A primary obstacle to the widespread acceptance of natural fibre composites is a lack of information about their mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. This volume addresses that problem. It examines the properties of natural fibre composites and the methods by which they fail, provides an overview of the different types of natural fibre composite, and presents case studies showing their applications. The mechanical properties, as well as long-term performance evaluations, of both thermoplastic and thermoset matrix composites are covered.

From the Introduction: “...[M]uch research effort has focused on improving the mechanical performance of natural fibre thermoplastic composites which could enable extension of their application. Much of that attention has been aimed at the improvement of interfacial strength, for which a range of fibre treatments and coupling agents have been assessed. The most successful in terms of mechanical benefits along with ease of use has been obtained with maleated polypropylene (MAPP) as a coupling agent, giving strength and stiffness improvement of greater than 100% compared with uncoupled composites...”

Target Audience: Materials scientists and engineers, as well as upper-level students, interested in natural-fiber composites.

Table of Contents:

Natural-Fibre Composites:

Natural Fibers: Types and Properties

Matrices for Natural-Fibre Reinforced Composites

Engineering the Fibre—Matrix Interface in Natural-Fibre Composites

Processing Techniques for Natural- and Wood-Fibre Composites

Development of Non-Wood Natural-Fibre Composites

Cellulose Nanocomposites

Case Studies and Opportunities:

Natural-Fibre Composites in the Automotive Sector

Natural-Fibre Composites in Structural Applications

Natural-Fibre Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Packaging

Opportunities for Using Wood and Biofibers for Energy, Chemical Feedstocks, and Structural Applications

Market and Innovation Considerations in Development of Natural/Wood-Fiber Composites

Performance of Natural-Fibre Composites:

Mechanical Testing of Natural-Fibre Composites

Mechanical Performance of Thermoplastic Matrix Natural Fibre Composites

Long-Term Performance of Natural-Fibre Composites

Modelling Natural-Fibre Composites

Index