Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites: A Review on Potential for Corrugated Core of Sandwich Structures

Abstract

Abstract. Natural fibers, characterized by sustainability, have gained a considerable attention in recent years, due to their advantages of environmental acceptability and commercial viability. In this paper, the characterization of natural fibers including the mechanical properties and alkalization of fibers is presented. Most recent study had gone through the mercerization process to improve the toughness of natural fibers; which is a well-known hydrophilic material. Traditional reinforcement method was commonly used to fabricate a natural fiber composite such as hand lay-up and mold press due to its convenience in terms of time and cost. Also, different kind of matrix material used in different kind of natural fibers gave high impact on the tensile and flexural test result. By selecting appropriate chemical treatment, matrix material and fabrication method, the tensile and flexural test gives different results and findings. As most researchers tend to use metals to create corrugated cores for sandwich structure, it is possible to develop this structure using natural fibers such as kenaf, wood dust, and other natural fibers.

Potential of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites in Sandwich Structures: A Review on Its Mechanical Properties

“…Manipulating the core material and its design can change the behavior of the sandwich structure, both in terms of compression and impact properties. For example, Jusoh et al [ 100 ] stated that more experimental works should be conducted on corrugated core sandwich structures made of natural fibers. It is evident that, based on the information in the literature, the type of core material can significantly alter the overall properties of the composite.…”

Creative design for sandwich structures: A review

“…Nikbakt et al 31 presented a review of optimization studies on composite structures by representing a classification based on the type of structures. Jusoh et al 32 summarized the characterization and researches of natural fibers-reinforced composites to create corrugated core for sandwich structures. Zaid et al 33 proposed a review of sandwich structure based on corrugated core.…”

Mechanical properties under quasi-static loading of the core made of flax/poly(lactic acid) composite

“…The authors found that the specific strength of the sisal-PP honeycomb cores is almost twice higher than that offered by the pure PP honeycomb cores. Jusoh et al [12] reviewed the natural fiber composites as potentially used for corrugated core structures. Du et al [13] stated that skins made of biofiber based paper-reinforced polymer showed comparable flexural properties to the glass fiber reinforced polyurethane skins.…”