Commonly used plant fibers mainly include hemp fiber (including sisal fiber, jute fiber, ramie fiber, flax fiber, etc.), bamboo fiber, cellulose fiber, etc.
Composites reinforced by plant fiber are degradable, recyclable, and renewable. They are environment-friendly.
Plant fiber is composed of unique organic chemical components, mainly including cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, pectin, wax, and other polymers.
Low cost:
The average price of fiberglass is now 1.98USD/kg, while wood fiber is about 0.26, and other plant fibers are 0.44 to 0.66.
Safer than glass fiber:
Plant fiber composites produce no sharp fragments, safer than glass fiber. Nor does it cause skin or respiratory allergies.
Lightweight and high strength:
The density of glass fiber is usually 2.6g/cm3, while wood fiber and plant fiber are 1.5 to 1.6. It is a good material for lightweight vehicle structures.
Recyclable and soundproof
Plane interiors:
Partition, luggage rack, floor, roof, etc…
Car interiors & exteriors:
Door interior panel, luggage plate, chair, carpet, liner panel, bottom panel, front bumper, etc…
Rail train interiors:
Wall panel, decoration panel, etc…
Building structures:
Paintings, artificial panels
Packaging and transportation:
Container floor, liner panel, train plate panel, pallet panel, etc…
Outdoor utilities:
Balcony & veranda, fence, chairs & desks, flowerpot & other vessels.
Electronics
Sports utilities:
Skis, golf clubs
Although plant fiber is a prospective composite for various panels, it is new in the market. So the material is quite limited in the application for the following aspects:
Limited raw material supply
High cost in processing
Low performance of the fusion with fiber and resin
Relatively low physical and mechanical properties
