New Discovery in the Properties of Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers

Abstract

Composite materials with thermoplastic matrices and a reinforcement of natural fibers are increasingly regarded as an alternative to glass fiber-reinforced composites. The substitution of the traditionally used reinforcing glass fibers by natural fibers such as flax, kenaf, or cotton can lead to a reduction of the component's weight and furthermore to a significant improvement of specific properties like impact strength, crash behaviour, or sound absorption. One of the major fields of application for such materials can be found in structural components for the automotive industry. Product examples are door trim panels, headliners, or back panels. At present the processing of such materials into structural parts usually takes place by thermal compression molding. Semiproducts (so-called hybrid fleeces) are employed, which are generated by carding or air-laid processes and subsequent mechanical bonding. This paper presents a survey and latest developments on the material, processing technologies, and fields of applications. Furthermore, acoustical investigations on cotton-based composite materials are presented.