Variation in Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites With Reinforcements From Different Animal Origins—A Comprehensive Review
Ratul Islam Antor, Asfia Mahbuba Bithi, Ayeman Mazdi Nahin
Abstract
Animal‐based fiber‐reinforced polymer composites represent a promising and versatile field of research, characterized by their controllable properties and the emergence of innovative processing techniques. This review comprehensively examines the existing literature to address the critical question, “which animal‐derived fiber, when integrated into a polymer matrix, yields the optimal enhancement in mechanical properties?” This review investigated the interactions between animal fibers and polymeric matrices by focusing on this question, considering factors such as fiber content, length, surface modification, and processing methods. Key findings include the strong mechanical interactions exhibited by chicken feather fibers with polypropylene, polylactic acid, and polyester. Cow hair fibers were found to be compatible with polyester, polypropylene, and low‐density polyethylene. Goat hair fibers demonstrated exceptional mechanical properties when reinforced into linear low‐density polyethylene and polyester. Furthermore, epoxy was particularly suitable for silk and chicken feather fibers. These findings underscore the potential of animal fiber–reinforced polymer composites for a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, sports goods, construction, and energy storage devices, offering a sustainable, environment‐friendly yet mechanically reliable alternative. In a nutshell, the uprising trend of the use of animal origin reinforcements in polymer composites is addressed in this review.