Natural and Wood Fibre Reinforcement in Polymers - Rapra Review Reports

Report 152
ISSN: 0889-3144
Natural and
Wood Fibre
Reinforcement in
Polymers
A.K. Bledzki, V.E. Sperber and O. Faruk
Volume 13, Number 8, 2002
Rapra Review Reports

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Source of
original article
Title
Item 1
Macromolecules
33, No.6, 21st March 2000, p.2171-83

EFFECT OF THERMAL HISTORY ON THE RHEOLOGICAL
BEHAVIOR OF THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANES
Pil Joong Yoon; Chang Dae Han
Akron,University
The effect of thermal history on the rheological behaviour of ester- and
ether-based commercial thermoplastic PUs (Estane 5701, 5707 and 5714
from B.F.Goodrich) was investigated. It was found that the injection
moulding temp. used for specimen preparation had a marked effect on the
variations of dynamic storage and loss moduli of specimens with time
observed during isothermal annealing. Analysis of FTIR spectra indicated
that variations in hydrogen bonding with time during isothermal annealing
very much resembled variations of dynamic storage modulus with time
during isothermal annealing. Isochronal dynamic temp. sweep experiments
indicated that the thermoplastic PUs exhibited a hysteresis effect in the
heating and cooling processes. It was concluded that the microphase
separation transition or order-disorder transition in thermoplastic PUs could
not be determined from the isochronal dynamic temp. sweep experiment.
The plots of log dynamic storage modulus versus log loss modulus varied
with temp. over the entire range of temps. (110-190C) investigated. 57 refs.
Location
GOODRICH B.F.
USA
Authors and
affiliation
Abstract
Companies or
organisations
mentioned
Accession no.771897
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Natural and Wood Fibre

Reinforcement in Polymers
A.K. Bledzki, V.E. Sperber and O. Faruk
(University of Kassel)
ISBN 1-85957-359-2
Natural and Wood Fibre Reinforcement in Polymers
Contents
1.
Survey of Natural Fibre Composites ..................................................................................................... 3
2.
Cellulose Based Fibres ............................................................................................................................. 4

2.1
2.2
2.3
3.
Methods of Surface Treatment of Natural and Wood Fibres ............................................................ 15

3.1
3.2
4.
Physical Methods .......................................................................................................................... 15

3.1.1 Corona Treatment ............................................................................................................. 15
3.1.2 Cold Plasma Treatment .................................................................................................... 15
Chemical Methods ........................................................................................................................ 15
3.2.1 Change of Surface Tension ............................................................................................... 16
3.2.2 Impregnation of Fibres ..................................................................................................... 16
3.2.3 Mercerisation .................................................................................................................... 16
3.2.4 Chemical Coupling ........................................................................................................... 18
Processing of Natural Fibre Reinforced Plastics ................................................................................ 19

4.1
4.2
5.
Description of Fibres ...................................................................................................................... 4

2.1.1 Natural Fibres ..................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 Wood Fibres ........................................................................................................................ 7
2.1.3 Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres .............................................................................................. 9
2.1.4 Nanofibres .......................................................................................................................... 9
Structure and Chemical Constituents of Fibres .............................................................................. 9
2.2.1 Cellulose ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.2 Lignin ............................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.3 Further Components ......................................................................................................... 12
Characteristics ............................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.1 Mechanical ....................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.2 Physical ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.3.3 Chemical ........................................................................................................................... 15
Thermoplastics .............................................................................................................................. 19
4.1.1 Extrusion ........................................................................................................................... 19
4.1.2 Injection Moulding ........................................................................................................... 20
4.1.3 Compression Moulding .................................................................................................... 20
4.1.4 Express Process ................................................................................................................ 20
4.1.5 Mixing .............................................................................................................................. 21
Thermosets .................................................................................................................................... 21
4.2.1 Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) ...................................................................................... 21
4.2.2 Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) ................................................................................. 22
Properties of Natural and Wood Fibre Composites ........................................................................... 22

5.1
5.2
Mechanical Properties .................................................................................................................. 22

5.1.1 Tensile Properties ............................................................................................................. 22
5.1.2 Flexural Properties ........................................................................................................... 23
5.1.3 Impact Properties .............................................................................................................. 23
Physical Properties ........................................................................................................................ 24
5.2.1 Water Absorption .............................................................................................................. 24
5.2.2 Swelling ............................................................................................................................ 25
5.2.3 Moisture Content .............................................................................................................. 26
5.3
Biological Properties .................................................................................................................... 26

5.3.1 Fungi ................................................................................................................................. 27
5.3.2 Bacteria ............................................................................................................................. 27
6.
Biologically Degradable Composite Materials ................................................................................... 27
7.
Applications of Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymers.......................................................................... 28

7.1
Automotive Applications .............................................................................................................. 28
7.2
Building Applications ................................................................................................................... 28
7.3
Furniture and Panels ..................................................................................................................... 29
7.4
Aerospace Applications ................................................................................................................ 29
7.5
Others ............................................................................................................................................ 29
8.
Recent Developments in Natural and Wood Fibre Reinforcement of Polymers ............................. 29
9.
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 30
Additional References ................................................................................................................................... 31

Abbreviations and Acronyms ....................................................................................................................... 32
Abstracts from the Polymer Library Database .......................................................................................... 33
Subject Index ............................................................................................................................................... 135
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1 Survey of Natural Fibre Composites

The use of composite materials dates from centuries
ago, when it all started with natural fibres. In ancient
Egypt some 3,000 years ago, clay was reinforced by
straw to build walls. Later on the natural fibre lost much
of its interest.
With the industrial use of plastics, combinations of
plastics with natural fibres or wood flour were
introduced. The body of the East German car Trabant
(1950-1990) was one of the typical examples for
application of natural fibres (cotton) embedded in a
polyester matrix (a.1).
Other more durable construction materials were
developed when glass fibres in combination with tough,
rigid resins could be produced on a large scale. The
last decade showed a renewed interest in natural and
wood fibre as a substitute for glass fibre.
After decades of high-tech developments of artificial
fibres like carbon, aramid and glass, it is remarkable
that natural grown fibres are once more of interest,
particularly as a glass fibre substitute in automotive
industries. Fibres like flax, hemp or jute are cheap, have
better stiffness per unit weight and have a lower impact
on the environment. Although automotive is taking the
lead in the revival of natural fibres, applications are
mainly restricted to upholstery applications where
acoustic and thermal insulation, low cost and an
environmentally friendly image are advantages.
Structural applications are rare since existing
production techniques are not applicable and the
availability of semi-finished materials of consistent
quality is still a problem.
There is a renewed interest in the use of natural fibres,
also known as agro-based resources for composites.
These resources include wood, agricultural plants and

residues, grasses, water plants, and a wide variety of
waste agro-mass including recycled wood, paper, and
paper products. Rowell and co-workers (a.2) have
demonstrated the possible processing pathways for each
plant fraction leading to different composite products:
The whole plant can be fiberised and used for

structural and non-structural composites.
Pith can be used for sorbents, packing, lightweight

composites and insulation.
Long fibres are suitable for combinations with other

resources.
Long fibre mats can be used in filters, geotextiles,

packaging and moulded composites.
The use of natural and wood fibres in composite

applications is being investigated intensively in Europe.
As a result, many automotive components (156, 164,
180, 202, 203, 248, 256, 265, 266, 283, 292, 308, 322)
are now produced in natural composites, mainly based
on polyester or polypropylene and fibres like flax, jute
or wood. Until now however, the motivation in this
industry has been price and marketing spin (processing
renewable resources), rather than technical demands.
The range of products is restricted to interior and nonstructural components like door upholstery or rear
shelves, due to the traditional shortcomings of natural
and wood fibre composites:
(a) low impact strength and
(b) poor moisture resistance.
Table 1 (a.3) shows the consumption of natural fibre in
the automotive industry in Europe which was 21,300
ton in 1999 and 28,300 ton in 2000, which indicates the
Table 1 Consumption of natural fibre in the automotive industry in Europe (1996-2010)

Fibre
1996
1999
2000
2005
2010
Flax
2,100
15,900
20,000
1,700
3,500
Jute
1,100
2,100
1,700
Sisal
1,100
500
100
Kenaf
1,100
2,000
Coir
1,000
Total
4,300
21,300
28,300
50,000-70,000
> 100,000
Hemp
rapid increase in natural fibre consumption. These fibres

are also being used in applications such as packaging in
Europe, e.g., egg cartons, particularly in Germany.
Compared with Europe, some Asian countries, especially
India have been continually using natural fibres, mainly
jute fibres, as reinforcement for composites.
It is briefly reported (190, 191, 195, 196, 201, 284,
293) that wood polymer composites account for a
300,000 t/year market in USA for building and garden
products and this figure should more than double by
2005. Decking accounts for about 60% of the total,
with the rest being used for flooring, etc.
The plant fibres may be bast fibres, leaf or seed fibres.

Plant fibres are usually used as reinforcement in
plastics. The plant world is full of examples where cells
and groups of cells are designed for strength and
stiffness. A sparing use of resources has resulted in
optimisation of the cell functions. Cellulose is a natural
polymer with high strength and stiffness per weight,
and it is the building material of long fibrous cells.
These cells can be found in the stem, the leaves or the
seeds of plants. Wood fibres are also included as
cellulose based fibres, but are different to plant fibres.
2.1 Description of Fibres
In 2000 Materials Today announced (186) that natural

fibre composites of thermoplastics and thermosets,
were soon to be approved by the US Federal Aviation
Authority and the UK Civil Aviation Authority for
aerospace applications.
This review will discuss the possible applications of
natural and wood fibre polymer composites as presently
developed.
2 Cellulose Based Fibres

In general, natural fibres are subdivided as to their origin,
coming from plants, animals or minerals (Figure 1).
2.1.1 Natural Fibres

2.1.1.1 Flax
The bast fibre flax is the cellulose fibre that is the most
frequently used in the higher value-added textile
markets. Linen has historically been a widely used and
appreciated fashion fabric, and textile flax therefore
has a substantial infrastructure. Nowadays, it is widely
used in the automotive industry.
Girault and co-workers (243) examined the
composition and structure of cell walls of flax fibres
as targets for biotechnology. The findings confirm the
biochemical data showing that early developing flax
Figure 1
Classification of fibres
fibres synthesise and secrete different pectin and

protein molecules in addition to cellulose and suggest
that the composition of fibre walls is spatially
developed and regulated.
The technology of cultivation, harvesting, production,

marketing and processing of hemp fibre have been
discussed, and the life cycle of hemp fibre reinforced
components has been assessed (225, 226, 303, 244, 309).
Various investigations have been carried out on the use

of flax fibres in composites:
Thermal conductivity (224), mechanical properties

(which could be improved by minimising processing
damage (320)) and the influence of molecular structures,
curing conditions and formulations on the thermal,
mechanical and morphological properties (419) of hemp
fibre reinforced composites have been investigated.
processing method (192, 379),
coupling effect (fibre/matrix adhesion) in

unsaturated polymers (194),
flammability in polypropylene composites (223),
2.1.1.3 Jute
effects of defects and dispersion in epoxy

composites (295) and
critical fibre length (387).
Jute is the bast fibre with the highest volume of

production. Although never used in higher value textiles,
its prominence as a coarse textile fibre for sacking, its
wide use as a cordage fibre, and as a carpet backing
fibre has supported its continued development in regions
such as Bangladesh, India and China which are suited
to its growth and which have low labour costs.
Four different types of flax fibres (188) (green flax,

dew-retted flax, Duralin-treated flax and stearic acidtreated flax fibre) were used with different isotactic
PP matrices. The effect of crystallisation temperature,
time and cooling rates on the formation of
transcrystallinity was investigated. It was found that
the interfacial adhesion was improved by the presence
of a transcrystalline layer.
Brouwer (257) has examined the feasibility of using
flax fibre composites in the trailers, coachwork and
bus industry.
In the production of composite materials from flax fibre
and polypropylene (PP), the process parameters have
a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the
parts (334). The boundaries of the process control are
derived from theoretical principles and temperaturetime dependencies, determined by thermoanalytical
techniques.
2.1.1.2 Hemp
The production of hemp is relatively limited and its
infrastructure remains undeveloped. Hemp is currently
the subject of a European Union subsidy for non food
agriculture, and a considerable initiative has been
underway for further development in Europe.
Lear Corp. (265, 283), Johnson controls (266) and Ford
(411) are using hemp fibre for reinforcing plastics in a
number of automotive components.
Mohanty and co-workers (286) investigated the effects

of surface modification of jute fabrics, examining the
mechanical properties and biodegradability of jute/
Biopol (a biodegradable polymer) composites. Jute
reinforced Biopol demonstrated more than 50%
enhancement in tensile strength, 30% in bending
strength and 90% in impact strength relative to pure
Biopol sheets. From degradation studies it was found
that after 150 days of burial as compost more than 50%
weight loss of the jute/Biopol composites occurs.
Similar studies have been carried out on jute/polyester
amide composites (321).
The effect of hybridisation (231) on the tensile
properties of jute-cotton woven fabric reinforced
polyester composites were investigated as a function
of fibre content, orientation and roving texture. It was
observed that tensile properties along the direction of
the jute roving alignment (transverse to the cotton
roving alignment) increase steadily with fibre content
up to 50% and then show a tendency to decrease. The
tensile strength of composites with 50% fibre content
parallel to the jute roving is about 220% higher than
pure polyester resin.
Khan and co-workers (275, 369, 412, 427) have
investigated the properties of jute/plastic composites
under UV radiation.
The properties of jute/plastic composites have also been
compared to glass fibre composites including thermal
stability, crystallinity, modification, transesterification,

weathering and mechanical properties (148, 245, 251,
269, 367, 381).
Mitra and co-workers (368, 371) have studied the
dynamic parameters, such as storage, flexural and
shear modulus, loss flexural and shear modulus and
loss factor or damping efficiency (tan delta) of jute/
polypropylene composites. The nature of the
transition peak, amplitude and temperatures of the
moduli and the tan delta of different compositions
were shown to indicate possible improvements of
molecular interaction in the presence of a
compatibiliser.
A detailed review is given of jute composites by
Mohanty and co-workers (443), particularly the
structure and chemical composition of jute fibres, jute
fibre reinforced thermosetting, rubber and
thermoplastic polymer composites and cost aspects
and applications of jute products.
2.1.1.4 Sisal
Sisal is commercially produced in Brazil and East
Africa (Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar) from the
agave plant. It is a prominent cordage fibre and is
used in decorative carpeting. It is also used specially
in papermaking. Joseph and Mattoso have reviewed
the use of sisal in polymer composites (240) and state
that the composites have relatively high impact
strength, with moderate tensile and flexural properties.
Thomas and co-workers have experimented widely
(220, 274, 287, 342, 442) on sisal/plastic composites
measuring the thermal properties, melt rheological
behaviour, morphology, processing variables, effect
of fibre length, distribution, orientation, concentration
and bonding agent on physico-mechanical properties.
Many other studies have been carried out on sisal fibre
reinforced polymer composites regarding
mercerisation and acetylation (232), NMR studies
(242), the effect of coupling agent (267), crystallinity
(271), the effect of fibre length (237) and impact
properties (230).
Li and co-workers (276) have reviewed developments
in sisal fibre and its composites. The properties of
the sisal fibre itself, the modification of the interface
between sisal fibre and matrix and the properties of
sisal fibre reinforced composites and their hybrid
composites are reviewed.
2.1.1.5 Pineapple Leaf Fibre

Pineapple leaf fibre is rich in cellulose, relatively
inexpensive and abundantly available, and has the
potential for polymer reinforcement. Pineapple leaf
fibres at present are a waste product of pineapple
cultivation. Hence, without any additional cost input,
pineapple fibre can be obtained for industrial
purposes, this is proved by recent studies.
Pineapple leaf fibre reinforced polymer composites
were investigated in depth by Thomas and co-workers
(337, 382, 393, 395, 397, 421, 430, 444). The effects
of strain rate and temperature, environmental effects,
chemical modification effects on physico-mechanical
properties and electrical properties, stress relaxation
behaviour (dependence on fibre loading, length,
orientation and chemical treatment) and rheological
properties were examined.
Netravali and co-workers (346, 351) studied the
mechanical and thermal properties of pineapple/plastic
composites, using poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate)
as the matrix. The tensile and flexural properties of
pineapple composites with different fibre contents were
measured in both longitudinal and transverse directions.
Compared to those of virgin resin, the tensile and
flexural strengths of sisal composites are significantly
higher in the longitudinal direction while they are lower
in the transverse direction.
Pineapple leaf fibre (285, 422) has been modified by
alkali, acetylation and graft copolymerisation.
Grafting improved the thermal stability of pineapple
leaf fibre: modified fibres showed significant
hydrophobicity, improved mechanical strength and
chemical resistance.
2.1.1.6 Kenaf
Kenaf has the benefit of extensive research and
development during the past 30 years, much of it
underwritten by government agencies in the USA and
the European Union. However, it remains a relatively
insignificant fibre crop with very limited infrastructure.
Kafus Environmental industries (375) have developed
applications for materials reinforced with kenaf fibres,
particularly in the automotive industry. Kenaf
composites have good impact strengths, are 20-30%
lighter in weight than glass reinforced plastics (GRPs),
are less likely to warp under extreme heat and humidity,
and can be recycled. The long outer fibres of kenaf can
be combined with polymers such as polypropylene to
create automotive trim components such as door panels,

seat backs, headliners and package trays.
Kenaf fibres have been used in rubber vulcanisates
where they had an improved reinforcing effect
compared to synthetic viscose (229). Graft
copolymerisation (348) of kenaf fibres and mechanical
properties (383) have also been studied.
2.1.1.7 Ramie
Ramies popularity as a textile fibre has been limited
largely by regions of production and a chemical
composition that has required more extensive
pretreatment than is required of the other commercially
important bast fibres.
Structural analysis (405), reinforcement possibility
(407, 431) and the crystallinity (437) of ramie fibres
have all been investigated.
2.1.1.8 Abaca/Banana Fibre

The abaca/banana fibre, which is from the banana plant,
is durable and resistant to sea water. Abaca, the
strongest of the commercially available cellulose fibres,
is indigenous to the Philippines and is currently
produced in that country and in Ecuador. It was once
the preferred cordage fibre for marine applications.
Tobias and co-workers (389, 388, 447) have
investigated the creep behaviour and physicomechanical properties of banana fibre composites. A
composite with 30%wt banana fibre had a flexural
strength of 97 MPa and a modulus of elasticity in
bending of 6.5 GPa. The fracture toughness of the
composite was about 1.6 times greater than the
polyester matrix.
Ismail and co-workers (161, 162, 163) studied the

mechanical properties of rice husk filled polymer
composites and their relation to fibre loading, coupling
agent and processability. Physical properties and
swelling (174), and potential for use as a carbon black
replacement in natural rubber (374) of rice husk filled
composites have been examined.
Oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres have shown potential
as a reinforcement fibre for plastic. Thomas and coworkers (171, 281, 302) investigated the stress
relaxation effect, different chemical treatments and
thermal conductivity and diffusivity of oil palm empty
fruit bunch reinforced composites. The matrix
investigated was phenol-formaldehyde resin.
Ishak and co-workers (182, 372, 377) studied the effect
of oil extraction, compounding techniques and fibre
loading on the mechanical properties of oil palm empty
fruit bunch filled composites. High density polyethylene
and polypropylene were used as the matrix.
2.1.2 Wood Fibres

Throughout history, the unique characteristics and
comparative abundance of wood have made it a natural
material for homes and other structures, furniture, tools,
vehicles, and decorative objects. Today wood fibre
reinforced thermoplastics are enjoying rapid growth due
to a lot of advantages. Wood particles, such as chips,
flakes, fibres, and wood pulps are used as reinforcement
agents. Woods are divided into two broad classes, usually
referred to as hard woods and soft woods. These terms
can be confusing since some soft woods are actually
harder than some hard woods and conversely some hard
woods are softer than some soft woods. For example,
soft woods such as longleaf pine and Douglas-far are
typically harder than the hard woods bass wood and
aspen. Table 2 shows the difference in chemical
constituents of hard wood and soft wood (a.4).
2.1.1.9 Seed Fibres

Cotton is the most common seed fibre and is used for
textiles all over the world. Other seed fibres are applied
in less demanding applications such as stuffing of
upholstery. Coir is an exception to this.
Coir is the fibre of the coconut husk. It is a thick and
coarse but durable fibre and applications are ropes,
matting and brushes. Life cycle assessment (228) of
automobile seats based on coir fibre/latex composites
and technical feasibility (227) for the production of
fibre boards from coir fibre have been evaluated.
A lot of investigations (159, 205, 418, 425, 438, 449,

390, 392) were carried out on wood fibre reinforced
composites without defining the wood type as hard
or soft.
Bledzki and co-workers (378) have discussed the
problems concerning the processing of thermoplastics
reinforced with wood fillers. The high level of moisture
absorption by the filler, its poor wettability, as well as
the insufficient adhesion between untreated filler and
the polymer matrix are reasons for the low tensile
strength and high moisture sorption of composites.
Table 2 Chemical constituents of wood (a.4)

Soft wood
Hard wood
Principal constituent
Percentage (mass)
Cellulose I
40-45
45-5 0
15-20
10
glucuronoxylan
20-30
glucomannan
1-5
26-34
22-3 0
0-5
0-1 0
Hemicellulose
galactoglucomannan
arabinoglucuronoxylan
Lignin
Extractives
Physical and chemical modifications to overcome these

shortcomings were evaluated. Optimisation of
technological parameters of wood thermoplastics
processing is necessary.
Bledzki and co-workers (2) have also investigated the
effect of maleic anhydride grafted PP as a
compatibiliser on hard wood and soft wood fibre/
polypropylene (PP) composites. Hard wood fibre/PP
composites showed better performance compared with
the soft wood fibre/PP composites.
Steam exploded fibres from Yellow Poplar (350) were

assessed in terms of their thermal stability
characteristics. Fibres included water-extracted steam
exploded fibre, alkali-extracted fibres, acetylated fibres
and a commercial milled out fibre sample. It was found
that acetylated fibre composites produced the best
mechanical properties.
Cutinho and co-workers (294, 417) studied aspen fibres
with polypropylene and evaluated the effect of
treatment, mixing conditions and coupling agent on
2.1.2.1 Hard Wood Fibres

2.1.2.2 Soft Wood Fibres
Botanically, hard woods are angiosperms; the seeds are
enclosed in the ovary of the flower. Anatomically, hard
woods are porous; that is they contain vessel elements.
A vessel element is a wood cell with open ends.
Typically, hard woods are plants with broad leaves that,
with few exceptions in the temperate region, lose their
leaves in autumn or winter.
Wood polymer composites (344) made with different
chemical combinations have been evaluated for
dimensional stability, ability to exclude water vapour
and liquid water, and hardness. Maple and oak hard
wood were combined with different combinations of
hexanediol diacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate,
hexamethylene diisocyanate and maleic anhydride.
Treatment slows the rates of water vapour and liquid
water absorption and the rate of swelling of wood
polymer specimens is less than that of unmodified wood
specimens. In addition, wood polymer composites are
harder than unmodified wood.
Botanically, soft woods are gymnosperms or

conifers; the seeds are naked (not enclosed in the
ovary of the flower). Anatomically, soft woods are
nonporous and do not contain vessels. Soft woods
are usually cone-bearing plants with needle- or scalelike evergreen leaves.
Different types of pine wood fibre reinforcement have
been examined. Investigations have been undertaken
into chemical modification (165), interphase
development (by gas chromatography) (279), water
vapour absorption behaviour (354), developing a high
grade industrial material from plastics and pine wood
fibres (385) and modelling and simulation of vacuum
forming of wood fibre/thermoplastics (409).
Dufresne and co-workers (332) pretreated a soft wood
(spruce) using a steam explosion technique and used it
as a natural filler in PP based composites. The steam-
explosion pretreatment severity increased the surface

energy and the apparent specific surface, but at the same
time decreased the aspect ratio of the fibre. Steamexploded softwood was found to be ineffective, giving
similar Youngs modulus and lower strengths compared
to the unfilled PP matrix and to the composites with
raw softwood fibres. Both the tensile strength and the
Youngs modulus of the composites increased when a
functionalised compatibiliser, maleic anhydride
modified PP, was used to coat the fibre.
2.1.3 Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres

As a rule, a distinction is made between man-made
fibres from synthetic polymers and those from
cellulosic polymers. The acrylic, polyamide, polyester
and elastane fibres belong to the group of man-made
fibres made from synthetic polymers. With cellulosic
man-made fibres (e.g., viscose), cellulose from wood
is used as the raw material. There are three types of
cellulosic man-made fibres, such as filament yarns
(viscose and acetate for textile and industrial), staple
fibres (viscose), and tow (viscose and acetate).
Viscose is the most important of the cellulosic manmade fibres and has a long tradition. Viscose is made
up for linings and mostly light summer wear. Viscose
has many properties which vary according to the
method of processing.
Mieck and co-workers (a.5) have described the
feasibility and applications of using man-made
cellulosic fibres and studied their mechanical properties
compared to flax fibres.
nanoscale structures via innovative synthetic approaches.

The properties of nanocomposite materials depend not
only on the properties of their individual parents but also
on their morphology and interfacial characteristics. This
rapidly expanding field is generating many exciting new
materials with novel properties.
Dufresne and co-workers (172, 241, 255, 277, 329, 401,
424, 428, 434) have carried out extensive work on
separation, characterisation and processing of cellulose
microfibrils and have analysed the properties of these
nanocomposites. Hajji and co-workers (433) have
measured the tensile behaviour of nanocomposites
under the influence of different processing conditions
and content of filler.
2.2 Structure and Chemical Constituents

of Fibres
Climatic conditions, age and the degradation process
influence not only the structure of fibres but also the
chemical composition. The major chemical component
of a living tree is water, but on a dry basis, all plant
cell walls consist mainly of sugar based polymers
(cellulose, hemicellulose) that are combined with lignin
with lesser amount of extractives, protein, starch and
inorganics. The chemical components are distributed
throughout the cell wall which is composed of primary
and secondary wall layers. Chemical composition
varies from plant to plant, and within different parts of
the same plant. Rowell and co-workers have produced
data on this. Table 3 shows the range of average
chemical constituents for a wide variety of plant types.
2.2.1 Cellulose
2.1.4 Nanofibres
The lignocellulosic materials are mainly made of a
complex network of three polymers namely cellulose,
hemicellulose and lignin. Cellulosic nanofibres can be
separated from raw natural fibres by a process such as
steam explosion. Nanofibres consist of monocrystalline
cellulose domains with the microfibril axis parallel to
the cellulose chains. The definition of nanocomposite
material has broadened significantly to encompass a
large variety of systems such as one-dimensional, twodimensional, three-dimensional and amorphous
materials, made of distinctly dissimilar components and
mixed at the nanometer scale.
The general class of nanocomposite organic/inorganic
materials is a fast growing area of research. Significant
effort is being focused on the ability to obtain control of
Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer in the

world and the most essential component of all plant
fibres. It is an isotactic -1,4-polyacetal of cellubiose.
The basic unit, cellubiose, is composed of two
molecules of glucose. As a result, cellulose is often
called a polyacetal of glucose. The summation formula
for cellulose is (P - degree of polymerisation):
C6P H10P+2 O5P+1
elementary composition: carbon
hydrogen
oxygen
44.4%
6.2%
49.4%
with the molecular weight of m0 = 162

Figure 2 shows the chemical structure of cellulose.
Table 3 Chemical composition of some common natural and wood fibres (%)
Type of fibre
Cellulose
Lignin
Pentosan
Ash
Silica
Rice
28-48
12-16
23-28
15-20
9-14
Wheat
29-51
16-21
26-32
2.5-9
3-7
Barley
31-45
14-15
24-29
5-7
3-6
Oat
31-48
16-19
27-38
6-8
4-6.5
Rye
33-50
16-19
27-30
2-5
0.5-4
Bagasse
32-48
19-24
27-32
1.5-5
0.7-3.5
Bamboo
26-43
21-31
15-26
1.7-5
0.7
33-38
17-19
27-32
6-8
22
24
44-46
22-24
20
Seed flax
43-47
21-23
24-26
Kenaf
44-57
15-19
22-23
2-5
Jute
45-63
21-26
18-21
0.5-2
Hemp
57-77
9-13
14-17
0.8
Ramie
87-91
5-8
Kenaf
37-49
15-21
18-24
2-4
Jute
41-48
21-24
18-22
0.8
Abaca (Manila)
56-63
7-9
15-17
1-3
Sisal (agave)
43-62
7-9
21-24
0.6-1
85-96
0.7-1.6
1-3
0.8-2
Coniferous
40-45
26-34
7-14
<1
Deciduous
38-49
23-30
19-26
<1
Stalk fibre
Cane fibre
Grass fibre
Esparto
Sabai
Reed fibre
Phragmites communis
Bast fibre
Core fibre
Leaf fibre
Seed hull fibre

Cotton
Wood fibre
Reproduced from R.M. Rowell, J.S. Han and J.S. Rowell in Natural Polymers and Agrofibers Based Composites,
Eds., E. Frollini, A.L. Leo and L.H. Mattoso, Emprapa, 2000, 115, with permission.
10
OH
CH2OH
HO
HO
HO
HO
CH2OH
CH2OH
OH
2
OH
HO
OH
CH2OH
OH
Figure 2
Chemical structure of cellulose (X = single unit) (a.6)
H2COH
H2COH
HC
HCOH
CH2
H2COH
P
H2COH
CH3O
H2COH
C
HC
OCH3
H2COH
OCH3
O
HC
CH
CH
HC
CH2
H2COH
HC
CH
HC
OCH3
A
O
OH
H2COH
CH3O
1/2
HC O
H2COH
HC
HC
HC
HC
O
H2COH
HC
H2COH
OCH3
CH2
O
H 2C
CH
HC
CH
O(C6H10O5)nH
HC
HC
N
OCH3
OCH3
O
OH
CH2
CH
CH
HCOH
CH
HC
O
H2COH
HC
OCH3
H2COH
E
O
HCOH
CH3O
HC
O
OH
CH
OH
OCH3
(OCH3)1/2
CH
OCH3
1/2
H2COH
CH3O
OCH3
CHOH
HC
HC
O
O
F
CH3O
O
G
OCH3
OH
Figure 3
Part of a lignin molecule
11
Cellulose molecules are randomly oriented and have a

tendency to form intra- and intermolecular hydrogen
bonds. The packing density of cellulose is highly
crystalline and may contain as much as 80 percent
crystalline regions. The remaining portion has a lower
packing density and is referred to as amorphous
cellulose. On a dry weight basis, most plants consist
of approximately 45 to 50% cellulose. This can vary
from a high (cotton) of almost 90% to a low of about
30% for stalk fibres.
2.2.2 Lignin
Lignins are amorphous, highly complex, mainly
aromatic, polymers of phenyl-propane units
(Figure 3). Lignins can be classified in several ways
but they are usually divided according to their
structural elements (a.7). Lignin is distributed
throughout the secondary cell wall with the highest
concentration in the middle lamella. The function of
lignin in plants is as an encrusting agent in the
cellulose/hemicellulose matrix. It is often referred to
as the plant cell wall adhesive.
2.2.3 Further Components

The hemicellulose fraction of plants consists of a
collection of polysaccharide polymers. Hemicelluloses
usually consist of more than one type of sugar unit.
Part of the hemicellulose fraction consists of pentose
sugars mainly D-xylose and L-arabinose. The
polymers containing these five carbon sugars are
referred to as pentosans.
2.3 Characteristics
A single natural or wood fibre is a three dimensional,
biopolymer composite composed mainly of cellulose,
hemicelluloses, and lignin with minor amounts of free
sugars, starch, protein, extractives and inorganics. The
performance of a given fibre used in a given application
depends on several factors including chemical
composition, physical properties, mechanical
properties, the interaction of a fibre with the composite
matrix, and how that fibre or fibre/matrix performs
under a given set of environmental conditions. In order
to expand the use of natural and wood fibre for
composites, it is essential that information is available
about fibre characteristics and the factors which affect
the performance of that fibre. It is also necessary to
know the factors which affect the performance of a
given fibre in a given application.
2.3.1 Mechanical
The range of characteristic values, as one of the
drawbacks for all natural products, is considerable,
which can be explained by differences in fibre structure
due to the overall environmental conditions during
growth. Natural and wood fibres can be processed in
different ways to yield reinforcing elements having
different mechanical properties. Hydrophilic nature is
a major problem for all cellulose fibres if used as
reinforcement in plastics. The moisture content of the
fibres is dependent on the content of non-crystalline
parts and the void content of the fibre. The hydrophilic
nature of natural fibres influences the overall
2.3.2 Physical
The inorganic content of a plant is usually referred to
as its ash content, which is an approximate measure of
the mineral salts and other inorganic matter in the fibre
after combustion at a temperature of 575 25 C. The
inorganic content can be quite high in plants containing
large amounts of silica.
The physical properties of each natural and wood fibre

are critical, including fibre dimensions, defects,
strength and structure.
2.3.2.1 Fibre Dimensions

Proteins are polymers of amino acids that are normally
in high concentration in young growing cells, but can
also be found in some plants in high concentration
throughout their life cycle.
The extractives are a group of cell wall chemicals
mainly consisting of fats, fatty acids, fatty alcohols,
phenols, terpenes, steroids, resin acids, rosin, waxes,
etc. These chemicals exist as monomers, dimers and
polymers.
12
Knowledge about fibre length and width is important

for comparing different kinds of natural and wood
fibres. A high aspect ratio (length/width) is very
important in cellulose based fibre composites as it give
an indication of possible strength properties. Rowell
and co-workers have compiled data: the length and
width of some common natural fibres are shown in
Table 4. In many cases, there is a wide variation in
both length and width.
Table 4 Length and width of selected natural fibres

Fibre length (mm)
Fibre width (mm)
Common name
Average
Range
Average
Range
Ramie
120
60-250
50
11-80
Flax
33
9-70
19
5-38
Hemp
25
5-55
25
10-51
Kapok
19
8-30
19
10-30
Cotton lint
18
10-40
20
12-38
Paper-mulberry
10
6-20
30
2.5-35
Sunn hemp
4-12
30
25-50
Abaca
2-12
24
16-32
Kenaf
2-6
21
14-33
Sisal
1-8
20
8-41
Bamboo
2. 7
1.5-4.4
14
7-27
Raphia
2.4
30
17-46
Sabai
2. 1
0.5-4.9
4-28
Common reed
1-3
16
10-20
Jute
2-5
20
10-25
Papyrus
1. 8
1-4
12
8-25
Sugar cane
1. 7
0.8-2.8
20
10-34
Corn
1. 5
0.5-2.9
18
14-24
Rice
1. 4
0.4-3.4
4-16
Wheat
1.4
0.4-3.2
15
8-34
Esparto
1. 2
0.2-3.3
13
6-22
Albardine
1.1
0.2-3.1
12
6-21
Reproduced from R.M. Rowell, J.S. Han and J.S. Rowell in Natural Polymers and Agrofibers Based Composites, Eds.,
E. Frollini, A.L. Leo and L.H. Mattoso, Emprapa, 2000, 115, with permission.
2.3.2.2 Fibre Strength
2.3.2.3 Fibre Structure
The fibre strength can be an important factor in

selecting a specific natural fibre for a specific
application. Data on the tensile strength of several
natural fibres indicates that tensile strength varies
widely depending on the type of fibre tested (414).
Changes in physical properties can be due to differences

in fibre morphology. Major differences in structure such
as density, cell wall thickness, length and diameter do
result in differences in physical properties. It is also
interesting to note that the morphology of land plant
fibres is very different to that of water plant fibres.
The tensile strength values of a variety of natural fibres

are listed in Table 5.
Bledzki and co-workers (a.8) assert that the degree of

openness of a fibrous material is of major impact on
the properties and values of products, in mechanical,
physical and chemical aspects. Openness depends on
13
Table 5 Mechanical properties of natural and wood fibres as compared to conventional

reinforcing fibres
Fibre
Density
(g/cm3)
Elongation
(%)
Tensile strength
(MPa)
Youngs modulus
(GPa)
Cotton
1.5-1.6
7.0-8.0
287-597
5.5-12.6
Jute
1.3
1.5-1.8
393-773
26.5
Flax
1. 5
2.7-3.2
345-1035
27.6
Hemp
1.6
690
Ramie
3.6-3.8
400-938
61.4-128
Sisal
1.5
2.0-2.5
511-635
9.4-22.0
Coir
1.2
30.0
175
4.0-6.0
Viscose (cord)
11.4
593
11.0
Soft wood kraft
1.5
1000
40.0
E-glass
2. 5
2.5
2000-3500
70.0
Aramid (standard)
1.4
3.3-3.7
3000-3150
63.0-67.0
Carbon (standard)
1.4
1.4-1.8
4000
230.0-240.0
factors such as the number of fibres per unit weight,

fibre length and thickness and branching.
Figure 4 shows scanning electron micrographs (SEMs)
of a single jute fibre structure at different
magnifications.
2.3.2.4 Crystallinity and Permeability

Crystallinity values of natural and wood fibres vary in
different parts of the plant. Crystallinity tends to decrease
as the plant matures, but the difference between bast
and core fibres is inconclusive. The permeability of kenaf
core is the highest followed by cotton.
Green flax, dew ratted flax and Duralin flax (352) were
examined using the crystallisation from the melt of
various polyolefin matrices (isotactic PP, maleic
anhydride PP and HDPE). It was revealed that all three
types of flax fibres induce the formation of a
transcrystalline layer in isotactic PP, while only dew
ratted flax was found able to induce transcrystallinity
in HDPE and maleic anhydride PP.
Bledzki and co-workers (315) examined the influence
of thermal conditions as well as of different fibre
treatments on the crystallisation of PP. The results of
14
Figure 4
SEM micrographs of a single jute fibre at different
magnifications
this investigation show that the nucleation density of

untreated and maleic anhydride treated jute fibres is
higher in comparison with alkali treated jute fibres
because of differences in the chemical composition and
physical properties of the fibre surface. With increasing
recrystallisation temperature, the maximum
transcrystalline layer thickness is shifted to higher
crystallisation times.
2.3.3 Chemical
The major chemical component of a living tree is water,
but, on a dry weight basis, all plant cell walls consist
mainly of sugar based polymers combined with lignin
with lesser amounts of extractives, protein, starch, and
inorganics as described in Section 2.2.
Chemical composition varies from plant to plant, and
within different parts of the same plant. It also varies
with plants from different geographic regions, ages,
climate and soil conditions.
Chemical properties are influenced by fibre growth
time (days after planting), botanical classification of
fibre and stalk height. Chemical composition can also
vary within the same part of a plant. Both root and
stalk core have high lignin content.
3 Methods of Surface Treatment of

Natural and Wood Fibres
New natural and wood fibre based composites are being
developed that could benefit from a thorough and
fundamental understanding of the fibre surface. These
products may require new adhesive systems to reach
their full commercial potential. The natural fibre and
wood fibre surface is a complex heterogeneous polymer
composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The
surface is influenced by polymer morphology,
extractive chemicals and processing conditions. The
extent of the fibre-matrix interface is significant for
the application of natural and wood fibres as
reinforcement fibres for plastics. There are two types
of methods used to optimise the fibre surface, physical
methods and chemical methods. These modification
methods are of different efficiencies for improving the
adhesion between matrix and fibre (217).
the production of hybrid yarns. Physical treatments

change structural and surface properties of the fibre
and thereby influence the mechanical bonding to
polymers.
3.1.1 Corona Treatment

Electric discharge (corona and cold plasma) is another
way of physical treatment. Corona treatment is one of
the most interesting techniques for surface oxidation
activation. This process changes the surface energy of
the cellulose fibres and in the case of wood surface
activation increases the amount of aldehyde groups.
Corona discharge treatment of cellulose fibre and
hydrophobic matrix was found to be effective in
improving compatibilisation between hydrophilic fibre
and hydrophobic matrix.
Tossa jute fibres (260) were corona discharge treated
to improve the mechanical properties of natural fibre/
epoxy composites. Corona-treated fibres exhibited
significantly higher polar components of the free
surface energy with increasing treatment energy output.
Owing to difficulties in effective treatment of threedimensional objects with corona discharge, the increase
of polarity of treated yarns is relatively small.
Furthermore a decrease in the yarn tenacity was
observed with increasing corona energy level.
3.1.2 Cold Plasma Treatment

The same effects are achieved by cold plasma
treatment. A variety of surface modification can be
achieved depending on the type and nature of the gases
used. Reactive free radicals and groups can be
produced, surface energy can be increased or decreased
and surface crosslinking can be introduced. Plasma
treatment is another important treatment to achieve
better interfacial bonding of the fibre to the matrix (420,
429). Modification effects by plasma treatment depend
on the nature, flux and energy distribution of the
incident species (217).
Martin (233) prepared sisal-HDPE composites and
showed that some improvements in mechanical
properties of the composites are achieved due to the
plasma treatments.
3.1 Physical Methods
3.2 Chemical Methods
Reinforcing fibres can be modified by physical methods

such as stretching, calendering, thermotreatment, and
Cellulose fibres which are strongly polarised are

inherently incompatible with hydrophobic polymers due
15
to their hydrophilic nature. When two materials are

incompatible, it is possible in many cases to bring about
compatibility by introducing a third material, that has
properties intermediate between those of the other two.
There are several mechanisms of coupling in materials:
Weak boundary layers - coupling agents eliminate

weak boundary layers.
Deformable layers - coupling agents produce a

tough, flexible layer.
Ismail and co-workers (263, 264) treated oil palm

empty fruit bunch and coir fibres with silane coupling
agent. They found that the addition of silane increased
the scorch time and cure time and enhanced the tensile
strength, tensile modulus, tear strength, fatigue life
and hardness.
3.2.2 Impregnation of Fibres
Restrained layers - coupling agents develop a

highly crosslinked interphase region, with a
modulus intermediate between that of the substrate
and of the polymer.
Wettability - coupling agents improve the wetting

between polymer and substrate (critical surface
tension factor).
Chemical bonding - coupling agents form covalent

bonds with both materials.
Acid-base effect - coupling agents alter the acidity

of the substrate surface.
The development of a definite theory for the

mechanism of bonding by coupling agents in
composites is a complex problem. The main chemical
bonding theory alone is not sufficient. So the
consideration of other concepts appears to be
necessary, including the morphology of the interphase,
the acid-base reactions at the interface, the surface
energy and the wetting phenomena.
A better combination of fibre and polymer is achieved

by impregnation of the reinforcing fabrics with polymer
matrices compatible to the polymer. For this purpose
polymer solutions or dispersions of low viscosity are
used. For a number of interesting polymers, the lack
of solvents limits the use of the method of
impregnation.
When cellulose fibres are impregnated with a butyl
benzyl phthalate plastified polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
dispersion, excellent partitions can be achieved in
polystyrene (PS). This significantly lowers the viscosity
of the compound and of the plasticator and results in
co-solvent action for both PS and PVC.
Valadez and co-workers (359) found that preimpregnated henequen-HDPE composites gave better
fibre wetting. NafpurTec from Hennecke comprises a
flax/sisal (331) (50/50) blend impregnated with the
Baypreg PU system to produce a finished, lightweight
product which is 35-45% urethane and 55-65% natural
fibres. It is being used in automotive interior parts.
Jute fibre (306, 406) and flax fibre (214, 257) reinforced
composites have also utilised impregnation methods.
3.2.1 Change of Surface Tension
3.2.3 Mercerisation
The surface energy of fibres is closely related to the

hydrophilic nature of the fibre. Some investigations are
concerned with methods to decrease hydrophilicity.
Silane coupling agents may contribute hydrophilic
properties to the interface, especially when aminofunctional silanes, such as epoxies and urethane silanes,
are used as primers for reactive polymers. The primer
may supply much more amine functionality than can
possibly react with the resin at the interphase. Those
amines which cannot react are hydrophilic and
therefore responsible for the poor water resistance of
bonds. An effective way to use hydrophilic silanes is
to blend them with hydrophobic silanes such as
pheniltrimethoxysilane. Mixed siloxane primers also
have an improved thermal stability, which is typical
for aromatic silicones.
An old method of cellulose fibre modification is

mercerisation, it has been widely used on cotton
textiles. Mercerisation is an alkali treatment of cellulose
fibres which depends on the type and concentration of
the solution, temperature, time of treatment, the tension
of the material as well as on the additives. At present
there is a tendency to use mercerisation on other natural
fibres as well (359).
16
Alkalisation (311) successfully modifies the structure

of natural fibres (hemp, sisal, jute and kapok) and these
modifications will most likely improve the performance
of natural fibre composites by promoting better fibre
to resin bonding.
Bledzki and co-workers (349, 370) examined alkali

treated jute fibres. Shrinkage of fibres during treatment
had significant effects on the fibre structure, as well as
on fibre mechanical properties such as tensile strength
and modulus. Alkali treated jute yarns exhibited an
increase in yarn tensile strength and modulus of about
120% and 150% respectively. These changes in
mechanical properties were effected by modifying the
fibre structure, basically via the crystallinity ratio,
degree of polymerisation and orientation.
Sisal fibre (154, 193, 216, 289), coir (198), jute (221,
291, 296) and flax fibre (314) have also been
mercerised and their properties evaluated.
Figure 5 (452, 453) shows the results of fibre

extraction pull-out tests where adhesion is plotted
against treatment time for sisal and coir fibres in a
polyester matrix.
The cohesion of polyester resin to alkalised sisal
fibres went from 10 to 15.5 N and the adhesion
increased correspondingly up to an alkalising time
of around 90 hours. After that the pull-out load and
the adhesion decreased distinctly. A similar result
was found for debonding stress with coir fibrepolyester composites.
Figure 5a
Plot of adhesion and pull-out load of sisal versus soaking time (452)
Figure 5b
The effect of soaking time on the debonding stress (453)
17
3.2.4 Chemical Coupling

An effective method of chemical modification of
natural fibres is graft copolymerisation which improves
the interfacial adhesion in composites. The fibre surface
is treated with a compound that forms a bridge of
chemical bonds between fibre and matrix. This reaction
is initiated by free radicals of the cellulose molecule.
The cellulose is treated with an aqueous solution
containing selected ions and is exposed to high energy
radiation. Then the cellulose molecule cracks and
radicals are formed. Afterwards the radical sites of the
cellulose are treated with a suitable solution, compatible
with the polymer matrix. The resulting copolymer
possesses properties with characteristics of both fibrous
cellulose and grafted polymer. For example, the
treatment of cellulose fibres with hot maleicpolypropylene anhydride (MAH-PP) copolymers,
provides covalent bonds across the interface with the
matrix (451). The mechanism of reaction can be divided
into two steps as shown in Figure 6.
After this treatment the surface energy of the fibres is

increased to a level much closer to the surface energy
of the matrix. Thus, a better wettability and a higher
interfacial adhesion is obtained. The graft
copolymerisation method is effective, but complex.
Many publications have discussed the effectiveness of
maleic anhydride-polypropylene copolymers (MAH-PP)
as a coupling agent in natural fibre reinforced
polypropylene:
flax (310, 403, 436),
sisal (218),
bamboo (391),
kenaf (426),
wheat straw (441),
oil palm (268) and
HO
HO
C
C
CH2
C
H
PP chain
CH2
C
H
PP chain
(1) Activation of the copolymer by heating (t = 170 C) (before fibre treatment)
(2) Esterification of cellulose
Figure 6
Treatment of cellulose fibres with hot MAH-PP
18
H2O
wood fibres (165, 166, 270, 280, 297, 344, 392,

398, 400, 404, 413).
Mieck and co-workers (448) determined increased

shear and tensile strengths of about 100% and 25%
respectively for flax-polypropylene composites when
the coupling agent was applied to the flax fibre surfaces
before the composite was processed. These
improvements depend on the grafting rate and on the
average molar mass of the grafted copolymer.
separating agent in the fibre-matrix interface.

