Surface morphology & mechanical properties of some unique natural fiber reinforced polymer composites-a review

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (nfrpcs) have gained a worldwide acceptance as a potential substitute for glass filled composites over past few years especially in the automotive sector. as natural fibers are lesser in weight,easier to handle,non abrasive & cost effective,composites made from them are also sustainable & economical. every natural fiber has its own surface morphology which decides the interfacial matrix-fiber adhesion. some natural fibers like piassava have fine protrusions containing silica on their surface which enhances interlocking at the fiber-matrix interface and thereby improving mechanical properties of the composites. hydrophilic nature of natural fibers creates wetting issues with the resin matrix which are mostly improved by chemical,radiation & corona treatments. the mechanical properties of natural fiber composites generally increases with volume fraction of fibers up to an optimum level,and then tend to decrease. in this review,we have given special emphasis to surface morphology of some unique natural fibers & its effect on mechanical properties of the composites. apart from automotive sector,new horizons for application of natural fiber composites are also discussed.