Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

The use of natural fibres as reinforcements in composites has grown in importance in recent years. Natural Fibre Composites summarises the wealth of significant recent research in this area. Chapters in part one introduce and explore the structure, properties, processing, and applications of natural fibre reinforcements, including those made from wood and cellulosic fibres. Part two describes and illustrates the processing of natural fibre composites. Chapters discuss ethical practices in the processing of green composites, manufacturing methods and compression and injection molding techniques for natural fibre composites, and thermoset matrix natural fibre-reinforced composites. Part three highlights and interprets the testing and properties of natural fibre composites including, non-destructive and high strain rate testing. The performance of natural fibre composites is examined under dynamic loading, the response of natural fibre composites to impact damage is appraised, and the response of natural fibre composites in a marine environment is assessed. Natural Fibre Composites is a technical guide for professionals requiring an understanding of natural fibre composite materials. It offers reviews, applications and evaluations of the subject for researchers and engineers. Introduces and explores the structure, properties, processing, and applications of natural fibre reinforcements, including those made from wood and cellulosic fibres Highlights and interprets the testing and properties of natural fibre composites, including non-destructive and high strain rate testing Examines performance of natural fibre composites under dynamic loading, the response of natural fibre composites to impact damage, and the response of natural fibre composites in a marine environment

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Polymer Composites focuses on key areas of fundamental research and applications of biocomposites. Several key elements that affect the usage of these composites in real-life applications are discussed. There will be a comprehensive review on the different kinds of biocomposites at the beginning of the book, then the different types of natural fibers, bio-polymers, and green nanoparticle biocomposites are discussed as well as their potential for future development and use in engineering biomedical and domestic products. Recently mankind has realized that unless the environment is protected, he himself will be threatened by the over consumption of natural resources as well as a substantial reduction in the amount of fresh air produced in the world. Conservation of forests and the optimal utilization of agricultural and other renewable resources like solar, wind, and tidal energy, have become important topics worldwide. With such concern, the use of renewable resources—such as plant and animal-based, fiber-reinforced polymeric composites—are now becoming an important design criterion for designing and manufacturing components for a broad range of different industrial products. Research on biodegradable polymeric composites can contribute, to some extent, to a much greener and safer environment. For example, in the biomedical and bioengineering fields, the use of natural fiber mixed with biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers can produce joint and bone fixtures to alleviate pain in patients. Includes comprehensive information about the sources, properties, and biodegradability of natural fibers Discusses failure mechanisms and modeling of natural fibers composites Analyzes the effectiveness of using natural materials for enhancing mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties

Natural fibre composite is an emerging material that has great potential to be used in engineering application. Oil palm, sugar palm, bagasse, coir, banana stem, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, roselle, rice husk, betul nut husk and cocoa pod are among the natural fibres reported to be used as reinforcing materials in polymer composites. Natural fibre composites were used in many industries such as automotive, building, furniture, marine and aerospace industries. The advantages of natural fibre composites include low cost, renewable, abundance, light weight, less abrasive and they are suitable to be used in semi or non-structural engineering components. Research on various aspects of natural fibre composites such as characterization, determination of properties and design have been extensively carried out. However, publications that reported on research of manufacture of natural fibre composites are very limited. Specifically, although manufacturing methods of components from natural fibre composites are similar to those of components from conventional fibre composites such as glass, carbon and Kevlar fibres, modification of equipment used for conventional fibre composites may be required. This book fills the gap of knowledge in the field of natural fibre composites for the research community. Among the methods reported that are being used to produce components from natural fibre composites include hand lay-up, compression moulding, filament winding, injection moulding, resin transfer moulding, pultrusion and vacuum bag moulding. This book is also intended to address some research on secondary processing such as machining and laser welding of natural fibre composites. It is hoped that publication of this book will provide the readers new knowledge and understanding on the manufacture of natural fibre composites.

Safely Design, Test, and Construct Products Made of Natural Fiber CompositesNatural fibers and their composites carry distinct advantages over industrial fibers. Some advantages-including renewability and availability of raw materials, and lower energy consumption-could help safeguard environmental resources and eventually replace synthetic composi

Advanced High Strength Natural Fibre Composites in Construction provides the basic framework and knowledge required for the efficient and sustainable use of natural fiber composites as a structural and building material, along with information on the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of use and competitiveness of these composites. Areas of particular interest include understanding the nature and behavior of raw materials and their functional contributions to the advanced architectures of high strength composites (Part 1), discussing both traditional and novel manufacturing technologies for various advanced natural fiber construction materials (Part 2), examining the parameters and performance of the composites (Part 3), and finally commenting on the associated codes, standards, and sustainable development of advanced high strength natural fiber composites for construction. This exposition will be based on well understood environmental science as it applies to construction (Part 4). The book is aimed at academics, research scholars, and engineers, and will serve as a most valuable text or reference book that challenges undergraduate and postgraduate students to think beyond standard practices when designing and creating novel construction materials. Presents the first comprehensive review on the efficient and sustainable use of natural fiber composites in construction and building materials Contains detailed information on the structure, chemical composition, and physical and mechanical properties of natural fibers Covers both traditional and novel manufacturing technologies for high strength natural fiber composites Includes material parameters and performance in use, as well as associated codes, standards, and applied case studies Presents contributions from leading international experts in the field

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites In-depth overview of thermal analysis of natural fiber-reinforced composites In Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Thermal Properties and Applications, a team of distinguished researchers has delivered a comprehensive overview of the thermal properties of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The book brings together information currently dispersed throughout the scientific literature and offers viable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional composites. The book highlights the thermal analysis of natural fiber-reinforced composites with techniques such as Thermogravimetric Analysis, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Thermomechanical Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, etc. This book provides: A thorough review of the thermal characterization of natural fiber-based hybrid composites Detailed investigation of the thermal properties of polymer composites reinforced with various natural fibers such as flax fiber, pineapple leaf fiber, sisal, sugar palm, grass fiber and cane fiber Discussions on the thermal properties of hybrid natural fiber-reinforced composites with various thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers Influence of nanofillers on the thermal stability and thermal decomposition characteristics of the natural fiber-based hybrid composites Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Thermal Properties and Applications is a must-read for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and professionals working in the industry. This book is ideal for readers seeking to make an informed decision regarding materials selection for applications involving thermal insulation and elevated temperature. The suitability of natural fiber-reinforced composites in the automotive, mechanical, and civil engineering sectors is highlig

Natural Fiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester and Vinyl Polymer Composites: Characterization, Properties and Applications discusses recent advances on the development, characterization and application of natural fiber vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites. Various types of vinyl ester and vinyl based polymers, such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), low and high density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are discussed. Chapters focus on different composite fabrication processes, such as compression moulding, hand lay-up, and pultrusion processes. Key themes covered include the properties and characterization of vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites reinforced by natural fibers. The effect of fiber treatment and coupling agents on mechanical and physical properties of these materials is also evaluated. In addition to a determination of physical and mechanical properties, studies on thermal, degradation, swelling behavior, and the morphological properties of natural fiber reinforced vinyl ester and vinyl polymer composites is also presented. Presents the importance of vinyl ester and vinyl-based polymers as matrices in natural fiber composites Provides a detailed and comprehensive review on the development, characterization and applications of natural fiber vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites Looks at recent fabrication techniques and the mechanical properties of materials Contains contributions from leading experts in the field

Research on natural fiber composites is an emerging area in the field of polymer science with tremendous growth potential for commercialization. Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites: Material Formulations, Processing, Characterization, Properties, and Engineering Applications provides updated information on all the important classes of natural fibers and their composites that can be used for a broad range of engineering applications. Leading researchers from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions from across the globe have contributed to this highly application-oriented book. The chapters showcase cutting-edge research discussing the current status, key trends, future directions, and opportunities. Focusing on the current state of the art, the authors aim to demonstrate the future potential of these materials in a broad range of demanding engineering applications. This book will act as a one-stop reference resource for academic and industrial researchers working in R&D departments involved in designing composite materials for semi structural engineering applications. Presents comprehensive information on the properties of hybrid natural fiber composites that demonstrate their ability to improve the hydrophobic nature of natural fiber composites Reviews recent developments in the research and development of hybrid natural fiber composites in various engineering applications Focuses on modern technologies and illustrates how hybrid natural fiber composites can be used as alternatives in structural components subjected to severe conditions