Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Research Articles

Production of quasi-unidirectional woven fabrics from water-retted hemp fibers and mechanical characterization of their composites

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have attracted great attention in the past few decades due to increasing environmental awareness and various advantages of these materials in terms of mechanical properties, sustainability, renewability and biodegradability. In this study, hemp rovings with various amounts of twist were prepared using water-retted continuous hemp fiber bundles. Then these rovings were used to produce quasi-unidirectional (quasi-UD) woven hemp fabrics. These fabrics were utilized to manufacture epoxy composites. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the developed composites and the effect of yarn twist. The fracture pattern of the composites was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The tensile strength of the composite with 45 turns/m twisted rovings was approximately 20% lower than that of the composite sample with zero-twist hemp rovings. Composites with a twist level of 45 turns/m also showed approximately 37% and 48% lower flexural strength and modulus values respectively when compared to composites with zero-twist yarns. This was attributed to the fact that the yarn twist causes the fibers to align at an angle to the loading direction resulting in reduced properties in the axial direction of the composites as well as fiber damage induced by twisting. SEM observations showed that the composite failure took place predominantly as total fiber fracture, fiber pull-out from the yarns and matrix cracking. There were also limited cases of fiber pull-out from the matrix.

Recent Trends in Treatment and Fabrication of Plant-Based Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite: A Review

Natural fiber (NF) is one of the many resources that nature has provided. NFs decompose quickly and are biodegradable, renewable, and cost-effective. It may be scavenged from a variety of plant and animal sources. They are employed as reinforcing materials in polymers for NF composite development. Because of its environmental friendliness and long-term survivability, NF is growing in appeal among academics and researchers for usage in polymer composites. This study aims to offer a thorough evaluation of the most suitable and widely utilized natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs), along with their manufacture, processing, and applications. It also defines several external treatments of NF and their influence on the characteristics of NFPCs. The characteristics of NFPCs are affected by fiber supply, fiber type, and fiber structure. Numerous physical and chemical treatments were tested to see how they affected the thermal and strength properties of natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting composites. Several polymer composite fabrication techniques were also studied. NFPCs have several disadvantages, notably low fire protection, poor strength properties, and greater moisture absorption, which have prevented their application. It is shown how NFPCs are employed in a variety of industries, particularly automotive and research industries. The review discovered that intentionally changing the regular fiber enhanced the thermochemical and physico-mechanical properties of the NFPCs by means of improving the grip between the fiber surface and the polymer framework. This study aims to provide important and fundamental facts on NF and their composites, which will aid in new investigations, the creation of a creative framework for polymer composite types, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Effect of stacking sequence on abrasive wear behavior of abaca natural fiber reinforced polymer composites hybridized with glass fiber

This paper aims to investigate the tribological behavior of Abaca/Glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composite. Different stacking sequences of Abaca(A) and Glass(G) fiber (AAAA, AGAG, AGGA, GAAG) are reinforced with epoxy polymer for fabrication of hybrid composite structure. Dry sliding abrasive wear characteristics of developed composites is analyzed by pin-on-disc (ASTM G99) test rig. The experiment is operated with different sliding velocities (1, 2, 3 m/s), applied load (10, 20, 30 N) and sliding distance of 2000 m. The experimental result indicates abrasive wear resistance is drastically enhanced with the abaca and glass fiber reinforcement in epoxy composite. Furthermore, least wear is found for AGGA hybrid composite. Morphology of worn surfaces were investigated by SEM analysis that indicates formation of micro crater, micro grooves and micro cracks.

A comprehensive review on plant‐based natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: Fabrication, properties, and applications

AbstractNatural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) have gained limelight in many applications during the recent years, owing to their availability, as well as superior mechanical characteristics, cost‐effectiveness, biodegradability, and lightweight. A comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing methods, proeprties and characteristics of natural fibers pave way for begetting a wide spectrum of applications for the NFPCs in automobile, aerospace, electronics, and other engineering fields. The current review article is about natural fiber‐reinforced composites, the commonly used fabrication methods, including fiber pre‐treatments, and numerous intermediate steps added to achieve improved bonding, processability of these composites, their properties and application prospects. Various state‐of‐the‐art methods like additive manufacturing, vaccum bag molding, and autoclave has also been discussed. The mechanical properties obtained through various fiber reinforcements in accordance with process parameters has a substantial impact in the industrial applications of NFPCs. The tribological applications of NFPCs are becoming increasingly important in order to deal with the mechanical and chemical wear and tear during their service life in contact applications. Flammability behavior and biodegradability assessment of NFPCs are important for high‐temperature and outdoor environmental applications of these materials. The review also includes a comprehensive discussion about the trending applications and future prospects for NFPCs.

