Biofiber Reinforcements in Composite Materials

Natural fiber-reinforced composites have the potential to replace synthetic composites, leading to less expensive, stronger and more environmentally-friendly materials. This book provides a detailed review on how a broad range of biofibers can be used as reinforcements in composites and assesses their overall performance. The book is divided into five major parts according to the origins of the different biofibers. Part I contains chapters on bast fibers, Part II; leaf fibers, Part III; seed fibers, Part IV; grass, reed and cane fibers, and finally Part V covers wood, cellulosic and other fibers including cellulosic nanofibers. Each chapter reviews a specific type of biofiber providing detailed information on the sources of each fiber, their cultivation, how to process and prepare them, and how to integrate them into composite materials. The chapters outline current and potential applications for each fiber and discuss their main strengths and weaknesses.

Table of Contents:
Contributor contact details Editor biographies Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering Preface Part I: Bast fibres 1: The use of jute fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Composition and properties of jute fibers 1.3 Processing and properties of grafted jute fibers 1.4 Processing and properties of alkali-treated jute fibers 1.5 Characterization of jute fibers 1.6 Manufacture of jute fiber composites 1.7 Preparation and properties of irradiated jute composites 1.8 Preparation and properties of oxidized jute composites 1.9 Preparation and properties of mercerized jute composites 1.10 Preparation and properties of jute composites modified by other processes 1.11 Types and properties of hybrid jute composites 1.12 Applications of jute composites 1.13 Conclusion 2: The use of flax fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Key fibre properties 2.3 Cultivation and quality issues 2.4 Processing as a fibre reinforcement for composites 2.5 Integration into the matrix 2.6 Assessing the performance of the composites 2.7 Applications 2.8 Summary: strengths and weaknesses 2.9 Future trends 2.10 Sources of further information and advice 2.11 Acknowledgements 3: The use of hemp fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Hemp fibre 3.3 Key fibre properties 3.4 Cultivation and quality issues 3.5 Processing of hemp as fibre reinforcement for composites 3.6 Surface modifications of hemp fibre and their effects on properties 3.7 Fibre–matrix interaction 3.8 Current applications of hemp fibres 3.9 Future trends 3.10 Summary 4: The use of ramie fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Ramie fiber properties 4.3 Improving fiber/matrix interfacial bonding 4.4 Ramie fiber-reinforced polymer composites 4.5 Factors affecting composite mechanical properties 4.6 Other studies of ramie fiber-reinforced composites 4.7 Applications 4.8 Conclusions 5: The use of kenaf fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Processing of kenaf fibers 5.3 Matrices for kenaf fiber-reinforced composites 5.4 Fabrication of kenaf fiber-reinforced composites (KFRC) 5.5 Performance of KFRC 5.6 Applications of KFRC 5.7 Conclusion Part II: Leaf fibres 6: The use of sisal and henequen fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 6.1 Introduction 6.2 The microstructures of sisal fibres 6.3 The mechanical properties of sisal fibres 6.4 Manufacture of sisal fibre-reinforced composites 6.5 Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced composites: interfacial properties 6.6 Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced composites: interlaminar fracture toughness 6.7 Mechanical properties of unidirectional sisal fibre-reinforced composites 6.8 Effect of fibre twist on the mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced composites 6.9 Durability of sisal fibre-reinforced composites: effects of moisture absorption 6.10 Effects of ultraviolet (UV) light on the mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced composites 6.11 Applications of sisal fibre-reinforced composites 6.12 Conclusion and future trends 6.13 Acknowledgements 7: The use of pineapple leaf fibers (PALFs) as reinforcements in composites Abstract 7.1 Introduction 7.2 The pineapple plant 7.3 Pineapple production 7.4 Pineapple culture in Brazil and worldwide 7.5 Fiber extraction 7.6 Potential of fiber production plant 7.7 Fiber properties 7.8 Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF)-reinforced polymer composites 7.9 Application of pineapple fibers and composites 7.10 Conclusions 8: The use of banana and abaca fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Banana and abaca plants and their cultivation 8.3 Fibre extraction 8.4 Fibre structure and properties 8.5 Disadvantages of banana and abaca fibres as reinforcement materials 8.6 Surface modification of fibres 8.7 Processing of banana/abaca fibre-reinforced composites 8.8 Performance of banana/abaca fibre-reinforced thermoset polymer composites 8.9 Performance of banana/abaca fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composites 8.10 Performance of banana/abaca fibre-reinforced biodegradable polymer composites 8.11 Conclusions 9: The use of palm leaf fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Cultivation and uses of palm leaf fibres 9.3 Properties of palm leaf fibres 9.4 Surface modification of palm leaf fibres 9.5 The use of palm leaf fibres as reinforcements in polymer nanocomposites 9.6 Conclusion Part III: Seed fibres 10: The use of coir/coconut fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 10.1 Introduction 10.2 The coconut plant and its cultivation 10.3 Preparation/extraction of coir fibers from coconut husk 10.4 Surface modification of coconut fibers 10.5 The properties of coir fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer composites 10.6 The properties of coir fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composites 10.7 Characterization of coconut/coir fiber-reinforced composites 10.8 Advantages of using coconut/coir fibers as reinforcement in composites 10.9 Conclusions 10.10 Acknowledgment 11: The use of cotton fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Physical properties of cotton fibers 11.3 Chemical and other properties of cotton fibers 11.4 Cultivation of and quality issues affecting cotton fibers 11.5 Processing of cotton fibers as reinforcements in composites 11.6 Assessing the antibacterial activity of biomedical composites reinforced with composite cotton fibers 11.7 Assessing the mechanical properties of biomedical and other composites reinforced with cotton fibers 11.8 Summary 12: The use of oil palm biomass (OPB) fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Oil palm biomass fibers 12.3 Surface modifications of empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers 12.4 Processing methods for EFB reinforced composites 12.5 Effects of fiber treatments on the structures and properties of composites 12.6 Applications of EFB fiber-based composites 12.7 Conclusions Part IV: Grass, reed and cane fibres 13: The use of rice straw and husk fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Cultivation and processing of rice straw and rice husk 13.3 Key fiber properties 13.4 Composite processing: surface treatment 13.5 Critical issues for the integration of fibers into the matrix 13.6 Processing of thermoset and thermoplastic composites incorporating rice straw/rice husk (RS/RH) fiber reinforcements 13.7 Evaluating the performance of composites reinforced with RS/RH fibers 13.8 Conclusion 14: The use of wheat straw fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Worldwide availability and economics 14.3 Structure and composition of wheat straw 14.4 Wheat straw as a polymer composite reinforcement 14.5 Processing of wheat straw fibre-reinforced polymer composites 14.6 Properties of wheat straw fibre-reinforced composites 14.7 Potential applications of wheat straw fibre-reinforced composites 14.8 Future trends 14.9 Conclusions 15: The use of maize, oat, barley and rye fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Types of reinforcing fibre 15.3 Fibre components and key properties 15.4 Surface modification of fibres 15.5 Processing and performance: maize and oat flour composites 15.6 Processing and performance: barley and rye fibre composites 15.7 Conclusion 16: The use of bamboo fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Structure of bamboo 16.3 Chemical properties of bamboo 16.4 Mechanical properties of bamboo 16.5 Cultivation of bamboo, fibre extraction and surface modification 16.6 Properties of bamboo fibre-reinforced polymer composites 16.7 Applications of bamboo composites 16.8 Sustainable and renewable products from bamboo composites 16.9 Future trends 16.10 Conclusions 17: The use of sugarcane bagasse fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 17.1 Introduction 17.2 Properties of sugarcane bagasse fibres 17.3 Applications 17.4 Surface treatment techniques 17.5 Evaluation of fibre treatment techniques 17.6 Assessing composite performance 17.7 Future trends 17.8 Conclusion Part V: Wood, cellulosic and other fibres 18: Isolation and application of cellulosic fibres in composites Abstract 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Types of cellulosic fibre reinforcement and their properties 18.3 Cultivation and fibre separation processes 18.4 Fibre processing 18.5 Assessing performance 18.6 Applications 18.7 Conclusions 18.8 Sources of further information and advice 19: The use of biobased nanofibres in composites Abstract 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Biobased nanoreinforcements 19.3 Ultrastructure of cellulose nanoreinforcements 19.4 Source materials for cellulose nanoreinforcements 19.5 Classification of cellulose nanoreinforcements 19.6 Synthesis/isolation of cellulose nanoreinforcements 19.7 Surface modification of cellulose nanoreinforcements 19.8 Characterization of cellulose nanoreinforcements 19.9 Matrices 19.10 Incorporation of biobased nanoreinforcements into matrices 19.11 Nanocomposites 19.12 Challenges 19.13 Future trends 19.14 Conclusions 20: The use of wood fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 20.1 Introduction: characteristics of wood 20.2 Fiber processing and composite manufacturing 20.3 Mechanical performance of wood plastic composites (WPCs) 20.4 The effect of moisture on composite performance 20.5 The effect of temperature on composite performance 20.6 The effect of weathering on composite performance 20.7 The effect of biological attack on composite performance 20.8 Trends in materials and manufacturing techniques 20.9 Current and emerging applications 21: The use of Luffa cylindrica fibres as reinforcements in composites Abstract 21.1 Introduction 21.2 Properties and surface treatment of Luffa cylindrica fibres 21.3 Applications and performance of Luffa cylindrica fibres as reinforcements in composites 21.4 Nanocomposites incorporating Luffa cylindrica fibres 21.5 Conclusion 22: The use of curaua fibers as reinforcements in composites Abstract 22.1 Introduction 22.2 Curaua fibers 22.3 Composites using curaua fibers 22.4 Curaua nanofibers 22.5 Nanocomposites with curaua fibers 22.6 Conclusion Index

