Natural fiber eco‐composites

TLDR

Natural fiber (NF) reinforced composites, or eco‑composites, are increasingly studied and commercialized due to environmental concerns, petroleum depletion, and new regulations demanding green materials. This article reviews the most suitable biodegradable polymer matrices and NF reinforcements for eco‑composites, and highlights existing commercial NF eco‑composites. The authors conduct a brief literature review of biodegradable polymer matrices and NF reinforcements used in eco‑composites, summarizing current commercial products. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers, Polym.

Abstract

Abstract The natural fiber (NF) reinforced composites, so called eco‐composites, are subject of many scientific and research projects, as well as many commercial programs. The growing global environmental and social concern, high rate of depletion of petroleum resources, and new environmental regulations have forced the search for new composites and green materials, compatible with the environment. The aim of this article is to present a brief review of the most suitable and commonly used biodegradable polymer matrices and NF reinforcements in eco‐composites, as well as some of the already produced and commercialized NF eco‐composites. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:98–107, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers