Natural fi bers, especially lignocellulosic fi bers extracted from plants, are gaining attention as polymer-matrix composite (PMC) reinforcements due to their comparative advantages over synthetic fi bers. Natural fi bers are relatively low cost, renewable, and biodegradable. Their production systems are associated with low equipment wear and are energy effi cient. In addition, the incorporation of lignocellulosic fi bers into PMCs may signifi cantly improve some mechanical properties. This article presents an overview of the advantages and drawbacks of applying natural fi bers, some of them relatively unknown, as reinforcements of PMCs. The mechanical behavior of composites incorporated with selected fi bers is discussed in terms of the effect of surface micromorphology and the fi ber/matrix interaction.

Recent investigations on the tensile properties of natural cellulose-based fibers revealed an increasing potential as engineering materials. This is particularly the case of very thin fibers of some species such as sisal, ramie, and curaua. However, several other commonly used fibers such as flax, jute, hemp, coir, cotton, and bamboo as well as less known bagasse, piassava, sponge gourde, and buriti display tensile properties that could qualify them as engineering materials. An overview of the strength limits attained by these fibers is presented. Based on a tensile strength vs density chart, it is shown that natural fibers stand out as a relevant class of engineering materials.

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