E-Book Overview
Environmental concerns drive the demand for bio-degradable materials such as plant-based natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. These composites are fast replacing conventional materials in many applications, especially in automobiles, where tribology (friction, lubrication, and wear) is important. This book covers the availability and processing of natural fiber polymer composites and their structural, thermal, mechanical and, in particular, tribological properties. Chapter 1 discusses sources of natural fibers, their extraction and surface modification. It also reviews the thermal, structural, mechanical, spectroscopic and morphological properties of unmodified and chemically modified natural fibers such as sisal, jute, wood, bamboo and cotton together with their potential applications. Chapter 2 gives a brief introduction to the tribology of polymer composites and the role of fiber reinforcement and fillers in modifying their tribological properties. Further chapters discuss the chemical composition, physical structure, mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of polymer composites reinforced with sisal, jute, cotton and bamboo fibers. The tribological behaviour of wood polymer composites (WPCs) is also discussed. Tribology of natural fibre polymer composites will be a useful reference guide for engineers, scientific and technical personnel involved in the development of natural fiber composites. In particular it will give an insight into mechanical properties and failure mechanisms in situations where wear, lubrication and friction are a problem.
E-Book Content
i Tribology of natural fiber polymer composites ii Related titles: Green composites: polymer composites and the environment (ISBN 978-1-85573-739-6) There is a growing movement of scientists and engineers dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of polymer composite production. Life-cycle assessment is of paramount importance at every stage of a product’s life, from initial synthesis through to final disposal and a sustainable society needs environmentally safe materials and processing methods. With an internationally recognised team of authors, Green composites examines polymer composite production and explains how the environmental footprint can be minimised at every stage of the life-cycle. Wood–polymer composites (ISBN 978-1-84569-272-8) Wood–polymer composites are becoming more accepted in advanced engineering applications. The latest generation of wood–polymer composites are being used in automotive, civil and marine engineering. Advances in durability, mechanical properties and materials used in production have allowed a significant increase in their use in outdoor applications such as decking, fencing, utility poles and exterior woodwork on buildings. Wood–polymer composites are also more sustainable than other, traditional, composites and possess a consistency in quality that cannot be achieved by wood alone. This book provides a comprehensive survey of major developments in wood–polymer composites and presents current research from leading innovators around the world. Design and manufacture of textile composites (ISBN 978-1-85573-744-0) This book brings together the design, manufacture and applications of textile composites. The term ‘textile composites’ is often used to describe a rather narrow range of materials, based on three-dimensional reinforcements produced using specialist equipment. The intention here though is to describe the broad range of polymer composite materials with textile reinforcements, from woven and non-crimp commodity fabrics to 3-D textiles. Whilst attention is given to modelling of textile structures, composites manufacturing methods and subsequent component performance, it is substantially a practical book intended to help all those developing new products with textile composites. Deta