Influence of Silanization Treatment of Sponge Gourd () Fibers on the Reinforcement of Polyester Composites: A Brief Report.

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been extensively investigated and applied as reinforcements for polymers composites owing to improved properties associated with their cost-effectiveness and their sustainable characteristics as compared to synthetic fibers. However, an intrinsic difficulty of the hydrophilic NFL adhesion to a hydrophobic polymer matrix is still a major limitation, which might be overcome via fiber surface treatments. Among the less-known NLFs, sponge gourd ) is a promising reinforcement for polymer composites owing to its natural network of intertwined fibers.