Investigation on mechanical performance of cellulosic fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites

Abstract

newline In recent years, composite materials are used in large amounts for their high strength and less weight, easy processing and enormous applications in the areas of industry, construction and household. Polymer matrix composites have two important phases; they are the matrix and the reinforcement, the matrix phase acts as the bonding agent, while the reinforcing phase acts as the load distributing agent. Synthetic fibers like glass, carbon, etc. are used as reinforcement and epoxy, polyester resins are used as matrix. Polymer matrix composites are also more economical than their counterparts, i.e., metal matrix composites in terms of manufacturing. Polymer composites are emerging in almost all engineering fields, particularly in industries, construction and medicine. The major concern with polymer matrix composites with synthetic fiber reinforcements is their disposal after the useful life. Hence the natural fibers are used as reinforcements instead of synthetic fibers, as they are comparatively degradable than the synthetic fibers.