Natural Fiber Composites

This book focuses on the key areas and issues related to natural fibers and their reinforced polymer composites. It begins with an introduction and classification of natural fibers and their different extraction methods, followed by characterization techniques. Further, this book gives solutions to improved adhesion between natural fibers and different polymer matrices via different chemical, physical, and biological treatment methods. Fabrication procedures and characterization techniques for development and testing of composites, including processing, development, and characterization, have been included as well. Applications of these composite materials for food packaging and structural and semi-structural applications are also explained. FEATURES Describes the extraction process of natural fibers with comparisons Covers the fundamental concepts for the characterization of natural fiber composites Includes a comparative study of different polymer matrices Provides insight about various fabrication methods Discusses diverse applications of these novel materials and the scope for commercialization and entrepreneurship This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in materials, polymers, composites and characterization, textile engineering, chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering.