scholarly journals Techniques for Modelling and Optimizing the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Composites: A Review

Fibers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Timothy K. Mulenga ◽  
Albert U. Ude ◽  
Chinnasamy Vivekanandhan

The study of natural fiber-based composites through the use of computational techniques for modelling and optimizing their properties has emerged as a fast-growing approach in recent years. Ecological concerns associated with synthetic fibers have made the utilisation of natural fibers as a reinforcing material in composites a popular approach. Computational techniques have become an important tool in the hands of many researchers to model and analyze the characteristics that influence the mechanical properties of natural fiber composites. This recent trend has led to the development of many advanced computational techniques and software for a profound understanding of the characteristics and performance behavior of composite materials reinforced with natural fibers. The large variations in the characteristics of natural fiber-based composites present a great challenge, which has led to the development of many computational techniques for composite materials analysis. This review seeks to infer, from conventional to contemporary sources, the computational techniques used in modelling, analyzing, and optimizing the mechanical characteristics of natural fiber reinforced composite materials.

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2220
Author(s):  
Zaida Ortega ◽  
Francisco Romero ◽  
Rubén Paz ◽  
Luis Suárez ◽  
Antonio Nizardo Benítez ◽  
...  

This paper compares the mechanical properties of different natural fiber composites produced by rotational molding as a way of waste valorization from campaigns to control invasive plant species in Macaronesia. Rotomolded parts produced with polymeric matrices (polyethylene) and filled with up to 20% by weight of cellulosic fibers obtained from Arundo donax L., Pennisetum setaceum, and Ricinus communis plants were characterized in terms of tensile, flexural, and impact strength. It was found that the sieving of natural fibers allowed for their introduction in higher loadings, from 10 (for un-sieved material) to 20%; fiber size greatly affected the mechanical properties of the final parts, although some combinations were proven not to reduce the mechanical properties of the neat resin. This study is a first approach to the valorization of residues obtained from periodic campaigns of the control of invasive species performed by public authorities, usually at the local level. It is important to highlight that the main objective of this research did not focus on economically profitable activity; instead, it was focused on the reduction of wastes to be disposed from ecosystem maintenance actions and the investment of potential income into preservation policies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 854 ◽  
pp. 59-64
Author(s):  
S. Syath Abuthakeer ◽  
Ramakrishnan Vasudaa ◽  
Afsana Nizamudeen

Today’s technological innovations call for continual improvement in the field of material science to substitute the heavy structures with lightweight materials without compromising the strength. For this purpose composite materials (combination of two or more materials) are developed. The incorporation of natural fibers as reinforcing agent in both thermoset and thermoplastic polymer composites has gained increasing applications both in many areas of engineering and technology. A variety of natural fibers based polymer composite materials have been developed using modified synthetic strategies to extend its application from automotive to biomedical fields. The eco friendliness and reduction in wear and tear aspects in machineries with the use of natural fiber composites also has been captured in this paper. This paper is an earnest compilation of the data regarding a variety of natural fibers, their physical and mechanical properties, their resilience and strength. Considerable effort has been put in bringing the data on various natural fiber composites in one place by cutting out the details from various sources so as to make it as a ready reckoner for any researcher for future research in this area.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 2450-2453

Usage of Natural Fiber Composites (NFC) is increased rapidly due to the bio degradability nature of the fibers. These natural fibers are mixed with synthetic fibers to obtain better mechanical properties. In this study, pine apple and glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites are developed and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Composites were prepared by varying the fibers content and by using hand layup process with glass moulds of size 160 x 160 x 3 mm3 . The obtained laminates were sliced as per the ASTM criterion to test the properties. Higher glass fiber content in the composite specimen obtained higher mechanical properties. The composites can be utilized for the purpose of manufacturing components like doors panels, desks, roof tops etc.


2001 ◽  
Vol 702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prabhu Kandachar ◽  
Rik Brouwer

ABSTRACTAvailable as agricultural resources in many countries, natural fibers, such as flax, hemp, kenaf, exhibit mechanical properties comparable to those of synthetic fibers like glass. But they are lighter, biodegradable, and are often claimed to be less expensive. Composites with these natural fibers have the potential to be attractive alternative to synthetic fiber composites. The natural fibers, however, exhibit more scatter in their properties, are thermally less stable and are sensitive to moisture absorption. The choice of matrix to reinforce with these fibers therefore becomes critical.Currently, synthetic non-biodegradable polymers, such as polypropylene, polyester, etc., are being explored as matrix materials, for applications in sectors like automobiles and buildings. Biodegradable polymers, if made available in sufficient quantities at affordable prices, pave way for bio-composites in future. With both matrix and fibers being biodegradable, bio-composites become attractive candidates from the environment point of view.Extensive and reliable property data on natural fiber composites and/or on bio-composites, are still lacking, making product design with these materials rather tedious. Once the database is available, design & manufacture of products with natural fiber composites and biocomposites offer several opportunities and challenges.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7683
Author(s):  
Mohamad Alhijazi ◽  
Babak Safaei ◽  
Qasim Zeeshan ◽  
Mohammed Asmael ◽  
Arameh Eyvazian ◽  
...  

