Characterization of lignocellulosic S. persica fibre and its composites: a review

Abstract

Abstract As the demand for renewable, cost-effective, and environmentally acceptable materials in a variety of applications has developed, natural fibres have become more popular as reinforcement in composite materials. Salvadora persica L. is the most common traditional source of chewing stick (miswak) advised by Prophet Muhammad. It is also known as Arak in Arabic and Peelu in Urdu. A lot of research has been done in the last few years to investigate if its traditional applications in dental care are still valid. For this review, a variety of databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar), books and primary sources were examined, surveyed, and analysed. Miswak fibre qualities and attributes were addressed in this review study to evaluate if the fibre may be used as an alternative to natural fibre reinforcing in composites. The history and uses of the miswak tree, as well as the structure of the miswak tree, are presented first, followed by a discussion of fibre characterization, with a focus on fibre structure and composition. Finally, the effect of miswak on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of composites is discussed. Miswak fibre and its composites present considerable challenges and potential as a reinforcement or filler alternative in a variety of applications, including dentistry.