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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Mechanical performance of thermoplastic matrix natural-fibre composites

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Publisher Summary Natural-Fibre Composites (NFCs) are being considered as high-tech materials meant to replace conventional composites in high-performance applications. There are a number of advantages that natural fibres can offer compared with synthetic materials. Thermoplastic natural-fibre composites can be classified by the polymer used as a matrix as well as by the type of the fibre reinforcing the polymer. Currently, the main areas of application of thermoplastic NFCs are packaging, transportation and building industries. The packaging industry requires materials that possess specific properties, but that can also be easily discarded after use. This chapter discusses the mechanical properties of thermoplastic natural-fibre composites and grades their performance with respect to their synthetic counterparts. Tensile, flexural and compressive properties of NFCs are rather competitive compared with glass fibre composites, especially if comparison of specific properties is made. However, long-term performance, highly non-linear behaviour, low-impact strength and extreme sensitivity to temperature and moisture are weak points of thermoplastic matrix natural-fibre composites in terms of mechanical performance.