Testing of Natural Fiber Composites

Abstract

Efforts have been made to develop biodegradable and environment-friendly materials due to environmental issues and increased dependency on fossil fuels. The usage of natural materials in composites has increased, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a lower carbon footprint for composites. Green composites have the potential to be a viable replacement for petroleum-based materials. However, it cannot be accomplished without addressing a number of concerns, including but not limited to the adhesion of the matrix with the natural fibers, reduced fire resistance, hydrophilic nature, less impact strength, durability, etc. Researchers have explored the performance of the composites reinforced with natural fibers in terms of different characterizations like physical testing (Surface morphology, thermal testing, moisture absorption, etc.), mechanical testing (tensile, compression, flexural, impact, hardness, etc.), and nondestructive testing (ultrasonic, radiography, etc.). This chapter includes the standard test methods used for these tests and the properties of natural fiber composites obtained after testing.