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.

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

Natural/Biofiber composites are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fiber composites, particularly in automotive, packaging, building, and consumer product industries, and becoming one of the fastest growing additives for thermoplastics. Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites provides a clear understanding of the present state

Natural fibre composite is an emerging material that has great potential to be used in engineering application. Oil palm, sugar palm, bagasse, coir, banana stem, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, roselle, rice husk, betul nut husk and cocoa pod are among the natural fibres reported to be used as reinforcing materials in polymer composites. Natural fibre composites were used in many industries such as automotive, building, furniture, marine and aerospace industries. The advantages of natural fibre composites include low cost, renewable, abundance, light weight, less abrasive and they are suitable to be used in semi or non-structural engineering components. Research on various aspects of natural fibre composites such as characterization, determination of properties and design have been extensively carried out. However, publications that reported on research of manufacture of natural fibre composites are very limited. Specifically, although manufacturing methods of components from natural fibre composites are similar to those of components from conventional fibre composites such as glass, carbon and Kevlar fibres, modification of equipment used for conventional fibre composites may be required. This book fills the gap of knowledge in the field of natural fibre composites for the research community. Among the methods reported that are being used to produce components from natural fibre composites include hand lay-up, compression moulding, filament winding, injection moulding, resin transfer moulding, pultrusion and vacuum bag moulding. This book is also intended to address some research on secondary processing such as machining and laser welding of natural fibre composites. It is hoped that publication of this book will provide the readers new knowledge and understanding on the manufacture of natural fibre composites.