Chapter 2

2.0 LITERATURE SURVEY

The idea of composite materials is not a new or recent one. Nature is full of examples
wherein the idea of composite materials is used. The coconut palm leaf, for example, is
nothing but a cantilever using the concept of fiber reinforcement. Wood is a fibrous
composite: cellulose fibers in a lignin matrix. The cellulose fibers have high tensile strength
but are very flexible (i.e. low stiffness), while the lignin matrix joins the fibers and furnishes
the stiffness. Bone is yet another example of a natural composite that supports the weight of
various members of the body. It consists of short and soft collagen fibers embedded in
a mineral matrix called apatite. In addition to these naturally occurring composites, there are
many other engineering materials that are composites in a very general way and that
have been in use for very long time. The carbon black in rubber, Portland cement or asphalt
mixed with sand, and glass fibers in resin are common examples. Thus, we see that the idea of
composite materials is not that recent. Nevertheless, one can safely mark the origin of the
distinct discipline of the composite materials as the beginning of the 1960s. It would not be
too much off the mark to say that a concerted research and development effort in composite
materials began in 1965. Since the early 1960s, there has been an increasing demand for
materials that are stiffer and stronger yet lighter in fields as diverse as aerospace, energy and
civil constructions. The demands made on materials for better overall performance are so
great and diverse that no one material can satisfy them. This naturally led to a resurgence of
the ancient concept of combining different materials in an integral-composite material to
satisfy the user requirement. Such composite material systems result in a performance
unattainable by the individual constituents, and they offer the great advantage of a flexible
design; that is, one can, in principle, tailor-make the material as per specifications of an
optimum design.

The leading driver for substituting natural fibers for glass is that they can be grown
with lower cost than glass. The price of glass fiber is around Rs. 300.00/- per kg and has a
density of 2.5 g/cc. On the other hand, natural fiber costs Rs. 15.00/- to 25.00/- per kg and has
a density of 1.2-1.5 g/cc. The tensile strength of natural fibers is substantially lower than that

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of glass fibers though the modulus is of the same order of magnitude. However, when the
specific modulus of natural fibers (modulus per unit specific gravity) is considered, the natural
fibers show values that are comparable to or even better than glass fibers. Material cost
savings, due to the use of natural fibers and high fiber filling levels, coupled with the
advantage of being non-abrasive to the mixing and moulding equipment make natural fibers
an exciting prospect. These benefits mean natural fibers could be used in many applications,
including building, automotive, household appliances, and other applications.

This chapter outlines some of the recent reports published in literature on composites
with special emphasis on mechanical properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix
Composites. As a result of the increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials and
the desire to reduce the cost of traditional fibers (i.e., carbon, glass and aramid) reinforced
petroleum-based composites, new bio-based composites have been developed. Researchers
have begun to focus attention on natural fiber composites (i.e., biocomposites), which are
composed of natural or synthetic resins, reinforced with natural fibers. Natural fibers exhibit
many advantageous properties, they are a low-density material yielding relatively lightweight
composites with high specific properties. These fibers also offer significant cost advantages
and ease of processing along with being a highly renewable resource, in turn reducing the
dependency on foreign and domestic petroleum oil. Recent advances in the use of natural
fibers (e.g., flax, cellulose, jute, hemp, straw, switch grass, kenaf, Saw dust, coir and bamboo)
in composites have been reviewed by several authors.

G. Satyanarayana et.al [3] studied the systematic work carried out so far on the structure
property relationship of natural fibres such as jute, coir and sisal fibres including fracture
modes. The explained about attempts to incorporate them in polymers and characterization of
these new composites, with and without subjecting them to environmental conditions, are
reported. Problems arising out of processing of the composites and attempts made to minimize
these problems are also described. Efforts to fabricate a few components and evaluation of
their performance in actual use are presented. Suggestions for future work are also given.

