Recent Developments in Green Composites based on Plant Fibers-Preparation, Structure Property Studies

Abstract

Recognizing the effects of dwindling natural feed stocks of energy and synthetic materials, their high costs along with the resulting effects by their use on the environment and emission of greenhouse gases into the environment, greater thrust has been placed on the use of eco friendly and energy saving biomaterials and processes. These efforts have led to a new approach to the development of new materials, products and processes along with the implementation of sustainable manufacturing strategies. Such strategies would help in optimizing the total material cycle from virgin material up to finished products. These also include utilization of wastes generated whereby ultimate disposal of wastes is achieved. Such efforts will have great impact on the world economy and improvement of quality of life. Considering the above and the abundantly available, but underutilized biomaterial resources, several attempts have been made all over the world giving excellent opportunities for scientists to discover methods for their better utilization. This paper discusses some of the recent research efforts made, including the author’s involvement in these, to develop environmentally friendly and sustainable ‘green’ composites based on plant fibers with details on their processing matrix-reinforcement combinations, morphology and properties. These materials have found use in automotive, construction, packaging, medical and other sectors.