Journal of Material Science and Mechanical Engineering (JMSME)

Print ISSN: 2393-9095; Online ISSN: 2393-9109; Volume 2, Number 3; April-June, 2015 pp. 220-225
© Krishi Sanskriti Publications
http://www.krishisanskriti.org/jmsme.html

Review of Natural Fiber Composites

Suyash Utkarsh1, Mahesha G T2 and Siddharth Banerjee3
1,3
U G student, Auto Engg Dept, Manipal Institute Of Technology
2
Faculty Auto & Aero Engg. Manipal Institute Of Technology
E-mail: 1besidd11@gmail.com, 2suyash.utkarsh@gmail.com

Abstract—Natural fibers are emerging as low cost, lightweight and mechanical characterization, possible improvement of
environmental friendly alternatives to glass and other synthetic fibers properties, degradation and ageing related studies.
in composite materials. In this paper we try to review various works
carried out using different types of natural fibers, different 2. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
manufacturing techniques used, relative mechanical strengths and
various types of ageing studies done on natural fiber reinforced Composites are one of the most advanced and adaptable
polymer composites. Natural fiber composites are likely to be engineering materials. Composites are defined by researchers
environmentally superior to synthetic fiber composites in most cases
[12,13,14,15] in many ways. Most of the studies on natural
for the following reasons: (1) natural fiber production has lower
environmental impacts compared to glass fiber production (2) they fiber composites involve study of mechanical properties as a
have higher fiber content for equivalent performance, reducing more function of fiber content, effect of various treatments of fibers,
polluting base polymer content; (3) the light-weight natural fiber and the use of external coupling agents.
composites improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in the use
Both the matrix and fiber properties are important in
phase of the component, especially in auto applications; and (4) end
of life incineration of natural fibers results in recovered energy and improving mechanical properties of the composites. The
carbon credits. tensile strength is more sensitive to the matrix properties,
whereas the modulus is dependent on the fiber properties. To
1. INTRODUCTION improve the tensile strength, a strong interface, low stress
concentration, fiber orientation is required whereas fiber
The use of natural fibres as the reinforcement in the concentration, fiber wetting in the matrix phase, the aspect
composites is receiving increasing attention now a days. ratio is very important for determining the fracture properties.
Composites are cohesive structures made by physically
combining two or more compatible materials, different in In a study involving coconut fibres as reinforcement in low-
composition and characteristics. Specific requirements of density polyethylene,[1] it was observed that waxy layer
modern materials can be met mostly by reinforcing the natural provided good fibre matrix bond such that removal of the layer
fibers in manmade or synthetic resins. resulted in decrease of the fibre pullout stress, increase of the
critical fibre length and corresponding decrease in tensile
The main advantages of natural fibres over man-made fibres strength and modulus of the composites .
are- low cost, low density, comparable specific tensile
properties, low abrasiveness, non-irritation to the skin, Flax and hemp-fibre reinforced polypropylenes have been
reduced energy consumption, less health risk, renewability, tried for material characterisation [2], and concluded that the
recyclability and biodegradability. Also another feature of elastic properties of the composite material are dependent on
natural cellulose fibres is that they can be more easily the type of coupling agent. The experiments carried out on
modified than the relatively inert carbon, aramid and glass composites made by reinforcing jowar fibre into polyester
fibres. found that jowar fibre has a tensile strength of 302 MPa,
modulus of 6.99 GPa. [3].
However, certain drawbacks of natural fibre-polymer
composites are the incompatibility between the hydrophilic Short randomly oriented banana/sisal hybrid fibre reinforced
natural fibres and the hydrophobic polymeric matrices. This polyester composites were processed by varying the fibre
leads to decrement in properties of the composites. It is volume fraction. There was good agreement obtained between
therefore necessary to modify the fibre surface/structure by thermal conductivity measurement values [4]. The Young’s
employing physical/chemical modifications to improve the modulus of sisal fibers used in a study was around 18 GPa.
adhesion between fibre and matrix. The strain-to-failure decreased from approximately 5.2% to
2.6% when the gage length was increased from 10 mm to 40
Here we try to review the various research works carried out mm [5]. The tensile strength, was found to be independent of
using different natural fibers, their processing into composites, the gage length.
Review of Natural Fiber Composites 221