Additionally, during the reaction process, voids appear
in the matrix due to the evaporation of water. Both
phenomena lead to a decrease in the mechanical
properties of natural fibre reinforced composites.
Fibre drying can be carried out in a vacuum oven at
different temperatures.
4.1 Thermoplastics
Mishra and co-workers (288, 324, 399, 402) examined
the influence of MAH-PP on banana, hemp and sisal
fibre reinforced composites. Treated fibres showed that
the absorption of steam and water, thickness swelling
is less than the untreated respective fibre composites.
The shore-D hardness was generally higher for
composites based on maleic anhydride-treated fibres.
Gassan and co-workers (338) demonstrated that fibre
pull-out is reduced after modification with MAH-PP
for jute reinforced composites. This improved fibrematrix adhesion further leads to a lower creep strain in
the outer fibres.
Matuana and co-workers (400) observed that the
effectiveness of maleated polypropylene in improving
the mechanical properties of wood fibre reinforced
composites could be attributed to the compatibilisation
effect which was accomplished by reducing the total
wood fibre surface energy, improving the polymer
matrix impregnation, improving fibre dispersion and
orientation and enhancing the interfacial adhesion
through mechanical interlocking.
Aranguren and co-workers (384) treated wood fibres
with MAH-PP and alkali. No improvement in the
mechanical behaviour of polyester-wood fibres
composites occurred with only alkali-treatment, while
the composites treated with MAH-PP exhibited better
performance under compressive load.
Gassan and co-workers (410) investigated the influence
of MAH-PP treatment conditions on the modulus of
jute fibre reinforced PP. This treatment improves
wetting, resulting in better fibre-PP matrix adhesion
compared to that of unmodified fibre matrix systems.
4 Processing of Natural Fibre

Reinforced Plastics
Drying of fibres before processing is an important
factor, as water on the fibre surface acts like a
The lower thermal stability of natural and wood fibres

(up to 230 C) limits the number of thermoplastics
which can be used as matrix material for composites.
Only those thermoplastics whose processing
temperature does not exceed 230 C, are useable for
natural and wood fibre thermoplastics. These are
generally polyolefins, such as polyethylene and
polypropylene. Technical thermoplastics, like
polyamides, polyesters and polycarbonates require
processing temperatures in excess of 250 C and are
therefore not useable for such composite processing
without fibre degradation.
4.1.1 Extrusion
The extrusion process involves two types of extruder.
Twin-screw extruders dominate todays market due
to their compounding capability and functional
versatility. Twin-screw extruders continuously mix
and devolatilise wood fibres and other natural
cellulosic materials with plastics. High-speed twinscrew extruders have been used to produce pellets,
which are then processed in a separate operation on a
single-screw extruder to make an extruded part. A
suitable combination of process variables was
required to limit the thermal degradation of the wood
and natural fibres.
Twin-screw extruders have been widely used for
wood/plastic composites (149, 176, 187, 246, 262,
293, 317, 318, 360, 366. Yeh Wang and co-workers
(152) experimented with the influence of processing
parameters on the properties of wood flour filled
polyethylene using co-rotating twin-screw extruders.
A suitable combination of processing variables
including screw speed, screw configuration,
throughput rate and barrel temperatures were
necessary to limit thermal degradation and darkening
of the filler. Similar investigations have been carried
out for flax fibre (183, 300, 362), rice hulls (207) and
bamboo fibre (358) reinforced composites.
19
4.1.2 Injection Moulding

Injection moulding requires a polymer with a low
molecular weight to maintain low viscosity. By
contrast, extrusion requires a polymer with a higher
molecular weight for better melt strength. Injection
moulding differs from profile extrusion in that after
the material is heated, it is pumped into a permanent
mould, where it takes shape and cools. The mould is
then opened and the finished part discharged. Injectionmoulded parts range from buttons to computer cases
to automotive components. Currently, the primary
application of high thermoplastic content
lignocellulosic composites is for interior door panels
and trunk liners in automobiles.
Johnson Controls Automotive (312) presented an
overview of the state of the art of the use of plasticnatural fibre composite materials for interior car parts
and the technologies used to produce such parts
(injection moulding, low pressure injection moulding
and coinjection moulding). Research has been
performed on several kinds of natural and wood fibre
(jute, flax, kenaf, eucalyptus) for applications in semifinished products, i.e., granules (short natural fibre) for
the injection moulding process.
Research by the automotive industry (363) into plant
fibre composites is focusing on two processing routes:
injection moulding for non-structural parts and resin
transfer moulding for semi-structural parts.
The injection moulding process has been applied to
wood fibre (355), flax fibre (361, 408), hemp (411),
jute (396), rice hulls (173) and sisal fibre (197, 356)
filled composites.
Abbes and co-workers (365) tried to optimise the
injection moulding process using available moulding
software. Two sets of process simulation software were
used, namely C-MOLD and STRIMFLOW. It was
shown that the conventional continuous mechanics
equations can be used for modelling the injection
moulding of thermoplastic-cellulose composites.
4.1.3 Compression Moulding

Thermoplastic fibre-reinforced composites are
distinguished from thermoset reinforced composites
primarily by a high elongation at break, short cycle
times and the possibility of recycling. The compression
moulding technique has proved suitable for the
production of profiles with any thermoplastic prepreg.
20
Compression moulding brings the thermoplastic

prepreg gently to the required shape without over
compressing the material. The different layer
orientations are thus retained after moulding.
Johnson Controls (164) compared new materials and
processes for the manufacture of automotive door
panels. The material was Fibropur, a natural fibre mat
(flax, sisal, hemp, kenaf) sprayed with PU-resin and
processed by compression moulding.
Flax fibre (147, 167, 362), wood fibre (184) and jute
fibre (357) reinforced composites have also been
prepared by the compression moulding process.
Iannace and co-workers (353) prepared biocomposites
based on sea algae fibres and a biodegradable
thermoplastic matrix and investigated the effects of
processing, such as compression moulding and
calendering on the mechanical properties of the
materials.
4.1.4 Express Process

Extrusion press processing (express-processing) was
developed for the production of flax fibre reinforced
polypropylene at the research centre of Daimler
Chrysler, Ulm, Germany. In this process natural fibre
non-wovens and thermoplastic melt films are
alternately deposited in a mould. The thermoplastic
melt films are laid on by a mobile extruder. If this
process is optimally adapted, a single passage by the
extruder suffices. The structural order consists of three
layers: two layers of non-wovens on the bottom and
one on top with the melt film in between. The values
for the tensile strength plotted against density for flax
fibre PP composites exceed the characteristics values
of sisal fibre reinforced PP composites. Figure 7 shows
the tensile strength of different fibre reinforced PP
composites prepared by express processing (380).
A special production process for natural fibre mat
reinforced thermoplastics (NMT) has been developed
by BASF AG, Germany (450).
NMT products have been tested including flax fibrePP composites (211, 313, 319, 450) and the properties
compared with glass fibre mat thermoplastic
composites.
Bruijin (210) has highlighted the advantages and
disadvantages of natural fibre mat thermoplastics in
automotive applications.
Figure 7
Tensile strength of different types of fibre reinforced composites, produced by express processing (380)
4.1.5 Mixing
Mixing is of key importance for obtaining materials
with appropriate processing characteristics. Before a
natural or wood fibre-plastic composite can be
processed into a final product, it will usually have to
undergo mixing or compounding. It is not merely the
base materials, but also the choice of additives that will
determine the properties of the finished product. Mixing
is the process of imparting the desired distribution to
two or more components that may be present in solid
or liquid form. For mixing or compounding,
thermokinetic mixers are divided into two types
depending on the mixing system: continuous mixers
and batch mixers.
Balatinecz and co-workers (418) studied the feasibility
of developing a continuous compounding process for
wood fibre/thermoplastic composites using a Szego
mill in comparison with a thermokinetic Gelimat mixer.
Composites with 30 wt% wood fibre were prepared by
both compounding processes and their mechanical
properties were evaluated.
fibre reinforced composites. The advantages, design,

operation and optimisation of processing through
further modification was evaluated.
4.2 Thermosets
Thermoset polymers form the matrix in filled plastics
and fibre-reinforced composites used in a diversity of
products. These range from consumer items and
automotive body panels to advanced composites for
printed circuit boards, aerospace structural components
and expensive, high-performance sports equipment.
The economically most attractive glass-fibre reinforced
plastics for special technical uses are produced by resin
transfer moulding (RTM) and winding technology, etc.,
while semi-finished products are made from sheet
moulding compound (SMC) and bulk moulding
compound (BMC) systems.
4.2.1 Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)

Chopped jute fibre and kenaf fibre PP composites (440);
waste wood fibre (mixture of plywood, particle board
and fibre board), kenaf and waste jute fibre polyester
composites (445); and kenaf fibre PP composites (446)
have also been compounded by mixer.
Bornemann (a.9) has reviewed the use of batch type
high speed mixers for compounding natural and wood
Resin transfer moulding (RTM) describes a family of

processes for the fabrication of composite components.
The distinguishing feature of RTM is the transfer of
thermosetting resin from some external supply into a
matched mould that contains fibre reinforcement in the
form of a mat or preform. This is facilitated by a
pressure difference between the resin supply and the
21
mould cavity. RTM provides a convenient fabrication

route for a variety of applications ranging from high
stress components with directional reinforcements to
non-structural items using modest levels of random
reinforcement.
5 Properties of Natural and Wood

Fibre Composites
Richardson and co-workers (219) concluded that RTM

of natural plant fibres as reinforcement in polymeric
composites provide additional technological,
economical, ecological and environmental benefits. The
RTM filling process has significant effects on different
aspects, such as fibre wetting out and impregnation,
injection gate design, dry patch and void formation.
There are several mechanical properties that are important

to know about each natural fibre. Tensile, flexural, impact
and creep are some of the important considerations.
The RTM process has also been tested for flax fibre (209,
341), hemp (215) and sisal (238) plastic composites and
the physico-mechanical properties evaluated.
5.1 Mechanical Properties
Natural and wood fibres are in general suitable to

reinforce plastics (thermosets as well as thermoplastics)
due to their relatively high strength and stiffness and
low density. Table 5 (a.11) shows that the characteristic
values for flax and soft wood kraft fibres reach levels
approaching the values for glass fibres.
5.1.1 Tensile Properties

4.2.2 Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC)
In the automobile and electronic industries, big amounts
of pressed parts from SMC or BMC are used for
bumpers, trunk covers and spoilers.
In Figure 8 (a.10) pressed SMC materials based on
flax fibres are compared with those made of glass
fibres. This shows that the glass fibre reinforced
material has higher characteristic values except for
tensile strength. However, if the measured values are
compared with reference to density, the results of the
flax fibre based SMC moulded plastics are located in
the same range as the glass fibre SMC moulded types.
Tensile properties are some of the most widely tested

properties of natural and wood fibre reinforced
composites. The fibre strength can be an important
factor in selecting a specific natural fibre for a specific
application.
Investigations about this behaviour have covered the
effect of coupling agents (166, 185, 264), different
matrices (150, 200) and chemical treatment (234) for
wood fibre composites, and all of these factors can
improve tensile properties.
Fossen and co-workers (208) showed that adding flax
fibre to caseinate plastic gave composites with a six-
Figure 8
Characteristic values of glass fibre and flax fibre SMC moulded plastics
(absolute values and in reference to density)
22
fold increase in tensile modulus and a five-fold increase

in tensile strength. Flax fibres have also been tested
with Duralin treatment (169), with MAH-PP (252) and
with alkali treatment (339).
Khan and co-workers (291, 321) investigated the
influence of surface modifications (dewaxing, 5% alkali
treatment, grafting of acrylonitrile and gamma radiation)
on jute fibre reinforced biodegradable composites, and
found a significant increase in tensile strength.
Investigations have also been carried out into the tensile
properties of composites with jute (336, 415), sisal
(206, 235, 301, 342, 364), coir (170), pineapple leaf
fibre (100, 327, 346, 444) and bagasse (254, 326).
The tensile strength of natural fibres also depends on
the length of the specimens which is of primary
importance regarding reinforcing efficiency. Figure 9
illustrates that the tensile strength of flax fibres is
significantly more dependent on the length of the fibre
than is the case for glass fibres (a.12). Flax is compared
with DDA flax (steam explosion) and glass fibre.
5.1.2 Flexural Properties

Flexural properties have also been widely investigated.
dAlmeida (181) showed that on a cost basis the
composites fabricated with high flexural strength,
natural and wood fibres can even compete with glass

fibre-mat polyester matrix composites.
Flexural properties have been extensively investigated
for wood fibre (159, 165, 199, 250), flax fibre (177,
212, 278), jute fibre (299, 371), coir (325) and oil palm
fibre (158), looking at the influence of moulding
parameters, chemical treatment, esterification, different
wood species, fibre loading and surface wettability.
Gassan and co-workers (340) showed the effect of
water absorption-desorption cycles on jute reinforced
composites. Silane treatment of the jute fibre led to an
increase of up to 30% in flexural strength. Absorptiondesorption cycles of fibres changed the fracture
mechanisms.
5.1.3 Impact Properties

Nowadays, there is a lot of research going on into the
impact properties of natural and wood fibre reinforced
composites. Impact properties were examined for:
wood/sisal (235),
jute (178),
oil palm (239),
maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (151, 189),
silane treated fibre (307), and
degraded fibre composites (258).
Figure 9
Dependence of tensile strength on the test length, flax fibres compared to textile glass fibres (a.12)
23
Bledzki and co-workers (213, 305, 328) introduced

an impact falling weight testing device. Jute
reinforced composite materials were impacted on an
instrumented low-velocity non-penetration fallingweight impact tester.
Matuana and co-workers (200, 273) investigated the
effects of impact modifiers on the properties of rigid
PVC/wood fibre composites, which showed that
impact resistance was strongly dependent upon the
type and content of impact modifiers, increasing
significantly with modifier concentration.
Gassan and co-workers (a.11) have performed
impact investigations on jute-polypropylene
composites with and without coupling agent (MAHPP) (338). It turned out that damage initiation can
be shifted to higher forces with strong fibre-matrix
adhesion, as composites with a weak fibre-matrix
adhesion break down at smaller forces at a load
perpendicular to the fibre.
Bledzki and co-workers investigated the impact
properties of hard wood fibre-PP composites. Figure
10 (a.13) shows that with the addition of the coupling
agent MAH-PP, impact strength (maximum force)
increased significantly and lead to a decrease of loss
energy and damping index of composites compared

to untreated composites where damping index
decreased 60% maximum (Figure 11 (a.13)) .
5.2 Physical Properties

Natural and wood fibre when dry, has unique
properties. But the understanding of water-polymer
interactions in polymeric composite materials is
critical to the prediction of their behaviour in
applications where they are exposed to water or a
humid environment. The application of natural and
wood fibre reinforcement is limited mainly because
of the changes in geometry due to swelling.
5.2.1 Water Absorption

Drying of fibres before processing is an important factor
because water on the surface acts like a separating agent
in the fibre-matrix interface. For jute-epoxy composites
(439), the tensile strength of maximally pre-dried fibres
(moisture content approximately 1 wt.%) rises by about
10% compared to minimally dried fibres (moisture
content approximately 10 wt.%).
Figure 10
Influence of fibre treatment on force-deflection behaviour of hard wood-polypropylene composites comparing
untreated and MAH-PP treated fibres (impact energy = 1.69 J, fibre content = 30 vol.%, thickness of
specimens = 2 mm)
24
Figure 11
Influence of fibre surface treatment on the loss energy and damping of hard wood fibre-polypropylene
composites (impact energy = 1.69 J, thickness of specimens = 2 mm)
Water absorption tests on maleic anhydride modified

wood fibre reinforced composites (270) indicated that
they were more hydrophobic than the unmodified ones.
This was also shown by Mitra and co-workers (282)
for acrylonitrile modified jute fibre composites, water
absorption was much reduced for cold and boiling water
compared to unmodified jute fibre composites.
Bledzki and co-workers found that jute fibres lost 30%
of their tenacity after exposure to water while the
tenacity of flax fibres remained unaffected (339).
Woodflour-plastic composites based on PP, PE and
UPVC were found to be as strong as medium density
fibreboard (MDF) and superior to wooden materials
due to their lower water absorption on exposure to
water (323). Modification by crosslinking and
acetylation of cellulose was found to reduce the
hygroscopicity of wood and wood composites (378).
matrices and for fibreboard, particleboard and

flakeboard resistance to degradation mediated by
water vapour adsorption.
5.2.2 Swelling
The hydroxyl groups (-OH) in cellulose, hemicellulose
and lignin build a large amount of hydrogen bonds
between the macromolecules of wood polymers.
Exposing the wood to humidity, causes these bonds to
be broken. The hydroxyl groups then form new
hydrogen bonds with water molecules which induce
the swelling illustrated in Figure 12 (378).
Thomas and co-workers (382) have evaluated the

influence of fibre loading, temperature and chemical
treatment on the water uptake of pineapple leaf fibreLDPE composites.
Thomas and co-workers (168) investigated short sisal

fibre reinforced styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)
composites using the restricted equilibrium swelling
method. The influence of fibre loading, fibre
orientation, bonding agent and variations in
dimensions on swelling behaviour of the composites
were evaluated. Test solvents included benzene,
toluene and xylene.
Tshabalala and co-workers (354) examined the surface

characteristics of wood fibres and attempted to
correlate these to water adsorption behaviour. They
showed that a desirable feature for wood/plastic
composites was optimal adhesion to non-wood
Chauhan and co-workers (290) showed that swelling

of graft copolymers of jute fibre reinforced composites
increases as a function of grafting and at a particular
graft level follows the order: dimethyl formamide>
H2O>isopropanol.
25
OH
5.2.3 Moisture Content
OH
WOOD
OH
OH
Moisture content at a given relative humidity can have

a great effect on the performance of a composite made
from natural and wood fibres. Different fibres absorb
different amounts of water. For example, a composite
made from pennywort fibres would have a much
greater moisture content at 90 per cent relative
humidity than would a composite made from bamboo
fibres. The pennywort product would be much more
prone to decay as compared to the bamboo product.
Table 6 shows the equilibrium moisture content of
some natural and wood fibres.
OH
OH
OH
WOOD
OH
OH
OH
nH2O
OH
Marchovich and co-workers (330) investigated the

moisture diffusion in unsaturated polyester-wood
flour composites kept at room temperature and
exposed to different relative humidities. The effect
of size and shape of specimen, types of wood flours,
neat resin and composites were also evaluated.
OH
WOOD
OH
OH
OH
Hargitai and co-workers (249, 252, 253) investigated

widely the effect of moisture content on flax fibre-PP
composites, including the effect of adding the
coupling agent maleic anhydride grafted
polypropylene.
O
H
OH
HO
WOOD
5.3 Biological Properties

OH
OH
Figure 12
Schematic illustration of wood swelling process on
exposure to water
If natural fibre/plastic composites are used outdoors,

they will be exposed to moisture, light, temperature
changes, freezing, thawing, and biological attacks by
fungi and bacteria (236).
Table 6 Equilibrium moisture content of some natural and wood fibres (%)
Equilibrium moisture content at 27 C
Fibre
30%RH
65%RH
90%RH
Bamboo
4.5
8.9
14.7
Bagasse
4.4
8.8
15.8
Jute
4.6
9.9
16.3
Aspen
4.9
11.1
21.5
Southern pine
5.8
12.0
21.7
Water hyacinth
6.2
16.7
36.2
Pennywort
6.6
18.3
56.8
Reproduced from R.M. Rowell, J.S. Han and J.S. Rowell in Natural Polymers and Agrofibers Based Composites,
Eds., E. Frollini, A.L. Leo and L.H. Mattoso, Emprapa, 2000, 115, with permission.
26
The biological properties of natural fibre/plastic

composites are dependent on the load of natural
material in the matrix and on the surface conditions of
samples produced. These properties are significantly
different to the biological properties of the natural
components used. The improved spectrum of properties
is the basis for success in the market. Wood/plastic
composites are sold for exterior application as decay
resistant materials that require no maintenance. The
plastic matrix is presumed to protect the fibre or wood
particles against biological attack. However, wood
particles remains susceptible to fungal degradation
since certain amounts of water can be absorbed (258,
330). In order to prevent potential decay, borates, such
as zinc borate, can be incorporated as effective and
leach-resistant preservatives (a.14).
In comparison to the number of physical and
mechanical investigations carried out on wood, natural
fibres and plastics the number of investigations on the
biological properties of composites is limited and
results are inconsistent. The actual lifetime of wood/
plastic lumber used for exterior applications is under
debate (a.15).
5.3.1 Fungi
Natural fibre and wood rotting fungi need a suitable
temperature, oxygen and water supply for their growth.
Water is the key parameter in decay mechanisms and
in controlling durability of decay (a.16).
Wood/plastic composites are relatively immune to
fungal attacks since the plastic matrix largely
encapsulates the wood particles. There are recent
reports describing fungal attacks on wood and natural
fibre filled materials (304, a.17). The decay happens
at far lower rates than those found for natural wood.
Traditional methods of evaluating biological durability
such as weight loss and visual inspection seem not to
be sufficient to adequately describe the extent of decay.
Inconsistency in the different reports suggest that
methods of manufacturing may be the reason for
different fungal decay results. Decay susceptibility
increases with wood loading (a.18).
5.3.2 Bacteria
Bacteria tend to colonise natural fibres and wood with
high moisture content. They can affect wood
permeability, attack the structure and work together
with other bacteria or fungi. Lignocellulose is degraded
in a very slow process (a.19).
Whereas bacterial degradation of natural fibres and wood

has been investigated, the literature about bacterial
biodegradation of plastic composites is limited.
6 Biologically Degradable Composite

Materials
Biologically degradable composite material has
become interesting in recent years as the recycling
characteristics of composites are considered to be
important for society, producers and consumers. The
discussions about preservation of natural resources and
recycling have led to increased efforts towards the
development of biomaterials. Due to environmental
concerns and the demands of legislative authorities,
researchers are looking to replace traditional
composites such as polymer/glass and polymer/aramid
with biologically degradable composite materials, i.e.,
natural fibre reinforced biologically degradable
polymers (64, 298).
Biodegradation takes place through the action of
enzymes and other agents of decomposition
associated with living organisms (bacteria, fungi,
etc.); further, abiotic reactions like photodegradation,
oxidation and hydrolysis should be considered
among the processes (a.20).
Although all relevant international standard
organisations (i.e., ASTM, CEN, DIN, ISO, ISR, and
other) are developing definitions of biodegradable
materials, a worldwide standard has not yet been
established.
Numerous biodegradable polymers have been developed
which can be applied as matrices and in combination with
plant fibres for the development of new composites. These
include: cellulose acetate, copolyester, polycaprolactone
(PCL), modified polyethylene terephthalate, polyglycolide
(PGA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid
(PLA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch and starch
blends, etc.
Natural fibres are available at low prices. Biodegradable
polymers are still more expensive than standard
polymers, however, it is expected that future mass
production will lead to an acceptable and competitive
price level. Starch converted to thermoplastic material
offers many marketable products.
Compostable materials have been described using
cellulose, starch and casein embedding flax and wood
pulp (208).
27
Tests with different flax fibre reinforced biodegradable

polymers show that the tensile strength and Youngs
modulus of these composites are significantly
influenced by the matrix used and the adhesion between
fibre and matrix. Another recent approach is to combine
soy oil resins with natural fibres (209).
Interior trim components such as dashboards, and so

called Green Door Panels using PP and natural fibres
(hemp, kenaf) are produced by Johnson Controls Inc.,
for DaimlerChrysler (202, 203).
Surface modification of natural fibres contributes to

significant increases in both the tensile and flexural
strength of composites.
Soft trim parts made of PUR systems using natural

fibre reinforcements were developed by Bayer (155).
Interior panels of Audis energy efficient A2 are made
of natural fibre (flax, sisal or hemp) filled PU that
has an extremely low mass per unit, but very high
dimensional stability (247).
7 Applications of Natural Fibre

Reinforced Polymers
The Adam Opel AG uses composites made of flax

fibre and polypropylene in the inner door trims of the
model Astra (a.22).
Applications of natural fibre composites have been

reported since the first plastic materials (both
thermosets as well as thermoplastics) were introduced
to the market (175, 272, 378).
7.2 Building Applications
Countries like India have been producing natural

composites for many applications such as pipes, panels
and pultruded profiles for many years, however, North
America and Western Europe re-invented natural fibre
composites only in recent years after critical discussion
about the preservation of natural resources led to a high
interest in renewable raw materials. Natural fibres used
in composites offer several advantages, such as no net
carbon dioxide release and 40% less weight compared
with glass fibre.
Today, renaissance in the use of natural fibres as
reinforcements in technical applications is taking place
in the automotive industry (363).
Wood fibre/plastics have found many applications
replacing natural wood or pure plastics.
7.1 Automotive Applications

There are remarkable trends towards the replacement
of established materials by several types of plant fibres
embedded in plastic matrices. The automotive industry
is using flax, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, wood or grainbased products as reinforcement. The most commonly
used plastic matrix is polypropylene although many
polyurethane (PU) applications are emerging (156, 204,
256, 376, 380).
Less weight in comparison to glass fibre filled materials
and no net carbon dioxide release make the new
materials attractive for car manufacturers.
28
In contrary to Asia, where natural fibre reinforced

materials have been used for buildings and similar
applications for many years, application in the
western world started in the mid-nineties in Japan
and in the US followed by Europe recently (196).
In this field of application, wood fibre filled
materials are the main products. They are used as
alternatives for natural wood (345).
The market for wood polymer composites has
recorded growth rates of 100% over the past 5 years
in the USA. The group of materials covers a wide
range of polymer matrix types including PE, PP and
PVC. Finished products such as decking, cladding
and window frames are very successful in the
markets. The market volume in the US for building
and garden products was 300,000 t/y (196). Decks
are the most important application in the US. Almost
all suppliers of engineered lumber in the US are
serving the deck market.
Nexwood Industries Brampton (ON, USA), have
developed a prototype house for the Asian markets.
Two million units are expected to be sold annually
(a.23).
In Japan, wood composites are applied for stairs,
handrails and bathrooms as demonstrated by Mizawa
Homes, a manufacturer of pre-manufactured houses.
Window and door profile manufacturer are another
industrial segment for composites (146, 316, 347).
7.3 Furniture and Panels

Recently, furniture applications based on wood flour
filled materials have been reported from Canada, Japan
and Germany (222, a.24).
7.4 Aerospace Applications

Due to advantages of weight, mechanical stability and
price, interest in the application of natural fibre
reinforced materials is growing in the aerospace
industry in the US and Europe.
Applications for the use of such materials based on
thermoplastics are being checked for approval by the
US Federal Aviation Authority and the UK Civil
Aviation Authority (52, 186).
7.5 Others
Natural fibre composites are being used in benches,
dog kennels, sheds, flower pots, partitions and fences
on the Japanese market along with decks, pavements
and balcony boards.
Another Japanese development is weather resistant and
effective noise protection walls along the highways
which is a project supported by the Ministry of
Transport (a.24).
Flooring products replacing hardwood materials are
offered by SWH Technologies of Canada (284).
Pallets made of composite fibre reinforced polyolefin
composite are the subject of a US patent (386).
8 Recent Developments in Natural

and Wood Fibre Reinforcement
of Polymers
Wood and other natural fibres have become a major
part of thermoplastic filler and reinforcement
developments worldwide. Agriculture and other
industries see opportunities for developing these
materials (335, a.25-a.27).
The goal for the creation of bio-based products set by
the US government is a pacemaker for industry,
forestry and agriculture. North American demand for

natural fibres in plastic composites is forecast to reach
15 to 50% annually.
Thus far European efforts have been concentrated on
natural fibre reinforced plastics for automotive
applications, due to the European automotive
recycling law, this development could be interrupted
as natural fibre composites may not be economical to
recover (259). Many of the European developments
have a chance to be transferred to North America and
find application in new car models.
North America is by far the leading wood plastic
market with high annual growth rates and will hold
this position. However, the trend to produce
engineered wood will reach Europe soon. The
ambitious objective of the Dutch company Techwood
International B.V. to produce 50,000 houses for the
Caribic will be signal for other European enterprises.
Window profiles are expected to be produced soon in
Europe after Anderson in the US demonstrated the
feasibility of this market segment. Window profiles
are in position to compete with wooden window
constructions because they are maintenance free and
moisture resistant. Since PVC is under pressure from
environmentalists this market share can be occupied
as well. Not only the UK, the Netherlands, and
Scandinavia but also Austria, Italy and Germany are
considering a higher involvement in the wood plastic
market. The increased activities of equipment
producers offering suitable extrusion and injection
moulding machinery is a significant indication of this
trend (146, 333). The furniture industry in Japan and
Germany is just making the first steps in creating new
offerings based on wood plastic materials.
Recently, the concept of creating microcellular
foamed structures in natural and wood fibre
composites as a means of improving the shortcomings
(mainly weight reduction) has successfully been
demonstrated.
The production of microcellular foamed structures in
polymer/wood fibre composites through a batch
foaming process has been investigated (160, 373, 394,
416, 417, 423, 432, 435). The batch foaming process
used to generate cellular foamed structures in the
composites is not likely to be implemented in the
industrial production of foams because it is not costeffective. The microcellular batch foaming process
is time consuming due to the multiple steps in the
production of foamed samples.
29
The manufacture of polymer/wood fibre composite

foams in an extrusion process has also been
investigated (134, 136, 179, 343, a.28, a.29)
considering factorial design, cellular morphology
and cell density.
Park and co-workers (153) have been experimenting
with two system configurations (tandem extrusion
system versus single extruder system) for wood
fibre/polymer composites to demonstrate the system
effect on cell morphology and foam properties.
Microcellular foams containing flax fibre as well as
wood fibre in an injection moulding process have
been introduced, the density was reduced by around
25% (a.30, a.31).
Natural fibre (jute and flax fibre) reinforced epoxy
foams (a.32) and polyurethane microfoams (81) have
also been introduced.
The effect of chemical foaming agents on the
processing and properties of wood plastic composites
has been of interest, because properties such as
insulation values, shrinkage, distortion and stiffness
can be influenced positively. The benefits of using
chemical foaming agents were considered including
consistent process control, nucleating effects which
can solve the moisture problems, improvements in
mechanical properties and improved wood/plastic
compatibility (157).
A promising potential application in the near future
for wood/plastic composite is the replacement of
chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure treated
wood products for landscaping and playgrounds.
After having found that CCA treated materials can
cause liver cancer, authorities in the US and Europe
started actions to replace them.
Hetfleisch has prepared the deck body and basin of
a boat with sisal fibre mat using a thermoforming
process (a.33).
Since the demand for sustainable and renewable
materials is rising biodegradable polymers have had
a chance to grow during recent years. Recent work
on biocomposites could prove them to be compatible
in major technical aspects, however, cost reduction
is required. The challenge lies in finding applications
which would consume sufficient amounts in order
to reduce and stabilise costs.
30
9 Conclusion
Over 100 years of development, scientific work and
technical application into combining natural fibres
with both thermosets and thermoplastics, has
culminated in growing new markets and industries.
Worldwide activities can be encountered,
industrialised countries are always looking for new
materials, agriculture and plant producing regions
hoping for new fibre opportunities.
The advantages of natural fibres over traditional
reinforcing materials such as glass are lower cost,
lower density, high toughness and environmentally
friendly processes.
Figure 13 shows the mechanical properties of natural
and wood fibre reinforced composites compared to
glass fibre mat thermoplastic (GMT) reinforced
composites. Due to the improving mechanical
properties (tensile strength, charpy impact strength)
of natural and wood fibre reinforced composites,
which are increasing day by day, these composites
are taking their place in the world market with a good
reputation.
Much work has been done to optimise the interfacial
adhesion between fibre and matrix. Various surface
modifications of natural fibres such as alkali
treatment, acetylation, bleaching, isocyanate
treatment, vinyl grafting and treatment with coupling
agents have been assessed. However, the success of
natural fibre/plastic composites for industrial
applications depends on both economically viable
production and mechanical and physical
performance. The automotive industry is a sensitive
indicator of those requirements. The increasing
acceptance by car makers demonstrates that natural
fibre reinforced plastics have become mature
materials. The growing number of publications in
the scientific literature proves the field of research
and development to be more active than ever. Also,
the mushrooming number of international and
regional conferences on natural and wood fibre
plastics indicates the importance of the field of
investigation.
With efforts being made to introduce biodegradable
polymers and their composites on an industrial scale,
a new chapter of development has been opened.
Figure 13
Potential properties of natural and wood fibre reinforced composites
Additional References
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a.2
W. Sonntag and W. Barthel, Proceedings of the

4th International Wood and Natural Fibre
Composites Symposium, Kassel, Germany,
2002, 1-1.
R.M. Rowell, Proceedings of the 3rd
International Conference on Frontiers of
Polymers and Advanced Materials,
Kualalumpur, Malaysia, 1995, New York,
Plenum Press, 659.
a.8
A.K. Bledzki and J. Gassan, 7th Internationales

Techtexil Symposium, Frankfurt, Germany,
1995, 311.
a.9
H.J. Bornemann, Proceedings of the 4th

International Wood and Natural Fibre
2002, 13-1.
a.10
R. Kohler and M. Wedler, 6th Internationales

Techtexil Symposium, Frankfurt, Germany,
1994.
a.11
A.K. Bledzki and J. Gassan, Progress in

Polymer Science, 1999, 24, 221.
a.3
M. Karus and M. Kaup, Technische Textilien,

2001, 44, 258.
a.12
R. Kohler and M. Wedler, Landinfo, 1995, 3, 33.
a.4
J.M. Dinwoodie, Wood: Natures Cellular,

Polymeric Fibre-Composite, Institute of
Metals, 1989.
a.13
R. Ltzkendorf, K.P. Mieck, T. Reumann, A.

Nechwatal and M. Eilers, Proceedings of the
3rd International Wood and Natural Fibre
2000, 7-1.
O. Faruk, M. Huque and A.K. Bledzki, Poster,

Proceedings of the 3rd International Wood and
Natural Fibre Composites Symposium, Kassel,
Germany, 2000, 30-1.
a.14
P. Laks, Protecting Wood Composites, Pioneer

Magazine, July 1995.
a.15
P.I. Morris and R. Cooper, Forest Products

Journal, 1998, 48, 1, 86.
a.16
R.A. Zabel and J.J. Morell, Wood

Microbiology: Decay and its Prevention,
Academic Press, 1992.
a.5
a.6
a.7
C.D. Rmpp, Chemielexikon, Version 1.0,

Georg Thieme Verlag, 1995.
H. Bosshard, Holzkunde, Birkhuser Verlag
Basel, 1984, 2. Auflage.
31
a.17
B.W. English and R.H. Falk, Proceedings of

the 2nd International Conference on
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Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2001,
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S.A. Verhey, P.E. Laks and D.L. Richter,

Proceedings of the 6th International
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2001, 79.
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J. Hetfleisch. Kunststoffe, Special Edition,

2002, 3.
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Abbreviations and Acronyms

BMC
bulk moulding compounds
CCA
chromated copper arsenate
DDA
Dampfdruckaufschluss (steam
explosion)
GMT
glass fibre mat thermoplastics
GRP
glass reinforced plastics
HDPE
high density polyethylene
MAH-PP
maleic anhydride-polypropylene
copolymer
MDF
medium density fibreboard
NMT
natural fibre mat reinforced

thermoplastics
PCL
polycaprolactone
PE
polyethylene
PGA
polyglycolide
PHA
polyhydroxyalkanoate
PLA
polylactic acid
PP
polypropylene
PS
polystyrene
C.B. Park, G.M. Rizvi and H. Zhang,

Conference on Wood Fiber-Plastic
Composites, 1999, Wisconsin, USA, 105.
PU
polyurethane
PVC
polyvinyl chloride
PVOH
polyvinyl alcohol
L.M. Matuana, J.J. Balatinecz and C.B. Park,

Conference on Woodfiber-Plastic Composites,
1999, Poster, Wisconsin, USA, 318.
RTM
resin transfer moulding
SBR
styrene-butadiene rubber
SEM
scanning electron micrographs
a.30
W. Zhang, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Kassel,

Germany, 2001.
SMC
sheet moulding compounds
UP
unsaturated polyester resin
a.31
A.K. Bledzki and O. Faruk, Proceedings of

Antec 2002, Volume 2, 1897.
UPVC
rigid polyvinyl chloride
a.20
a.21
a.22
A.C. Albertson and S. Karlson, Chemistry and

Technology of Biodegradable Polymers,
Blacky, Glasgow, 1994.
MarTech, Biodegradable Polymers in North
America and Europe, New York, USA, 2002.
P. Walter, Proceedings of the 3rd International
Wood and Natural Fibre Composites
Symposium, Kassel, Germany, 2000, 14-1.
a.23
Natural and Wood Fiber, 2002, 1, 1.
a.24
T. Kikuchi, Proceedings of the 3rd

2000, 19-1.
a.25
J.H. Schut, Plastic Technology, 1999, 45, 3, 46.
a.26
C. Eckert, Opportunities of natural fibers in

plastic composites, Proceedings of Progress
in Woodfiber-Plastic Composites Conference,
Toronto, Canada, 2000.
a.27
a.28
a.29
32
V.E. Sperber, Proceedings of the 4th

2002, 3-1.
References and Abstracts
Abstracts from the Polymer Library Database

Item 1
Polymer Plastics Technology and Engineering
41, No.3, 2002, p.453-68
POLYPROPYLENE (PP) - ACACIA MANGIUM
COMPOSITES: THE EFFECT OF
ACETYLATION ON MECHANICAL AND
WATER ABSORPTION PROPERTIES
Abdul Khalil H P S; Rozman H D; Ismail H; Rosfaizal;
Ahmad M N
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Acacia mangium wood flour (AMWF)-PP composites
were produced at different filler loadings (20, 30, 40 or
50 w/w) and mesh number (35, 60, 80 or 100 mesh). The
mechanical properties and water absorption properties of
acetylated AMWF (100 mesh only)-PP and unmodified
AMWF-PP composites were studied. Increasing the mesh
number of the unmodified AMWF resulted in increased
flexural and impact properties. The flexural modulus
increased with increasing filler loading, but the flexural
strength and impact strength decreased. Water absorption
and thickness swelling increased with increasing mesh
number and filler loading, which was attributed to the
presence of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in the filler.
Modified AMWF-PP composites showed higher
mechanical properties and good water resistance
compared with unmodified AMWF-PP composites at all
filler loadings. The failure mechanism was studied by
SEM. 23 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.862926
Item 2
41, No.3, 2002, p.435-51
PHYSICO-MECHANICAL STUDIES OF WOOD
FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES
Bledzki A K; Faruk O; Huque M
Kassel,Universitat; Bangladesh,University of
Engineering & Technology
Wood-PP composites containing 30, 40 or 50% wood
fibres were prepared using a maleic anhydride grafted PP
copolymer (MAH-PP) coupling agent (5 or 10% of the
wood fibre content). Hard wood fibre-PP composites
showed a better performance than soft wood-PP fibre
composites. The mechanical properties of the composites
increased when the coupling agent was added. The tensile
strength increased by about 50% maximum with the
addition of MAH-PP (5%) at a hard wood fibre content
of 50%. The Charpy impact strength increased up to 20%
with the addition of MAH-PP (5%) at a hard wood fibre
content of 30%. The damping index decreased by 60%
with the addition of MAH-PP (10%) at a hard wood fibre
content of 50%. 16 refs.
Copyright 2002 Rapra Technology Limited
BANGLADESH; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN

UNION; GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.862925
Item 3
41, No.3, 2002, p.419-33
WATER ABSORPTION BEHAVIOR AND ITS
EFFECT ON TENSILE PROPERTIES OF
ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE-DIENETERPOLYMER/POLYPROPYLENE/FILLER
TERNARY COMPOSITES: A PRELIMINARY
STUDY
Siriwardena S; Ismail H; Ishiaku U S
The water absorption behaviour of white rice husk ash
(WRHA) and silica filled EPDM/PP ternary composites
and its effect on the tensile properties of the composites
were studied. The effects of filler type, sample preparation
(die cut or moulded) and dynamic vulcanisation of the
elastomer phase on the rate of water absorption and final
water uptake were investigated. Silica-filled composites
showed more water uptake at a higher rate than did
WRHA-filled composites and die cut samples absorbed
more water at a faster rate than die moulded samples. All
vulcanised composites showed a lower water uptake than
the unvulcanised ones. After immersion in water, the
tensile properties of the unvulcanised composites were
almost unaffected, whereas the vulcanised composites
showed increased tensile properties. None of the
composites reached the equilibrium state within the 40
day immersion period. The results were discussed. 16 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.862924
Item 4
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
85, No.9, 29th Aug.2002, p.1961-9
KUDZU FIBER-REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE
Luo X; Benson R S; Kit K M; Dever M
Tennessee,University
Polypropylene composites which are fibre-reinforced
with Kudzu were prepared, and their mechanical and
thermal properties determined. Kudzu is a legume that
is native to Japan and China, but is a major invasive
post in the USA. It has been suggested as a source of
reinforcing fibres. In the composite, maleic anhydridegrafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a
compatibiliser to improve the adhesion between the fibre
and the polypropylene. Up to a concentration of 35
weight percent of MAPP a continuous improvement was
seen in the tensile properties. The tensile modulus
33
increased by 24 percent and the tensile strength by 54

percent. FTIR spectroscopy, SEM and DSC were both
used to characterise the composites. FTIR showed an
increase in hydrogen bonding with an increase in MAPP
content. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no.862884
BRAINED IDEA?
Pierce J
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed
wafers using chicken feather fibres and soybean resin.
These wafers are claimed to have outperformed silicon
microchips.
DELAWARE,UNIVERSITY
USA
Item 5
Composite Interfaces
9, No.4, 2002, p.335-53
EFFECT OF FIBER SURFACE TREATMENTS
ON THE FIBER-MATRIX INTERACTION IN
BANANA FIBER REINFORCED POLYESTER
COMPOSITES
Pothan L A; George J; Thomas S
Bishop Moore College; Eindhoven,University of
Technology; Mahatma Gandhi,University
The surfaces of banana fibre were treated with various
silanes and alkali (sodium hydroxide) and characterised
by means of scanning electron microscopy and FTIR
spectroscopy. The effects of surface treatment on the
tensile, flexural and impact properties and interfacial
adhesion of composites made from the treated fibres and
a polyester resin were investigated and the influence of
fibre-matrix adhesion on the mechanical properties of
the composites examined. Changes in the surface
morphology and polarity of the treated fibres were also
analysed and the effectiveness of the various treatments
compared. 25 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.862465
Item 6
Kunststoffe Plast Europe
92, No.7, July 2002, p.34-6
NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE. DIRECT PROCESSING OF
NATURAL LONG FIBRES BY THE
PLASTICISING COMPRESSION PROCESS
Reussman T; Miack K-P; Brussel R
Chemnitz,Technical University; Dieffenbacher AG
Refer to Kunststoffe, 92, No.7, 2002, p.86-9 for graphs
and tables. Brief details are given of the potential
properties of natural fibre-reinforced PP using long and
short fibre reinforcement. Changes in fibre content on
changes in mechanical properties are discussed.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GERMANY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.862422
Item 7
Engineer
291, No.7609, 9th-29th Aug. 2002, p.10
CHICKEN-FIBRE WAFERS: A FEATHER-
34
Accession no.862255
Item 8
Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials
15, No.4, July 2002, p.337-53
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF
DIFFERENT FIBERS ON THE PROCESSING
AND PROPERTIES OF POLYPROPYLENE
MATRIX COMPOSITES
Lopez-Manchado M A; Biagiotti J; Kenny J M
Madrid,Instituto de Ciencia y Tec.de Polim.;
Perugia,Universita
The effects of different fibres on the processing and
physical and mechanical properties of PP composites
based thereon were investigated. Fibres employed were
aramid fibres, PETP fibres, glass fibres and sisal and
properties evaluated included flow, tensile properties,
flexural properties, impact resistance and morphological
properties. The morphology of the composites was
analysed by scanning electron microscopy and the
relationship between the morphology and properties of
the composites examined. 25 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
SPAIN; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.860578
Item 9
15, No.4, July 2002, p.281-300
DEVELOPMENT OF A FLAX/POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITE WITH OPTIMAL MECHANICAL
CHARACTERISTICS BY FIBER AND MATRIX
MODIFICATION
Van de Velde K; Kiekens P
Ghent,University
Long flax fibres were treated with propyltrimethoxysilane,
phenyl isocyanate and maleic acid anhydride modified
PP and the sorption characteristics, tensile properties and
roughness of the treated fibres determined. Composites
were produced from treated fibres expected to exhibit
good properties and subjected to flexural, interlaminar
shear strength and sorption tests. Composites containing
fibres treated with the maleic acid anhydride modified
PP or with a maleic acid anhydride modified PP matrix
were found to have the best properties. 11 refs.
BELGIUM; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.860575
Item 10
Polymer Composites
23, No.3, June 2002, p.383-94
SURFACE MODIFICATION OF FIQUE FIBRES.
EFFECTS ON THEIR PHYSICO-MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES
Ganan P; Mondragon I
Medellin,Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana; Pais
Vasco,Universidad
form in crystals tend to increase in the PP/SF composites

considerably. These results lead to the increase in the
melting temperature of PP. Moreover, the stiffness of the
PP/SF composites is improved by the addition of sisal
fibres but their tensile strength decreases because of the
poor interfacial bonding. The PP/SF composites are
toughened by the sisal fibres due to the formation of Bform PP crystals and the pull-out of sisal fibres from the
PP matrix, both factors retard crack-growth.
A study is performed to assess the possibilities of fique

fibres (a Colombian native fibre) as a reinforcement for
polymeric matrices. The fique fibres are treated using
different chemical surface treatments. The effects
produced on the properties of fique fibres are investigated.
The treatments applied are mercerisation, and/or chemical
agents such as maleic anhydride and acrylic acid, and also
silanisation. In order to analyse the chemical in the treated
fibres, FTIR spectroscopy is used along with two related
techniques: attenuated total reflection and coupled
microscopy. Additionally, physical and mechanical
properties of untreated and treated fique fibres are studied.
A wettability study using contact angle measurements is
also performed for surface free energy determination. The
thermal stability of the fibres is investigated by
thermogravimetric analysis. 33 refs.
AUSTRALIA; CHINA; HONG KONG
BRAZIL; COLOMBIA
Accession no.860533
Item 11
Polymer Composites
23, No.3, June 2002, p.319-28
STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES AND
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF INJECTION
MOULDED COMPOSITES OF
POLYPROPYLENE AND SISAL FIBRE
Xie X L; Li R K Y; Tjong S C; Mai Y W
Hong Kong,City University; Huazhong,University of
Science & Technology; Sydney,University
Composites based on isotactic PP and sisal fibre (SF) are
prepared by melt mixing and injection moulding. The melt
mixing characteristics, thermal properties, morphology,
crystalline structure and mechanical behaviour of the PP/
SF composites are systematically investigated. The results
show that the PP/SF composites can be melt mixed and
injection moulded under similar conditions as the PP
homopolymer. For the composites with low sisal fibre
content, the fibres act as sites for the nucleation of PP
spherulites, and accelerate the crystallisation rate and
enhance the degree of crystallinity of PP. On the other
hand, when the sisal fibre content is high, the fibres hinder
the molecular chain motion of PP, and retard the
crystallization. The inclusion of sisal fibre induces the
formation of B-form PP crystals in the PP/SF composites
and produces little change in the inter-planar spacing
corresponding to the various diffraction peaks of PP. The
apparent crystal size as indicated by the several diffraction
peaks such as L(, L((.,()_ and L(300)B of the (v and B-
Accession no.860527
Item 12
Plastics in Building Construction
25, No.10, 2001, p.8-9
EXTRUSION SYSTEM FOR POLYMER/WOODFIBRE COMPOSITES
Murdock D
Davis-Standard Corp.
The development of the Davis-Standards Woodtruder
extrusion system for the processing of wood fibre and
polymers is described, as are the techniques that are
critical for good efficiency with this fully intermeshing
counter-rotating, twin-screw extruder system that is
suitable for wood fibre with an initial moisture content
of less than 8%. Aspects covered include extruder design
and processing.
USA
Accession no.860469
Item 13
Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology
16, No.8, 2002, p.999-1015
ENGINEERED NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES: INFLUENCE
OF SURFACE MODIFICATIONS AND NOVEL
POWDER IMPREGNATION PROCESSING
Mohanty A K; Drzal L T; Misra M
Michigan,State University
Biocomposites were produced from chopped natural
fibres of Kenaf and henequen and PP powder by powder
impregnation processing. The fibres were surface
modified by alkali treatment or treatment with maleated
polyolefins and the effect of these surface treatments on
the physicomechanical properties, such as tensile and
impact properties, of the composites investigated. It was
found that engineered natural fibres could be produced
from a blend of these surface treated fibres, which
provided composites with superior physicomechanical
properties. 15 refs.
USA
Accession no.860336
Item 14
16, No.6, 2002, p.703-27
35
PLASMA TREATMENT OF SISAL FIBRES AND

