Chemical modifications of natural fiber for composite material

Abstract

Environmental awareness, increasing concern with th e green house effect and bio-degradation have hastened the construction, automotive and pack aging industries to look forward for sustainable materials with least impact on the exis ting surroundings. Natural fibers reinforced bio-degradable composites seem to be a good alterna tive because of their eco-friendly nature and renewability which make them eco-friendly attra cting materials for their application in diversified fields. Because of excellent character istics such as low weight, high strength and stiffness, natural fiber reinforced composite matri ces have found a large dispersal in several areas of technical applications. In this paper diff erent methods for chemical modification of natural fibers so as to incorporate water repellenc y, resistance towards chemicals and better mechanical properties, have been discussed.