The cross-sectional shape, the density and tensile properties of at lower load. On the other hand, for fiber lengths greater than
vakka, date and bamboo fibers, along with established fibers the critical length, the fiber is stressed under applied load and
like sisal, banana, coconut and palm, were determined thus results in a higher strength of the composite.[62]
experimentally under similar conditions and compared. The
mechanical properties of the modified coconut fibres were 3. MANUFACTURING METHODS
evaluated by tensile and fatigue tests [6]. Results presented a
decrease in fatigue life of composites when applied greater The end properties of a composite produced from different
tension, due to poor interfacial bonding. materials is not only a function of indivisual properties of
resin matrix but also of the way in which the material
Flax fibre was reinforced with polypropylene and the water themselves are designed into the part and also the way in
absorption tests performed [8] showed that mechanical which they are processed. Few of such methods are-
properties of specimens reduced due to the plasticization
effect of water. A detailed study on water absorption 3.1 Spray Lay Up- Fibre is chopped in a hand held gun and
characteristics was carried out on oil palm fibres [9]. It was fed into a spray of catalyzed resin directed at the mould. The
found that the mechanical performance of the treated and deposited materials are left to cure under standard atmospheric
untreated fibres decrease upon sorption and regains on conditions.
desorption[10]. In a study on the effect of microstructure on 3.2 Resin Transfer- Vacuum is applied to the mould cavity to
the mechanical properties of injection moulded bio assist resin in being drawn into the fabrics. This is Vacuum
composites, an increasing trend of fracture toughness with assisted resin injection. Once all the fabrics is wet out , the
fibre content was found for all sample orientations [11]. resin inlets are closed and the laminate is allowed to cure.
Flax fiber reinforced components are extensively used today Both injection and cure can take place at either ambient or
in the automotive industry, but the fiber acts mainly as filler elevated temperatures.
material in non-structural interior panels [16]. Natural fiber 3.3 Pultrusion- Fibres are pulled out from a creel through a
composites used for structural purposes do exist, but then resin bath and then on through a heated die. The die completes
usually with synthetic thermo-set matrices which limit the the impregnation of the fibre, controls the resin content and
environmental benefits [17, 18]. In a recent study it was found cures the material into its final shape . This cured profile is
that composites of poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) reinforced by then automatically cut into desired length. Fabrics may also
flax fibers showed specific tensile modulus equivalent to that may introduced into the die to provide the fibre direction.
of glass/polyester short fiber composites. The specific strength
of flax/PLLA composites was lower than that of 4. CHEMICAL TREATMENTS
glass/polyester, but higher than that of flax/polyester. [19]
Chemical treatment of the natural fibres is carried out to
Wanjun Liu et.al [20] fabricated bio composites from kenaf improve its mechanical properties such as flexural strength,
fiber and soy based bio plastic by extrusion as well as modulus and impact strength by varying its surface
compression molding. Compression molded samples showed characteristics. Some of the chemical treatments carried out on
higher heat deflection temperature (HDT) and impact strength. fibres are alkylation, acetylation, benzylation etc. The
Wan Y Z et.al [21] had done research work on bacterial chemical sources for the treatments include alkali, silane,
cellulose (BC) nanofibers reinforced biodegradable acetylation, benzoylation, acrylation and acrylonitrile grafting,
composites. The BC nanofibers were incorporated in the maleated coupling agents, permanganate, peroxide,
starch plasticized with glycerol and tensile properties of isocyanate, stearic acid, sodium chlorite, triazine, fatty acid
composite compared with those of the unreinforced starch. It derivate (oleoyl chloride) and fungal. The chemical treatments
was found that moisture absorption mechanism in the BC used in various researchs are summarized below.
starch bio composites follows Fickan diffusion mode. The
presence of BC nanofibers improves the tensile properties and 4.1 Alkylation
the resistance to moisture and microorganism attacks. Murali
Alkylation is the transfer of an alkyl group from one molecule
Mohan Rao et al [22] carried out study on the properties of
to another. Alkylating agents are widely used in chemical
composites made by reinforcing vakka fiber into a polyester
treatment of fibres because the alkyl group is the most
resin matrix. The composites were tested for tensile, flexural
common group encountered in organic molecules. Fibres are
and dielectric properties and compared with those of
treated with Sodium Hydroxide solutions of different strengths
established composites like sisal, bamboo and banana. It was
in this process.
observed that the tensile properties increased with volume
fraction of fibers. Prasad S V et al [29] treated the coir fiber with alkali solution
to improve the wettability of fibers with polyester. Fibers were
In short-fiber-reinforced composites, there exists a critical
soaked in 5% aqueous solution of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
fiber length that is required to develop its full stressed
at 28±1° C for 72 to 76 hours and treatment of fibers increased
condition in the polymer matrix. Fiber lengths shorter than this
the tensile strength by 15%. The debonding stress of treated
critical length lead to failure due to debonding at the interface

