A Review of Natural Fiber Reinforced Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Based Composites: Application and Opportunity

Polymers

Boon Khoon Tan²  Yern Chee Ching²  Sin Chew Poh²  Luqman Chuah Abdullah³  Seng Neon Gan¹ 

[1] Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia;

关键词: fibers;    polymer-matrix composites (PMCs);    environmental degradation;    mechanical properties;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polym7111509

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Natural fibers are fine examples of renewable resources that play an important role in the composites industry, which produces superior strength comparable to synthetic fibers. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites in particular have attracted enormous interest in view of their satisfactory performance, properties and biodegradability. Their performance in many applications such as consumer, biomedical, and agriculture is well defined and promising. This paper reviews the utilization of natural fibers from macro to nanoscale as reinforcement in PVA composites. An overview on the properties, processing methods, biodegradability, and applications of these composites is presented. The advantages arising from chemical and physical modifications of fibers or composites are discussed in terms of improved properties and performance. In addition, proper arrangement of nanocellulose in composites helps to prevent agglomeration and results in a better dispersion. The limitations and challenges of the composites and future works of these bio-composites are also discussed. This review concludes that PVA composites have potential for use in numerous applications. However, issues on technological feasibility, environmental effectiveness, and economic affordability should be considered.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.