Factors Limiting the Application Window of Acoustically Important Natural Fiber Based Polymer Reinforcements and Their Related Control Strategies

Abstract

A single natural fiber is a three-dimensional biopolymer and a composite in itself. It consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. And these natural fibers are explored for various applications, which include in construction as alternate building materials, in hospitals, offices, and classrooms as acoustical materials, in the automobile industry and home appliances as noise control materials, and so forth. Nevertheless, the widespread commercial applicability of such natural fibers and their composites are often limited, owing to their higher moisture absorption, lesser fire retardancy, and higher microbial growth. This chapter presents a comprehensive view of factors that check the widespread applications of biopolymers rich natural fibers and their allied control strategies.