Characterization of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymers

The usage of composite material for engineering applications is increasing to derive various advantages such as reduction in weight, corrosion resistance, ability to tailor designing, manufacturing process flexibility, high strength to weight ratio. However the usages of synthetic reinforcements are not biodegradable, the usage is restricted for commercial applications since this leads to environmental problems. The present work focuses on the characterization of natural fiber reinforced polymers to know their commercial applications. In this direction the natural jute fibers are used to investigate the compatibility of fibers with them set polymer matrix materials such as polyester. Since these natural fibers require a suitable chemical treatment the author is in the opinion of exploring the influence of the mode of treatment is very important to make the composite laminate with acceptable mechanical properties. The components made of treated natural fibers have better properties and cost effective compared to the complete wood based products. As the jute fiber is biodegradable and low cost, hence the present work would like to explore the applications for domestic and engineering applications. This work consist of the experimental work and test results and suggests better manufacturing practices to prepare natural fiber reinforced composite material.