A Review on the Factors Affecting the Properties of Natural Fibre Polymer Composites

Authors

  • Chioma I. Madueke Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NIGERIA.
  • Reginald Umunakwe Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Oguejiofor M. Mbah Department of Mechanical engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal university Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

Keywords:

Composites, matrix, natural fibres , processing parameters , tensile properties

Abstract

Improved quality natural fibre composites cannot be achieved without considering certain factors such as the degree of uniformity of the fibre, wettability of the fibre, fibre length, fibre volume fraction, type of matrix, interfacial bond strength, fibre orientation, compatibility of the fibre with the resin, processing parameters and manufacturing techniques among others. Their influences on the properties of the composites with typical examples from previous works were highlighted. The exact or approximate volume fractions of specific fibres in specific resins for optimal performance in composites are lacking. Epoxy, low density polyethylene, polystyrene and polyester resins were mostly used as matrix for natural fibre composites. Epoxy resins possess higher tensile and flexural strengths than polyester resins. Significant differences in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of natural fibre polymer composites were observed with changes in the orientation and length of the fibres particularly when the differences in length are significant. Other relevant issues affecting natural fibre composites were buttressed with the aim of improving the properties of natural fibre polymer composites for advanced applications.

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Published

2022-03-03

Issue

Section

Chemical, Industrial, Materials, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Petroleum & Production Engineering

How to Cite

A Review on the Factors Affecting the Properties of Natural Fibre Polymer Composites. (2022). Nigerian Journal of Technology, 41(1), 55-64. https://nijotech.com/index.php/nijotech/article/view/2825