In this review, insight into the use of bio-based fibers as composite reinforcement has been addressed. Specifics on the varieties of natural fibers, and the resultant properties from their constituents and hierarchal structures are described. The methods used to enhance the interface of these fibers with a variety of polymer matrices are reviewed. In addition, the influence of textile operations on creating various fiber architectures with resulting reinforcing capabilities, along with the methods in which natural fiber reinforced composites can be processed, are addressed. Finally, discussion of the correlation between structure, processing, and final composite properties are provided.

Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Environmental friendly method for the extraction of coir fibre and isolation of nanofibre.

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites play important roles in the production of eco-friendly materials because of their high modulus, meticulous strength and reduced carbon footprint on the environment. Coconut (cocos nucifera) is cultivated extensively in tropical countries for its fruits whereas the husks and shells are mostly disposed as waste. These portions of the coconut plant serve as potential resource for natural fibers which are used to reinforce polymer composites. This work gives an overview of current knowledge of coir fiber and coir fiber reinforced polymer composites. The preparation and production of different matrices reinforced with coir fibers and the mechanical structural and thermal properties of these composites have been studied by several researchers and are elucidated in this review. The major treatment techniques used to modify coir fibers were also discussed.

A review of coir fiber reinforced polymer composites

The objective of this paper is to review the published literature on improving properties of wood composites through thermal pretreatment of wood. Thermal pretreatment has been conducted in moist environments using hot water or steam at temperatures up to 180 and 230 °C, respectively, or in dry environments using inert gases at temperatures up to 240 °C. In these conditions, hemicelluloses are removed, crystallinity index of cellulose is increased, and cellulose degree of polymerization is reduced, while lignin is not considerably affected. Thermally modified wood has been used to manufacture wood–plastic composites, particleboard, oriented strand board, binderless panels, fiberboard, waferboard, and flakeboard. Thermal pretreatment considerably reduced water absorption and thickness swelling of wood composites, which has been attributed mainly to the removal of hemicelluloses. Mechanical properties have been increased or sometimes reduced, depending on the product and the conditions of the pretreatment. Thermal pretreatment has also shown to improve the resistance of composites to decay.

/pdf/a-review-of-wood-thermal-pretreatments-to-improve-wood-1pjb9cb6gu.pdf

A review of wood thermal pretreatments to improve wood composite properties

Influence of pretreated activated sludge for electricity generation in microbial fuel cell application.

In this study, physical, mechanical, and flammability properties of coconut fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite panels were evaluated. Four levels of the coir fiber content (40, 50, 60, and 70 % based on the composition by weight) were mixed with the PP powder and a coupling agent, 3 wt % maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP) powder. The water resistance and the internal bond strength of the composites were negatively influenced by increasing coir fiber content. However, the flexural strength, the tensile strength, and the hardness of the composites improved with increasing the coir fiber content up to 60 wt %. The flame retardancy of the composites improved with increasing coir fiber content. The results suggest that an optimal composite panel formulation for automotive interior applications is a mixture of 60 wt % coir fiber, 37 wt % PP powder, and 3 wt % MAPP.

https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2011/fpl_2011_ayrilmis002.pdf

Coir fiber reinforced polypropylene composite panel for automotive interior applications

Effect of thermal-treatment of wood fibres on properties of flat-pressed wood plastic composites

Surface characteristics of wood composites manufactured in Thailand

Overlaying properties of fiberboard manufactured from bamboo and rice straw

AYRILMIS N, JARUSOMBUTI S, FUEANGVTVAT V & BAUCHONGKOL P. 2011. Effects of thermal treatment of rubberwood fibres on physical and mechanical properties of medium density fibreboard. This study evaluated effects of thermal treatment of rubberwood fibres at elevated temperatures on physical and mechanical properties of medium density fibreboard (MDF). MDF panels were manufactured from untreated rubberwood fibres and fibres treated at three different temperatures (120,150 or 180 °C) for 15 or 30 min in a laboratory autoclave. The thickness swelling of the panels decreased with increasing treatment temperature and time while mechanical properties, flexural properties, internal bond strength and screw withdrawal resistance, decreased. Results of the internal bond strength showed that thermal treatment of rubberwood fibres increased the hydrophobicity of fibre surfaces, which reduced the adhesion and penetration of the urea formaldehyde resin. In general, all panel types met the general purpose use requirements of EN standards. MDF panels made from thermally-treated rubberwood fibres at 180°C for 30 min appeared to be a practical choice for applications requiring low thickness swelling.

https://frim.gov.my/v1/jtfsonline/jtfs/v23n1/10-16.pdf

Vallayuth Fueangvivat

Papers

Coir fiber reinforced polypropylene composite panel for automotive interior applications

Effect of thermal-treatment of wood fibres on properties of flat-pressed wood plastic composites

Surface characteristics of wood composites manufactured in Thailand

Overlaying properties of fiberboard manufactured from bamboo and rice straw

Effects of thermal treatment of rubberwood fibres on physical and mechanical properties of medium density fibreboard