CHARACTERIZATION AND TREATMENT OF WATER HYACINTH FIBERS FOR NFRP COMPOSITES

摘要

The widespread application of carbon, aramid, glass and other high-modulus and high-strength fibers as reinforcement for plastic materials has pose problem in handling its final disposal due to resistance to degradation of the plastic composite. In addition, these fibers are derived from non-renewable resources; hence, the future demand for the use of these fibers in high strength applications will push prices higher as their supply dwindles. To address this issue, many research investigations have been undertaken on the use of natural fibers as plastic reinforcement to substitute for the synthetic fibers in medium-strength industrial applications. Natural fibers have a major advantage over synthetic ones such as they are environmentally friendly, cheaper, more lightweight, and have high specific mechanical and thermal properties. The presence of the biodegradable fibers improves the overall mechanical properties of the polymeric composites as well as contributes to its capacity for carbon sequestration.