Polymer Matrix Composites Research Articles

Single Curvature Bending of Structural Stitched Textile Reinforcements Part I: Experimental Work

Aerospace structural components made from polymer matrix composites (PMCs) offer numerous advantages. Their high stiffness and high strength combined with low densities enable lower fuel consumption coupled with higher payloads. As a result, PMCs provide an important economic advantage over typical metallic airframes. Textile reinforcements for PMCs are made by assembling reinforcement fibres, typically carbon. Then, the textile reinforcements are typically cut into smaller pieces, stacked, draped and assembled into a dry assembly called a preform, the shape of which generally approaches that of the PMC part to be made. This manufacturing process is labour intensive and expensive.Novel thick, net-shape, drapable, high fibre volume fraction (vf) textile reinforcements used toward manufacturing aerospace PMCs are being developed at the University of Ottawa. The technology enables the manufacturing of flat, drapable multilayered near net-shape preforms. The bending and in-plane shear behaviours of such novel thick reinforcement textiles was investigated to understand and define the behaviour of such thick fabric reinforcements when formed into required shapes. A bending apparatus was developed for investigating the bending behaviour of these novel thick reinforcement fabrics.

Extraction and characterization of fiber from the flower stalk of Sansevieria cylindrica.

A number of natural fibers are being proposed for use in composite materials, especially those extracted from local plants, especially those able to grow spontaneously as they are cost-efficient and have unexplored potential. Sansevieria cylindrica, within the Asparagaceae (previously Agavacae) family, has recently been considered for application in polymer and rubber matrix composites. However, its characterization and even the sorting out of technical fiber from the stem remains scarce, with little available data, as is often the case when the fabrication of textiles is not involved. In this study, Sansevieria cylindrica fibers were separated down to the dimensions of a filament at an 8-15 micron diameter from the stem of the plant, then characterized physically and chemically, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as their thermal degradation, by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their crystallinity surface roughness was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The results indicate over 70% cellulose fibers content with a very high crystallinity (92%) and small crystallite size (1.45 nm), which suggests a low water absorption, with thermal degradation peaking at 294°C. Despite this, due to the significant porosity of the cellular structure, the density of 1.06 g cm-3 is quite low for a mainly cellulose fiber. Roughness measurements indicate that the porosities and foamy structure result in a highly negative skewness (-3.953), in the presence of deep valleys, which may contribute to an effective relation with a covering resin.

Tribological properties optimization of nylon6 composites filled with SiC and Mica

Nylon is expanding tremendously on a global scale. This paper deals with the optimization of wear behaviour of nylon-6 hybrid polymer matrix composites. The composites were prepared with Nylon 6 as the matrix and SiC and Mica as the reinforcements. Twin screw extruder and injection moulding was used to fabricate the composites. Experiments were conducted on Pin on Disc apparatus. Reinforcement %, Sliding distance, Sliding speed and Load are the parameters used for the study. Experiments were designed using Taguchi and optimization was performed using Grey Relational Analysis.L9 orthogonal array was used. It was observed that 7.5 wt% of Mica, Load 5 N, 500 m sliding distance and 6 m/s Sliding speed were the optimum process parameter settings. Using SEM micrographs, the wear mechanisms of the worn discs were examined. Additionally, it was noted that some abrasive wear and very little adhesive wear had occurred on the Nylon 6 composites.

Investigation on the improvement of microwave dielectric properties of plasma-prepared fluoropolymer-coated CaTiO3-filled PTFE composites

High-performance polymer matrix composites preparation has been urgently hampered by poor interfacial adhesion between two phases. In this article, a thorough analysis of the microstructure and overall properties of composites made of polytetrafluoroethylene filled with fluorocarbon polymer film-coated CaTiO3 was conducted. The similar fluorocarbon molecular structure of CaTiO3 surface and PTFE provides a bridge between the two, significantly improving and promoting the microstructure and interface adhesion of the composite. The comprehensive properties of modified composites are obviously superior to those of untreated composites. Composites filled with 30 wt% CaTiO3 have an excellent dielectric constant at 5.53, acceptable dielectric loss at 0.0047, an outstanding heat resistance index of 281.1°C, and relatively low hygroscopicity of 0.10%. At the same time, the mechanical properties are maintained at a high application level, which makes them promising for microwave devices.