ITS EFFECTS ON TENSILE STRENGTH AND
INTERFACIAL BONDING
Xiaowen Yuan; Jayaraman K; Bhattacharyya D
Auckland,University
Argon and air plasma treatments were used to modify the
surface of sisal fibres. The Taguchi method of experimental
design with three factors and three levels was used to optimise
the treatment parameters in relation to fibre strength. The
effects of plasma treatment on interfacial bonding between
sisal fibres and PP were evaluated by means of a single fibre
pull-out test. The optimum treatment parameters were found
to be the shortest plasma treatment time, medium power level
and medium chamber pressure. Under optimal treatment,
the interfacial shear strength of air plasma-treated fibres was
higher than that of the argon plasma-treated fibres. SEM
analyses showed that the overall roughness of the plasmatreated fibre surface increased with treatment time. The
argon-plasma treated fibre surface revealed obvious
corrugations, whereas cracking was apparent on the air
plasma-treated fibre surface. 20 refs. (3rd International
Symposium on Polymer Surface Modification, Newark, New
Jersey, USA, May 2001)
NEW ZEALAND
Accession no.860034
Item 15
GPEC 2002: Plastics Impact on the Environment.
Proceedings of a conference held Detroit, MI, 13th14th Feb. 2002.
Brookfield, CT, SPE, Paper 46, p.383-398, CD-ROM, 012
NATURAL/BIO-FIBER REINFORCED
POLYOLEFIN COMPOSITES: BIO-BASED
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE
MATERIALS WORLD
Misra M; Mohanty A K; Drzal L T
(SPE,Environmental Div.)
The development and commercialisation of new bio-based
products is discussed with particular reference to natural
fibre reinforced thermoplastic polyolefin biocomposites.
These materials are claimed to have the largest application
potential. The choice of the coupling agent is reported to
govern the overall physico-mechanical properties of the
biocomposite, and attention is given to the use of maleated
polyolefins as effective coupling agents in the
compatibilisation of natural fibre-polyolefin composite
systems. Choice of fibre and matrix materials are examined,
and details are given of material properties, commercial
process and applications to review current developments.
Also discussed is a new environmentally benign powder
impregnation processing technique, which is said to show
significant advantages for the manufacture of commercially
attractive high volume biocomposites. 12 refs.
USA
Accession no.859627
36
Item 16
GPEC 2002: Plastics Impact on the Environment.
Proceedings of a conference held Detroit, MI, 13th14th Feb. 2002.
Brookfield, CT, SPE, Paper 25, p.217-228, CD-ROM,
012
USE OF FUNCTIONALIZED POLYOLEFINS IN
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PLASTIC
COMPOSITES
Sigworth W; Roberts D H
Crompton Corp.
(SPE,Environmental Div.)
The use is described of maleic anhydride grafted HDPE
and PP in plastic composites containing natural products
such as wood flour. Data are presented to show the effects
that the functionalised additives have on processing and
mechanical properties. Polybond maleic anhydride
functionalised polyolefins are evaluated as chemical
coupling agents. These chemical coupling agents have
functions in respect of wetting the wood fibre and
dispersing it in the polyolefin resin. They also bond the
wood to the plastic matrix, providing stronger interfacial
adhesion. The effect of these functionalised products on
40% wood-filled HDPE and PP is found to increase the
breaking strengths, impact properties and heat deflection
temperatures, in addition to reducing water absorption.
USA
Accession no.859610
Item 17
85, No.10, 6th Sept.2002, p.2145-54
FUNCTIONALIZATION OF SISAL FIBERS AND
HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE BY COLD
PLASMA TREATMENT
Martin A R; Manolache S; Denes F S; Mattoso L H C
Sao Carlos,Universidade Federal; Wisconsin,University
Chopped sisal fibres and HDPE were surface
functionalised using dichlorosilane under radio frequency
plasma conditions and characterised by ESCA and
fluorescence labelling techniques. A three-factor fractional
experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of
radio frequency power, pressure, and reaction time on the
atomic composition of plasma-treated samples. 39 refs.
BRAZIL; USA
Accession no.859439
Item 18
Additives for Polymers
May 2002, p.3
COUPLING AGENTS FROM CROMPTON OPEN
NEW MARKETS FOR WOOD-FILLED
COMPOUNDS
In the USA, Crompton Corp. has created new Polybond
coupling agents for improving the processing and
performance of both PE and PP compounds filled with
wood and other natural fibres. Brief details of the new

additive are given in this concise article.
CROMPTON CORP.
USA
Accession no.858945
Item 19
85, No.7, 15th Aug.2002, p.1465-8
SOLID-STATE NUCLEAR MAGNETIC
RESONANCE STUDY OF POLYURETHANE/
NATURAL FIBRES COMPOSITES
Tavares M I B; Mothe c G; Araujo C R
Rio de Janeiro,Cidade Universitaria
Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) are prepared with sisal
and sugarcane waste material. Composites of these fibres
with PUs are obtained by processing these materials in a
Haake plastograph, and their homogeneity is characterised
by nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. The results
are discussed in terms of composites interaction,
homogeneity and compatibility. 10 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.858753
Item 20
Composites Part A: Applied Science and
Manufacturing
33A, No.6, 2002, p.763-77
WATER SORPTION IN OIL PALM FIBER
REINFORCED PHENOL FORMALDEHYDE
COMPOSITES
Sreekala M S; Kumaran M G; Thomas S
Rubber Research Institute of India; Mahatma
Gandhi,University
Kinetics of sorption of water in oil palm fibre-reinforced
phenol-formaldehyde(PF) composites and oil palm/glass
hybrid fibre-reinforced PF composites were investigated.
The effects of fibre loading, relative volume fractions of
fibres in hybrid composites and fibre surface
modifications on the kinetic and thermodynamic
parameters of water sorption by the composites were also
studied. Water sorption at four different temps. was
analysed and compared. The composite with 10 wt % fibre
loading exhibited maximum water uptake. Hybridisation
of the oil palm fibre with glass markedly decreased the
water sorption by the composite. The concentration
dependence of the diffusion constant was analysed and
discussed. 15 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.858459
Item 21
Advanced Composites Letters
10, No.6, 2001, p.299-303
DETERMINATION OF INTERFACIAL SHEAR
STRENGTH AND CRITICAL FIBRE LENGTH IN

INJECTION MOULDED FLAX FIBRE
REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Aurich T; Mennig G
Chemnitz,Technical University
Results of studies of the above are presented and
discussed, particular attention being paid to influence of
fibre content on modulus in tension, influence of fibre
content on TS, effect of maleic anhydride-PP as coupling
agent on TS for various fibre contents, frequency
distribution of flax fibre length in an injection moulded
part, and interfacial shear strength and critical fibre length
calculated by an iterative procedure. 11 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.858411
Item 22
10, No.6, 2001, p.293-7
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF
PROCESSING CONDITIONS ON THE
INTERFACE OF FLAX/POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Zafeiropoulos N E; Baillie C A; Matthews F L
London,Imperial College of Science,Technol.& Med.
The effect of cooling rates upon the interface in flax fibre/
isotactic PP composites was investigated by means of
fragmentation tests. It was found that slower cooling led
to a stronger interface for two different grades of flax
fibres, i.e. dew retted and green flax. The interfacial stress
transfer ability in these composites could thus be improved
simply by controlling the processing conditions, thus
avoiding the application of surface treatments that are
environmentally hazardous. 12 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.858410
Item 23
85, No.1, 5th July 2002, p.169-76
INTERFACE MODIFICATION ON THE
PROPERTIES OF SISAL FIBER-REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Fung K L; Li R K Y; Tjong S C
Hong Kong,University
Melt blend with subsequent injection moulding were used
to prepare short sisal fibre (SF)-reinforced polypropylene
(PP). In order to increase the interfacial bond strength
between the SSF and PP, the PP matrix was maleated by
blending PP and maleic anhydride-grafted PP (MAPP) in
9:1 wt. ratio. The SF/MAPP composites had lower melt
viscosities (as indicated by torque rheometer
measurements) than the SF/PP composites at the
respective sisal fibre contents. The tensile strength was
37
increased by PP maleation because of the increased SF/

matrix interfacial bonding when MAPP was used, but the
impact strength was decreased. The increased SF/matrix
interfacial bond strength prevented fibre/matrix
debonding and fibre pullout. 11 refs.
with a measured technical fibre tensile strength of 550 MPa.

Reasons for the differences were discussed. 19 refs.
BRAZIL; EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.857043
CHINA
Accession no.857107
Item 24
85, No.1, 5th July 2002, p.129-38
BIODEGRADABLE POLYESTER COMPOSITES
REINFORCED WITH SHORT ABACA FIBER
Mitsuhiro Shibata; Kei-ichiro Takachiyo; Koichi
Ozawa; Ryutoku Yosomiya; Hiroyuku Takeishi
Chiba,Institute of Technology
The mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate)(PHVB) composites reinforced with
short abaca fibres, obtained by melt mixing followed by
injection moulding, were compared with those of PHVB
reinforced with glass fibre (GF). The effects of fibre
length, fibre content, and surface treatment of the natural
abaca fibre on its mechanical properties were assessed.
Tensile tests showed that the tensile strength of the fibres
reached a maximum at a fibre length of about 5 mm.
Surface treatment of abaca fibres with butyric anhydride
and pyridine over 5 hours improved the flexural properties
of the PHVP/composite because of the increase in
interfacial adhesion between the matrix polyester and the
surface-esterified fibre, as was obvious from the SEM
micrographs. The flexural and tensile properties of the
PHVP/treated abaca composite were comparable with
those of PHVP/GF composite. 19 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.857103
Item 25
84, No.13, 24th June 2002, p.2358-65
MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF UNIDIRECTIONAL SISALEPOXY COMPOSITES
Oksman K; Wallstrom L; Berglund L A; Toledo Filho R D
SICOMP AB; Lulea,University of Technology; Rio de
Janeiro,Universidade Federal
The longitudinal stiffness and strength were studied, together
with the morphology, in unidirectional sisal-epoxy
composites manufactured by resin transfer moulding.
Horseshoe-shaped sisal fibre bundles (technical fibres) were
non-uniformly distributed in the matrix. In contrast to many
wood composites, the lumen was not filled by polymer
matrix. Technical sisal fibres showed a higher effective
modulus when included in the composite, compared with a
technical fibre test (40 GPa compared with 24 GPa). In
contrast, the effective technical fibre strength in the
composites was estimated to be about 400 MPa compared
38
Item 26
Polymer Preprints. Volume 43, Number 1. Spring 2002.
Papers presented at the ACS meeting held Orlando, Fl.,
7th-11th April 2002.
Washington D.C., ACS, Div.of Polymer Chemistry,
2002, p.482-3, 28 cm, 012
INFLUENCE OF SURFACE MODIFICATION
AND COMPATIBILIZATION ON THE
PERFORMANCE OF NATURAL FIBER
REINFORCED BIODEGRADABLE
THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE
Hokens D; Mohanty A K; Misra M; Drzal L T
(ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry)
The advantages of using natural fibres rather than glass
fibres to fill and reinforce thermoplastics were discussed.
The effect of alkali treatment and the use of maleated PS
as a compatibiliser to improve the properties of
composites fabricated from hemp fibre and the
biodegradable thermoplastic Bionolle (polybutylene
succinate or butylene succinate-butylene adipate
copolymer) were studied. The tensile strength and tensile
modulus of the virgin Bionolle polymer were enhanced
by about 135% and 700% respectively when it was
reinforced with 35 wt% of alkali-treated hemp fibre in
the presence of the maleated PS compatibiliser. 2 refs.
USA
Accession no.857010
Item 27
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
40, No.12, 15th June 2002, p.1214-22
STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL
BEHAVIOUR OF POLYPROPYLENE/
MALEATED STYRENE-ETHYLENE-COBUTYLENE-STYRENE/SISAL FIBER
COMPOSITES PREPARED BY INJECTION
MOLDING
Xie X L; Fung K L; Li R K Y; Tjong S C; Mai Y-W
Hong Kong,City University; Huazhong,University of
Science & Technology; Sydney,University
Details are given of the use of maleic anhydride grafted
styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer as
compatibiliser to improve the interfacial bonding between
PP and sisal fibre. The composites were prepared by melt
compounding followed by injection moulding. The meltcompounding torque behaviour, thermal properties,
morphology, crystal structure and mechanical behaviour
of the composites were systematically investigated. 27 refs.
AUSTRALIA; CHINA
Accession no.856773
Item 28
Composites Science & Technology
62, Nos.7-8, 2002, p.911-7
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL AND THERMAL
ANALYSIS OF VINYL ESTER-RESIN-MATRIX
COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH
UNTREATED AND ALKALI-TREATED JUTE
FIBRES
Ray D; Sarkar B K; Das S; Rana A K
Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science;
Indian Jute Industries Research Assn.
Vinyl ester resin-matrix composites reinforced with
untreated and 5% NaOH treated jute fibres for 4 and 8 h
with different fibre loading are subjected to dynamic
mechanical and thermal analysis to determine their
dynamic properties as a function of temperature. For all
the composites, the storage modulus, E, decreases with
increase in temperature, with a significant fall in the
temperature range 110-170 deg. C. For the treated
composites, the rate of fall, dE/dT, has an inverse
relationship with the defect concentrations in the
composites. The lowest defect concentrations in the 4 h
treated composites correspond to the highest rate of fall.
The glass transition temperature, Tg, of the unreinforced
resin, corresponding to the loss modulus peak, is 101.2
deg.C, whereas that of the composites increases by nearly
28 deg.C on account of the restricted mobility of the resin
molecules in the presence of the fibres. In the case of the
treated composites, the Tg value shows a decreasing trend
(128 to 25 deg.C). Unlike the plain resin, a tiny hump is
observed in the loss modulus, E2, curves of all the
composites around 166 deg.C, which become broader and
more prominent with increase in the jute fibre content.
The very high tan delta value of the resin decreases in the
composites, indicating that the addition of the fibres
lowers the damping capacity of the composites. 17 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.856483
Item 29
Plastics Technology
48, No.4, April 2002, p.20
IMPROVED WOOD FIBERS
We are informed in this little item that Rayonier of the
USA has developed a high-purity cellulose fibre derived
from local hard and soft woods, with a high content of
pure alpha-cellulose. Brief details are given of the new
material, which is known as TerraCel.
RAYONIER
EUROPE-GENERAL; USA
Accession no.855910
Item 30
Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe
10, No.1, 2002, p.22-6
BIODEGRADATION OF LIGNIN BASED RESINS
AND FIBROUS LIGNIN COMPOSITES

Wrzesniewska-Tosik K; Struszczyk H; Ratajska M;
Tomaszewski W
Lodz,Institute of Chemical Fibres
The results of an investigation are presented which
consider the biodegradation of lignin-based resins and
fibrous composites obtained upon the application of such
resins. Selected samples destined for tests are exposed to
biological decomposition in a water medium, which
contains bacterial strains originating from active wastewater sediments taken from a sewage treatment plant of
the cellulose industry. The process is conducted in
conditions of so-called carbon deficiency, whereas the
analysed samples are the source of carbon. 26 refs.
EASTERN EUROPE; POLAND
Accession no.855152
Item 31
Plast 21
No.107, Dec.2001, p.63
Spanish
INJECTION MOULDING OF NATURAL FIBREREINFORCED PLASTICS
The advantages of natural fibres such as hemp and flax
as replacements for glass fibres in plastics composites
are discussed, and applications of such composites are
reviewed with particular reference to components for
automotive and other transport applications.
Developments by Demag Ergotech in processes and
machinery for the injection moulding of natural fibrereinforced plastics are examined.
DEMAG ERGOTECH; FRAUNHOFER-INSTITUT
FUER CHEMISCHE TECHNOLOGIE
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.854894
Item 32
92, No.5, May 2002, p.35-7
POLYPROPYLENE-CELLULOSE COMPOUNDS
Weigel P; Ganster J; Fink H-P; Gassan J; Uihlein K
Fraunhofer-Institute for Applied Polymer Research;
Faurecia-SAI Automotive SAL GmbH
A propylene block copolymer was compounded with high
strength renewable cellulose fibres (Cordenka 700) by
pultrusion and the density and mechanical properties of
the resulting composites determined. The performance
of these cellulose fibre reinforced PP composites was
compared with that of PP composites containing other
types of fibres, particularly glass fibres. It was found that,
under certain conditions, the high strength cellulose fibres
were promising as replacements for glass fibres.
(Kunststoffe, 92, No.5, 2002, p.95-7)
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.854550
39
Item 33
92, No.5, May 2002, p.34-5
POLYPROPYLENE-FLAX COMPOUNDS ...
INCLUDING FLAME RETARDANTS
Schwartz U; Pflug G; Reinemann S
Ostthueringische Materialpruefgesellschaft mbH; TITK e.V
The suitability of expandable graphite as a flame retardant
in PP/flax composites is examined and the mechanical
properties of PP/flax composites containing expandable
graphite or ammonium polyphosphate, as flame
retardants, compared. A potential application of these
composites is considered to be vehicle trim and building
applications. (Kunststoffe, 92, No.5, 2002, p.93-4)
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.854549
Item 34
Polymer Engineering and Science
42, No.4, April 2002, p.790-7
OXYGEN PLASMA TREATMENT OF SISAL
FIBERS AND POLYPROPYLENE: EFFECTS ON
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITES
Couto E; Tan I H; Demarquette N; Caraschi J C; Leao
A
Sao Paulo,Escola Politecnico; Paulista,Universidade
Estadual
Oxygen plasma treatment of polypropylene is an efficient
method for functionalising surface polar groups and
improving adhesion to cellulose-based materials, provided
that care is taken in preventing degradation and chain
scission. To this end, PP powder and sisal fibres were
oxygen plasma-treated in selected plasma conditions in
order to functionalise oxygen polar groups in the PP and
to induce chain scission and low-molecular weight
fragments in both PP and sisal fibres. These treatments
were tested for their effectiveness in improving
mechanical properties of sisal/PP composites. 17 refs.
agent. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the onset

of thermal degradation of treated wood flour occurs at a
lower temperature than that of the untreated one, and that
the same behaviour was found in the corresponding
composites. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed
that both wood flours acted as nucleating agents for PP,
while only the treated version induced PP crystallisation
in beta-phase in the composites. It was shown by X-ray
diffractometry that this crystallisation was a shear-induced
phenomenon favoured by the chemical modification of
the wood flour surface. Dynamic mechanical analysis
showed that the properties of the composite decreased at
concentrations higher than 40 wt% of wood flour and that
the overall performance of maleic anhydride-treated wood
flour composites was shown to be lower than that of the
composites to which a compatibiliser was added. 30 refs.
ARGENTINA
Accession no.854508
Item 36
Materials for Lean Weight Vehicles IV. Proceedings of
a conference held Gaydon, UK, 30th.-31st. Oct. 2001.
London, Institute of Materials, 2001, Paper 2, pp.10,
012
TOWARD A NEW PARADIGM IN CAR DESIGN
De Kanter J L C G; Viot A; Kandachar P; Kaveline K
Delft,University of Technology
(Institute of Materials)
The University of Delfts new concept car, the DutchEVO
uses an integrated approach to resolve the many inherent
conflicts in car design, especially relating to safety and
weight reduction, fuel efficiency and use of sustainable
materials. In particular, the use is discussed of natural
fibre composites based on low cost thermoplastics.
Current applications are indicated, and the future for
natural fibre composites is considered.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
NETHERLANDS; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.853960
BRAZIL
Accession no.854514
Item 35
42, No.4, April 2002, p.733-42
THERMAL AND DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYPROPYLENEWOODFLOUR COMPOSITES
Nunez A J; Kenny J M; Reboredo M M; Aranguren M
I; Marcovich N E
Mar del Plata,Universidad Nacional
The performance of wood particle/PP composites with
modified capabilities was compared. Wood flour
modification was performed by esterification with maleic
anhydride, and a non-commercial maleic anhydridepolypropylene copolymer was selected as compatibilising
40
Item 37
Polymer Composites
23, No.2, April 2002, p.182-92
INTERFACIAL INTERACTION IN SISAL/
EPOXY COMPOSITES AND ITS INFLUENCE ON
IMPACT PERFORMANCE
Rong M Z; Zhang M Q; Liu Y; Yan H M; Yang G C;
Zeng H M
Zhongshan,University
Sisal fibre was surface treated using various methods,
including alkali treatment, acetylation, cyanoethylation,
treatment with a silane coupling agent, heat treatment or
a combination of these techniques, and then incorporated
into an epoxy matrix. Interfacial interactions in the
resulting composites were investigated using a surface
tensiometer and dynamic mechanical analysis and the
effect of these interactions on the impact properties of

both unidirectional and short fibre composites
investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was utilised
to analyse the fracture surfaces of the treated samples and
the failure mechanism identified. 28 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.853505
Item 38
Polymer Composites
23, No.2, April 2002, p.164-70
INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL MODIFICATION
ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SISALPOLYESTER BIOCOMPOSITES
Mishra S; Misra M; Tripathy S S; Nayak S K;
Mohanty A K
Ravenshaw College; Michigan,State University
Sisal-polyester composites were prepared by hand lay-up
and their mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural
and impact properties, investigated. The effects of fibre
loading and surface modification of the fibres on mechanical
properties were examined and fibre-matrix adhesion of the
surface modified fibre reinforced composites analysed by
scanning electron microscopy. Surface modification methods
employed included cyanoethylation, grafting with
acrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate, bleaching,
mercerisation and dewaxing. 21 refs.
Item 40
Polymers & Polymer Composites
10, No.4, 2002, p.281-90
POLYPROPYLENE AND ALIPHATIC
POLYESTER FLAX FIBRE COMPOSITES
Hodzic A; Shanks R A; Leorke M
RMIT University
Polypropylene and aliphatic polyester flax fibre
composites were prepared from hydrophobic and
hydrophilic PP with and without silane surface treated
flax fibres. Other comparable biodegradable composites
have been prepared from poly(lactic acid) and
poly(ethylene succinate). The polar polymers were found
to provide better wetting of the surface of the flax,
regardless of the surface treatment. DSC was used to study
the crystallisation and melting of the composites
compared with the pure polymers. Surface wetting of the
fibres and morphology of the composites was studied by
SEM and optical microscopy, and mechanical properties
were studied using dynamic mechanical analysis. It was
found that the relatively low density flax fibres provided
efficient reinforcement compared with that expected from
analogous glass fibre composites and the influence of the
transcrystalline interphase on the dynamic storage
modulus was found to be important. 17 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.853058
INDIA; USA
Accession no.853503
Item 39
International Polymer Science and Technology
29, No.4, 2002, p.T/82-6
PRODUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF WOOD
POLYMER COMPOSITES
Sangalov Y A; Krasulina N A; Ilyasova A I
The modification of wood flour for use in wood polymer
composites is studied with the aim of developing a method
of modification envisaging the chemical change of the
surface and a complex improvement in the properties of
the wood materials. The reactive modifier selected was
oligoethoxysiloxane or ethylsilicate-40 (ES-40). The
polymer component consisted of polypropylene,
polyisobutylene, and butyl rubber. Transesterification of
the ES-40 by alcohols and modification of the wood flour
using the ES-40 were carried out by mixing the components
and subsequent heating in a stream of nitrogen or in air,
and the liquid products of transesterification of ES-40 were
characterised in terms of their solubility, the molecular mass
values, and IR spectra. Typical properties of the initial and
modified powders of wood flour were also determined, and
the properties of the resultant composite are described. 13
refs.(Article translated from Plasticheskie Massy, No.7,
2001, pp.39).
RUSSIA
Accession no.853076
Item 41
9, No.2, 2002, p.171-205
SHORT SISAL FIBRE REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES: THE ROLE
OF THE INTERFACE MODIFICATION ON
ULTIMATE PROPERTIES
Josph P V; Josph K; Thomas S
Kerala,St Berchmans College; Mahatma
Gandhi,University
Sisal fibres have been used for the reinforcement of PP
matrix. Compatibility between the hydrophilic cellulose
fibre and hydrophobic PP is achieved through treatment
of cellulose fibres with sodium hydroxide, isocyanates,
maleic anhydride modified PP (MAPP), benzyl chloride
and by using permanganate. Various fibre treatments
enhance the tensile properties of the composites
considerably, but to varying degrees. SEM
photomicrographs of fracture surfaces of the treated
composites clearly indicate the extent of fibre-matrix
interface adhesion, fibre pullout and fibre surface
topography. Surface fibrillation is found to occur during
alkali treatment, which improves interfacial adhesion
between the fibre and PP matrix. The grafting of the fibres
by MAPP enhances the tensile strength of the resulting
composite. It is found that the urethane derivative of
polypropylene glycol and cardanol treatments reduces the
hydrophilic nature of sisal fibre and thereby enhances the
tensile properties of the sisal-PP composites, as evident
41
from the SEM photomicrographs of the fracture surface.

The IR spectrum of the urethane derivative of
polypropylene glycol gives evidence for the existence of
a urethane linkage. Benzoylation of the fibre improves
the adhesion of the fibre to the PP matrix. The benzoylated
fibre is analysed by IR spectroscopy. Experimental results
indicate better compatibility between benzoylated fibre
and PP. The observed enhancement in tensile properties
of permanganate-treated composites at a low
concentration is due to the permanganate-induced grafting
of PP on to sisal fibres. Among the various treatments,
MAPP treatment gives superior mechanical properties.
Experimental results of the mechanical properties of the
composite are compared with theoretical predictions. 55
refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.852988
Item 42
PVC 2002: Towards a Sustainable Future. Proceedings
of a conference held Brighton, 23rd-25th April 2002.
London, IOM Communications Ltd., 2002. Paper 13,
p.151-6, 21cm, 012
EXTRUSION OF WOOD-PVC COMPOSITE
MATERIALS
Sehnal E
Cincinnati Extrusion
The extrusion of woodlike, wood-filled and wood profiles
based upon wood fibres and PVC is discussed and the
extruders employed are described. The characteristics and
benefits of the products are also considered.
AUSTRIA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.852749
Item 43
84, No.12, 20th June 2002, p.2222-34
CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF HEMP, SISAL,
JUTE, AND KAPOK FIBRES BY
ALKALIZATION
Mwaikambo L Y; Ansell M P
Bath,University
Hemp, sisal, jute and kapok fibres were soaked in sodium
hydroxide solutions of various concentrations, and the
alkalinisation studied using differential scanning
calorimetry, wide angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron
microscopy. Rapid degradation of the cellulose was
observed in solutions containing 0.8-8% sodium
hydroxide, further degradation at higher concentrations
being negligible. Solution concentrations of 0.8-30%
caused a marginal drop in the hemp crystallinity, and a
slight increase in the sisal, jute and kapok crystallinities.
42
All fibres were relatively smooth prior to treatment and

exhibited uneven surfaces after treatment. It was
concluded that alkalisation modified the fibres so as to
promote fibre-matrix adhesion, leading to enhanced
thermal and mechanical properties of polymer-fibre
composites. 24 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.852686
Item 44
International Journal of Polymeric Materials
49, No.3, 2001, p.311-22
OIL PALM WOOD FLOUR FILLED NATURAL
RUBBER COMPOSITES: EFFECTS OF VARIOUS
BONDING AGENTS
Ismail H; Jaffri R M; Rozman H D
The effects of various bonding agents on curing
characteristics and mechanical properties of oil palm
wood flour (OPWF) filled NR composites are examined.
Compared to control compound, the presence of various
bonding agents increase the curing time, t90, maximum
torque (except phenol formaldehyde (PF) and resorcinol
formaldehyde (RF)/silica(Sil)), tensile strength, tensile
modulus (except PF and RF/Sil), and hardness (except
PF) but decrease the elongation at break and fatigue life
of the composites. Swelling test results indicate that the
presence of various bonding agents leads to stronger
adhesion at the OPWF-rubber interface. Overall results
indicate that RF/Sil/Hexa (Hexamethylene tetramine) is
the most suitable bonding system for OPWF filled NR
MALAYSIA
Accession no.851827
Item 45
Materie Plastiche ed Elastomeri
66, No.6, June 2001, p.386-8
Italian
GROWING INTEREST IN FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTICS
Calato F
A review is presented of German developments in
composites technology. Some innovative processing
methods are examined, and the use by Audi of natural
fibre-reinforced PU composites (Bayers Baypreg F) in
automotive components is described. Consideration is also
given to trends in the European composites market.
AVK-TV; DARMSTADT,TECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY; BRAUNSCHWEIG,DLR-INSTITUT
FUER STRUKTURMECHANIK; BAYER AG;
HENNECKE; AUDI AG
EUROPE-GENERAL; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
Accession no.851797
Item 46
Journal of Materials Science
37, No.8, 15th April 2002, p.1683-92
TENSILE AND COMPRESSIVE PROPERTIES OF
FLAX FIBRES FOR NATURAL FIBRE
REINFORCED COMPOSITES
Bos H L; van den Oever M J A; Peters O C J J
ATO
Mechanical properties of flax fibres were determined in
tension and compression. The effect of clamping length
on tensile properties of fibre bundles was examined. The
tensile strength of elementary flax fibres was found to
range between 1500 MPa and 1800 MPa depending on
the isolation procedure. An examination of kink bands in
the fibres is discussed. 22 refs.
NETHERLANDS; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.851680
Item 47
Journal of Reinforced Plastics & Composites
21, No.1, 2002, p.55-70
NOVEL ECO-FRIENDLY BIOCOMPOSITES:
BIOFIBER REINFORCED BIODEGRADABLE
POLYESTER AMIDE COMPOSITES FABRICATION AND PROPERTIES
EVALUATION
Mishra S; Tripathy S S; Misra M; Mohanty A K;
Nayak S K
Ravenshaw College; Michigan,State University;
India,Central Institute of Plastics Engng.& Tech.
The effect of various surface modifications of sisal fibres,
including mercerisation, cyanoethylation, acetylation,
bleaching and vinyl monomer (acrylonitrile) grafting, on
the mechanical performance (tensile strength and flexural
strength) of sisal fibre-reinforced polyester-amide (BAK
1095 from Bayer) biocomposite was studied. The
biodegradability of the composite was also evaluated. A
pineapple leaf fibre-BAK 1095 biocomposite was
fabricated for comparison. SEM studies provided clear
pictures of compatibility between various surfacemodified fibres and matrix in the composites. 18 refs.
BAYER AG
INDIA; USA
Accession no.851495
Item 48
15, No.3, May 2002, p.253-65
INFLUENCE OF THE FIBER CONTENT AND
THE PROCESSING CONDITIONS ON THE
FLEXURAL CREEP BEHAVIOR OF SISAL-PCLSTARCH COMPOSITES
Cyras V P; Martucci J F; Iannace S; Vazquez A
INTEMA; CNR
Flexural creep tests were performed on sisal fibre/
polycaprolactone/starch composites at different temps.
The creep compliance increased with the increase of temp.

and with the decrease of the fibre content. The
fragmentation of the polymer macromolecules and the
natural fibre fragmentation, however, influenced the creep
behaviour. The curves of compliance versus time were
shifted along the logarithmic time scale to develop a creep
master curve. Activation energy was determined from the
shift factors. A four-parameter model was applied in order
to quantify the viscoelastic behaviour of the composites.
17 refs.
ARGENTINA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
ITALY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.851490
Item 49
92, No.2, Feb. 2002, p.11-4
INNOVATIVE DIRECT PROCESSING OF
NATURAL FIBRES
Ruch J; Fritz H-G; Buerkle E; Zimmet R
Stuttgart,Institut fur Kunststofftechnologie;
Stuttgart,University; Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik
GmbH
The three phases involved in the development of a
single-stage compounding and moulding process for the
manufacture of natural fibre-reinforced PP composites
and shaping them into thin-walled interior door trim
parts in a single heating step are described. These phases
involved (i) the investigation of a multi-stage
compounding/compression method, (ii) combining
matrix functionalisation and natural fibre (flax)
incorporation into a single-step process and scale-up of
the process to a larger compounding unit and (iii)
collaboration with Krauss-Maffei to transfer the process
to an injection moulding compounder. (Kunststoffe, 92,
No.2, 2002, p.28-34)
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.850987
Item 50
European Polymer Journal
38, No.1, Jan.2002, p.39-47
EFFECTS OF A SILANE COUPLING AGENT ON
CURING CHARACTERISTICS AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO
FIBRE FILLED NATURAL RUBBER
COMPOSITES
Ismail H; Shuhelmy S; Edyham M R
Malaysia,Science University
The scorch time and cure time of bamboo fibre-filled
natural rubber decreased with increased filler loading in
the presence of a silane coupling agent. The Mooney
viscosity increased with increasing filler content, but for
a given filler loading was reduced by the addition of the
coupling agent. The tensile strength and modulus, tear
strength, and hardness also increased on the addition of
43
coupling agent, attributed to enhanced adhesion between

the fibre and the matrix. 19 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.850821
Item 51
84, No.11, 13th June 2002, p.1971-80
PREPARATION AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE OF FIBROUS
CELLULOSE AND MALEATED
POLYETHYLENE
Farao Zhang; Endo T; Wulin Qiu; Liqun Yang; Hirotsu
T
Japan,National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science
& Technology
The maleation of PE was studied, together with the
compounding of the resultant maleated PE(MPE) with
cellulose under melt mixing to prepare composites of
fibrous cellulose(FC) and MPE with FC contents of 5
to 60 wt %. The mechanical properties of the FC-MPE
composite were studied in relation to the content of
maleic anhydride groups in the MPE and the content
of FC in the composite. With an increase in the FC
content to 60 wt %, the TS of the FC-MPE composite
increased significantly and reached 125% of that of
pure PE. Furthermore, the larger Youngs modulus,
larger bending elastic modulus and smaller elongation
of the FC-MPE composite strongly indicated effective
transfer of the high TS and elasticity of FC to the MPE
matrix through the strong adhesion between FC and
MPE. 23 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.850794
Item 52
Composites International
No.50-51, March/June 2002, p.38-46
French; English
FIBRE-REINFORCED COMPOSITES, A
STRONG MARKET POTENTIAL
Nair N G; Jayakumar Y J
India,Fibre Reinforced Plastics Institute
Indias fibre-reinforced composites industry is discussed,
which from a modest beginning in 1966, has today grown
to be a 212 million US dollar industry. An overview is
presented of the industry, with information relating to
glass fibre manufacturers and their capacities; growth
of fibre-reinforced composites; leading manufacturers
of polymeric matrix materials; manufacturing
technologies; and consumption trends in the aerospace,
manufacturing, land transport, marine, building and civil
engineering, chemical industry, electrical/electronic
telecommunications sectors.
INDIA
Accession no.850511
44
Item 53
No.50-51, March/June 2002, p.30-2
French; English
NATURAL FIBRES: MATERIALS OF THE
FUTURE?
Harris T
Kline & Co.Inc.
The trend towards increased interest in natural fibrereinforced plastics is discussed, with reference to the
North American market, and in particular, the automotive
and construction industries. Current estimates are reported
to place the North American market for natural fibres in
plastic composites at over 150 million US dollars, and a
recent market study by Kline & Co. shows demand for
both wood and agricultural fibres is forecast to increase
over 20% per year in automotive applications and 50%
annually in selected building products.
NORTH AMERICA
Accession no.850509
Item 54
15, No.2, March 2002, p.89-114
MELT RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF SHORT
SISAL FIBRE REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Joseph P V; Oommen Z; Joseph K; Thomas S
St.Berchmans College; Kottayam,CMS College;
Mahatma Gandhi,University
The melt rheological properties of short sisal fibrereinforced PP composites were investigated by capillary
rheometry. The effects of shear rate, fibre loading, aspect
ratio and fibre treatment, such as alkali, TDI, maleic
anhydride and permanganate treatment, on the melt
viscosity of the composites were examined and a
comparison made between two techniques for making the
composites, namely melt mixing in a Haake Rheocord
and solution mixing in toluene and xylene. Optical
microscopy was employed to analyse fibre breakage
during extrusion and optical microscopy and scanning
electron microscopy were used to study extrudate
morphology. 38 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.850426
Item 55
Plasticheskie Massy
No.7, 2001, p.39-41
Russian
PRODUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF WOODPOLYMER COMPOSITES
Sangalov Yu A; Krasulina N A; Ilyasova A I
The preparation and physical properties such as moisture
absorption, acid resistance and heat resistance of
composites based on wood flour and polypropylene,
polyisobutylene and butyl rubber are described. 13 refs.

Articles from this journal can be requested for translation
by subscribers to the Rapra produced International
Polymer Science and Technology.
Accession no.849787
Item 56
Machine Design
74, No.5, 7th March 2002, p.100-2
PLASTICS GO ON A NATURAL-FIBRE DIET
Busch J
Composite Products Inc.
Natural fibre has emerged to compete with glass as the
reinforcement for a composite matrix. This new option
for long-fibre-thermoplastic reinforced composites offers
designers an attractive alternative when weighing cost
versus performance. Renewability and recyclability are
also important considerations. The main physical
limitation of bast fibres when compared to glass is heat
sensitivity. Processing temperatures must remain below
400F, limiting their use to reinforcement in PP, styrenics
and other low-melting-point resins. Generally, tensile and
flexural strength and impact resistance of natural fibre
composites are about half that of comparable glass-filled
materials. Design considerations and in-line compounding
and continuous moulding of natural fibre composites are
discussed.
USA
Accession no.849551
Item 57
Plast 21
No.105, Oct.2001, p.164-5
Spanish
OPENING DOORS TO REINFORCED PLASTICS
Trends in the European market for reinforced plastics in
1999 are reviewed, and some developments in composites
processing and applications are examined. These include
processes for the production of glass and carbon fibrereinforced thermoplastic pipes and tubes and of large
composite structures, and the use of natural fibrereinforced PU composites in car construction.
DARMSTADT,TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY; AUDI
AG; DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
Accession no.849038
Item 58
62, No.3, 2002, p.339-53
MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID
PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE-BASED
COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH GLASS
AND OIL PALM FIBRES
Sreekala M S; George J; Kumaran M G; Thomas S
Mahatma Gandhi,University; Eindhoven,University of

Technology; India,Rubber Research Institute
Oil palm fibre is hybridised with glass fibre in order to
achieve superior mechanical performance. The reinforcing
effect of glass in phenol formaldehyde resin is evaluated
at various glass fibre loadings. Tensile strength, tensile
modulus and flexural strength increase with in increase
in fibre loading. However, elongation at break and flexural
modulus are found to decrease beyond 40 wt.% fibre
loading. Impact strength and density of the composites
show similar trends. Compared to the gum sample,
hardness of the composites decreases by glass fibre
reinforcement. The hybrid effect of glass fibre and oil
palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre on the tensile,
flexural and impact response of the composites is
investigated. Randomly oriented glass and OPEFB fibre
mats are arranged as interlayers to enhance the hybrid
effect. The overall performance of the composites is
improved by the glass fibre addition. Impact strength
shows great enhancement by the introduction of a slight
amount of glass fibre. Density of the hybrid composite
decreases as the volume fraction of the OPEFB fibre
increases. Hardness of the composites also shows a slight
decrease on an increased volume fraction of OPEFB fibre.
Scanning electron micrographs and optical photographs
of the fractured surfaces are taken to study the failure
mechanism and fibre/matrix interface adhesion. The
experimental results are compared with theoretical
predictions. The hybrid effect of glass and OPEFB fibre
is also calculated. 29 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; INDIA;
Accession no.848943
Item 59
Plastics Technology
48, No.3, March 2002, p.15
KENAF NATURAL FIBER STIFFENS LUMBER
PROFILES
Kenaf natural plant fibre is used as a filling in the latest
version of TexDek PP synthetic wood decking planks
from Kenaf Industries of the USA, we are informed in
this concise article. Brief details of the reasons for the
selection of kenaf are given.
KENAF INDUSTRIES; DAVIS-STANDARD CORP.;
COLORTRONIC INC.
USA
Accession no.848839
Item 60
62, No.5, 2002, p.669-78
THERMOELASTIC ANISOTROPY OF A
NATURAL FIBRE
Cichocki F R; Thomason J L
Owens-Corning Science & Technology Center
45
The elastic and thermal expansion characteristics of a jute

fibre-reinforced epoxy composite system over a broad
temperature range were investigated by DMA and TMA
and the data obtained incorporated into several
micromechanical and semi-empirical models to predict
the thermoelastic properties of the jute fibres. It was found
that the longitudinal Youngs modulus of the fibres
exceeded the transverse fibre modulus by as much as an
order of magnitude in certain temperature regimes and
that the fibres exhibited negative thermal expansion
coefficients along their lengths and positive thermal
expansion coefficients in the transverse directions. 37 refs.
USA
Accession no.848803
Item 61
Modern Plastics International
32, No.3, March 2002, p.40-1
EQUIPMENT OVERCOMES SOME KNOTTY
PROBLEMS
Rose J
New feeders and blenders for processing wood flour for
the manufacture of wood composites are described.
Machinery from Colortronic Inc., K-Tron and Conair is
covered and includes a high-intensity spray tank for
cooling extruded wood composite parts and loss-in-weight
gravimetric blenders.
COLORTRONIC INC.; K-TRON; CONAIR
USA
Accession no.848709
Item 62
Iranian Polymer Journal
10, No.6, Nov./Dec.2001, p.377-83
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES AND SWELLING
BEHAVIOUR OF BAMBOO FILLED NATURAL
RUBBER COMPOSITES: EFFECT OF BONDING
AGENT
Ismail H; Edyham M R; Wirjosentono B
Sains Malaysia,University; Medan,Universitas
Sumatera Utara
The effect of filler loading and bonding agent on the
dynamic properties and swelling behaviour of bamboo
fibre-filled NR composites was studied. Bamboo fibre
was used as a filler and the loading range was 0 to 50 phr.
Dynamic properties were determined using a Monsanto
moving die rheometer at 150C. The results obtained
showed that the maximum elastic torque and minimum
elastic torque increased with increasing filler loading and
the addition of bonding agent. The viscous torque and
tan delta, however, decreased with addition of bonding
agent. For swelling behaviour, the water absorption of
the composites increased with increasing filler loading
but decreased with the addition of bonding agent. The
presence of bonding agent was found to improve the
adhesion between bamboo fibre and NR matrix, as
46
indicated by studies of the tensile fracture surfaces of the

composites using SEM. 15 refs.
INDONESIA; MALAYSIA
Accession no.848610
Item 63
62, No.1, 2002, p.17-27
PERFORMANCE OF COMPOSITE CONES
UNDER AXIAL COMPRESSION LOADING
Khalid A A; SAhiri B B; Khalid Y A
Malaysia,International Islamic University;
Putra,University
The load/displacement response and the energy absorption
of cotton- and glass fibre-reinforced epoxy composite
cones under axial compression was studied. Composite
cones with semi-vertex angles of 5, 10 and 20 degrees
and with fibre orientation angles of 90 or 80 degrees were
used. A finite element analysis for cones of the same
dimensions and materials was also carried out. The load
required and the specific energy absorption for glass/
epoxy cones were higher than those for cotton/epoxy
cones for all the cases studied. For both glass/epoxy and
cotton/epoxy cones, there was a slight increase in the load
capability and the energy absorption when the fibre
orientation angle was 80 degrees rather than 90 degrees.
When the cone angle was increased from 5 to 20 degrees,
all the composite cones tested could withstand higher
loads and the specific energy absorption was improved.
Reasons for the differences observed between the
experimental and finite element analysis results were
discussed. 18 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.848130
Item 64
Polymer Preprints. Volume 42. Number 2. Fall 2001.
Proceedings of a conference held Chicago, Il., 7th-11th
April 2002.
Washington, D.C., ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry,
2001, p.73-4
NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED THERMOSET
COMPOSITES: STUDIES ON FIBRE-MATRIX
ADHESION OF ALIGNED HENEQUEN FIBRE
EPOXY COMPOSITES
Belcher L K; Drzal L T; Misra M; MohantyA K
Natural/bio-fibre composites (biocomposites) are mainly
price-driven commodity composites that have useable
structural properties at relatively low cost. Biocomposites,
derived from natural fibres and traditional thermoplastics
or thermosets, are not fully environmentally friendly as
the matrix resins are non-biogradable. However, these
types of biocomposites can maintain a balance between
economics and the environment allowing them to be
considered for applications in the automotive, building,

furniture and packaging industries. Natural fibre
composites are now emerging as a realistic alternative to
glass reinforced composites. Epoxy resins are known for
good tensile strength, high stiffness, excellent electrical
properties and good solvent resistance. The chief
drawbacks of epoxy resins for industrial use are their
brittleness and high cost. The ideal reinforcement material
would raise the tensile strength, increase toughness and
reduce cost of the composite, compared to epoxy resin
alone. The influence of two surface modifications (alkali
and silane coupling agent treatments) on aligned henequen
fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites is examined.
Effect of fibre volume percent on biocomposite properties
is also evaluated.13 refs.
USA
Accession no.847977
Item 65
April 2002.
2001, p.31-2
ENVIRONMENTALLY BENIGN POWDER
IMPREGNATION PROCESSING AND ROLE OF
NOVEL WATER BASED COUPLING AGENTS IN
NATURAL FIBRE-REINFORCED
THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES
Drzal L T; Mohanty A-K; Misra M
The usual extrusion and injection moulding processing
techniques most widely accepted for the production of
natural fibre thermoplastic composites require an
environmentally benign manufacturing alternative, as the
fibres are damaged during the usual accepted processing
techniques. Powder impregnation technology is an
environmentally benign manufacturing processing and is
gaining ground as a novel processing in composite field.
This process markedly reduces/eliminates volatile organic
compounds, and is thus an eco-friendly processing.
Besides the processing side, an attempt is made to replace
E-glass fibres with biofibres. However the selection of a
petro-based matrix, i.e. PP, under this research programme
is based on the fact that the development of commercial
product ecology-economy-technology should be
balanced. On a cost/performance basis, natural fibrereinforced PP composites are competing well with existing
E-glass fibre based composites in many applications. As
natural fibres are hydrophilic and PP is hydrophobic,
suitable surface treatment is needed to improve fibrematrix adhesion so as to obtain superior composites.
Water-based surface treatment is a realistic and costeffective way to achieve biocomposites of commercial
value. Through the suitable blending of surface treated
bast and leaf fibres, mechanical properties, such as
flexural and impact strength, of the resultant

biocomposites can be optimised. Development of a hybrid
water-based coupling agent to obtain best fibre-matrix
adhesion is in progress. Through biocomposite stampable
sheet forming (BCSS) processing, the aim is to produce
biocomposites from chopped engineered natural fibres
and thermoplastic powder polymer to fabricate future
generations of biocomposites with industrial value. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.847955
Item 66
April 2002.
2001, p.23-4
NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCEMENT OF
POLYMERIC COMPOSITES BY REACTIONINDUCED PHASE SEPARATION
Prieto A; Jana S C
Akron,University
In recent years, many natural fibre-filled polymer
composites have been reported. Thermosetting polymers
such as polyesters, epoxy, cyanate esters and
thermoplastic polymers such as PP, PE, PVC and PS have
been compounded with wood flour, wood pulp and
cellulose fibres to form composites. Despite of ongoing
research activities, many issues need to be resolved to
expand the use of natural fillers in polymer products for
diverse applications in automotive, aerospace and building
industries. One such issue is poor polymer-fibre bonding
in the final composites, mainly due to hydrophobic nature
of the polymers. Another issue is low decomposition
temperatures of natural fibres which seldom exceed 200220 deg.C. This precludes many engineering polymers,
whose processing temperatures often exceed 250 deg.C,
from consideration. New technologies, therefore, are
needed to reduce the gap between processing temperatures
of engineering polymers and decomposition temperatures
of natural fibres. A novel methodology is developed for
combining wood flour particles with a high temperature
thermoplastic polymer PPE with the aid of liquid epoxy.
The epoxy coating layers around wood flour particles
provide good adhesion and stronger interfaces with the
PPE phase. The composite material performs better than
many engineering polymer composites in terms of
mechanical properties. 11 refs.
USA
Accession no.847951
Item 67
Emerging Technologies for the New Millennium. SPE
Topical Conference held Montreal, Canada, 20th-21st.
Sept. 2001.
47
Brookfield, Ct., 2001, 27 cms., paper 6, p.25-34. 012

