MICROWAVE PROCESSING OF SUSTAINABLE NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES

Abstract

The role of materials is crucial for the development of human civilization. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are being used widely to fabricate various products in different industries: automotive, aerospace, construction and building materials, domestic (indoor and outdoor applications), electronics, etc. The commonly used reinforcement material in PMCs is fibers. When considering synthetic fibers, carbon, glass, and aramid fibers are extensively used among the available synthetic fibers. In the present scenario, researchers are concerned about ecological pressure, environment-friendly materials, and sustainable development. Therefore, the current focus is on fabricating PMCs reinforced with natural fibers. Natural fibers are proving to be the best candidates because of numerous benefits over synthetic fibers in terms of their renewability, low density, low cost, biodegradability, etc. Generally, fabrication processes for PMCs utilize different types of raw materials, including resins, fabrics, fillers, fibers, mats, and prepregs to manufacture composite products. The commonly used conventional fabrication processes for PMCs include compression molding, injection molding, vacuum bagging, spray-up, resin transfer molding, hand lay-up, pultrusion, and filament winding. Recently search for novel energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and time-saving manufacturing techniques has gained momentum due to environmental awareness and new rules and regulations laid down by governments worldwide. In this regard, microwave energy has attracted attention because it is a time/energy efficient, eco-friendly route for processing of PMCs. The reason behind using microwave energy to fabricate PMCs is its fast-heating rate, volumetric heating, and the products obtained have enhanced properties. Microwave curing technique has been employed to process thermoset-based composites since 1980; however, processing thermoplastic-based composites with natural fibers as reinforcement calls for additional information and investigation. The present research endeavour is divided into four broad areas, focusing on the processability of natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs) using microwave energy, compatibility between fiber and matrix, friction and wear behavior, and environmental ageing behavior of the developed polymeric composite.