Trends and Challenges on the Development of Hybridized Natural Fiber Composites

Abstract

Fiber reinforced composites are majorly used as structural components in industries and also as a replacement for wood. Fiber reinforced composites are manufactured by reinforcing fibers in the polymeric matrix in appropriate shapes. At the inception, man-made fibers like carbon, glass, and kevlar are used as reinforcements and are proven to be the best in respect to the properties, reinforcing ability and usability. On the other hand, natural fibers like jute, sisal, flax, hemp, vetiver, etc., are nowadays widely used as reinforcements and they are on par with the behavior of artificial fibers. Research studies also confirm that when both man-made and natural reinforcements are used in hybrid form, the composite properties are improved to a greater extent. Under this combination, the composite material gains all the superior properties of individual fibers and when the composite is subjected to different loading, each fiber offers its own maximum resistance. Hence, the composite would be superior in all the properties. The present article gives a detailed insight on the various issues related to synthesis, mechanical characterization and machining of natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites.

Keywords

• natural fiber
• artificial fiber
• hybrid composites
• properties
• strengths
• machinability