Journal of Material Science and Mechanical Engineering (JMSME)

Print ISSN: 2393-9095; Online ISSN: 2393-9109; Volume 2, Number 3; April-June, 2015
222 Suyash Utkarsh, Mahesha G T and Siddharth Banerjee

fibers from matrix was 90% higher than that of untreated The effect of potassium permanganate treatment on the
fibers from the same matrix. Treatment of fibers increased the mechanical (tensile), properties of okra (Abelmoschus
mechanical strengths such as flexural strength, modulus and esculentus) fibres has been studied [42]. The treatment makes
impact strength of composites by 40%. Valadez Gonzalez et al the fibre more permeable to resin when used as composite
[30] treated the henequen fibers with a NaOH aqueous reinforcement. Fracture surfaces present an increased level of
solution (2% w/v) for an hour at 25°C. The treatment of fibers twisting as an effect of chemical modification and of reduced
increased the surface roughness that resulted in a better adhesion force between the fibrils.
mechanical interlocking and incremented the amount of
A study was conducted to improve the interfacial bond
cellulose exposed on the fiber surface. Morphological and
between Sansevieria cylindrica fibres (SCFs) and polyester
silane chemical modification of the fiber surface improved
matrix [43]. Potassium permanganate treatment was carried
interfacial shear strength between fibers and thermoplastic
out to modify the fibre surface. Potassium-permanganate-
matrix. Jochen Gassan et al [31] improved the mechanical
treated S. cylindrica fibre/polyester (PSCFP) composites
properties of jute epoxy composites by the NaOH treatment
showed optimum mechanical properties among the treated S.
process. Alkali treatment was done by treating the fiber
cylindrica fibre/polyester (SCFP) composites. The SEM
samples with different solutions of NaOH at concentrations up
micrographs reveal that interfacial bonding between
to 28 wt% for a maximum of 30 min at a temperature of 20°C.
potassium-permanganate-treated SCF (PSCF) and polyester
The Young’s modulus. of composites with treated and
matrix has significantly improved, suggesting that better
untreated fibers were approximately 30% and 50%
dispersion of PSCF into the matrix has occurred upon
respectively, lower than comparable glass fiber epoxy
potassium permanganate treatment of SCF.
composites. Srinivasababu et al [32] exploited new composite
material made up of okra fiber reinforced with polyester resin. Permanganate treatment on natural fibres was conducted by
Extracted fibers treated with 0.125M NaOH for 6 hours and 45 potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in acetone solution[44].
minutes. The fibers treated for 45 minutes reinforced This treatment enhances chemical interlocking at the interface
composite material showed the highest tensile strength and and provides better adhesion with the matrix wall. It reduces
modulus of 64.41 MPa and 946.44 MPa respectively. Specific the hydrophilic nature of the fibre[45]. Higher concentrations
tensile strength and modulus of untreated and treated okra of KMnO4 (more than 1%) cause excess delignification within
FRP composites is 34.31% and 39.84% higher than pure the cellulosic structure and degrade fibre properties [46,47].
polyester specimen. Min Zin Rong et al [33] investigated KMnO4 etches the fibre surface and makes it physically
effect of fiber treatment on the mechanical properties of rougher to improve mechanical interlocking with the matrix.
unidirectional sisal reinforced epoxy composites. Sisal fiber Flexural strength and modulus properties were increased by
was immersed in a solution of 2% NaOH for 4hr at 60°C, in 5% and 10% for the treated banana fibre polypropylene
which fiber to solution weight ratio was 1:25. Van de composites. Li et al. [48] applied 0.2% potassium
Weyenberg I et al [34] modified flax fiber with NaOH, dilute permanganate (KMnO4) solution (in 2% acetone) on alkali
epoxy, silane and acetone. Fibers were dipped in NaOH (2% NaOH for 1 h) pre-treated flax fibre and reported treated
solution of different concentration (1, 2 or 3%) for 20 minute fibre-LLDPE and HDPE composites had higher tensile
at room temperature. A treatment consisting of a combination strength properties compared to the untreated fibre
of alkali and dilute epoxy showed the highest flexural composites.
properties. The longitudinal properties of unidirectional
composites enhanced with 40%, transverse strength increased 4.3 Acrylation
with 250%. Varada Rajulu et.al [35] reinforced short natural Acrylic acid (CH2=CHCOOH) is used to enhance interfacial
fiber belonging to the species Hildegardia Populifolia in bonding between the fibre and matrix (polypropylene).
styrenated polyester matrix. Alkali treatment of the fibers CH2=CHCOOH reacts with the cellulosic hydroxyl groups of
enhanced the tensile modulus by 3.5% and compressive the fibre and provides more access of reactive cellulose
strength by 7.5%. Threepopnatkul [36] studied the properties macroradicals to the polymerization medium.
of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced polycarbonate composites.
Surfaces of fiber were pre-treated with sodium hydroxide at In a study, rice straw fiber (RSF) was modified by suspension
30°C for 5h. Material with 20% fiber content showed high polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) monomer [49].
tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Mechanical properties showed that the tensile strength of
poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites (W(%) = 7.98) increased
4.2 Potassium Treatment by 6 MPa compared with blank sample. The water absorption
A study was conducted to determine the effects of potassium of the PLA composites was lower than PLA/RSF composites.
silicate treatment [41] on newspaper and unbleached kraft The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data showed that
RSF played a role as a nucleating agent and PBA(poly butyl
fibers. Treated wood fiber was better than the untreated wood
fiber as Silane and K silicate treatments had generally higher acrylate) made crystallization of PLA more difficult and
average normalized toughness values than N-silicate-treated incomplete.
newspaper fiber –cement composites.

