Growing awareness of environmental issues has led to increasing demand for goods produced from natural products, including natural fibres. The two-volume Handbook of natural fibres is an indispensible tool in understanding the diverse properties and applications of these important materials. Volume 1: Types, properties and factors affecting breeding and cultivation is an essential guide to a wide range of natural fibres, and highlights key techniques for their improvement.Part one reviews key types and fundamental properties of natural textile fibres. The production, identification and testing of a range of cotton, bast, silk and wool fibres are discussed, alongside bioengineered natural textile fibres. Part two goes on to explore the improvement of natural fibre properties and production through breeding and cultivation, beginning with a discussion of fibrous flax and cotton. Improved natural fibre production through the prevention of fungal growth is explored, along with the use of genetic engineering and biotechnology to enhance desirable characteristics. Finally, the wider impact of natural textile production is discussed, using wild silk enterprise programs as an example.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, the two volumes of the Handbook of natural fibres are essential texts for professionals and academics in textile science and technology. - Provides an essential guide to a wide range of natural fibres and highlights key techniques for their improvement - Reviews key types and fundamental properties of natural textile fibres, addressing the production, identification and testing of a range of cotton, bast, silk and wool fibres - Explores the improvement of natural fibre properties and production through breeding and cultivation, beginning with a discussion of fibrous flax and cotton

Natural fibres are becoming increasingly popular for use in industrial applications, providing sustainable solutions to support technical innovation. These versatile, natural based materials have applications in a wide range of industries, from textiles and consumer products to the automotive and construction industries. Industrial Applications of Natural Fibres examines the different steps of processing, from natural generation, fibre separation and fibre processing, to the manufacturing of the final product. Each step is linked to fibre properties and characterization, highlighting how different fibres influence the product properties through a discussion of their chemical and structural qualities. Considering the value-added chain from natural generation to final product, with emphasis on quality management, this book reviews the current research and technical applications of natural fibres. Topics covered include: Introduction to the Chemistry and Biology of Natural Fibres Economic Aspects of Natural Fibres Vegetable Fibres Animal Fibres Testing and Quality Management Applications: Current and Potential Industrial Application of Natural Fibres will be a valuable resource for scientists in industry and academia interested in the development of natural based materials and products. It is particularly relevant for those working in chemical engineering, sustainable chemistry, agricultural sciences, biology and materials sciences.

The Handbook of Natural Fibres: Volume Two, Processing and Applications, Second Edition provides detailed coverage of the latest processing techniques and industrial applications of a wide range of natural fibers. Natural fibrous resources, both lignocellulosic and protein ones, are renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic, making them an important source of sustainable textile solutions. A broad range of sources of natural fibers are covered in the book, including flax, hemp, bast, jute, coir, linen, cotton and silk. This wealth of expert information provides a uniquely detailed reference for the processing, characterization, selection and application of natural fibers. - Connects natural fibers to a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, packaging and medical - Helps readers appraise natural fibers on the basis of their mechanical, electrokinetic, antimicrobial or flame retardant qualities - Provides a rare glimpse of emerging manufacturing methods for silk

This book collects selected high quality articles submitted to the 2nd International Conference on Natural Fibers (ICNF2015). A wide range of topics is covered related to various aspects of natural fibres such as agriculture, extraction and processing, surface modification and functionalization, advanced structures, nano fibres, composites and nanocomposites, design and product development, applications, market potential, and environmental impact. Divided into separate sections on these various topics, the book presents the latest high quality research work addressing different approaches and techniques to improve processing, performance, functionalities and cost-effectiveness of natural fibre and natural based products, in order to promote their applications in various advanced technical sectors. This book is a useful source of information for materials scientists, teachers and students from various disciplines as well as for R& D staff in industries using natural fibre based materials.

Natural fibres -- both lignocellulosic and protein -- are renewable and biodegradable. They are characterised by good air permeability, hygroscopicity, and do not release harmful substances. They have been well-known to mankind for more than 9,000 years. Most of the lignocellulosic fibres from plants and animals such as cotton, flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, sisal, ramie, curaua, pineapple, bamboo, coir, sheep, alpaca wool and silk can be extracted, processed, modified, functionalised, and used in the production of textiles (woven, knitting, nonwoven, technical, and 3D textiles), and as reinforcement for more environmentally friendly composites. Special treatment and functionalisation methods such as degumming, enzymes, ultrasounds, plasmas, coronas, liquid ammonia, flame retardant treatments and protection against biodeterioration provide new promising features and properties for all natural fibres. The production of natural fibres is expected at the level of about 40 million tons/year in the middle of the 21st century. Global fibre production was 95 million tons in 2015 and it is estimated to grow 3% annually, reaching 122 million tons in 2025. Some natural fibres are susceptible to dyeing by natural dyestuffs, UV resistant and can be easily protected against flammability. Natural fibres and fabrics after special functionalisation by MOFs (Metal-organic Frameworks), POMs (Polyoxymetalates) and dendritic polymers will play an important role in the near future not only in defenceand military apparels, but in very effective filter materials as well. The book contains (in eleven chapters with eleven sub-chapters) topics about: Cotton as a dominant natural fibre; the novel challenge for bast fibres; flax and hemp; breeding and cultivation of flax in China (the biggest processor of flax and hemp in the world); new emerging sources of lignocellulosic fibres, (ie: curaua and Daphnopsis fasciculata fibres from South America); the role of apparels based of natural fibres in human physiology; bioengineering as a driving force in natural fibres stabilisation and production growth; chemical and biochemical functionalisation and finishing of natural fibres, including treatment by dendritic polymers; and alpaca fibre production, characteristics and use. Composites based on natural fibres; bio-based composites; poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid)/oil palm fibre composites; plant fibres: renewable reinforcing fillers in polyolefins biocomposites; and use of palm fibres reinforced in polymer matrices. Natural lignocellulosic raw materials as both a source of nanocellulosic fibres and of further information about natural fibres. The book presents the latest research data about new and emerging areas of natural fibres in the scope of production, processing and its applications.

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. - 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