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

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

doi:10.1142/s1758825117500454

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-friendlier. Plant fibers are important members of natural fibers. Review papers discussing the microstructures, performances and applications of natural plant fiber composites are available in the literature. However, there are relatively fewer review reports focusing on the modeling of the mechanical properties of plant fiber composites. The microstructures and mechanical behavior of plant fiber composites are briefly introduced by highlighting their characteristics that need to be considered prior to modeling. Numerical works that have already been carried out are discussed and summarized. Unlike synthetic fibers, natural plant fiber composites have not received sufficient attention in terms of numerical simulations. Existing technical challenges in this subject are summarized to provide potential opportunities for future research.

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