Journal of Material Science and Mechanical Engineering (JMSME)

Print ISSN: 2393-9095; Online ISSN: 2393-9109; Volume 2, Number 3; April-June, 2015
Review of Natural Fiber Composites 223

A test was carried out by fiber surface modification by composites reinforced with mercerized fibers, which is
ethylene dimethylacrylate (EMA) and cured under UV explained by the higher amount of lignin present in mercerized
radiation [50]. The grafting of alkali treated fiber shows an fibers.
increase of polymer loading (about 56% higher) and tensile
The effects of ageing on the mechanical properties and
strength (about 27%) than 50% EMA grafted fiber. The best
dimensional stability of cardanol derivative of toluene
improvement was observed for the 20% alkali treated
diisocyanate (CTDZC) treated and untreated sBal/LDPE
followed by grafting with 50% EMA.
composites have been studied [57]. Samples were immersed in
5. SURFACE TREATMENTS boiling water for 7 h under atmospheric pressure; in the
second case, samples were heated at 70°C in an air circulating
The primary objective of surface treatments on natural fibres is oven for 7 days. It has been demonstrated that CTDIC-treated
to maximize the bonding strength so as the stress composites showed superior mechanical properties and
transferability in the composite Acrylic acid (CH=CHCOOH) dimensional stability as compared to untreated composites due
is used to enhance interfacial bonding between the fibre and to the existence of an efficient interfacial bond between the
matrix (polypropylene). It reduces hydrophilic hydroxyl fiber and the polymer matrix.
groups from the fibre structure and improves moisture A study on the influence of water ageing on mechanical
resistance properties. This coupling mechanism between the properties and damage events of flax–fibre composites,
fibre and matrix by acrylic acid enhances the stress transfer compared with glass–fibre composites [58] showed that failure
capacity at the interface and thus improves composite stress decreased with the increasing of immersion time for
properties.[51,52] both glass–fibre and flax–fibre composites. Elastic properties
The overall mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced of flax–fibre composites were hardly affected by water ageing,
polymer composites are highly dependent on the morphology, whereas only the tensile stress was affected in the case of
aspect ratio, hydrophilic tendency and dimensional stability of glass–fibre composites.
the fibres used.
7. CONCLUSIONS
In a study, jute fibres were corona discharge and ultraviolet
(UV) treated to improve the mechanical properties of natural- Composite Materials are being used and will play a major role
fibre/epoxy composites [54]. The UV treatment of the single in various fields of engineering applications. Apart from
fibres and yarns led to significantly higher gains in polarity in lightness, such materials are also bio degradable if these are
comparison with those observed in relation to corona-treated prepared using the natural fibers and resins. The goal of
materials. Increasing treatment time at a constant bulb-sample degradation can be achieved at least partly, by reinforcing
distance or alternatively decreasing the distance significantly with natural fibers while retaining the synthetic resins for very
increased the polarity and decreased yarn tenacity. An increase severe applications. The tensile properties of natural fibre
in the composite flexural strength of about 30% was achieved. reinforced polymers (both thermoplastics and thermosets) are
Significant improvements in the mechanical properties of the mainly influenced by the interfacial adhesion between the
composites are reported by using different chemical treatment matrix and the fibres. Usage of natural fibers as raw materials
processes on the reinforcing fibre. while developing new composite materials which can find
applications in various fields would be one prominent solution
6. AGEING STUDIES for protecting the planet Earth. Composite properties can be
moderately improved by subjecting them to chemical and
The effect of three different aging methods (immersion in hot surface treatments.
water, freeze–thaw cycles and wet–dry cycles) on the
mechanical properties of GRC were studied and compared REFERENCES
[55]. A new aging method, mixing freeze–thaw cycles and
wet–dry cycles, was the most accurate simulation of weather [1] M. Brahmakumar, C. Pavithran, R.M. Pillai “Coconut fibre
conditions that produce a noticeable change in GRC reinforced polyethylene composites: effect of natural waxy
mechanical properties. surface layer of the fibre on fibre/matrix interfacial bonding and
strength of composites”, Composites Science and Technology 65
This study investigated the effect of accelerated weathering on (2005) 23 November 2004 563–569
the visual appearance and on mechanical properties of high [2] B. Wielage , Th. Lampke, H. Utschick , F. Soergel “Processing
impact polystyrene (HIPS) as well as HIPS reinforced with of natural-fibre reinforced polymers and the resulting dynamic
mercerized and bleached sugarcane bagasse fibers composites mechanical properties” Journal of Materials Processing
Technology 139 Year 2003 140–146
[56]. After accelerated weathering period of 900 h, under UV- [3] A.V. Ratna Prasad, K. Mohana Rao “Mechanical properties of
B radiation and moisture regular cycles, changes in natural fibre reinforced polyester composites: Jowar, sisal and
mechanical properties were investigated by tensile tests. It was bamboo” Materials and Design 32 (2011) 21 March 2011 4658–
observed that composites reinforced with bleached fibers are 4663
less susceptible to accelerated weathering exposure than

Journal of Material Science and Mechanical Engineering (JMSME)

Print ISSN: 2393-9095; Online ISSN: 2393-9109; Volume 2, Number 3; April-June, 2015
224 Suyash Utkarsh, Mahesha G T and Siddharth Banerjee