About the Author :
Dr. Omar Faruk works at Powertrain Engineering Research & Development Centre of Ford Motor Company, Canada. He is also acting as an Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, University of Toronto, Canada. He achieved his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kassel, Germany and was previously Visiting Research Associate at Michigan State University, USA. He has more than 85 publications to his credit including 12 book chapters which have been published in different international journals and conferences. He has also edited 3 books, entitled "Lightweight and Sustainable Materials for Automotive Applications", "Biofiber Reinforcement in Composite Materials" and "Lignin in Polymer Composites" published by CRC press, Woodhead Publishing Ltd and Elsevier Ltd respectively. In addition, he is an invited reviewer for 72 international reputed journals, government research proposals, and book proposals. Prof. Mohini Sain is a professor at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto. He specializes in advanced nancellulose technology, biocomposites and bio-nanocomposites. He is cross-appointed to the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. He is also an adjunct professor of the Chemical Engineering Departments at the University of New Brunswick, Canada; King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah Saudi Arabia; University of Guelph, Canada, University of Lulea, Sweden, Honorary Professor at Slovak Technical University and Institute of Environmental Science at the University of Toronto and collaborates with American and European research institutes and universities. Prof. Sain holds several awards; few recent ones are Plastic Innovation Award and KALEV PUGI Award for his innovation and contribution to Industry. Author of more than 400 papers and designated as a “hi-cited” researcher by Reuter Thompson, Prof. Sain hugely contributed to the society at large by translating research to commercialization. He has tens of patents and is world known for his expertise to transform research ideas into commercialization.