Mechanical properties of natural fibre polymer composites

Abstract

Abstract Extensive efforts have been made in the last decade for the development of natural fibre composites. This development paved the way for engineers and researchers to come up with natural fibre composites (NFCs) that exhibit better mechanical properties. The present review is based on the mechanical properties of jute, abaca, coconut, kenaf, sisal, and bamboo fibre-reinforced composites. Before selecting any NFC for a particular application, it becomes necessary to understand its compatibility for the same, which can be decided by knowing its mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact strengths. This review paper emphasises on the factors influencing the mechanical properties of NFCs like the type of matrix and fibre, interfacial adhesion, and compatibility between matrix and fibre. Efforts are also made to unveil the research gaps from the past literatures, as a result of which it is inferred that there is very limited work published in the field of vibration incorporating potential fillers such as red mud and fly ash with NFCs.