Natural fiber chemical compositions

The chemical modification of a natural fiber is often performed in order to enhance the properties of the interface between fiber and matrix. A more recent method of modification, involves the deposition of a coating of nanosized cellulose onto the natural fibers or dispersing a nanosized cellulose in natural fiber reinforced composites. This method has been shown to improve the fiber-matrix interface and the overall mechanical performances. Such composites have been addressed as hierarchical, multiscale, nanoengineered, or nanostructured composites. The state-of-the-art in this field has been reviewed (46). 

John MJ, Anandjiwala RD (2008) Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polym Compos 29 187-207 Joshy MK, Mathew Lovely J (2006) Rani studies on short isora fibre-reinforced polyester composites. Compos Interfaces 13(4—6) 377-390 Kicinska-Jakubowska A, Bogacz E (2009) Private sources of INEMP... 

Xue L, Tabil LG, Panigrahi S (2007) Chemical treatments of natural fiber for use in natural fiber reinforced composites a review. J Polym Environ 15 25-33 Yanai Y Non-resin shrink-proof process, Caltopia. Nisshinbo Industries Inc. Miai Plant, Aichi, Japan (unpublished)... 

Hepworth DG, Hobson RN, Bruce DM, Farrent JW (2000) The use of unretted hemp fibre in composite manufacture. Compos A 31 1279-1283 Idicula M, Boudenne A, Umadevi L, Ibos L, Candau Y, Thomas S (2006) Thermophysical properties of natural fibre reinforced polyester composites. Compos Sci Technol 66 2719-2725 Ioffe R, Andersons J, Wallstrom L (2003) Strength and adhesimt characteristics of elementary flax fibers with different surface treatments. Compos A 34 603-612 John MJ, Anandjiwala RD (2008) Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polym Compos 29 187-207 John MJ, Anandjiwala RD, Thomas S (2009) Hybrid cranposites. In Thomas S, Pothan LA (eds) Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites macro to nanoscale. Old City, Philadelphia, pp 315-328... 

Li Y et al (2007) Chemical treatments of natural fiber use in natural fiber-reinforced composites a review. J Polym Environ 15 25-33... 

M.J. John, and R.D. Anandjiwala, Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polym. Compos. 29,187-207 (2008). 

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 ... 

Cotton and flax fibers can absorb relatively large amount of moisture that can lead to microbial attack under certain conditions of humidity and temperature. Cotton and flax may act as a nutrient, becoming suitable medium for bacterial and fungal growth. Therefore, cotton and flax fibers are treated with numerous chemicals to get better antimicrobial textiles. Additionally, many of physicochemical properties of natural fibers and composites based on fibers depend on the amounts of bound water, adsorption capacity in respect to water, and possible swelling degree. Thus, from... 

Kumar R, Obrai S, Sharma A. Chemical modifications of natural fiber for composite material. Der Chem Sin 2011 2 219-228. 

Many research efforts to enhance the interfacial properties of biocomposites and ultimately to improve the mechanical and thermal properties and so forth have been performed more extensively by treating or modifying natural fibers before composite processing than by modifying polymer matrices. Natural fibers can be treated by chemical and physical approaches. 

Li, X., Tabil, L. G., Panigrahi, S., Chemical Treatments of Natural Fiber for Use in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites A Review. 15,25-33 (2007). 

Wood (qv) is arguably the oldest building material used by humans to constmct their dweUings. It is a natural product obtained from trees, used in both stmctural and decorative appHcations. The chemical composition of wood is largely cellulose (qv) and lignin (qv). Today there are a variety of composite or reconstituted wood products, such as plywood, particle board, wood fiber boards, and laminated stmctural beams, where small pieces of wood or wood fiber are combined with adhesives to make larger sheets or boards (see Laminates). 

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