[4] K. Murali Mohan Rao, K. Mohana Rao “Extraction and tensile [22] Murali Mohan Rao K, Mohana Rao K, Ratna Prasad A.V,
properties of natural fibers: Vakka, date and bamboo” “Fabrication and testing of natural fiber composites: Vakka,
Composite Structures 77 (2005) 7 October 2005 288–295 sisal, bamboo and banana”; Materials and Design 31(2010)
[5] Flavio de Andrade Silva, Nikhilesh Chawla, Romildo Dias de 508–513
Toledo Filho “Tensile behavior of high performance natural [23] Espert, A., Vilaplana, F. and Karlsson, S., 2004, “Comparison of
(sisal) fibers” Composites Science and Technology 68 (2008) 10 water absorption in natural cellulosic fibres from wood and one-
October 2008 3438–3443 year crops in polypropylene composites and its influence on
[6] Maries Idicula , Abderrahim Boudenne, L. Umadevi, Laurent their mechanical properties”, Composites Part A ; 35: pp.1267–
Ibos, Yves Candau, Sabu Thomas “Thermophysical properties 76.
of natural fibre reinforced polyester composites” Composites [24] Sanadi, A.R., CaulField, D.F. and Jacobson, R.E., 1997, “Agro-
Science and Technology 66 (2006) 5 May 2006 2719–2725 Fibre Thermoplastic Composites”, Paper and composites from
[7] H. Ku, H. Wang, N. Pattarachaiyakoop, and M. Trada “A review agro-based resources, Boca Raton: CRC Press: Lewis
on the tensile properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer Publishers, Chapter 12, pp. 377-401.
composites” Composites: Part B 42 (2011), 15 January 2011 [25] Swamy R. P, Mohan Kumar G. C and Vrushabhendrappa Y,
856–873 “Study of Areca -reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde Composites”,
[8] Guduri B.R, Khoathane C, Anandjiwala R.D, “Effect of water Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, Vol. 23, No.
absorption on mechanical properties of flax fiber reinforced 13/2004
composites”, Composites Science and Technology 61 (2002) [26] Bharath K.N, Swamy R.P, “Adhesive Tensile and Moisture
1437–1447 Absorption Characteristics of Natural Fibers Reinforced Urea
[9] Sreekala M.S, Thomas S., “Effect of fibre surface modification Formaldehyde Composites”, International Journal of Recent
on water-sorption characteristics of oil palm fibres”, Composites Trends in Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 5, May 2009
Science and Technology 63 (2003) 861–869 [27] Rashdi A, Sapuan S.M, Ahmad H.M and Khalina A, “Water
[10] Maya Jacob, Sabu Thomas, K.T. Varughese, “Mechanical absorption and tensile properties of soil buried kenaf fiber
properties of sisal/oil palm hybrid fiber reinforced natural rubber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites (KFRUPC)”,
composites”, Composites Science and Technology 64 (2004) Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment Vol.7 (3&4): 908
955–965 9th November 2009
[11] Alvarez V, Zquez A and Bernal C, “Effect of Microstructure on [28] Stamboulis, A., Baillie, C.A., Garkhail, S.K., Van Melick,
the Tensile and Fracture Properties of Sisal Fiber/Starch-based H.G.H. and Peijs T.,2000, “Environmental durability of flax
Composites”, Journal of Composite Materials, Vol. 40, No. fibers and their composites based on polypropylene matrix”,
1/2005 Applied Composite Materials, 7: pp.273-294.
[12] Jartiz, A.E. “Design, Year 1965” pp. 18 [29] Prasad.S.V, Pavithran C, Rohatgi P.K, “Alkali treatment of coir