Paul Wambua et.al [5] In this work the investigator explained about how the natural fibres
(sisal, kenaf, hemp, jute and coir) reinforced polypropylene composites were processed by

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compression moulding using a film stacking method. The mechanical properties of the
different natural fibre composites were tested and compared. A further comparison was made
with the corresponding properties of glass mat reinforced polypropylene composites from the
open literature. Kenaf, hemp and sisal composites showed comparable tensile strength and
modulus results but in impact properties hemp appears to out-perform kenaf. The tensile
modulus, impact strength and the ultimate tensile stress of kenaf reinforced polypropylene
composites were found to increase with increasing fibre weight fraction. Coir fibre composites
displayed the lowest mechanical properties, but their impact strength was higher than that of
jute and kenaf composites. In most cases the specific properties of the natural fibre composites
were found to compare favourably with those of glass.

Hoi-yan Cheung et.al [6] In this paper, the author explained comprehensive review on
different kinds of natural fibre composites and their potential in future development of
different kinds of engineering and domestic products.

K.L. Fung et.al [7] In this paper, a pre-impregnation technique has been introduced for the
injection moulding of sisal fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP/SF) composites. The major
advantages of the pre-impregnation technique is that the PP/SF composites can be injection
moulded with relatively lower barrel temperature, and therefore significant thermal
degradation of the sisal fibres could be avoided.

H. Anuar et.al [8] investigated the development of thermoplastic elastomer composite

reinforced with 20 vol.% kenaf fibre. Two types of impact modi.er were blended with
polypropylene (PP) namely; thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) and
polypropylene/ethylene–propylene–diene–monomer (PP/EPDM). Both composites were
produced via double melt blending method using Haake internal mixer before they were
compression moulded. The ratio of thermoplastic:elastomer was 70:30 for both polymer
blends. Due to incompatibility between matrix and reinforcement, maleic anhydride
polypropylene (MAPP) was added as in the case of treated composite. It was found that the
tensile strength for TPNR is about 12% higher than the PP/EPDM matrix. The present of
kenaf fibre (KF) and MAPP however has significantly increased the tensile strength of the
PP/EPDM composite by approximately 81% while only 55% increment attained in TPNR–
KF–MAPP as compared to unreinforced TPNR. Apart from that,

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flexural properties and impact strength are greatly improved for treated kenaf fibre composite.
S. Harish et.al [9] investigated the use of coir, a natural fiber abundantly available in India.
Natural fibers are not only strong and lightweight but also relatively very cheap. In the present
work, coir composites are developed and their mechanical properties are evaluated. Scanning
electron micrographs obtained from fractured surfaces were used for a qualitative evaluation
of the interfacial properties of coir/epoxy and compared with glass fiber/epoxy. These results
indicate that coir can be used as a potential reinforcing material for making low load bearing
thermoplastic composites.

M. Ashok Kumar et.al [10] investigated the tensile, flexural and dielectric properties of
composites made by reinforcing Sansevieria cylindrica as a new natural fibre into a rubber
based polyester matrix. The fibres extracted by retting and manual processes were used to
fabricate the composites. These composites were tested for the properties which mentioned
above and compared with those of established composites like waste silk, drumstick vegetable
fiber and jute made under the ASTM conditions. The composites were fabricated up to a
maximum volume fraction of fibre of 0.35 for impact testing, tensile, flexural and dielectric
testing. It was observed that the tensile properties were increased with respect to volume
fraction of fibre for Sansevieria cylindrica fibre composite and are also more than those of silk
and drumstick composites and comparable to those of jute composites. The flexural strength of
Sansevieria cylindrica fibre composite is more than that of waste silk composite and is closer
to drumstick fibre composite with respect to the volume fraction of fibre, where as the flexural
modulus is much higher than those of jute, drumstick vegetable fibre composites and also very
much closer to silk fibre composites.

J.L.Thomason [13] in this paper the poor performance of natural fibres as composite
reinforcements where the focus on chemical aspects has not yet delivered the “holy grail” of
glass fibre replacement in volume applications is discussed.

