Green Composites: A Review

Abstract

Due to dwindling reserves of petroleum sources and their non-biodegradability, researchers are looking into alternatives for synthetic fiber and resin system. Some of the techniques used to improve the performance of natural composites are successful, they are still below the performance of synthetic fiber. In this paper we are going to look into some of the commercially used natural fibers, natural resins, their mechanical properties and some of the techniques used for fiber strengthening. Chemical treatment and mechanical loading methods are used to improve the strength of the natural fibers. The main advantage of using natural fiber and resin system is it is cheaper than synthetic composites, bio-degradable, abundantly available. Natural Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites have gained commercial success in the semi structural and structural applications such as aircraft, automobiles, sporting goods, electronics, and appliances are quite dependent on natural fiber-reinforced plastics. By using long, aligned natural fibers in conjunction with naturally derived resins, 100% bio-based composites with improved mechanical properties can be achieved and can potentially be employed for more structural purposes.