Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata): Its fibres, polymers and composites

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2013-01, Vol.91 (2), p.699-710
• Main Authors: Ishak, M.R., Sapuan, S.M., Leman, Z., Rahman, M.Z.A., Anwar, U.M.K., Siregar, J.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Arecaceae - chemistry; Arenga pinnata; beverages; biocomposites; biodegradability; bioethanol; Biological and medical sciences; biopolymers; Biopolymers - chemistry; Chemical Phenomena; Composites; Compounding ingredients; Ethanol - metabolism; Exact sciences and technology; Fermentation; Fibres; Fillers and reinforcing agents; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fruit; fruits; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Mechanical properties; Natural polymers; Physical properties; Physicochemistry of polymers; Plant Stems - chemistry; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer-matrix composites (PMCS); product development; Renewable Energy; sap; seawater; starch; Starch and polysaccharides; Technology of polymers; Tensile Strength; Use of agricultural and forest wastes. Biomass use, bioconversion
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.07.073

► We discuss recent advances in the research of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata). ► We focus on properties of fibres, polymers and composites derived from sugar palm. ► We also focus on efforts on enhancing the properties of composites. Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is a multipurpose palm species from which a variety of foods and beverages, timber commodities, biofibres, biopolymers and biocomposites can be produced. Recently, it is being used as a source of renewable energy in the form of bio-ethanol via fermentation process of the sugar palm sap. Although numerous products can be produced from sugar palm, three products that are most prominent are palm sugar, fruits and fibres. This paper focuses mainly on the significance of fibres as they are highly durable, resistant to sea water and because they are available naturally in the form of woven fibre they are easy to process. Besides the recent advances in the research of sugar palm fibres and their composites, this paper also addresses the development of new biodegradable polymer derived from sugar palm starch, and presents reviews on fibre surface treatment, product development, and challenges and efforts on properties enhancement of sugar palm fibre composites.