Recent Development of Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials

Abstract

Natural fi bers such as jute, coir, sisal, pineapple, ramie, bamboo, banana, etc., have been the focus in the development of natural fi ber composites; primarily in value added application. Th e versatile material system so developed has potential for wood substitute applications like door shutters, fl ooring tiles, roofi ng sheets, parti- tions, etc., and is envisaged to signifi cantly contribute towards forest conservation and environmental protection. Polyester resin of fi re retardant grade was used for preparing the composite. In the polymerization process, cobalt naphthonate and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) as catalyst were used. Th e study reveals that the developed polymer–natural fi ber–industrial (inorganic) wastes (fl y ash, red mud) composites attain far superior mechanical properties and resistance to abrasive wear, fi re, water absorption, weathering and chemical attack, as compared to their conventional counterparts such as wood, medium density fi ber (MDF) boards, particle boards, etc. Relevant engineering properties such as physical and mechanical resistance to abrasive wear, weathering, fi re, etc., of the plant fi ber-rein- forced polymer matrix composites so synthesized were characterized. Th e eff ects of fi ber content, matrix type and interfacial bonding on the tensile and fl exural properties of these composite materials have been determined through extensive testing at diff erent conditions. Th e mechanical properties of natural fi bers were improved by using a chemical treatment process and improved the mechanical properties of composite materials. Shrinkage of fi bers during this process has sig- nifi cant eff ects on the fi ber structure, as well as on the mechanical fi ber properties, such as tensile strength and modulus. Th e tensile strength, initial modulus and elongation at break were evaluated for untreated and treated fi bers. One of the cur- rent studies, which focused on thermoplastics, utilizing natural fi ber compounded with a thermoplastic resin (polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc.), has yielded excellent wood substitute. Th e development of green reinforced composites for a wide range of applications is also a recent trend. Th ere have been eff orts to develop new pathways to produce natural polymers with better mechanical properties and thermal stability using nanotechnology; and to use natural polymers to make bio- degradable plastics and their composites with lignocellulosic fi bers. In the pro- duction of composite board, phenol formaldehyde and urea formaldehyde are the most used thermosetting resins and many researchers have produced particle boards from lignocellulosic materials. Th e suitability of particle board for interior and exterior use is based on the water absorption and swelling in water. From the increase in mass and dimensions, the percent water absorption and percent swell- ing along surface and thickness were calculated. Board prepared with a mixture of UF and PF resins in diff erent proportions gave variable MOR and water absorp- tion properties. Studies strongly suggest that newly developed plant fi ber or indus- trial waste-reinforced polymer composite materials are quite capable of serving as a potential cost and energy eff ective, technologically viable and attractive option to conventionally used wood and other identical materials. Th is chapter includes an overview of the developments made in the area of fi ber reinforced composites, in terms of market, processing methods, matrix-reinforcement systems, morphol- ogy, properties and product development. Some critical issues and future works are also discussed.