NATURAL FIBRE COMPOSITES PREPARED BY
POLYMERIZATION COMPOUNDING PROCESS
Ait-Kadi A
Laval,University
(SPE; INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS INSTITUTE)
The relatively low degradation temperature of wood fibre
as a natural reinforcement for thermoplastic materials,
and its water sorption are two factors which limit the use
of wood fibres in the plastics industry. The first drawback
limits the number of thermoplastic materials to be used
as matrix to those having processing temperatures lower
than its degradation temperature (around 200 degrees C),
and the second problem has a negative effect on adhesion
with the generally hydrophobic polymers. Polymerisation
compounding was used as a means of partially
overcoming these limitations. It consists of using the
surface of the reinforcing material as a support for
polymerisation. To this end, HDPE composites with
unmodified and UHMWPE modified wood fibre
composites were prepared. Fibre modification was carried
out using a polymerisation compounding approach.
Composites containing around 34% of UHMWPE were
obtained by the polymerisation compounding approach.
Steady state rheological data indicate the effect of the
surface modification of the fibres on the viscoelastic
properties of obtained composites. 11 refs.
CANADA; USA
Accession no.847426
Item 68
83, No.2, 10th Jan.2002, p.323-31
NOVEL APPLICATIONS OF LIGNIN IN
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Thielemans W; Can E; Morve S S; Wool R P
Delaware,University
Novel uses of lignin as a filler or comonomer in
thermosetting unsaturated polyesters and vinyl esters were
investigated. The easiest way to introduce a new
component to an existing resin is by adding the
unmodified component as a filler, however the high
styrene content in commercially available thermosets
showed incompatibility with lignin. For this reason,
soybean oil based resins were used, as this gave the ability
to vary the styrene content. The use of lignin increased
the glass transition temperature, and the modulus at 20
degree C decreased due to the plasticising effect of lignin.
The lignin was modified to improve its effect on the matrix
properties by adding double bond functionality, making
it possible to incorporate the lignin in the resin through
free radical polymerisation. Lignin was used to treat the
surfaces of natural hemp fibres, as lignin has a natural
affinity for cellulosic fibres. The lignin bonds to the
surface of natural fibres and the irregular shape of the
lignin particles provides mechanical interlocking with the
matrix in composites. This improves the fibre-matrix
48
interfacial strength, resulting in improved properties for

the composite. 26 refs.
USA
Accession no.846618
Item 69
83, No.12, 2002, p.2634-43
THERMAL DEGRADATION OF FLAX: THE
DETERMINATION OF KINETIC PARAMETERS
WITH THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS
Ghent,University
Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the thermal
degradation of flax that had either been retted to varying
degrees or boiled. The most retted flax was also treated
chemically to obtain elementary fibres. Thermograms were
obtained for samples of each flax preparation and used to
calculate the kinetics of cellulose degradation. TGA could
not be used to quantify the different components of flax
because the degradation is spread over a wide temperature
range. However, the mass loss around peak 2 of the TGA
curves proved to be proportional to the amount of cellulose
present in the flax. Both the fully retted and boiled fibres
showed the best thermal stability. The boiled fibres are most
promising for use in composites, as ecological alternatives
to traditional reinforcing fibres, because they provide better
adhesion with a thermoplastic matrix. 9 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.846599
Item 70
83, No.12, 2002, p.2505-21
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD
FLAKE-POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES. II.
INTERFACE MODIFICATION
Balasuriya P W; Ye L; Mai Y-W; Wu J
Sydney,University; Hong Kong,University of Science
& Technology
The modification of composites made from wood flakes
and HDPE was studied. An HDPE matrix was treated with
maleic anhydride (MA) in a twin-screw extruder then
compounded with wood flakes. The wood flakes were
treated with a silane coupling agent before the preparation
of the composite. DSC and FTIR showed that a
polyethylene-silane-grafted wood structure was formed.
The MA treated composites contained esters formed by
maleated HDPE reacting with wood. Both of these effects
compatibilise the wood flakes with the HDPE: the treated
composites have improved tensile strength, ductility and
Izod impact strength. It was reported that the best
properties were achieved with 1-2% MA by weight of
HDPE and 1-3% silane by weight of wood. 25 refs.
AUSTRALIA; HONG KONG
Accession no.846586
Item 71
Polyurethanes Expo 2001. Creating Opportunity
through Innovation. Proceedings of a conference held
Columbus, Oh., 30th. Sept. - 3rd. Oct. 2001..
Arlington, Va., Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry,
2001, Paper 29, p.239-244
NANO- AND MICRO-FILLERS FOR
POLYURETHANE FOAMS: EFFECT ON
DENSITY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Krishnamurthi B; Bharadwaj-Somaskandan S; Shutov F
Tennessee,Technological University
(American Plastics Council; Alliance for the
Polyurethanes Industry)
Item 73
Polymer Testing
21, No.2, 2002, p.139-44
BAMBOO FIBRE FILLED NATURAL RUBBER
COMPOSITES: EFFECTS OF FILLER LOADING
AND BONDING AGENT
Ismail H; Edyham M R; Wirjosentono B
Sains Malaysia,University; Indonesia,Universitas
Sumatera Utara
Bamboo fibre-reinforced NR(SMR L) composites were
prepared by incorporation of different loadings of bamboo
fibre (0-50 phr). Two series of composites were studied,
i.e. composites with and without the presence of a bonding
agent (phenol formaldehyde and hexamethylene
tetramine). The curing characteristics of the composites
were determined and the composites were vulcanised at
150C using a hot press. The properties of the composites,
such as TS, tensile modulus, tear strength, EB and
hardness, were studied. The adhesion between the bamboo
fibre and the NR was enhanced by the addition of bonding
agent as exhibited by the tensile fracture surfaces of the
composites using SEM. The presence of bonding agent
also gave shorter curing time and enhanced mechanical
A comparison analysis is undertaken to evaluate the effect

of different types of fillers on the density and mechanical
properties of two different types of commercial polyetherbased PU foams: low density flexible foams and high
density rigid foams. The two types of filler used are
microfillers based on wood flour and mineral type
nanofillers. The relationship is established between the filler
size and content, density and various mechanical properties.
In general, the relative mechanical property (property/
density ratio) is found to be higher for nano-size filler than
for micro-size filler. The comparison of the reinforcement
effects of micro- and nano-fillers is discussed. 8 refs.
INDONESIA; MALAYSIA
USA
Accession no.845964
Accession no.846298
Item 72
Manufacturing
33A, No.2, 2002, p.233-41
IMPACT FATIGUE BEHAVIOUR OF
VINYLESTER RESIN MATRIX COMPOSITES
REINFORCED WITH ALKALI TREATED JUTE
FIBRES
Ray D; Sarkar B K; Bose N R
India,Central Glass & Ceramic Res.Inst.
An impact fatigue study was conducted on 35% jute/vinyl
ester resin composites containing both untreated and alkalitreated fibres. Longer alkali treatment removed the
hemicellulose and improved the crystallinity and gave
better fibre dispersion. The flexural strength properties of
the composites made from treated fibre were superior. Jute
fibres treated with alkali for four hours gave the optimum
combination of improved interfacial bonding and fibre
strength properties. This was not, however, reflected in their
impact fatigue behaviour. The composites reinforced with
jute fibres treated with alkali for eight hours, on the other
hand, exhibited superior impact fatigue properties. The
fibres in the latter case suffered catastrophic fracture with
microfibrillar pull-out at some places and improved the
fatigue resistance properties of the composites as evident
from SEM micrographs. 24 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.846111
Item 74
Plastics Additives & Compounding
4, No.2, Feb. 2002, p.8
COUPLING AGENT IMPROVES PROCESSING
AND PERFORMANCE OF WOOD-FILLED
COMPOUNDS
Crompton Corp.
This coupling agent, called Polybond, has been designed
for use in PE and PP wood/natural fibre filled compounds
and is available from Crompton Corp.
USA
Accession no.845230
Item 75
Polymer Composites
23, No.1, Feb. 2002, p.49-60
PRODUCTION OF LEATHER-LIKE
COMPOSITES USING CHEMICALLY
MODIFIED SHORT LEATHER FIBRES. I.
CHEMICAL MODIFICATION BY EMULSION
POLYMERISATION
Madera-Santana T J; Aguilar-Vega M J; MarquezLucero A; Vazquez-Moreno F
Yucatan,Universidad; Mexico,Centro de Investigacion
en Materiales Avanzados; Mexico,Universidad
Autonoma del Estado
Short chrome-tanned leather fibres were chemically
modified by in-situ emulsion polymerisation of methyl
methacrylate in order to increase their compatibility with
49
polymers for use in the footwear and furrier industries.

The effects of reaction variables, such as monomer
concentration, initiator and polymerisation temperature,
were investigated by IR spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, X-ray
diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and the
characteristics of the treated fibres compared with those
of untreated fibres. 12 refs.
MEXICO
Accession no.845120
Item 76
Vinyltec 2001. Pushing Profitability. Conference
proceedings.
Iselin, N.J., 11th-12th Sept.2001, p.163-76
FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS OF WOOD AS A
COMPONENT OF THERMOPLASTIC
COMPOSITES
Stokke D D; Gardner D J
Iowa State University; Maine,University
(SPE,Vinyl Div.; SPE,Palisades Section)
Wood is a good cellular biopolymer. To effectively utilise
wood-based particles and fibres as fillers or
reinforcements in thermoplastic composites, a
fundamental understanding of the structural and chemical
characteristics of wood is required. An overview of these
topics is presented. Its basic characteristics of anatomy
and structure combine to impart variations in permeability,
bulk chemistry and surface chemistry. Characterisation
of particle size and shape, as well as surface tension
characteristics as indicators of wettability, become
important when trying to understand how these
biopolymeric materials behave when introduced into
synthetic polymer systems. Some recent work on the use
of contact angle analysis and inverse phase gas
chromatography as means to characterise these
interesting, variable and useful wood materials is
described. 14 refs.
USA
Accession no.845043
Item 77
Manufacturing
33A, No.3, 2002, p.369-74
STUDY OF FIBRE AND INTERFACE
PARAMETERS AFFECTING THE FATIGUE
BEHAVIOUR OF NATURAL FIBRE
COMPOSITES
Gassan J
Kassel,Universitat
The tension-tension fatigue behaviour of different
natural fibre reinforced plastics is investigated. The
composites used are made of flax and jute yarns and
wovens as reinforcements for epoxy resins, polyester
resins and PP. Fibre type, textile architecture, interphase
properties, fibre properties and content are found to
50
affect the fatigue behaviour strongly as illustrated with

damping versus applied maximum load curves. It is
found that natural fibre-reinforced plastics with higher
fibre strength and modulus, stronger fibre-matrix
adhesion or higher fibre fractions possess higher critical
loads for damage initiation and higher failure loads. In
addition, damage propagation rates are reduced.
Furthermore, unidirectional composites are less sensitive
to fatigue-induced damage than woven reinforced ones.
35 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.844842
Item 78
20, No.16, 2001, p.1414-29
EFFECT OF VINYL AND SILICONE
MONOMERS ON MECHANICAL AND
DEGRADATION PROPERTIES OF
BIODEGRADABLE JUTE-BIOPOL COMPOSITE
Khan M A; Kopp C; Hinrichsen G
Berlin,Technical University
Composites of jute fabrics (Hessian cloth) and Biopol
are prepared by compression moulding. Three types of
Biopol (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) such
as D300G, D400G and D600G, depending on the
concentration of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) in 3hydroxybutyrate (3HB) are used for this purpose.
Mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS),
bending strength (BS), elongation at break (Eb) and
impact strength (IS) of the jute-Biopol composites are
studied. It is found that the composite with D400G
produces higher mechanical properties compared with
the other two types of Biopol. To increase mechanical
properties as well as interfacial adhesion between fibre
and matrix, 2-ethyl hydroxyacrylate (EHA), vinyl
trimethoxysilane (VMS) and 3-methacryloxypropyl
trimethoxysilane (MPS) are taken as coupling agents.
Enhanced mechanical properties of the composites are
obtained by using these coupling agents. Biopol D400G
composites show the highest mechanical properties.
Among the coupling agents EHA depicts the highest
increase of mechanical properties such as tensile strength
(80%), bending strength (81%), elongation at break
(33%) and impact strength (130%) compared with pure
Biopol. SEM investigations demonstrate that the
coupling agents improve interfacial adhesion between
fibre and matrix. The surface of the silanised jute is
characterised by FTIR and finds the deposition of silane
on jute fibre is observed. Soil degradation testing proves
that the composite prepared with EHA treated jute
exhibits better degradation properties in comparison to
pure Biopol. 24 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.844774
Item 79
14, No.5, Sept. 2001, p.421-32
INFLUENCE OF MOISTURE ABSORPTION ON
FLOUR-POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Stark N
USDA Forest Products Laboratory
Composites were produced by filling a PP with 20 or 40
wt.% of wood flour and the influence of moisture
absorption on the mechanical properties of these
composites examined. Some specimens were placed in a
water bath at room temperature and their mechanical
properties tested periodically after removal from the water
bath. Mechanical properties investigated were flexural,
tensile and impact properties. It was found that more
moisture was absorbed by the wood flour at the higher
filler level, which, in turn, affected the mechanical
properties of the composites. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no.843943
Item 80
61, No.16, 2001, p.2519-29
THERMAL AND DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
ANALYSIS OF POLYSTYRENE COMPOSITES
REINFORCED WITH SHORT SISAL FIBRES
Nair K C M; Thomas S; Groenineckx G
Mahatma Gandhi,University; Leuven,Catholic
University
The thermal behaviour of PS composites reinforced with
short sisal fibres is studied by means of thermogravimetric
and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The thermal
stability of the composites is found to be higher than that
of sisal fibre and the PS matrix. The effects of fibre loading,
fibre length, fibre orientation and fibre modification on the
dynamic mechanical properties of the composites are
evaluated. Fibre modifications are carried out by
benzoylation, polystyrene maleic anhydride coating and
acetylation of the fibre and the treatments improve fibrematrix adhesion. PS/sisal composites are thermally more
stable than unreinforced PS and sisal fibre. The addition of
10% fibre considerably increases the modulus but the
increase is found to level off at higher fibre loadings. The
Tg values of the composites are lower than that of
unreinforced PS and may be attributed to the presence of
some residual solvents in the composites entrapped during
the composite preparation. The treated-fibre composites
show better properties than those of untreated-fibre
composites. The Arrhenius relationship is used to calculate
the activation energy of the glass transition of the
composites. A master curve is constructed based on timetemperature superposition principle. 23 refs.
INDIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.843446
Item 81
61, No.16, 2001, p.2405-11
NATURAL-FIBRE-REINFORCED
POLYURETHANE MICROFOAMS
Bledrzej A K; Zhang W; Chate A
Kassel,Universitat; Riga,Technical University
PU-based composites reinforced with woven flax and jute
fabrics are prepared with an evenly distributed microvoid
foam structure. The relationship between the resin-filled
grade and the microvoid content and the density is
described. The influence of the type of reinforcing fibre,
fibre and microvoid content on the mechanical properties
is studied. The investigation results for the static
mechanical properties of the composites are described by
approximate formulae. It is found that the specific data
are only slightly dependent on microvoid content.
Increasing the fibre content induces an increase in the
shear modulus and impact strength. However increasing
the microvoid content in the matrix results in decreased
shear modulus and impact strength. The woven flax fibre
results in composites with better mechanical strength than
the woven jute fibre composites. 23 refs.
LATVIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.843435
Item 82
13, No.6, April 2001, p.481-96
INSTRUMENTED PERFORATION IMPACT
RESPONSE OF POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES WITH HYBRID
REINFORCEMENT FLAX/GLASS AND FLAX/
CELLULOSE FIBRES
Benevolenski O I; Karger-Kocsis J; Mieck K-P;
Reussmann T
Institut fuer Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH; Thueringisches
Institut fuer Textil- & Kunststoff-Forschung eV
The effect of partially replacing flax with discontinuous
cellulose (Lyocell) and discontinuous glass fibre on the
impact properties of flax mat-reinforced PP composites
was investigated by means of dynamic mechanical
thermal analysis and standard Charpy impact strength and
biaxial penetration impact tests. An attempt was made to
correlate instrumented falling weight impact and Charpy
impact results and the mode of failure of the composites,
as determined by scanning electron microscopy,
considered. 12 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.842900
Item 83
Revista de Plasticos Modernos
81, No.538, April 2001, p.467-75
Spanish
51
REINFORCED WITH VEGETABLE FIBRES: AN
ECOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE FOR THE
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Arribas J M; Navarro J M; Perea J M; Rial C
Repsol-YPF
A comparative study was made of the mechanical and
thermal properties of PP composites reinforced with short
sisal and glass fibres, and the effects of fibre content and
coupling agents on these properties were investigated. The
results suggested sisal fibres as an effective replacement
for glass fibres in PP composites for automotive
applications. 39 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.842574
Item 84
10, No.5, 2001, p.229-36
EFFECT OF TRANSCRYSTALLINITY ON THE
INTERFACE OF GREEN FLAX/
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Zafeiropoulos N E; Baillie C A; Mathews F L
In recent years there has been an increasing interest in
using natural fibres as potential reinforcements for
polymers. The introduction of fibres such as flax in a
semicrystalline thermoplastic matrix such as isotactic PP
(iPP) has been shown to lead to the development of
transcrystallinity. The presence of an anisotropic layer
such as transcrystallinity in the composite material may
in turn have a profound effect on the mechanical behaviour
of the interface. The role of transcrystallinity is
investigated in green flax/iPP by means of fragmentation.
The results are discussed in terms of previously reported
results for treated flax fibres (dew retted)/iPP.
Transcrystallinity leads to a stronger interface in green
flax/iPP, and its thickness affects the interfacial strength,
with thinner transcrystalline layers giving a stronger
interface. Examination of the mode of failure at the
interface after the fragmentation test also supports the
conclusion that the transcrystalline interface is stronger
than the spherulitic interface in green flax/iPP composites.
24 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.842051
Item 85
83, No.4, 24th Jan.2002, p.880-8
SUGARCANE BAGASSE REINFORCED
PHENOLIC AND LIGNOPHENOLIC
COMPOSITES
Paiva J M F; Frollini E
Sao Paulo,University
52
Lignin, extracted from sugarcane bagasse by the

organosolv process, is used as a partial substitute of phenol
(40 w/w) in resole phenolic matrices. Short sugarcane
fibres are used as reinforcement in these polymeric
matrices to obtain fibre-reinforced composites. Thermoset
polymers (phenolic and lignophenolic) and related
composites are obtained by compression moulding and
characterised by mechanical tests such as impact,
differential mechanical thermoanalysis (DMTA) and
hardness tests. Impact testing shows an improvement in
the impact strength when sugarcane bagasse is used. The
inner part of the fractured samples is analysed by scanning
electron microscopy, and the results indicate adhesion
between fibres and matrix, because the fibres are not set
free, suggesting they suffer a break during impact tests.
Modification of fibre surface does not lead to an
improvement in impact strength. The results as a whole
show that it is feasible to replace part of phenol by lignin
in phenolic matrices without loss of properties. 34 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.842043
Item 86
British Plastics and Rubber
Oct. 2001, p.14-5
THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO GLASS
Research being conducted at Demag Ergotech into the
reinforcement of plastics with natural fibres, mainly hemp
and flax fibres, for injection moulding is briefly discussed.
The advantages and limitations of these natural fibre
reinforced plastics are briefly considered and other
research and development projects being conducted at the
company are indicated.
DEMAG ERGOTECH
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.841712
Item 87
Journal of Elastomers & Plastics
33, No.1, Jan. 2001, p.34-46
POTENTIAL OF RUBBERWOOD AS A FILLER
IN EPOXIDIZED NATURAL RUBBER
COMPOUNDS
Ismail H
Sains Malaysia,University
This study is concerned with evaluating the potential
of using rubber wood as a filler in epoxidised natural
rubber compounds. Loading ranges of 0 to 50 phr were
investigated with respect to the influence on curing
characteristics and mechanical properties. Results
indicated that the scorch and cure times decreased with
an increasing rubber wood loading. Tensile modulus
and hardness of the composites increased with rubber
wood loading, whereas tensile strength and tear
strength decreased. The failure mechanism of the
composites was investigated by the use of scanning

electron microscopy which indicated that the increasing
rubber wood loading weakened the rubber-rubber wood
interactions. These interactions were determined by
using an equilibrium swelling in hydrocarbon solvent.
24 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.840559
Item 88
Polymer Composites
22, No.6, Dec. 2001, p.815-22
INTERFACIAL ADHESION IN JUTEPOLYOLEFIN COMPOSITES
Tripathy S S; Levita G; Di Landro L
Ravenshaw College; Pisa,University; Milan,Politecnico
The interfacial adhesion is studied between four different
forms of jute fibres used as reinforcement in polyolefin
matrices. Mercerised, silver, bleached and untreated jute
in LDPE and PP matrices were investigated in terms of
mechanical performance. The fibre-matrix adhesion was
estimated by means of the critical fibre length, and the
stress transfer ability parameter, with such parameters
being obtained by single fibre composite tests. Tests were
carried out to evaluate the mean tensile strength of the
fibres, the mean critical fibre lengths, and the stress
transfer ability parameter for every fibre-matrix
combination according to Weibulls statistical method.
Thermal-mechanical characterisation of the fibres was
also carried out to evaluate the resistance to processing
conditions. 29 refs.
Accession no.840491
Item 89
Polymer Composites
22, No.6, Dec. 2001, p.770-8
NOVEL ECO-FRIENDLY BIODEGRADABLE
COIR-POLYESTER AMIDE BIOCOMPOSITES:
FABRICATION AND PROPERTIES
EVALUATION
Rout J; Misra M; Tripathy S S; Nayak S K;
Mohanty A K
The results are discussed of different chemical surface
modifications carried out on coir fibres in order to improve
its efficiency as a reinforcement in polyesteramide. The
fibres were surface modified through alkali treatment,
cyanoethylation, bleaching and vinyl grafting. The effects
of different fibre surface treatments and the influence of
differing fibre amounts on the mechanical performance
of the resultant composites is examined. 13 refs.
Item 90
Polymer Recycling
6, No.2-3, 2001, p.109-18
MODIFICATION OF RECYCLATES OF
POLYETHYLENE AND POLY(VINYL
CHLORIDE) WITH SCRAP PAPER CELLULOSE
FIBRES
Kowakska E; Pelka J
Poland,Industrial Chemistry Research Institute
Compositions of secondary LDPE and PVC filled with
scrap paper cellulose fibres as a filler were evaluated
to establish the formulation and to determine an
optimum filler content. To evaluate the resulting
compositions, and to optimise the formulations,
physico-mechanical studies, biodegradability and
processing of the compositions was carried out.
Resultant thermoplastics are reported to exhibit high
rigidity and hardness with a good surface finish and
good mechanical property data sufficient for intended
end-uses such as flower pots, rubbish bins, buckets,
curbs and fence elements, etc. Preliminary economic
analysis indicated that the most suitable cellulose filler
was in the form of scrap newspapers or office waste.
34 refs.
Accession no.840464
Item 91
Polymer Preprints. Volume 41. Number 2. Conference
proceedings.
Washington, D.C., 20th-24th Aug.2000, p.1792-3
CHARACTERISATION OF PLANT FIBRES BY
INFRA-RED SPECTROSCOPY
Garside P; Wyeth P
Southampton,University
The application of IR spectroscopy with respect to
the characterisation of cellulosic (plant) fibres is
demonstrated. The ability to characterise fibres is of
importance to textile conservators, as this information
aids in the determination of the age and origin of the
artefact from which they are taken, and may influence
the choice of treatment. The fibres under examination
are taken largely from the bast group (flax, hemp, jute
and ramie); in addition, sisal and cotton are compared.
FT-IR microspectroscopy and ATR techniques are
employed. To complement the conventional use of
these methods, the inherent polarisation effects of the
equipment are exploited to record polarised IR
spectra. Jute, sisal and cotton are readily
differentiated, but flax, hemp and ramie prove more
difficult to distinguish. Peak ratio techniques are
applied in the latter case. 2 refs.
INDIA; USA

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.840487
Accession no.840045
53
Item 92
Journal of Materials Science Letters
20, No.18, 15th Sept.2001, p.1711-3
INFLUENCE OF NOVEL COUPLING AGENTS
ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF JUTE
REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE
Khan M A; Hinrichsen G; Drzal L T
Berlin,Technical University; Michigan,State University
Modern technology relies heavily on the development of
new materials having superior properties, such as
mechanical and thermal properties along with toughness.
Fibre-reinforced composites have successfully proven
their versatile qualities due to their specific properties,
e.g. high mechanical properties, stiffness, light weight,
etc. The potential of natural fibre-based composites
prepared mainly from jute as reinforcing fibre in polymer
matrix has received much attention. Jute fibres are polar
and of hydrophilic nature due to the presence of several
hydroxyl groups in their cellulosic backbone. However,
this is the most important disadvantage of using natural
fibre in non-polar polymer like PP. Selection of proper
coupling agents is important to improve the fibre-matrix
interaction. The effects of two monomers, HEMA and
EHA, used as coupling agents on the performance of jute
fabric (hessian cloth) PP composite, are reported. 7 refs.
USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.839846
Item 93
Japan Chemical Week
42, No.2150, 6th Dec.2001, p.4
SEKISUI CHEMICAL IN SYNTHETIC LUMBER
ALLIANCE WITH U.S. FIRM
Sekisui Chemical of Japan and the US technology
development venture Strandics have signed an agreement
concerning the production of synthetic wood using a
thermoplastic resin (HDPE or PVC) and a vegetable fibre.
Brief details are given.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL; STRANDICS
JAPAN; USA
Accession no.839028
Item 94
91, No.12, Dec.2001, p.29-33
English; German
ECOLOGICAL BENEFICIAL COMPOSITES
Hieber G; Kohler R; Alex R
Schock & Co.GmbH; Reutlingen,Fachhochschule
We are told that world-wide interest in the use of natural
fibres in engineering applications is increasing, and the
environmental and engineering advantages of the
materials are explained. This article then looks at
reinforcing PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate)
thermosetting resins with flax fibres under the section
54
headings: comparison of fibre characteristics, advantages

of PMMA as polymer matrix, adhesion promoters
improve mechanical characteristics, acrylic fibre
composite materials, comparison of natural fibre and glass
fibre composite materials, production of different
components, and testing industrial production. (Translated
from Kunststoffe 91, No.12, Dec.2001, p.70/5).
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.838991
Item 95
36, No.20, 15th Oct. 2001, p.4903-9
PREPARATION, PROCESSING AND
CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADABLE
WOOD FLOUR/STARCH-CELLULOSE
ACETATE COMPOUNDS
Cunha A M; Liu Z Q; Feng Y; Yi X-S; Bernardo C A
Minho,Universidade; Hangzhou,Zhejiang University
Details are given of the compounding of wood flour and
a starch-cellulose acetate blend of a configurable corotating twin screw extruder. The compounds were
injection moulded and the mechanical and rheological
properties of the mouldings were determined. The effect
of the wood flour content on shear viscosity is discussed.
13 refs.
CHINA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
PORTUGAL; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.838729
Item 96
Materials World
9, No.8, Suppl., Aug.2001, p.2
EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE
COMPOSITES
A new network has been launched in the UK to promote
the development of sustainable composite materials,
which are composites manufactured from renewable and
sustainable resources such as natural fibres, which employ
environmentally-sensitive fabrication processes and
biodegrade at the end of their lives. Full details are
provided of the new network, called the Sustainable
Composites Network, and its proposed strategy.
WARWICK MANUFACTURING GROUP;
WARWICK,UNIVERSITY; WALES,UNIVERSITY;
UK,SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITES NETWORK;
EUROPEAN SCIENCE FOUNDATION
UNION; GERMANY; SPAIN; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.838619
Item 97
Rubber and Plastics News 2
23, No.4, 19th Nov.2001, p.3
NEW TIRE FEATURES STARCH DERIVATIVE
The GT3 BioTred from Goodyear is the subject of this

concise article. The new tyre uses a polymer reinforced
in part with a corn starch derivative, which replaces some
of the carbon black. Compared with conventional tyres,
the BioTred is less polluting to produce, quieter on the
road, boosts car fuel economy, and stops faster in the wet.
BMW AG; GOODYEAR; FORD EUROPE
UNION; FRANCE; GERMANY; TURKEY; UK; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no.838586
Item 98
Polymer Composites
22, No.5, Oct.2001, p.680-9
FLOW-INDUCED FIBER ORIENTATION IN
INJECTION MOLDED FLAX FIBER
REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Aurich T; Mennig G
A thorough experimental study of flax fibre orientation
in a plate processed by injection moulding was conducted.
The material used was PP containing 30 wt % flax fibres
and 2 wt % maleic anhydride-grafted PP as coupling
agent. The state of orientation was described by
orientation tensors and partly by frequency distribution
diagrams. Composite stiffness was predicted by use of a
modified classical laminate theory including
unidirectional models and orientation averaging.
Comparison of the measured and calculated modulus in
tension showed good agreement. 23 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.838269
Item 99
20, No.4, 2001, p.335-40
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE AND TENSILE
PROPERTIES OF EPOXY/POLYCARBONATE
BLEND COATED BAMBOO FIBRES
Rajulu A V; Rao G B; Reddy R L; Sanjeevi R
Sri Krishnadevaraya University; India,Central Leather
Research Institute
The resistance of the above coated fibres to acids, alkalis
and solvents and their tensile properties were investigated.
It was found that the coated fibres exhibited higher tensile
strength than uncoated fibres and were resistant to acids
and alkalis but their solvent resistance was minimal. 13
refs.
INDIA
Accession no.838108
Item 100
20, No.4, 2001, p.321-34
POTENTIALITY OF PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBRE

AS REINFORCEMENT IN PALF-POLYESTER
COMPOSITE: SURFACE MODIFICATION AND
MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE
Mishra S; Misra M; Tripathy S S; Nayak S K;
Mohanty A K
Ravenshaw College; Iowa State University;
The mechanical properties of composites consisting of
surface modified pineapple leaf fibre and general-purpose
polyester resin were investigated to determine the
suitability of these fibres as reinforcement for plastics.
Surface modifications employed included dewaxing,
alkali treatment, cyanoethylation and grafting of
acrylonitrile onto dewaxed fibres. The effects of fibre
content and fibre surface treatment on the tensile, flexural
and impact properties of the composites were evaluated
and fibre-matrix adhesion evaluated by means of scanning
electron microscopy. 15 refs.
INDIA; USA
Accession no.838107
Item 101
28, No.11, 2001, p.T/55-6
STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF ACYLATED
LIGNIN ON THE PHYSICOMECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF WOOD BASED COMPOSITES
Efanov M V
Altai,State University; Russia,Scientific Research
Institute of Wood-Filled Thermoplastics
Experiments are carried out to determine the properties
of acylated lignin and cellulose and mixtures thereof,
when used as thermoplastic binders in wood composites
for the production of wood-based boards. The study
involves the identification of the dependence of certain
physicomechanical properties of wood-based composite
on the quantitative ratio of binder and filler when acylated
lignin and cellulose are used as the thermoplastic binders
5 refs. (Article translated from Plasticheskie Massy, No.3,
2001, pp.29).
RUSSIA
Accession no.838064
Item 102
Plastics News(USA)
13, No.40, 3rd Dec.2001, p.13
ONAGA OFFERS WOOD-FLOUR PE, PP
Esposito F
Onaga Composites in Kansas is a new compounder that
will begin producing wood-flour-filled PE and PP
compounds in January. The firm will operate a twin-screw
extrusion line with 15 million pounds of annual capacity
and wood-flour loadings of up to 60%. Onaga expects to
have 30 employees by Q1 2002 and could add a second
similar-sized twin-screw extruder in Q1 as well. First-
55
year sales are expected to be around 7m US dollars.

Onagas products could end up in such products as
landscaping bender boards, decorative moulding, deck
boards, door thresholds and spa skirting.
ONAGA COMPOSITES LLC
USA
Accession no.837966
Item 103
Additives for Polymers
Dec.2001, p.9
SHORT SISAL FIBRES AS A REINFORCEMENT
FOR BIODEGRADABLE POLYESTER PBS
Details are provided in this article about investigations
carried out at the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan
into the reinforcement of polybutylene succinate (PBS),
a biodegradable polyester, with natural sisal fibres, with
the aim of developing a fully degradable composite with
superior mechanical properties. Materials used and
method are detailed, and the Institutes results are
presented.
CHIBA,INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; JAPAN; UK;
WESTERN EUROPE
TGA, DSC and dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA) were

carried out to study the interfacial interaction between
wood flour and starch/cellulose acetate(SCA) blend. It
was found that the main components in the compounds,
i.e. starch, cellulose and cellulose acetate, started to
decompose at about 330C, a characteristic temp. for
breaking glycoside-linked glucose units. Complexation
of lignin in wood flour with amylose in SCA occurred
during compounding, which gave rise to new crystallites
that had a m.p. of around 160C. Hydrogen bonding was
thought to play a key role in the crystallisation. With
increasing wood flour content, both the Tg and the
softening temp. increased as a result of the restricted
molecular chain mobility imposed by rigid cellulose
filaments. In addition, the DMA data showed that amylose
could occur as linkages in the crystallites. All these
observations indicated that the interfacial adhesion
between SCA and wood flour was relatively strong, even
in the absence of a coupling agent. 20 refs. (Europhysics
Conference on Structure Development during Polymer
Processing: Physical Aspects, Sept.2000, Minho,
Portugal)
CHINA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
PORTUGAL; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.836384
Accession no.836813
Item 104
9, No.8, 2001, p.549-60
EFFECT OF KENAF FIBRES ON THE
PROPERTIES OF NATURAL RUBBER
VULCANIZATES
El-Sabbagh S H; El-Hariri D M; El-Ghaffar M A A
Cairo,National Research Centre
The mechanical properties and swelling behaviour of
natural rubber vulcanisates loaded with kenaf fibres were
studied using hydrated silica, resorcinol and
hexamethylene tetramine as the adhesion system, and are
compared with those of NR composites loaded wit
synthetic polyester short fibres. The effect of fibre content
on these mechanical properties were also studied before
and after ageing, and scanning electron microscopy was
used to investigate the surface texture of unreinforced and
reinforced vulcanisates. 23 refs.
EGYPT
Accession no.836554
Item 105
Journal of Macromolecular Science B
40, No.3-4, 2001, p.529-38
THERMAL CHARACTERIZATIONS OF WOOD
FLOUR/STARCH CELLULOSE ACETATE
COMPOUNDS
Liu Z Q; Cunha A M; Yi X S; Bernardo C A
Minho,Universidade; China,National Key Laboratory
of Advanced Composites
56
Item 106
41, No.9, Sept.2001, p.1471-85
REVIEW ON INTERFACE MODIFICATION AND
CHARACTERIZATION OF NATURAL FIBER
REINFORCED PLASTIC COMPOSITES
George J; Sreekala M S; Thomas S
Eindhoven,University of Technology; Mahatma
Gandhi,University
A critical review is presented of the literature on physical
and chemical treatment methods that improve fibre-matrix
adhesion in natural fibre-reinforced plastic composites
and on their characterisation methods. The chemical
modification methods include silane treatments,
isocyanate treatment, graft copolymerisation and
impregnation of fibres. The characterisation methods
include inverse gas chromatography, X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy, environmental SEM, energy-dispersive Xray analysis, solid-state carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy,
atomic force microscopy and micromechanical studies.
Biodegradation of these composites is also discussed. 102
refs.
Accession no.836147
Item 107
Manufacturing
33A, No.1, 2002, p.43-52
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AGEING ON
THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF

BAMBOO-GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED
POLYMER MATRIX HYBRID COMPOSITES
Thwe M N; Lio K
Nanyang,Technological University
Short bamboo fibre reinforced PP composites (BFRP) and
short bamboo-glass fibre reinforced PP hybrid composites
(BGRP) are fabricated using a compression moulding
method. Maleic anhydride PP (MAPP) is used as a
compatibiliser to improve the adhesion between the
reinforcements and the matrix material. By incorporating
up to 20% (by mass) glass fibre, the tensile and flexural
modulus of BGRP are increased by 12.5 and 10%,
respectively; and the tensile and flexural strength are
increased by 7 and 25%, respectively, compared to those
of BFRP. Sorption behaviour and effects of environmental
ageing on tensile properties of both BFRP and BGRP
systems are studied by immersing samples in water for
up to 1200 h at 25 deg.C. Compared to BFRP, a 4% drop
in saturated moisture level is seen in BGRP. After ageing
in water for 1200 h, reduction in tensile strength and
modulus for BGRP is nearly two times less than that of
BFRP. Use of MAPP as coupling agent in the PP matrix
results in decreased saturated moisture absorption level
and enhanced mechanical properties for both BFRP and
BGRP systems. Thus it is shown that the durability of
bamboo fibre reinforced PP can be enhanced by
hybridisation with a small amount of glass fibres. 34 refs.
SINGAPORE
Accession no.835056
Item 108
8, No.5, 2001, p.313-43
SURFACE MODIFICATIONS OF NATURAL
FIBRES AND PERFORMANCE OF THE
RESULTING BIOCOMPOSITES: AN OVERVIEW
Mohanty A K; Misra M; Drzal L T
A review of biocomposite highlighting recent studies and
developments, in natural fibres, biopolymers and various
surface modifications of natural fibres to improve fibre
matrix adhesion is presented. One of the most important
factors determining the final performance of the
composite materials is the quality of the fibre matrix
interface. A sufficient degree of adhesion between the
surface of hydrophilic ligno-cellulosic natural fibres and
the polymer matrix resin is usually desired to optimum
performance of the biocomposite. Dewaxing, alkali
treatment, isocyanate treatment, peroxide treatment, vinyl
grafting, bleaching, acetylation and treatment with
coupling agents are useful ways to improve fibre-matrix
adhesion in natural fibre composites. Two major areas of
biocomposites are discussed. One is the most predominant
biocomposite currently being commercialised for semistructural use in the durable goods industries, i.e. natural
fibre PP composites. The second type is the biocomposites
from natural fibres and biodegradable plastics. Two major

classes of biogradable plastics are available, one being
derived from renewable resources and the second type
being synthesised in the laboratory from petrochemical
sources, which can also be used as matrix materials to
make value-added biocomposites. 101 refs.
USA
Accession no.835049
Item 109
European Plastics News
28, No.9, Oct.2001, p.69-70
LONG STORY
Vink D
An increasing number of long-fibre reinforced
thermoplastics and processes are available. Compounding
extruder manufacturer Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer and
injection moulding machinery maker Husky introduced
an in-line compounding process last year in a technical
joint venture. Now Krauss-Maffei is presenting its
injection moulding compounder (IMC) at K2001. Shot
weights can exceed 40kg and PP, ABS or PA can be
processed with long glass or natural fibres. An IMC would
cost about 2.5 times more than a standard injection
moulding machine, but the material savings should give
a payback within two years, the company claims. Press
manufacturer Dieffenbacher has supplied its presses for
ten direct LFT systems, including its complete LFT-D
lines. Customers include Menzolit-Fibron which
introduced the LFT development to replace a GMT frontend application for Volkswagen.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.834686
Item 110
Materials World
9, No.5, May 2001, p.24
BIOMASS GRASS MAKES FOR COMPOSTABLE
CARS
Thomas S M
Researchers at the University of Warwick are currently
developing innovative new applications for Miscanthus,
or elephant grass, namely biodegradable plastic car parts.
As a construction material, Miscanthus can be used in
fibreboards, such as MDF. For plastic wheel trims, short
fibres of the grass are used, which are blended by hand
mixing and then injection moulded to create the part. By
using Miscanthus as a structural filler, strength is given
to biodegradable plastics that were previously too weak
to be used in many car parts. Car parts made using
Miscanthus can be composted at the end of their life
instead of being put into a landfill.
WARWICK,UNIVERSITY
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.834608
57
Item 111
Plastics and Rubber Weekly
26th Oct.2001, p.24
INDUSTRY LISTENS TO THE SOUND OF
NATURAL FIBRES

WESTERN EUROPE
Natural fibres such as flax and hemp can provide a good

alternative reinforcing fibre for use in a range of
applications. During K, Demag Ergotech will be
producing a technical part on a 50-tonne Ergotech Viva
machine, processing Arborform, a fully natural moulding
material made from tree-derived lignin and wood fibre.
The automotive sector is one of the key end-user markets
for natural fibre reinforced plastics, largely because of
the benefits in terms of sound deadening. Demag Ergotech
predicts applications will also emerge in the domestic
appliance sector and in sports equipment.
DEMAG ERGOTECH GMBH
Item 114
Composite Structures
54, No. 2-3, Nov./Dec. 2001, p.207-14
POLYPROPYLENE/WOOD FLOUR
COMPOSITES: TREATMENTS AND
PROPERTIES
Ichazo M N; Albano C; Gonzalez J; Perera R; Candal
MV
Simon Bolivar,Universidad; Venezuela,Universidad
Central

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.834566
Item 112
26th Oct.2001, p.1
FORD/BMW ROLL OUT CORN TYRES
Ford had introduced tyres partly strengthened with a
modified cornstarch on its new Fiesta. BMW is about to
begin using them on a version of its 3-Series saloon. Both
OEMs have signed supply contracts to use Goodyears
energy-saving GT3 BioTred tyres, which include the
starch as a reinforcing filler. Goodyear developed the
system with Italian biomaterials firm Novamont. It
replaces some of the carbon black and silica reinforcement
in the tyre formulation. Goodyear claims the tyre cuts
fuel consumption by 5%, reduces rolling noise by 50%
and improves wet braking performance by 10% compared
with its GT2 tyre range. This abstract includes all the
information contained in the original article.
GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO.
USA
Accession no.834561
Item 113
Composite Structures
54, No. 2-3, Nov./Dec. 2001, p.355-60
THERMOPLASTIC PULTRUSION OF NATURAL
FIBRE REINFORCED COMPOSITES
Ghent,University
The results are reported of an investigation into the use
of flax as reinforcement in thermoplastic pultruded
composites. The pultrusion line used in the experiments
is briefly described and candidate thermoplastic materials
are evaluated. The properties of flax fibre are described
and compared with those of glass fibres and the flexural
and tensile properties of flax/PP composites are compared
58
with those of glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene. (Third

