Surface modification natural fiber composites

In order to improve this characteristic, the plant fibers are subjected to several types of surface modifications including physical [1,6], chemical [4,5], or biological [7, 8] treatments. A review of the various types of surface modification undertaken to obtain natural fiber composites with mechanical properties comparable to those of their synthetic counterparts is presented in this chapter. 

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITES AND THEIR POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS... 

Three parts are covered in the chapter. First, the synthesis and properties of PLA are described. The modification and process of PLA are also discussed. Then, the composites with PLA as matrix and natural fiber or nanoparticles as reinforcement are reported in the second part. The processing and the properties of the composites are also given. The interface between PLA and the reinforcement and the surface treatment methods are discussed. Finally, the application and the development of PLA and PLA-based composites in the future are proposed. 

Hokens, D. Mohanty, A.K. Misra, M. Drzal, L.T. The influence of surface modification and compatibilization on the performance of natural fiber reinforced biodegradabale thermoplastic composite. Polymer Preprints, 43(1), 482-483 (2002). 

Huo S, Fuqua M, Chevali V, Ulven C (2010b) Effects of natural fiber surface treatments matrix modification on mechanical properties of their composites. In Proceedings of Soc Automo Eng Int Congr Expt SAE Tech Paper 2010-01-0426, Detroit, MI, 13-15 Apr 2010, Wariendale, PA Huo S, Thapa A, Ulven C (2010c) Effect of surface treatments on interfacial properties of flax fiber reinforced composites. Compos Sci Technol (In Press)... 

Mohanty A, Misraa M, Hinrichsen G (2000) Biofibres, biodegradable polymers and biocomposites an overview. Macromol Mater Eng 276/277(1) 1-24 Mohanty A, Misra M, Drzal L (2001) Surface modifications of natural fibers and praformance of the resulting biocomposites an overview. Compos Interf 8(5) 313-343 Mohanty M, Misra M, Drzal L (2002) Sustainable bio-composites from renewable resources opportunities and challenges in the green materials world. J Polym Environ 10(1/2) 19-26 Morrison W, Akin D (2001) Chemical composition of components comprising bast tissue in flax. J Agric Food Chem 49(5) 2333-2338... 

Abstract A wide variety of natural fibers can be applied as reinforcement or fillers in composites. Bast fibers, such as fiax and hemp, have a long history of cultivation and use. They are characterized by low weight and excellent range of mechanical properties. The properties of bast fibers are influenced by conditions of cultivation, retting, and processing. Pretreatment and surface modification of bast fibers is conducted for optimization of the interfacial characteristics between fiber and matrix as well as improvement of their mechanical properties. Application of bast fibers as reinforcement to replace the glass fibers to composite manufacture brings positive environmental benefits. 

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... 

Mohanty AK, Parija S, Misra M (1996) Ce(IV)-A(-acetylglycine initiated graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile onto chemically modified pineapple leaf fibers. J Appl Polym Sci 60 931-937 Mohanty AK, Khan MA, Hinrichsen G (2000) Surface modification of jute and its influence on performance ofbiodegradable jute-fabric/Biopol composites. Compos Sci Technol 60 1115-1124 Mohanty AK, Misra M, Drzal LT, Selke SE, Harte BR, Hinrichsen G (2005) Natural fibers, biopolymers and biocomposites an introduction. In Mohanty AK, Misra M, Drzal LT (eds) Natural fibers, biopolymers and biocomposites. Taylor Francis, FL, Boca Raton Mukherjee PS, Satyanarayana KG (1986) Structure and properties of some vegetable fibres Part 2 pineapple fiber. J Mater Sci 21 51-56... 

Natural fibers are preferred to synthetic fiber in composites because of the many benefits of the latter it requires less energy for fiber processing, it is a nonhazardous, replenishable resource, is biodegradable, and has low density and high specific strength, and is cost effective. As plant fibers are hydrophilic, the adhesion between the fibers and hydrophobic polymer matrices is not adequate. To achieve sufficient interfacial bonding, either surface modification of the fiber or plasticization of the fibers is required [18, 58, 59, 96],... 

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