Natural Fiber Composites : A Review

Abstract

Environmental legislation and consumer presssure are all increasing the pressure on manufacturers of materials and end-products to consider the environmental impact of their products at all stages of their life cycle, including ultimate disposal, viz. a from "cradle-to-grave" approach. These environmental issues in combination with the low cost of plant fibers such as flaax, hemp, kenaf and sisal have generated considerable interest as reinforcements in engineering composites. Plant fibers are currently being evaluated as environmentally friendly and low-cost alternatives for glass fibers, whereas wood flour is being used as an alternative to mineral fillers in commodity plastics like PE and PP, PU resin or for the upgrading of post-consumer recycled PVC. Natural fibers have a number of advantages over E-glass fibers. The combination of interesting mechanical and physical properties together with their environmentally friendly character has triggered various activities in the area of "green composites" and many European universities and institutes are starting activities in this area through various (European) "Eco-driven" R&D programs.