Woodhead Publishing Properties and Performance of Natural-Fibre Composites (Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering)

One of the major hurdles to widespread acceptance of natural fibre composites is a lack of information about their mechanical properties and failure mechanisms in a single source. This book addresses the problem. It examines the properties of natural fibre composites and the methods by which they fail. It gives an overview of the different types of natural fibre composite and case studies showing their applications. The mechanical properties of both thermoplastic and thermoset matrix composites are covered along with their long term performance. Readers will gain a better understanding of how natural fibre composites can be used as substitutes for conventionally reinforced composites. Key Features: provides an overview of the types of natural fibres used in composites; discusses fibre-matrix interface and how it can be engineered to improve performance; examines the increasing use of natural-fibre composites in automotive and structural engineering and the packaging and energy sector; considers methods used to assess the mechanical performance of natural fibre composites. Contents: Part 1 Natural-fibre composites: Natural fibres for composite applications: types and properties; Matrices for natural-fibre reinforced composites; Engineering the fibre/matrix interface in natural-fibre composites; Processing techniques for natural and wood-fibre composites; Development of non-wood natural-fibre composites; Cellulose nanocomposites. Part 2 Case studies and opportunities: Natural-fibre composites in the automotive sector; Natural-fibre composites in structural applications; Natural-fibre-biodegradable polymer composites for packaging; Opportunities for using wood and biofibers for energy, chemical feedstocks and structural applications; Market issues and considerations in development of natural/wood-fibre composites. Part 3 Performance of natural-fibre composites: Mechanical testing of natural-fibre composites; Mechanical performance of thermoplastic matrix natural fibre composites; Long-term performance of natural-fibre composites; Modelling natural-fibre composites.