International Conference on Composite Science &
Technology) 21 refs.
Accession no.832837
The results are reported of a study of the effects of various

coupling agents and compatibilisers on the mechanical
properties, thermal properties, morphology and water
absorption of wood flour filled PP. Investigative
techniques employed included tensile testing, DSC and
scanning electron microscopy. The filler was treated with
vinyl-tris-(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, sodium hydroxide
and two commercial polypropylenes functionalised with
maleic anhydride. (Third International Conference on
Composite Science & Technology) 16 refs.
VENEZUELA
Accession no.832824
Item 115
Plastics Technology
47, No.7, July 2001, p.58/65
FOAMING EXPANDS POSSIBILITIES FOR
WOOD-FIBER COMPOSITES
Schut J H
It is explained that wood-filled plastic profiles are growing
quickly in non-structural wood-replacement applications
such as decking. But now processors of wood composites
are evaluating the newer alternative of foamed
composites, which are lighter in weight and feel more
like real wood. This article examines all the advantages
of foaming, the process and its difficulties, and extrusion
equipment and dies. It also presents a comprehensive list
of new foamed wood composite products.
AMERICAN WOOD FIBERS; ACCEL COLOR; BP
AMOCO POLYMERS; CLARIANT ADDITIVE
MASTERBATCHES; DAVIS-STANDARD CORP.;
EXTRUSIONTEK MILACRON; EXTRUTECH
INTERNATIONAL INC.; REEDY
INTERNATIONAL CORP.; SOLVAY POLYMERS
INC.; STRANDEX CORP.; ISO-TECK; US,NAVY;
WASHINGTON STATE,UNIVERSITY; MARLEY
MOULDINGS; EMPIRE CO.; SANDFORD CORP.;
MIKRON INDUSTRIES; CORRECT BUILDING
PRODUCTS; COUNTERTOPS INC.; LOUISIANA-
PACIFIC CORP.; FOREST PRODUCTS

LABORATORY; AMESBURY GROUP INC.;
CERTAINTEED CORP.; COMFORT-TEX; ROYAL
WOOD HOME PRODUCTS; HUNTER DOUGLAS
INDUSTRIES BV; COMPOS-A-TRON INC.; CPI
PLASTICS GROUP LTD.; CRILA PLASTICS INC.;
DRY RIVER INC.; SOUTHERN COMPOSITE
TECHNOLOGIES; JET PLASTICS; PLASTIC
EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGIES INC.; POLYWOOD
PRODUCTS; PRECISION COMPOSITES; PROFILE
SOLUTIONS INC.; TRI-EX COMPOSITES;
YOUNGSTOWN PLASTICS TOOLING &
MACHINERY
CANADA; USA
Accession no.832601
Item 116
Macplas International
May 2001, p.77-9
ALOE FIBRES FOR REINFORCEMENT OF
COMPOSITES
Carrino L
In this article the use of natural fibres from the aloe plant
as reinforcement for composite material is examined
fully. The article looks at figures for the annual
production of aloe fibre, at the types of fibre that the
aloe plant generates, and in depth at the mechanical
characteristics of aloe fibre. It also discusses the use of
aloe fibres in composites, and mentions hybrid
composites which can be achieved by coupling aloe
fibres within the same matrix to other fibres such as those
of glass, carbon, or aramide.
SYDNEY,UNIVERSITY
AUSTRALIA; BRAZIL; NORTH AMERICA; SOUTH AMERICA;
TANZANIA
Accession no.832550
Item 117
No.46, July/Aug.2001, p.67-9
English; French
AGRICULTURAL WASTE-BASED COMPOSITES
Durafibre Inc. is a joint venture company owned by
Cargill Ltd., the Government of Saskatchewan, and SaskCan Fibre Inc., which is a farmer-owned co-operative.
The company produces Durafibre and Durafill which
are natural fibres derived from agricultural waste such as
oilseed-flax straw, most of which would otherwise be
burned as the only means of disposal. This article explains
the benefit of this alternative, and of the materials
themselves.
DURAFIBRE INC.; CARGILL LTD.;
SASKATCHEWAN,GOVERNMENT; SASK-CAN
FIBRE INC.
CANADA; NORTH AMERICA; WORLD
Accession no.832528
Item 118
No.46, July/Aug.2001, p.64-6
English; French
NATURAL FIBRES
This article discusses the use of natural fibre-reinforced
composite materials in automotive applications, reporting
that up until now they have been used exclusively for
interior components. The article highlights current
developments where researchers and designers are
working on using them in exterior components too. It
concludes that natural fibres as reinforcement material in
these applications are just beginning a very promising
career.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.; AUDI AG; BAYER
AG
SWITZERLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.832527
Item 119
82, No.9 28th Nov.2001, p.2150-4
SOLID-STATE CARBON-13 NMR STUDY OF
MATERIAL COMPOSITES BASED ON
SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND
THERMOPLASTICS POLYMERS
Stael G C; Tavares M I B
Rio de Janeiro,Universidade Federal
Dried sugarcane fibre was ground to a length of 5 mm
and melt blended with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate),
polypropylene and polyethylene. The blends were studied
using magic angle spinning (MAS) and cross-polarisation
MAS carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy. The proton spin-lattice relaxation time in
the rotating frame indicated compatibility at the molecular
level. 25 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.832434
Item 120
Macromolecular Symposia
170, June 2001, p.157-64
POLY(ETHYLENE-CO-METHACRYLIC ACID)
COPOLYMER AS AN EFFECTIVE
COMPATIBILIZER OF LDPE/WOOD FLOUR
COMPOSITE
Sedlackova M; Lacik I; Chodak I
Bratislava,Polymer Institute
The mechanical properties of a ternary system
comprising low density polyethylene (LDPE),
poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer
(EMAA), and wood flour (WF) were studied. To
obtain better understanding of the mutual interactions
between the components, binary LDPE/EMAA and
EMAA/WF blends were also studied, and the results
59
were compared with published information for LDPE/

WF composite. The mechanical properties for the
LDPE/EMAA blends were almost additive, whereas
the properties of the EMAA/WF mixtures were similar
to those of LDPE/WF composites compatibilised in
situ by peroxide crosslinking. In the ternary blends,
addition of 5 to 10 wt% of EMAA was enough to give
high values of the YoungS modulus and tensile
strength. The beneficial effect of the copolymer can
be explained by the introduction of close contact
between the organic filler and the polyolefin matrix
at the phase boundaries. 14 refs.
SLOVAK REPUBLIC; SLOVAKIA
Accession no.831765
Item 121
20, No.12, 15th June 2001, p.1125-6
EFFECTS OF THE REMOVAL OF MATRIX
SUBSTANCES AS A PRETREATMENT IN THE
PRODUCTION OF HIGH STRENGTH RESIN
IMPREGNATED WOOD BASED MATERIALS
Yano H; Hirose A; Collins P J; Yasaki Y
Kyoto,University; Sekisui House Ltd.; CSIRO;
Monash,University
The strength of resin-impregnated wood can be improved
by the removal of the weaker consituents of the wood
matrix, mainly lignin and hemicellulose, prior to resin
impregnation. Hoop pine veneers were treated with 1%
sodium chlorite solution alone, sodium hydroxide solution
alone, or sodium chlorite solution followed by sodium
hydroxide, before impregnation with phenol
formaldehyde resin. The mechanical properties of the
resulting materials were determined. It was found that
improvements of Youngs modulus and bending strength
in the final materials were in the order of 40% for sodium
chlorite alone, 20% for sodium hydroxide alone, and 48%
for both. The use of 2% sodium chlorite solution caused
the wood veneers to become too fragile for impregnation.
5 refs.
AUSTRALIA; JAPAN
Accession no.831673
Item 122
Gummibereifung
77, No.3, March 2001, p.124-5
REVOLUTIONARY ENVIRONMENTAL
CONCEPT
Mutz K
Engineers at the worlds largest tyre producer are reported
to have made a sensational breakthrough: the first efficient
tyre with integrated ecological materials is on the market.
The natural product corn starch mostly replaces the
additive carbon black in the tread compound of the new
summer tyre GT-3. Thus Goodyear has succeeded in
contributing significantly to reducing CO2 emissions,
60
which car producers must cut by 25% by 2008. Details

are given of the new Bio-TREAD technology, which relies
on corn starch produced by photosynthesis.
GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.831589
Item 123
28, No.9, 2001, p.T/70-7
MODIFICATION OF THERMOPLASTIC
POLYMERS WITH WASTEPAPER CELLULOSE
FIBRES. PART 1- PVC COMPOSITIONS FILLED
WITH WASTEPAPER CELLULOSE FIBRES
Pelka J; Kowalska E
The use is examined of used cellulose from waste paper
as a filler in compositions based on primary PVC as well
as recycled PVC. Using this method, new compositions
are obtained that are cheaper than the virgin polymer, but
with altered and improved properties for particular
applications. The use of coupling agents, processing aids,
and compatibilisers is discussed in order to increase the
interaction between the cellulose and the polymer matrix.
Mechanical and processing properties of PVC filled with
a cellulose filler can be controlled by suitable selection
of their composition. 17 refs. (Article translated from
Polymery, No.3, 2001, p.201)
Accession no.831547
Item 124
Chemical Marketing Reporter
260, No.10a, 10th Sept.2001, p.6
DOW SEEKS TO BOOST SALES OF WHEAT
STRAW AND PU MATERIALS
Brown R
Dow Chemical is hoping to build its current niche in the
wood composites market by advancing the use of
composites made from wheat straw and PU resin.
Although sales are small, the company is seeking to build
the business to 100m US dollars over the next five to 10
years. Earlier this year, the company purchased Canadabased Isobord Enterprises, a manufacturer of composite
panels made from wheat straw and PU resin. Dow is
marketing the building panels under the name Woodstalk.
Leading applications for the product will be in
construction, ready-to-assemble furniture and floor
underlay.
DOW CHEMICAL CO.
NORTH AMERICA
Accession no.831470
Item 125
21st Sept.2001, p.10
PROCESSOR RUNS UNDRIED WOOD

It is briefly reported that the University of Maine has
installed a Davis-Standard Woodtruder wood processing
system, which will be used to run contract research,
product testing and development trials at its Advanced
Engineered Wood Composites Centre. The Woodtruder
system comprises a WT94 75mm diameter twin screw
extruder, 24:1 Mark V single screw extruder, die tooling
system, spray cooling tank with driven rollers, travelling
cutting saw, run-off table, gravimetric blending unit and
PC-based blender control. The ability to handle undried
wood is a key benefit of the Woodtruder system.
DAVIS-STANDARD CORP.
USA
Accession no.831464
Item 126
28, No.5, May 2001, p.38
RECYCLING ACCOMPLISHED IN THREE
STEPS
Lear, one of Europes two main producers of natural fibre
composites, has developed a technique to recycle natural
fibres so that they can be used again for automotive parts.
The three-step process involves reducing the flax-PP carrier
part to small pieces; the second is the separation of the
flax-PP from fabric foam granules; the final one is the
injection moulding of granulated flax-PP with additives to
improve mechanical properties and reduce odour.
LEAR CORP.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.831396
Item 127
28, No.5, May 2001, p.37-8
NATURAL SELECTION
The renewability and environmentally friendly qualities
of natural fibres have led to their increased use in composite
applications, particularly in the European automotive
industry. Only a small fraction of composite waste can be
recycled, the rest must be incinerated. Incorporating natural
fibres in the composites can reduce the impact of
incineration, because they only release as much CO2 as
the plant absorbed when it was growing. Natural fibres
can also be chemically recycled back to raw materials.
However, European environmental legislation is
threatening the use of natural fibres in composites. The
ELV directive sets recycling quotas of 80% by 2007 and
85% by 2015, allowing feedstock recycling to raw materials
only in exceptional cases. AKV has asked the German
federal environment ministry to interpret the directive to
allow feedstock recycling and energy recovery as
equivalent to recycling for renewable materials.
WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no.831395
Item 128
Kautchuk und Gummi Kunststoffe
54, No.9, 2001, p.474-6
RICE HUSK ASH IN POLYSILOXANE
COMPOUNDS
Sereda L; Pereira H L; Reis Nunes R C; Visconte L L
Y; Guimaraes Furtado C R
Rio de Janeiro,Universidade Federal; Rio de
Janeiro,Universidade do Estado
Black rice husk ash was used as an alternative filler to
silica in silicone rubber and the physicomechanical
properties (tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at
break, hardness and density) of the filled rubber
investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to
examine fracture surfaces of the filled rubber. It was found
that the black rice husk ash filled rubber exhibited a tensile
strength similar to silica filled rubber although tear
strength was lower. 12 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.830511
Item 129
Iranian Journal of Polymer Science & Technology
14, No.1, May 2001, p.31-8
Persian
EFFECT OF ALPHA-CELLULOSE FIBRE ON
THE PROPERTIES OF MELAMINEFORMALDEHYDE MOULDING COMPOUNDS
Khatibi M A; Beheshti M A; Morshedian J
Iran,Polymer Institute
The effect of alpha-cellulose fibre on the mechanical
properties, wettability and gloss of the above moulding
compounds was investigated. It was found that alphacellulose had no effect on mechanical properties but a
significant effect on the wettability and gloss of the
moulding compounds. 14 refs.
IRAN
Accession no.830310
Item 130
81, No.6, 8th August 2001, p.1420-8
IMPACT BEHAVIOR OF SAWDUST/RECYCLEDPP COMPOSITES
Li TQ; Ng CN; Li RKY
Hong Kong,University
A fracture mechanics study was conducted using
instrumented Izod and Charpy tests to characterise the
dynamic impact fracture behaviour of various percentages
of sawdust wood flour reinforced polypropylene
composites. Two batches of recycled polypropylene were
used as the matrix, one with maleated propylene (MAPP)
compatibiliser grafted by melt extrusion. It was found
that the notched Izod strength and fracture energy of the
MAPP containing composites increased with filler content
in contrast with the unmodified polypropylene
61
composites. Both compounds had higher fracture

toughness than the base polypropylene although strong
interfacial bonding of filler to matrix was not observed.
Further characterisation is proceeding. Full details of the
test results are given. 22 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.830238
Item 131
81, No.6, 8th August 2001, p.1333-40
PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE USE OF
MODIFIED ALCELL LIGNIN AS A COUPLING
AGENT IN THE BIOFIBER COMPOSITES
Rozman H D; Tan K W; Kumar R N; Abubakar A
The compatibility and interfacial bond strength between
naturally hydrophilic lignocellulosic materials and
hydrophobic thermoplastics is inherently poor. Toluene
diisocyanate (TDI) modified lignin was used as a
coupling agent between oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres
and polypropylene. As a control, unmodified lignin/PP
was also evaluated. The materials were mixed and then
hot pressed into sheet for the production of cut tensile
and flexural test specimens. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology
of both modified and unmodified compounds. Test
results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of
TDI modified compounds were superior to the
unmodified equivalent and SEM showed that the
modification also resulted in better blending and
compatibility between the lignin and polypropylene
matrix. Full compounding and test procedures are given
with detailed results. 13 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.830229
Item 132
Polymer Testing
20, No.7, 2001, p.819-23
DYNAMIC VULCANIZATION OF
RUBBERWOOD-FILLED POLYPROPYLENE/
NATURAL RUBBER BLENDS
Ismail H; Salmah; Nasir M
Penang,Universiti Sains Malaysia
The effect of increasing sulphur content, and from this
the degree of vulcanisation, in a dynamically vulcanised
thermoplastic elastomer of polypropylene and natural
rubber with a filler of rubber wood fibre was investigated.
Mixing was carried out in a miniature twin rotor mixer,
and the tensile properties, water absorption and
morphology of the resultant compounds were examined.
A reduction in water absorption and increase in Youngs
modulus and flexural modulus with increasing degree of
vulcanisation and crosslink density were reported.
Compared to a blend that did not contain sulphur, all
62
mechanical properties of sulphur containing blends were

enhanced. 11 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.830223
Item 133
Antec 2001.Conference proceedings.
Dallas, Texas, 6th-10th May, 2001, paper 609
FOAMING OF RIGID PVC/WOOD-FLOUR
COMPOSITES THROUGH A CONTINUOUS
EXTRUSION PROCESS
Mengeloglu F; Matuana L M
Michigan,Technological University
(SPE)
The influence of chemical foaming agent (CFA) type
and concentration, and the use of an all-acrylic
processing aid, on the density and cell morphology of
extrusion foamed poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/wood flour
composites was investigated. The foaming agents were
modified azodicarbonamide (exothermic) and sodium
bicarbonate (endothermic). The foamed materials were
characterised by density and cell size measurement. The
density was not influenced by the CFA content, whilst
the cell size was dependent upon the CFA type, the
exothermic CFA giving smaller average cell sizes
compared with the endothermic agent. Addition of the
processing aid gave foams with densities comparable to
those of neat rigid PVC, and offered the possibility of
producing rigid PVC/wood-flour composite foams
without the use of CFA. 19 refs.
USA
Accession no.830041
Item 134
STUDIES ON THE FOAMABILITY OF RIGID
PVC/WOOD-FLOUR COMPOSITES
Matuana L M; Mengeloglu F
(SPE)
The influence of crosslinked acrylic and un-crosslinked
chlorinated polyethylene impact modifiers on the
foamability of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and
rigid PVC/wood flour composites was investigated.
The materials were dry-blended, extruded using a
single-screw extruder, and compression moulded into
panels. Samples were placed in a CO2 atmosphere at
5.52 MPa, and sorption and desorption determined
gravimetrically. Microcellular foamed samples were
prepared by saturating the materials with CO2 at 5.52
MPa for 2 d, then rapidly reducing the pressure and
simultaneously increasing the temperature. The cellular
materials were characterised by density measurement,
and cell size determination by scanning electron
microscopy. The presence of impact modifiers
accelerated the rate of gas loss, which impeded cell

growth. 26 refs.
USA
Accession no.830040
Item 135
9, No.5, 2001, p.333-8
POLY(BUTYLENE SUCCINATE) COMPOSITES
REINFORCED WITH SHORT SISAL FIBRES
Shibata M; Makino R; Yosomiya R; Takeishi H
Chiba,Institute of Technology
This report describes an investigation into polybutylene
succinate reinforced with sisal fibres for the development
of a fully biodegradable composite with superior
mechanical properties. The influence of fibre length, fibre
content and surface treatment of the fibres on the
mechanical properties of the composite were evaluated.
18 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.829664
Item 136
Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology
7, No.3, Sept.2001, p.142-8
FOAMING OF RIGID PVC/WOOD-FLOUR
COMPOSITES THROUGH A CONTINUOUS
EXTRUSION PROCESS
Mengeloglu F; Matuana L M
The effects of chemical foaming agent(CFA) type
(endothermic versus exothermic) and concentrations as
well as the influence of an all-acrylic processing aid on
the density and cell morphology of extrusion-foamed neat
rigid PVC and rigid PVC/wood flour composites were
studied. Regardless of CFA type, the density reduction of
foamed rigid PVC/wood flour composites was not
influenced by the CFA content. The cell size, however,
was affected by the CFA type, independent of CFA
content. Exothermic foaming agent produced foamed
samples with smaller average cell sizes compared with
those of endothermic counterparts. The experimental
results indicated that the addition of an all-acrylic
processing aid in the formulation of rigid PVC/wood flour
composite foams provided not only the ability to achieve
density comparable with that achieved in the neat rigid
PVC foams but also the potential to produce rigid PVC/
wood flour composite foams without using any chemical
foaming agents. 19 refs.
USA
Accession no.829657
Item 137
7, No.3, Sept.2001, p.138-41
NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH WOOD-FLOURFOAMED PVC

Patterson J
Rohm & Haas Co.
A major disadvantage of composites of wood with
thermoplastics materials is a relatively high specific
gravity compared with those of many natural wood
products. A PVC-wood composite, for example, has a
specific gravity of about 1.3 g/cc. The manufacture of
cellular PVC-based wood composites was studied and the
properties that were achieved as the foam density was
reduced were examined. Overall, even with densities as
low as 0.6 g/cc, the physical properties should be adequate
for many wood replacement applications. The composites
also exhibited the aesthetics of wood and economics that
were favourable compared with those of both rigid and
cellular PVC. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.829656
Item 138
7, No.3, Sept.2001, p.134-7
PVC WOOD: A NEW LOOK IN CONSTRUCTION
Chetanachan W; Sookkho D; Sutthitavil W;
Chantasatrasamy N; Sinsermsuksakul R
Thai Plastic & Chemicals
The use of PVC wood, which includes PVC foam and
PVC/wood flour composite, as an alternative to wood
and wood-like products is discussed. Compared with
traditional products, the PVC wood is shown to exhibit
improved termite resistance and weathering resistance,
lower moisture absorption and ease of installation. It is
demonstrated that PVC wood can be nailed, screwed,
sawed, cut and bonded like wood by conventional tools
without any special skills being required. The bending
strength of PVC wood is lower, but it can still be used
for decorative applications, i.e. cornices, doors and
siding. 5 refs.
THAILAND
Accession no.829655
Item 139
Polymer Testing
20, No.8, 2001, p.885-93
THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS: OVERVIEW
OF SEVERAL PROPERTIES AND THEIR
CONSEQUENCES IN FLAX FIBRE
Ghent,University
An overview is given of the properties, particularly the
mechanical, physical and thermal properties, of a range
of thermoplastics polymers, the aim being to provide
guidance on selection of a suitable polymer for a specific
application. Many of the properties are shown to be
63
interrelated and, as a result, some combinations of desired

properties are not possible, but this overview should
provide guidelines to the best compromise between
conflicting property demands. Data are presented mainly
as ranges (in tables) and in graphs for quick comparison
purposes. A specific application, thermoplastic pultrusion
with flax as reinforcement, is also studied. In this
particular case, PP is shown to have the best combination
of properties for use as the composite matrix. 48 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.829640
Item 140
Polymer Testing
20, No.8, 2001, p.869-72
IMPACT BEHAVIOR OF SUGARCANE
BAGASSE WASTE-EVA COMPOSITES
Stael G C; Tavares M I B; dAlmeida J R M
Janeiro,Pontificia Universidade Catolica
The impact properties of chopped bagasse-EVA matrix
composites were evaluated and compared with the
behaviour of bagasse-filled PP and PE matrix composites
and wood-based materials. The volume fraction (0.13,
0.30, 0.48, 0.59) and size (less than 3 mm, 3-5 mm and
20-30 mm) of the chopped bagasse used as filler was
varied. The results obtained showed that the incorporation
of bagasse strongly reduced the deformation capacity of
EVA polymer. The reduction of the deformation capacity
of the composites was also inferred by solid-state NMR
relaxation analysis. The impact strength was independent
of the bagasse size, but varied with the volume fraction.
It was shown that the mechanical performance of bagasseEVA composites could be tailored, as a function of the
volume fraction, to reproduce the behaviour of woodbased particle boards. 13 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.829637
Item 141
81, No.8, 22nd August 2001, p.1971-84
REACTIVE EXTRUSION OF
POLYCAPROLACTONE COMPOUNDS
CONTAINING WOOD FLOUR AND LIGNIN
Nitz H; Semke H; Landers R; Mulhaupt R
Albert-Ludwigs,University
Woodflour and lignin were added to biodegradable
polycaprolactone by melt compounding in a Werner &
Pfleiderer twin-screw extruder. Maleic anhydride-grafted
polycaprolactone was used as a compatibiliser. Size
exclusion chromatography and titration were used to
characterise the graft copolymers formed. Mechanical and
biodegradation properties were examined. Some
retardation of the latter was found. 19 refs.
64

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.829463
Item 142
Manufacturing
32A, No.9, 2001, p.1271-9
NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED SHEET
MOULDING COMPOUND
Van Voorn B; Smit H H G; Sinke R J; de Klerk B
Wageningen,University
A newly developed system enabling utilisation of short
flax fibres for SMC production is described. It is shown
that by using an evenly-distributed layer of short dried
flax fibres, after controlled impregnation and maturation,
a homogeneous flow of the prepreg in the mould is
obtained, and accordingly a flax fibre-reinforced SMC
can be produced. Mechanical data indicate that for
applications designed with respect to stiffness, flax fibrereinforced SMC materials compete with glass fibre SMC,
especially when fibre length exceeds 25 mm. 12 refs.
Accession no.829091
Item 143
European Design Engineer
Oct.2001, p.17-9
FINDING A NATURAL SOLUTION TO THE
PROBLEM OF VEHICLE DISPOSAL
Stevens P
For many years, automotive manufacturers have followed
routes that have led to significant weight reductions, but
now they are having to rethink their strategies due to the
additional requirement to consider the vehicles eventual
disposal. It is reported that natural fibres are looking
extremely promising as a replacement for many
engineering materials.
AUSTRALIA; WORLD
Accession no.828967
Item 144
NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES - AN
APPROACH ON THERMOFORMING
PROCESSING
Neto O P R; Giacomini N P
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil; Sao Paulo,University
(SPE)
Jute fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) sheet was
produced by calendering a non-woven jute mat of 6 mm
thickness between two sheets of PP of 9 mm thickness.
Composite and pure PP sheets were compared by
measurement of longitudinal and transverse tensile

strength, Youngs modulus, strain, flexural strength, and
density. The composite material had a lower tensile and
flexural strength, and a higher toughness compared with
PP Sheet. The composite density was approximately 21%
lower than that of PP. Sheet containing 50 wt% jute fibre
was successfully vacuum moulded to form automotive
components.
BRAZIL
Accession no.828870
Item 145
CPI IN-LINE COMPOUNDING SYSTEMS
Voelker M J; Weber C D
Composite Products Inc.
(SPE)
A patented in-line compounding system, based on the use
of two screw extruders, for the preparation of long fibre
(glass, carbon or natural fibre) reinforced thermoplastics
is described. One extruder blends the thermoplastic with
other additives and brings the material up to the required
melt temperature, feeding it to the second extruder. This
extruder is fed with the chopped fibre, and has a gentle
screw action to warm the fibre and disperse it in the melt,
minimising fibre size reduction. The second extruder feeds
an accumulator which supplies preforms to the
compression moulding machine. The process offers
advantages of: reduced screw wear; reduced thermal
degradation, as the polymer is only heated once; ability
to use custom formulations; in-line recycling; ability to
produce custom colours; just in time compounding;
reduced inventories; reduced packaging (raw materials
delivered in bulk, using return double packaging); uniform
fibre content; reduced energy consumption; process
versatility; and cost reduction. 7 refs.
USA
Accession no.828832
Item 146
Plastiques Flash
No.316, Feb./March 2001, p.38/43
French
EXTRUDING WOOD
Developments in the extrusion of plastics profiles
containing up to 80% or more of wood fibres are reviewed
on the basis of a symposium organised in Vienna by
Cincinnati Extrusion in the summer of 2000. Extruders
developed by Cincinnati Extrusion and Davis-Standard
for the processing of these materials are described.
FASALEX; JRS; PROPOLYTECH; DAVISSTANDARD; CINCINNATI EXTRUSION GMBH
AUSTRIA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
GERMANY; USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.828691
Item 147
Polymer Composites
22, No.4, Aug.2001, p.568-78
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND
MORPHOLOGY OF FLAX FIBER REINFORCED
MELAMINE-FORMALDEHYDE COMPOSITES
Hagstrand P O; Oksman K
Chalmers,University of Technology; Swedish Institute
of Composites
Non-woven flax fibre mat-reinforced and particulatefilled melamine-formaldehyde(MF) composites
processed by compression moulding were studied and
compared with a similar MF composite reinforced with
glass fibres. Using flax instead of glass fibres had a rather
negative effect on tensile performance. The difference
was, however, relatively small and, if density and
material cost were taken into account, flax fibres became
competitive. Tensile damage was quantified from the
stiffness reduction during cyclic straining. Compared
with glass fibres, flax fibres generated a material with a
significantly lower damage rate. From SEM, it was found
that microcracking took place mainly in the fibre cell
walls and not at the fibre-matrix interface. This indicated
that the fibre-matrix adhesion was high. The materials
were also compared using dynamic mechanical thermal
analysis and water absorption measurements. 37 refs.
EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no.827668
Item 148
Polymer Composites
22, No.4, Aug.2001, p.518-27
JUTE FELT COMPOSITE FROM LIGNIN
MODIFIED PHENOLIC RESIN
Sarkar S; Adhikari B
Indian Institute of Technology
Raw and dewaxed jute felt composites were prepared with
resol- and lignin-modified phenol-formaldehyde resin. Four
different types of lignin-modified resins were used by
replacing phenol with lignin. The lignin-modified resins were
prepared from purified lignin obtained from paper industry
waste black liquor. IR spectroscopic studies of jute felts and
composites were carried out to investigate the bonding
between jute and resin. The thermal stability of the
composites was studied by DSC and TGA. It was found that
the lignin resin jute composite was thermally more stable
than the resol composite. X-ray diffraction of jute felt and
composite showed that the crystallinity of the jute fibre
increased after composite preparation. The lignin resin
composites were tested for water absorption and thickness
swelling and it was found that the results were comparable
with those of resol jute composite. Composites prepared from
lignin phenol-formaldehyde resin with up to 50% phenol
replacement showed 75% TS retention. 73 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.827664
65
Item 149
International Polymer Processing
16, No.2, June 2001, p.100-7
TWIN SCREW COMPOUNDING OF PE-HD
WOOD FLOUR COMPOSITES
Wang Y; Chan H C; Lai S M; Shen H F
Tunghai,University; Chinese Culture University;
Taichung,Plastics Industry Development Centre
The compounding of wood flour-filled PE was
examined with reference to co-rotating twin-screw
extruders from two manufacturers. An acrylic acidgrafted PE copolymer was used as the compatibiliser
in HDPE-wood flour composite system. Particular
attention was paid to the compounding of the heat- and
shear-sensitive wood flour. The relevant screw
configuration was found to consist of short mixing
length with low intensity of shearing. A suitable
combination of process variables was necessary for
limiting the thermal degradation of the wood filler, but
tensile properties of the composites were not much
affected. Furthermore, the allowable range of
processing temp. was limited and there was an upper
limit of rotating speed and a lower limit of throughput
rate within which the darkening of wood filler in the
composites was acceptable. The processing window
was also experimentally constructed in terms of the
degree of darkening of wood composites. 24 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.827621
Item 150
WOOD FILLED HIGH CRYSTALLINITY
POLYPROPYLENE
Jacoby P; Sullivan R; Crostic W
BP Amoco Polymers
(SPE)
The properties of wood flour-filled polyethylenes (PE)
and polypropylenes (PP) were compared. The materials
tested were: PP homopolymer, high crystallinity PP, an
impact propylene copolymer, high density PE, and low
density PE, containing 20-60% pine wood flour. Maleated
PP or maleated PE were evaluated as compatibilisers in
some blends. Test samples were prepared by injection
moulding, and tensile strength measured at 23 C and 60
C, and flexural and impact strengths measured at ambient
temperatures. Tensile creep was measured at 23 C and 7
MPa, and at 60 C and 3.5 MPa. Samples were also tested
following immersion in water for various times up to 30
days. The PPs exhibited significantly higher stiffness,
strength and high temperature performance compared
with the PE-based materials, the high crystallinity PP
having the best performance. 2 refs.
USA
Accession no.827222
66
Item 151
EFFECTIVENESS OF FUNCTIONALIZED
POLYOLEFINS AS COMPATIBILIZERS FOR
POLYETHYLENE/WOOD FLOUR COMPOSITES
Lai S-M; Yeh F-C; Yeh Wang; Chan H-C; Shen H-F;
Hsiao Y-K
(SPE)
High density polyethylene was compounded with wood
flour using a self-wiping, co-rotating twin-screw extruder,
and various maleic anhydride (MA)-grafted polyolefins
were evaluated as compatibilisers. The MA-grafted
polymers were: linear low density polyethylene (LLDPEg-MA), styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene block
copolymer (SEBS-g-MA), and polypropylene (PP-gMA). Tensile and impact test samples were prepared by
injection moulding, and the morphology of the fracture
surfaces was studied by scanning electron microscopy.
The highest tensile and impact strengths were achieved
using LLDPE-g-MA, with lower strength gains coming
from the use of SEBS-g-MA. Enhanced compatibility was
attributed to the compatibility between the HDPE matrix
and the LLDPE backbone of the compatibiliser, and with
enhanced interfacial bonding resulting from the chemical
reaction between MA and hydroxyl groups of the wood
flour. The notched impact strength decreased with
increasing PP-g-MA content. 10 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.827221
Item 152
EFFECT OF COMPOUNDING CONDITIONS ON
THE WOOD FLOUR/POLYETHYLENE
COMPOSITES IN TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDERS
Yeh Wang; Chan H-C; Lai S-M; Shen H-F; Hsiao Y-K
(SPE)
The influence of processing parameters on the properties
of wood flour-filled polyethylene, compounded using corotating twin-screw extruders was investigated. Polymer
pellets and poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) compatibiliser
were blended prior to feeding into the extruder. The wood
flour was introduced at the mid-extruder position to
minimise thermal and shear degradation. Two extruders
were used, the experimental variables being: screw
configuration, throughput rate, screw speed, and barrel
temperature profile. The prepared materials were
characterised by measurement of tensile strength and
tensile modulus, determination of fibre length reduction,
assessment of bonding by scanning electron microscopy,
and determination of darkening due to thermal
degradation. The appropriate screw configuration

consisted of short mixing elements with low intensity
shearing. A suitable combination of processing variables,
including screw speed, throughput rate, and barrel
temperatures were necessary to limit thermal degradation
and darkening of the filler. The degradation caused only
a minor reduction in tensile properties. 12 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.827220
Item 153
DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXTRUSION SYSTEM
FOR FINE-CELLED FOAMING OF WOODFIBER COMPOSITES USING A PHYSICAL
BLOWING AGENT
Zhang H; Rizvi G M; Lin W S; Guo G; Park C B
Toronto,University
(SPE)
The use of wood fibre filler, combined with a cellular
structure, to reduce cost and increase the mechanical
properties of thermoplastics was investigated. An
extrusion system was developed for material preparation,
consisting of two extruders working in tandem. In the
first extruder the plastic and wood fibre were
compounded, moisture being vented in vapour form at
the junction between the two extruders. In the second
extruder the dry material was blended with a physical
blowing agent, passed through a static mixer, then
homogeneously cooled to enhanced melt strength, before
extrusion through a nucleation die with cooling to freeze
the surface layer of the extrudate. Trials were conducted
using high density polyethylene, softwood fibre (50% less
than 125 micrometre, with an addition of 0-40 wt%),
modified polyethylene coupling agent, CO2 physical
blowing agent (0-4 wt%) and talc as the nucleating agent.
The system operated successfully, attributed to the
combination of uniform mixing, improved bonding and
effective moisture removal. The cell morphology was
dependent upon the system configuration, and was
strongly influenced by the coupling agent. Increasing the
CO2 content had little effect on the cell morphology, but
increased the volume expansion ratio and decreased the
minimum foaming temperature. Reducing the fibre
content enhanced the cell morphology. 58 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.827190
Item 154
61, No.10, 2001, p.1437-47
EFFECT OF FIBER TREATMENT ON THE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
UNIDIRECTIONAL SISAL-REINFORCED
EPOXY COMPOSITES
Rng M Z; Zhang M Q; Liu Y; Yang G C; Zeng H M

Guangzhou,Zhongshan University
Details are given of the effect of fibre treatment on the
mechanical properties of unidirectional sisal-reinforced
epoxy resins. Treatments including alkalisation,
acetylisation, cyanoethylation, the use of silane
coupling agent, and heating were used to modify the
fibre surfaces and internal structures. Characterisation
was undertaken using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and
tensile tests. 19 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.826932
Item 155
No.45, May/June 2001, p.24
French; English
NATURAL-FIBRE-REINFORCED PU FOR SOFT
TRIM PARTS
Using natural fibre mats as reinforcement for PUR
systems makes it possible to reduce both the weight of
parts and the cost of manufacturing. In the automotive
industry, side doors along with their soft trim
components are considered as safety parts. For these
trim parts, Bayer has developed new PU systems that
are marketed under the Baypreg brand name. Hennecke
provides complete custom-built production facilities
under the name NafpurTec.
BAYER AG; HENNECKE GMBH
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.826731
Item 156
No.45, May/June 2001, p.22-3
French; English
SIGNIFICANT PENETRATION INTO THE
AUTOMOTIVE MARKET
Today, several types of plant fibre are in use in the
automotive industry including flax, hemp, jute, sisal,
kenaf, wood or grain-based products. The most
commonly used thermoplastic binder is PP, although
many PU applications are emerging. Natural materials
offer several advantages such as no net carbon dioxide
release, 40% less weight compared with glass fibre and
production consumes one-fifth the energy of glass fibre
production. DaimlerChrysler will fit the new MercedesBenz Travego travel coach with a natural fibrereinforced engine and transmission casing as standard
equipment, the first natural fibre-reinforced vehicle
exterior component to go into series production.
WORLD
Accession no.826730
67
Item 157
BLOWING AGENTS AND FOAMING PROCESSES
CONFERENCE 2001. Proceedings from a conference
held Frankfurt, 13th-14th March 2001.
Shawbury, Rapra Technology Ltd., 2001, Paper 2. 012
ADVANTAGES OF THE USE OF CHEMICAL
FOAMING AGENTS IN WOOD-PLASTIC
COMPOSITES
Luebke G
Clariant Masterbatch GmbH & Co.OHG
(Rapra Technology Ltd.)
The growing market for wood-plastic composites is
discussed with some statistics for the North American
market. The benefits in using chemical foaming agents in
wood-plastic composites are examined, with particular
reference to the following points: material and cost savings,
consistent process control, nucleating effects which can
solve the moisture problems, improvement of mechanical
properties, and improved compatibility between
hydrophilic wood and hydrophobic plastics. 12 refs.
NORTH AMERICA; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.826073
Item 158
20, No.11, 1st June 2001, p.1017-9
FLEXURAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
PIASSAVA FIBERS (ATTALEA FUNIFERA) RESIN MATRIX COMPOSITES
Aquino R C M P; DAlmeida J R M; Monteiro S N
Norte Fluminense,Universidade Estadual; Rio de
Fibres from the piassava palm (attalea funifera) were
evaluated as suitable reinforcement for orthophthalic ester
resin. Waste fibres from broom production were collected
and composites fabricated by moulding and curing. Fibre
loading varied from 30-50% by mass. The samples were
subjected to flexural testing and their stress at rupture
shown to increase with fibre loading. The flexural strength
was comparable to other natural fibre-reinforced
flour) was investigated. Moulding behaviour was

assessed, and the appearance and colour, reinforcement
distribution, and impact and flexural strength were
determined after moulding. Extended moulding times
resulted in surface burning. The reinforcement in the wood
flour mouldings was more uniformly distributed and
wetted, resulting in superior mechanical properties
compared with the sawdust-reinforced mouldings. Impact
strength decreased with increasing filler content. Heating
times during moulding increased with increasing filler
content, whilst cooling time decreased. This was attributed
to the reduced shrinkage enhancing contact with the mould
wall, so improving heat transfer. 7 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; NEW
ZEALAND; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.825349
Item 160
7, No.2, June 2001, p.67-75
MICROCELLULAR FOAMING OF IMPACTMODIFIED RIGID PVC/WOOD-FLOUR
COMPOSITES
Matuana L M; Mengeloglu F
Solid-state microcellular foaming technology was used
to investigate the influence of impact modification on the
foamability of neat rigid PVC and rigid PVC/wood flour
composite samples. The effects of impact modifier types
(crosslinked versus uncrosslinked) and concentrations on
the void fraction of foamed samples were examined. The
influence of impact modification on the sorption
behaviour of carbon dioxide in the samples was also
studied. The experimental results indicated that impact
modification accelerated the rate of gas loss during the
foaming process, which impeded the growth of nucleated
cells, independent of modifier type. As a result of this
accelerated gas loss, impact modification inhibited the
potential of producing foamed samples with void fractions
similar to those achieved in unmodified samples. 26 refs.
USA
Accession no.825288
BRAZIL
Accession no.825922
Item 159
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION INTO THE
USE OF WOOD FIBERS AS A FILLER IN THE
ROTATIONAL MOLDING OF POLYETHYLENE
McDowell G W G; Orr J F; Kissick J; Crawford R J
Belfast,Queens University; Auckland,University
(SPE)
The rotational moulding of polyethylene reinforced with
2.5-60 wt% wood fibre (waste sawdust and very fine wood
68
Item 161
48, No.4, 2001, p.461-75
WHITE RICE HUSK ASH FILLED NATURAL
RUBBER/LINEAR LOW DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE BLENDS
Ismail H; Nizam J M; Khalil H P S A
NR/LLDPE blends were prepared using an internal mixer
at 150C and a rotor speed of 55 rpm. The TS, tensile
modulus and hardness increased with increasing LLDPE
content, while EB and mass swelling showed decreasing
trend. With 30/70 w/w NR/LLDPE blends, the increasing
white rice husk ash loading also increased the tensile

modulus and hardness, but reduced the TS, EB and mass
swelling. The poor TS performance was attributed to the
poor filler-matrix interaction or compatibility and poor
dispersion of filler in NR/LLDPE blends. 22 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.825028
Item 162
40, No.4, 2001, p.519-38
WHITE RICE HUSK ASH FILLED ETHYLENEPROPYLENE-DIENE TERPOLYMER/
POLYPROPYLENE BLENDS: EFFECT OF
DYNAMIC VULCANIZATION AND FILLER
LOADING
Siriwardena S; Ismail H; Ishiaku U S
White rusk husk ash was incorporated into elastomer-rich
EPDM/PP blends and the effect of filler loading (0 to 60
pph) and dynamic vulcanisation were investigated using
mechanical properties and processability as indicators.
Mixing rheology of the blends based on Brabender torque
was also studied. The results obtained are presented and
discussed with particular reference to mixing torque,
stress-strain properties, TS, EB, stress at yield, moduli at
different strains, tear strength, compression set, hardness,
hysteresis, processability and recyclability. 26 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.825002
Item 163
40, No.4, 2001, p.463-78
EFFECTS OF A COMPATIBILIZER AND A
SILANE COUPLING AGENT ON THE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WHITE RICE
HUSK ASH FILLED POLYPROPYLENE/
NATURAL RUBBER BLEND
Ismail H; Mega L
The effects of a compatibiliser, poly(propylene-ethylene
acrylic acid)(PPEAA), and a silane coupling agent, 3aminopropyltriethoxysilane(3-APE), on the properties of
white rice husk ash(WRHA)-filled PP/NR blends were
investigated. The incorporation of WRHA into PP/NR
blends improved tensile modulus but decreased TS, EB
and stress at yield. The improvement was due to better
filler dispersion and better filler-matrix interaction
through the surface modification of filler and matrix.
Water absorption increased with increasing filler loading,
but the presence of 3-APE and PPEAA affected the water
resistance of the composites. 18 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.824998
Item 164
UTECH 2000. Proceedings of a conference held The
Hague, Netherlands, 28th-30th March 2000.
London, 2000, Automotive Session, Paper 3, pp.6, 012
INTERIOR TRIM PARTS FROM NATURAL
FIBRE MAT AND GLASS FIBRE
TECHNOLOGIES
Kleinholz R
Johnson Controls
(Crain Communications Ltd.; European Isocyanate
Producers Association)
Two new materials and processes for the manufacture of
door panels for the Daimler Chrysler class S and class
CLK cars are evaluated and compared. The materials are
Fibropur, a natural fibre mat with a PU binder, produced
by compression moulding, and LFI (Long Fibre Injection),
a PU rigid foam with cut glass fibres made by a foaming
technique. Reasons for the development of these materials
are outlined, the processes are described and the properties
of the two materials compared.
Accession no.824804
Item 165
Molecular Crystals & Liquid Crystals
Vol.353, 2000, p.95-108
COMPOSITES MADE FROM
LIGNOCELLULOSICS AND THERMOSET
POLYMERS
Aramguren M I; Marcovich N E; Reboredo M M
INTEMA
Preparation and testing of composites from a styrene/
unsaturated polyester thermoset matrix and wood flours
from different wood species was carried out. Studies were
carried out on Pine (Pino Eliottis), eucaliptus (Eucaliptus
Saligna) and marmelero (Ruprechia Laviflora), a softwood
and two semi-hard woods, respectively. The particles were
used untreated and chemically modified with maleic
anhydride. For the characterisation of untreated and treated
flours, thermogravimetric analysis and analytical
techniques were utilised. Dispersion of the fibrous particles,
in addition to maximum fibre concentration (accompanied
by complete wetting of the wood fibres) was dependent on
the treatment and on the wood species utilised. Bending
and compression tests suggested some improvement in the
performance of the composites, if the wood flour was
previously esterified. Changes in the fracture surfaces due
to maleic anhydride treatment of the fibres were observed
using scanning electron microscopy. 12 refs.
ARGENTINA
Accession no.824162
Item 166
Vol.353, 2000, p.85-94
69
WEATHERING PERFORMANCE OF PLANTFIBER/THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES

Rowell R M; Lange S E; Jacobson R E
US,Dept.of Agriculture,Forest Products Laboratory
Natural fibre/thermoplastic composites were produced
from polypropylene and aspen fibre. A number of
different levels of aspen fibre (30-60% by weight) were
used with and without the addition of a compatibiliser
(maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, MAPP).
Tests were carried out on these composites for strength
properties, exposure to boiling and cyclic liquid water
and oven drying tests, and evaluated in an accelerated
weathering test for 2000 hours. As the level of fibre
rises without MAPP, flexural strength, flexural
modulus, tensile strength, and tensile modulus
increases but notched and unnotched impact strength
decreases compared with pure polypropylene. The
presence of MAPP has a very large positive impact on
flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength,
and tensile modulus compared with composites made
without MAPP. As the level of fibre increased in the
composites, the rate and extent of thickness swelling
and moisture sorption rose compared with pure
polypropylene. The presence of MAPP lowered the
degree of swelling and moisture pickup. Under
accelerated weathering conditions (water sprayed for
18 minutes followed by 102 minutes without water
spray of UV radiation produced by a 6500 watt xenon
arc light source), weathering of composites was limited
to the outer 0.5 mm of the surface. Weathering gave
rise to the development of a white chalky surface layer
which began at about 150-200 hours of weathering.
Following 2000 hours of accelerated weathering,
weight loss increased with increasing fibre content and
there was more weight loss in samples containing
MAPP compared with samples without added MAPP.
After 2000 hours of weathering and scraping off the
chalky white layer, weight loss was highest in samples
containing no fibre. 5 refs.
USA
Accession no.824161
Item 167
Vol.354, 2001, p.373-80
FLAMMABILITY OF COMPOSITES BASED ON
POLYPROPYLENE AND FLAX FIBERS
Helwig M; Paukszta D
Poznan,University of Technology
Details are given of the flammability of PP composites
with long flax fibres obtained by compression moulding.
Heat release rate and mass loss rate curves were
determined. Mechanisms of thermal decomposition and
combustion are discussed. 11 refs.
Accession no.823855
70
Item 168
15, No.6, 2001, p.633-52
INTERFACIAL ADHESION IN SISAL FIBRE/SBR
COMPOSITES: INVESTIGATION BY THE
RESTRICTED EQUILIBRIUM SWELLING
TECHNIQUE
Kumar R P; Thomas S
The degree of interfacial adhesion at the fibre-matrix
interface of short sisal fibre-reinforced SBR composites
was investigated using the restricted equilibrium swelling
method. The swelling behaviour of untreated composites
and composites treated with a two-component dry bonding
agent consisting of hexamethylene tetramine and
resorcinol was examined in a series of aromatic solvents,
including benzene, toluene and xylene. The influence of
fibre loading on the swelling behaviour of the composites
and the effects of fibre orientation, fibre loading, bonding
agent and variations in dimensions were evaluated and
the mechanical properties of the composites determined.
30 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.823098
Item 169
Manufacturing
32A, No.8, 2001, p.1105-15
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
ON MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES OF FLAX FIBRES
Stamboulis A; Baillie C A; Peijs T
Imperial College of Science,Technology & Medicine;
London,University,Queen Mary & Westfield College
The environmental degradation behaviour and mechanical
properties of Duralin treated flax fibres were investigated
by moisture absorption measurements and tensile testing
and the results compared with those for untreated fibres.
Electrochemical experiments were also carried out to
evaluate the effect of Duralin treatment on the moisture
uptake of the flax fibres. The effects of moisture
absorption on mechanical properties and zeta potential
measurements are discussed as is the pH dependence of
the zeta potential measurements. 22 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.823014
Item 170
61, No.9, 2001, p.1303-10
INFLUENCE OF FIBRE TREATMENT ON THE
PERFORMANCE OF COIR-POLYESTER
COMPOSITES
Rout J; Misra M; Tripathy S S; Nayak S K; Mohanty A K

Coir fibres were subjected to various surface treatments
including alkali treatment, bleaching and vinyl grafting
in an attempt to improve their adhesion to polyester matrix
resins. Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength,
flexural strength and impact strength, of composites
containing the treated fibres were determined and fibrematrix adhesion was examined by scanning electron
microscopy. The effect of fibre treatment on water
absorption of the untreated and treated coir fibre
composites and coir/glass hybrid composites was also
investigated. 16 refs.
INDIA; USA
Accession no.822965
Item 171
61, No.9, 2001, p.1175-88
STRESS-RELAXATION BEHAVIOUR IN
COMPOSITES BASED ON SHORT OIL-PALM
FIBRES AND PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE
RESIN
Sreekala M S; Kumaran M G; Joseph R; Thomas S
India,Rubber Research Institute; Mahatma
Gandhi,University
A study was made of the stress relaxation of phenolformaldehyde resins reinforced with short oil-palm empty
fruit bunch fibres and hybrid composites composed of
oil-palm fibres and glass fibres. The effects of fibre
loading, fibre treatment, hybridisation with glass fibres,
physical ageing and strain level on stress relaxation
behaviour were examined and the rate of relaxation at
different time intervals was calculated in order to explain
gradual changes in relaxation mechanisms. 32 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.822959
Item 172
Vol. 169, May 2001, p.211-22
NEW WATERBORNE EPOXY COATINGS
BASED ON CELLULOSE NANOFILLERS
Ruiz M M; Cavaille J Y; Dufresne A; Graillat C;
Gerard J-F
CNRS-INSA; Fourier J.,Universite; LCPP-CNRS;
laboratoire des Materiaux Macromoleculaires
Nanocomposites based on a waterborne epoxy emulsion
and a suspension of cellulose crystallites were prepared
by film casting in order to obtain coatings which displayed
both flexibility and stiffness. Typical processing problems
associated with this type of composite are related to high
viscosity values of filled polymers in the molten state,
the incompatibility between hydrophobic matrices and
hydrophilic cellulose, and the formation of hydrogen
bonds between cellulose of this type in an epoxy matrix.
This work aims to solve some of these problems by careful

selection of the components of the coatings. The use of
cellulose whiskers are demonstrated to produce an
improvement of the composite modulus in the rubbery
state of the matrix, which is attributed to the formation of
a network of whiskers from the hydrogen bonds existing
between the cellulose whiskers. 25 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.822664
Item 173
81, No.3, 18th July 2001, p.742-53
HYGROTHERMAL AGING AND TENSILE
BEHAVIOR OF INJECTION MOLDED RICE
HUSK-FILLED POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Ishak Z A M; Yow B N; Ng B L; Khalil H P S A;
Rozman L C
Rice husks are a widely available low cost waste product
of rice production and their potential suitability for
reinforcing polypropylene was studied. The effect of filler
volume fraction on tensile properties and kinetics of
hygrothermal ageing were evaluated using injection
moulded test pieces. It was found that the rice hush/
polypropylene compounds had improved tensile modulus
and strength but lower elongation and energy to break.
Moisture adsorption increased with filler volume and
ageing temperature and physical properties decreased
permanently with ageing time. Scanning electron
microscopy, used to investigate the failure mode, indicated
that reinforcement agglomeration had a detrimental
influence on the ultimate performance. Complete details
of the test procedures and results are given and the results
fully discussed. 24 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.821957
Item 174
Kautchuk und Gummi Kunststoffe
54, No.5, 2001, p.242-9
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND SWELLING OF
NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS
CONTAINING RICE HUSK ASH
da Costa H M; Nunes R C R; Visconte L L Y;
Furtado C R G
Janeiro,Universidade do Estado
The use of rice husk ash, as-received (RHA) or milled
(MHA), as a new type of filler for NR was investigated.
The physical properties of the NR vulcanisates involved
tensile, tear and abrasion resistance, hardness and resilience
were tested. The interaction between RHA and NR was
investigated by swelling in an organic solvent. The effect
71
of the coupling agent bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)

tetrasulphane on the curing and physical properties of the
vulcanisates was investigated. The presence of the silane
coupling agent did not bring about the expected increase
in properties, but MHA exhibited better overall vulcanisate
properties when compared with RHA, although still inferior
to commercial fillers such as precipitated silica (Zeosil175) and carbon black (N762), especially with regard to
TS and abrasion resistance. 24 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.820511
Item 175
New Scientist
169, No.2274, 20th Jan.2001, p.1-4(insert)
PERFECT PARTNERSHIPS
Matthams T
Cambridge,University
This detailed article provides us with an in-depth
introduction to the world of composites, explaining how
materials which are weak and brittle can be turned into
tough, strong ones by selecting the right combination of
metals, fibres, plastics, and ceramics. Section headings
include: making the most of composites, controlling the
composite, ceramics take the heat, and learning from
nature. Two smaller insert articles are also included,
entitled The right stuff which discusses all kinds of
fibres, and Its a tough old world which points out
composites in the natural world.
BOEING; NASA; DAIMLERCHRYSLER
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SOUTH EAST
ASIA; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.818337
Item 176
British Plastics and Rubber
Nov.2000, p.13
PLASTIC WOOD EXTRUSION DIRECT FROM
THE COMPOUNDER
This small article highlights a new direct compounding
extrusion line for synthetic wood, from B&P of America,
which consists of a feeder for the wood, a twin-screw
compounder, a melt extruder with degassing unit, a melt
pump or discharge extruder, and die and downstream
equipment. Brief details are given.
B & P OF AMERICA; UNIPLEX MACHINERY
SALES; WTL INTERNATIONAL
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.818300
Item 177
Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
Vol.286, No.4, 30th April 2001, p.237-42
INFLUENCE OF FIBRE AND MATRIX
MODIFICATIONS ON MECHANICAL AND
72
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FLAX FIBRE

REINFORCED POLY(PROPYLENE)
Ghent,University
Several types of flax were used as reinforcement in PPbased unidirectional composites. These flax types
included non-treated as well as treated (boiled) samples.
Two types of PP were used as matrix, i.e. non-modified
PP and maleic anhydride-modified PP. The influence of
both fibre and matrix modification was studied through
mechanical (flexural) and physical (density, sorption and
drying) tests. The combination of boiled flax with the
modified PP yielded the best mechanical properties,
combined with good physical properties. A 100% stress
transfer between fibre and matrix could be calculated in
this optimised case. Interlaminar shear strength tests were
conducted in order to confirm this improved fibre-matrix
adhesion. 13 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.817757
Item 178
20, No.5, 28th Feb.2001, p.477-9
IMPACT DAMAGE CLASSIFICATION ON JUTE
Santulli C; Cantwell WJ
Liverpool,University
Woven jute fibre-reinforced polyester resin laminates were
subjected to impact testing with energy up to 20J and impact
velocity up to 2 m/s. Some samples were then subjected to
tensile testing to failure, which occurred by matrix cracking
at the impact point but not delamination. Other damaged
samples were subjected to fatigue testing and the damaged
zones examined by optical microscopy. 7 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.817307
Item 179
Cellular Polymers
20, No.2, 2001, p.115-30
FACTORIAL DESIGN APPLIED TO THE
EXTRUSION FOAMING OF POLYPROPYLENE/
WOOD-FLOUR COMPOSITES
Matuana L; Li Q
A factorial design was performed to determine the
statistical effects of material compositions and extrusion
processing variables on the foamability of PP/wood flour
composites. The effect of variables on the void fraction
of foamed composite samples were analysed using Design
Expert software. 25 refs.
USA
Accession no.817289
Item 180
Popular Plastics and Packaging
46, No.5, May 2001, p.25-6
ALL STRENGTH NO BULK: NEW PROCESSES
AND FIBRES FOR REINFORCED PLASTICS
The European market for GRP increased by nearly 6% in
1999 to some 950,000 tonnes. It is estimated that
production volume for 2000 will have reached well over
one million tonnes for the first time. The TCP centrifugal
casting process has been shown to deliver end products
that meet narrow tolerance specifications at high fibre
volume fractions. Trial runs to date have used PP and
polyamide as the matrix, plus glass and carbon fibres as
the reinforcing materials. A fibre volume fraction of 5060% and non-porous laminates were achieved. The SLI
(single line injection) process is primarily a combination
of the RTM method and select elements of prepreg
technology. The use of natural fibres as a reinforcing
material in composite structures is discussed. Vehicle door
panels have been produced using a combination of natural
fibres and PU.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.816591
Item 181
40, No.2, 2001, p.205-15
ANALYSIS OF COST AND FLEXURAL
STRENGTH PERFORMANCE OF NATURAL
FIBRE-POLYESTER COMPOSITES
dAlmeida J R M
Rio de Janeiro,Pontificia Universidade Catolica
Natural fibre reinforced polyester matrix composite
materials are evaluated both for strength performance and
cost. The flexural strength of composites fabricated with
untreated chopped natural fibres is comparable only to
the performance of low-strength wooden agglomerates
and plywood. Nevertheless, it is shown that on a cost basis
the composites fabricated with high-strength natural fibres
can even compete with glass fibre-mat polyester matrix
composites. The primary constraint is to maintain
consistently low cost of the fibres. 28 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.816115
Item 182
40, No.2, 2001, p.103-15
EFFECT OF OIL EXTRACTION OF THE OIL
PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH ON THE
POLYPROPYLENE-OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT
BUNCH-GLASS FIBRE HYBRID COMPOSITES
Rozman H D; Tay G S; Kumar R N; Abusainah A;
Ismail H; Ishak Z A M

Hybrid composites are made using oil palm empty fruit
bunch (EFB) and glass fibres (GF) as reinforcing agents
in PP matrix. Three types of coupling agents are
incorporated in the composites, i.e. maleic anhydridemodified PP (Epolene E-43), polymethylene (polyphenyl
isocyanate) (PMPPIC) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyl
methacrylate. Comparisons are made between composites
with oil-extracted (extracted with toluene, acetone and
ethanol) and unextracted EFB. It is shown that composites
with oil-extracted EFB produce significantly higher
flexural and tensile strength and toughness than those
without extraction. Scanning electron microscopy reveals
that oil extraction results in the formation of continuous
interfacial region between EFB and PP matrix, and an
increase in the ductility of the matrix. 12 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.816108
Item 183
91, No.4, April 2001, p.23-4
REPLACING ESTABLISHED PLASTICS .... BY
PP/FLAX COMPOUNDS IMPACT-MODIFIED
WITH PET FIBRES
Pflug G; Reinemann S
Thueringisches Institut fuer Textil- & KunststoffForschung eV
Research undertaken at the Thuringian Institute for Textile
and Polymer Research (TITK) into the production of PP/
flax compounds impact modified with PETP fibres, is
described. The toughness of PP/flax and PP/flax/
wollastonite composites can be increased using a hybrid
construction involving ductile high-strength PETP fibres.
The flax and the PETP component serving as the impact
modifier were incorporated in the form of chopped fibres.
Studies were performed using a co-rotating twin-screw
extruder. (Article translated from Kunststoffe 91 (2001)
4, pp.71-2)
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.815265
Item 184
80, No.11, 13th June 2001, p.1943-50
PHOTOAGING AND STABILIZATION OF RIGID
PVC/WOOD-FIBER COMPOSITES
Matuana L M; Kamdem D P; Jun Zhang
Michigan,Technological University; Michigan,State
University
Composite samples were prepared by dry blending
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), wood fibre and other
processing additives in a high-intensity mixer, followed
by extrusion and compression moulding. Both
unpigmented and rutile-pigmented samples were
73
produced and subjected to accelerated UV testing.

Photoageing was studied by visual assessment of surface
roughness, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and
measurements of contact angle and colour. The wood
fibres sensitised the PVC matrix to UV irradiation,
accelerating the degradation. The light stability was
enhanced by the addition of rutile. 30 refs.
USA
Accession no.814346
Item 185
80, No.14, 28th June 2001, p.2833-41
CONIFER FIBERS AS REINFORCING
MATERIALS FOR POLYPROPYLENE-BASED
COMPOSITES
Chengzhi Chuai; Almdal K; Poulsen L; Plackett D
Tianjin,Institute of Light Industry; Riso National
Laboratory; Lyngby,Technical University
The thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene
(PP), reinforced with conifer fibres (waste from bleached
wood pulp board) were investigated. The fibre
compatibility was enhanced by either grafting with
maleated PP (MAPP), treatment by MAPP additions, or
by mixing with ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM)
terpolymer. MAPP grafting and MAPP treating gave
greater improvements in thermal properties,
processability, and tensile strength compared with EPDM
treatment, whilst EPDM gave greater improvements in
impact and tensile properties. 12 refs.
CHINA; DENMARK; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
UNION; SCANDINAVIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.813725
Item 186
Materials Today
3, No.3, 2000, p.9
AEROSPACE APPROVALS SOON FOR
NATURAL FIBRE COMPOSITES
Natural fibre composites of thermoplastics and
thermosets, which have already been embraced by car
manufacturers, are shortly to be approved by the US
Federal Aviation Authority and the UK Civil Aviation
Authority for aerospace applications, it is announced in
this short article. Brief details are given.
US,FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION;
UK,CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY; KAFUS
BIOCOMPOSITES INC.; OWENS CORNING
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.813376
Item 187
Manufacturing
32A, No.5, 2001, p.619-29
74

FLAKE-POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES. I.
EFFECTS OF PROCESSING METHODS AND
MATRIX MELT FLOW BEHAVIOUR
Balasuriya P W; Ye L; Mai Y-W
Sydney,University
The structure-property relationship of wood flake-HDPE
composites is studied in relation to the matrix agent melt
flow behaviour and processing technique. Flake
distribution and flake wetting are optimised to obtain
acceptable mechanical properties in these composites
using two processing techniques, namely twin-screw
compounding and mechanical blending. The
microstructure of the composites reveals that the twinscrew compounded composites based on medium melt
flow index (MMFI) HDPE always achieves better flake
wetting and distribution, and therefore has higher
mechanical properties, than those mechanically blended
composites or twin-screw compounded composites with
low MFI (LMFI) HDPE. For 50:50 wt.% composites, the
overall flake wetting, depending on processing technique
and matrix flow behaviour, is ranked as compounded
MMFI, compounded LMFI, blended MMFI, blended
LMFI. However, uniformity of flake distribution of the
composites follows a somewhat different pattern, i.e.
compounded MMFI, blended MMFI, compounded LMFI,
blended LMFI. Evidence shows that medium MFI HDPE
penetrates into lumens of wood fibres in wood flakes.
This phenomenon, combined with flake wetting and flake
distribution, has a profound effect on mechanical
properties, in particular impact strength. 17 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.811183
Item 188
Manufacturing
32A, Nos.3-4, 2001, p.525-43
STUDY OF TRANSCRYSTALLINITY AND ITS
EFFECT ON THE INTERFACE IN FLAX FIBRE
REINFORCED COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Zafeiropoulos N E; Baillie C A; Matthews F L
London,University,Imperial College
Four different types of flax fibres, green flax, dew-retted
flax, Duralin-treated flax and stearic acid-treated flax,
were used with two different isotactic PP matrices. The
effect of various conditions, such as the crystallisation
temp., time and cooling rates, on the formation of
transcrystallinity was investigated using hot stage optical
microscopy. DSC was used to investigate the inner
morphology of the transcrystalline layer. SEM and Xray diffraction were used in an attempt to identify the
origin of the transcrystalline layer in relation to the
structural characteristics of the fibres. Finally, the effect
of the transcrystalline layer on the mechanical properties
of the interface was studied using the single fibre
fragmentation test. It was found that the interfacial
adhesion was improved by the presence of a

transcrystalline layer. 46 refs. (6th International
Conference on Interfacial Phenomena in Composite
Materials, Berlin, Sept.1999)
Item 191
20th April 2001, p.12
WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT?

WESTERN EUROPE
The market for wood polymer composites has recorded

growth rates of 100% a year over the past five years.
DPDS is marketing the US-developed Strandex process
in the UK. The group of materials covers a wide range of
polymer matrix types, including PP, PE and PVC, as well
as a range of fillers and stiffeners such as wood flour,
flax, jute and other cellulose-based fibre fillers. Finished
products such as decking, cladding and window frames
are already on the market. Wood polymer composite
products are extremely moisture-resistant, with less
thickness swell. Pigments, UV stabilisers and/or fire
retardants can be added to the compound prior to
extrusion.
DPDS
Accession no.810864
Item 189
40, No.1, 2001, p.1-21
FRACTURE MECHANICS STUDY OF
POLYPROPYLENE-WOOD FLOURS BLENDS
Li T Q; Li R K Y
Guangdong,University of Technology; Hong
Kong,University
PP/wood blends were prepared from various resins and
wood flours by extrusion compounding and injection
moulding. It was observed that the notched Izod strength
of the blends with a relatively brittle resin matrix exceeded
that of the neat resin at higher filler loading when the
compounds contained the maleic anhydride-PP(MAPP)
copolymer. The Izod strength of the blends with a tough
matrix increased with the content of the interfacial
modifier MAPP and was higher in blends with coarser
fillers. Fracture mechanics analyses of the instrumented
drop-weight Charpy test results were then performed to
study the nature of these increases in impact fracture
resistance. It was found that both the fracture
toughness(Kc) and the critical strain release energy(Gc)
increased with filler content in blends containing MAPP.
In blends without MAPP, however, Gc decreased slightly
with filler content, while Kc increased less significantly.
The increases of Gc with MAPP and with increasing filler
particle size were also observed for the blends with a
tougher PP as matrix. 28 refs.
CHINA; HONG KONG
Accession no.810599
Item 190
20th April 2001, p.12
US LEADS THE WAY
It is briefly reported that wood polymer composites
account for a 300,000 t/y market in the US for building
and garden products. Allchem International is marketing
a wood fibre product suitable for producing a range of
wood polymer composites. Lignocel is a 100% wood fibre
product suitable for producing a variety of materials. It
can be supplied as granules or a fine powder fibre. The
granular product has a higher density which improves its
mixing performance and allows fill levels of up to 85%
to be achieved.
ALLCHEM INTERNATIONAL
USA
Accession no.810054

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.810053
Item 192
Patent Number: US 6133348 A1 20001017 2000
FLAX SHIVES REINFORCED
THERMOPLASTIC RESIN COMPOSITION
Kolla F A; Balatinecz J J
Cargill Inc.
The present invention is directed to flax shives reinforced
thermoplastic compositions and a method for reinforcing
thermoplastic resins. The present invention provides a use
for flax shives, which is the portion left over after
processing plant materials to separate plant fibres (bast
fibres) from the shives.
USA
Accession no.809061
Item 193
79, No.6, 7th Feb.2001, p.1084-91
EFFECT OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS ON
DIMENSIONS OF SISAL FIBRES IN
THERMOPLASTIC BIODEGRADABLE
COMPOSITES
Iannace S; Ali R; Nicolais L
Naples,University
Composites of sisal fibre, both untreated and alkaline
treated, with a biodegradable material, mater Bi-Z, were
produced in a miniature batch mixer. Degradation of sisal
fibre with mixing conditions was studied using both
optical and scanning electron microscopy. Both fibre
length and diameter were reduced, but aspect ratio was
increased, with mixing time, decrease in mixer
temperature and increase in mixer rotor speed, and a semiempirical model was developed to predict fibre
dimensions against time of mixing. Alkaline treatment of
75
the sisal fibre increased the rate of reduction in fibre size.

19 refs
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.808783
composite decking market is expected to grow 25% this

year to about 225m US dollars. Waste wood fibres are
combined with plastic, usually PE, PVC or PP, to make
the weatherproof lumber. Recycled or virgin plastic can
be used.
NORTH AMERICA
Item 194
Vols.284-5, Dec.2000, p.25-9
CHARACTERISATION OF THE FIBRE/MATRIX
ADHESION WITH DIFFERENT MICROSCOPIC
ANALYSING METHODS ON NATURAL FIBREREINFORCED THERMOSETS
Michaeli W; Muenker M; Krumpholz T
IKV; Aachen,University of Technology; RWTH
The addition of butyl titanate as a coupling agent
improved the mechanical properties of natural fibrereinforced (flax fibre-reinforced) unsaturated polyester
resins. SEM/energy dispersive X-ray analysis, TEM and
atomic force microscopy were used to study the
mechanism by which the mechanical properties were
improved. The butyl titanate seemed to cause a stiffening
of the matrix, which had a stiffening effect on the
mechanical properties of the natural fibre-reinforced
laminate. Further studies with different resin systems are
necessary to clarify the mechanism involved. 8 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.807871
Item 195
Plastics News(USA)
12, No.51, 19th Feb.2001, p.31
ENTREPRENEUR INVESTS IN WOOD-FLOUR
MARKET
Renstrom R
It is briefly reported that hardwood flooring entrepreneur
Bert Thompson has invested about 3m US dollars for a
new Macon, Ga., mill to transform wood flour into filler
for plastics and chemical processing. Operations at the
newly formed Southern Wood Services will start in March.
SOUTHERN WOOD SERVICES LLC
USA
Accession no.807032
Item 196
Plastics News(USA)
12, No.51, 19th Feb.2001, p.1/31
COMPOSITES GET ALL DECKED OUT
Bregar B
North American demand for wood/plastic composites,
pegged at 700 million pounds in 2000, should more than
double by 2005. Decking accounts for about 60% of the
total. The driver for composite decks is the demand for
lower-maintenance exterior products that look good. The
76
Accession no.807006
Item 197
91, No.1, Jan.2001, p.25-7
INJECTION MOULDING OF NATURAL FIBRE
REINFORCED THERMOPLASTICS
Marek A; Widdecke H
The results are reported of a study of the mechanical
properties of natural fibre (sisal) reinforced plastics
(cellulose acetate) produced by injection moulding. The
effect of fibre content on composite properties is discussed
and the mechanical properties of the reinforced
composites compared with those of unreinforced cellulose
acetate. (Kunststoffe, 91, No.1, 2001, p.60-2)
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.806695
Item 198
79, No.7, 14th Feb. 2001, p.1169-77
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY STUDY
OF CHEMICALLY MODIFIED COIR FIBRES
Rout J; Tripathy S S; Nayak S K; Misra M; Mohanty A K
Ravenshaw College; India,Central Institute of Plastics
Engng.& Tech.; Berlin,Technical University
Coir fibres were subjected to various surface treatments,
including dewaxing, grafting with methyl methacrylate,
mercerisation and cyanoethylation, and analysed by
means of SEM and FTIR spectroscopy. Changes in the
surface topology of the treated fibres were evaluated and
measurements of the maximum stress at break carried out
to corroborate the results of scanning electron microscopy.
18 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.805879
Item 199
Orlando, Fl., 7th-11th May, 2000, paper 724
WOOD FLOUR REINFORCED POLYSTYRENE
COMPOSITE USING SEBS-G-MA AS
COMPATIBILIZER
Chen-Jui Hung; Jenn-Fong Kuan; Jaine-Ming Huang
(SPE)
A functionalised thermoplastic elastomer, poly(styreneblock-ethylene-block-butadiene)-graft-poly(maleic
anhydride) (SEBS-g-MA), was used as a compatibiliser

in composites of high impact polystyrene containing 30
wt% wood flour. Using compression moulded samples,
the composites were evaluated by measurement of flexural
modulus and impact strength. The morphology of the
impact fracture surfaces was studied using scanning
electron microscopy. Significant improvements in flexural
modulus and impact strength were gained by the
introduction of the compatibiliser, attributed to the insitu formation of a copolymer at the polystyrene/wood
interface, which enhanced interfacial adhesion. 6 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.805732
Item 200
EFFECTS OF IMPACT MODIFIERS ON THE
PROPERTIES OF RIGID PVC/WOOD-FIBER
COMPOSITES
Mengeloglu F; Matuana L M; King J A
(SPE)
Composites consisting of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) and
wood fibre, modified by the addition of crosslinked
(acrylic and methacrylate butadiene styrene) and uncrosslinked (chlorinated polyethylene) impact modifiers,
were prepared by dry mixing followed by extrusion and
compression moulding. The composites were
characterised by measurement of tensile and impact
properties. The tensile strength and modulus were
significantly decreased by the impact modified additions,
whilst the elongation at break was not affected. The impact
resistance was strongly dependent upon the type and
content of impact modifier, increasing significantly with
modifier concentration. The crosslinked modifiers were
more effective than the chlorinated polyethylene. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.805668
Item 201
Asian Plastics News
Oct.2000, p.12-3
WOOD ENTERS THE FRAME
We are told in this article that markets for extruded wood
fibre composite profiles are growing rapidly in the USA,
and are now starting to take off in Europe and Asia. This
article examines the new technologies which are on offer
in detail, as well as explaining the advantages of wood
composites over traditional timber.
DAVIS-STANDARD; CINCINNATI EXTRUSION;
PROPOLYTECH; APPLIED MARKET
INFORMATION
ASIA; AUSTRIA; EUROPE-GENERAL; EUROPEAN
COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GERMANY; JAPAN;
KOREA; NORTH AMERICA; USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.804704
Item 202
Automotive Engineering International
108, No.10, Oct.2000, p.120
NATURAL FIBERS IN AUTOMOTIVE
COMPONENTS
Broge J L
It is announced in this short article that DaimlerChrysler
Corp. is to equip the new Mercedes-Benz Travego travel
coach with a natural fibre-reinforced engine and
transmission cover - the first natural fibre-reinforced
exterior vehicle component to go into series production.
Brief details are presented.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.; MERCEDES-BENZ;
CHRYSLER GROUP
SOUTH AFRICA; USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.804699
Item 203
Plastics Technology
46, No.11, Nov.2000, p.27
GREEN DOOR-TRIM PANELS USE PP AND
NATURAL FIBERS
Johnson Controls Inc. is reported to have begun production
of door-trim panels for DaimlerChrysler, using its new
Eco-Cor material and process, which is based on PP
reinforced with natural fibres kenaf and hemp. Brief details
of this composite, and the benefits of its use, are given.
JOHNSON CONTROLS INC.;
DAIMLERCHRYSLER; INDIANA BIOCOMPOSITES; KAFUS BIO-COMPOSITES INC.
USA
Accession no.804686
Item 204
Patent Number: US 6136415 A1 20001024 2000
VEHICLE INTERIOR TRIM PANEL WITH A
SOFT-TOUCH FOAM LAYER, AND A METHOD
AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING THE SAME
Spengler G
RS Technik GmbH
An interior trim component such as a vehicle dashboard
includes a substantially rigid and form-stable substrate of
polypropylene and natural fibres, a supporting halo skeleton
and other frame components heat fused onto the backside
of the substrate, and a polyolefin foam layer as well as a
decorative polyolefin cover film laminated onto the front
side of the substrate. The foam layer has an increased
thickness and a decreased foam density at sharply contoured
or curved areas of the trim component, in comparison to
the flat surfacial areas. As a result, the trim component has
a desirable soft-touch characteristic and impact absorbing
properties at all areas including protruding curves and
edges. A method for forming such a trim component
involves steps of pre-moulding the foam layer and cover
film by vacuum thermoforming, pre-moulding the substrate
77
by vacuum thermoforming, and then heat laminating the

pre-heated, pre-moulded substrate onto the pre-moulded
foam layer and cover film. The sharply curved or contoured
areas of the component are provided with a greater tolerance
spacing between the substrate and the cover film, which
are held to the respective mould contours by vacuum. Under
the effect of heat and the applied vacuum, the foam layer
expands to have a greater thickness and a lower density in
these sharply contoured areas.
USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.804658
Item 205
79, No.3, 18th Jan.2001, p.418-25
CREEP RESISTANCE OF WOOD-FILLED
POLYSTYRENE/HIGH DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE BLENDS
Xu B; Simonsen J; Rochefort W E
Oregon,State University
Wood-filled polymer composites have given poor
performance in some applications because of creep, i.e.
deformation of a material under stress with time. The
advantages of blending a plastic of lower creep
polystyrene (PS) with high density polyethylene (HDPE)
at the ratios: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100
respectively were studied. The blends were melted with
a short-fibre length wood flour (WF), and the elastic
modulus and ultimate stress of extruded bars of each blend
were measured. In all composites increase of WF ratio
increased the elastic modulus, except for 30 and 40% WF,
while the effect of WF on ultimate stress varied. Scanning
EM images and thermal analysis showed that the wood
particles interacted weakly with the PS phase. The creep
rate was calculated using three-point bending geometry
and a load 50% of the ultimate stress. With increase in
WF content creep decreased only slightly, but the increase
was greater when the PS content was increased, except
with pure PS. A WF/75PS-25HDPE blend showed the
minimum creep. 15 refs.
USA
Accession no.804437
Item 206
Polymer Composites
22, No.1, Feb.2001, p.104-10
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROCESSING AND
PROPERTIES OF BIODEGRADABLE
COMPOSITES BASED ON PLC/STARCH
MATRIX AND SISAL FIBERS
Cyras V P; Iannace S; Kenny J M
Argentina,Institute of Mat.Science & Technology;
Italy,Institute for Composite Materials Technology;
Perugia,University
Biocomposites were produced using polycaprolactone and
starch as matrix and sisal fibres as reinforcement. An
78
investigation is carried out with reference to the relationship

between processing conditions and properties of the
biocomposite, a commercial product known as MaterBiZ. An alkaline treatment was performed in order to improve
the adhesion and the compatibility of the fibre with the
matrix, and the effect of this treatment on the tensile
properties and morphology was determined. 13 refs.
Accession no.804308
Item 207
PROFILE EXTRUSION OF HIGHLY FILLED
RECYCLED HDPE
Charlton Z; Vlachopoulos J; Suwanda D
McMaster University; CRF Technologies Group Ltd.
(SPE)
Recycled high density polyethylene from post consumer
bottles was melt blended with up to 70 wt% rice hulls
and a coupling agent. Subsequently a lubricant was dryblended with some of the mixes. The materials were then
extruded using a vented screw extruder, and the
rheological properties determined using a parallel plate
rheometer. Flow simulations were performed using 2D
and 3D finite element analysis. The addition of the rice
hulls resulted in large increases in the dynamic shear
properties, and extrudate tearing occurred at all extrusion
rates, increasing with increasing throughput and
decreasing temperature. The simulations indicated that
the most severe tears occurred when the wall shear stress
was low. 20 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.803873
Item 208
Applied Composite Materials
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.433-7
LIGNOCELLULOSIC FIBRE REINFORCED
CASEINATE PLASTICS
Fossen M; Ormel I; Van Vilsteren G E T; Jongsma T J
Wageningen,Agrotechnological Research Institute
Biodegradable natural fibre-reinforced caseinate plastics
were obtained by mixing the plastic with either flax fibres
or wood pulp fibres and the effects of the fibre and fibre
volume fraction on the mechanical properties of the
composites investigated. It was found that reinforcement
of the plastic with up to 20 wt.% of these natural fibres
gave rise to composites exhibiting a six-fold increase in
tensile modulus and a five-fold increase in tensile strength,
which were attributed to the adhesion between the
hydroxyl groups of the fibre and the hydrophilic moieties
of the plastic. 11 refs.
Accession no.803429
Item 209
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.421-32
COMPOSITES FROM NATURAL FIBRES AND
SOY OIL RESINS
Williams G I; Wool R P
Delaware,University
A report is presented on the development of rigid
crosslinked thermosetting polymers from plant
triglycerides, the manufacture of resin transfer moulded
composites based on flax or hemp fibres and a modified
acrylated epoxidised soy oil resin and the properties of
these composites. The tensile properties, flexural
properties, water absorption and fracture surfaces of these
composites are reported and the suitability of these allnatural composites for high volume, low cost applications
is briefly considered. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no.803428
Item 210
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.415-20
NATURAL FIBRE MAT THERMOPLASTIC
PRODUCTS FROM A PROCESSORS POINT OF
VIEW
De Bruijn J C M
Polynorm Plastics BV; Delft,University of Technology
The advantages and disadvantages of natural fibres over
glass fibres in the areas of impact on the environment,
health, safety, dimensional stability, cracking, degradation
of mechanical properties, moisture absorption, odour, cost
and recyclability are considered. Experiments conducted
on natural fibre mat thermoplastic composites for
automotive applications, which highlight some of the
disadvantages of these materials, are briefly reported and
possible end-used for these composites are identified. 2
refs.
Accession no.803427
Item 211
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.403-14
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NATURAL
FIBRE MAT REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC
Oksman K
SICOMP AB
The results are reported of an investigation into the
mechanical properties and morphological properties of
four different commercially available semi-finished
natural fibre mat reinforced thermoplastic composites.
The materials studied were PP melt impregnated fibre mat
in the form of sheet and non-woven PP fibres and flax
fibres in the form of needle punched fibre mat. The
properties of these composites are compared with those

of conventional glass fibre mat reinforced thermoplastic
and the pure polymer matrix. 9 refs.
EUROPE
Accession no.803426
Item 212
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.387-402
INFLUENCE OF THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE
OF FLAX FIBRES ON THE MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF FLAX FIBRE REINFORCED
Van Den Oever M J A; Bos H L; Van Kemenade M J J M
Wageningen,Agrotechnological Research Institute
The results are reported of a study of the influence of the
physical structure of uncombed and combed, random flax
fibres on the tensile and flexural properties of flax fibrereinforced PP composites manufactured by the wet layup method. The effect of improved fibre-matrix adhesion
on the mechanical properties of scutched and hackled flax
fibre-reinforced PP achieved using a maleic anhydride/
propylene graft copolymer, as adhesion promoter, is
discussed and the various data obtained compared using
the Cox-Krenchel model for E-modulus and the KellyTyson model for composite strength. 26 refs.
Accession no.803425
Item 213
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.373-85
POSSIBILITIES TO IMPROVE THE
PROPERTIES OF NATURAL FIBREREINFORCED PLASTICS BY FIBRE
MODIFICATION - JUTE POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Gassan J; Bledzki A K
Kassel,Universitat
The results are reported of a study of the effect of fibrematrix adhesion on the properties of jute fibre-reinforced
PP subjected to fatigue and impact loading. Fibre-matrix
adhesion was improved by surface treating the fibres with
maleic anhydride-propylene copolymer, as coupling
agent. The effects of fibre surface treatment on dynamic
modulus versus number of load cycles and of fibre surface
treatment and fibre content on specific damping capacity
versus applied maximum load, as measured by load
increasing tests in tensile mode, are discussed as are the
influence of fibre surface treatment, number of impacts
and test temperature of impact loss energy and of number
of impact events and temperature during impact on the
residual dynamic modulus of the composites. 30 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.803424
79
Item 214
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.351-72
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NATURALFIBRE-MAT-REINFORCED THERMOPLASTICS
BASED ON FLAX FIBRES AND
POLYPROPYLENE
Garkhail S K; Heijenrath R W H; Peijs T
Eindhoven,University of Technology;
London,University,Queen Mary & Westfield College
Random flax-mat-reinforced PP composites were
produced using a film-stacking method and a suspension
impregnation method. The effects of fibre length and fibre
volume fraction on stiffness, mechanical strength and
impact strength and of maleic anhydride-grafted PP for
improving interfacial adhesion on the mechanical
properties of the composites were evaluated. The results
obtained are compared with those for glass mat reinforced
thermoplastics and with predictions obtained using
micromechanical models for random short fibrereinforced composites. 41 refs.
NETHERLANDS; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.803423
Item 215
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.341-9
RTM HEMP FIBRE-REINFORCED POLYESTER
COMPOSITES
Sebe G; Cetin N S; Hill C A S; Hughes M
Swansea,University of Wales
Hemp fibre-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites
were obtained by resin transfer moulding and their flexural
and impact properties investigated as a function of fibre
loading. The effect of chemical modification of the fibres
using methacrylic anhydride to introduce reactive vinylic
groups at the surface of the fibres on the interfacial
adhesion between the fibres and the matrix and on the
mechanical properties of the composites was also
evaluated. The properties of these composites were
compared with those of glass fibre-reinforced composites.
15 refs.
on the wettability and cohesion of sisal-epoxy composites

was evaluated. It was found that alkali treatment gave rise
to fibres with enhanced wettability and that composites
containing the treated fibres exhibited improved
compression strength and water resistance. 14 refs.
TANZANIA
Accession no.803421
Item 217
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.295-329
OIL PALM FIBRE REINFORCED PHENOL
FORMALDEHYDE COMPOSITES: INFLUENCE
OF FIBRE SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ON THE
MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE
Sreekala M S; Kumaran M G; Joseph S; Jacob M;
Thomas S
Gandhi,University
Oil palm fibres were subjected to various surface treatments,
including mercerisation, acrylonitrile grafting, acrylation,
latex coating, permanganate treatment, acetylation and
benzoyl peroxide treatment, and the effects of such treatments
on the interfacial and mechanical properties of the composites
evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy and IR
spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphological and
structural changes occurring in the fibres. The stress-strain
properties, tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at
break of the treated and untreated fibres were examined and
the effect of hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance on the impact
properties of the composites determined. Scanning electron
microscopy was also employed to study the tensile and
impact fracture surfaces of the composites. 44 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.803420
Accession no.803422
Item 218
China Synthetic Rubber Industry
24, No.1, 2001, p.44
MECHANICAL AND FRACTURE BEHAVIOUR
OF POLYPROPYLENE/SISAL FIBER
COMPOSITES COMPATIBILIZED BY MALEIC
ANHYDRIDE GRAFTED SEBS
Xiaolin X; Xingping Z; Renwei Q
Huazhong,University of Science & Technology; Gudao
Oil Production
Item 216
7, Nos.5-6, Nov.2000, p.331-9
EFFECT OF ALKALI TREATMENT ON THE
ADHESION CHARACTERISTICS OF SISAL
FIBRES
Bisanda E T N
Dar es Salaam,University
Maleic anhydride grafted SEBS is used as a compatibiliser

in sisal fibre-reinforced PP to improve interfacial adhesion
between the fibres and the matrix. In addition, the
mechanical properties of PP/MA-SEBS/SF composites
are improved, and it is shown that the Izod impact strength
of these composites increases with sisal fibre content.
Fracture behaviour is examined by means of the drop
weight dart impact test. 3 refs.

WESTERN EUROPE
Sisal fibres were treated with a solution of sodium

hydroxide and the influence of this mercerisation treatment
80
CHINA
Accession no.803122
Item 219
Manufacturing
31A, No.12, 2000, p.1303-10
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION AND FLOW
VISUALISATION OF THE RESIN TRANSFER
MOULD FILLING PROCESS FOR NON-WOVEN
HEMP REINFORCED PHENOLIC COMPOSITES
Richardson M O W; Zhang Z Y
Loughborough,University
Resin transfer moulding (RTM) of glass fibre reinforced
polymeric composites offers the advantages of
automation, low cost and versatile design of fibre
reinforcement. Replacement of glass fibres with natural
plant fibres as reinforcement in polymeric composites
provides additional technological, economical, ecological
and environmental benefits. The resin transfer mould
filling process has significant effects on different aspects,
such as fibre wetting out and impregnation, injection gate
design, dry patch and void formation. Flow visualisation
experiments are carried out using a transparent RTM
mould to develop a better understanding of the mould
filling process for hemp mat reinforced phenolic
composites. The mould filling of unreinforced phenolics
is characterised by a steady state flow. In the case of hemp
non-woven reinforced system, the mould filling process
can be considered as the flow of fluids through porous
media. Fibre washing is a typical problem encountered
during the injection process, leading to poor property
uniformity. In addition, a preferential flow path is usually
created near the edges and corners of the mould. The path
exhibits low flow resistance and causes the resin flow
front to advance much faster in these regions. The edge
flow disturbs the steady flow, leading to difficulties in
venting arrangement and dry patch formation. The edge
flow and fibre washing are alleviated by reinforcement
manipulation so steady state flow can be achieved.
Relationships between filling time and injection pressure
and between filling time and different fibre weight
fractions are established for certain specific injection
strategies. 18 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.802602
Item 220
60, No.16, 2000, p.2967-77
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AND THERMAL
DIFFUSIVITY ANALYSES OF LOW-DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES REINFORCED
WITH SISAL, GLASS AND INTIMATELY MIXED
SISAL/GLASS FIBRES
Kalaprasad G; Pradeep P; Mathew G; Pavithran C;
Thomas S
Mahatma Gandhi,University; Kerala,Sree Narayana
College; Kerala,CMS College; Kerala,Regional
Research Laboratory
The thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of sisalreinforced PE (SRP), glass-reinforced polyethylene (GRP)
and hybrid fibre-reinforced PE (GSRP) is evaluated at
cryogenic to high temperature (120-350 K). It is observed
that the variation of thermal conductivity with temperature
is almost the same for LDPE and SRP containing
perpendicularly oriented sisal fibres. The difference
between the values of thermal conductivity shown by LDPE
and GRP is greater than that of SRP and LDPE. The
enhanced thermal conductivity of glass fibre is due to the
presence of Fe2+ ions in the glass fibres, The linear
variation in thermal conductivity with fibre loading is
explained with the help of a model suggested by Agari.
The difference between the thermal conductivity properties
in directions parallel and perpendicular to file applied flux
is a maximum for SRP owing to the anisotropic nature of
sisal fibre. The difference is marginal for GRP on account
of its isotropic nature. The position of GSRP is found to be
intermediate. It is observed that the variation of thermal
diffusivity with temperature is just opposite to that of
thermal conductivity. This may be due to a reduction in
the mean free path of phonons. An empirical equation is
derived to explain the variation in thermal conductivity
and thermal diffusivity with temperature. 32 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.802597
Item 221
Manufacturing
32A, No.1, 2001, p.119-27
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF VINYLESTER
RESIN MATRIX COMPOSITES REINFORCED
WITH ALKALI-TREATED JUTE FIBRES
Ray D; Sarkar B k; Rana A K; Bose N R
Indian Jute Industries Research Assn.; India,Central
Glass & Ceramic Res.Inst.
Jute fibres are subjected to alkali treatment with 5% NaOH
solution for 0, 2,4, 6 and 8 h at 30 deg.C. The modulus of the
jute fibres improves by 12, 68 and 79% after 4, 6 and 8 h of
treatment, respectively. The tenacity of the fibres improves
by 46% after 6 and 8 h treatment and the % breaking strain
is reduced by 23% after 8 h treatment. For 35% composites
with 4 h-treated fibres, the flexural strength improves from
199.1 to 238.9 MPa by 20%, modulus improves from 11.89
to 14.69 GPa by 23% and laminar shear strength increases
from 0.238 to 0.283 MPa by 19%. On plotting different
values of slopes obtained from the rates of improvement of
flexural strength and modulus, against NaOH treatment time,
two different failure modes are apparent before and after 4 h
of NaOH treatment. In the first region between 0 and 4 h,
fibre pull out is predominant whereas in the second region
between 6 and 8 h, transverse fracture occurs with minimum
fibre pull out. This observation is well supported by SEM
investigation of the fracture surfaces. 32 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.802556
81
Item 222
Natural Polymers and Composites. Conference
proceedings.
Sao Pedro, Brazil, 14th-17th May 2000, p.557-63
NATURAL POLYMERIC FIBROUS MATERIALS
FOR FIRE RESISTANT UPHOLSTERY
Kozlowski R; Mieleniak B; Muzyczek M
Poznan,Institute of Natural Fibres
Edited by: Mattoso L H C; Leao A; Frollini E
(EMBRAPA; UNESP; USP)
Fulfilment of the requirements of the market in the field
of upholstered furniture and mattresses both from the point
of view of their form, modern comfort and fire safety
requirements presents a real challenge to furniture
manufacturers. For flammability evaluation, full-scale
tests as well as bench scale tests are very useful. To meet
the test requirements, modern fire-resisting components,
i.e. non-flammable containing composites, are designed.
Natural fibres in upholstery composites have been
superseded by synthetic fibres; but now the former are
again perceived as ecological, renewable and
environmentally friendly materials. This return of natural
fibres is accelerated by the possibility of producing natural
fibre-containing materials of increased resistance to
ignition even in the absence of flame retardants. 13 refs.
Accession no.802335
Item 223
proceedings.
COMPOSITES BASED ON POLYPROPYLENE
AND FLAX FIBRES - A STUDY OF FIRE
PERFORMANCE AND SOME PHYSICAL AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Helwig M; Paukszta D; Garbarczyk J; Borysiak S
Poznan,Institute of Natural Fibres; Poznan,University
of Technology
Biodegradability and interesting physical and mechanical
properties of PP/cellulose composites are an essential
motive for fundamental investigations on various
properties of such materials. An addition of lignocellulosic
particles to polymer results in a change in properties of
the product obtained which is due to properties of
lignocellulosic material and those of the polymer
depending on the proportion of both materials. It is also
reflected in the flammability characteristics of the
composites. Isotactic PP composites containing short flax
and hemp fibres have previously been studied. The
presence of such short fibres causes formation of
hexagonal, as well as monoclinic form of PP. The
hexagonal form is observed in samples obtained by
injection moulding. Composites with long flax fibres are
analysed. The conditions of the processing of the
82
composites plates are examined to determine the basic

properties and also changes in the structure of the PP
matrix. Flammability as well as some physical and
mechanical properties of composites based on PP and long
flax fibres are discussed. 12 refs.
Accession no.802330
Item 224
proceedings.
THERMAL PROPERTIES OF HEMP
COMPOSITE BOARDS TO BE USED IN
BUILDING COMPONENTS
Pogorzelski J A; Firkowicz-Pogorzelska K
Poland,Building Research Institute
One possibility of the utilisation of waste materials is
manufacture of insulating boards for use in building
components. New materials for building use should be
approved by a special board or organisation. Insulating
boards of hemp straw are now being evaluated for their
performance in such applications; among the characteristics
tested are thermal conductivity as well as the thermal
transmission of the building component. 3 refs.
Accession no.802329
Item 225
proceedings.
INDUSTRIAL HEMP CULTIVATION AND NEW
TRENDS IN INDUSTRIAL HEMP PRODUCTS IN
CHINA
Wei W
Liaoning Tongxin Industrial Co.
Contemporary cultivation, production and conditions of
industrial hemp in China are summarised. New trends of
hemp products, as application of an ecological raw
material in the country, are identified.
CHINA
Accession no.802328
Item 226
proceedings.
TECHNOLOGY OF CULTIVATION,
HARVESTING AND PRIMARY PROCESSING OF
BAST FIBRE PLANTS, E.G. HEMP FOR
SPINNING PURPOSES
Kaniewski R; Mankowski J; Rynduch W; Rolski S;