Studies on fly ash/coir/sugarcane reinforced epoxy polymer matrix composite

AbstractIn the past years studies were conducted on natural fibre reinforced polymer composites to observe their mechanical properties in order to decide their industrial applications. These composites have already been used in many applications from aerospace to sporting equipment. These green composites can be used as a replacement for synthetic composites. This is because the natural fibres are eco‐friendly, biodegradable, renewable, etc. In this work, an attempt is made to reinforce fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre with epoxy polymer matrix. Central composite design under response surface methodology (RSM), one of the approaches of design of experiments (DOE) is used to determine optimum sample preparation conditions of fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre. Both tensile and flexural (three‐point bending) tests are conducted on these fabricated composites to determine their materialistic characteristics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out using Minitab software to find the influence of fly ash, coir fibre, sugarcane fibre on composites. Regression equations obtained from analysis of variance is used to calculate values. Experimental and calculated values are compared and their error % are calculated and tabulated. Response surface optimization study is carried to find the optimized parameters of composites. It is observed that, increase in wt.% of coir fibre and decrease in wt.% of fly ash and sugarcane fibre, increases yield stress and these parameters have mixed impact on ultimate tensile stress. The addition of fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre in low percentages increases Young's modulus. Increase in wt.% of fly ash and coir fibre and decrease in wt.% of sugarcane, increases flexural modulus and flexural stress.

Complex Effects of Hemp Fibers and Impact Modifiers in Multiphase Polypropylene Systems

Natural fibers-reinforced polymer composites have progressed rapidly due to their undeniable advantages. Most of the commercial polypropylene (PP)-based materials are characterized by either high impact toughness or high stiffness, while the manufacture of PP composites with both good toughness and stiffness is challenging at present. In this work, poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) and poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS) copolymers were used in different amounts as modifiers in PP/hemp fibers (HF) composites, with the aim to use them for electrical vehicle parts. The interface in these multiphase systems was controlled by the addition of maleated polypropylene (MAPP). SEBS and SBS showed different effects on the elongation at break of the blends and the corresponding composites due to the HF that stiffened the multiphase systems. Similarly, a different action of MAPP was observed in the composites containing SEBS or SBS: higher Young's and storage moduli were obtained for the composite containing SBS, while greater elongation at break and impact strength values were recorded for the SEBS-containing system. In addition, a remarkable dispersion in the MAPP-containing composite and two times smaller average particle size were revealed by the SEM analysis for the SEBS particles compared to the SBS ones. The higher affinity of SEBS for PP compared to that for SBS and the different morphological characteristics of the systems containing SEBS and SBS may explain the different effects of these impact modifiers on the mechanical properties of the composites. The composites developed in this work were designed as substitutes for the fully synthetic polymeric materials or metal components used in the manufacturing of automotive parts.

Prospects of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for Additive Manufacturing Applications: A Review

Prospects of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for Additive Manufacturing Applications: A Review

Materials Selection of Thermoplastic Matrices of Natural Fibre Composites for Cyclist Helmet Using an Integration of DMAIC Approach in Six Sigma Method Together with Grey Relational Analysis Approach

Natural fibre reinforced polymer composite (NFRPC) materials are gaining popularity in the modern world due to their eco-friendliness, lightweight nature, life-cycle superiority, biodegradability, low cost, and noble mechanical properties. Due to the wide variety of materials available that have comparable attributes and satisfy the requirements of the product design specification, material selection has become a crucial component of design for engineers. This paper discusses the study’s findings in choosing the suitable thermoplastic matrices of Natural Fibre Composites for Cyclist Helmet utilising the DMAIC, and GRA approaches. The results are based on integrating two decision methods implemented utilising two distinct decision-making approaches: qualitative and quantitative. This study suggested thermoplastic polyethylene as a particularly ideal matrix in composite cyclist helmets during the selection process for the best thermoplastic matrices material using the 6σ technique, with the decision based on the highest performance, the lightest weight, and the most environmentally friendly criteria. The DMAIC and GRA approach significantly influenced the material selection process by offering different tools for each phase. In the future study, selection technique may have been more exhaustive if more information from other factors had been added.

Effect of Addition of Dipersion Agent on Tensile Mechanical Strength of HDPE Water Hyacinth Composites

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are a solution to growing environmental threats. This research used water hyacinth natural fiber and HDPE thermoplastic polymer. Natural water hyacinth fiber contains cellulose which can be used to create environmentally friendly and high-strength composites. The uneven distribution of natural fibers in the composite causes a decrease in the quality of the composite, both in terms of mechanical strength and morphological structure. Clumping and agglomeration are caused due to the incorporation of regenerated cellulose fibers in the composite. The treatment of water hyacinth natural fiber using a dispersion agent is intended to improve fiber distribution so that it is more evenly distributed. The addition of 0.5 ml of Dispersion Agent to water hyacinth natural fiber created the highest tensile mechanical strength of 26.2 MPa. The lowest mechanical tensile strength occurred in natural fiber composites without Dispersion Agent treatment of 19.5 MPa. Water hyacinth natural fibers added with the concentration of the Dispersion Agent did not show an increase in the tensile strength of the water hyacinth-HDPE natural fiber composites. Keywords: Water hyacinth, Mechanical Strength, Dispersion Agent.

Analysis on Natural Fibre Sisal and Areca Polymer Based Composite Material

Present days natural fibers have transformed the matter of research field among various fields of study to inculcate it in the manufacture of composites instead of the production of composites using areca and sisal polymer-based composite. This is due to respective advantages related to natural fibers like eco-friendly, low cost, convenience in copiousness, and biodegradability. Stacks of work have been carried out in the production of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites, using natural fibers like areca and sisal polymer-based composite and their mechanical properties have been studied. Here is an attempt made on the literature survey of areca and sisal fibre built polymer composites where different properties of areca and sisal fibers, its adulthood level, surface treatment effect on properties of fibers, composite formation with different matrices, its mechanical properties have been highlighted.

An Experimental Investigation into Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Hybrid Woven Rattan/Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

The investigation of hybrid, woven, natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites as a substitute reinforcement for fiber polymer composites has recently caught the interest of academics, industry, and researchers. Woven, natural fiber composites have been implemented in many different applications, including parts for automobiles, household items, flooring, aerospace, and ballistic materials. Therefore, this research seeks to establish the thermal and mechanical characteristics of composites made from rattan strips (RS) and glass fiber (GF)-reinforced epoxy resin (ER). Other than that, the impact of layering configurations with respect to the thermal and mechanical characteristics of the RS and GF will be determined. Hand lay-up and a hydraulic press machine produce hybrid, woven RS and GF laminates. The hybrid composite's mechanical properties will be investigated using impact, tensile, and flexural tests. The hybrid woven of the GF/RS/RS/RS/GF composite sequence demonstrated the highest mechanical properties in comparison to other sequences. The increase from one to three layers of RS in the core layer of GF hybrid composites enhanced the flexural, impact, and tensile properties. In addition, the hybridization of rattan and GF is more thermally stable, as recorded by the high decomposition temperature. As a finding of the research, the woven RS and GF hybrid is a potential material for automotive applications such as car bumpers, for example.

Design and analysis of coir fibre reinforced polypropylene based internal car door panel

In today’s world demand for durability and recyclability are among the main factors considered while choosing a material for any products to be made. In the automobile sector apart from exterior parts of the vehicles, the interior parts should also be durable as it faces different types of loads in various situation. Internal door panel is considered as one of the most important interior part of the vehicle as it has to undergo different forces from the user side and also are meant to reduce the impact force on the passenger in an accident. Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are considered to be very durable and are lighter than a lot of other materials present in the market. They have higher impact strength, higher tensile strength than a regular material. The Young’s modulus of coir fibers usually lies between 4 and 6 GPa. In this work coir fiber reinforced polypropylene was used as the material for the internal door panel. It has an elastic modulus of 1.9 GPa and has a tensile strength of 34 MPa. A FEA was done on the door panel to determine whether it is going to be a suitable replacement of the current material which is being used and if the maximum stress exceeds the ultimate tensile strength then whether the remaining stress will affect the human body in a fatal way or not. The deformation seen was around 1.036 mm with the maximum stress being 3.877 × 107 N/m2, which is an acceptable value for protecting the occupant. When a load of 100 N was put on the armrest it showed a maximum deformation of 1.213 × 104 N/m2 which is not more than the Young’s modulus meaning it can handle a load on the armrest when someone put their hand on it. The maximum deformation in the armrest was only 6.49 × 10−4 mm, showing it is suitable as a material for the internal car door panel.

