Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010

Bamboo fibre reinforced biocomposites: A review

Extraction and tensile properties of natural fibers: Vakka, date and bamboo

Plant fibres, perceived as environmentally sustainable substitutes to E-glass, are increasingly being employed as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. However, despite the promising technical properties of cellulose-based fibres and the historic use of plant fibre reinforced plastics (PFRPs) in load-bearing components, the industrial uptake of PFRPs in structural applications has been limited. Through an up-to-date critical review of the literature, this manuscript presents an overview on key aspects that need consideration when developing PFRPs for structural applications, including the selection of (I) the fibre type, fibre extraction process and fibre surface modification technique, (II) fibre volume fraction, (III) reinforcement geometry and interfacial properties, (IV) reinforcement packing arrangement and orientation and (V) matrix type and composite manufacturing technique. A comprehensive materials selection chart (Ashby plot) is also produced to facilitate the design of a PFRP component, based on the (absolute and specific) tensile properties.

Developing plant fibre composites for structural applications by optimising composite parameters: a critical review

In this review, insight into the use of bio-based fibers as composite reinforcement has been addressed. Specifics on the varieties of natural fibers, and the resultant properties from their constituents and hierarchal structures are described. The methods used to enhance the interface of these fibers with a variety of polymer matrices are reviewed. In addition, the influence of textile operations on creating various fiber architectures with resulting reinforcing capabilities, along with the methods in which natural fiber reinforced composites can be processed, are addressed. Finally, discussion of the correlation between structure, processing, and final composite properties are provided.

Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

This paper presents the development of composites for ecological purposes (Eco-composites) using bamboo fibers and their basic mechanical properties. The steam explosion technique was applied to extract bamboo fibers from raw bamboo trees. The experimental results showed that the bamboo fibers (bundles) had a sufficient specific strength, which is equivalent to that of conventional glass fibers. The tensile strength and modulus of PP based composites using steam-exploded fibers increased about 15 and 30%, respectively, due to well impregnation and the reduction of the number of voids, compared to the composite using fibers that are mechanically extracted. The steam explosion technique is an effective method to extract bamboo fibers for reinforcing thermoplastics.

Yuzo Yamamoto

Papers

Development of bamboo-based polymer composites and their mechanical properties