Extraction of cellulose from soybean hulls for the development of polymer matrix composites with fishtail palm fibers

This study aims to extract and characterize cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from soybean hulls, and investigate their application as reinforcement in fishtail palm leaf stalk fiber (FPLSF) composites. CNCs were extracted through a multistep process involving alkalization, bleaching, acid hydrolysis and mechanical fibrillation. Analysis confirmed the transformation of cellulose I to cellulose II, yielding nanocrystals with 70.58% crystallinity index and thermal degradation peak at 371 °C. FTIR analysis verified removal of lignin and hemicellulose after extraction. The extracted CNCs were incorporated into FPLSF-epoxy composites at 2.5-10 wt% loading. Results showed 7.5 wt% CNCs (FT/SH4) provided optimal mechanical properties, with 51.4 MPa tensile strength, 46.09 MPa flexural strength and 36.47 kJ mm−2 impact strength. Lower CNC percentages showed significantly inferior properties due to poor fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Overall, extracted soybean hull CNCs demonstrated good reinforcement capabilities for natural fiber composites. This provides a sustainable application route for agricultural residues and contributes to the development of high-performance biocomposites.

Preparation and Tribological Behaviors of Antigorite and Wollastonite Mineral Dual-Phase-Reinforced Polytetrafluoroethylene Matrix Composites

Research on polymer matrix composites with excellent tribological properties has received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, antigorite and wollastonite mineral dual-phase-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrix composites were prepared by filling PTFE with mineral powders using ball-milling, cold-pressing, and pressureless sintering methods. The phase structure, microstructure, chemical composition, Shore hardness, and tribological behavior of the composites rubbed against steel balls under dry friction conditions were investigated. The results show that the composites have a dense structure and uniform distribution of mineral phases, with a Shore hardness of 62–68.8, an increase of 18.7–23.7% compared to pure PTFE. Compared with the addition of mono antigorite or wollastonite, the composites prepared by simultaneously filling the two minerals exhibited excellent tribological properties. The average friction coefficient and wear volume of the (10Atg + 20Wl)/PTFE composites were reduced by 44.2% and 71.4%, respectively, compared to those of pure PTFE. A dense and continuous tribofilm composed mainly of SiO2, MgSiO3, Mg2SiO4, MgO, CaO, CaMg(SiO3)2, and CaF2 was formed on the worn surfaces of both the dual-phase-reinforced PTFE matrix composites and counterpart steel balls during the friction process. The reduction in friction and wear is attributed to the reinforcement effect of the minerals on the PTFE matrix as well as the complex physical and chemical reactions at the friction interface stimulated by the synergistic effects between the two minerals. The addition of wollastonite reduced the phase transition temperature of antigorite, promoting more tribochemical reaction products with good abrasion resistance and friction-reducing properties, which contributed to the excellent tribological behavior of the composites.

Calculation of the stress-strain state of layers of cross-ply laminate based on an experimental stress-strain curves under uniaxial tension

A method for calculating the stress-strain state of layers of cross-ply laminate based on an experimental deformation diagram under uniaxial tension is proposed. The essence of the method consists in solving a system of two equations describing the experimental curves σx = f(εx) and σx = f(εy), which allows determination of two unknown parameters related to the secant elastic characteristics of the material layers. The law of change in the remaining unknown parameters is set by assumptions regarding deformation of the polymer matrix composite and its layers during loading. To carry out the calculation, it is necessary to set the initial values of the elastic properties of the unidirectional material of the layers, which should be well consistent with the initial values of the elastic properties of the structure under study determined from the experiment. According to the developed algorithm, calculated dependences between average stresses, deformations and secant elastic properties of the layers of the structure are obtained (0°/90°/90°/0°) made of fiberglass E-Glass/MY750 using experimental data from the literature. Calculations carried out for three sets of initial values of the elastic properties of the material under study showed qualitatively identical results. The transverse tensile stress in the 90° layer reaches a maximum in the first half of the stress-strain diagram, and then decreases to zero. A similar stress in the 0° layer reaches a maximum at the failure point of the structure under study. It is revealed that the maximum calculated values of transverse stresses acting in layers 0° and 90° noticeably exceed the transverse tensile strength of the material specified in the literature. The longitudinal tensile stress in the 0° layer reaches a maximum at the failure point and corresponds to 95% of the value of the longitudinal tensile strength of the material. The longitudinal compressive stress in the 90° layer is at a low level throughout the deformation process of the structure under study. The results of this study can be recommended for developing models of the behavior of layers with cracks in the matrix when loading a polymer matrix composite.