[13] Kelly, A. Sci. American, 217, (B), pp. 161, Year 1967 fibers for coir polyester composites”, Journal of Materials
[14] Berghezan, A.“Non-ferrous Materials,” Nucleus, pp. Year 1966, Science 18(1983) 1443-1454.
5–11 [30] Valadez-Gonzalez. A, Cervantes-Uc J.M, Olayob R, Herrera-
[15] Van Suchtelen., "Product properties: a new application of Franco, “Effect of fiber surface treatment on the fiber–matrix
composite materials, " Philips Res. Reports, Vol. 27, Year 1972, bond strength of natural fiber reinforced composites”,
pp. 28 Composites: Part B 30 (1999) 309–320
[16] Holbery, J., Houston, D. , “Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer [31] Jochen Gassan, Andrzej K. Bledzki, “Possibilities for improving
Composites in Automotive Applications”, JOM, 58(11): pp.80-6 the mechanical properties of jute/epoxy composites by alkali
[17] Burgueno, R., Quagliata, M.J., Mehta, G.M., Mohanty, A.K., treatment of fibers”; Composites Science and Technology
Misra, M., Drzal, L.T, “Sustainable Cellular Biocomposites 59(1999) 1303-1309
from Natural Fibers and Unsaturated Polyester Resin for [32] Srinivasababu N, Murali Mohan Rao K, & Suresh Kumar,
Housing Panel Applications”, Journal of Polymers and the “Tensile properties characterization of okra woven fiber
Environment, 13(2): 2005 pp.139-149. reinforced polyester composites”, International Journal of
[18] Rials, T.G., Wolcott, M.P. and Nassar, J.M., , “Interfacial Engineering, (IJE) Volume (3): Issue (4)
Contributions in Lignocellulosic Fiber-Reinforced Polyurethane [33] Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang, Yuan Liu, Gui Cheng Yang,
Composites”, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 80(4): 2001 Han Min Zeng, “The effect of fiber treatment on the mechanical
pp.546-555 properties of unidirectional sisal-reinforced epoxy composites”,
[19] Bodros, E., Pillin, I., Montrelay, N., Baley, C., “Could Composites Science and Technology 61 (2001) 1437–1447
biopolymers reinforced by randomly scattered flax fiber be used [34] Van de Weyenberg I, Ivens J, De Coster A, Kino B, Baetens E,
in structural applications”, Composites Science and Technology, Verpoest, “Influence of processing and chemical treatment of
67(3-4) 2007 pp.462-470. flax fibers on their composites”, Composites Science and
[20] Wanjun Liu, Lawrence T, Drzal, Amar K, Mohanty, Manjusri Technology 63 (2003) 1241–1246
Misra, “Influence of processing methods and fiber length on [35] Varada Rajulu A, Babu Rao G and Ganga Devi L, “Mechanical
physical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced soy based Properties of Short, Natural Fiber Hildegardia populifolia-
biocomposites”, Composites: Part B 38 (2007) 352–359 reinforced Styrenated Polyester Composites”, Journal of
[21] Wan Y.Z, Honglin Luo, Liang H, Huang Y, Li X.L, Reinforced Plastics and Composites, Vol. 24, No. 4/2005
“Mechanical, moisture absorption, and biodegradation behaviors [36] Threepopnatkul P, Kaerkitcha N, Athipongarporn N, “Effect of
of bacterial cellulose fiber-reinforced starch biocomposites”, surface treatment on performance of pineapple leaf fiber–
Composites Science and Technology 69 (2009) 1212–1217 polycarbonate composites”, Composites: Part B 40 (2009) 628–
632

