Natural fibres: can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics?
TL;DR: In this paper, natural fibres (sisal, kenaf, hemp, jute and coir) reinforced polypropylene composites were processed by compression molding using a film stacking method.
About: This article is published in Composites Science and Technology.The article was published on 2003-07-01. It has received 2161 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Kenaf & Ultimate tensile strength.
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TL;DR: A comprehensive review of literature on bio-fiber reinforced composites is presented in this paper, where the overall characteristics of reinforcing fibers used in biocomposites, including source, type, structure, composition, as well as mechanical properties, are reviewed.
3,074 citations
Cites background from "Natural fibres: can they replace gl..."
...Recent works regarding sisal and jute fiber [293], sisal [294], abaca [295], abaca and sisal [296], flax [297], jute fibers [298], sisal, abaca and bamboo fiber [299] reinforced polyester composites have been developed....
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TL;DR: In this article, a review summarizes progress in nanocellulose preparation with a particular focus on microfibrillated cellulose and also discusses recent developments in bio-nanocomposite fabrication based on nanocells.
Abstract: Due to their abundance, high strength and stiffness, low weight and biodegradability, nano-scale cellulose fiber materials (e.g., microfibrillated cellulose and bacterial cellulose) serve as promising candidates for bio-nanocomposite production. Such new high-value materials are the subject of continuing research and are commercially interesting in terms of new products from the pulp and paper industry and the agricultural sector. Cellulose nanofibers can be extracted from various plant sources and, although the mechanical separation of plant fibers into smaller elementary constituents has typically required high energy input, chemical and/or enzymatic fiber pre-treatments have been developed to overcome this problem. A challenge associated with using nanocellulose in composites is the lack of compatibility with hydrophobic polymers and various chemical modification methods have been explored in order to address this hurdle. This review summarizes progress in nanocellulose preparation with a particular focus on microfibrillated cellulose and also discusses recent developments in bio-nanocomposite fabrication based on nanocellulose.
2,546 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review on the tensile properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is presented, where several chemical modifications are employed to improve the interfacial matrix-fiber bonding resulting in the enhancement of tensile strength of the composites.
Abstract: This paper is a review on the tensile properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Natural fibers have recently become attractive to researchers, engineers and scientists as an alternative reinforcement for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Due to their low cost, fairly good mechanical properties, high specific strength, non-abrasive, eco-friendly and bio-degradability characteristics, they are exploited as a replacement for the conventional fiber, such as glass, aramid and carbon. The tensile properties of natural fiber reinforce polymers (both thermoplastics and thermosets) are mainly influenced by the interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the fibers. Several chemical modifications are employed to improve the interfacial matrix–fiber bonding resulting in the enhancement of tensile properties of the composites. In general, the tensile strengths of the natural fiber reinforced polymer composites increase with fiber content, up to a maximum or optimum value, the value will then drop. However, the Young’s modulus of the natural fiber reinforced polymer composites increase with increasing fiber loading. Khoathane et al. [1] found that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of composites reinforced with bleached hemp fibers increased incredibly with increasing fiber loading. Mathematical modelling was also mentioned. It was discovered that the rule of mixture (ROM) predicted and experimental tensile strength of different natural fibers reinforced HDPE composites were very close to each other. Halpin–Tsai equation was found to be the most effective equation in predicting the Young’s modulus of composites containing different types of natural fibers.
1,757 citations
Cites background from "Natural fibres: can they replace gl..."
...It can also be found that the Young’s modulus of the fiber (Sglass) is 80-160 times higher than those of the matrices (PP and polyester resin) [3-8]....
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...These composites materials are suitably applicable for aerospace, leisure, construction, sport, packaging and automotive industries, especially for the last mentioned application [3, 6]....
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review the recent progress in using silane coupling agents for NFPCs, summarizes the effective silane structures from the silane family, clarifies the interaction mechanisms between natural fibers and polymer matrices, and presents the effects of silane treatments on the mechanical and outdoor performance of the resulting composites.
Abstract: Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) provide the customers with more alternatives in the material market due to their unique advantages. Poor fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion may, however, negatively affect the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting composites due to the surface incompatibility between hydrophilic natural fibers and non-polar polymers (thermoplastics and thermosets). A variety of silanes (mostly trialkoxysilanes) have been applied as coupling agents in the NFPCs to promote interfacial adhesion and improve the properties of composites. This paper reviews the recent progress in using silane coupling agents for NFPCs, summarizes the effective silane structures from the silane family, clarifies the interaction mechanisms between natural fibers and polymer matrices, and presents the effects of silane treatments on the mechanical and outdoor performance of the resulting composites.
1,725 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the use of pretreated natural fibers in polymer matrix-based composites has been reviewed and the effect of surface modification of natural fibers on the properties of fibers and fiber reinforced polymer composites is also discussed.
Abstract: In recent years, natural fibers reinforced composites have received much attention because of their lightweight, nonabrasive, combustible, nontoxic, low cost and biodegradable properties. Among the various natural fibers; flax, bamboo, sisal, hemp, ramie, jute, and wood fibers are of particular interest. A lot of research work has been performed all over the world on the use of natural fibers as a reinforcing material for the preparation of various types of composites. However, lack of good interfacial adhesion, low melting point, and poor resistance towards moisture make the use of natural fiber reinforced composites less attractive. Pretreatments of the natural fiber can clean the fiber surface, chemically modify the surface, stop the moisture absorption process, and increase the surface roughness. Among the various pretreatment techniques, graft copolymerization and plasma treatment are the best methods for surface modification of natural fibers. Graft copolymers of natural fibers with vinyl monomers provide better adhesion between matrix and fiber. In the present article, the use of pretreated natural fibers in polymer matrix-based composites has been reviewed. Effect of surface modification of natural fibers on the properties of fibers and fiber reinforced polymer composites has also been discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
1,201 citations
References
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TL;DR: The structural aspects and properties of several biofibers and biodegradable polymers, recent developments of different biofiber and biocomposites are discussed in this paper.
Abstract: Recently the critical discussion about the preservation of natural resources and recycling has led to the renewed interest concerning biomaterials with the focus on renewable raw materials. Because of increasing environmental consciousness and demands of legislative authorities, use and removal of traditional composite structures, usually made of glass, carbon or aramid fibers being reinforced with epoxy, unsaturated polyester, or phenolics, are considered critically. Recent advances in natural fiber development, genetic engineering and composite science offer significant opportunities for improved materials from renewable resources with enhanced support for global sustainability. The important feature of composite materials is that they can be designed and tailored to meet different requirements. Since natural fibers are cheap and biodegradable, the biodegradable composites from biofibers and biodegradable polymers will render a contribution in the 21st century due to serious environmental problem. Biodegradable polymers have offered scientists a possible solution to waste-disposal problems associated with traditional petroleum-derived plastics. For scientists the real challenge lies in finding applications which would consume sufficiently large quantities of these materials to lead price reduction, allowing biodegradable polymers to compete economically in the market. Today's much better performance of traditional plastics are the outcome of continued RD however the existing biodegradable polymers came to public only few years back. Prices of biodegradable polymers can be reduced on mass scale production; and such mass scale production will be feasible through constant R&D efforts of scientists to improve the performance of biodegradable plastics. Manufacture of biodegradable composites from such biodegradable plastics will enhance the demand of such materials. The structural aspects and properties of several biofibers and biodegradable polymers, recent developments of different biodegradable polymers and biocomposites are discussed in this review article. Collaborative R&D efforts among material scientists and engineers as well as intensive co-operation and co-ordination among industries, research institutions and government are essential to find various commercial applications of biocomposites even beyond to our imagination.
2,612 citations
"Natural fibres: can they replace gl..." refers background in this paper
...angle between the fibre axis and the fibril of the fibre) [15]....
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Book•
01 Jan 1987
TL;DR: Lamina et al. as mentioned in this paper discussed the need for Lamina testing in composites and proposed a method for tensile testing of composite laminate materials, including Tabbing Materials and Tab Bonding.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION Background Laminate Orientation Code Influences of Material Orthotropy on Experimental Characterization Typical Unidirectional Composite Properties References ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS Constitutive Relations Micromechanics Laminated Plate Theory St. Venant's Principle and End Effects in Composites Lamina Strength Analysis Laminate Strength Analysis Fracture Mechanics Concepts Strength of Composite Laminates Containing Holes References PROCESSING OF COMPOSITE LAMINATES Processing of Thermoset Composites Autoclave Processing of Thermoplastic Composites Determination of Volume Fractions of Fibers, Resin and Voids References TEST SPECIMEN PREPARATION, TEST EQUIPMENT, STRAIN AND DEFORMATION MEASUREMENTS Cutting the Composite Laminate Tabbing Materials Tab Bonding Suggested Tab Bonding Procedures Hinge Attachment for DCB and MMB Specimens Specimen Conditioning Strain and Displacement Measurements Testing Machines References LAMINA TENSILE RESPONSE The Need for Lamina Testing Introduction to Tensile Testing Primary Concerns Specimen Configurations and Test Procedures Data Reduction References LAMINA COMPRESSIVE RESPONSE Shear-Loading Test Methods End-Loading Test Methods Combined Loading Compression (CLC) Test Methods Compression Test Procedures Failure Modes General Data Reduction Backing out Unidirectional Lamina Strength from a Test of a Cross-Ply Laminate Summary of Compression Test Methods References LAMINA SHEAR RESPONSE Iosipescu Shear Test Method (ASTM D 5379) Two-Rail Shear Test Method (ASTM D 4255) Three-Rail Shear Test Method (ASTM D 4255) [+-45]ns Tension Shear Test Method (ASTM D 3518) Short Beam Shear Test Method (ASTM D 2344) Summary References LAMINA FLEXURAL RESPONSE Testing Configuration Three-Versus Four-Point Loading Specimen Preparation and Flexural Test Procedures Data Reduction References LAMINA OFF-AXIS TENSILE RESPONSE Deformation and Stress in Unconstrained Specimens Influence of End Constraint Off-Axis Tensile Strength Test Procedure Data Reduction References LAMINA THERMOELASTIC RESPONSE Temperature Gage Sensing System Temperature Compensation Measurement of Thermal Expansion Data Reduction References LAMINATE MECHANICAL RESPONSE Data Reduction for Stiffness Properties Laminate Strength Analysis Test Specimen Preparation Test Procedures Data Reduction Example of a Typical Analysis: Axial Tensile Response of a Laminate References LAMINATE THERMOELASTIC RESPONSE Preparation of Test Specimens and Measurement of Thermal Expansion Data Reduction Analysis of Thermoelastic Response References OPEN-HOLE TENSILE AND COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS OF LAMINATES Point and Average Stress Criteria Test Specimen Preparation Tensile Test Procedure and Data Reduction Standardized Open-Hole Tension Test Method Standardized Open-Hole Compression Test Methods References CHARACTERIZATION OF DELAMINATION FAILURE Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) Test End-Notched Flexure (ENF) Test Four-Point Bend ENF (4ENF) Test Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB) Test Edge-Cracked Torsion (ECT) Test References Appendix A: Compliance and Stiffness Transformations and Matrix Operations Appendix B: Preparation of Panels and Test Specimens Appendix C: Sample Laboratory Report Appendix D: Unit Conversions Index
629 citations
"Natural fibres: can they replace gl..." refers background in this paper
...The shear contribution to the bending deflection is normally neglected [18] in the determination of the flexural modulus, resulting in a lower value than the tensile modulus....
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TL;DR: The average interfacial shear strength between the pineapple fiber and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) was 8.23 MPa as measured by the microbond technique as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Physical and tensile properties of pineapple fibers were characterized. Tensile properties of pineapple fibers, like most natural fibers, showed a large variation. The average interfacial shear strength between the pineapple fiber and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) was 8.23 MPa as measured by the microbond technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs of the microbond specimens revealed an adhesive failure of the interface. Fully degradable and environment-friendly “green” composites were prepared by combining pineapple fibers and PHBV with 20 and 30% weight content of fibers placed in a 0°/90°/0° fiber arrangement. Tensile and flexural properties of these “green” composites were compared with different types of wood specimens. Even though tensile and flexural strength and moduli of these “green” composites were lower than those of some wood specimens tested in grain direction, they were significantly higher than those of wood specimens tested in perpendicular to grain direction. Compared to PHBV virgin resin, both tensile and flexural strength and moduli of these “green” composites were significantly higher. SEM photomicrographs of the fracture surface of the “green” composites, in tensile mode, showed partial fiber pull-out indicating weak bonding between the fiber and the matrix.
314 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the mechanical and thermal properties of green composites made from pineapple fibers and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) resin are investigated.
Abstract: This paper presents the mechanical and thermal properties of unidirectional, degradable, environment-friendly “green” composites made from pineapple fibers and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) resin. Tensile and flexural properties of the “green” composites with different fiber contents were measured in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Compared to those of virgin resin, the tensile and flexural strengths of “green” composites are significantly higher in the longitudinal direction while they are lower in the transverse direction. However, the mechanical properties are lower than those predicted by simple models. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs of the tensile fracture surfaces demonstrate fibers being pulled out from the matrix, the interfacial failure, fiber fibrillation, and the nonunidirectional nature of the “green” composites. The thermal behavior of the “green” composites, studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), showed that the presence of pineapple fibers does not affect the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, crystallinity, and thermal decomposition of PHBV resin.
272 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the characteristics of pure cellulose and wood fibers when associated with thermoplastic matrices for composite applications are described, and the most efficient compatibilizing agents must possess: i) a function highly reactive with the OH groups of the cellulose, and ii) a non-polar chain with a polymeric structure.
Abstract: This paper details the characteristics of pure cellulose and wood fibers when associated with thermoplastic matrices for composite applications. Chemical modification of the cellulose is performed to allow a good compatibilization, and the most efficient compatibilizing agents must possess: i) a function highly reactive with the OH groups of the cellulose and ii) a non-polar chain with preferably a polymeric structure. Polypropylenes grafted with maleic anhydride are thus efficient agents. Smaller compatibilizing agents, especially if reacted with cellulose in swelling media, react with the bulk of the fiber and lead to dimensional stability. All treatments, even when performed with low degrees of grafting or small alkyl chains, significantly modify the hydrophilicity of the cellulose surface and play a role in a better wettability of the fiber by the matrix leading to improved adherence. The global mechanical properties are then improved, but the effect is preferably studied at the scale of a single filament composite. The morphology of the matrix in the vicinity of the non-treated fiber shows that, in some cases, the fiber acts as a nucleating agent involving the formation of a transcrystalline phase. Aging in moisture is generally detrimental to the mechanical properties. This phenomenon is limited by the chemical treatment performed on the fibers.
229 citations