Recent researches in fiber reinforced composite materials: A review

Abstract

Depleting oil reserves and changing climate conditions have urged the scientific community to become excited to the renewable sources to fabricate materials for structural elements in an ecologically conscious manner. Various researches on developing composite materials have paved a new era, probing the possibilities of replacing non-degradable plastics in the most economical manner to minimize environmental hazards. However, the composites inherently have poor mechanical and chemical stability which hinders its effective use in end-use applications. The latest researches have delved into the depth of possibilities for creating a polymer matrix composite which is simultaneously cost-effective, environment-friendly and satisfies the design considerations of the structure. A detailed literature review on polymer matrix composites will help the present-day researchers to focus on the emerging trends in composite materials. A brief study on various methods such as Tsai-Pagano model & Halpin-Tsai equations, Cox and Krenchel model, Hirsch model, Bowyer–Bader Model have been discussed and out of these models Bowyer Bader Model has the most prominent deviation of 300% in providing with similar values as compared to the data obtained from the experimental evaluation. Further review in to the matrix and fiber combinations show that Polylactic acid and sisal, flax fiber without fiber treatment produced around 26% increase in the mechanical properties of the composite material. This paper provides both academicians and researchers with an insight into the framework for recent research exercise on polymer composite materials through a snapshot review of the published works of literature. The findings of this review have been summarized and the future research possibilities are also revealed in this paper.