancements in the treatment methods of SPFs, their incorporation into thermoplastic matrices, and the subsequent effects on dynamic mechanical properties, specifically focusing on storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping behavior. This review aims to expand current knowledge on the dynamic mechanical behavior of SPF-reinforced thermoplastic biocomposites for engineering applications. Highlights: SPF is a promising fiber from Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia. SPF primarily consists of cellulose, which exhibits excellent mechanical properties. DMA is the preferred method to reveal details about heterogeneous biocomposite systems. Optimal SPF is effective in restricting molecular chain mobility to improve DMA performance. Hybrid SPF with other fibers in sequence improves biocomposites' DMA performance. © 2025 Society of Plastics Engineers.