Natural Plant Fiber Composites - Constituent Properties and Challenges in Numerical Modelling and Simulations

Yucheng Zhong,Heow Pueh Lee,Umeyr Kureemun,Tran Le Quan Ngoc

doi:10.1142/s1758825117500508

Abstract

Natural fibers are extracted from natural resources such as stems of plants. In contrast to synthetic fibers (e.g., carbon fibers), natural fibers are from renewable resources and are eco-friendlie...

Highlights

A composite material consists of two or more constituent materials which are physically separable and distinct
Considering the lack of relevant review in the literature focusing on the simulation of the mechanical behavior of natural plant fiber composites, this paper presents and summarizes the latest research work on plant fiber composites that need to be acquainted prior to their mechanical property prediction
The microstructure and mechanical properties of natural plant fiber composites are introduced with emphases placed on their possible influences on subsequent simulation process

Summary

Introduction

A composite material consists of two or more constituent materials which are physically separable and distinct. Particular concern to reduce fuel consumption and increase travel distance as well as cargo capacity, high-strength fibers such as carbon fiber and glass fiber are impregnated by polymeric matrices to produce composite structures These composite materials are widely used in both secondary and primary structures of aircrafts due to their high specific strength and modulus. It is a feasible and economical way to extract fibers from agricultural and industrial waste and residues [Vaisanen et al, 2016] Natural plant fibers such as flax, jute, hemp, sisal, ramie, and kenaf fibers were extensively investigated and adopted in many applications [Faruk et al, 2014]. The specific bending stiffness of flax composites was slightly higher than that of glass fiber composites for fiber volume fraction between 30% and 60% These characteristics of natural plant fibers and their composites have attracted attention from both the industry and academics. Acoustic and vibration damping performance of natural plant fiber composites are discussed

Microstructures of Plant Fibers and Their Composites

Sound and Vibration Damping Aspects of Plant Fiber Composites

Review of Techniques for Simulation and Existing Challenges

Findings

Conclusions