Source:Textile Review
A composite material is made by combining two ormore materials to give a unique combination of properties, one ofwhich is made up of stiff, long fibres, and the other, a binder or'matrix' which holds the fibres in place. The fibres are strong and stiffrelative to the matrix and are generally orthotropic. Composites are
A composite material is made by combining two ormore materials to give a unique combination of properties, one of which is madeup of stiff, long fibres, and the other, a binder or 'matrix' which holds thefibres in place. The fibres are strong and stiff relative to the matrix and aregenerally orthotropic. Composites are a versatile and valuable family ofmaterials that can solve problems of different applications, improveproductivity, lower cost and facilitate the introduction of new properties inmaterials. Among all the synthetic fibers, glass fibers are now dominant due totheir low cost (compared to carbon and aramid) and comparatively betterphysico-mechanical properties. However, the manufacture, use and removal of traditionalcomposite structures made of glass, carbon and aramid fibers are considerednegatively due to growing environmental consciousness. For this reason,alternative reinforcement with natural fiber in composites has recently gainedattention due to low cost, low density, acceptable specific properties, ease ofseparation, enhanced energy recovery, C02 neutrality, biodegradability, andrecyclable nature. Though the pioneering work in natural fiber thermoplasticcomposites started in 1970 lot of development has taken place. Among all thenatural fibers, jute appears to be the most useful, inexpensive, andcommercially available fiber, which can be moulded into a variety of flat- andcomplex shaped components by exploiting their attractive reinforcing potential.
About the Authors :
Supriyo Chakraborty
Originallypublished in Textile Review: June 2010
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