Mechanical characterization of novel Parthenium hysterophorus and Jute reinforced polymer matrix composites for light weight medium load applications and application of MADM-VIKOR approach

This study explores the use of natural fibers in composite materials to enhance mechanical properties and reduce water absorption for lightweight medium load applications. The approach involves hybridizing Parthenium hysterophorus (PH) and Jute with epoxy L-12 matrix in different stacking sequences to create four tri-layer composites. Mechanical tests following ASTM standards revealed that composites with Jute fibers on top and PH fibers in the middle exhibit superior mechanical performance and reduced water absorption, making them suitable for such applications. The tensile strength of composite (CP4) with PH fiber at center and Jute fibers at extreme was found to be 1.7 times higher compared to composite with all three layers of PH fiber (CP1). Similarly, the flexural strength and compressive strength of CP4 is found to be 60% and 80.5% more compared to CP1. Shore D hardness of CP4 is found to be 1.29 times better compared to CP1. Whereas the energy absorption due to impact load of CP1 is better compared to its counter parts wit CP1 exhibiting 71.15 times better compared to CP4. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of fractured surfaces provides insights into fiber bonding and fracture mechanisms. Overall, this research underscores the potential of natural fiber hybrid composites for improved mechanical characteristics and water resistance in various applications, highlighting specific fiber combinations and stacking sequences.

High temperature and fire properties of sustainable syntactic foam reinforced by end‐of‐life tyre‐derived rubber particles

AbstractThe management of end‐of‐life tyres faces challenges due to insufficient recycling infrastructure and technologies, as well as limited markets for the materials recovered from them. To mitigate this, waste rubber can be upcycled and used as filler material for polymer matrix composites. Before rubber‐reinforced composites can be certified for fire‐prone applications, their thermal and flammability properties must be understood. This research investigates the effect of rubber fillers on the thermal stability, flammability and flame spread characteristics of epoxy matrix syntactic foam. Thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and attenuated total reflection FTIR spectrometry were employed to elucidate changes in thermal degradation behaviours. The influence of rubber fillers on the flammability of syntactic foam was assessed using the cone calorimeter. The fire reaction properties of rubber‐reinforced foam were affected by the intensity of the incident heat flux. Regardless of the incident heat flux, an increase in rubber content led to higher total heat release. At the lower heat flux of 35 kW/m2, the fire growth rate increased with rubber content, but at the higher heat flux of 50 kW/m2, the fire growth rate decreased as the rubber content increased. Importantly, all rubber‐reinforced syntactic foams achieved a UL94 HB ranking and exhibited reduced flame spread rates compared to the unmodified foam. This study demonstrated the potential for upcycling waste rubber into sustainable engineering products and expanded the knowledge base on fire reaction properties and flame spread characteristics of such hybrid composite materials.

Uniaxial fatigue study of a natural-based bio-composite material reinforced with fique natural fibers

This research addresses environmental concerns by exploring environmentally friendly composite materials as substitutes for non-biodegradable synthetic fibers. The study proposes the development of polymer matrix composites reinforced with natural fique fibers, sourced from a plant cultivated in Colombia. A BioPoxy 36 polymer matrix with a high carbon content was used and reinforced with fique fabric using the vacuum-assisted lamination method. To improve the adhesion between the fibers and the matrix, an alkaline chemical treatment was applied to the fiber using 2% sodium hydroxide by weight. Mechanical properties were assessed through ASTM D3039 tensile and ASTM D3479 fatigue tests. A fractographic analysis was also conducted to identify the different modes of failure present. In terms of material degradation, distinct stages were observed, characterized by stiffness loss and loss factor indicators. The Coffin-Manson model was used to obtain the strain life curve for R = 0.1, using these factors as criteria. The static properties of the composite reinforced with fique fibers indicate an increase of 45% in ultimate strength, 145% in strain, and 27% in Young's modulus compared to the unreinforced matrix. In terms of dynamic properties, the elastic modulus showed a maximum variation of up to 7.88%. Electron microscopy reveals the failure mechanism, a distinct separation between the matrix and the fiber can be observed as a result of mechanical stress. The analysis reveals the brittle fracture of the hard fique fiber and some matrix separation, as well as possible fractured bubbles that may have occurred during the manufacturing process.

