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Biocomposites are materials that are easy to manufacture and environmentally friendly. Sugar palm fibre (SPF) is considered to be an emerging reinforcement candidate that could provide improved mechanical stiffness and strength to the biocomposites. Numerous studies have been recently conducted on sugar palm biocomposites to evaluate their physical, mechanical and thermal properties in various conditions. Sugar palm biocomposites are currently limited to the applications of traditional household products despite their good thermal stability as a prospective substitute candidate for synthetic fibres. Thus, thermal analysis methods such as TGA and DTG are functioned to determine the thermal properties of single fibre sugar palm composites (SPCs) in thermoset and thermoplastic matrix as well as hybrid SPCs. The biocomposites showed a remarkable change considering thermal stability by varying the individual fibre compositions and surface treatments and adding fillers and coupling agents. However, literature that summarises the thermal properties of sugar palm biocomposites is unavailable. Particularly, this comprehensive review paper aims to guide all composite engineers, designers, manufacturers and users on the selection of suitable biopolymers for sugar palm biocomposites for thermal applications, such as heat shields and engine components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel approach using wood fiber/PLA composite microperforated panel (WFCMPP) for indoor sound absorption purposes. WFCMPP, comprising rubber tree chip-derived fibers and a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix, with the dimensions of the rubber tree chip-derived fibers ranging from 0.5 to 1 mm, demonstrated promising sound absorption coefficients comparable to other natural fiber composite microperforated panels. The maximum sound absorption coefficient was recorded at 0.989 with a resonance frequency of 1416 Hz when the wood fiber composition was 30 %. The study also investigates the impact of wood fiber composition on sound absorption, revealing a linear relationship between fiber content and both porosity and sound absorption. The peak sound absorption coefficient of WFCMPP remained almost identical at different air gap thicknesses, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of the samples. Additionally, the performance remained robust even with variations in air gap size. Scanning electron microscope analysis confirms the irregular porous structure and complexity contributing to enhanced sound absorption. WFCMPP presents a sustainable and effective alternative for acoustic applications, combining sound absorption performance with environmental considerations. [Display omitted] • Microperforated panels (MPPs) were fabricated from wood fiber/PLA composite using conventional machining. • Sound absorption of wood fiber/PLA MPPs (WFCMPP) was measured using an impedance tube. • All samples showed excellent absorption, with coefficients exceeding 0.9 between 1,400 and 1,470 Hz. • Porosity and surface morphology analyses were conducted to verify the complex structure of WFCMPP. • WFCMPP's sound absorption performance was comparable to other natural fiber-based MPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]