An overview on natural fiber reinforced composites for structural and non-structural applications

The Effect of Alkali Treatment on Improving the Mechanical Properties of Ramie (Boehmeria Nivea), Sugar Palm (Arenga Pinnata), and Coir (Cocos Nucifera) Fibers

“…The concentration of alkali content in the range (0-5%) has a significant effect (p<0.05) on the three types of fibers with an increase in tensile strength of more than 50% and even hemp fiber increases by about 81%. This significant increase indicates that the alkaline treatment (NaOH) on hemp, palm fiber and coconut husk is very effective in improving mechanical properties [15,17,19,20]. Coir Figure 4 presents the tensile strength test results and shows that the alkali (NaOH) treatment significantly changes the tensile strength of ramie, sugar palm and coir fibers.…”

“…The natural fibers still need to be improved in terms of their mechanical properties, water resistance, and production process [13,14]. Various methods have been used in producing natural fibers for industrial purposes including alkaline processes [15,16,17,18]. These alkali processes have been used for a variety of fibers such as hemp, jute, coir, and ramie but still involve heat treatment and excessive use of many chemicals [14,19].…”

“…Natural fibers have been widely used in various industrial fields [18,20]. The implementation of composite materials is a very rapid development in the various automotive, medical, manufacturing and aircraft industries [17]. The reason investors use natural fibers in this industry is due to its low price and shorter processing stages.…”

“…In addition, natural fibers provide a healthier environmental impact because greenhouse pollution can be reduced [14,15]. Another reason is that natural fibers have good mechanical properties, abundant supply, heat resistant, resistant to insects, has good water absorption, abrasion resistance and easy to modify their chemical structure [17,18].…”

Improved Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Fiber/ABS Polymer Composites via Resin Coating Treatment

“…Natural fibers are environmentally friendly because of their biodegradability and great intrinsic properties, making them suitable with great potential for various industrial applications (Achukwu et al, 2022;Akil et al, 2011;Doumbia et al, 2015;EI-Abbassi et al, 2019;Sapuan et al, 2013;Reddy et al, 2021). They are usually obtained from animals, minerals, or plants and include but are not limited to coir, silk, wool, kenaf, cotton, sisal, hemp, jute, bagasse, flax, and bamboo fibers (Gourier et al, 2017;Uzochukwu et al, 2020;Achukwu, Barnabas, et al, 2015).…”