Nanoclay and Natural Fibers Based Hybrid Composites: Mechanical, Morphological, Thermal and Rheological Properties

Abstract

The majority of the developing countries are extremely rich in natural resources such as natural fibers and clays. All these natural resources have exceptional properties and could be exploited effectively in the manufacturing of composite materials for a diversity of industrial applications. Combining two kinds of fillers is a potential way to improve the essential properties of natural filler-reinforced hybrid polymer composites. The hybridization is an efficient technique for making sustainable use of natural fillers. Natural fiber-reinforced polymers associated with particulate fillers as clay provide noteworthy advantages gains in terms of mechanical properties strength and stiffness, as well as improve the mechanical response these structural elements. Composites produced from natural resources are experiencing an increase in interest due to their high demand in the market for manufacturing, in addition to environmental and sustainability issues. This chapter focuses on the potential use of natural fibers and clay in hybrid composite materials, their availability, low cost, physical properties, structural properties and their friendless properties. The natural fiber/clay-reinforced hybrid polymer composites were prepared from Alfa fiber, Pine cone fiber, Sugarcane bagasse fiber and Coir fiber, polypropylene, and Moroccan clay named E1 using a extrusion and injection technique. Before being used, the natural fibers were alkali-treated to reduce their hydrophilicity, and the clay was purified. The chapter covers the advantages of natural fillers reinforcement in hybrid composites and future trends and applications.