Composite Material

Natural Fibre
Introduction, properties, and application.

Prepared by: Nur Areisman Salleh

Lesson Plan
Define the term of fibre, composite.
Explain the difference between
thermoplastic and thermosetting.
Advantages of using natural fibres.
Explain the type of natural fibres and
their application.
Introduction
Fibre

Natural or synthetic string used as a component of composite materials, or

when matted into sheets, used to make products such as paper, papyrus, or
felt.

Composites

Combination of two or more materials which is reinforcing phase (fibre) and

matrix phase.

Fibre Reinforced Polymer

Fibre as reinforcing phase to enhance the strength and elasticity of plastic.
Matrix phase (polymer) act as a binder and a medium to transfer stresses
between reinforcing fibres.
Types of polymer matrices
Types of polymer matrices
Thermosets
Petrochemical material that irreversibly cures.
The cure may be induced by heat (200C),
through a chemical reaction or suitable
irradiation.
Usually in liquid/malleable form.
Ex: Epoxy, polyimides, UF.
Types of polymer matrices
Thermoplastics
Plastic material that become pliable or moldable
above a specific temperature and soldifies upon
cooling.
Reversible process thus make it recycle materials.
Ex: Polyester, nylon.
Classification of natural
fibres
Natural fibres
Plant fibre
Animal fibre
Mineral fibre
Advantages of natural fibres
composites
Low cost
Environmental friendly
Good thermal and acoustic insulating
properties.
Plant Fibres
Plant fibre
Consist of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and
pectin.
General properties of plant fibers are normally
rigid due to the crystalline cellulose micro fibril-
reinforced amorphous lignin and with
hemicellulosic material.
However, the mechanical properties somehow is
lower when compared with fiber reinforced glass.
Application (plant fibre)
Give advance in strength, lightweight and
noise absorption.
Commercially important in the automotive
and building industry, i.e roofing.
As low modulus furniture, clothes, textile
industries.
Animal Fibres
Animal Fibre
Consist of protein.
Can be divided into two types which is
Animal hair (wool, human hair, feather).
Silk fibre
Application (animal fibre)
used as alternatives for producing composite materials which may have

great scope in value added application including bio-engineering and

medical applications.

In the textile industries, a lot of waste wool fibers and their products

induce actions which lead to the regeneration of wool keratin materials.

Animal fiber reinforced composite - applications in the automotive,

aerospace and sports equipment industries.

Advantage of animal fiber composite materials is that they can be

tailored to meet the specific structure such as face brush makeup,

blanket etc.
Mineral Fibres
Mineral Fibre
Asbestos is known as the only natural
occuring mineral fibre.
Asbestos fibre are silicate compound which
contain silicon and oxygen in their
molecular structure.
The crystal in these fibre forms a long, thin,
and flexible fibre when seperated.
Application (mineral fibre)
Used in making fireproof materials and also
insulation products (thermal and electrical)
Widely used for the fabrication of papers
and felts for flooring and roofing products.
Develop products for the automotive,
electronic, and printing industries.
Q&A

???