Girisha.C et.al [17] investigated the tensile properties of composites made by reinforcing
sisal, coconut spathe and ridge gourd as the new natural fibers into epoxy resin matrix. The
natural fibers extracted by retting and manual processes were subjected to alkali treatment.
The composites fabricated consist of reinforcement in the hybrid combination like sisal
coconut spathe, sisal-ridge gourd and coconut spathe-ridge gourd with the weight fraction of

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fibers varying from 5% to 30%. It has been observed that the tensile properties increase with
the increase in the weight fraction of fibers to certain extent and then decreases. The
hybridization of the reinforcement in the composite shows greater tensile strength when
compared to individual type of natural fibers reinforced. For all the composites tested the
tensile strength of the composite increased for approximately 25% of weight fraction of the
fibers and further for the increase in the weight fraction of fiber the strength decreased, also it
is found that for the hybrid
combination of ridge guard and sisal fibers there is 65% increase in the tensile strength.

Kuruvilla Joseph et.al [19] explained the research work published in the field of sisal fibre
reinforced polymer composites with special reference to the structure and properties of sisal
fibre, processing techniques, and the physical and mechanical properties of the composites.

I.O. Bakare et.al [20] investigated the development of high-performance composite materials
from locally sourced and renewable materials. Rubber seed oil polyurethane resin synthesized
using rubber seed monoglyceride derived from glycerolysis of the oil was used as matrix in
the composite samples. Rubber seed oil-based polyurethane composite reinforced with
unidirectional sisal fibers were prepared and characterized. Results showed that the properties
of unidirectional fiber-reinforced rubber seed oil-based polyurethane composites gave good
thermal and mechanical properties. Also, the values of tensile strengths and flexural moduli of
the polyurethane composites were more than tenfold and about twofold higher than
unreinforced rubber seed oil-based polyurethane. The improved thermal stability and the
scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surface of the composites were attributed to
good fiber–matrix interaction. These results indicate that high-performance all natural
products composite materials can be developed from resources that are readily available
locally.

G. Ramakrishna et.al [21] In this paper evaluation of durability of a natural fibre composite
by residual impact strength (Irs) and flexural toughness index (IT) and their comparison are
presented and discussed. Irs values could be used to assess the durability of natural fibre
composites, than, the conventional ‘toughness indices’ used for composites, in general.

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M. Ashok Kumar et.al [22] investigated the hardness, impact strength, frictional coefficient,
and chemical resistance of hybrid composites with and without alkali treatments. The epoxy-
based hybrid composites were developed by combining the sisal and glass fibers into epoxy
matrix. Variation of the aforementioned mechanical properties and chemical resistance was
studied with different fiber lengths such as 1, 2, and 3 cm. A 9 vol.% of the sisal and glass
fibers was reinforced into the epoxy matrix. The aforementioned mechanical properties were
optimally improved at 2-cm fiber length when compared with 1 and 3 cm fiber lengths.
Chemical resistance was also significantly improved for all chemicals except sodium
carbonates and toluene.

H.N. Ramesh et.al [23] describes the compaction and strength behavior of black cotton soil
(BC soil) reinforced with coir fibers. Coir used in this study is processed fiber from the husk
of coconuts. BC soil reinforced with coir fiber shows only marginal increase in the strength of
soil, inhibiting its use for ground improvement. In order to further increase the strength of the
soil-coir fiber combination, optimum percentage of 4% of lime is added. The effect of aspect
ratio, percentage fiber on the behavior of the composite soil specimen with curing is isolated
and studied. It is found that strength properties of optimum combination of BC soil-lime
specimens reinforced with coir fibers is appreciably better than untreated BC soil or BC soil
alone with coir fiber. Lime treatment in BC soil improves strength but it imparts brittleness in
soil specimen. BC soil treated with 4% lime and reinforced with coir fiber shows ductility
behavior before and after failure. An optimum fiber content of 1% (by weight) with aspect
ratio of 20 for fiber was recommended for strengthening BC soil.

Tong Yuanjian et.al [24] in this research the author conducted the series of experiments to
characterize the residual tensile and fatigue properties following impact of non-woven hemp
fibre mat reinforced polyester. Additionally, the degradation of tensile modulus during fatigue
cycling has been studied and related to the damage accumulation. For comparison purposes,
±45_ glass fibre reinforced polyester samples have also been subjected to similar tests. It was
found necessary to apply a relatively high pressure to the hemp composite during the curing
stage in order to ensure a high enough fibre fraction to provide a significant reinforcing effect.
With similar fibre weight fractions, the hemp and glass reinforced materials exhibited similar
static tensile properties and fatigue lifetimes. Although the slightly steeper S–N curve of the

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hemp based material indicated a higher rate of reduction in fatigue strength with increasing
cycles, it remained above the S–N curve for the glass based material showing that it was able
to withstand slightly higher cyclic stress levels for equivalent numbers of cycles. The major
difference in mechanical performance was the poorer resistance of the hemp based composite
to impact. Also, the hemp based material failed in a much more brittle manner, without any
visible signs of damage, such as the matrix cracking that was seen in the glass fibre based
composite. It was found that, if the fatigue lifetime data of impact damaged samples were
normalized against the post-impact residual tensile strength, then all data points lay close to a
common S–N curve. This implies that residual fatigue lifetimes of damaged samples could be
predicted from knowledge of their residual strength and the S–N curve for undamaged
material.

Nikki Sgriccia et.al [25] in this work untreated and treated surfaces of natural fibers were
characterized using FTIR and ESEM. Changes in the peaks in the FTIR spectrum at 1730,
1625 and 1239 cm-1 indicated that the alkali treatment removes hemicellulose and lignin from
natural fiber surfaces. ESEM indicated the presence of silane on treated hemp and kenaf.
Water absorption experiments were also conducted to determine saturation mass gain. Alkali
treated fiber composites absorbed more water than silane treated or untreated composites. The
natural fiber composites absorbed more water than the glass fiber composites.

Singh V. K et.al [26] studied the mechanical behavior of banana fiber based hybrid bio
composites. In this research author prepared the banana fiber and silica powder reinforced
composite material. Scanning electron microscopy shows that banana fibers are well dispersed
in the resin matrix. Addition of fiber increases the modulus of elasticity and decreases the
ultimate tensile strength of the epoxy. And further addition of silica also increases the modulus
of elasticity reduces the ultimate tensile strength. Addition of banana highly reduces yield
strength and addition of silica gives better results than banana reinforced composites but still
having yield strength highly reduced. Banana reinforced improve the impact strength of epoxy
materials. Addition of fibers increases the capacity of water absorption. This test is necessary
where the composites are used in moisture affected areas. Addition of banana fiber reduces
bending strength and addition of silica with banana has not given better bending strength than
banana fiber reinforced composites.

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Kristiina Oksman et.al [28] Investigated the influence of fibre morphology of different
natural fibres on the composites mechanical properties and on the fibre breakage due to
extrusion process. The composite materials were manufactured using LTF (long fibre
thermoplastic) extrusion and compression moulding and the used fibres were sisal, banana,
jute and flax, and the matrix was a polypropylene. The results showed that sisal composites
had the best impact properties and the longest fibres after the extrusion. Generally, the
composites flexural stiffness was increased with increased fibre content for all fibres, being
highest for flax composites. The flexural strength was not affected by the addition of fibres
because of the low compatibility. The addition of 2 wt.% maleated polypropylene significantly
improved the composites properties. Unlike the other three fibres, flax fibres were separated
into individual elementary fibres during the process due to enzymatic retting and low lignin
content.

Mark C Symington et.al [29] In this paper, a vacuum infusion rig is described that has been
developed to produce consistent quality composite plates for studies into optimising natural
fibre composites. The process aims to harness the benefits of vacuum infusion and
compression moulding, where vacuum infusion encourages the removal of trapped air in the
system and hence void reduction, and additional compression moulding can help to achieve
high volume fractions that are otherwise difficult in other processes.

