Maize–natural fiber as reinforcement with polymers for structural applications

Abstract

Thermosetting resins are used today with plant fiber for panels suitable for inner door panels for the automotive industry and other applications in structures. The costs of these resins are low compared to thermoplastic resins and also the properties of the resin are well suited for structural application (Wool and Sun, 2005). Recently lot of research has been carried out on natural fibers using resin transfer molding (RTM) as a processing method of composites. Dynamic mechanical properties of sisal based natural fibers reinforced with polyester were investigated using RTM (Sreekumar, 2009, 2009a). Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) techniques have been developed for fabricating small and large components but mainly for complex shapes. It also gives good surface finish to the particular part. It is best suited for low cost components of complex part which should be pressurized by external source. It uses atmospheric pressure as a clamp to hold the laminates together. © 2012 by Apple Academic Press, Inc.