Properties and Performance of Natural-Fibre Composites (Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering) - Hardcover

K. Pickering

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1845692675 ISBN 13: 9781845692674

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing Ltd, 2008

Synopsis

One of the major hurdles to widespread acceptance of natural fibre composites is a lack of information about their mechanical properties and failure mechanisms in a single source. This book addresses the problem. It examines the properties of natural fibre composites and the methods by which they fail. It gives an overview of the different types of natural fibre composite and case studies showing their applications. The mechanical properties of both thermoplastic and thermoset matrix composites are covered along with their long term performance. Readers will gain a better understanding of how natural fibre composites can be used as substitutes for conventionally reinforced composites.

Key Features: provides an overview of the types of natural fibres used in composites; discusses fibre-matrix interface and how it can be engineered to improve performance; examines the increasing use of natural-fibre composites in automotive and structural engineering and the packaging and energy sector; considers methods used to assess the mechanical performance of natural fibre composites.

Contents: Part 1 Natural-fibre composites: Natural fibres for composite applications: types and properties; Matrices for natural-fibre reinforced composites; Engineering the fibre/matrix interface in natural-fibre composites; Processing techniques for natural and wood-fibre composites; Development of non-wood natural-fibre composites; Cellulose nanocomposites. Part 2 Case studies and opportunities: Natural-fibre composites in the automotive sector; Natural-fibre composites in structural applications; Natural-fibre-biodegradable polymer composites for packaging; Opportunities for using wood and biofibers for energy, chemical feedstocks and structural applications; Market issues and considerations in development of natural/wood-fibre composites. Part 3 Performance of natural-fibre composites: Mechanical testing of natural-fibre composites; Mechanical performance of thermoplastic matrix natural fibre composites; Long-term performance of natural-fibre composites; Modelling natural-fibre composites.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Kim Pickering is a Senior Lecturer in the Engineering Department at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. She is internationally-known for her research in the area of natural-fibre composites.

From the Back Cover

Concern about global warming has led to renewed interest in the more sustainable use of natural fibres in composite materials. This important book reviews the wealth of recent research into improving the mechanical properties of natural-fibre thermoplastic composites so that they can be more widely used.

The first part of the book provides an overview of the main types of natural fibres used in composites, how they are processed and, in particular, the way the fibre-matrix interface can be engineered to improve performance. Part two discusses the increasing use of natural-fibre composites in such areas as automotive and structural engineering, packaging and the energy sector. The final part of the book discusses ways of assessing the mechanical performance of natural-fibre composites.

With its distinguished editor and team of contributors, Properties and performance of natural-fibre composites will be a valuable reference for all those using these important materials in such areas as automotive and structural engineering.

Edition details

• Publisher: Woodhead Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1845692675
• ISBN 13: 9781845692674
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 576
• Editor: K. Pickering