A review of leaf fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract The utilization of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite has received greater attention in various fields due to its recyclability; inexpensive, nonabrasive, specific properties; light-weight, naturally decomposed, abundant availability; etc. Natural fibers are generally lignocellulosic and multicellular, a better alternate to the synthetic materials. Among the natural fibers, leaf fibers are hard fibers, used in the making of filaments, threads, ropes, mats, fabrics, etc. PALF, sisal, henequen, cantala, fique, alfa, and sansevieria family are the examples of the leaf fibers. The present comprehensive review aims to provide different types of leaf fibers, their properties, and their reinforced composites. The effect of various factors like fiber volume fraction, fiber aspect ratio (length/diameter), fiber orientation, packing arrangement, matrix content and coupling agents, and processing techniques towards the mechanical properties of leaf fiber-reinforced polymer composites, is discussed. The surface modification of fiber such as alkaline, silane, KMnO4, and their effects on the mechanical properties is given. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water absorption (WA) characteristics are also discussed

Physical Properties of Plant Fibers (Sisal, Coir) and Its Composite Material with Tamarind Seed Gum as Low-Cost Housing Material

In this study, the physical properties of sisal and coir fibers have been described. Using manual extraction procedures, the sisal fibers were extracted from the sisal plant and coir fibers from the coconut palm. Thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry, structural morphology by scanning electron microscopy, and the degree of sharpness of the equatorial reflections of the X-ray fiber diffraction pattern were recorded for the untreated sisal and coir fibers. Tensile strength was determined for the single fiber and the results are correlated with the tensile strength of bundle fibers. Composite material has been prepared with this plant fiber as a filler and tamarind seed gum as a matrix material. The endosperms of roasted tamarind seeds were used for the preparation of tamarind seed gum solution. The different temperature condition maintained for roasting the seeds are 130°C, 160°C, and 180°C. The tensile strength of the prepared composite material is measured and it shows dependency of the roasting temperature condition of the tamarind seed. Scanning electron microscopy and water resistivity test were conducted, and the results were reported for the prepared composite material. Low-cost housing is made using this biodegradable sisal fiber--tamarind seed gum composite material