FINAL YEAR
NATURAL FIBER
PROJECT
COMPOSITES
Under the supervision of Dr. Sant ram Chauhan
Deparment of Mechanical Engineering
National Institute of Technology
Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh-177005
Group members:
Dheeraj(22BME041),Aaradhya(22BME002
),Aayush(22BME003),Abhinav(22BME006
)
Outline of the
1.) Introduction
presentation
2.) Types and classification
3.) Literature review
4.)Research gap
5.)Future aspects
6.)Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
Natural Fiber
NaturalComposite:
fiber composites are materials made by
combining natural plant fibers (like jute, coir, or
banana) with a polymer matrix. They are
lightweight, biodegradable, and eco-friendly
alternatives to synthetic composites. These
materials offer good mechanical strength, low
cost, and are widely used in automotive and
structural applications for sustainable
development.
Classification of Natural fiber composites
1. BASED ON SOURCE OF FIBER:
PLANT FIBERS: JUTE, COIR, BANANA, HEMP, FLAX, BAMBOO
ANIMAL FIBERS: WOOL, SILK
MINERAL FIBERS: BASALT, ASBESTOS
2. BASED ON MATRIX MATERIAL:
POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES (PMC) – MOST COMMON
(EPOXY, POLYESTER)
METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES (MMC) – LIGHT METALS LIKE
ALUMINUM
CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES (CMC) – HIGH-TEMPERATURE
APPLICATIONS
3. BASED ON FIBER STRUCTURE:
CONTINUOUS FIBERS – LONG AND ALIGNED
DISCONTINUOUS FIBERS – SHORT AND RANDOM
4. BASED ON FABRICATION FORM:
LAMINATED COMPOSITES
WOVEN COMPOSITES
RANDOM MAT COMPOSITES
LITERATURE REVIEW
JUTE FIBER:
Objective (Jute Fiber Composite):
To develop a lightweight and eco-friendly composite
using jute fiber and epoxy resin, and to evaluate its
mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and
impact strength.
Methodology (Jute Fiber Composite)
• Jute fibers cleaned, dried, and treated with NaOH for better
bonding.
• Epoxy resin and hardener mixed in proper ratio.
• Layers of jute fiber and resin placed using hand lay-up
method.
• Composite cured for 24 hours at room temperature.
• Specimens cut as per ASTM standards.
• Mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, impact) performed and
results analyzed.
BAMBOO FIBER:
Objective (Bamboo Fiber Composite):
To fabricate a strong and lightweight composite
using bamboo fiber and epoxy resin, and to
evaluate its mechanical properties such as tensile,
flexural, and impact strength for sustainable
applications.
Bamboo Composite Methology:
• Preparation: Harvest, mechanically reduce, and chemically treat bamboo for clean,
isolated fibers.
• Drying: Remove moisture to ensure fiber-matrix compatibility.
• Surface Modification: Apply coupling agents (e.g., Silane) to maximize adhesion.
• Compounding: Mix the treated fibers with the chosen polymer matrix (e.g., Epoxy, PP).
• Fabrication: Form the composite using techniques like Compression Molding or Hand
Lay-up.
• Curing: Solidify the final product through heat and pressure application.
WOOL FIBER:
Wool fiber's objective is to valorize textile waste
while providing natural fire resistance and
superior thermal/acoustic insulation to
composite materials.
Wool Fiber Composite Methodology:
[Link] (Scouring): Cleanse raw/waste wool using water/detergents (scouring) to remove dirt,
lanolin, and impurities.
[Link] Modification (Surface Treatment): Apply chemical treatment (e.g., alkali/silane) to improve
the bond between the hydrophilic wool and the polymer matrix.
[Link]: Thoroughly remove all moisture to prevent steam voids and ensure dimensional stability
in the final composite.
[Link]/Lay-up: Disperse the treated wool (as short fibers or mats) into the chosen matrix (e.g.,
epoxy, PLA, cement) using hand lay-up or blending.
[Link] (Molding): Shape the material using pressure/heat techniques like Compression
Molding or Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).
[Link]/Solidification: Apply the necessary heat and time to cure the resin, setting the final, rigid
RESINS
Resin is the matrix (binder) material in a composite.
t transfers the applied load between the reinforcing fibers and
protects them from environmental damage.
Common types include thermosets (Epoxy, Polyester) which
irreversibly cure into a rigid, protective structure.
Phenol Formaldehyde(PF) resin:
Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) resin, or phenolic resin, is a
versatile thermosetting polymer synthesized from
phenol and formaldehyde.
It is renowned for its excellent heat resistance (high
LOI), dimensional stability, and fire-retardant properties.
RESEARCH GAP The major research gaps in natural fiber composites are:
• Interfacial Adhesion: Developing scalable, non-toxic surface treatments to improve the
poor bonding between hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic polymers.
• Moisture Absorption: Effectively reducing the high water uptake of natural fibers, which
degrades composite mechanical properties.
• Thermal Stability: Enhancing the heat resistance of the fibers to enable high-temperature
processing and use in engineering applications.
• Property Consistency: Establishing standardization to minimize the wide variation in fiber
properties due to natural growth and processing conditions.
• Long-Term Durability: Understanding and improving long-term performance and
biodegradation resistance under diverse environmental conditions.
FUTURE ASPECTS OF NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITES FIELD:
The future of natural fiber composites is focused on:
• Hybridization: Creating high-performance materials by
combining natural fibers with minimal synthetic
reinforcement.
• Nanoreinforcement: Integrating nanocellulose to
drastically improve strength, stiffness, and moisture
resistance.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Utilizing 3D printing and
automated processes for complex, reliable structural
parts.
• High-End Applications: Expanding use in structural
components for the automotive, aerospace, and wind
energy industries.
• Full Sustainability: Developing entirely bio-based and
fully recyclable composite systems.
CONCLUSION
The research confirms that natural fiber composites are the future of sustainable engineering.
The final challenge is optimizing performance through nanoreinforcement and hybridization to conquer issues
like moisture. We are now seeing these green, lightweight materials transition from alternatives to the
standard for industries like automotive and aerospace.
The future of materials is sustainable, and we are leading that change.
REFERENCES 1. Foundational/Classic Reviews:
Faruk, O., Bledzki, A. K., Fink, H. P., & Sain, M. (2012). Biocomposites Reinforced with Natural Fibers: 2000–2010. Progress in Polymer
Science, 37(11), 1552–1596.
2. Current Trend: Hybridization and Structural Applications:
aba, N., Jawaid, M., Alothman, O. Y., & Paridah, M. T. (2016). Recent advances in hybrid composites: a review. Journal of Renewable
Materials, 4(3), 195–216.
3. Future Trend: Nanoreinforcement (Nanocellulose):
Reddy, J. S., & Rhim, J.-W. (2020). Nanocellulose-reinforced bio-nanocomposites for environmental and industrial applications. Polymers,
12(5), 1184.
THANKYOU
