Flame Retardancy and Tribological Behavior of Natural Fibre Reinforced Composites: A review

Abstract

Natural fibers being ecofriendly and sustainable in nature attract lot of researchers and engineers for their utilization in polymer composites. The properties of NFPCs vary with fiber type, orientation of fibers, aspect ratio of fibers and interface bonding. Few drawbacks of NFPCs are high water absorption, poor fire resistance and lower mechanical properties which limits their applications. Effects of chemical treatment on the flames retardancy, tribology and water absorption of NFPCs are highlighted in the present investigation. The applications of NFPCs include automobile, construction industry and for several structural purposes. Coatings and additives are very effective in fire barrier treatments. Most widely used fire barriers are aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH3)] and magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2]. Natural fiber mats, in PLA matrix, is capable of enhancing wear and frictional resistance of neat polymers.