Breakage of Beaded Fibers in a Polymer Matrix

Abstract Intermittent beading is a promising design strategy that enables simultaneous improvement of strength and toughness of fiber-reinforced composites. Despite the potential for amplification in mechanical properties, the failure mechanisms of beaded fiber composites are not fully understood. In this study, calculations are carried out for the breakage of beaded fibers in the polymer matrix composites. The plastic deformation of the polymer matrix and debonding of the bead–matrix, fiber–bead, and fiber–matrix interfaces are accounted for in the numerical analyses. It is found that the location of fiber break is governed by the toughness of the fiber–bead interface and fiber strength. The low toughness of fiber–bead interface promotes the emergence of break inside bead, and high fiber strength is capable of activating break outside bead. The break at the edge of bead prevails in most cases. We have further revealed that the fiber–matrix interface with high strength and enhanced toughness can give rise to large amount of fiber breaks, while low degree of fiber cracking emerges in the case of strong fiber–bead interface. For the bead–matrix interface, the intermediate interfacial strength generates a high degree of fiber breaks and low interfacial toughness suppresses fiber cracking, leading to small amount of fiber breaks. In addition, the dependence of plastic dissipation in the polymer matrix on fiber breakage is elucidated.

Direct ink writing of polymer matrix composite with carbon for driving a flexible thermoelectric actuator of shape memory polymer

Carbon nanomaterials and polymer composites that possess excellent electrical and mechanical properties for soft robots have been investigated over decades in multidisciplinary research fields. As considering the incorporation of carbon into polymer composite, several major concerns include the electrical conductivity, elastic module, and manufacturing flexibility that can enable them to satisfy various functions such as actuation and sensing. In this paper, we report a comprehensive study on how to design and fabricate a soft gripper based on carbon polymer matrix composite and multilayer structure through multistep processes of 3D printing on paper. Using commercial conductive additives of graphene and carbon nanotube with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a polymer matrix composite (PMC) was prepared for the ink of direct ink writing (DIW) with percolation conductivity. Additionally, a shape memory polymer (SMP) was utilized for fused deposition modeling (FDM) of a thermal actuator. Incorporating the DIW of PMC with the FDM of SMP on paper, a soft gripper with four fingers was designed and fabricated to show remarkable thermoelectrical actuation for grasping a 50 mm-diameter 10 g-weight spherical ball. In the future, it would provide an alternative approach for the fields of science and engineering, such as nanomaterials and nanotechnology, space applications, sustainable soft robots, and flexible autonomous systems.

On Cyclic-Fatigue Crack Growth in Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy-Polymer Composites.

The growth of cracks between plies, i.e., delamination, in continuous fibre polymer matrix composites under cyclic-fatigue loading in operational aircraft structures has always been a very important factor, which has the potential to significantly decrease the service life of such structures. Whilst current designs are based on a 'no growth' design philosophy, delamination growth can nevertheless arise in operational aircraft and compromise structural integrity. To this end, the present paper outlines experimental and data reduction procedures for continuous fibre polymer matrix composites, based on a linear elastic fracture mechanics approach, which are capable of (a) determining and computing the fatigue crack growth (FCG) rate, da/dN, curve; (b) providing two different methods for determining the mandated worst-case FCG rate curve; and (c) calculating the fatigue threshold limit, below which no significant FCG occurs. Two data reduction procedures are proposed, which are based upon the Hartman-Schijve approach and a novel simple-scaling approach. These two different methodologies provide similar worst-case curves, and both provide an upper bound for all the experimental data. The calculated FCG threshold values as determined from both methodologies are also in very good agreement.

Characterization of PPS Piston and Packing Ring Materials for High-Pressure Hydrogen Applications.

