Natural fibers thermal properties

Key Words —Nanotubes, mechanical properties, thermal properties, fiber-reinforced composites, stiffness constant, natural resonance. 

In extrusion, in addition to the nature and the properties of the materials used to make the moldable mixture, the additives used, the pH, the water content, and the force used in extrusion are also of importance with respect to the properties of the monolith products [31]. The additives applied in extrusion are, e.g., celluloses, CaCl2, ethylene, glycols, diethylene glycols, alcohols, wax, paraffin, acids [13,16,24,30], and heat-resistant inorganic fibers [24]. Besides water, other solvents can also be used, such as ketones, alcohols, and ethers [15,16]. The use of additives may lead to improved properties of the monoliths, such as the production of microcracks that enhance the resistance to thermal shock [4,12], better porosity and adsorbability [15,16], and enhanced mechanical strength or a low thermal expansion [24]. 

Yussuf, A.A., Massoumi, I., Hassan, A. Comparison of polylactic acid/kenaf and polylactic acid/rise husk composites The influence of the natural fibers on the mechanical, thermal and biodegradability properties. J. Polym. Environ. 18(3), 422-429 (2010)... 

F.Z. Arrakhiz, M. El Achaby, M. Malha, M.O. Bensalah, O. Fassi-Fehri, R. Bouhfid, A. Qaiss, Mechanical and thermal properties of natural fibers reinforced polymer composites Doum/low density polyethylene. Mater. Des. 43, 200-205 (2013)... 

The thermal degradation of natural fibers results in poor physico-mechanical properties and in the discoloration of the fibers. Therefore, reinforcing high temperature melting thermoplastics which melt above 200°C with natural fibers has turned out to be a challenging task (26). 

Based on the literature discussed in this chapter, it seems that surface modification of natural fibers is absolutely necessary to improve their thermal stability, dispersion in the polymer matrix, and compatibility with the polymer matrix. Physical and chemical methods reported have significantly modified the surface properties of the fibers as well as polymer matrices to improve the dispersion of the fibers and hence various properties of the polymers. Use of silane coupling agents and acetylation... 

---