A comprehensive review of various factors for application feasibility of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Composites consisting of natural fibers and plastics are gaining huge consideration nowadays because of the relentless increase in the use of non-renewable resources. Worldwide, researchers are trying to explore new techniques to effectively utilize non-renewable resources for various purposes. Plastic materials represent non-biodegradable resources that are excessively used nowadays and are sources of environmental issues. Natural fibers are one of the best substitutes for manufacturing composite products. They are not only useful in reducing carbon footprints but also in solving various degradation issues. Natural fiber-based polymer composites are in huge demand because of their manufacturing cost, lightweight, availability, and environmentally friendly nature. Prior to the usage of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) for different applications, their behavioral study is required under different application aspects. Therefore, this paper aims to review the different application aspects of NFRPCs such as machining, tribology, and environmental degradation. Additionally, this review also presents a brief introduction to composites, their constituents, and their various applications. This review study will provide useful information to researchers working on NFRPCs and exploring the possible applications of NFRPCs under different working conditions.

Characteristics of Pinewood Dust Combined with Vinyl Ester Composites Through Material Testing and Machining

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites can be environmentally friendly and cost-effective alter-natives to synthetic fibre-reinforced composites. Major industries have expressed significant interest in the advancement of new natural fibre-reinforced composite materials. However, these materials perform poorly on their own and require further analysis since accessible information is lacking in the literature. This paper presents the results of previously reported works on natural fibre reinforced polymer composites, with strong attention to the types of fibres employed, the polymers used in the matrix, the treatment of fibres as well as the test parameters. The best proportion of composites is consequently selected. Composite materials are tested using a CNC router machine. Pinewood dust is combined with vinyl ester resin. A hand layup tech-nique is used to prepare the samples. The availability of relevant pinewood dust and the volume of pine wood dust to be used are first determined to continue with the experiment. According to the findings, the impact of machining performance is successfully evaluated by employing the tensile strength test, Charpy impact test, flexural strength test and surface roughness measurement. The findings are derived from the microscopic assessment of the surface roughness of pinewood dust (PWD) fibre reinforced vinyl ester resin.

Influences of Fabrication Parameters on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite (NFRPC) Material: A Review

In the recent development of modern manufacturing industries, the metallic components have been replaced by natural polymer composite materials due to increasing the strength to weight ratio, developing eco-friendly components, and reducing the overall cost of the product. In this review article, the various research activities on the effects of various single-layer and multi-layer fibers, moisture contents, surface treatments methods, filler materials, and drilling processes on the Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite (NFRPC) characteristics have been illustrated. The research opportunities for future developments in NFRPC materials have been extracted from the literature.

Effect of Fiber Orientation on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Typha angustifolia Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC) are sustainable, renewable, and potential replacements in lieu of non-renewable and non-biodegradable synthetic fiber-reinforced composites. The application spectrum of natural fiber composites is widening day by day due to rigorous research carried out on these materials. Accordingly, the current study aims to determine the mechanical properties like impact and compressive strength and physical properties like water absorption behavior for Typha angustifolia (TA) fibers reinforced composites (TFRC). Composites were fabricated using the compression molding method with fibers in unidirectional (UD) and bidirectional (BD) orientation with a weight fraction of 10, 15, and 20%. X-ray diffraction studies were carried out on the fabricated composites to ascertain the presence of micro constituents. All the tests were conducted according to ASTM standards. Results indicated that 20% of TFR composites in BD orientation outperformed other composites. Failure surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopic analysis (SEM).

Investigation on Elastic Constants of Microfibril Reinforced Poly Vinyl Chloride Composites Using Impulsive Excitation of Vibration.