The widespread adoption of renewable energy hinges on the efficient transportation of hydrogen. Reciprocating piston compressor technology in non-lubricated operation will play a key role, ensuring high flow rates and compression ratios. These systems rely on advanced high-strength sealing solutions for piston and rod packing rings utilizing advanced fiber-reinforced polymers. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer matrix composites have seen use in tribological applications and promise high mechanical strength and wear resistance. The presented work describes carbon and glass fiber-reinforced PPS matrix polymers in comparison, which are characterized by complementary methods to investigate their properties and potential for application in reciprocating compressor under non-lubricated operation. Thermo-mechanical and tribological testing was supported by microstructure analysis utilizing advanced X-ray and electron imaging techniques. New insights in micromechanical deformation behavior in regard to fiber materials, interface strength and orientation in fiber-reinforced polymers are given. Conclusions on the suitability of different PPS matrix composites for high-pressure hydrogen compression applications were obtained.

Investigation of the mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of electrical corrosion resistance glass reinforced polyimide-based composite produced by spark plasma sintering

Polyimide polymer matrix composites have gained numerous attentions in the design and fabrication of components for automobile, aerospace, and electronics applications as a result of their outstanding properties. Composites are currently replacing polymers as structural, insulation and dielectric materials, and the improvement of mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of polyimide (PI) becomes important. Thus, in this paper, the enhancement of the mechanical, thermal stability, and dielectric properties of PI composites with boron-free E-glass (electrical corrosion resistance (ECR) glass) reinforcements (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process is presented. X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), nanoindentation tests, thermogravimetric analyser, and LCR meter tester were used to investigate the morphology, mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of the developed composites, respectively. The SEM results revealed that the ECR-glass powder particles were well dispersed in the PI matrix. The introduction of the ECR into the PI matrix, improves its hardness, stiffness, and modulus. From the obtained results, a notable improvement in its hardness (9.36%), stiffness (30.77%), and modulus (43.58%) was revealed for ECR/PI loaded with 15 wt% ECR compared to pure PI. The thermal stability of the PI composites was observed to be improved with the incorporation of the ECR-glass particles. The heat resistance index of the PI was recorded to be improved by 3.8% at 15 wt% ECR incorporation. Furthermore, the composites depicted low dielectric constant and dissipation factor. In consideration, the obtained properties make the composites promising for mechanical load-bearing, thermal management and electronics applications.

Evaluation of mechanical and morphological properties composite of Agel Leaf Fiber (ALF)-epoxy modified with carbon powder

This research focuses on the successful development of Agel Leaf Fiber (ALF)-Epoxy composites added with Carbon Active Powder (CAP) and printed using the Vacuum Pressure Infusion (VAPRI) method. Considering the importance of determining the mechanical properties of composites as raw materials for making fishing boats, this research aims to determine the use of Agel Leaf Fiber (ALF) in polymer matrix composites. The composite morphology was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and ImageJ software. The mechanical properties evaluated included Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, and Hardness. The composite was prepared by incorporating CAP in varying volumes of 0 %, 10 %, and 30 % with a fixed ALF percentage of 40 %. The results showed that the addition of CAP significantly increased the tensile strength to 128.51 MPa, with 0.068 % elongation, 1787.39 MPa modulus of elasticity, and a hardness value of 75.2 HD. Furthermore, the addition of 10 % carbon exhibited a remarkable improvement in flexural strength, reaching 238.51 MPa. This improvement could be attributed to reduced porosity, resulting in enhanced bonding between ALF-CAP-Epoxy components. The flexural strength of the composite with the highest CAP content experienced a significant increase of 238.51 MPa. Thus, Agel leaf fiber has the potential to be used as a reinforcing material in the manufacture of composites and is applied in the manufacture of environmentally friendly fishing boat bodies

A review on gas permeability of polymer matrix composites for cryogenic applications

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites are increasingly considered for lightweight cryogenic pressure vessels due to their excellent combination of tailorability, specific mechanical properties, and relatively low coefficients of thermal expansion. However, significant challenges must be overcome to fully utilize PMCs for cryogenic fuel tanks in terms of transverse microcracking and subsequent permeation of cryogenic fuel. Gas permeation and microcrack densities of cryogenically cycled composites are highly influenced by their layup, ply thickness, load case, and manufacturing defects like voids and resin rich zones. There has been a significant amount of research on measuring gas permeation of composites fatigued under pure thermal or uniaxial thermo-mechanical stresses. However, results demonstrate that the gas permeability should be measured under biaxial thermo-mechanical stresses to properly gauge the leakage characteristics of damaged composites. This paper summarizes the results from over a hundred papers on the key parameters that influence the gas permeability of composites, appropriate testing methods to cycle composites for permeability measurement, methods to limit the evolution of transverse microcracks, and materials traditionally used for the fabrication of all-composite cryogenic fuel tanks. Thin plies and nanofiller-toughening of the matrix have been shown to provide significant improvements in transverse microcrack suppression within cryogenically cycled composites.

