Compared to most synthetic fibers, natural fibers are low-cost, are easier to handle, have good specific mechanical properties, and require only around 20–40% of the production energy. Using natural materials and modern construction techniques reduces construction waste and increases energy efficiency while promoting the concept of sustainability. Several drawbacks of natural composites which would be even more pronounced in their use in infrastructure include their higher moisture absorption, inferior fire resistance, lower mechanical properties and durability, variation in quality and price, and difficulty using established manufacturing practices when compared to synthetic composites. Many researchers have been working to address these issues, with particular attention paid to the surface treatment of fibers and improving the fiber/matrix interface. Because of their positive economic and environmental outlook, as well as their ability to uniquely meet human needs worldwide, natural composites are showing a good potential for use in infrastructure applications.

Critical review of recent publications on use of natural composites in infrastructure

Critical Review of Recent Publications on Use of Natural Composites in Infrastructure

Despite the large number of recent reviews on green composites, limited investigation has taken place into the most appropriate applications for these materials. Green composites are regularly referred to as having potential uses in the automotive and construction sector, yet investigation of these applications reveals that they are often an inappropriate match for the unique material attributes of green composites. This review provides guidelines for engineers and designers on the appropriate application of green composites. A concise summary of the major material attributes of green composites is provided; accompanied by graphical comparisons of their relative properties. From these considerations, a series of complementary application properties are defined: these include applications that have a short life-span and involve limited exposure to moisture. The review concludes that green composites have potential for use in a number of applications, but as with all design, one must carefully match the material to the application.

Green composites: A review of material attributes and complementary applications

Natural fibers today are a popular choice for applications in composite manufacturing. Based on the sustainability benefits, biofibers such as plant fibers are replacing synthetic fibers in composites. These fibers are used to manufacture several biocomposites. The chemical composition and properties of each of the fibers changes, which demands the detailed comparison of these fibers. The reinforcement potential of natural fibers and their properties have been described in numerous papers. Today, high performance biocomposites are produced from several years of research. Plant fibers, particularly bast and leaf, find applications in automotive industries. While most of the other fibers are explored in lab scales they have not yet found large-scale commercial applications. It is necessary to also consider other fibers such as ones made from seed (coir) and animals (chicken feather) as they are secondary or made from waste products. Few plant fibers such as bast fibers are often reviewed briefly but other p...

A Review of Natural Fibers Used in Biocomposites: Plant, Animal and Regenerated Cellulose Fibers

In this study, the properties and application of natural fiber composites in automobile industries are discussed. Natural fibers are replacing the synthetic fibers in the various parts of automobiles due to their lightweight, low-cost, and environmental aspects. For centuries, natural fibers have been used for making baskets, clothing, and ropes. Now the trend is changing and natural fibers such as: jute, hemp, flax, and sisal fibers are making their ways especially into the components of automobiles. Comparisons of material indices for beam and panel structures were made to investigate the possibility of using natural fiber composites instead of conventional and non-conventional materials.

A Review: Natural Fiber Composites Selection in View of Mechanical, Light Weight, and Economic Properties

Composite materials with thermoplastic matrices and a reinforcement of natural fibers are increasingly regarded as an alternative to glass fiber-reinforced composites. The substitution of the traditionally used reinforcing glass fibers by natural fibers such as flax, kenaf, or cotton can lead to a reduction of the component's weight and furthermore to a significant improvement of specific properties like impact strength, crash behaviour, or sound absorption. One of the major fields of application for such materials can be found in structural components for the automotive industry. Product examples are door trim panels, headliners, or back panels. At present the processing of such materials into structural parts usually takes place by thermal compression molding. Semiproducts (so-called hybrid fleeces) are employed, which are generated by carding or air-laid processes and subsequent mechanical bonding. This paper presents a survey and latest developments on the material, processing technologies, and fields...

New Discovery in the Properties of Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers

This paper describes the processing of biodegradable polymers in the meltblowing process. The processing of such materials is still in the development stages as their rheological behavior gives a s...

Andreas Krobjilowski

Papers

New Discovery in the Properties of Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers

Meltblown Fabrics from Biodegradable Polymers