The creation of tenable green composites is in high demand, due to ecologically available resources paving the way for applications to thrive in the manufacturing, aerospace, structural, and maritime industries. Hence, it is vital to understand the performance characteristics of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The elastic constants of coir fiber powder-reinforced plasticized polyvinyl chloride composite are determined using impulsive excitation vibration in this study. The optimization study on the elastic constants was carried out using Box-Behnken experimental design, based on response surface methodology, having three factors of fiber content (wt.%), fiber size (μm) and chemical treatments. The results were evaluated using analysis of variance and regression analysis. Additionally, experimental and optimized results were compared, leading to error analysis. Young's modulus of 18.2 MPa and shear modulus of 6.6 MPa were obtained for a combination of fiber content (2 wt%), fiber size (225 μm), and triethoxy (ethyl) silane treatment, which is suitable for various electrical, automotive, etc., applications.

A Comprehensive Review Article on Natural Fiber Polymer Composites

Natural fibers (NFs) have notably piqued the interest of professionals in the field due to the significant benefits they offer over traditional reinforcing agents, and the advancement of natural fiber composites has become a widely researched topic. Natural fibers do have a promising future as reinforcing materials in polymer composites (PCs) (thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers). Natural fibers have become more popular in composite materials as lightweight, minimal price, and environmentally preferable alternatives to synthetic fibers. Due to a variety of factors, such as increased environmental problems and prolonged resource sustainability, reusability, biocompatibility, and weight-specific performance, natural fibers are becoming more popular as reinforcement material for polymer composites (PCs). The advancement of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) has had a significant impact on polymer composite technology and development in the last decade. NFPCs are gaining popularity as a result of their tremendous benefits, including minimal cost, biodegradability, eco-friendliness, and comparatively excellent mechanical characteristics, as well as focus on the environmental sustainability aspects of engineering materials. Moreover, because of the obstacles in industrial production, inadequate information of its machinability, relevant parameters, and the risk of machining-induced discrepancies, industrial use of NFRCs remains a challenge. This article addresses various processing techniques of NFPCs, properties, particularly mechanical properties, and applications. Some major challenges in manufacturing NFPCs and drawbacks of natural fibers have also been discussed.

Experimental Investigation on Density and Volume Fraction of Void, and Mechanical Characteristics of Areca Nut Leaf Sheath Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite is a rapidly growing topic of research due to the simplicity of obtaining composites that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The resulting composites have mechanical properties comparable to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites. In this regard, the present work is formulated with the objectives related to the development, characterization, and optimization of the wt% of reinforcements and the process parameters. The novelty of this work is related to the identification and standardization of the appropriate wt% of reinforcements and parameters for the processing of the areca nut leaf sheath fiber-based polymer composites for enhanced performance attributes. With this basic purview and scope, the composites are synthesized using the hand layup process, and the composite samples of various fiber compositions (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) are fabricated. The mechanical characteristics of biodegradable polymer composites reinforced with areca nut leaf sheath fibers are investigated in the present work, with a focus on the effect of fiber composition (tensile properties, flexural strength, and impact strength). The properties of composites are enhanced by combining the areca nut leaf sheath fiber and epoxy resin, with a fiber content of 50% being the optimal wt%. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations also ascertain this by depicting the good interfacial adhesion between the areca nut leaf sheath fiber and the epoxy resin. The tensile strength of the composite specimen reinforced with 50% areca nut fiber increases to 44.6 MPa, while the young’s modulus increases to 1900 MPa, flexural strength increases to 64.8 MPa, the flexural modulus increases to 37.9 GPa, and impact strength increases to 34.1 k J/m2. As a result, the combination of areca nut leaf sheath fiber reinforced epoxy resin shows considerable potential as a renewable and biodegradable polymer composite. Furthermore, areca nut leaf sheath fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites are likely to replace petroleum-based polymers in the future. The ecosustainability and biodegradability of the composite specimen alongside the improved mechanical characteristics serve as the major highlight of the present work, and can help the polymer composite industry to further augment the synthetic matrix and fiber-based composites with the natural fiber-reinforced composites.

Investigation on natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composite is playing a vital role in advanced manufacturing process. The present investigation deals with ultrasonic drilling on the synthesized gelatin natural fiber composite. Lapox and screw pine fiber is considered as the reinforced matrix to the gelatin polymer. Hardness, tensile strength and impact strength is evaluated in the composite. Power rating, slurry concentration and grit size is used to evaluate the rate of metal removal of the composite. Taguchi approach is analyzed to optimize the rate of metal removal. The mean of SN ratio plot is used to study the optimal solution and correlation between the process factors.