Physical modification of natural fibers and thermoplastic films for composites : a review

摘要

The article throws light on the physical methods to modify naturalfibers to be used in composites. Physical methods in natural fiber processing are usedto separate natural fiber bundles into individual filaments and to modify the surfacestructure of the fibers so as to improve the use of natural fibers in composites. Steamexplosion and thermomechanical processes fall in the first category while plasma,dielectric barrier techniques and corona fall in the second. The physical treatmentshave also been used to modify the thermoplastic polymeric films like polyethyleneand polypropylene in a bid to impart reactivity. Reviewing such developments, theareas for further research are suggested.