Journal of Material Science and Mechanical Engineering (JMSME)

Print ISSN: 2393-9095; Online ISSN: 2393-9109; Volume 2, Number 3; April-June, 2015
Review of Natural Fiber Composites 225

[37] Van de Weyenberg I, Ivens J, De Coster A, Kino B, Baetens E, [52] Zahran MK, Rehan MF. “Grafting of acrylic acid onto flax
Verpoest, “Influence of processing and chemical treatment of fibres using Mn(IV)-citric redox system.” J Applied Polymer
flax fibers on their composites”, Composites Science and Sciences 2006;102(3):3028–36
Technology 63 (2003) 1241–1246 [53] A. Rashkovan” & Yu. G. Korabel’nikovb “The effect of fiber
[38] Wang B, Panigrahi S, Tabil L, Crerar W, Sokansanj S, surface treatment on its strength and adhesion to the matrix”
“Modification of flax fibers by chemical treatment”, Composites Science and Technology 57 (1997) 8 October 1996
CSAE/SCGR 2003 Meeting Montréal, Québec July 6 - 9, 2003 1017-1022
[39] Herrera-Franco P.J, Valadez-Gonzalez A, “A study of the [54] Jochen Gassan Voytek S. Gutowski “Effects of corona discharge
mechanical properties of short natural-fiber reinforced and UV treatment on the properties of jute-FIbre epoxy
composites”, Composites: Part B 36 (2005) 597–608 composites”Composites Science and Technology 60 (2000) 1
[40] M. Abdelmouleh ,S. Boufi, M.N. Belgacem, A. Dufresne “Short August 2000 2857±2863
natural-fibre reinforced polyethylene and natural rubber [55] Alejandro Enfedaque, Laura Sánchez Paradela, Vicente
composites: Effect of silane coupling agents and fibres loading” Sánchez-Gálvez “An alternative methodology to predict aging
Composites Science and Technology 67 (2007) 1 September effects on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced
2006 1627–1639 cements (GRC)” Construction and Building Materials 27 (2012)
[41] Jennifer L. Pehanich, Paul R. Blankenhorn, Michael R. Silsbee 20 August 2011 425–431
“Wood fiber surface treatment level effects on selected [56] K. C. C. C. Benini, H.J.C. Voorwald, M.O.H.Cioffi “Mechanical
mechanical properties of wood fiber–cement composites” properties of HIPS/sugarcane bagasse fiber composites after
Cement and Concrete Research 34 (2004) 23 May 2003 59 – 65 accelerated weathering” Procedia Engineering 10 (2011) 3246–
[42] Igor Maria De Rosa, José M. Kenny, Mohd. Maniruzzaman, 3251
Md. Moniruzzaman, Marco Monti, Debora Puglia, Carlo [57] Kuruvilla Joseph, Sabu Thomas “Effect of ageing on the
Santulli, Fabrizio Sarasini “Effect of chemical treatments on the physical and mechanical properties of sisal-fiber-reinforced
mechanical and thermal behaviour of okra(Abelmoschus polyethylene composites” Composites Science and Technology
esculentus) fibres” Composites Science and Technology 71 53 ( 1995) 22 November 1994 99- 110
(2011) 30 November 2010 246–254 [58] M. Assarara, D. Scida, A. El Mahi, C. Poilâne, R. Ayad
[43] V.S. Sreenivasan, D. RavindranV. Manikandan R. “Influence of water ageing on mechanical properties and
