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.

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

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.

Advanced Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Composites: Design, Mechanical Properties, and Durability covers various fiber types and their usage as a sustainable material as well as their influence on mechanical properties and behavior, including compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact and bond resistance. Their durability in different environments (seawater, magnesium sulphate, sulphuric acid, elevated temperature, corrosive) is also discussed. The book also outlines a variety of mix design and curing regimes for alkali-activated composites. The additive manufacturing of these composites is also covered. Different types of fiber-reinforced alkali-activated composites discussed include steel fiber-reinforced, carbon fiber-reinforced, natural fiber-reinforced, synthetic fiber-reinforced, and others. - Discusses different fiber types and their effects on alkali-activated composite materials - Includes coverage of compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact and bond resistance, and more - Investigates the durability of these materials, studying how they perform in seawater, elevated temperature environments, and under sulphuric acid attacks - Covers the shrinkage resistance, permeability and corrosion performance of these materials

Nanocellulose is a versatile material that has received much attention from scientists working in a broad range of application fields, such as automotive, composites, adsorbents, paints, coatings, medical implants, electronics, cosmetics, pulp and paper, tissue engineering, medical, packaging, and aerogels. Industrial Applications of Nanocellulose and Its Nanocomposites provides an extensive, up-to-date review of this fast-moving research field. The chapters cover a wide range of aspects, including synthesis, surface modification, and improvement of properties toward target applications. The main objectives of the book are to reflect on recent advancements in the design and fabrication of advanced nanocellulose and discuss important requirements for each application, as well as the challenges that might be faced. The book also includes an overview of the current economic perspectives and safety issues, as well as future directions for nanocellulose-based materials. It will serve as a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, environmental chemists, nanotechnologists, chemical engineers, polymer chemists, materials scientists, and all those working in the manufacturing industries. - Comprehensively covers a broad range of industrial applications. - Includes case studies on economic perspectives, safety issues, and advanced development of nanocellulose-based products. - Discusses nanocellulose production from biological waste.

Palm by-products represent an economical resource for the sustainable development of rural areas in many countries of the world. The book focuses on the utilization of palm by-products in the following areas: Wood Alternatives and Panels, Sustainable Energy and Fertilizers, Bio-Composites, Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Fiber, Paper, and Textile, Food Applications, Design and Architecture.

This book explores vegetable fiber composite as an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable material that has many potential industrial applications. The use of vegetable fiber composite supports the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to utilize more sustainable and greener composite materials, which are also easy to handle and locally easily available with economical production costs. This book presents various types of vegetable fiber composite and its processing methods and treatments to obtain desirable properties for certain applications. The book caters to researchers and students who are working in the field of bio-composites and green materials.