5 - Tensile properties of natural and synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

This chapter reviews the tensile properties of natural and synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites with an emphasis on some types of natural and synthetic fibers that are often used in polymer composite material studies. The review covers findings regarding the tensile properties of natural and synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Tensile properties of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are known to be lower than those of synthetic fiber. However, by changing some parameters during fabrication, e.g., fiber orientation, fiber length, chemical modification, and processing temperature, the tensile properties of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites may be improved. The tensile properties of polymer composites reinforced with natural fibers such as kenaf, jute, hemp, and flax are reviewed in this chapter. Although trends focus more on the study of natural fibers as reinforcement, the use of synthetic fibers in composites remains popular owing to their higher strength compared with natural fiber. Research continues on synthetic fibers intended to improve the mechanical performance of synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Three common types of synthetic fiber (glass, carbon, and aramid) are reviewed in this chapter.