No abstract

Natural fi bers-reinforced polymer matrixes provide more alternatives in the materials market due to their unique advantages. Poor fi ber-matrix interfacial adhesion may aff ect the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting composites due to the surface incompatibility between hydrophilic natural fi bers and non-polar polymers. Th e results presented in this chapter focus on the properties of palm and pineapple fi bers in terms of their physical and chemical structure, mechanical properties and processing behavior. Th e fi nal properties of these fi bers with thermoplastics matrixes are also presented, paying particular attention to the use of physical and chemical treatments for the improvement of fi ber-matrix interaction .