Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Research Articles

A Comprehensive Review of Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites

The idea of composite materials is introduced in this article, with an emphasis on composites made of natural fibres and polymers. Composites are made up of various elements or phases that significantly affect the material's general characteristics. The matrix, the continuous phase, is typically made up of ceramics, metals, or polymers. Natural fibres that provide strength and stiffness make up the reinforcement component in natural fibre-reinforced composites. These composite materials have uses in the consumer goods, packaging, sports, and construction industries, in addition to providing environmental advantages. The paper presents a review of the literature on the creation and characterization of composites reinforced by natural fibres. To improve the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of the composites, numerous studies have looked at various kinds of natural fibres, surface modifications, coupling agents, and processing methods. The benefits and drawbacks of using natural fibres in composites are discussed in the article. It gives a general overview of how natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites have evolved and what uses they might have in the future. The article highlights current research initiatives and difficulties in enhancing the performance and compatibility of natural fibres with polymer matrices. The research advances the use of natural fibre composites as environmentally friendly substitutes across a range of industries by fostering a better understanding of their advantages and disadvantages.

Fatigue and Tensile Characteristics for Composite Materials Used in Prosthetic Socket

In this research, the use of natural materials like wool and cannabis as intermediate reinforcement for prosthetic limbs due to their comfort, affordability, and local availability was discussed. As part of this study on below-the-knee (BK) prosthetic sockets, two sets of samples were made using a vacuum method. These sets were made of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites with lamination 80:20: group (Y) had 4 perlon, 1 wool 4 perlon, and group (G) had 4 perlon, 1 cannabis 4 perlon. The two groups were compared with a socket made of polypropylene. Tensile testing was used to determine the mechanical characteristics of the socket materials. The Y group has a yield stress of 17 MPs, an ultimate strength of 18.75 MPa, and an elastic modulus of 4.021 GPa, while for the G group, these values are 12.75 MPa, 18.84 MPa, and 4.076 GPa, respectively. The fatigue test was used to evaluate the failure characteristics of the socket. An F-socket was utilized to test the interface compression between both the limb and the socket. For the Tekscan sensor, the calculated pressure in the medial region is 350 K Pa, while it is 330 KPa in the posterior region. Solid Works software was used to draw a prosthetic socket for the numerical study. The failure safety agent for the composite material for group Y was 1.26. The finite element method (ANSYS Workbench 14.5) was used to look at the fatigue characteristics to detect the maximum stress, safety factor, and total deformation.

3D printing continuous natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: A review

AbstractWith the growing prominence of environmental conservation awareness, there has been a notable surge in the exploration of renewable materials, particularly in the realm of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. This heightened focus is underscored by the recent advancements in additive manufacturing techniques dedicated to continuous natural fiber reinforced composites (CNFRCs), which have inherently opened unprecedented avenues for the holistic customization of CNFRCs with meticulously tailored properties. This work reviewed the advanced techniques for 3D printing CNFRCs and addressed their challenges and perspectives in the future. First, the 3D printing processes of CNFRCs were reviewed, and the use of reinforcement and matrix phases was classified in detail. Then, CNFRCs were discussed in terms of their mechanical performances and novel function of shape‐changing. Further, performance optimization and prediction methods of 3D printed CNFRCs were discussed. In conclusion, a perspective on future study opportunities of 3D printed CNFRCs was provided from design, manufacturing, prediction to application.

Biocomposite Innovation: Assessing Tensile and Flexural Performance with Maleated Natural Rubber Additives

Fiberglass is the most common reinforcing fiber used in composites, with polymer matrices having high tensile strength and chemical resistance, including an excellent insulating property; however, they are non-degradable. Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have advantageous properties such as lower density and price, when compared to synthetic composite products. In addition, hybrid composites may be obtained depending on various properties such as the fibers' length, structure, content and orientation, matrix bonding and arrangement. This study was carried out to determine the effect of adding Maleated Natural Rubber (MNR) from natural rubber as a coupling agent, in order to produce the highest tensile and flexural strength. The hand lay-up and vacuum bag methods with the Response Surface Method-Central Composite Design (RSM). -CCD) were used. The composite arrangement pattern was E-glass/OPEFB/E-glass, the volume fraction of OPEFB (oil palm empty fruit bunches):E-glass was 40:60, 50:50 and 60:40, the fraction volume of OPEFB + E-glass:matrix was 40:60, 50: 50, 60: 40 and the coupling agent were added by 9, 10 and 11% of the total epoxy resin used. Furthermore, the composite mold was made of glass with dimensions of 200mm x 50mm x 50mm. The results showed that the composite product obtained from both methods had a tensile strength value, which was influenced by the variable OPEFB fiber and epoxy resin. Meanwhile, the flexural strength was influenced by the OPEFB fiber and the quadratic factor of the epoxy-MNR resin.

A two‐stage analysis for the role of fiber size in terms of length distribution on the performance under accelerated weathering tests of oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber‐reinforced vinyl acrylic composites

AbstractThe performance of natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) can be markedly affected by fiber length, to the extent that a sole mean value and standard deviation fail to accurately represent its overall dispersion. Hence, measuring the variability of fiber length is crucial to comprehend its influence on the properties of the resulting composites. Unfortunately, few studies have been conducted on this topic. This work consisted of two research stages: the first related to the effect of both fiber length distribution and processing temperature on the properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber‐reinforced vinyl acrylic composites, while the second stage analyzed the influence of the fiber length distribution on the material performance under accelerated weathering tests. Broadly, composites were characterized by tensile mechanical testing, optical microscopy and SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, and microbiological analysis. The key results showed that processing the material at temperatures surpassing 75°C did not lead to a homogenous phase between the components, rendering it unworthy of consideration. Furthermore, composites containing the longest OPEFB fibers exhibited the lowest elongation‐at‐break values. Regarding the incidence of aging treatments, pronounced effects were observed in those composites exposed to UV radiation and salt fog. In detail, the elongation at break decreased by up to 34%, while the tensile strength increased by up to 1 MPa, and Young's modulus rose by up to 17%. Finally, two fungal genera, Fusarium sp. and Rhizophydium sp., were identified on the OPEFB fibers; nevertheless, no fungal growth was observed on the composites.Highlights Natural reinforcement/filler size measured as fiber length distribution. Effect of fiber length distribution on composite performance. Composite performance after accelerated weathering tests.

Effect of fiber treatment on physical and mechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced composites: A review

Abstract Due to environmental and financial concerns, there is a growing demand for composite materials in a wide range of industries, including construction and automotive industries. In 2020, the market for wood plastic composites was estimated to be worth $5.4 billion. By 2030, it is expected to have grown to $12.6 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9% between 2021 and 2030. The fundamental disadvantage of reinforced composites by natural fibers is the different nature of the hydrophilic lignocellulosic and the hydrophobic thermoplastic polymers, although natural fibers would lower total costs. These composites typically fail mechanically as a result of fiber debonding, breaking, and pull-out. In a fiber-reinforced composite, the matrix’s function could be described as distributing the force to the added fibers using interfacial shear stresses. A strong connection between the polymeric matrix and the fibers is necessary for this procedure. Weak adhesion at the interface prevents the composite from being used to its maximum potential and leaves it open to attacks from the environment that could damage it and shorten its lifespan. Poor mechanical performance is caused by insufficient adhesion between hydrophobic polymers and hydrophilic fibers in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Consequently, during the past 20 years, a variety of chemical, thermal, and physical methods have been employed to address these issues. These methods largely concentrated on the grafting of chemical groups that could enhance the interfacial contacts between the matrix and natural fibers. This review article aimed to give information on several types of fiber treatments and natural fiber-treated composites with a specific focus on their physical and mechanical properties.

Various factors affecting the fatigue performance of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites: a systematic review

Various factors affecting the fatigue performance of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites: a systematic review

Effect of Nano-filler on the Manufacturing and Properties of Natural Fiber-based Composites: A Review

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composite offers ecological safety towards a sustainable environment. Meanwhile, the deficiency of the poor interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix draws the attention of researchers to be sorted out. The use of inorganic nanofiller is considered as a possible solution to overcome the hurdle nowadays besides strengthening the composite properties. This article thoroughly reviews the use of inorganic nanofillers in natural fiber composites, covering different manufacturing processes and properties. Factors of various manufacturing techniques occupied for composite fabrication are investigated. Moreover, the influences of different nanofillers on mechanical, thermal, chemical, and physical properties of composites are discussed. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the bio composites are critically reviewed that usually exhibit the interfacial bonding and the fractures of the specimen. Furthermore, application of such natural fiber composites and the future investigation pathway in using inorganic nanofiller in composite are narrated.

