Natural fibers, while offering advantages like renewability and biodegradability, face challenges when incorporated into composite materials due to their inherent hydrophilicity. This characteristic often leads to poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices, resulting in weaker interfacial bonding and compromised material performance. However, coupling agents like maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) have been shown to effectively enhance the compatibility between natural fibers and polymer matrices.
Which of the following is most strongly supported by the information above?
Answer: