Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010

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

The growing ecological and environmental consciousness has driven efforts for development of new innovative materials for various end-use applications. Polymers synthesized from natural resources, have gained considerable research interest in the recent years. This review paper is intended to provide a brief outline of work that covers in the area of biocomposites, major class of biodegradable polymers, natural fibres, as well as their manufacturing techniques and properties has been highlighted. Various surface modification methods were incorporated to improve the fibre–matrix adhesion resulting in the enhancement of mechanical properties of the biocomposites. Moreover, an economical impact and future direction of these materials has been critically reviewed. This review concludes that the biocomposites form one of the emerging areas in polymer science that gain attention for use in various applications ranging from automobile to the building industries.

A review of the recent developments in biocomposites based on natural fibres and their application perspectives

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

Because of their wide abundance, their renewable and environmentally benign nature, and their outstanding mechanical properties, a great deal of attention has been paid recently to cellulosic nanofibrillar structures as components in nanocomposites. A first major challenge has been to find efficient ways to liberate cellulosic fibrils from different source materials, including wood, agricultural residues, or bacterial cellulose. A second major challenge has involved the lack of compatibility of cellulosic surfaces with a variety of plastic materials. The water-swellable nature of cellulose, especially in its non-crystalline regions, also can be a concern in various composite materials. This review of recent work shows that considerable progress has been achieved in addressing these issues and that there is potential to use cellulosic nano-components in a wide range of high-tech applications.

Cellulosic nanocomposites: a review

Characterization of flax fiber reinforced soy protein resin based green composites modified with nano-clay particles

Biodegradable green composites made using bamboo micro/nano-fibrils and chemically modified soy protein resin

Fully biodegradable high strength composites or 'advanced green composites' were fabricated using yearly renewable soy protein based resins and high strength liquid crystalline cellulose fibers. For comparison, E-glass and aramid (Kevlar®) fiber reinforced composites were also prepared using the same modified soy protein resins. The modification of soy protein included forming an interpenetrating network-like (IPN-like) resin with mechanical properties comparable to commonly used epoxy resins. The IPN-like soy protein based resin was further reinforced using nano-clay and microfibrillated cellulose. Fiber/resin interfacial shear strength was characterized using microbond method. Tensile and flexural properties of the composites were characterized as per ASTM standards. A comparison of the tensile and flexural properties of the high strength composites made using the three fibers is presented. The results suggest that these green composites have excellent mechanical properties and can be considered for use...

Advanced 'green' composites

Characterization of nano-clay reinforced phytagel-modified soy protein concentrate resin.

A biodegradable polymeric composition includes 99.5 wt. % to 40 wt. % soy protein and 0.5 wt. % to 60 wt. % of a first strengthening agent that consists essentially of a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of agar, gellan, and mixtures thereof. The composition is substantially completely soluble in water at a pH of about 7.0 or higher. A biodegradable composite includes a fiber mat and the described biodegradable polymeric composition. A biodegradable molded thermoset solid article is obtained by subjecting the described biodegradable polymeric composition to conditions of temperature and pressure effective to form the thermoset solid article.

Xiaosong Huang

Papers

Characterization of flax fiber reinforced soy protein resin based green composites modified with nano-clay particles

Biodegradable green composites made using bamboo micro/nano-fibrils and chemically modified soy protein resin

Advanced 'green' composites

Characterization of nano-clay reinforced phytagel-modified soy protein concentrate resin.

Biodegradable soy protein-based compositions and composites formed therefrom