Effect of reinforcements on polymer matrix bio-composites – an overview

Abstract

Abstract The inherent properties of bio-composites such as biodegradability, environment friendly, low cost of production, high strength and durability make them a suitable replacement to traditional materials such as glass and nylon. Bio-polymers are finding wide applications due to their intrinsic properties such as low density, low thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and ease of manufacturing complex shapes. This paper aims toward a comprehensive study on polymer bio-composites. The review mainly focuses on types of reinforcements such as natural fibers, seed shells, animal fibers, cellulose, bio-polymers, bio-chemicals and bioceramics which enhance the mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, Young’s modulus and creep behavior, of the composites. The pertinent study carried out in this review explores an enormous potentiality of the composites toward a wide variety of applications.