Narayanasamy “Influence of fibre treatments on mechanical damage events of two reinforced composite materials: Flax–
properties of short Sansevieria cylindrica/polyester composites” fibres and glass–fibres” Materials and Design 32 (2011) 788–
Materials and Design 37 (2012) 12 January 2012 111–121 795 23 July 2010
[44] M.M. Kabir, H. Wang, K.T. Lau, F. Cardona ”Chemical [59] Ketty Bilba, Marie-Ange Arsene, Alex Ouensanga “Study of
treatments on plant-based natural fibre reinforced polymer banana and coconut fibers Botanical composition, thermal
composites : An overview” Composites: Part B 43 (2012) 14 degradation and textural observations” Bioresource Technology
May 2012 2883–2892 98 (2007) 58–68 25 January 2006
[45] Rahman MM, Mallik AK, Khan MA. “Influences of various [60] Yan Li, K.L. Pickering “The effect of chelator and white rot
surface pretreatmentson the mechanical and degradable fungi treatments on long hemp fibre-reinforced composites”
properties of photografted oil palm fibers.” J Applied Polymer Composites Science and Technology 69 (2009) 13 March 2009
Sciences 2007 3077–86 1265–1270
[46] Paul SA, Joseph K, Mathew G, Pothen LA, Thomas S. [61] H.K. Tanaca, C.M.R. Dias, C.C. Gaylarde, V.M. John, M.A.
“Influence of polarityparameters on the mechanical properties of Shirakawa “Discoloration and fungal growth on threefiber
composites from polypropylene fibre and short banana fibre.” cement formulations exposed in urban, rural and coastal zones”
Compos: Part A – Appl Sci Manuf 2010; 1380–7 Building and Environment 46 (2011) 26 July 2010 324-330
[47] Li X, Panigrahi S, Tabil LG, Crerar WJ. “Flax fibre reinforced [62] Z.N. Azwa, B.F. Yousif, A.C. Manalo, W. Karunasena “A
composites and the effect of chemical treatments on their review on the degradability of polymeric composites based on
properties”. In: Proc CSAE/ASAE annual intersectional meeting, natural fibres” Materials and Design 47 (2013) 20 December
Winnipeg, 24–25 September, Canada; 2004 2012 424–442.
[48] Li X, Tabil LG, Panigrahi S. “Chemical treatment of natural
fibre for use in natural fibre-reinforced composites: a review.”
Polym Environ 2007;15(1):25–33.
[49] Lijun Qin, Jianhui Qiu, Mingzhu Liu, Shenglong Ding, Liang
Shao, Shaoyu Lü, Guohong Zhangb, Yang Zhao, Xie Fu
“Mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)
composites with ricestraw fiber modified by poly(butyl
acrylate)” Chemical Engineering Journal166 (2011) 9
November 2010 772–778
[50] M. Mizanur Rahmana, Mubarak A. Khan “Surface treatment of
coir (Cocos nucifera) fibers and its influence on the fibers’
physico-mechanical properties” Composites Science and
Technology 67 (2007) 31 January 2007 2369–2376
[51] Bogoeva-Gaceva G, Avella M, Malinconico M, Buzarovska A,
Grozdanov A, Gentile G “Natural fibre eco-composites.” Polym
Compos 2007;28(1): 98–107.

Journal of Material Science and Mechanical Engineering (JMSME)

Print ISSN: 2393-9095; Online ISSN: 2393-9109; Volume 2, Number 3; April-June, 2015