Byoung-Ho Lee et.al [30] Investigated the Mechanical properties of Natural fiber reinforced
polypropylene (PP) biocomposites were fabricated by blending long-and-discontinuous (LD)
natural fibers (NF) with LD PP fibers. Firstly, random fiber mats were prepared by mixing
NFs and PP fibers using a carding process. Then, heat and pressure were applied to the mats,
such that the PP fibers dispersed in the mats melted and flowed out, resulting in the formation
of consolidated sheets upon subsequent cooling. The effect of the fiber volume fraction on the
mechanical properties of the bio-composites was scrutinized by carrying out tensile and
flexural tests and observing the interface between the fiber and matrix. It was observed that the
natural LD fiber content needs to be maintained at less than the nominal fiber fraction of 40 %
by weight for the composites fabricated using the current method, which is quite low
compared to that of continuous or short fiber reinforced composites. The limited fiber fraction

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can be explained by the void content in the biocomposites, which may be caused by the non-
uniform packing or the deficiency of the matrix PP fibers.

J. Andersonset.al [32] In this research Elementary flax fibres of different gauge lengths are
tested by single fibre tension in order to obtain the stress–strain response and strength and
failure strain distributions. The applicability of single fibre fragmentation test for flax fibre
failure strain and strength characterization is considered. It is shown that fibre fragmentation
test can be used to determine the fibre length effect on mean fibre strength and limit strain.

A. K. Bledzki et.al [34] In this work Abaca fibre reinforced PP composites were fabricated
with different fibre loadings (20, 30, 40, 50 wt% and in some cases 35 and 45 wt%). Flax and
jute fibre reinforced PP composites were also fabricated with 30 wt% fibre loading. The
mechanical properties, odour emission and structure properties were investigated for those
composites. Tensile, flexural and Charpy impact strengths were found to increase for fibre
loadings up to 40 wt% and then decreased. Falling weight impact tests were also carried out
and the same tendency was observed. Owing to the addition of coupling agent (maleated
polypropylene -MAH-PP), the tensile, flexural and falling weight impact properties were
found to increase in between 30 to 80% for different fibre loadings. When comparing jute and
flax fibre composites with abaca fibre composites, jute fibre composites provided best tensile
properties but abaca fibre polypropylene composites were shown to provide best notch Charpy
and falling weight impact properties. Odours released by flax fibre composites were smaller
than jute and abaca fibre composites.

Byoung-Ho Lee et.al [35] Investigated the Mechanical properties of the biocomposites. Bio-
composites comprised of kenaf fiber reinforced polylactide are fabricated by carding followed
by treatment with a 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxy silane and hot-pressing. The effects of the
silane coupling agent on composite properties was highly beneficial leading to increased
moduli and heat defection temperatures as well as reduced water swelling. Swelling is found
to increase with increasing kenaf loading levels but to decrease with increasing coupling agent
concentrations. Mechanical properties of the biocomposites at tempertaures above the glass
transition are vastly improved in comparison to the base PLA polymer. As little as 10 wt.%
kenaf fiber in PLA provides a heat distortion temperature in excess of 1400C when combined

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with the coupling agent. The thermal stability towards degradation is slightly decreased
relative to the base PLA and the ash content is increased. Thermal properties such as the glass
transition, melting temperature, and percent crystallinity of the matrix PLA are largely
unaffected by incorporation into the composites. Evidence of successful reaction of the silane
with the kenaf fibers is provided by FTIR and implied by decreased swelling in water. A
prototypical automotive headliner is fabricated as a means of demonstrating the viability of the
present bio-composites in real manufacturing processes.

Pijus Kanti Khatua et.al [37] In this study the suitability of using composite materials made
from renewable natural fibre i.e. non-oven jute felt and jute stick fibre with suitable aqua
based binder for manufacturing of flush door shutter of solid core type was investigated. Flush
door shutter of solid core type has been made using jute composite in the form of non-woven
fiber felt of weight 1900 to 1950 gm/m2 and of thickness 10 mm by impregnating with low
condensed PF resin liquid (resol type of 50% solid content). In addition to this, particle-
reinforced composite board made from jute stick available from stem of jute plant was also
used for the development of this product. Here, more than 80 percent of materials used are
natural fibre as an alternative substitute of wood to minimise the gap between demand and
supply by using 100 percentage indigenous technologies which in turns saves foreign
exchange for the country. Some of the physico-mechanical properties like swelling, tensile
strength, Internal bond strength, screw and nail holding strength; glue shear strength etc. of the
flush door has been studied. Properties and the appearance of the door were found to be
greatly influenced by the dilution of resin matrix.

C. Alves et.al [38] studied through LCA method demonstrates the possibility to use natural
fibers through a case study design which investigates the environmental improvements related
to the replacement of glass fibers for natural jute fibers, to produce a structural frontal bonnet
of an off-road vehicle (Buggy). Results pointed out the advantages of applying jute fiber
composites in Buggy enclosures.

V. Naga Prasad Naidu et.al [40] In this work the author prepared the hybrid composites of
unsaturated polyester based sisal/glass fibre hybrid composites and investigated the thermal
conductivity of hybrid ccomposites. The sisal is a natural fibre which is also biodegradable
and glass fibre is a synthetic fibre. These two natural and synthetic fibres are combined in the

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same matrix (unsaturated polyester) to make sisal/glass fibre hybrid composites and the
thermal conductivity of these hybrid composites was studied. A significant improvement in
thermal conductivity of sisal/glass fibre hybrid composites has been found. The chalk powder
(additive) is also added to the resin (unsaturated polyester) in proportions of 1%,2%,3% by
weight of resin respectively and sisal/glass fibre hybrid composites were prepared by using
this resin to study the effect of chalk powder on heat capacity of these hybrid composites. It is
also observed that as the chalk powder quantity increases the thermal conductivity also
increases.

Rajesh D. Anandjiwala et.al [42] Investigated the newer products and techniques that can
improve the properties of bast fibre based composites as well as potential structural and non-
structural applications which can increase their market share.

J. L. Lopez et.al [43] studied the effects of moisture, temperature, and ultraviolet (UV) light
on performance of natural-fiber–plastic composites (NFPC). We conducted short-term tests in
the laboratory and long-term tests under natural exposure and measured changes in mechanical
properties and color in samples of the composite. Chemical changes of the composite’s
materials were measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to elucidate the mechanisms of
chemical transformations on the material surface. Relative humidity highly affected the
modulus of rupture (MOR) and the modulus of elasticity (MOE), and had a greater effect than
temperature and UV exposure on performance of the composite. The lightness of the
composite was increased by the UV effect in the short- and the long-term tests. The X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggested that the composite was protected by the
UV absorber.

J. Giridhar et.al [44] Investigated the moisture absorption behaviours of sisal and jute fibre
composites in an epoxy matrix under immersion conditions. Sisal fibres in spite of possessing
more compact structure than jute fibres, exhibited higher moisture absorption levels in' their
Composite form contrary to expectations. This tendency was attributed to the high cellulose
content and a possible interfacial effect in the former.

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D. Chandramohan et.al [45] studied on the biomaterials progress in the field of orthopaedics.
An effort to utilize the advantages offered by renewable resources for the development of
biocomposite materials based on biopolymers and natural fibers, this research work focuses on
fabrication of natural fiber powdered material (Sisal (Agave sisalana), Banana (Musa
sepientum) and Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) reinforced polymer composite plate material
with bio epoxy resin Grade as a replacement for orthopaedics alloys such as Titanium, Cobalt
chrome, Stainless steel and Zirconium and this plate material can be used for both internal
fixation and external fixation on fractured bone.