Natural fiber composites (NFCs) are an evolving area in polymer sciences. Fibers extracted from natural sources hold a wide set of advantages such as negligible cost, significant mechanical characteristics, low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, environmental friendliness, recyclability, etc. Luffa cylindrica, also termed luffa gourd or luffa sponge, is a natural fiber that has a solid potential to replace synthetic fibers in composite materials in diverse applications like vibration isolation, sound absorption, packaging, etc. Recently, many researches have involved luffa fibers as a reinforcement in the development of NFC, aiming to investigate their performance in selected matrices as well as the behavior of the end NFC. This paper presents a review on recent developments in luffa natural fiber composites. Physical, morphological, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and acoustic properties of luffa NFCs are investigated, categorized, and compared, taking into consideration selected matrices as well as the size, volume fraction, and treatments of fibers. Although luffa natural fiber composites have revealed promising properties, the addition of these natural fibers increases water absorption. Moreover, chemical treatments with different agents such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and benzoyl can remarkably enhance the surface area of luffa fibers, remove undesirable impurities, and reduce water uptake, thereby improving their overall characteristics. Hybridization of luffa NFC with other natural or synthetic fibers, e.g., glass, carbon, ceramic, flax, jute, etc., can enhance the properties of the end composite material. However, luffa fibers have exhibited a profuse compatibility with epoxy matrix.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 2050-2073 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Praveen Kumar ◽  
M Nalla Mohamed

Economic and environmental concerns lead the researchers toward development of sustainable and renewable materials of which reinforced composites are part of. The abundantly available natural fibers have attracted the researchers to study their performance as reinforcements and feasibility for making automobile components. The performance of composite materials is mainly assessed through their mechanical properties. However, natural fibers to date were mainly used as reinforcements to create bulk composite components with reduced cost rather than improved mechanical performances. Among the methods available for improving mechanical properties of the natural fiber composites, combined mercerization treatment, hybridization, and incorporation of fly ash fillers in the matrix are the best solutions. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate the tensile properties of hybrid kenaf/glass composites with and without fly ash particulate filler as per ASTM standards. Moisture absorption behavior and its effect on the tensile properties of hybrid composites are also investigated. The results revealed that the addition of 10wt % fly ash particles with natural fiber composites increased the tensile strength of composites while hybridization with glass fibers reduced the water absorption properties.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 525-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
ES Zaini ◽  
MD Azaman ◽  
MS Jamali ◽  
KA Ismail

Researchers have worked on variety of natural fibers reinforced with polymer composites using different parameters to come up with various recommendations. The investigation involved aspects of composition materials and mechanical properties of natural fiber composites. The satisfactory results of natural fiber composites have encouraged researchers to delve deeper into the abilities of natural fiber composite in the form of a core structure. The potentiality of utilizing natural fiber composite in core design has wide potential in modern industries. This paper presents a review on natural fibers and polymer matrices commonly used in core fabrication, core design, fabricating processes of cores, and mechanical properties of cores. Ongoing research of rice husk composites to be fabricated in the form of honeycomb core structures is also discussed.


Author(s):  
Faris M. AL-Oqla

The available potential plant waste could be worthy material to strengthen polymers to make sustainable products and structural components. Therefore, modeling the natural fiber polymeric-based composites is currently required to reveal the mechanical performance of such polymeric green composites for various green products. This work numerically investigates the effect of various fiber types, fiber loading, and reinforcement conditions with different polymer matrices towards predicting the mechanical performance of such natural fiber composites. Cantilever beam and compression schemes were considered as two different mechanical loading conditions for structural applications of such composite materials. Finite element analysis was conducted to modeling the natural fiber composite materials. The interaction between the fibers and the matrices was considered as an interfacial friction force and was determined from experimental work by the pull out technique for each polymer and fiber type. Both polypropylene and polyethylene were considered as composite matrices. Olive and lemon leaf fibers were considered as reinforcements. Results have revealed that the deflection resistance of the natural fiber composites in cantilever beam was enhanced for several reinforcement conditions. The fiber reinforcement was capable of enhancing the mechanical performance of the polymers and was the best in case of 20 wt.% polypropylene/lemon composites due to better stress transfer within the composite. However, the 40 wt.% case was the worst in enhancing the mechanical performance in both cantilever beam and compression cases. The 30 wt.% of polyethylene/olive fiber was the best in reducing the deflection of the cantilever beam case. The prediction of mechanical performance of natural fiber composites via proper numerical analysis would enhance the process of selecting the appropriate polymer and fiber types. It can contribute finding the proper reinforcement conditions to enhance the mechanical performance of the natural fiber composites to expand their reliable implementations in more industrial applications.


Materials ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryn Crawford ◽  
Sepideh Pakpour ◽  
Negin Kazemian ◽  
John Klironomos ◽  
Karen Stoeffler ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liva Pupure ◽  
Janis Varna ◽  
Roberts Joffe ◽  
Fredrik Berthold ◽  
Arttu Miettinen

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