Surface modification of plant fibers using environment friendly methods for their application in polymer composites, textile industry and antimicrobial activities: a review

Plant fibers are hydrophilic in nature due to attraction/interaction between the hydroxyl groups of fiber components and water molecules. The hydrophilic nature of plant fibers often results in poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices. Therefore, it becomes necessary to modify the surface of plant fibers for better binding between fiber and matrix. Most of the chemical treatments involve mercerization, acetylation, benzoylation, isocyanate treatment and grafting of synthetic polymers. Surface modification of plant fibers using chemical treatments becomes less attractive because of a number of limitations. Environment friendly methods such as plasma treatment, treatments using fungi, enzymes and bacteria, can be used for the surface modification of plant fibers. In this article, we have reviewed various environmentally friendly methods for surface modification and their effect on the properties of plant fibers and reinforced polymer composites. The applications of modified plant fibers in textile industry and antimicrobial activities are also discussed in this article.