Vegetable Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Fundamentals, Mechanical Properties and Applications

Abstract

This chapter provides information in the area of vegetable fiber-reinforced polymer composites. It includes discussion about definition and classification of the composites and their constituents, composite manufacturing process and current application in different industrial sectors. Factors affecting the fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion and physic-chemical and mechanical properties of vegetable fiber-reinforced polymer composites are also revealed. The aim is to show for both academy and industry the viability on the use of vegetable fibers as reinforcement in polymer materials, because it offers many advantages and high potential in terms of unlimited availability, lightweight, reasonable cost, acceptable mechanical properties, and socio-economic and environmental benefits.