Synthetic, Hybrid and Natural Composite Fabrication Processes

Abstract

AbstractComposite materials have been the subject of many researchers due to their relatively superior properties and suitability for industrial studies. When composites are classified, researchers may encounter multiple classifications. However, they can basically be classified as natural, synthetic and hybrid composites. In this classification, reinforcement materials can be selected as natural, synthetic or hybrid for their usage area and it depends on the polymer matrix which has different interface parameters. Reinforcement materials, generally in the form of fibers, obtained from plants, animals or cultures, are called natural reinforcements. For example, jute, banana peel, hemp, coconut shell, silk, bamboo, wool etc. can be given. Materials such as carbon, kevlar, glass, etc., which are produced by various artificial processes and generally used as fibers, are called synthetic reinforcements. Compared with synthetic supplements, natural supplements appear to be environmentally friendly, renewable, inexpensive and easily available. But the disadvantage of using natural supplements is that they have lower mechanical properties compared to synthetics. It can be applied in a structure called hybrid reinforcement by using both natural and synthetic reinforcement materials. With the hybrid method, various properties of synthetic and natural reinforcements are combined and the manufactured composite is tried to have the desired properties (Khan et al. in Hybrid fiber composites: materials, manufacturing, process engineering. Wiley–VCH, Weinheim [1]). In this part of the book, basic information about the classification of composites and information about composite fabrication process, which is the main subject of the chapter, will be given.