A Review on Natural Plant Fiber Epoxy and Polyester Composites – Coating and Performances

ABSTRACT

In the last two decades, there has been an incredible awareness on natural plant fiber composites due to their biodegradability, low weight, non-corrosiveness, and recyclability. Many studies have been attempted to improve the performance of the natural plant fiber composite since it has many applications in the engineering sectors. But the adaptation of natural plant fiber composite has some drawbacks such as water absorption, non-linearity in fiber dimensions, low interfacial adhesion between fiber-matrix, and less uniform strength of the fiber. Several studies have attempted to enhance the natural plant fiber composite properties by various fibers, matrix, fiber orientation, fiber treatment, fiber loading, fiber length, fillers, and other reinforcements. However, fiber’s hydrophilic character is inevitable and influences the composite performance. To overcome the drawback, fiber coating is a felicitous technique. Few researchers have performed the fiber (Sisal, Jute, Flax, Ramie, Bamboo) coating to enhance the composite properties of tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, water resistance, viscoelastic behavior, and electrical conductivity. Considering the importance of fiber coating (Dip, Spray, Electroless), the present study summarizes the fiber coating types, coating materials, and their composite performance.

摘要

在过去二十年中, 由于天然植物纤维复合材料的生物降解性、重量轻、无腐蚀性和可回收性, 人们对其有了惊人的认识. 由于天然植物纤维复合材料在工程领域有着广泛的应用, 许多研究都试图改善其性能. 但天然植物纤维复合材料的适应性存在吸水性差、纤维尺寸非线性、纤维基体间界面粘结力低、纤维强度不均匀等缺点. 一些研究试图通过各种纤维、基体、纤维取向、纤维处理、纤维负载、纤维长度、填料和其他增强材料来提高天然植物纤维复合材料的性能. 然而, 纤维的亲水性是不可避免的, 会影响复合材料的性能. 为了克服这一缺点, 纤维涂层是一种合适的技术. 很少有研究人员使用纤维 (剑麻、黄麻、亚麻、苎麻、竹子) 涂层来增强复合材料的拉伸强度、弯曲强度、冲击强度、耐水性、粘弹性和导电性. 考虑到纤维涂层 (浸渍、喷涂、化学镀) 的重要性, 本研究综述了纤维涂层的类型、涂层材料及其复合性能.

KEYWORDS:

• Natural plant fiber composite
• coating techniques
• coating materials
• fiber-matrix adhesion
• hydrophobic nature

关键词:

• 天然植物纤维复合材料
• 涂层技术
• 涂层材料
• 纤维基质粘附
• 疏水

Highlights

• Natural fiber coating isolates the fibers from water and increase the water resistance behavior of the composite.

• Fiber coating improved the composites mechanical, thermal, dynamic, and electrical properties.

• Coating reduces the tan δ peak which enhances the load bearing capacity and the fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion.

• Non-conductive natural plant fibers are made as conductive through silver coating in which the wettability is a severe concern between the fiber and matrix.

• Fiber coating enhanced the dielectric constant which can be used in electrodes, sensors, electromagnetic shielding, and electronic-textile applications.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).