Biofibers nanocomposites

Martinez-Hemandez AL, Velasco-Santos C (2012) Keratin fibers from chicken feathers structure and advances in polymer composites. Nova Publishers, New York, pp 149-211 Martinez-Hemandez AL, Velasco-Santos C, de-Icaza M, Castano VM (2007) D5mamical-mechanical and thermal analysis of polymeric composites reinforced with keratin biofibers from chicken feathers. Compos Part B Eng 38 405 10 Mathew AP, Dufresne A (2002) Morphological investigation of nanocomposites from sorbitol plasticized starch and tunicin whiskers. Biomacromolecules 3 609-617 Md. Islama S, Hamdana S, Talibb ZA, Ahmeda AS, Md. Rahmana R (2012) Tropical wood polymer nanocomposite (WPNC) The impact of nanoclay on dynamic mechanical thermal properties. Compos Sci Technol 72 1995-2001... 

In this chapter, among many biofibers, the microstructure and properties of plant-based fibers will be mainly described in comparison with other fibers. In addition, all-cellulose composites and nanocomposites will be discussed to show how they utilize the excellent intrinsic properties of cellulose. 

The structure and properties of biofibers, mainly of cellulose, were described in this chapter. First, the hierarchy microstructure of natural plant fiber and then a variety of crystal modifications of cellulose were mentioned. The ultimate mechanical properties (modulus of 138 GPa and strength of 17.8 GPa) and thermal properties (thermal expansion coefficient of 10 order) were emphasized as quite excellent for cellulosic fiber, enough for use as reinforcement in the composites. With the manifestation of these intrinsic properties in macroscopic material, the oH-cellulose composite was shown to possess excellent mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and optical transparency, besides being composed of fully sustainable resources and hence, biodegradable. Nowadays, the interest in cellulosic nanocomposites has increased considerably [60, 61] and they are expected to be used in many fields such as electronic devices, vehicles, and windmills to replace glass and/or carbon fibers. 

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