Overview
![](/assets/images/picto-drapeau-france-3a76576a5d60a512053b4612ab58dae5.png)
ABSTRACT
The reinforcement of polymers via natural fibers allows for reducing environmental impacts. Among these natural fibers, plant fibers having a structural function in nature present interesting mechanical properties. Furthermore they are easily available. Organic fibers can be used although they have more varied properties. Due to knowledge development, the availability of new half-products and the evolution of regulations in terms of environment protection, biocomposites are to be developed in a large number of sectors of activity.
Read this article from a comprehensive knowledge base, updated and supplemented with articles reviewed by scientific committees.
Read the articleAUTHOR
-
Christophe BALEY: University Professor - University of Southern Brittany, Lorient, France
INTRODUCTION
A composite material is generally defined by the assembly of two phases: the reinforcement (usually in the form of fibers) and the matrix. The matrix preserves the geometric arrangement of the fibers, and ensures load transfer between them via the interfaces. The matrix (in other words, the binder) may belong to the polymer, metal or ceramic family. Under the term "natural fibers" we find organic fibers of plant (cellulose) and animal (protein) origin, and mineral fibers such as asbestos (which will not be presented in this article).
In this article, therefore, only organic and renewable fibers and associated composite materials - materials using a polymer as matrix - are discussed.
The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in composite materials is justified by :
develop a local resource in less industrialized countries;
develop materials and technologies that reduce environmental impact;
use renewable resources.
The aim of this article is not to make an inventory of all the fibers available, but to present some interesting examples, illustrate their reinforcement capabilities and take a step back from their uses. There are many varieties of natural fibers, but only a few have outstanding mechanical properties that justify their use as reinforcements in composite materials. These fibers have a structural role in nature. For example, a flax stalk is reinforced by fibers placed on the outside, which act as support tissues; they offer interesting mechanical performances, given their function and the high slenderness of these plants.
Plant fibers are widely used, as they are the most readily available. Their complex structure can be likened to that of composite materials reinforced with cellulose fibrils arranged in a helix. To understand the origin of their behavior, it is necessary to know their microstructure and composition. These topics will be presented in simplified form below. The notion of fibers in a plant has a botanical meaning, which describes a single elongated, thick-walled plant cell, so there are different natures of cells. The plant fibers described in this article correspond to those that have long been used for textile applications or rope-making, and have a function in nature generally of support and rarely of conduction.
Although rarely used industrially in composites, animal bristles have a very high elongation at break and a high capacity to absorb mechanical energy compared to synthetic fibers.
The processing technologies that can be used to produce parts from biocomposites (polymer + natural fibers) are identical to...
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
You do not have access to this resource.
Click here to request your free trial access!
Already subscribed? Log in!
![](/assets/images/logo-eti-286623ed91fa802ce039246e516e5852.png)
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference
KEYWORDS
natural fibres | plant fibres | polymer reinforcement | hemp | flax
CAN BE ALSO FOUND IN:
Home Materials Functional materials - Bio-based materials Natural Fibers for the Reinforcement of Composite Materials
Home Materials Plastics and composites Natural Fibers for the Reinforcement of Composite Materials
Home Innovations Eco-design and sustainable innovation Natural Fibers for the Reinforcement of Composite Materials
This article is included in
Industrial textiles
This offer includes:
Knowledge Base
Updated and enriched with articles validated by our scientific committees
Services
A set of exclusive tools to complement the resources
Practical Path
Operational and didactic, to guarantee the acquisition of transversal skills
Doc & Quiz
Interactive articles with quizzes, for constructive reading
Natural reinforcing fibers for composite materials
Bibliography
Directory
Pierre and Marie Curie University
Biology and multimedia. See also plant biology/plant-based textiles.
http://www.snv.jussieu.fr/bmedia/textiles/index.html
Professional organizations
CELC
European Flax and Hemp Confederation...
Standards and norms
- Reinforcing fibers – Flax fibers for plastic composites – Part 1: Terminology and characterization of flax fibers. - AFNOR NF T 25-501-1 - 2015
- Reinforcement fibers – Flax fibres for plastics composites. Part 3. Determination of tensile properties of technical fibres. - AFNOR NF T 25-501-3 - 2015
- Reinforcement fibers – Flax fibres for plastics composites. Part 2. Determination of tensile properties of elementary...
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
You do not have access to this resource.
Click here to request your free trial access!
Already subscribed? Log in!
![](/assets/images/logo-eti-286623ed91fa802ce039246e516e5852.png)
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference