Biofibers natural plant fibers

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. 

Cellulosic fibers, which are currently viewed as viable alternatives to synthetic fibers in the manufacture of NFRPs, have already established their place in the infrastmcture and commercial products market Currently, many types of natural fibers, derived from either wood and agricultural fibrous plants (such as flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf) or vegetable wastes (such as bagasse, rice husk, and grass), have already been investigated for use with plastics. Table 6.1 shows a list of biofibers and their sources [10] a more detailed discussion on natural fiber reinforcements can be found in Chapter 3 of this book. In general, biofibers can be considered... 

In addition, these green composites may be easily composted afler their hfe, completing nature s carbon cycle. Biocomposites can supplement and eventually replace petroleum-based composite materials in many appHcations, offering new agricultural, environmental, manufacturing, and consumer benefits. Eco-friendly biocomposites from plant-derived fiber (natural/biofiber) and crop-derived plastics (bioplastic) are novel materials of the twenty-first century and would be of great importance to the materials world, not only as a solution to growing environmental threat but also as a solution to the uncertainty of petroleum supply. 

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