Enhancing the fiber-matrix interface of r-ABS and bamboo fiber composite developed through melt compounding: An analysis of mechanical and morphological

In recent years, researchers and scholars have shown growing interest in exploring the applications of natural fibers in polymer composites, driven by their environmentally friendly and sustainable characteristics. This study endeavors to offer an exhaustive examination of the prominent and widely adopted natural fiber reinforced polymer composites and their diverse range of applications. Furthermore, it provides an overview of different surface treatment methods applied to natural fibers and their influence on the properties of, highlighting the significant variations in properties depending on the fiber type, source, and structure. Bamboo fibers (BF) and recycled chemically functionalized acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (r-ABS) composites (BF/rABS) have been blended at 190°C. The composites show a higher tensile and flexural properties than r-ABS. The presence of bamboo fibers functions as stress concentrators, resulting in minimized deformation and consequently reducing the impact strength of the composites in comparison to the matrix. The SEM and FTIR analysis have shown that the adhesion between fiber and the matrix is good which therefore improves the tensile properties of the composite materials. XRD analysis has shown improved crystallinity in composite as compared to matrix.

A Comprehensive Review of Real-time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Techniques: Revolutionizing Natural Fibre Composite Materials Maintenance with IoT

Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) and natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) can revolutionize monitoring and maintaining composites. By incorporating sensors and wireless communication technology into the composites, real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance can be achieved. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the use of IoT for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of NFPCs. This paper covers the various types of sensors used, IoT networks and protocols employed, and data analysis techniques to detect potential issues and predict failures. This paper also highlights the benefits and challenges of using IoT for composite maintenance and this technology’s future directions and potential applications. This review provides valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and practitioners in composites, the IoT, and predictive maintenance.

Preparation and characterization of short date palm mat (DPM) fiber reinforced polystyrene composites: Effect of gamma radiation

The utilization of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is growing fast in numerous sectors. In this study, the effect of the addition of short date palm mat (DPM) fibers in polystyrene matrix on the physico-mechanical and thermal properties were studied. Short DPM fiber reinforced polystyrene composites were produced by compression moulding process and the fiber content was 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%. Physico-mechanical and thermal properties were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of the composites were also done. The findings from the investigates exposed that the composites with 10 % fiber content showed improved mechanical and thermal characteristics as compared to other composites. The morphological analysis also supported the results where good interfacial bonding among fiber and polystyrene matrix was found for the composites with 10 % fiber content. The optimized (10 % fiber content) composites were exposed to gamma radiation (2.5–7.5 kGy) and the best result was found at 5.0 kGy radiation dose. Degradation of gamma irradiated composites was conducted in four different media such as water, acid, base, and brine.

Tensile Properties of Luffa Acutangula Reinforced Polymer Composite

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the popularity of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC). Numerous researchers have put forward various alternatives to synthetic fibers. Luffa is one of the many natural fibers can be integrated into NFRPCs. Luffa with its unique interconnecting branch (mat/mesh) is suitable for NFRPCs. In this study, luffa reinforced high-density polyethylene (Luffa/HDPE) composite was fabricated using compression molding machine. In the preparation of the fiber, Luffa were cylindrically cut-out and opened into sheets form. The fiber was then laminated with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film using compression molding method. The proposed fabricated composite consisting of a fiber volume fraction (FVF) of 7%, 14%, 21%, 27% and 30%. Tensile properties of the Luffa/HDPE composite were determined. SEM was used to study the interlamination and delamination of the composite. Tensile test shows that the increase of FVF enhanced the tensile strength of Luffa/HDPE composite. Tensile strength has gradually increased from 7 % to 21 % FVF. Though, tensile strength declines after 21% FVF.