Tymkow J
The technology of cultivation, harvesting and primary
processing of bast fibre plants, e.g. hemp for spinning,
are discussed.
Accession no.802325
Item 227
proceedings.
COIR-BASED FIBREBOARD FOR MOULDED
COMPONENTS
Wiedman G A; Costa C Z; Nahuz M A R
Sao Paulo,University; Sao Paulo,Instituto de Pesquisas
Tecnologicas
Technical feasibility for the production of fibre boards
from coconut fibre using tannin and urea-formaldehyde
binders is evaluated. The basic properties of the panels
are presented and an industrial application of the
composite is proposed in a school chair prototype. 7 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.802324
Item 228
proceedings.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF AUTOMOBILE
SEATS BASED ON COCONUT FIBRE AND
LATEX
Salazar V L P; Leao A L
UNESP
An attempt is made to compare seats based on coconut
fibre and latex versus PU foam. Tests simulating the
natural ageing in those seats, the waste generated along
its useful life is evaluated, and compression tests and
simultaneous torsion are carried out on coconut fibre with
latex and PU of different sizes. For the study of
deformation models of simple linear regression and
descriptive statistics are used. 2 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.802323
Item 229
proceedings.
EFFECT OF THE NOVEL FILLER KENAF

FIBRES ON THE PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF NATURAL RUBBER (NR)
VULCANISATES
El-Sabbagh S H; Hariri D M; EI-Ghaffar M A A
Dokki,National Research Centre
The physicomechanical properties of NR vulcanisates
loaded with kenaf fibres (long and short) are studied using
the adhesion system (hydrated silica, resorcinol and
hexamethylene tetramine) (HRH) and compared with that
of NR vulcanisates loaded with the synthetic viscose short
fibres. The effect of fibre content on the
physicomechanical properties of the NR vulcanisates is
also studied before and after ageing. The loaded kenaf
fibres show a reinforcing effect higher than that of the
synthetic viscose fibres and improved rheological
properties. Scanning electron microscopy is used to
investigate the surface texture of non-loaded and loaded
NR vulcanisates. 23 refs.
EGYPT
Accession no.802322
Item 230
proceedings.
IMPACT STRENGTH OF PHENOLIC
MATRICES REINFORCED WITH
LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIAL
Paiva J M F; Silva S P; Tanaka I A; Trindade W G;
Angelucci C A; Frollini E
Sao Paulo,University
Phenolic (resol type) and lignin-phenol (40% sugarcane
bagasse lignin/phenol w/w) prepolymer are synthesised,
in order to be used to prepare thermoset matrices
composites, using sugarcane bagasse, sisal, jute and
curaua as reinforcing agents, these being lignocellulosic
materials modified by chemical and/or physical methods.
Sugarcane bagasse presents a small improvement in
impact strength for both phenolic and ligno-phenol
matrices. Jute and composites show good performance
as reinforcing agents for the thermoset used. Compared
with the other lignocellulosic materials used, sisal
composites present an exceptional impact strength
increase with fibre length. Its high spiral angle is probably
an important structural parameter. 16 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.802321
Item 231
proceedings.
83

JUTE/COTTON WOVEN FABRIC REINFORCED
POLYESTER COMPOSITES: EFFECT OF
HYBRIDISATION
Joseph K; De Carvalho L H
St.Berchmans College; Paraiba,Universidad Federal
Effects of hybridisation on the tensile properties of jutecotton woven fabric reinforced polyester composites are
investigated as function of fibre content, orientation and
roving texture. It is observed that tensile properties along
the direction of jute roving alignment (transverse to cotton
roving alignment) increases steadily with fibre content
up to 50% and then shows a decreasing tendency. Tensile
properties along the direction of roving alignment
(transverse to jute roving alignment) remain almost
constant. It is noted that tensile strength of composite,
having 50% fibre content parallel to jute roving direction
(transverse to cotton roving) is about 220% higher than
pure polyester resin. It is also observed that tensile
properties of the composites increases with jute roving
texture, i.e. composites having 10/4 jute roving show
maximum tensile strength. Tensile properties of cotton/
cotton woven fabric reinforced polyester composites do
not show any significant improvement with fibre
orientation and fibre content. 14 refs.
BRAZIL; INDIA
Accession no.802320
Item 232
proceedings.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE USE OF SISAL
FIBRES AS A REINFORCEMENT FOR TYRE
RUBBER
Martins M A; Joekes I
Campinas,Universidade Estadual
The effect of chemical modification (mercerisation and
acetylation) of the sisal fibre in tyre rubber composites is
evaluated. Tyre rubber is chosen as a large amount of tyres
are discarded around the world, generating a large
environmental impact. 8 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.802316
Item 233
proceedings.
PLASMA MODIFICATION OF SISAL AND
HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
COMPOSITES: EFFECT ON MECHANICAL
84
PROPERTIES
Martin A R; Manolache S; Mattoso L H C; Rowell R
M; Denes F
Sao Carlos,Universidade Federal; WisconsinMadison,University; EMBRAPA
Sisal fibres and finely powdered HDPE are surface
functionalised using dichlorosilane under R-F plasma
conditions to improve interfacial adhesion between the
two dissimilar substrates. The functionalised PE (70%)
and sisal (30%) are compounded in four different ways
using a thermokinetic mixer and injected moulded into
composites specimens for testing. Some improvements
in mechanical properties of the composites due to the
plasma treatments are achieved. Scanning electronic
microscopy data indicate that some compatibilisation of
the two plasma modified phases has taken place as
compared to non-plasma treated composite. 14 refs.
BRAZIL; USA
Accession no.802315
Item 234
proceedings.
WOOD FLOUR/POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE
COMPOSITES
Caraschi J; Leao A L
UNESP
The mechanical properties of composites made of wood
flour (WF) and bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate are
investigated. Preparation of WF/PHB composites is done
by mixing the components and moulding in specimens
by injection moulding to ASTM standards. WF is used in
ratios of 10 to 40% by weight. Dimensional stability,
density and tests of mechanical properties of the
composites are evaluated. The effects of surface
modification and content of the WF on the mechanical
properties of the composites are discussed. The results
indicate that the tensile modulus of the composites
increases, and that tensile strength and elongation at break
decrease with high WF content. The surface treatments
employed do not affect the tensile properties of the
composites. Results show that WF can be used as excellent
reinforcing materials for low-cost composites and are able
to match economical and ecological interests. 7 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.802314
Item 235
proceedings.
WOODFLOUR/SISAL FIBRES AS HYBRID

REINFORCEMENT OF THERMOSET
POLYMERS
Marcovich N E; Ostrovsky A N; Aranguren M I;
Reboredo M M
Mar del Plata,University; CONICET
Wood flour (a fibrous particulate filler) and sisal, in the
form of short fibres, are selected as reinforcements of an
unsaturated polyester matrix. Sisal fibres are of particular
interest because their composites have all improved
impact response when compared with other
lignocellulosic composites, added to a moderate tensile
response. One difficulty encountered during the
incorporation of lignocellulosic fillers into a polymeric
matrix (except for phenolics or urea-formaldehyde
matrices) is the hydrogen bonding which tends to hold
the cellulose fibrils together. The polar nature of wood
based fillers adversely affects the dispersion of such polar
materials in a polymeric matrix. The mechanical
properties of composites made of a thermoset polyester
filled with wood flour or sisal individually and with both
types of fibres simultaneously (hybrids) are evaluated. 4
refs.
ARGENTINA
Accession no.802312
Item 236
proceedings.
EFFECTS OF WEATHERING ON COLOUR
LOSS OF NATURAL FIBRE-THERMOPLASTIC
COMPOSITES
Falk R H; Felton C; Lundin T
USDA Forest Products Laboratory; Global Resource
Technologies LLC; Wisconsin-Madison,University
The technology currently exists to manufacture natural
fibre-thermoplastic composites from recycled materials.
Development of commodity building products from these
composites would open huge markets for waste-based
materials in the USA. To date, the construction industry
has only accepted wood-thermoplastic composite lumber
and only for limited applications. In a little more than a
decade, the use of composite decking has grown to about
4% of the exterior decking market. Even larger markets
within the building industry could be developed, such as
the roofing market. However, a lack of durability
performance data and reluctance by homebuilders to use
undemonstrated products has hampered market
development. Because thermoplastics are polymeric in
nature, they are susceptible to environmental stresses.
These stresses include, but are not limited to, thermal and
moisture induced expansion and contraction, UV and
chemical agents such as organic solvents, ozone, acids

and bases. The objective is to investigate the effects of
weathering on natural fibre-thermoplastic composites for
roofing applications. Because colour fade is an important
performance factor for roofing products, preliminary
results are presented indicating the effect of weathering
on colour fade of selected composite formulations. 3 refs.
USA
Accession no.802307
Item 237
proceedings.
EFFECTS OF FIBRE LENGTH IN RESOL/SISAL
COMPOSITES
Zarate C N; Aranguren M I; Reboredo M M
Mar del Plata,University
The flexural properties for different composites of resol
using cotton fibres sugar cane bagasse and sisal mat as
reinforcements, have been analysed. It was observed that
cotton and sugar cane bagasse composites present
maximum values in flexural strength (Cb ) and modulus
(Eb) for certain fibre volume fraction, VF, and for higher
loads these properties decrease. This decrease is attributed
to incomplete wetting of fibre because both cotton and
sugar cane bagasse, present a higher degree of disorder,
generating a subsequent increase in void content and fibrefibre contact. The porosity is evaluated through the
calculation of void volume fraction, which is shown as a
function of Vf, for resol/raw cotton composites. It can be
seen that the void volume fraction increases as the fibre
content increases, due to the incomplete wetting. The
effect of fibre length in resol/sisal composites is examined.
In all cases the fibres are arranged randomly in three
dimensions. 4 refs.
ARGENTINA
Accession no.802304
Item 238
proceedings.
MORPHOLOGY OF SISAL FIBRE EPOXY
COMPOSITES
Oksman K; Wallstrom L; Berglund L; Filho R D T
SICOMP AB; Lulea,University of Technology
The morphology and mechanical properties of sisal fibre
composites manufactured with resin transfer moulding
(RTM) is studied. The sisal fibres are unidirectional and
the matrix is an epoxy resin. The mechanical properties
85
of the composites are compared to conventional RTM

manufactured glass fibre composites, flax fibre
composites and to the pure epoxy. The results of
mechanical testing show that the (46/54) sisal/epoxy
composite has a stiffness of about 20 GPa compared to
the stiffness in pure epoxy of 3.2 GPa. The same
composite has a tensile strength of 210 MPa compared to
80 MPa of the epoxy. 13 refs.
EUROPE
Accession no.802303
appropriate technology to utilise these natural fibres as

effectively and economically as possible to produce good
quality fibre reinforced polymer composites for housing
and other needs. Among the various natural fibres, sisal is
of particular interest in that its composites have high impact
strength besides having moderate tensile and flexural
properties compared to other lignocellulosic fibres. The
research work published in the field of sisal fibre reinforced
polymer composites is reviewed with special reference to
the processing techniques, physical and mechanical
properties of the composites. 42 refs.
BRAZIL; INDIA
Item 239
proceedings.
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS ON
THE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF OIL
PALM FIBRE REINFORCED PHENOL
FORMALDEHYDE COMPOSITES
Sreekala M S; Kumaran M G; Thomas S
Gandhi,University
Accession no.802300
Oil palm fibres are used as reinforcement in phenol

formaldehyde resin. The fibres are subjected to different
chemical modifications to improve interface properties.
Mechanical properties of untreated and treated fibres are
studied. Changes in tensile strength, tensile modulus and
elongation at break of the fibres on various modifications
are compared. The incorporation of the modified fibres
results in composites with excellent impact resistance.
Use of coupling agents enhances impact strength of
untreated composite by a factor of four. 9 refs.
Starch is not truly thermoplastic as most synthetic

polymers. However, it can be melted by water addition
and made to flow at high temperatures under pressure
and shear. In order to extrude or mould starch, it should
be converted into thermoplastic starch. Addition of water
or other plasticisers enables starch to flow under milder
conditions and reduces degradation considerably. By
itself, starch is a poor choice as a replacement for any
plastic. It is mostly water soluble, difficult to process and
brittle when used without plasticiser addition. Its
mechanical properties are very sensitive to moisture
content, which is difficult to control. Previous research
has shown that some properties can be significantly
improved by blending with cellulose fillers. Improved
thermomechanical properties and decrease of the water
sensitivity of these systems are reported. However, the
understanding of the phenomena involved in these
improvements requires processing and characterisation
of model systems. Such a system can be obtained using
cellulose whiskers as filler. 12 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.802302
Item 240
proceedings.
SISAL FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMER
COMPOSITES: STATUS AND FUTURE
Joseph K J; Mattoso L H C
St.Berchmans College; EMBRAPA
Natural fibres are prospective reinforcing materials and
their use so long has been more traditional than technical.
They have long served many useful purposes but the
application of the material technology for the utilisation of
natural fibres as reinforcement in polymer matrix took place
in comparatively recent years. Economics and other related
factors in many developing countries, where natural fibres
are abundant, demand scientists and engineers to apply
86
Item 241
proceedings.
PROCESSING AND CHARACTERISATION OF
PLASTICISED STARCH 1 TUNICIN WHISKERS
NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS
Angles M N; Vignon M R; Dufresne A
CERMAV-CNRS

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.802278
Item 242
proceedings.
STUDY OF BENZYLATED SISAL FIBRES BY 13
C SOLID STATE NMR
Mello N C; Ferreira F C; Curvelo A A S; Mattoso L H
C; Colnago L A
EMBRAPA; Sao Paulo,University

different pectin and AGP molecules in addition to

cellulose and suggest that the composition of fibre walls
is spatially and developmentally regulated. 16 refs.
Benzylated sisal derivatives are prepared from the treatment

of sisal fibres with benzyl chloride, in sodium hydroxide
solution, at different reaction times. The alkaline treatment
besides eliminating lignin and polyoses modifies the
arrangement of the cellulose chains and promotes the
benzylation of the cellulosic hydroxyl groups. The
benzylated products and the raw material are characterised
by 13C CP/MAS NMR. From the 13C NMR spectra it is
possible to monitor benzylation extent by determining the
ratio between the areas correspondent to the benzyl moieties
(signal in 129 and 138 ppm) and the cellulose backbone
(signal of 60 to 110 ppm). This ratio reaches a maximum
value of 2.8 for the benzylated derivative obtained with 12
hours of reaction time. 17 refs.

WESTERN EUROPE
BRAZIL
The use of non-wood raw material could be an effective

mean of backing up world-wide wood supply, especially
in countries with insufficient forest resources. Fibre plants
industrially grown are usually herbaceous or bushy plants
with a short growing period. Their stems are formed by
many layers, the most important of which are phloem and
xylem; other layers such as the epidermis, cambium and
pith do not currently have any commercial importance.
When the textile type fibre is prevailing in the crop
economy, non-woody plants are commonly named bast
fibre plants. Much attention has been devoted to bast fibre
plants and, between them, kenaf and hemp. These plants
seems to be promising in that they have a short growing
period, they give high yield of product and they are
versatile as they produce various types of fibres and byproducts which can be utilised in many different sectors.
It is important to note that their most valuable fractionis
only the 30% of the whole biomass, and so the woody
fraction must be recovered and utilised in profitable
outlets. 3 refs.
Accession no.802244
Item 243
proceedings.
COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF CELL
WALLS OF FLAX FIBRES: TARGETS FOR
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Girault R; Andeme-Onzighi C; His I; Driouich A;
Morvan C
CNRS
Owing to cellulases, the main encrusting polysaccharides
of fibre secondary walls, namely 1-4-beta-D galactan
chains are scrutinised in their native form and shown to
consist of long chains, branched onto a RG-I backbone.
Two proteoglycans are isolated and characterised as
deficient in hydroxyproline and by high levels of glutamic
acid and aspartic acids. They react strongly with betaglucosyl Yariv reagent, suggesting a relationship with cell
wall hydroxyproline-deficient arabinogalactan proteins
(AGPs). Using immunogold electron microscopy with
well characterised antibodies, the distribution of various
epitopes associated with either pectins or AGPs is mapped.
Unesterified pectic epitopes recognised by PGA/RG-I
antibodies are localised not only in the middle lamellae
and cell functions but also all over the secondary wall of
fibres. The 1-4-beta-D galactan epitopes recognised by
the monoclonal antibody (mAb) LM5 are present near
the plasmalemma in young fibres but are homogeneously
distributed throughout the secondary walls in more mature
fibres. AGP epitopes recognised by anti 1-6-beta-Gal4
and mAb LM2 antibodies are primarily in the half of the
secondary wall nearest the plasmalemma. LM2 epitopes
are then undetectable later in fibre differentiation. These
findings confirm hence the biochemical data showing that
early developing flax fibres synthesise and secrete
Accession no.802241
Item 244
proceedings.
HEMP AND KENAF: PROFITABLE MARKETS
AND PREPARATION OF PRODUCTS
Cappelletto P; Mongardini F; Brizzi M
Rome,Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.802240
Item 245
ENHANCEMENT OF NATURAL FIBER-EPOXY
INTERACTION USING BI-FUNCTIONAL
SURFACE MODIFIERS
Sampath A; Martin G C
Syracuse,University
(SPE)
Jute fibres were woven into fabric, treated with a
number of bifunctional amine surface modifiers and
used to prepare epoxy resin composites. The influence
of the modifiers on fibre-matrix interactions was
determined by measuring the flexural modulus of the
composites. 2-Amino 5-chloropyridine gave the highest
enhancement in the fibre-matrix bonding, followed by
87
3-amino benzoic acid and 2-amino 4-chloro 6-methyl

pyridine. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no.801988
Item 246
30, No.12, Dec.2000, p.62/6
WOOD-FIBRE COMPOSITES BUILD
PROMISING ROLE IN EXTRUSION
Leaversuch R D
The extrusion of profiles in which a plastic is used to
encapsulate wood fibre is entering a new and promising
stage. On the polymer side, the long-preferred material
of choice, reclaimed PE, is now being supplemented by
virgin PE, PVC and PP. Additive technology is also being
utilised in more ambitious ways. Wood-fibre composites
are spawning novel construction profiles including
decking, fencing, railing, window, corner post and
framing. Most processors have depended heavily on
conical, twin-screw counter-rotating extrusion equipment
supplied by ExtrusionTek Milacron. A shift in processing
methods is now likely to affect some key sectors. This
involves inline or direct extrusion of wood-plastic
composite profiles and dispenses with pre-drying of wood.
WORLD
Accession no.801783
Item 247
30, No.12, Dec.2000, p.16
AUDI A2 GOES NATURAL TO CUT WEIGHT
It is briefly reported that Audis energy-efficient A2 is the
worlds first volume-production aluminium car and the
lightest car in its class. Interior door panels are made from
a natural fibre-reinforced PU that has an extremely low
mass per unit, but very high dimensional stability. Fibre
mats made of flax, sisal or hemp are coated on both sides
with a fine layer of a special two-component PUR system
developed by Bayer, using Henneckes NafpurTec process.
AUDI AG
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.801765
Item 248
No.41, Sept./Oct.2000, p.46
English; French
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION TO
EXPAND USE OF NATURAL FIBRES IN
AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS
In Germany, DaimlerChrysler Corp. is to equip its new
travel coach with a natural-fibre-reinforced engine and
transmission cover. Brief details are given.
88
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.801324
Item 249
47, No.4, 2000, p.667-74
INFLUENCE OF WATER ON PROPERTIES OF
CELLULOSIC FIBRE REINFORCED
Hargitai H; Racz I
Bay Zoltan,Institute of Materials Science &
Technology; Budapest,Technical University
A study was made of the mechanical properties (three
point bending and Izod impact strength) of composites
of PP reinforced with flax fibres having different moisture
contents. The effects of fibre moisture content and of the
amount of coupling agent (maleic anhydride grafted PP)
on the mechanical properties of the composites are
discussed. 29 refs.
EASTERN EUROPE; HUNGARY
Accession no.800195
Item 250
EFFECTS OF LONG TERM ULTRAVIOLET
RADIATION ON THE MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF WOOD FLOUR FILLED
RECYCLED HDPE
Heuer D; Albert M
Pennsylvania,State University
(SPE)
Recycled high density polyethylene containing 40% wood
flour (60 mesh pine) was injection moulded and exposed
to UV radiation in accelerated weather testing equipment
for time periods of 250-1000 h. The samples were then
subjected to tensile, flexural and impact testing. A small
increase in yield stress and tensile modulus was observed,
the impact strength was unchanged, and decreases were
observed in the other measured properties. It is proposed
that the UV light may have been preferentially absorbed
by the wood flour, and that the thermal energy of the
incident radiation caused a slight increase in surface
crystallinity.
USA
Accession no.799937
Item 251
79, No.4, 24th Jan.2001, p.575-81
FTIR SPECTRA AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
BEHAVIOUR OF VINYL ESTER PARTICIPATED
TRANSESTERIFICATION AND CURING OF
JUTE
Samal R K; Acharya S; Mohanty M; Ray M C

Orissa,Ravenshaw College
Details are given of the transesterification of jute with
butyl acrylate using sodium hydroxide, pyridine and a
pyridine-acetone mixture as catalyst. The modified jute
was then cured with benzoyl peroxide in acetone. The
modified and unmodified jute was characterised by FTIR.
The percent moisture regain, mechanical strength and
chemical resistance of the jute fibres were tested. 24 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.799593
Item 252
27, No. 11, 2000, p.T/25-30
THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS REINFORCED
WITH NATURAL FIBRES. 2. EFFECT OF THE
WATER CONTENT OF THE FIBRES ON THE
Hargitai H; Racz I
The effect of the quantity of maleic anhydride grafted
polypropylene as a chemical coupling agent to improve
interfacial adhesion between fibre and matrix in PP
composites reinforced with flax fibre, was tested.
Particular reference was made to the effect of the
moisture content of the fibres on the mechanical
properties of the composite specimens. Increase in the
amount of additive was shown to have a favourable effect
on the tensile and bending properties of the composite,
but the impact bending strength decreases with increase
in the amount of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene.
In most cases, it was found that an increase in the moisture
content led to impaired properties. Scanning electron
microscopy of the fracture surface of the composites
showed agreement with the other tests that increasing the
amount of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene as
coupling agent, gave rise to a stronger interaction at the
fibre/matrix interface. 31 refs. (Translated from Muanyag
es Gumi, No.7, 2000, p.249)
EASTERN EUROPE; HUNGARY
Accession no.799375
Item 253
Muanyag es Gumi
37, No.8, Aug.2000, p.287-92
Hungarian
THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS. PART III.
WATER UPTAKE OF COMPOSITES AND ITS
EFFECT ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Hargitai H; Racz I
Composites were prepared from flax fibres with different
moisture contents, using different amounts of
polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride as the
binding component. The water uptake of the composites
and its effects on three-point bending and Izod impact
properties were tested. 7 refs. Articles from this journal

can be requested for translation by subscribers to the Rapra
produced International Polymer Science and Technology.
Accession no.797712
Item 254
8, No.7, 2000, p.489-95
TENSILE AND FLEXURAL BEHAVIOUR OF
SUGAR CANE BAGASSE WASTE REINFORCED
EVA MATRIX COMPOSITES
Stael G C; Tavares M I B; dAlmeida J R M
The use of EVA as a matrix in natural fibre-reinforced
composite materials is evaluated. In particular, the
mechanical behaviour of chopped bagasse-EVA matrix
composites is studied and compared to that of more
common thermoplastic matrix composites such as PP and
PE, and wood based materials. The tensile and flexural
behaviour of the composites were measured as a function
of the volume fraction and size of the reinforcement and
the values obtained were compared to those of commonly
used agglomerates and plywood. Results show that EVA
composites could compete with low density wood-based
materials. 25 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.797602
Item 255
Materiaux & Techniques
Nos.7-8, 2000, p.63-8
NEW THERMOSET NANOCOMPOSITE BASED
ON CELLULOSE WHISKERS
Ruiz M M; Cavaille J Y; Dufresne A; Gerard J F;
Graillat C
CERMAV-CNRS; LCPP-CNRS; Lyon,Institut National
des Sciences Appliquees
The processing and the mechanical properties of new
nanocomposites prepared from aqueous suspensions of
microcrystalline cellulose fillers and thermoset epoxy are
described. The nature of cellulose fibres, which display a
large shape factor and the capability to be associated by
means of H-bonds implies that the processing method
chosen avoids the problem of a high level of viscosity of
the epoxy reactive system-whiskers mixture. The
reinforcing effect of this type of natural fibres in an epoxy
matrix is shown from the dynamic mechanical properties
in the rubbery state. This unusual reinforcement is due to
the strong interactions existing between the cellulose
whiskers and the epoxy network and the creation of a
percolating network linked by H-bonds between cellulose
fibres. The existence of such a percolation effect is
evidenced from the analysis of the rubbery shear modulus
of nanocomposites based on various volume fractions of
89
whiskers with mechanical modelling, such as HalpinKardos and percolation approaches. 25 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.796790
Item 256
90, No.11, Nov.2000, p.23-4
English; German
HEAVY DOOR TRIM PANELS... ARE THINGS
OF THE PAST
Fries K W; Augustin S; Muller H; Leyrer H; Russ S
Hennecke GmbH; Drazlmaier Gruppe
The low density of natural fibres can be exploited to
produce lightweight door panels. Economical production
techniques will allow such parts to become established
in the automotive industry. 2 refs. (Translated from
Kunstoffe 90, 2000, p.60/3).
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.796769
Item 257
SAMPE Journal
36, No.6, Nov./Dec.2000, p.18-23
NATURAL FIBRE COMPOSITES: WHERE CAN
FLAX COMPETE WITH GLASS?
Brouwer W D
Delft,University of Technology
The properties of natural fibres, including bast fibres,
leaf fibres and seed fibres, are outlined and the
advantages and disadvantages of the use of natural fibres
in composites are discussed. The Dutch Biolicht project,
which examined the feasibility of using natural fibre
composites in the trailers, coachwork and bus industry,
is described. Pretreatment of the fibres, particularly that
of flax, are discussed, including impregnation with
thermosets, thermoplastics or biological materials,
drying and degassing. Processing techniques are
described, including resin transfer moulding and vacuum
injection, sheet moulding compounds and vacuum
pressing. 4 refs.
Accession no.795947
Item 258
Polymer Degradation and Stability
70, No.2, Nov.2000, p.135-45
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION OF WOODHDPE COMPOSITE
Li R
Sydney,University; New South Wales,University
Wood flake reinforced post-consumer HDPE composites
were produced using a flake-start technology and the
90
feasibility of using these composites as a replacement for

conventional particleboard evaluated by means of longterm weathering tests. Samples were weathered outdoors
for 205 days and changes in their morphology investigated
during weathering using microscopy. The effect of
weathering on the fracture toughness and flexural, tensile
and impact properties of the composites were also
examined as was the seasonal influence on degradation.
Dynamic mechanical analysis was utilised to monitor the
effects of UV exposure, heat or oxidation on samples aged
at 37, 67 and 88C. 8 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.795253
Item 259
30, No.11, Nov.2000, p.18
SCRAP CAR LAW IS CRITICIZED BY
EUROPES COMPOSITES INDUSTRY
The European Unions End of Life Vehicles directive sets
high quotas for materials recycling in end-of-life vehicles,
but limits amounts which can be incinerated with energy
recovery. Reinforced plastics suppliers and processors
claim that the law, by not differentiating between
materials, will hinder the fast-growing use of parts
containing natural fibres in automotive parts. AVK-TV
argues that recovering materials from natural fibrereinforced parts is neither cost-effective nor
environmentally friendly. These parts would serve the
most good after their useful life by being incinerated for
energy recovery, as natural fibre fillers burn easily and
create significant heat energy.
AVK-TV
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no.795179
Item 260
60, No.15, 2000, p.2857-63
EFFECTS OF CORONA DISCHARGE AND UV
TREATMENT ON THE PROPERTIES OF JUTEFIBRE EPOXY COMPOSITES
Gassan J; Gutowski V S
Kassel,Universitat; Australia,CSIRO
The results are reported of a study of the effects of corona
discharge treatment and UV treatment on jute fibres and
yarns and on the physical properties of the fibres, yarns
and their composites with an epoxy resin. Measurements
were made of the contact angles of the fibres and yarns
and the surface free energy components of the fibres
calculated using an equation developed by Owens and
Wendt. The mechanical properties of the composites were
determined by tensile and three-point bending tests and
their dynamic-thermal properties were obtained by means
of DMTA over the temperature range between 50 and
120C. 21 refs.
AUSTRALIA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;

GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.794663
Item 261
Sao Carlos, Brazil, EMBRAPA, 2000, pp.x,593. 29cms.
7/11/00
NATURAL POLYMERS AND COMPOSITES.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL
SYMPOSIUM AND THE WORKSHOP ON
PROGRESS IN PRODUCTION AND
PROCESSING OF CELLULOSIC FIBRES AND
NATURAL POLYMERS HELD SAO PEDRO,
BRAZIL, 14TH-17TH MAY 2000
EMBRAPA; UNESP; USP
This collection of papers focus on the latest technologies
and new concepts available worldwide in the field of
natural polymers and composites. Main sessions examine
natural polymers and fibres, polysaccharides, lignins and
derivatives, biobased polymers, and composites. The final
session looks progress in production and processing of
cellulose fibres and natural polymers.
Accession no.793777
Item 262
3rd Nov.2000, p.18
DAVIS-STANDARD REPORTS WOOD
ENTHUSIASM
It is briefly reported that the UK division of DavisStandard claims a high level of interest in the wood
extrusion system introduced by its US parent at NPE last
year. The twin-screw Woodtruder technology allows wood
mill waste to be fed directly into a compounding system
without pre-drying to produce a dense polymer/wood fibre
composite profile. Formulations can be developed
containing up to 80% wood scrap, with applications seen
in a wide range of traditional timber products.
DAVIS-STANDARD
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.792628
Item 263
Polymer Testing
20, No.1, 2001, p.65-75
EFFECT OF ACETYLATION AND COUPLING
AGENT TREATMENTS UPON BIOLOGICAL
DEGRADATION OF PLANT FIBRE
REINFORCED POLYESTER COMPOSITES
Khalil H P S A; Ismail H
Plant fibre-reinforced polyester resin composites were
manufactured using non-woven fibre mats of oil palm
empty fruit bunch and coconut fibres. The fibres were
treated by acetylation or with coupling agent (silane or

titanate). The results of biological tests on the fibre
composites were found to be dependent on fibre treatment.
Acetylation of fibres resulted in superior bioresistance,
followed by silane-treated fibres, in soil tests for up to 12
months exposure. Titanate and unmodified fibre
composites exhibited significant losses in tensile and
impact properties. 16 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.792599
Item 264
Polymer Testing
20, No.1, 2001, p.33-41
EFFECTS OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF OIL
PALM WOOD FLOUR BY SILICA AND SILANE
COUPLING AGENT ON PROPERTIES OF
NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS
Ismail H; Khalil H P S A
The effects of partial replacement of oil palm wood
flour(OPWF) by silica and of silane coupling agent on
mechanical properties and curing characteristics of NR
compounds were investigated. Comparison was made with
a control compound (50 phr of OPWF, without coupling
agent) and it was found that increase of the silica in the
weight ratio of OPWF/silica and addition of silane coupling
agent increased the scorch time and cure time and enhanced
the TS, tensile modulus, tear strength, fatigue life and
hardness. The results from maximum torque-minimum
torque studies indicated that the rubber-filler interaction
was improved by partial replacement of OPWF by silica
and the presence of silane coupling agent. 12 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.792595
Item 265
Automotive Engineering
108, No.9, Sept.2000, p.106
NEW POLYMERS FOR INTERIOR
APPLICATIONS
Broge J L
This article looks at two new innovative polymer materials
developed by Lear Corp. of the USA, for use in
automotive interior trim products, including door panels,
pillars, and boot trim. Details are given of the new natural
fibre acrylic, and natural fibre PP.
LEAR CORP.
USA
Accession no.792054
Item 266
Plastics News(USA)
12, No.30, 25th Sept.2000, p.4
JOHNSON CONTROLS HITS NEW HIGH WITH
IDEA
91
Miel R
It is reported in this article that Johnson Controls Inc. of
the USA is now using a hemp and kenaf natural fibre
biocomposite as a substrate in door trim panels for a
DaimlerChrysler vehicle. The parts are made of a blend
of 50 percent PP, 25 percent hemp, and 25 percent kenaf.
Full details are given.
JOHNSON CONTROLS INC.;
DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
CANADA; USA
Accession no.791656
Item 267
Polymer International
49, No.11, Nov. 2000, p.1444-51
FT-IR MICROSCOPIC STUDIES ON COUPLING
AGENTS. TREATED NATURAL FIBRES
Singh B; Gupta M; Verma A; Tyagi O S
India,Central Building Research Institute; Indian
Institute of Petroleum
The nature of adsorbed coupling agents on sisal fibre
surfaces was analysed by FTIR. The presence of
precipitated oligomers on the surface was confirmed by
the appearance of hydrogen-bonded carbonyl group and
unsaturation bands. Results of surface morphology,
adsorption depth profile and extent of hydrophilicity using
vibrational spectra. 21 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.791557
Item 268
Polymer International
49, No.11, Nov. 2000, p.1273-8
EFFECT OF COUPLING AGENTS ON THE
MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
OF OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHPOLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Rozman H D; Lai C Y; Ismail H; Ishak Z A M
Oil palm empty fruit bunch-PP composites were produced
using a twin-screw extruder. Maleic anhydride-modified
PP, polyphenyl isocyanate, and trimethoxysilylpropyl
methacrylate were used as coupling agents. Data are
presented for water absorption, swelling and mechanical
MALAYSIA
Accession no.791534
Item 269
78, No.9, 28th Nov.2000, p.1671-9
NOVEL LOW-COST JUTE-POLYESTER
COMPOSITES. III. WEATHERING AND
THERMAL BEHAVIOUR
Dash B N; Rana A; Kmishra H K; Nayak S K; Tripathy S S
92
Salipur College; Indian Jute Industries Research Assn.;

Vedvyas College; India,Central Institute of Plastics
Engng.& Tech.; Ravenshaw College
Jute-polyester composites are fabricated with untreated
(control) and bleached slivers with 60% loading of fibre
by weight and are designated as JPH(C) and JPH(B),
respectively. Both types of composite specimens are
subjected to water absorption and outdoor weathering tests
to assess their relative performance under environmental
conditions. While both composites show low water
absorption, JPH(B) shows lesser water absorption (8.48%)
than JPH(C) (12.25%). Mechanical properties are measured
for both the weathered and unweathered specimens and
compared. The tensile strength of JPH(C) and JPH(B)
decreases while the tensile modulus increases after
weathering. The flexural strength, moduli and ILSS of
weathered specimens are less than those of unweathered
ones. The nature of the fibre-matrix adhesion can be
established from these results. The cause of every
observation is explained. Thermal analyses of the composite
specimens are also carried out. Overall thermal stability of
JPH(C) is found to be better than that of JPH(B). 27 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.791439
Item 270
Polymer
42, No.2, 2001, p.815-25
MODIFIED WOODFLOUR AS THERMOSET
FILLERS. I. EFFECT OF THE CHEMICAL
MODIFICATION AND PERCENTAGE OF
FILLER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Marcovich N E; Aranguren M I; Reboredo M M
Composites were prepared from an unsaturated polyester/
styrene thermoset matrix and esterified wood flour and
were tested. Different degrees of esterification of the wood
particles with maleic anhydride were obtained by using
different times of reaction, which led to materials with
varied final properties. Water absorption performed on
treated particles indicated that they were more
hydrophobic than the untreated ones. Flexural,
compression and dynamic mechanical tests were
performed on composites to determine the optimum level
of chemical modification of the wood flour. The
relationship between the filler content and the composite
final properties was also studied for a selected filler
treatment. An important increment in particle dispersion
was obtained by modifying the wood flour with maleic
anhydride. 19 refs.
ARGENTINA
Accession no.791291
Item 271
40, No.10, Oct.2000, p.2194-204
EFFECTS OF REINFORCING FIBRES ON THE

CRYSTALLISATION OF POLYPROPYLENE
Lopez Manchado M A; Biagiotti J; Torre L; Kenny J M
Perugia,University
The results are reported of a study of the effects of the
addition of various fibres, including PETP, aramid, sisal
and glass fibres, on the crystallisation kinetics and
thermodynamics of isotactic PP carried out using DSC
under isothermal and constant cooling rate conditions and
optical microscopy. The values of the Avrami exponent,
kinetic constant of the crystallisation rate and the halftime of crystallisation for composites containing the
different fibres are compared and the spherulitic growth
and transcrystallinity of PP and its composites evaluated
by taking photomicrographs at different intervals of time.
The fibres were found to behave as nucleating agents. 31
refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.790462
Item 272
27, No.8, 2000, p.T/75-84
NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED POLYMERS
MAKE A COMEBACK
Bledzki A K; Gassan J; Lucka M
Szczecin,Polytechnic
The environmental benefits of using natural fibre reinforced
plastics are examined with respect to the use of vegetable
and plant fibres as renewable sources. Characteristics of
natural fibres of vegetable origin are discussed with
reference to chemical composition and physical structure,
and mechanical properties are compared to those of glass
and aramid fibres. Techniques for the production of
composites reinforced with natural vegetable fibres are
described, and examples are given of applications in various
countries. The effect of structural and surface modification
of vegetable fibres on the mechanical properties of such
composites is also discussed. 19 refs. Translation of
Polimery, No.2, 2000, p.98.
Accession no.790305
Item 273
6, No.3, Sept.2000, p.153-7
EFFECTS OF IMPACT MODIFIERS ON THE
PROPERTIES OF RIGID PVC/WOOD-FIBER
COMPOSITES
Mengeloglu F; Matuana L M; King J A
The effects of impact modifier types and addition levels
on the mechanical properties of rigid PVC/wood-fibre
composites were examined. The impact resistance of rigid
PVC/wood-fibre composites was found to be strongly
dependent on the type and content of impact modifier.

With proper choice of modifier type and concentration,
the impact strength of rigid PVC/wood-fibre composites
could be significantly improved without degrading the
tensile properties. Methacrylate-butadiene-styrene and allacrylic modifiers performed in a similar manner and were
more effective and efficient in improving the impact
resistance of rigid PVC/wood-fibre composites than the
chlorinated PE modifier. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.788891
Item 274
Manufacturing
31A, No.11, 2000, p.1231-40
RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF SHORT SISAL
FIBER-REINFORCED POLYSTYRENE
COMPOSITES
Nair K C M; Kumar R P; Thomas S; Schit S C;
Ramamurthy K
Mahatma Gandhi,University; India,Central Institute of
Plastics Engng.& Tech.
The rheological behaviour of short sisal fibre-reinforced
PS composites was studied using an Instron capillary
rheometer. The effect of fibre length, fibre loading, shear
rate, shear stress and temp. on the rheological behaviour
of the composites was studied. Unlike other short fibrereinforced thermoplastics at lower temp., the melt
viscosity of PS-sisal composites was lower than that at
higher temps. At 180C, the viscosity of the composite
was governed by wall-slip, which decreased the viscosity,
and at 190C the viscosity was governed by fibre melt
interaction that increased the viscosity. The morphology
of the extrudate was studied using optical and electron
microscopy. 16 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.788825
Item 275
39, No.4, 2000, p.743-55
TENSILE PROPERTIES OF JUTE YARNS
IMPROVED WITH ORGANO-METALLIC
COMPLEXES
Hassiruzzaman; Akhtar F; Khan M A; Ali K M I
Bangladesh,Atomic Energy Commission
Several formulations were prepared with oligomer
urethane acrylate(Ebcryl 264) combined with a diluent
monomer of different acrylated functionalities in the
presence of a plasticiser, an antibubbling agent, ligands
and organometallic complexes. The complexes were made
with benzohydroxamato-pyridine complex and
benzohydroxamato-ethylenediamine in the presence of
titanium dioxide. Thin polymer films were prepared under
UV radiation with these solutions and were characterised.
93
A jute-plastic composite was prepared with these solutions

under UV radiation. The tenacity of the treated jute was
increased by about 25% with reduced water absorption
ability but the presence of a very small amount (0.1%) of
an organometallic complex in the formulation also
enhanced jute tenacity up to 223%. The effect of the
ligands on these properties was also investigated. 10 refs.
UCB
BANGLADESH
Accession no.788819
Item 276
60, No.11, Aug./Sept.2000, p.2037-55
SISAL FIBRE AND ITS COMPOSITES: A
REVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Yan Li; Yiu-Wing Mai; Lin Ye
Sydney,University
A summary is presented of recent developments (19871998) of sisal fibre and its composites. The properties of
the sisal fibre itself, the modification of the interface
between sisal fibre and matrix, and the properties of sisal
fibre-reinforced composites and their hybrid composites
are reviewed. 70 refs.
AUSTRALIA
modelling such as Halpin-Kardos and percolation

approaches. 30 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.786900
Item 278
7, No.2, 2000, p.103-15
EFFECT OF SILICONE INTERPHASE ON THE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FLAXPOLYURETHANE COMPOSITES
Gassan J; Dietz T; Bledzki A
Kassel,Universitat
Flax fibres coated with two types and various amounts of
silicones are used to make flax-PU composites. Coating
conditions are found to affect strongly the composite
properties. The effect of these two types and different
amounts of silicone on the impact toughness, flexural
strength and modulus, dynamic modulus and loss-energy
and notch sensitivity is determined. These properties are
compared with results of composites with a strong fibrematrix adhesion. 30 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.788781
Accession no.786899
Item 277
7, No.2, 2000, p.117-31
NEW THERMOSET NANOCOMPOSITES BASED
ON CELLULOSE WHISKERS
Riuz M M; Cavaille J Y; Dufresne A; Gerard J F;
Graillat C
Institut National des Sciences Appliquees; CNRS;
Lyon,Ecole Superieure de Chemie Physique
Electronique
Item 279
7, No.2, 2000, p.81-92
INVESTIGATING INTERPHASE
DEVELOPMENT IN WOOD-POLYMER
COMPOSITES BY INVERSE GAS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
Rials T G; Simonsen J
USDA; Oregon,State University
The processing and the mechanical properties of new

thermoset nanocomposites prepared from aqueous
suspensions of microcrystalline cellulose fillers and
epoxy are described. The nature of cellulose fibres which
display a large aspect ratio and the ability to associate
by means of H-bonds implies that the processing method
chosen avoids the problem of a high level of viscosity
of the epoxy reactive system-whiskers mixture. The
reinforcing effect of this type of natural fibre in an epoxy
matrix is mainly shown from the dynamic mechanical
properties in the rubbery state. This unusual
reinforcement is due to the strong interactions existing
between the cellulose whiskers and the epoxy network,
and the creation of a percolating network linked by Hbonds between cellulose fibres. The existence of such a
percolation effect is evidenced from the analysis of the
rubbery shear modulus of nanocomposites based on
various volume fractions of whiskers with mechanical
94
The influence of secondary interactions on the development

