Dynamic Mechanical and Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Experimental-Theoretical Synthesis

• Mselenge D Mooney

  Aberdeen University Institute of Applied Health Science Aberdeen United Kingdom

  Author

This manuscript presents a comprehensive, publication-ready original research article that synthesizes experimental observations, theoretical frameworks, and comparative analyses concerning the dynamic mechanical and thermo-mechanical behavior of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs). Drawing strictly from the provided literature, the article elaborates on how fiber type, fiber treatment, fiber length, fiber proportion, matrix chemistry, processing parameters, hybridization strategies, and environmental factors collectively govern viscoelastic properties, storage and loss moduli, damping capacity, glass transition behavior, and long-term dynamic performance of NFPCs. The work integrates findings from hemp, kenaf, jute, sisal, doum, pineapple leaf, date palm, sugar palm, coconut sheath, and other plant-derived fibers, embedding these within a rigorous conceptual structure that addresses fibre–matrix adhesion mechanics, interphase phenomena, micromechanical load transfer, and the role of nano- and micro-scale inclusions in modifying dynamic response. Methodological exposition details dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) protocols, sample conditioning, rheological characterization, and free-vibration testing paradigms as used in the cited studies; it further outlines a cohesive approach to synthesizing comparative data and extrapolating generalized principles. Results are presented as integrative descriptive analyses that reconcile disparate datasets into coherent trends: (1) improved interfacial bonding consistently increases storage modulus and glass transition temperature, (2) increasing fiber content elevates stiffness but may reduce damping depending on fiber-matrix compatibility, (3) fiber treatments and matrix processing temperatures substantially affect viscoelastic behavior, and (4) hybridization and mesh or nano-additive incorporation provide pathways to tailor dynamic response for targeted engineering applications (Etaati et al., 2014; Md Salleh et al., 2014; Padal et al., 2014; Rwawiire et al., 2014). The discussion interprets these findings with a critical lens, detailing limitations, measurement variability, scale-up complications, moisture sensitivity, fatigue-damping interplay, and recommendations for future research that bridges experimental studies with predictive multiphysics modeling. The conclusion distills actionable insights for materials scientists and engineers seeking to design NFPCs with specified dynamic mechanical performance, emphasizing the need for standardized testing protocols and integrated multi-scale models to accelerate reliable deployment in structural, transport, and vibration-management applications (Essabir et al., 2013; Rajesh & Pitchaimani, 2018; Mazlan et al., 2020).

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