Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties of Natural Fibers/Polymer Biocomposites

Abstract

In the present communication a study on the preparation and characterizations of Pine Needles (PN) reinforced polymers using Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix has been reported. Pine Needles (PN) of different dimensions were used to prepare biocomposites. The influence of different fiber dimension on the mechanical properties of the composites was determined. Analysis of morphological (SEM) and thermal (TGA/DTA) properties of Pine Needles, PF resin and polymer composites have also been carried out. These polymer composites were further subjected to various standardized characterization tests such as swelling under different solvents, moisture absorption and chemical resistance analysis.