Sansevieria Trifasciata Fibre and Composites: A Review of Recent Developments

Abstract

Abstract Sansevieria trifasciata fibre has low costs, wide availability, high specific strength, renewability and low density and can be used as reinforcement in polymer composites. This review aims to evaluate the recent developments in Sansevieria trifasciata fibre and its application in polymer composites. This was done to evaluate the progress of research, identify knowledge gaps and predict interesting areas for future work. Extraction of Sansevieria trifasciata fibre is mainly by decortication and water retting. The composites are prepared mostly by hand lay-up and cured by either compression molding (cold or hot press) or casting. The surface treatment of S. trifasciata fibre can enhance the fibre-matrix interfacial adhesion and improve the mechanical properties of the composites. S. trifasciata fibre-reinforced composites have relatively good mechanical properties, which depend on processing methods, fibre loading, fibre length and fibre orientation. Future work is suggested in the area of detailed chemical compositions, novel preparation techniques, evaluation of electrical properties, lifecycle analysis and techno-economic analysis.