Kenaf fiber is gaining attention as an alternative reinforcement for composite products due to low cost, reduced environmental impact, and attractive mechanical properties. Kenaf Fibers and Composites covers the breadth of these exciting materials, from raw material preparation to application in a variety of products. It discusses fiber characterization and properties, how to prepare kenaf-based composites, and design, manufacturing, and applications. It also covers hybrid fiber composites, kenaf fiber thermosetting composites, kenaf fiber thermoplastic composites, kenaf fibers in various lengths, and forms and arrangements such as particulates, continuous roving, and woven fabrics. Cellulose-based kenaf composites and kenaf fiber-filled biopolymer composites are presented.

Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of Biocomposites A comprehensive review of the properties of biocomposites and their applications Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of Biocomposites offers a comprehensive overview of the mechanical and dynamic properties of biocomposites and natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This essential resource helps with materials selection in the development of products in the fields of automotive and aerospace engineering as well as the construction of structures in civil engineering. With contributions from a panel of experts in the field, the book reviews the mechanical and damping properties of lingo-cellulosic fibers and their composites. The authors highlight the factors that contribute to the improved properties and their advancements in modern industrialization. Besides, the book is designed to (a) introduce the mechanical and damping properties of lingo-cellulosic fibers and their composites, (b) factors that contribute to improvement in properties such as hybridization, chemical treatment of natural fibers, additive or fillers, etc. and (c) the real-time applications with case studies and future prospects. Key features: Presents viable alternatives to conventional composites Examines the environmentally friendly and favorable mechanical properties of biocomposites Reviews the potential applications of biocomposites in the fields of automotive, mechanical and civil engineering Brings together in one comprehensive resource information found scattered across the professional literature Written for materials scientists, polymer chemists, chemists in industry, civil engineers, construction engineers, and engineering scientists in industry, Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of BIocomposites offers a compreshensive review of the properties and applications of biocomposites.

This book brings value to anyone working with or designing natural fiber composite structures. It helps readers understand the value these materials can add to projects, how to choose the best materials and treatments, how to safely design and fabricate products made of natural fiber composites, and how to test them for safety. It covers the characterization of natural fibers, matrices and respective composites, and how to enhance their performance and processing as well as testing and degradation issues.

Natural Fiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester and Vinyl Polymer Composites: Characterization, Properties and Applications discusses recent advances on the development, characterization and application of natural fiber vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites. Various types of vinyl ester and vinyl based polymers, such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), low and high density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are discussed. Chapters focus on different composite fabrication processes, such as compression moulding, hand lay-up, and pultrusion processes. Key themes covered include the properties and characterization of vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites reinforced by natural fibers. The effect of fiber treatment and coupling agents on mechanical and physical properties of these materials is also evaluated. In addition to a determination of physical and mechanical properties, studies on thermal, degradation, swelling behavior, and the morphological properties of natural fiber reinforced vinyl ester and vinyl polymer composites is also presented. - Presents the importance of vinyl ester and vinyl-based polymers as matrices in natural fiber composites - Provides a detailed and comprehensive review on the development, characterization and applications of natural fiber vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites - Looks at recent fabrication techniques and the mechanical properties of materials - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field

There is an increasing movement of scientists and engineers who are dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of polymer composite production. Life cycle assessment is of paramount importance at every stage of a product’s life, from initial synthesis through to final disposal and a sustainable society needs environmentally safe materials and processing methods. With an internationally recognised team of contributors, Green Composites examines fibre reinforced polymer composite production and explains how environmental footprints can be diminished at every stage of the life cycle.The introductory chapters look at why we should consider green composites, their design and life cycle assessment. The properties of natural fibre sources such as cellulose and wood are then discussed. Chapter 6 examines recyclable synthetic fibre-thermoplastic composites as an alternative solution and polymers derived from natural sources are covered in Chapter 7. The factors that influence the properties of these natural composites and natural fibre thermoplastic composites are detailed in Chapters 8 and 9. The final four chapters consider clean processing, applications, recycling, degradation and reprocessing.Green composites is an essential guide for agricultural crop producers, government agricultural departments, automotive companies, composite producers and material scientists all dedicated to the promotion and practice of eco-friendly materials and production methods. Reviews fibre reinforced polymer composite production Explains how environmental footprints can be diminished at every stage of the life-cycle

Discover a one-stop resource for in-depth knowledge on epoxy composites from leading voices in the field Used in a wide variety of materials engineering applications, epoxy composites are highly relevant to the work of engineers and scientists in many fields. Recent developments have allowed for significant advancements in their preparation, processing and characterization that are highly relevant to the aerospace and automobile industry, among others. In Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications, a distinguished team of authors and editors deliver a comprehensive and straightforward summary of the most recent developments in the area of epoxy composites. The book emphasizes their preparation, characterization and applications, providing a complete understanding of the correlation of rheology, cure reaction, morphology, and thermo-mechanical properties with filler dispersion. Readers will learn about a variety of topics on the cutting-edge of epoxy composite fabrication and characterization, including smart epoxy composites, theoretical modeling, recycling and environmental issues, safety issues, and future prospects for these highly practical materials. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to epoxy composites, their synthesis and manufacturing, and micro- and nano-scale structure formation in epoxy and clay nanocomposites An exploration of long fiber reinforced epoxy composites and eco-friendly epoxy-based composites Practical discussions of the processing of epoxy composites based on carbon nanomaterials and the thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy composites An analysis of the spectroscopy and X-ray scattering studies of epoxy composites Perfect for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and mechanical engineers, Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of engineering scientists working in industry and process engineers seeking a comprehensive and exhaustive resource on epoxy composites.