Natural fibers today are a popular choice for applications in composite manufacturing. Based on the sustainability benefits, biofibers such as plant fibers are replacing synthetic fibers in composites. These fibers are used to manufacture several biocomposites. The chemical composition and properties of each of the fibers changes, which demands the detailed comparison of these fibers. The reinforcement potential of natural fibers and their properties have been described in numerous papers. Today, high performance biocomposites are produced from several years of research. Plant fibers, particularly bast and leaf, find applications in automotive industries. While most of the other fibers are explored in lab scales they have not yet found large-scale commercial applications. It is necessary to also consider other fibers such as ones made from seed (coir) and animals (chicken feather) as they are secondary or made from waste products. Few plant fibers such as bast fibers are often reviewed briefly but other p...

A Review of Natural Fibers Used in Biocomposites: Plant, Animal and Regenerated Cellulose Fibers

Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber from Prosopis juliflora bark

Characterization of new natural cellulosic fiber from Cissus quadrangularis root.

FT Raman microscopy of untreated natural plant fibres

In this study a thorough analysis of physical and fine structure of hemp fibre bundles, namely surface topography, diameter, cellulose content and crystallinity index, have been presented. The fibre bundles have been alkalised and physical and mechanical properties analysed. Alkalisation was found to change the surface topography of fibre bundles and the diameter decreased with increased concentration of caustic soda. Cellulose content increase slightly at lower NaOH concentrations and decrease at higher NaOH concentrations. The crystallinity index decrease with increase in caustic soda concentration up to 0.24% NaOH beyond which, it decreases with increase in NaOH concentration. It was also found that the tensile strength and stiffness increases with increase in the concentration of NaOH up to a limit. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus increase with decrease in cellulose content, while crystalline cellulose decreases slightly but with improved crystalline packing order resulting in increased mechanical properties. Similar observations are elucidated by the crystallinity index. Alkalised hemp fibre bundles were found to exhibit a similar specific stiffness to steel, E-glass and Kevlar 29 fibres. The results also show that crystallinity index obtained following alkalisation has a reverse correlation to the mechanical properties. Stiffer alkalised hemp fibre bundles are suitable candidates as reinforcements to replace synthetic fibres. The improvement in mechanical properties of alkali treated hemp fibre bundles confirms their use as reinforcement materials.

Mechanical properties of alkali treated plant fibres and their potential as reinforcement materials. I. hemp fibres

Describes commercially available natural fibers, manmade fibers, and their physical properties. Reviews laboratory tests for the classification of newly synthesized manmade fibers. The seventh edition adheres to the schematic approach used in earlier editions but places more emphasis on the use of microscopy in fiber identification. Contains the following chapters: Properties of Textile Fibers (Natural, Manmade, Metal Coated Yarns, and Nonwovens and Other Nontraditional Fiber Assemblies); Photomicrographs; Scheme of Analysis (Microscopical Examination of Fiber Specimens, Identification of Homogeneous Fiber Specimens, Fiber Blends, and Instrumental Methods of Analysis); and Notes on Reagents and Methods of Testing (Stripping of Dyes, Formaldehyde Treatments, Resin Treatments, Refractive Indexes of Fibers, Optical Test for Polyethylene Terephthalate, Fiber Densities, Melting Points of Fibers, Phloroglucinol and Hydrochloric Acid Test, Drying-Twist Test, Meldrum's and Sevron Orange Stains, Solubility and Staining Tests for Acrylics, Regenerated Viscose Fiber Tests, Preparation and Use of Reagents, Fiber Diameters, and Nylon Fiber Staining Methods).

C.A. Farnfield

Papers

Identification of Textile Materials