Biopolymer-coated composites for enhanced dielectric and electromagnetic interference shielding applications - a green initiative

The utilization of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites has been tremendously growing in various applications of automotive and aerospace components. In this aspect, the researcher’s community is approaching the global market with new ideas for developing a complete eco-friendly, sustainable, and green composite. Plant-based composites have received great interest from the initial stage due to their unique features, such as lightweight, corrosion resistance, specific properties, excellent mechanical and thermal properties. This research article attempts a novel technique of coating the fibres with polylactic acid (PLA) as a part of surface modification which improves fibre properties. Then the fibres were reinforced with various weight percentages of conductive fillers, such as Copper (Cu), Alumina (Al2O3), and Graphene (Gr), to improve the electrical properties using the hand layup technique. Then the fabricated samples were tested for dielectric and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) using resonance and open shielded method. Based on the test results, it was noted that the dielectric strength (K) and shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composites started to increase with the increase of weight percentage of conductive fillers, which highlighted that by incorporating conductive fillers, the fibres started losing their insulation properties. The composites with 0.9 wt% of nanofillers achieved maximum SEabs of −19.61 dB and a SEtotal of −22.67 dB at a frequency range of 8–12 GHz.

IMPACT OF GLUTARALDEHYDE CROSSLINKING AGENT ON THE PROPERTIES OF NONWOVEN VISCOSE FABRIC–POLYVINYL ALCOHOL FLEXIBLE COMPOSITES

In recent years, researchers and industries have made efforts to decrease the reliance on fossil fuel-based materials due to the rise in environmental consciousness. A potential environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based, non-biodegradable polymeric materials is known to be natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable synthetic polymer that is water-soluble, easy to use, having film-formation property and good potential as a biodegradable matrix in environmentally friendly composites. The objective of this work has been to create a versatile, lightweight, flexible bio-composite based on nonwoven viscose fabric using PVA and a crosslinking agent (glutaraldehyde), and to analyze the effects of the crosslinking agent and of the nonwoven viscose filler in the PVA matrix on the mechanical and UV properties of the composite. The structural, chemical and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated using FTIR, and tensile and UV testing. The results showed that the composite exhibited high tensile strength, but with a drop in elongation. FTIR verified the interaction of the two polymers in the composites. The flexible bio-composite can be potentially used for food packaging applications.

Comprehensive Thermal Characteristic Investigations on Hemp- and Jute-Based Nature Fibre-Reinforced Composites for Engineering Applications through Coupled and Verified Engineering Approaches

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPs) have gained increasing attention in recent years as an alternative to conventional materials such as steel and aluminum alloys due to their ecofriendly, renewable, and low-cost nature. This paper focuses on the thermal application of NFRPs, which have shown great potential due to their good thermal insulation properties. In this study, the fabrication of jute and hemp fibre-reinforced composites, experimental testing, comparison, validation by using computational method, and proposed hemp NFRPs insulated exhaust pipe in place of conventional steel pipe. However, challenges such as moisture absorption and limited thermal properties on high thermal load still need to be addressed to enable the full-scale commercialization of NFRPs in thermal applications. For these comprehensive investigations, coupled and verified engineering approaches have been imposed. Fluid-thermal coupling has been executed in ANSYS workbench associated with conventional test outcomes. Through this approach, the low weight and low cost-based thermal load resisting material has been proposed for various engineering applications.

Synergistic effects of gamma irradiation and Delonix regia pods bio-waste on the physico-mechanical properties of recycled-polypropylene composites: A design of experiment approach

Gamma radiation technology to modify the various characteristics and properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites has been utilized at a vast rate. In the present study, composites of recycled-polypropylene reinforced with bio-waste Delonix regia pods have been prepared via extrusion and injection moulding and irradiated with gamma dose. A total of 9 experiments having 3 levels (10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt%) of fiber loadings and 3 varying levels (0 kGy, 10 kGy, and 25 kGy) of gamma dose as the process parameters have been tested for tensile and flexural responses. The optimum of Delonix regia (%) and gamma dose (kGy) for physico-mechanical properties were scrutinized using Response Surface Methodology based on full factorial design. Based on this model, optimum of Delonix regia and gamma dose were predicted to be 24.97% and 10.55 kGy which yielded the best mechanical properties simultaneously. The structural and morphological alterations were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-Ray diffraction analysis. In addition, the thermal stability of optimized composites persists after gamma irradiation. It signifies the positive influence of both Delonix regia and gamma doses on the recycled-polypropylene composites.