Fei Yao et.al [46] In this research Dynamic TG analysis under nitrogen was used to
investigate the thermal decomposition processes of 10 types of natural fibers commonly used
in the polymer composite industry. These fibers included wood, bamboo, agricultural residue,
and bast fibers. Various degradation models including the Kissinger, Friedman, Flynne Walle
Ozawa, and modified Coatse Redfern methods were used to determine the apparent activation
energy of these fibers. For most natural fibers approximately 60% of the thermal
decomposition occurred within a temperature range between 215 and 310 _C. The result also
showed that apparent activation energy of 160e170 kJ/mol was obtained for most of the
selected fibers throughout the polymer processing temperature range. These activation energy
values allow developing a simplified approach to understand the thermal decomposition
behavior of natural fibers as a function of polymer composite processing.

L.Y. Mwaikambo et.al [47] Investigated the effect of chemical treatment on the properties of
hemp, sisal, jute and kapok fibres for composite reinforcement. Two chemical treatments were
applied to hemp, sisal, jute and kapok natural fibres to create better fibre to resin bonding in
natural composite materials. The natural fibres have been treated with varying concentrations
of caustic soda with the objective of removing surface impurities and developing fine structure
modifications in the process of mercerisation. The same fibres were also acetylated with and
without an acid catalyst to graft acetyl groups onto the cellulose structure, in order to reduce
the hydrophilic tendency of the fibres and enhance weather resistance.

George et al. [50] investigated the relationship between the moisture absorption of pineapple-
leaf fiber reinforced low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites with different fiber

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loadings. They found that the moisture absorption increased almost linearly with the fiber
loading.

Joseph et al. [51] studied the environmental effects on sisal fiber reinforced PP
composites. Water uptake of the composite was found to increase with fiber content and
leveled off at longer periods. The chemically modified fiber composites showed a reduction in
water uptake because of better interfacial bonding. Water uptake of the composite was found
to increase with temperature since temperature activates the diffusion process. Reduction
in tensile properties was observed due to the plasticization effect of water. The fiber/matrix
bonding becomes weak with increasing moisture content, resulting in interfacial
failure.

Stark [52] found that wood flour-polypropylene (PP) composites with 20 wt% wood flour
reached equilibrium after 1500 h in a water bath and absorbed only 1.4% moisture while
composites with 40 wt% loading reached equilibrium after 1200 h water submersion and
absorbed approximately 9.0% moisture. After the analysis, she concluded that the wood flour
is inhibited from absorbing moisture due to encapsulation of the wood flour by the PP matrix
and that the degree of encapsulation is greater for the 20% wood flour composite than that for
the 40% wood flour composite.

Yuan et al. [53] studied the plasma treatment of sisal fibers and its effects on tensile strength
and interfacial bonding. They suggested that the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and
matrix could be enhanced by cleaned and chemically modified fiber surface. The strong
intermolecular fiber-matrix bonding decreases the rate of moisture absorption in bio-
composite.

Stamboulis et al. [54] reported that the moisture absorption and swelling of the treated
flax fiber polypropylene composites is approximately 30% lower than that of composites
based on untreated flax fibers.

Thomas et al. [55], while studying water absorption characteristics of sisal fiber polyester
composites found that diffusion coefficient decreases with chemical treatment of fiber. In
addition to this the chemical treatment also decreases water absorption capacity of the

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composite. They also showed that the composite with benzoyl-chloride treated sisal fiber
composite exhibited lower water absorption capacity.

Summary of Literature Survey

After reviewing the exiting literature available on the natural fiber composite efforts
are put to understand the basic needs of the growing composite industry. The conclusions
drawn from this is that, the success of combining vegetable natural fibers with polymer
matrices results in the improvement of mechanical properties of the composite compared with
the matrix material. These fillers are cheap and non toxic can be obtain from renewable source
and are easily recyclable. Moreover despite of their low strength, they can lead to composites
with high specific strength because of their low density.

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