Natural fiber reinforced composites physical treatment

The strength of the fiber is very important for natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polar natural fibers are inherently incompatible with hydrophobic polymers. Therefore, the surface modification of natural fibers is required to improve its physical and chemical properties. Various chemical treatment methods have been used to modify the surface properties of the natural fibers. Few methods of surface modification are described below ... 

Effect of Physical Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites... 

The aforementioned studies show that plasma treatment can be a potential physical surface modification method to improve the mechanical properties of the natural fiber reinforced composites (NFRCs). However, supplementary research in this area is required to implement more energy-efficient and consistent treatment technologies. 

Natural fibers-reinforced polymer matrixes provide more alternatives in the materials market due to their unique advantages. Poor fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion may affect the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting composites due to the surface incompatibihty between hydrophilic natural fibers and non-polar polymers. The results presented in this chapter focus on the properties of palm and pineapple fibers in terms of their physical and chemical structure, mechanical properties and processing behavior. The final properties of these fibers with thermoplastics matrixes are also presented, paying particular attention to the use of physical and chemical treatments for the improvement of fiber-matrix interaction. 

The mechanical properties of composites are mainly influenced by the adhesion between matrix and fibers of the composite. As it is known from glass fibers, the adhesion properties could be changed by pretreatments of fibers. So special process, chemical and physical modification methods were developed. Moisture repel-lency, resistance to environmental effects, and, not at least, the mechanical properties are improved by these treatments. Various applications for natural fibers as reinforcement in plastics are encouraged. 

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