A review on new bio-based constituents for natural fiber-polymer composites. (15th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Väisänen, Taneli; Das, Oisik; Tomppo, Laura
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 149(2017)
• Page Start: 582
• Page End: 596
• Publication Date: 2017-04-15
• Subjects: Biochar -- Biocomposite -- Natural fibers -- Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- Mechanical properties -- Waste; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.02.132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Composite materials based on renewable agricultural and biomass feedstocks are increasingly utilized as these products significantly offset the use of fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in comparison with conventional petroleum-based materials. However, the inclusion of natural fibers in polymers introduces several challenges, such as excess water absorption and poor thermal properties, which need to be overcome to produce materials with comparable properties to the conventional composite materials. Instead of using rather expensive chemical and physical modification methods to eliminate these aforementioned challenges, a new trend of utilizing waste, residues, and process by-products in natural fiber-polymer composites (NFPCs) as additives or reinforcements may bring considerable enhancements in the properties of NFPCs in a sustainable and resilient manner. In this paper, the effects of waste materials, residues or process by-products of multiple types on NFPCs are critically reviewed and their potential as NFPC constituents is evaluated. Highlights: The principles of circular economy are increasingly emphasized in the development of new composite materials. Four major drawbacks associated with NFPCs were identified. The use of wastes or by-products of multiple types was shown to exert positive effects on the properties of NFPCs.