An overview of structural-functional-integrated composites based on the hierarchical microstructures of plant fibers

Abstract

Plant fiber-reinforced composites have raised great attention among materials scientists and engineers during the past decade. Most of the efforts were put on the interfacial modifications to improve the mechanical properties of the composites so that they could partly replace the currently largely used glass fiber-reinforced composites. The modifications were mainly focused on the surface treatment of plant fibers so that mechanical or chemical bonding between plant fibers and polymeric matrices could be set up. However, the unique hierarchical microstructures of plant fibers make the building up of multiscale interfaces possible so that more forces or energies would be needed to fracture the plant fiber-reinforced composites. The additional hollow structures could also bring benefits for sound absorption and damping properties. Therefore, this article reviewed R&D efforts to develop structural and functional-integrated plant fiber-reinforced composites by fully taking advantage of the hierarchical microstructures of plant fibers. Firstly, the unique hierarchical structures of plant fibers were revealed and hierarchical theoretical models for mechanical properties were discussed. Then, the modification, characterization, and evaluation of plant fibers in terms of their interfacial properties with polymeric matrices, especially by nanotechnologies with the consideration of their unique hierarchical microstructures, were reviewed. Finally, the design and manufacture of quasi-structures and structural-damping components using technologies that have been fully adapted to state-of-the-art industrial processes for use in critical applications, such as aircraft interiors, rail transportation vehicles, and constructions, were also introduced.

A review on thermally conductive polymeric composites: classification, measurement, model and equations, mechanism and fabrication methods

“…Polymers possess light weight, high specific strength and modulus, excellent electrical insulating properties, good processability, excellent chemical stability, and low cost [1][2][3][4][5][6] and have been widely applied in the fields of electronics [7], biology [8], medicine [9], energy [10], and manufacturing industry [11], etc. Unfortunately, the intrinsic low thermally conductive coefficient (λ) and insufficient thermal stability of polymeric matrix have restricted its broader application in the areas which require good heat dissipation and low thermal expansion [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

Flexural Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Nonwoven Made of Flax Fibres and Recycled Carbon Fibres

“…For example, the effect of silane coupling agents on NFRP has been reviewed by Xie et al [9]. As another example, the positive effects of the grafting of flax fibres with nanoparticles and incorporation of carbon nanotubes on natural fibres was recently reviewed by Li et al [10].…”

A Process Optimization and Performance Study of Environmentally Friendly Waste Newspaper/Polypropylene Film Layered Composites

“…Some scholars had also investigated the impact of deinking methods of waste newspapers on the properties of composite materials [24]. In addition, the interface between the fiber and the matrix is an important factor affecting the properties of the polymer composite [25,26]. The interaction between the hydrophilic fiber and the matrix is usually limited, while the matrix is usually hydrophobic, which leads to poor interfacial adhesion, limiting mechanical properties and affecting long-term performance at the same time.…”