Polymer expert – A software tool for de novo polymer design

A versatile and user-friendly “expert system” for de novo polymer design, named Polymer Expert, has been developed and implemented. Polymer Expert can be used to rapidly generate novel candidate polymer repeat units to meet desired performance targets. It is anticipated to accelerate innovation through materials science in industries that use polymers and polymer matrix composites. It was implemented by (1) generating an initial repeat unit database, (2) expanding this initial database into a large analog repeat unit database, (3) performing calculations for all repeat units in the large analog database by using quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPR) of broad applicability, and (4) integrating the resulting searchable library of repeat units and their predicted properties (PEARL, acronym for Polymer Expert Analog Repeat-unit Library) as a new module in a materials modeling and simulation software suite. Its use is illustrated by identifying biobased alternatives for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and bisphenol-A polycarbonate (BPAPC), alternatives for highly crystalline polypropylene homopolymer (PPHP) and 10% glass fiber containing polypropylene (PP10GF), and polymers that may provide unusually high dielectric constants. Many promising candidates were unobvious and unlikely to have been identified without using a polymer informatics approach. Future work will focus on improving the quality of candidate repeat units by refining the QSPR method, enhancing the diversity of candidate repeat units by expanding PEARL, providing additional interactive search options, and converting Polymer Expert into a versatile R&D platform that users can customize for their own needs.

ZrO2-reinforced polymer-matrix composites used for thermal protection systems of ultra-high temperature aerospace propulsion

Owing to the rapid development of high-energy propellants, the temperature of the solid rocket motor (SRM) combustion chamber has increased, necessitating the development of high-performance polymer matrix composites (PMCs) that meet the requirements of thermal protection systems (TPSs) for use in the ultra-high temperature combustion chamber. ZrO2 is an excellent and potential ultra-high temperature filler, the ablation properties of ZrO2-reinforced PMCs were investigated. ZrO2 reduced the ablation rate of the PMCs by up to 30.6 %. In order to optimize the design of ZrO2 filler, the reinforcement mechanism of ZrO2 on the ablation resistance of the PMCs was explained from the perspective of the properties and chemical reaction in the char layer. The results showed that ZrO2 can increase the residue rate and promote the densification of the char layer. In addition, ZrO2 promoted the formation of ZrC in the char layer, thereby improving the ablation resistance of the ZrO2-reinforced PMCs. The ZrO2-reinforced PMCs are expected to meet the requirements of the TPS used in the ultra-high temperature combustion chamber. Furthermore, the reinforcement mechanism of ZrO2 is conducive to the design of TPSs materials with excellent ablation performance and development of predictive models for the ablation performance of composites.

Characterization of new cellulose fiber extracted from second generation Bitter Albizia tree

The present work examines the physical, thermal tensile, and chemical properties of wood skin fibers obtained from second generation Bitter Albizia (BA) tree skin. Chemical characterization of BA fibers showed the presence of various chemical contents such as cellulose of 74.89 wt. %, hemicellulose of 14.50 wt. %, wax of 0.31 wt. %, lignin of 12.8 wt. %, moisture of 11.71 wt. %, and ash of 19.29 wt. %. The density of BA fibers (BAFs) was showed 1285 kg/m3. XRD analysis of BAFs showed a crystallinity index (CI) of 57.20% and size of crystallite of 1.68 nm. Tensile strength and strain to failure of BAFs examined through tensile test were 513–1226 MPa and 0.8–1.37% respectively. TGA portrayed the thermal steadiness of BAFs as 339 °C with 55.295 kJ/mol kinetic activation energy, its residual mass was 23.35% at 548 °C. BAFs with high CI, less wax content, and better tensile strength make more suitable for making polymer matrix composites. SEM images of the BAFs surface depicted that the fiber outer surface has more rough which shows that they can contribute to hige fiber-matrix adhesion during composites preparation.