Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of Biocomposites. Группа авторов

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1 Mechanical Behaviors of Natural Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites

       Adelani A. Oyeniran1 and Sikiru O. Ismail2

       1Cranfield University, Department of Advanced Mechanical Engineering, School of Water, Energy and Environment, Wharley End, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

       2University of Hertfordshire, Centre for Engineering Research, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Engineering, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK

1.1 Introduction

      The use of composites in industrial applications has evolved tremendously over the years, due to the quest for better material performance and cost reduction. They have been found to have exceptional properties in terms of their physical and mechanical properties. Simply put, composites describe a heterogeneous material that comprises two or more different materials that are combined within a single system such that the new material formed now has improved properties, which are suitable for an intended application. The materials that are combined to form a composite material are known as fiber and matrix, reinforcement and binder as commonly called, respectively. The matrix material could be either a natural or synthetic polymer, while fiber material could be glass, boron, or carbon, among others (synthetic type); hemp, jute, flax, among natural type; organic; or ceramic [1]. The increasing use of composite materials in industries has been traced to the fact that they have light weight, and possess high strength as well as exceptional corrosion resistance and acoustic properties, which make them preferred to metallic and alloy materials. Their applications now span into marine, power/energy, automobile, security, aerospace, telecommunications, sport/game, military industries, among others.

      Biocomposite has been defined as a composite with at least one of its components derived from biological or natural sources [1]. Their main features that drive research interest are the fact that they are biodegradable, renewable, cheap, and have natural/sustainable resources. These features underscore their environmental friendliness. Some examples of natural fibers frequently used in biocomposites are caraua, sisal, jute, abaca, and kenaf, among others [2]. Other natural fibers used in biocomposites are hemp, agave, and flax, among others [3]. Some natural fibers have been identified in the literature to be used only for craft production and these include kenaf, agave, coir, ramie, and caraua fibers [3].

Table 1.1 Commonly used natural fibers and their mechanical behaviors.

      Source: Nguyen et al. [4]. © 2017, Elsevier.