Biocomposites - State of the Art

Abstract:

Due to ecological and sustainability constraints, in late years we see great achievements in green technology in the field of materials science. The development of high-performance biocomposites (made from natural resources) is increasing worldwide. The challenge in working with natural fiber reinforced composites is the large spectrum of possibilities for making them.Biocomposites properties are influenced by a number of variables, including the fiber type, environmental conditions (where the plant fibers are sourced), processing methods, and any modification of the fiber. It is well known that recently exists a large interest in the industrial applications of composites containing biofibers reinforced with biopolymers. The characteristics of reinforcing fibers used in biocomposites, including source, type, structure, composition, as well as mechanical properties, will be reviewed. The variety of biocomposite processing techniques as well as the factors (moisture content, fiber type and content, coupling agents and their influence on composites properties) affecting these processes will be discussed.Techniques for processing the natural fiber reinforced composites will be discussed based on thermoplastic matrices (compression molding, extrusion, injection molding, and thermoforming), and thermosets (resin transfermolding, sheet molding compound). Their influence on mechanical performance (tensile, flexural and impact properties) will be evaluated. Finally, the work will conclude with recent developments and future trends of biocomposites.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 657)
• Pages: 397-401
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.657.397
• Online since: October 2014
• Authors: Dragos Hodorogea*
• Keywords: Biocomposite, Biodegradable, Biofibres, Biopolymer, Matrices, Natural Fiber, Polymer, Reinforced Composites

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