Analysis of dielectric resonator antenna using natural fiber reinforced polymer composites

This work aims to demonstrate the viability of replacing natural fiber reinforced polymer composites for hard ceramics in millimeter-wave dielectric resonator antennas (DRA). The dielectric characteristics of three novel natural fiber reinforced polymer composites were determined using the Lichtenecker logarithmic mixing law. Using two commercial antenna design software packages, CST Studio and ANSYS HFSS, the resulting dielectric characteristics were utilized to study a probe-fed rectangular DRA. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer-based DRAs offer a wider bandwidth than ceramic-based DRAs. Close coupling is obtained by the three natural fiber-reinforced polymer-based antennas and the ceramic DRA. In all cases, the impedance bandwidths observed are the consequence of quasi-TM111 mode radiation. HFSS studies indicate that the resonance frequency of the natural fiber reinforced polymer based DRAs is roughly 75 percent higher than that of the ceramic DRA. CST results indicate that the resonance frequency of the natural fiber polymer-based DRA is approximately 88 percent higher than that of the ceramic DRA. Natural fiber reinforced Polymer-based DRAs have three times the −10 dB impedance bandwidth of ceramic-based DRAs.

Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite

The use of natural fibers in composite is increasing day by due to eco-friendly nature of the fibres and reuse of waste. Natural fibers can be classified according to their source of origin such as plant fiber, mineral fiber, and animal fiber. In the present article, epoxy was taken as the matrix and wool fiber for reinforcement with flax flax fiber for fabricating the composite using the hand layup technique. The impact of the hybridization of flax and wool fibers on the mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composite was investigated. These fibers were blended in varying percentages with fixed fiber content of 5% [(100% flax fiber), (40% wool/60% flax fiber), (50% flax/50% wool fiber), (60% wool fiber/40% flax), (100% wool fiber)] with epoxy resin and sampled as F5, WF23, WF2.5, WF32, and W5 respectively. Tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength were investigated through experimentation. All hybrid composites outperformed non-hybrid wool fiber composites in terms of mechanical properties. The wool fiber is poor in mechanical strength which was compensated by high strength of flax fiber.

Low velocity impact performance of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites: a review

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC) are versatile and applicable materials for structural applications that require durability and reliability under various forces. However, these composites are susceptible to crack formation when exposed to low-velocity impact (LVI) loads, compromising their functionality and performance. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the influence of LVI on NFRPC and their characterization methods, testing standards, and failure mechanisms. This paper reviews the latest research and development on the characterization, testing, and modelling of NFRPCs under LVI loads. It also explores the impact behaviour of various natural fibres, such as kenaf, bamboo, mallow, buriti, and curaua, and the effect of fibre hybridization and nanofiller incorporation on the LVI response of NFRPCs. The paper evaluates the properties, failure mechanisms, and applications of NFRPCs in relation to LVI resistance. The paper provides useful information for developing advanced composite systems and achieving material efficiency for various structural applications. Finally, it highlights the potential applications and challenges of NFRPC as LVI-resistant materials for advanced composite systems.

Flexural strength and flammability of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF)/fire retardants reinforced polymer composites

The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in composite materials, such as pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), has been extensively studied. However, it is important to note that natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are often associated with high flammability. The aim of this paper is to investigate the mechanical properties and fire retardancy of Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) reinforced polymer composites treated with various flame retardants. The PALF composites were treated with different fire-retardant additives, including ammonium polyphosphate (APP), aluminum hydroxide (ALH), and magnesium hydroxide (MH), at varying ratios (10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt%). The flexural properties of the PALF composites were assessed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) in accordance with ASTM D7264. The flammability testing was conducted following the Underwriters Laboratories 94 (UL-94) using standard ASTM D635 and ASTM D3801. The results of flexural tests indicated that PALF-reinforced polymer composites containing 10% MH as fire retardant exhibited the highest flexural strength (102.96 MPa). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the fracture behavior of PALF-reinforced polymer composites with different fire-retardant additives. The SEM analysis revealed various characteristics including fiber pull-out, fiber breakage, inhomogeneous structural distribution (in cases of APP, MH, ALH), presence of undesired bubbles, and fiber–matrix cracking. In terms of fire retardancy, the most promising results were obtained with the addition of 20% and 30% APP. These compositions achieved V-1 and V-0 ratings respectively, in the vertical UL-94 flammability test. Notably, the horizontal test demonstrated that the composites containing 30% APP did not sustain burning and exhibited no burning rate. Similarly, the composite with 20% APP self-extinguished before the first mark without any observable burning rate.