This item is in: Materials > Composites > Behaviour and characterisation
Properties and performance of natural-fibre compositesEdited by K Pickering, University of Waikato, New Zealand
Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering No. 21
- 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
Concern about global warming has led to renewed interest in the more sustainable use of natural fibres in composite materials. This important book reviews the wealth of recent research into improving the mechanical properties of natural-fibre thermoplastic composites so that they can be more widely used.
The first part of the book provides an overview of the main types of natural fibres used in composites, how they are processed and, in particular, the way the fibre-matrix interface can be engineered to improve performance. Part two discusses the increasing use of natural-fibre composites in such areas as automotive and structural engineering, packaging and the energy sector. The final part of the book discusses ways of assessing the mechanical performance of natural-fibre composites.
With its distinguished editor and team of contributors, Properties and performance of natural-fibre composites is a valuable reference for all those using these important materials in such areas as automotive and structural engineering.
ISBN 1 84569 267 5
ISBN-13: 978 1 84569 267 4
June 2008
576 pages 234 x 156mm hardback
£170.00 / US$290.00 / €205.00

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About the editor
Dr Kim Pickering is a Senior Lecturer in the Engineering Department at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. She is internationally-known for her research in the area of natural-fibre composites.
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Contents
PART 1 NATURAL-FIBRE COMPOSITES
PART 2 CASE STUDIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
PART 3 PERFORMANCE OF NATURAL-FIBRE COMPOSITES
PART 1 NATURAL-FIBRE COMPOSITES
Natural fibres for composite applications: types and properties
R M Rowell, University of Wisconsin, USA
- Introduction
- Fibrous plants
- Fibre types
- Fibre isolation methods
- Fibre properties
- Moisture properties
- Fibre chemistry
- Changes in properties during the growing season
- Conclusions
- Acknowledgment
- Appendix: chemical properties of natural plant fibres
- References
Matrices for natural-fibre reinforced composites
P A Sreekumar, National Institute of Technology and S Thomas, Mahatma Gandhi University, India
- Introduction
- Natural fibre reinforced polymer composites
- Different matrices
- Aliphatic polyesters
- Polyester amides
- Starch plastics
- Thermoplastic composites
- Thermosetting composites
- Biofibre-rubber composites
- Biodegradable composites
- Characterisation of surfaces and interfaces
- Other techniques
- Applications
- Conclusions
- References
Engineering the fibre/matrix interface in natural-fibre composites
N E Zafeiropoulos, University of Ioannina, Greece
- Introduction
- Physical methods for surface modification
- Chemical methods for surface modification
- Engineering the interface through control of processing conditions
- Experimental methods for assessing the interface
- Complimentary techniques for indirect interfacial assessment
- Conclusions and future trends
- References and further reading
Processing techniques for natural and wood-fibre composites
A K Bledzki, A Jaszkiewicz, M Murr and V E Sperber, University of Kassel, R Lützkendorf and T Reußmann, Thüringisches Institut für Textil-und Kunststoff-Forschung, Germany
- Introduction
- Factors influencing processing
- Semi-finished product manufacturing
- Processing technologies
- Other processes
- Future trends
- Conclusions
- References
Development of non-wood natural-fibre composites
R H Newman, Scion, New Zealand
- Introduction
- Matching properties to end uses
- Development of fabrication methods
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- Acknowledgements
- References and further reading
Cellulose nanocomposites
R H Newman, Scion, M P Staiger, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
- Introduction
- Nanofibrous and nanocrystalline cellulose
- Nanocomposite fabrication
- Advantages of nanocomposites over natural-fibre composites
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
PART 2 CASE STUDIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Natural-fibre composites in the automotive sector
M Huda and L T Drzal, Michigan State University, USA, D Ray, University of Calcutta, India, A K Mohanty and M Misra, University of Guelph, Canada
- Introduction
- The use of natural-fibre composites (NFC) in the automotive sector
- Resins for fibre reinforced composites
- Processing of natural-fibre composites for the automotive sector
- Mechanical characterization of natural-fibre composites
- Thermo-mechanical characterization and thermal behaviour
- Applications
- Limitations in automotive applications
- Future trends and conclusions
- References
Natural-fibre composites in structural applications
M P Staiger, University of Canterbury, N Tucker, Crop and Food Research, Lincoln, New Zealand
- Introduction
- The potential of natural fibres as structural materials
- Historical perspective on structural applications of biocomposites
- Natural-fibre-thermosetting polymer composites
- Natural-fibre-thermoplastic biocomposites
- Current limitations
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- Acknowledgements
- References
Natural-fibre-biodegradable polymer composites for packaging
M Duhovic, S Peterson and K Jayaraman, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Introduction
- Structure and property issues related to the use of natural-fibre composites in packaging
- Applications
- Future trends
- Summary
- Acknowledgments
- References
Opportunities for using wood and biofibers for energy, chemical feedstocks and structural applications
J E Winandy, R S Williams, A W Rudie and R J Ross, USDA Forest Service, USA
- Introduction
- Biorefining form biomass
- Energy from biomass
- Chemical and biochemical methods for producing fuels from biomass
- Improving yields of fuels from biomass
- Technology transfer and outlook for biorefining
- Advanced wood and bio-based natural-fiber composites
- Advanced structures using biocomposites
- Summary
- References
Market issues and considerations in development of natural/wood-fibre composites
E Hansen, Oregon State University, USA
- Introduction
- Background
- A growing interest in natural-fibre composite products
- The industries involved
- Innovation across the life-cycle
- The challenges of research and development
- Research & Development push
- Market pull
- Innovation management
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- References and further reading
PART 3 PERFORMANCE OF NATURAL-FIBRE COMPOSITES
Mechanical testing of natural fibre composites
P J Herrera-Franco and A Valadez-González, Centro de Investigación Científica, Mexico
- Introduction
- Materials and experimental procedures
- Mechanical testing
- Conclusions
- References
Mechanical performance of thermoplastic matrix natural-fibre composites
R Joffe, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, J Andersons, University of Latvia, Latvia
- Introduction
- Stress-strain response in tension
- Shear and compression
- Flexural properties
- Effect of fibre-matrix adhesion on mechanical properties
- Impact strength
- Effect of conditioning and environment on mechanical performance of thermoplastic matrix natural-fibre composites
- Conclusions
- Acknowledgements
- References
Long-term performance of natural-fibre composites
S Mishra, University of Ottawa and M Sain, University of Toronto, Canada
- Introduction
- Natural-fiber plastic composite products
- Hygro-thermal expansion
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Creep resistance
- Conclusion
- References
Modelling natural-fibre composites
J Varna, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden
- Introduction
- Elastic properties of N-phase concentric cylinder assembly
- Ultrastructure-based multiscale modeling of fiber elastic properties
- Elastic properties of natural-fibre composites
- Moisture expansion of natural-fibre composites
- Concluding remarks
- References
- Appendix 1 Constitutive model of an orthotropic material
- Appendix 2 Elastic parameters in solution for orthotropic material
