Natural fiber and nanoparticles reinforced natural fiber for structural composite applications

Abstract

The plant based natural fibers (mostly made of cellulose, hemi cellulose, and lignin) provide several advantages over the traditional inorganic fibers including their low density, good thermal insulation and mechanical properties, reduced tool wear, unlimited availability, low price, and biodegradability. Hence the cellulose micro/nano fibers have evident potential to be utilized as environment friendly reinforcement in composites. Natural fibers reinforced with inorganic nanoparticles can further enhance the mechanical properties of the fiber and could be used as an alternative material to replace synthetic fibers. This short paper will discuss methods of the preparation, physio-chemical and mechanical properties of the nanoparticle reinforced natural fibre.