Effects of natural fibre surface on composite properties: a review

Abstract

Processing of polymer composites by using green source of fibres as reinforcement has increased dramatically in recent years. Advantages of using natural fibre over man-made fibres include low density, low cost, recyclability and biodegradability. These benchmark properties make natural fibre a potential replacement for synthetic fibres in composite materials opening up further industrial possibilities. However, high level of moisture absorption by the fibre leads to poor wettability and insufficient adhesion within the matrix (interfacial adhesion) resulting degradation of composite properties. These properties hinder the potential of these fibres in providing successful reinforcement for polymer composites. In order to expand the use of natural fibres as successful reinforcement in polymer composites the fibre surface needs to be modified to enhance fibre-matrix adhesion. In this review paper, effects of natural fibre surface on composite properties are discussed. Several fibre surface modification methods are reported and their effects on composite properties are analysed. These properties constitute the prime area of research in developing green fibre polymer composite technologies.