SYNOPSISStudies on structure and properties of natural vegetable fibers (NVF) show that composites made of NVF combine good mechanical properties with a low specific mass. The high level of moisture absorption by the fiber, its poor wettability, as well as the insufficient adhesion between untreated fibers and the polymer matrix lead to debonding with age. To build composites with high mechanical properties, therefore, a surface modification of the fibers is necessary. The existing physical and chemical NVF modification methods-e.g., plasma treatment or graft copolymerization-which are used for the development of NVF-polymer composite properties is discussed. It is shown that modified cellulose fiber-polymer interaction mechanisms are complex and specific to every definite system. By using an coupling agent, like silanes or stearin acid, the Young's modulus and the tensile strength increases, dependent on the resin, until 50%. Simultaneously, the moisture absorption of the composites decreases for about 60%. With other surface modifications, similar results are obtained. 0 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc I NTRO DUCT10 N Fiber-reinforced plastics are structural composites, in which a polymer matrix is combined with fibers, fabric cuttings, or filling webs. In conventional composites, the fibers are made of glass, aramid, or carbon. The advantage of fiber-reinforced plastics results from their structure. The controlled structure in which the fibers are lying in the polymer matrix increases the strength and the stiffness of the composite. At present, natural vegetable fibers (NVF) are used in composites, where high strength and stiffness are not of first priority. NVF reduce the mass of the composite, because they have a low density. Their production is economical, with low requirements on equipment, and they can easily be recycled.Conventional fibers (glass, aramid, carbon, etc.) can be produced with a definite range of properties. The characteristic properties of NVF vary considerably. This depends on whether the fibers are taken
