Natural Fiber Composites

Safely Design, Test, and Construct Products Made of Natural Fiber Composites
Natural fibers and their composites carry distinct advantages over industrial fibers. Some advantages-including renewability and availability of raw materials, and lower energy consumption-could help safeguard environmental resources and eventually replace synthetic composites and conventional materials. Natural Fiber Composites explores the growing use of natural fibers in composites and covers material properties, treatment and processing, modeling, applications, design, and other vital information on this subject.
Improve the Strength of Manufactured Composites, and Determine the Best Processing Technique
Incorporating independent pieces written by a team of international contributors, this book enables readers to analyze and design structural components using state-of-the-art information and methods. It provides an overview of natural fiber composites, details the superior specific mechanical properties of these materials, and presents development techniques and design case studies that can improve performance and enhance the process.
Natural Fiber Composites evaluates the value of natural fibers in composite materials, and offers introductory knowledge on natural fiber composites backed by internationally recognized experts in the field.

Raul D.S.G. Campilho was born in 1979. In 2003, he graduated with a college degree in mechanical engineering at Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP), Portugal. He completed his M.Sc. degree in 2006 and his Ph.D. degree in 2009, both of which at Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto. Campilho currently serves as an assistant professor at ISEP, where he teaches mechanical engineering. He is an active researcher in numerical modeling, finite element methods, cohesive zone models for fracture behavior, natural and artificial composite materials, and adhesive joint design.

Introduction to Natural Fiber Composites. Natural Fibers and Their Characterization. Alternative Solutions for Reinforcement of Thermoplastic Composites. Matrices for Natural Fiber Composites. Interfacial Compatibility and Adhesion in Natural Fiber Composites. Processing of Natural Fiber Composites. Testing and Characterization of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites. Environment-Related Issues. Modeling of Natural Fiber Composites. Design of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composite Structures. Joint Design in Natural Fiber Composites. State-of-the-Art Applications of Natural Fiber Composites in the Industry.