No abstract

Fiber‐reinforced polymers are widely used in many applications where high specific strength and high specific stiffness are required. Biocomposites have replaced synthetic‐based fiber‐reinforced polymers as a preferred option due to their environmental friendliness, ease of supply, and affordability. Comparable strength synthetic‐fiber‐reinforced polymers and biocomposites both have lower specific weights. This study aims to characterize hybrid biocomposites produced from unidirectional prepregs made of flax/polypropylene fibers and nonwoven mats made of hemp/polypropylene fibers. Research has also been conducted on how the number of layers and the stacking sequence affect the mechanical performance of hybrid biocomposites. Three different designs of biocomposite plates have been produced using compression molding. They were then subjected to tensile, compressive, shear, bending, Charpy impact, and drop‐weight impact tests. According to the test results, it is found that each design has its own characteristics, and the characterized static and dynamic behaviors are very different from each other. Therefore, each biocomposite mentioned here may be a good candidate for engineering design based on the given engineering design criteria.

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are well-studied and established products and today they are being used in different industrial and non-industrial areas. However, the increased interest in recyclability and the concerns about climate change caused materials scientists to look for a non-petroleum-based alternative to synthetic fibers and polymers. Since the beginning of this century, natural fibers and biopolymers have seen an increased interest each year for composite applications. Thanks to this interest, the studies on natural fibers and biopolymers have increased significantly. Despite the high number of studies on natural fibers and natural fiber-reinforced polymers (NFRP), there are gaps in the literature. This work reviews the studies on natural fibers, biopolymers, and biocomposites with their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. The studies that focus on the ways to reduce or eliminate these disadvantages and limitations have also been looked at. Also, current challenges and future perspectives for natural fibers, biopolymers, and NFRPs have been discussed

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are well-studied and established products, and today they are being used in different industrial and non-industrial areas. However, the increased interest in recyclability and the concerns about climate change caused materials scientists to look for a non-petroleum-based alternative to synthetic fibers and polymers. Since the beginning of this century, natural fibers and biopolymers have attracted increasing interest each year for composite applications. Thanks to this interest, studies on natural fibers and biopolymers have increased significantly. Despite the high number of studies on natural fibers and natural fiber-reinforced polymers (NFRP), there are gaps in the literature. This work reviews studies on natural fibers, biopolymers, and biocomposites with their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Studies that focus on the ways to reduce or eliminate these disadvantages and limitations have also been looked at. Also, current challenges and future perspectives for natural fibers, biopolymers, and NFRPs have been discussed.