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Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber‐reinforced composites
Author(s) -
John Maya Jacob,
Anandjiwala Rajesh D.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.20461
Subject(s) - composite material , materials science , natural fiber , chemical modification , synthetic fiber , fiber , characterization (materials science) , chemical bond , polymer science , polymer chemistry , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry
A critical review of the literature on the various aspects of natural fibers and biocomposites with a particular reference to chemical modifications is presented in this paper. A notable disadvantage of natural fibers is their polarity which makes it incompatible with hydrophobic matrix. This incompatibility results in poor interfacial bonding between the fibers and the matrix. This in turn leads to impaired mechanical properties of the composites. This defect can be remedied by chemical modification of fibers so as to make it less hydrophilic. This paper reviews the latest trends in chemical modifications and characterizations of natural fibers. The structure and properties of natural fibers have been discussed. Common chemical modifications and their mechanisms have also been elaborated. The importance of chemical modifications and the resultant enhancement in the properties of the composites have also been reviewed. Recent investigations dealing with chemical modifications of natural fiber‐reinforced composites have also been cited. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers