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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with the various literature reviews. The various
literatures referred are given below.

Roger M. Rowell, et.al presented a paper on Utilization of natural

fibers in plastic composites [1]. Results suggest that agro-based fibers are a
viable alternative to inorganic/material based reinforcing fibers in
commodity fiber-thermoplastic. Composite materials as long as the right
processing conditions are used. These renewable fibers have low densities
and high specific properties. Sisal fibers, for example, have excellent
specific properties and have potential to be outstanding reinforcing fillers
in plastics. In our experiments, several types of natural fibers were blended
with polypropylene (PP) and then injection molded, with the fiber weight
fractions to 60%. The specific tensile and flexural moduli of a 50% by
weight (39% by volume) of Sisal-PP composites compare favorably with
40% by weight of glass fiber (19% by volume)-PP injection molded
composites.

H.Y.Sastra, et.al presented a paper on flexural properties of Agenta

Pinnata fiber reinforced Epoxy composites [2]. The aim of this study is to
determine the flexural properties of Arenga pinnata fiber as a natural fiber
and epoxy resin as a matrix. The Arenga pinnata fibers were mixed with
epoxy resin at the various fiber weight percentages of 10, 15 and 20%
Arenga pinnata fiber and with different fiber orientations such as long
random, chopped random and woven roving. Results from the flexural
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tests of Arenga pinnata fiber reinforced epoxy composite by Hand lay up

method are that the 10% wt of woven roving Arenga pinnata fiber showed
the highest value for maximum flexural properties. The results above
indicate that woven roving Arenga pinnata fiber has a better bonding
strength compare to long random and chopped random Arenga pinnata
fiber. Natural fiber composites enjoy excellent potential as wood
substitutes in buildings industry in view of their low cost, easy
availability, savings in energy and pollution free production. This paper
also describes the advantages of using Agro-Fibers in plastics. The
primary advantages of using annual growth lignocelluloses fibers as
fillers/reinforcements in plastics are listed below:

2.1.1Property Advantages:
 Low densities
 Non abrasive
 Easily recyclable & Biodegradable.
 Wide variety of fibers available through out the world
 Low cost

Mikko Hautala, et.al represented a paper on various methods for

producing strong composites from high quality fibers [3]. There are
increasing new industrial areas in Europe where agricultural fiber
materials are used as raw materials instead of glass fiber. In natural fibers
there is clearly more action in research than in established industrial
production. However natural fiber semi products like roving and non
woven mats. Also this paper explains about the various methods such as
dry-line method and frost-line harvesting method for producing strong
composites from high quality fibers. By these methods strong composite
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structures have been achieved with very simple processing technology. In

this paper some technical properties of the natural fibers/plastic strong
composites are reported. From this reports the stiffness and strength of
the strong composites are clearly better than the values of plywood.

R.Prasanatha Kumar et.al represented a paper on interfacial

adhesion in sisal fiber/SBR Composites [4]. Short sisal fiber-reinforced
styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were prepared and
characterized by the restricted solvent swelling technique. The adhesion
between the rubber and short sisal fibers was evaluated from the
restricted equilibrium swelling measurements. The effect of fiber
orientation in controlling the anisotropy of restricted swelling was also
demonstrated. The swelling index values of the composites support this
observation. Due to the improved adhesion between the short sisal fiber
and SBR, the ratio of the volume fraction of rubber in the dry composite
sample to the swollen sample (VT) decreases. The extent of fiber
orientation of the composites was also analyzed from the restricted
method. SEM studies of the composite revealed the orientation of short
fibers. The sorption data support the Fickian diffusion trend, which is
typical in the case of cross-linked rubbers.

Jianye Jiang et.al represented a paper on fabrication of bio-

decomposable composites using natural fiber [5]. In this paper,
fabrication of bio-decomposable composites using natural fibers and their
strength properties are presented. Bio-decomposable composites (NFBC:
Natural Fiber Bio-decomposable Composites) were fabricated using jute
fibers in conjunction with biodegrade-able thermoplastics. Jute Fiber
reinforced plastics (JFRP) was fabricated by hot pressing. Their tensile
and bending strengths were examined as well as the tensile strength of
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jute fibers. It was also found that the tensile and bending strengths of JRP
composites increased about 200-300% of the matrix, due to inclusion of
jute fibers. The SEM (Scanning electron microscope) photographs of
failed surface of specimens showed that the resin impregnation into
reinforcements was poor for the jute fiber composites. However, the JFRP
have a potential in strength to be used as materials for semi-structural or
even for structural elements supporting relatively severe loads.

Dr.Thomas, et.al presented a paper on renewable materials for

automotive applications [6]. For the past sixty years synthetic fibers were
used in automobile industries. Now, natural fiber composites are
regaining ground in automotive industries [18]. One of the major reasons
for this renewed growth is an increased awareness for our environment.
Besides the use of renewable resources as alternative fuels and oils for
hydraulics and lubrication, the use of plant fibers as insulating materials
or reinforcement in polymeric materials plays an important role in
automotive industries.

Kuruvilla Joseph, et.al presented a review on sisal fiber reinforced

polymer composites [7]. The global demand for wood as building
material is steadily growing, while the availability of this natural resource
is diminishing. This has led to the development of alternative materials.
Of the various synthetic materials that have been explored polymer
composites in particular natural fibers reinforced polymer composites are
widely used. Among the various natural fibers sisal fiber is mostly used
because it has the following advantages. This paper surveys the structure,
processing techniques, physical and mechanical properties of the sisal
fiber reinforced polymer composites.
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Gfeller Laban, et.al presented a paper on life cycle assessment of

bio-fibers instead of glass fibers as reinforcement in plastics [8]. This
article aims to determine the environmental performance of china reed
fibers used instead of glass fibers as reinforcement fiber in plastics. A
Life Cycle Assessment is performed on these two materials for an
application to plastic transport pallets. In these two materials transport
pallets reinforced with china reed fibers in the following ways. They are
 Energy consumption and environmental impacts are reduced by the
use of renewable fibers
 The pallet weight is reduced ,which reduces the fuel consumption
during transport

But the important aspect is the potential advantages of the

renewable fibers will be effective if a purer fiber extraction is obtained to
ensure an optimal material stiffness

D.A.Johnson presented a paper on Agro-Plastic Composites [9].

Fillers, primarily talc, mica, calcium carbonate and a small amount of
flour, have been used in the plastic industry for almost 90 years. Agro-
Fibers have several advantages over conventional fillers in improving the
general characteristics of the polypropylene. Agro-Plastic benefits
include: reduced processing temperatures there by reducing

Energy costs during production and increased tensile and flexural

strength and modulus. In comparison to other mineral filled plastics,
Agro-Plastics have a lower specific gravity resulting in both material
savings during production and shipping costs after production and
increased life span of the molds. In addition, initial manufacturing tests
indicate an apparent reduction in cycle time.
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H.A. Al-Qureshi presented a paper on the use of banana fiber

reinforced composites for the development of a truck body [10]. The
main purpose of this paper is to present the development, manufacture
and assembly of a prototype of truck body panels made from banana fiber
reinforced composite and hybrid composite .Mechanical properties tests
of these laminates were performed, and based on these parameters, the
panels were designed to meet certain requirements. A quasi all banana
reinforced composite car was made and called “MANACA”.
Performance tests over the last few years have demonstrated very
encouraging results. In addition, the tool of hybridization proved to be
very effective at this stage of
development of natural fiber composite structures.

K. G. Satyanarayana, et.al (2003) presented a paper on fabrication

and properties of natural fiber composites [11]. An attempt has been made
to find new uses for natural fibers — one renewable resource which is
otherwise under-utilized. The structure and properties of the fibers and
fabrication and physical and mechanical properties of their polyester-
based composites are described. The performance of these composites is
evaluated after exposure to indoor and outdoor weathering by both
destructive and non-destructive testing methods. The preparation of
various consumer articles such as a voltage stabilizer cover, mirror
casing, a projector cover and roofing are also reported. This study
demonstrates the potential of natural fibers for non-conventional
applications and points out some of their limitations.

Sangeetha Nangia, et.al presented a paper on jute composites and its

futures [12]. The composite technology of a polymeric matrix reinforced
with man-made fibers such as glass, Kevlar, carbon etc. has come of age
especially with the advances in aerospace applications since 1950s. The
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developments in composite material after meeting the challenges of

aerospace sector have cascaded down for catering to domestic and
industrial applications. Composites, the wonder material with light-
weight, high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness properties have come a
long way in replacing the conventional materials like metals, woods etc.
The material scientists all over the world focused their attention on
natural composites reinforced with jute, sisal, coir, pineapple etc.
primarily to cut down the cost of raw materials.

2.2 HYBRID COMPOSITES:

Both GFRP and NFRP have their own advantages and

disadvantages. Very little research has been about the combination of
GFRP and NFRP to form a hybrid composite. The limited light on this
subject has been the inspiration to carry out our project in this topic. The
project deals with combination glass fiber and Natural fiber. For all the
combinations, a common material was chosen.

2.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT:

Our project deals with combinations

Glass fiber and sisal fiber
The combinations were fabricated into cylinder composite material for
the specification of 35mm diameter and 65mm length and having the
same material, polyester as the matrix. Drilling of holes is an important
machining operation to ascertain the assembly operations in intricate
composite parts. The research endeavors in the field of drilling of
composite materials have focused on optimization of the operating
variables tool geometry and theoretical modeling of the critical thrust
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force. The work done in the finite element modeling of the drilling of
HYBRID composite materials is limited. The present initiative is an
attempt to investigate statistically the relative significant of the drilling
parameter on thrust force and torque. The results of analysis of variance
(ANOVA) are then used to take assumption for developing a finite
element model for predicting drilling induced damage. The FE results are
found in good agreement with the experimental results.