of interfacial structure in composites of wood and
amorphous thermoplastic polymers is not well understood.
Inverse gas chromatography is used to investigate the effect
of different polymers on the surface energy of partially or
fully coated white pine wood meal. In this way, the
development of the interphase is monitored as a function
of polymer depth on the wood surface. The polymers are
selected to provide a range of functional groups and include
PS, PMMA, PVC, polymethacrylic acid and
polymethacrylonitrile. The overall variation of the
dispersive component of the surface energy and the ratio
of acceptor to donor coefficients appear to group themselves
into two categories based upon the polarity of the polymers
functional groups. In addition, the high loadings required
for stabilisation of the less polar polymers suggest that a
relatively large volume of the matrix phase isaffected by
the wood filler. 20 refs.
USA
Accession no.786897
Item 280
77, No.13, 23rd Sept.2000, p.2963-7
EFFECT OF MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
TREATMENT ON STEAM AND WATER
ABSORPTION OF WOOD POLYMER
COMPOSITES PREPARED FROM WHEAT
STRAW, CANE BAGASSE, AND TEAK WOOD
SAWDUST USING NOVOLAC AS MATRIX
Patil Y P; Gajre B; Dusane D; Chavan S; Mishra S
North Maharashtra,University
Wheat straw, cane bagasse and teak sawdust (agricultural
waste materials) were sieved up to a 425 micrometre mesh
size and used for sheet preparation, with and without
maleic anhydride(MA) treatment, using novolac resin in
a 50:50 w/w ratio. The shore D hardness of MA treated
and untreated wood polymer composites(WPCs) was
measured. The MA treated WPCs showed two to three
times more hardness than that of the untreated respective
WPCs. Moisture absorption had a detrimental effect on
the mechanical properties of the WPCs. MA treatment
restricted swelling and water and steam absorption in the
agricultural waste materials. Teak sawdust showed the
best results of the three WPCs in all respects. 18 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.786225
Item 281
78, No.3, 17th Oct.2000 p.603-8
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS ON
THE THERMAL BEHAVIOR OF REINFORCED
PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE POLYMER
COMPOSITES
Agarwal R; Saxena N S; Sharma K B; Thomas S;
Sreekala M S
Rajasthan,University; Mahatma Gandhi,University;
India,Rubber Research Institute
Analysis was carried out on the thermal behaviour of oil
palm fibre-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins
with different chemical treatments using differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC). A well-defined peak of
crystallisation was identified in all the samples. However,
in one sample a second exothermic peak also emerged,
which indicates some structural changes at high
temperature. Studies of crystallisation kinetics were
carried out in terms of activation energy of crystallisation,
dimensionality of growth and stability using various
recent theories developed for nonisothermal
crystallisation. The results suggest surface nucleation and
crystallisation through one-dimensional growth. Thermal
stability of PF composites increases after chemical
treatment, and is maximum for resin treated with peroxide
PF composite in comparison to fibre-treated PF
Accession no.786100
Item 282
78, No.3, 17th Oct.2000 p.495-506
IMPROVEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL
PROPERTIES OF JUTE-BASED COMPOSITE BY
ACRYLONITRILE PRETREATMENT
Saha A K; Das S; Basak R K; Bhatta D; Mitra B C
Indian Jute Industries Research Assn.;
Uktal,University; India,National Institute of Research
on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology
Cyanoethylation of jute fibre in the form of nonwoven
fabric was successfully achieved using an acrylonitrile
monomer which is claimed to react with the hydroxyl
groups of fibre constituents. The degrees of
cyanoethylation to different extents were carried out by
varying the reaction time. That extent of cyanoethylation
rises with increase in the reaction time was shown by
an IR study. Cyanoethylated fibres thus obtained were
further treated with unsaturated polyester resin to obtain
modified fibre composites. These composites have been
found to be tolerant against cold and boiling water where
water absorption and thickness swelling are much
reduced compared to those of unmodified fibre
composite. The moisture content of the modified fibre
composites is also significantly reduced. Cyclic tests
indicate that use of cyanoethylated fibre leads to
improvement of the dimensional stability of the fibre
composites. The mechanical properties of the modified
fibre composites improved substantially because of
better bonding at the fibre-matrix interface and this effect
is more pronounced with a higher degree of
cyanoethylation. A scanning electron micrograph of the
fractured surfaces of cyanoethylated jute composite
showed excellent retention of resin on broken fibre ends,
whereas the unmodified composite showed uncoated
fibres and holes in the matrix. That the moisture content
of the composites reduces with increase of the
cyanoethylation was shown by DSC analysis. Both TG
and DSC thermograms showed an additional peak due
to decomposition of cyanoethyl group which is shifted
to a higher value with the extent of cyanoethylation.
However, the cellulose degradation temperature
remained almost unchanged. 26 refs.
Accession no.786088
Item 283
Advanced Materials & Processes
158, No.2, Aug.2000, p.15-6
NATURAL FIBERS REINFORCE ACRYLIC AND
POLYPROPYLENE
The use is briefly described of natural fibre reinforced
plastics in automotive applications such as interior door
panels, by Lear Corp. of Sweden. The company is using
kenaf, hemp and jute reinforced PP and flax reinforced
acrylic. In addition, a one-step process for manufacturing
has also been developed, in which the fibre-reinforced
PP is covered with the surface material in one step.
95
LEAR CORP.
EUROPE
Accession no.785643
Item 284
Canadian Plastics
58, No.7, July 2000, p.9
NEW COMPANY TO CHALLENGE HARDWOOD
FLOORING WITH PLASTIC-WOODFIBRE
COMPOSITE
SHW Technologies has developed Synthetic Hardwood
flooring made of oriented polymers and hardwood fibre
that is an affordable, water resistant alternative to
hardwood and laminate flooring. The extrusion orientation
process mixes PP and woodfibre to produce flooring
which is impermeable to water, resistant to fungus and
insects and has a PU finish. A plant in Guelph, Ontario
will be completed by September and production is
expected to reach an annual production capacity of 3
million square feet of flooring within twelve months.
SHW TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CANADA
Accession no.785040
Item 285
77, No.14, 29th Sept.2000, p.3035-43
CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF PINEAPPLE
LEAF FIBER: GRAFT COPOLYMERISATION
OF ACRYLONITRILE ONTO DEFATTED LEAF
FIBERS
Mohanty A K; Tripathy P C; Misra M; Parija S; Sahoo
S
Berlin,Technical University; Orissa,Ravenshaw College
A copper sulphate/potassium periodate combination was
used as an initiator for the graft copolymerisation of
acrylonitrile onto defatted pineapple leaf fibre (PALF), a
lignocellulosic fibre. The reaction was carried out in an
aqueous medium at 30-50C. The results showed that a
combination of cupric ions and periodate ions, with
concentrations of periodate ions and cupric ions of 0.005
mol/L and 0.002 mol/L respectively, produced optimum
grafting with 0.1 g defatted PALF with a fibre-to-liquor
ratio of 1:50 at 50C for 2 h. Neither potassium periodate
nor copper sulphate alone was able to induce the graft
copolymerisation of acrylonitrile on to the PALF surface.
Grafting improved the thermal stability of PALF. 24 refs.
INDIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.784880
Item 286
60, No.7, May/June 2000, p.1115-24
SURFACE MODIFICATION OF JUTE AND ITS
96
INFLUENCE ON PERFORMANCE OF
BIODEGRADABLE JUTE-FABRIC/BIOPOL
COMPOSITES
Mohanty A K; Khan M A; Hinrichsen G
Surface modifications of two varieties of jute fabrics, i.e.
hessian cloth (HC) and carpet backing cloth (CBC),
involving dewaxing, alkali treatment, cyanoethylation and
grafting, are made with a view to their use as reinforcing
agents in composites based on a biodegradable polymeric
matrix, Biopol. The chemically treated fabrics are
characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of different
fibre surface treatments and amounts of fabrics on the
performance of the resulting composites are investigated.
Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, bending
strength and impact strength increase in comparison to
pure Biopol as a result of reinforcement with jute fabrics.
More than 50% enhancement in tensile strength, 30% in
bending strength and 90% in impact strength of the
composites relative to pure Biopol sheets are observed
under the present experimental conditions. Scanning
electron microscopy investigations show that surface
modifications improve the fibre/matrix adhesion. From
degradation studies it is found that after 150 days of
compost burial more than 50% weight loss of the jute/
Biopol composite occurs. 14 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.784161
Item 287
60, No.9, July 2000, p.1737-51
MORPHOLOGY AND MELT RHEOLOGICAL
BEHAVIOUR OF SHORT-SISAL-FIBREREINFORCED SBR COMPOSITES
Kumar R P; Nair K C M; Thomas S; Schit S C;
Ramamurthy K
Mahatma Gandhi,University; India,Central Institute of
Plastics Engng.& Tech.
The melt flow behaviour of untreated and treated shortsisal-fibre-reinforced SBR composites is analysed by
using an Instron capillary rheometer. The effects of fibre
breakage, length concentration and shear rate/stress on
melt viscosity are studied. The fibre breakage is analysed
before and after extrusion and the polydispersity index
(PDI) estimated. It is found that these composites behave
as pseudo-plastic materials. At low shear rates, the short
fibres increase the viscosity much more than at high shear
rates. There is an increase in viscosity upon chemical
treatments owing to the strong interfacial adhesion
between the fibre and the rubber matrix. The dependence
of viscosity on temperature, flow behaviour index, n,
melt elasticity, extrudate distortion and deformation of
these composites is analysed. Finally, die-swell
measurements are carried out to understand the elastic
effects. The extruded samples are analysed by optical and

electron microscopy in order to study the surface
morphology and extrudate deformation of these
INDIA
Accession no.784021
Item 288
60, No.9, July 2000, p.1729-35
COMPATIBILISING EFFECT OF MALEIC
ANHYDRIDE ON SWELLING AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PLANT FIBREREINFORCED NOVALAC COMPOSITES
Mishra S; Naik J B; Patil Y P
North Maharashtra,University
Fibres of banana hemp and sisal are used as fillers in
novolac resin. These fibres are esterified with maleic
anhydride and the effects of maleic anhydride on the
swelling and mechanical properties of plant fibre polymer
composites assessed. Higher absorption of steam and
water is observed in untreated fibre composites. Youngs
modulus increases with an increase in fibre content up to
45 and 50% in untreated and MA treated fibre composites,
respectively. The impact strength and shore D hardness
are found to be higher in maleic anhydride-treated fibre
composites than the untreated-fibre composites. 25 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.784020
Item 289
19, No.13, 1st July 2000, p.1155-7
EFFECT OF GAMMA-IRRADIATION ON THE
SHORT BEAM SHEAR BEHAVIOUR OF
PULTRUDED SISAL-FIBRE/GLASS-FIBRE/
POLYESTER HYBRID COMPOSITES
Tsang F F Y; Jin Y Z; Yu K N; Wu C M L; Li R K Y
Hong Kong,City University
Pultrusion has been accepted as an effective and versatile
technique for the production of continuous fibrereinforced composites with constant profile cross-section.
Fillers such as calcium carbonate, hollow glass
microspheres, liquid rubber are quite often added to
reduce materials cost and to improve impact resistance.
One possible class of filler for pultruded GRP is natural
cellulosic fibres. Cellulose-based natural fibres are used
as reinforcing fillers in polymeric matrix composites for
their low cost and attractive specific properties. The
microstructures of sisal fibres are very different from those
of synthetic fibres. A sisal fibre is not a single fibre but is
made up of a bundle of tubular micro-fibres of diameter.
The cell wall of a tubular microfibre has a composite
structure of lignocellulosic material reinforced by helical
microfibrillar bands of cellulose. The cell walls are, in
turn, covered by a layer of bonding material that separates
one micro-fibre from another. The major problem in using

sisal fibre in polymer matrix composite is poor interfacial
bonding. The general approach to improve the interfacial
bonding between sisal fibre and polymer matrix includes
mercerisation, heat treatment and coupling agent coating.
In the mercerisation process, some of the lignin phase is
dissolved away by the alkali solution, giving a
corresponding increase in the density of the treated sisal
fibres. For heat treated sisal fibres, the crystallinity of the
cellulosic micro-fibres will be increased as determined
by X-ray diffraction. The effect of gamma-irradiation
treatment on the short beam shear behaviour of a sisalfibre/glass-fibre/polyester hybrid composite produced by
pultrusion is investigated. 8 refs.
HONG KONG
Accession no.783947
Item 290
69, No.3, Sept.2000, p.261-5
EVALUATION OF OPTIMUM GRAFTING
PARAMETERS AND THE EFFECT OF CERIC
ION INITIATED GRAFTING OF METHYL
METHACRYLATE ON TO JUTE FIBRE ON THE
KINETICS OF THERMAL DEGRADATION AND
SWELLING BEHAVIOUR
Chauhan G S; Bhatt S S; Kaur I; Singha A S; Kaith B S
Himachal Pradesh,University; Hamirpur Regional
Engineering College
To effect useful changes in jute fibre it was graft
copolymerised with MMA initiated by ceric ions and
optimisation of grafting parameters studied as a function
of various reaction conditions. Jute and its graft copolymer
thermally degrade in one and two stages, respectively,
but following the same degradation mechanism. The
degradation mechanism and thermal kinetics were
evaluated by applying seven kinetic degradation models.
Both fibres decompose following the R-2 (PBRcylindrical symmetry) kinetic equation. Initially, the
thermal stability of the graft copolymer is better, as evident
from higher energy of activation and higher initial
decomposition temperature. Swelling (Ps) of graft
copolymers increases as a function of grafting and at a
particular graft level follows the order: DMF greater than
H2O greater than iso-propanol. 23 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.783819
Item 291
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science &
Engineering.Spring Meeting 2000.Volume
82.Conference proceedings.
San Francisco, Ca., 26th-30th March 2000, p.29-30
BIODEGRADABLE MATRIX COMPOSITE:
EFFECT OF SURFACE MODIFICATIONS OF
JUTE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF JUTE-
97
BIOPOL COMPOSITES
Mohanty A K; Khan M A; Misra M; Hinrichsen G
(ACS,Div.of Polymeric Materials Science & Engng.)
The influence of surface modifications (dewaxing, 5%
alkali treatment and the grafting of acrylonitrile) of jute
fibre in jute-reinforced Biopol biodegradable
composites was investigated. Significant increases in
both tensile and flexural strength of the composites
were observed following the surface treatment. The
biodegradability was assessed using a synthetic
municipal solid waste burial test, the weight loss
increasing with time. After 180 days, the pure Biopol
had a weight loss of 44%, the composite containing
dewaxed fibre a loss of 56.6%, and the composite
containing the acrylonitrile-grafted fibre a loss of
41.2%. The lower degradation rate of the grafted
material was attributed to the non-biodegradable nature
of the grafted polyacrylonitrile. 8 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.782844
Item 292
Reinforced Plastics
44, No.7-8, July-Aug.2000, p.19
GREEN COMPOSITES FOR CAR INTERIORS
Lear has introduced two environmentally friendly
polymer materials for use in vehicle interior trim products,
it is briefly reported. The polymer materials contain up
to 70% of natural fibre obtained from plants that are
sustainable and can be easily recycled. A natural fibre
acrylic polymer has been developed for automotive door
panel trim, package tray and trunk applications. The
natural fibre PP has improved mechanical properties
through the use of coupling agents to enhance the
chemical bonding between the fibre and polymer.
LEAR CORP.
USA
Accession no.780201
Item 293
No.1845, 14th July 2000, p.10
COMPOUNDERS GO FOR WOOD
Smith C
Wood-filled plastics is one of the hottest markets in the
building sector. The US lumber industry is currently
leading the move towards extruded wood products, driven
largely by the construction industrys demand for decking
and sidings. Cincinnati Extrusion hopes to become a
significant player in this sector and has developed a wood
extrusion system of its own, which is claimed to be able
to handle composites with wood contents of up to 85%.
Davis-Standard has shown a newly developed direct
compounding and extrusion line for wood products. Its
98
new Woodtruder technology is said to be able to process

a wet wood feed.
USA
Accession no.780132
Item 294
Polymer Testing
19, No.4, 2000, p.419-428
STATISTICAL EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND
MODELING OF POLYPROPYLENE-WOOD
FIBER COMPOSITES
Costa T H S; Carvalho D L; Souza D S C; Coutinho F
M B; Pinto J C; Kokta B V
UFRJ; Quebec,Universite A Trois-Rivieres
Maleated propylene coating of vinyl-tris(2-methoxy
ethoxy)silane treated wood fibres, their matrix type and
relative composition influences the tensile and flexural
behaviour of the composite. The effects of the variables
were studied and an analysis of variance of the
experimental and predicted data indicated that constructed
models provided a fair approximation of the actual
measurements. Empirical models to produce optimum
composites were discussed. 12 refs.
BRAZIL; CANADA
Accession no.779578
Item 295
19, No.11, 1st June 2000, p.979-80
STIFFNESS PREDICTION OF FLAX FIBERSEPOXY COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Lamy B; Baley C
Nantes,Ecole Centrale
Details are given of an investigation of the mechanical
properties of flax fibre-reinforced epoxy resins. The
effects of defects and dispersion in geometry of the fibres
on the mechanical properties are discussed. 3 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.778981
Item 296
35, No.10, 15th May 2000, p.2589-95
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL MODIFICATION ON
THE PERFORMANCE OF BIODEGRADABLE
JUTE YARN-BIOPOL COMPOSITES
Mohanty A K; Khan M A; Sahoo S; Hinrichsen G
Details are given of the preparation of jute fibre-reinforced
hydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers by a hotpress moulding technique. The effects of temperature,
yarn amount, chemical modification, alkali treatment,
graft copolymerisation, and orientation of yarn winding
on the performance of the resulting composites were
investigated. Properties were compared with those of the

pure copolymer. 19 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.778953
Item 297
Vols.276-277, March 2000, p.51-8
INFLUENCE OF COMPATIBILISERS ON
SURFACE HARDNESS WATER UPTAKE AND
POLYPROPYLENE WOOD FLOUR
COMPOSITES PREPARED BY REACTIVE
EXTRUSION
Nitz H; Reichert P; Romling H; Mulhaupt R
Anisotropic wood flour (WF) particles, composed of fibre
bundles, are melt compounded in a twin screw extruder at
200 deg.C together with PP in the presence of maleic
anhydride-grafted PP (PP-g-MA) and maleic anhydridegrafted PS-block-PE-co-1-butene-block-PS (SEBS-g-MA).
Mechanical properties, surface hardness and water uptake
are monitored as a function of compound composition and
type of compatibiliser. PP/WF/SEBS-g-MA containing 30
vol.% (40 wt.%) WF and 3.5 vol.% (3 wt.%) SEBS-g-MA
gives Shore hardness of 78 with respect to 70 for PP and
increased simultaneously Youngs modulus (100%), yield
stress (20%) and notched Izod impact strength (24%).
SEBS-g-MA compatibiliser addition does not affect the
surface hardness but accounts for substantially reduced
water uptake and excellent interfacial adhesion. In
comparison, to talcum-filled PP, PP/WF/SEBS-g-MA
composites exhibit lower density combined with higher
specific strength, specific Youngs modulus and higher
surface hardness. WF particle as well as composite
morphologies are imaged by means of environmental
scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). 8 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.778217
Item 298
Vols. 276-277,March 2000, p.1-24
BIOFIBRES, BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS
AND BIOCOMPOSITES: AN OVERVIEW
Mohanty A K; Misra M; Hinrichsen G
Due to increased environmental consciousness and
demands of legislative authorities, use and removal of
traditional composite structures, usually made of glass,
carbon or aramid fibres being reinforced with epoxy,
unsaturated polyester, or phenolics, are considered
critically. Recent advances in natural fibre development,
genetic engineering and composite science offer
significant opportunities for improved materials from

renewable resources with enhanced support for global
sustainability. The important feature of composite
materials is that they can be designed and tailored to meet
different requirements. As natural fibres are cheap and
biodegradable, the biodegradable composites from
biofibres and biodegradable polymers will render a
contribution in the 21st century due to serious
environmental problems. Biodegradable polymers have
offered scientists a possible solution to waste disposal
problems associated with traditional petrol petroleum
derived plastics. For scientists the real challenge lies in
finding applications which would consume sufficiently
large quantities of these materials to lead price reduction,
allowing biodegradable polymers to compete
economically in the market. Prices of biodegradable
polymers can be reduced on mass scale production; and
such mass scale production will be feasible through
constant R&D efforts of scientists to improve the
performance of biodegradable plastics. Manufacture of
biodegradable composites from such biodegradable
plastics will enhance the demand of such materials. The
structural aspects and properties of several biofibres and
biodegradable polymers, recent developments of different
biodegradable polymers and biocomposites are discussed.
254 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.778213
Item 299
60, No.6, May 2000, p.833-44
EFFECT OF WETTABILITY AND AGEING
CONDITIONS ON THE PHYSICAL AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF UNIAXIALLY
ORIENTED JUTE-ROVING-REINFORCED
POLYESTER COMPOSITES
de Albuquerque A C; Kuruvilla J; Hecker de Carvalho
L; Morais dAlmeida J R
Paraiba,Universidad Federal; Rio de Janeiro,Pontificia
Universidade Catolica
The tensile, flexural and impact behaviour of jute roving
reinforced polyester composites are investigated as a
function of fibre loading and fibre surface wettability. Two
types of unsaturated polyester, Resana (having a wetting
agent) and Elekeiroz (without wetting agent) are used.
49 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.777330
Item 300
Polymer Process Engineering 97. Conference
proceedings.
London, July 1997, p.202-13
INTEGRATED COMPOUNDING TECHNOLOGY
FOR THE PREPARATION OF POLYMER
99
COMPOSITES CONTAINING WASTE

MATERIALS
Bream C E; Hinrichsen E; Hornsby P R; Tarverdi K;
Williams K S
Brunel University
A novel twin-screw extrusion compounding process is
described for the preparation of polymer composites
containing low cost reinforcing additives derived from waste
products. The technology is exemplified using natural fibre
reinforcements, from agricultural sources and fibrereinforced thermoset scrap, added to a PP matrix. Central to
the method is the integration of a preparation step, which
through comminution controls the physical size and
morphology of the additive component. This is combined
with a treatment stage, which allows the surface chemistry
of the filler to be modified, thereby promoting interaction
with polymer during subsequent melt blending. A significant
enhancement in modulus and tensile strength of PP can be
achieved by this method, particularly using well bonded
linseed flax and comminuted woven glass fibre-reinforced
thermoset. Results are discussed in terms of the influence of
the compounding route on the microstructure and properties
of the composites produced. 12 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.775993
Item 301
Polimeros: Ciencia e Tecnologia
9, No.4, Oct./Dec.1999, p.136-41
Portuguese
TENSILE PROPERTIES OF UNSATURATED
POLYESTER COMPOSITES REINFORCED BY
SHORT SISAL FIBRES
Joseph K; Medeiros E S; Carvalho L H
St.Berchmans College; Paraiba,Universidad Federal
A study was made of the effects of fibre length, content
and orientation on the tensile properties of the above
composites. It was found that tensile strength increased
with fibre lengths of from 5 to 45 mm, levelled off between
45 and 55 mm and then decreased from 55 to 75 mm.
Tensile strength also increased with fibre contents up to
55% and then decreased and modulus and elongation at
break were insensitive to fibre length. 25 refs.
BRAZIL; INDIA
Accession no.774207
Item 302
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
38, No.7, 1st April 2000, p.916-21
EFFECT OF TREATMENT ON THE THERMAL
CONDUCTIVITY AND THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY
OF OIL-PALM FIBRE-REINFORCED
PHENOLFORMALDEHYDE COMPOSITES
Agrawal R; Saxena N S; Sreekala M S; Thomas S
100
Rajasthan,University; Indian Rubber Institute;

Kottayam,University
The transient plane source technique was used to measure
both the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of untreated
oil-palm-fibre-reinforced and chemically treated
composites. The effects of the various treatments on the
thermal properties of the composites is discussed. 25 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.773147
Item 303
30, No.4, April 2000, p.84
NATURAL FIBRE
It is briefly reported that natural fibre composites from
Apollor are based on thermoset and thermoplastic resins.
Epitex grades contain straw reinforcement in PP, PE or
PVC. Hemptex is an unsaturated polyester reinforced with
either 20% hemp or 10% each of hemp and glass fibres
in mat form of various types. Property data are presented.
APOLLOR
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.772724
Item 304
60, No.4, 2000, p.581-9
DURABILITY OF JUTE FIBRE-REINFORCED
PHENOLIC COMPOSITES
Singh B; Gupta M; Verma A
India,Central Building Research Institute
The physical and mechanical properties of jute fibrereinforced phenolic resin composites were studied under
varying conditions of humidity, hydrothermal and
weathering. The ageing-induced degradative effect of these
conditions on dimensional stability, surface topography and
mechanical properties of the composites was observed. The
severity of ageing was greater in an accelerated water test
as compared with the other exposure conditions. SEM
observation revealed the fibre accentuation along with fibre
breakage/splitting and surface discolouration in both natural
and accelerated weathering of UV exposure. Some
biological defacement in the form of fungal infestation
appeared at the cut edges of weathered composites, while
extensive disfigurement was observed on all surfaces under
high humidity/water immersion. These results could be
useful as an indicator for assessing the suitability of jute
composites for use in damp and dry conditions. 24 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.772532
Item 305
Journal of Testing & Evaluation
27, No.1, Jan.1999, p.36-41
LOSS ENERGY OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS.

II. IMPACT LOADING
Bledzki A K; Gassan J; Kessler A J
Kassel,Universitat
The influence of material structure parameters (fibre
treatment and content of micropores) on the impact
behaviour of composite materials is described. An
impact falling weight testing device and the
characteristic impact values are introduced. The role
of the fibre/matrix interphase is investigated by using
glass and natural (Jute) fibres with different treatments.
To study the influence of the content of micropores,
epoxy foam reinforced with glass fibre mats are
prepared. All materials are impacted on an instrumented
low-velocity non-penetration falling-weight impact
tester. By integrating the measured force/deflection
curves, all characteristic values are determined. Finally,
the fatigue behaviour of epoxy foam reinforced with
pretreated woven fabrics and the jute/PP laminates
under repeated impact are investigated. In all impact
experiments, the damping index responds more
sensitively to changes in the material structure than
does the loss energy. It is found that the damping index
is an excellent measurement for characterising the
extent of damage. 14 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.772259
Item 307
76, No.7, 16th May 2000, p.1000-10
EFFECT OF FIBRE PRETREATMENT
CONDITION ON THE INTERFACIAL
STRENGTH AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OF WOOD FIBRE/PP COMPOSITES
Jingshen Wu; Demei Yu; Chi-Ming Chan, Jangkyo
Kim, Yiu-Wing Mai
Hong Kong,University of Science & Technology; Xian
Jiaotong,University; Sydney,University
Several different methods for pretreatment of woodfibre
with a silane coupling agent prior to compounding with
polypropylene are described. The compounds produced
from these different pretreated materials using a twin screw
compounding method are examined by reference to
rheological testing in a parallel plate rheometer, physical
testing (both tensile and impact) and by microscopical
examination of fracture surfaces. The coupling chemistry
is discussed and toughening mechanisms are proposed and
discussed with reference to interfacial bond strengths,
matrix plastic deformation and fibre-matrix separation. A
further compound prepared using a grafted copolymer
(styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene grafted with maleic
anhydride) as a compatibiliser was also examined, and
results compared and contrasted with those obtained from
the silane coupled materials. Silane coupled materials were
shown to give the greatest tensile strength, but those using
the compatibiliser gave the greater impact strength. 32 refs
Item 306
39, No.1, 2000, p.187-98
STUDY ON MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF
JUTE-EPOXY COMPOSITES
Mishra H K; Dash B N; Tripathy S S; Padhi B N
Vedvyas College; Salipur College; Ravenshaw College
AUSTRALIA; CHINA
Jute fibres in the form of slivers are reinforced with

epoxy resins to prepare composites. The solution
impregnation method is adopted in an attempt to increase
the percentage of fibre loading. Both untreated (control)
and chemically modified (bleached) slivers are used to
prepare composites. The optimisation study of fibre
loading in composites is done with control slivers
through tensile property assessment. Composites having
50% sliver (control) by weight are served to give the
best tensile characteristics. The tensile, flexural, impact
and hardness properties of the composites of both
bleached and control slivers are investigated and it is
observed that although the latter have better tensile
properties, the former possesses unusually high flexural
properties. Both Izod and Charpy impact tests reflect
that the composites with bleached slivers have higher
impact strengths. In comparison to the composites with
control slivers, they also exhibit greater (Rockwell)
hardness. 30 refs.
This article highlights a headliner for cars which uses

natural fibres, from Findlay Industries Inc. of the USA. It
replaces glass fibre with fibres such as jute, sisal, and
kenaf, held together by adhesives as a thin sheet. Details
are given.
FINDLAY INDUSTRIES INC.
INDIA
With the increasing importance of environmental

interactions, several innovations of the environmental
Accession no.772202
Accession no.771964
Item 308
High Performance Textiles
April 2000, p.3-4
HEADLINER EXPLOITS NATURAL FIBRES
USA
Accession no.771030
Item 309
Angewandte Makromolekulare Chemie
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.121-7
LIFE CYCLE STUDIES ON HEMP FIBREREINFORCED COMPONENTS AND ABS FOR
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS
Wotzel K; Wirth R; Flake M
Braunschweig,Technische Universitat; Seeber
Systemtechnik KG
101
performance are introduced in automotive industry.

One aspect of innovation is an environmental material
selection including renewable raw materials. Products
of renewable raw materials are generally regarded as
environmentally friendly, including products from
hemp, jute and flax. The ecological preferences of
products of natural fibres can be investigated and
described by means of ecological balances. However,
no general principles for the ecological advantages or
disadvantages of fibre plants can be deducted from their
life cycle assessment, since the ecological compatibility
of the different products strongly depends on the
circumstances of the journey of life of the product. The
objective is a decision support of automotive engineers
by giving an ecological balance of the benefits of
substituting ABS by hemp fibres for covering
applications. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of hemp
fibre-reinforced components is introduced. This study
contains the agricultural cultivation of fibre plants, the
method of harvesting and the processing of the
harvested crops. Finally, the analysis includes the
further processing of the fibre, starting from the
manufacturing of the fibre composite matrix on which
the production of form press components for the
automotive industry bases. The differences of energy
demand and emissions amount during the use phase of
a passenger car as well as different recycling scenarios
are assessed. 10 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.769759
Item 310
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.117-20
INTERFACIAL CHARACTERISATION OF FLAX
FIBRE-THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER
COMPOSITES BY THE PULL-OUT TEST
Stamboulis A; Baillie C; Schulz E
London,Imperial College of Science,Technol.& Med.;
Berlin,Federal Inst.for Mat.Res.& Testing
The interface between flax fibres and thermoplastic
polymer matrices is investigated. Two types of flax fibres
are used: dew retted and upgraded Duralin fibres. The
latter fibres are treated by a novel treatment process for
improved moisture and rot sensitivity. The apparent shear
strength of dew-retted and upgraded Duralin fibres
embedded in high and low density PE, PP and maleic
anhydride-modified PP, respectively, is calculated from
the maximum force measured from the pull-out test using
the Kelly-Tyson equation. Higher apparent shear strength
values are measured in the case of HDPE. An
improvement in the interfacial shear strength by the use
of upgraded flax fibres is not clearly observed. The curves
of pull-out force versus displacement for all samples are
typical of a brittle fracture mixed mode interface
behaviour. The pull-out test of flax fibre-polymer matrices
102
exhibit similar characteristics with the pull-out test of

synthetic fibre-polymer systems. 23 refs.
UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.769758
Item 311
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.108-16
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL TREATMENT ON THE
PROPERTIES OF HEMP, SISAL, JUTE AND
KAPOK FOR COMPOSITE REINFORCEMENT
Mwaikambo L Y; Ansell M P
Bath,University
Two chemical treatments are applied to hemp, sisal, jute
and kapok natural fibres to create better fibre to resin
bonding in natural composite materials. The natural fibres
are treated with varying concentrations of caustic soda
with the objective of removing surface impurities and
developing fine structure modifications in the process of
alkalisation. The same fibres are also acetylated with and
without an acid catalyst to graft acetyl groups onto the
cellulose structure, in order to reduce the hydrophilic
tendency of the fibres and enhance weather resistance.
Four characterisation techniques, namely XRD, DSC, FTIR and SEM, are used to elucidate the effect of the
chemical treatment on the fibres. After treatment, the
surface topography of hemp, sisal and jute fibres is clean
and rough. The surface of kapok fibres is apparently not
affected by the chemical treatments. X-ray diffraction
shows a slight initial improvement in the crystallinity
index of the fibres at low sodium hydroxide concentration.
However, high caustic soda concentrations lower the fibre
crystallinity index. Thermal analysis of the fibres also
indicates reductions in crystallinity index with increased
caustic soda concentrations and that grafting of the acetyl
groups is optimised at elevated temperatures. Alkalisation
and acetylation successfully modify the structure of
natural fibres and these modifications will most likely
improve the performance of natural fibre composites by
promoting better fibre to resin bonding. 30 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.769757
Item 312
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.99-107
VEGETABLE FIBRES IN AUTOMOTIVE
INTERIOR COMPONENTS
Magurno A
Johnson Controls Automotive srl
A brief overview is presented of the state of the art of the
use of plastic/vegetable fibre composite materials for
interior car parts, and the technologies to produce such
parts (injection moulding, low pressure injection
moulding, thermoforming, thermocompression and
coinjection moulding). Details are given of development

activity in composite plastic-wood materials to be used
in the automotive sector carried out by Johnson Controls
Automotive, with emphasis on the research lines
performed on several kinds of vegetable fibres
(eucalyptus, jute, flax, kenaf) to be applied to semifinished products: granules (short vegetable fibre) for
injection moulding), and extruded sheets (long and short
vegetable fibre) for thermoforming. 1 ref.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.769756
Item 313
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.71-6
FLAX FIBRE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE AND ITS
EFFECT ON COMPOSITE PROPERTIES:
IMPACT STRENGTH AND
THERMOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Van den Oever M J A; Bos H L; Molenveld K
ATO-DLO
Earlier investigations have shown that the tensile modulus
of flax fibre mat PP composites (NMT) could surpass the
values of glass mat reinforced thermoplastic (GMT) on
fibre weight basis. The tensile and flexural strength could
reach values of up to 65% of the GMT strength values,
however, very much dependent on the fibre physical
structure. This study deals with the Charpy impact and the
thermo-mechanical properties of flax NMT materials. The
trend is that the Charpy impact strength decreases with
increasing fibre internal bonding and enhanced fibre-matrix
adhesion, which is opposite to the trend for the tensile and
flexural properties. The impact strength of the NMT
materials is lower than generally reported for GMT
materials. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis reveals
that with increasing temperature the storage modulus of
the NMT materials reduces more slowly when the fibre
internal bonding and the fibre-matrix adhesion are
improved. In order to approach the tensile, flexural and
impact strength of GMT materials, composites should be
based on the strong elementary flax fibres. The axial tensile
strength of elementary fibres approaches the strength of
glass fibres and the lateral strength of the elementary fibres
is higher than the technical flax fibres lateral strength. The
thermo-mechanical properties can probably be improved
when non-cellulosic material can be removed from the flax
fibre surface without damaging the fibre. 15 refs.
Accession no.769753
Item 314
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.41-5
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FLAX FIBRE
REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES
George J; Ivens J; Verpoest I

Leuven,Catholic University
Flax fibre-reinforced epoxy composites are prepared by
autoclave moulding. Influence of various fibre parameters
such as lignin content, pectin content and degree of
polymerisation on the composite properties is
investigated. Fibre surface modifications such as alkali,
silane and isocyanate treatment are done to improve the
fibre-matrix interactions. The modified fibre surface is
characterised by scanning electron microscopy, atomic
force microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and
differential scanning calorimetry measurements. It is
found that treatment of fibre has a significant influence
on the mechanical properties of the composites.
Morphological studies of the fracture surfaces are carried
out using scanning electron microscopy. 4 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.769748
Item 315
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.27-33
German
TRANSCRYSTALLISATION IN NATURAL
FIBRE-REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Mildner I; Bledski A
Kassel,Universitat
The influence of thermal conditions (recrystallisation
temperature, cooling rate) as well as of different fibre
treatments on the crystallisation of PP is examined by using
melting-microscopic analysis. The results of these
investigations show that the nucleation density of untreated
and MAH-grafted PP treated jute fibres is higher in
comparison with alkalised jute fibres because of differences
in the chemical composition and physical properties of the
fibre surface. With increasing recrystallisation temperature
the maximum of transcrystalline layer thickness is shifted
to higher crystallisation times. Experimental data of this
coherence are successfully fitted by using a simple
Arrhenius-type relationship. Regarding non-isothermal
crystallisation, the beginning of transcrystallisation is
shifted, as expected, to lower temperatures with increasing
cooling rate. 21 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.769746
Item 316
Vol.272, Dec.1999, p.11-6
German
PULTRUSION OF CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Gensewich C; Riedel U
DLR Braunschweig; Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- &
Raumfahrt
103
Pultrusion is a continuous production technology for

manufacturing fibre-reinforced plastic profiles. Usually
glass or carbon fibres are used which are impregnated with
liquid petrochemical thermosetting polymers, e.g.
unsaturated polyesters or epoxy resins, and cured while
being pulled through a heated die. The cured profile is then
cut into parts as required. This cost-effective production
method from reinforced plastics technology is now used
for profiles from natural fibres. Choosing adequate natural
reinforcing fibres, the properties of these composites can
be even better than those of GRP. This potential for
lightweight structures should be used especially for
applications in the automotive and furniture industries.
Profiles made of natural fibres and biopolymers show
decisive advantages in terms of recycling compared with
GRP. Incineration of these materials is carbon dioxideneutral. Using a biodegradable matrix, composting is
another interesting recycling option. In order to
manufacture natural fibre profiles with similar properties
like GRP processing, fibre preforms, e.g. slivers, preyarns,
yarns and biopolymers, have to be adapted to each other.
To limit investments in new machinery, the manufacture
of natural fibre profiles should be possible in the same
production plants as for GRP profiles. Research still has to
be done to reduce the moisture sensitivity of these
composites and increase the fibre-matrix adhesion. At
present, natural fibre composites sites are suited to panelling
elements and loaded structures for interior applications, in
future also for exterior structural parts. 5 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.769743
Item 317
Patent Number: US 6015612 A 20000118
POLYMER WOOD COMPOSITE
Deaner M J; Puppin J; Heikkila K E
Andersen Corp.
Disclosed is a composition comprising a polymer and
wood fibre composite, which can be used in the form of a
linear extrudate or thermoplastic pellet to manufacture
structural members. The polymer and wood fibre
composite structural members can be manufactured by
extrusion or injection moulding. The linear extrudate or
pellet can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape or
can be a regular geometric. The pellet can have a crosssection shape having a specific volume. Preferably the
pellet is a right cylindrical pellet having a minimum radius
of about 1.5 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm weighing
at least 14 mg. The invention also relates to the
environmentally sensitive recycling of waste streams. The
polymer and wood fibre composite contains an intentional
recycle of a waste stream comprising polymer flakes or
particles or wood fibre. The waste stream can comprise,
in addition to a polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride or
wood fibre, adhesive, paint, preservative or other chemical
stream common in the wood-window or door
104
manufacturing process, or mixtures thereof. The initial

mixing step before extrusion of the composite material
ensures substantial mixing and melt contact between
molten polymer and wood fibre. The extruded pellet
comprises a consistent proportion of polymer, wood fibre
and water. During the extrusion, water is removed
intentionally to dry the material to a maximum water
content of less than about 10 wt.%, based on the pellet
weight. To make a structural unit, the pellet is introduced
into an extruder or injection moulding machine wherein,
under conditions of temperature and pressure, the
composite pellet material is shaped into a useful crosssection. Alternatively, the extruded thermoplastic mass,
in the form of a elongated linear extrudate without a
pelletising step, can be immediately directed after
formation into an extruder or injection moulding machine.
USA
Accession no.769624
Item 318
ADVANCED POLYMER WOOD COMPOSITE
Deaner M J; Puppin J; Heikkila K E
Andersen Corp.
Disclosed is a composition in the form of pellets comprising
a thermoplastic and wood fibre composite material suitable
for forming structural members as a replacement for wood
in the manufacture of doors and windows. The composite
has less than about 10 wt.% water based on pellet weight
and a Youngs modulus of at least about 500,000. Structural
members are typically formed from the composite in an
extrusion or injection moulding process.
USA
Accession no.769623
Item 319
89, No.12, Dec.1999, p.37-9
English; German
STRONG AND IMPACT RESISTANT
Mieck K P; Reubmann T
Thueringisches Institut fuer Textil- & KunststoffForschung eV; Chemnitz,Technical University
The impact strength of natural fibre mat-reinforced
thermoplastics can be increased by the addition of
cellulosic fibres with high strength and elongation. In fact,
it can be doubled by adding only 10-15% by wt. (German
version of this paper, which includes illustrations, is on
p.102-5). 5 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.764396
Item 320
35, No.2, 15th Jan. 2000, p.293-8
MANUFACTURE AND MECHANICAL TESTING
OF THERMOSETTING NATURAL FIBRE

COMPOSITES
Hepworth D G; Bruce D M; Vince-nt J F V;
Jeronimidis G
Silsoe Research Institute; Reading,University
Composites were manufactured from high volume
fraction hemp and flax fibres and low viscosity phenolic
and epoxy resins and their mechanical properties, density
and adhesion determined. It was found that the mechanical
properties of the composites could be improved by
minimising processing damage. The influence of two fibre
pretreatments (urea and a 50% PVA solution) for
improving adhesion on the stiffness and strength of the
composites was also evaluated. The latter pretreatment
process increased both the stiffness and strength of the
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.764273
Item 321
Manufacturing
31A, No.2, 2000, p.143-50
INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL SURFACE
MODIFICATION ON THE PROPERTIES OF
BIODEGRADABLE JUTE FABRICSPOLYESTER AMIDE COMPOSITES
Mohanty A K; Khan M A; Hinrichsen G
Jute fabrics are subjected to various surface chemical
modifications and then fabricated into composites with a
polyester amide matrix. The mechanical properties of the
composites are then measured in order to investigate the
effects of fabric surface modification. Scanning electron
microscopy is used to study the fracture surfaces of the
composites. Samples are also subjected to compost burial
for observations of degradation including weight loss and
residual bending strength. 22 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.763631
Item 322
Automotive Engineer
25, No.2, Feb.2000, p.50
FORD GOES BACK TO NATURE
Morton I
Ford is reported here to be pioneering the use of a
natural plant fibre, a relative of hibiscus known as
kenaf, for boot-liners for its Continental and Mustan,
and for full structural door panels for the new Focus.
Full details of the properties and advantages of kenaf
are provided.
FORD; VISTEON; KAFUS BIO-COMPOSITES; R&S
STANZTECHNIK

USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.763299
Item 323
26, No.6, 1999, p.T/1-T/4. (Translation of Gummi
Fasern Kunststoffe, No. 4, 1999, p.294)
WOOD-FILLED THERMOPLASTICS AS AN
ALTERNATIVE TO NATURAL WOOD
Bledzki A K; Sperber V; Theis S; Gassan J; Nishibori S
Kassel,Universitat; EIN Engineering Co.Ltd.
Data are presented on the mechanical properties and
moisture absorption characteristics of wood-fibre and
wood-powder filled plastics. The strength values of
composites filled with up to 55% by weight of wood flour
based on PP, PE, uPVC and pPVC are found to be fully
comparable with those of MDF, although not so good as
those of natural wood. However, due to their lower
moisture absorption on exposure to water, composite
materials in swollen conditions are found to be superior
to wooden materials. 6 refs.
JAPAN; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.762029
Item 324
38, No.5, 1999, p.1051-8
STUDIES ON SWELLING BEHAVIOUR OF
WOOD-POLYMER COMPOSITES BASED ON
AGRO-WASTE AND HDPE IN STEAM AND
WATER AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
Mishra S; Naik J B
North Maharashtra University
Polymer composites of HDPE and banana, hemp and
agave fibres (50:50, w/w) are prepared separately with
and without treatment of maleic anhydride. The swelling
phenomenon in terms of absorption of water and steam is
studied and it is found that the steam penetrates more
within a smaller period of time than the water at ambient
temperature. The maleic anhydride treatment on these
fibres shows the esterification of fibres and because of
that, the absorption (swelling) of steam and water is less
than the untreated respective fibres composites. 10 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.761081
Item 325
38, No.5, 1999, p.997-1011
POLYPROPYLENE HYBRID COMPOSITES: A
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE USE OF GLASS
AND COCONUT FIBRE AS REINFORCEMENTS
IN POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Rozman H D; Tay G S; Kumar R N; Abubakar A;
105
Ismail H; Ishak Z A M
PP hybrid composites are made using coconut and glass
fibres as reinforcing agents in the PP matrix. The
incorporation of both fibres results in the reduction of
flexural, tensile and impact strengths, and elongation at
break. The reduction is attributed to the increased
incompatibility between the fibres and the PP matrix, and
the irregularity in fibre size, especially for biofibres as
shown by scanning electron micrographs. Both flexural
and tensile moduli are improved with increasing level of
fibre loading. Most of the properties tested for composites
with high glass fibres/low biofibre loading are comparable
with the ones with low glass fibre/high biofibre loading.
The results show that more biofibres could be incorporated
in hybrid composites, giving the same range of properties
as the composites with higher loading of glass fibres. 18
refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.761078
Item 326
12, No.6, Nov.1999, p.477-97
BAGASSE FIBER-POLYPROPYLENE BASED
COMPOSITES
Vazquez A; Dominguez V A; Kenny J M
Mardel Plata,University; Perugia,University
The processing and properties of bagasse fibrepolypropylene composites are studied and the effect of
surface modification of the fibres with different
treatments, on the interfacial adhesion to the
polypropylene matrix, is reported. The effect of the
treatment reactions on the chemical structure of the fibres
is analysed by infrared spectroscopy. The effects of the
fibre chemical treatment on the tensile properties of the
moulded composite, produced by different processing
routes, is also analysed and creep measurements are
discussed. 30 refs.
Accession no.760392
Item 327
12, No.6, Nov.1999, p.443-64
EFFECT OF STRAIN RATE AND
TEMPERATURE ON THE TENSILE FAILURE
OF PINEAPPLE FIBER REINFORCED
POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES
George J; Thomas S
The dependence of strain rate and temperature on the
mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)
reinforced polyethylene (LDPE) composites is
investigated. The effects of fibre loading, fibre orientation
106
and fibre treatment on the properties are studied. Scanning

electron microscopy is used to present failure mechanisms
and the activation energy of failure is calculated using an
Arrhenius equation. A failure envelope is generated to
aid understanding of the effect of temperature and strain
rate on the composite properties. 23 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.760390
Item 328
Journal of Cellular Plastics
35, No.6, Nov./Dec.1999, p.550-62
IMPACT PROPERTIES OF NATURAL FIBREREINFORCED EPOXY FOAMS
Bledzki A K; Gassan J; Zjang W
Kassel,Universitat
The impact behaviour of natural fibre-reinforced epoxy
foams is described. The effects of different types of
fibres, fibre content and void content are discussed. It
is found that the woven flax fibre results in composites
with better impact strengths than the woven jute fibre
based composites. The impact damage configuration
and mechanism of these laminated composites are
discussed. Impact properties such as loss energy and
damping index are found to be almost linearly
dependent on void content and impact energy. The loss
energy and damping index are decreased with
increasing fibre content under comparable void content
and test conditions. 32 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.760239
Item 329
Macromolecules
32, No.22, 2nd Nov.1999, p.7396-401
TRANSCRYSTALLIZATION IN MCL-PHAS/
CELLULOSE WHISKERS COMPOSITES
Dufresne A; Kellerhals M B; Witholt B
Grenoble,Joseph Fourier University;
Zurich,Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule
Nanocomposite materials were prepared from an
elastomeric
medium-chain-length
polyhydroxyalkanoate(Mcl-PHA) latex as semicrystalline
material using a colloidal suspension of hydrolysed
cellulose whiskers as natural and biodegradable filler.
After stirring, the preparations were cast and evaporated.
High-performance materials were obtained from this
system, preserving the natural character of PHA.
Differences were, however, reported by comparison with
amorphous PHA filled systems. These differences were
ascribed to a transcrystallisation phenomenon of
semicrystalline HA on cellulose whiskers, evidenced by
DMA. Transcrystallisation hindered the mechanical
percolation of cellulose whiskers and the formation of a
rigid network within the polymer matrix during the film
formation by evaporation. The whiskers network could

reorganise under thermal ageing. 37 refs.
SWITZERLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.759192
Item 330
Polymer
40, No.26, 1999, p.7313-20
MOISTURE DIFFUSION IN POLYESTERWOODFLOUR COMPOSITES
Marcovich N E; Reboredo M M; Aranguren M I
The understanding of water-polymer interactions in
polymeric composite materials is critical to the prediction
of their behaviour in applications where they are exposed
to water or humid environment. Moisture diffusion in
unsaturated polyester-wood flour composites exposed to
environments kept at room temperature and different
relative humidities is investigated. Equations obtained from
microscopic mass balances for vapour diffusion in solids
are used to determine the effective diffusion coefficients
of the different woodflours, neat resin and composites. The
effect of the size and shape of the composite specimens
used in the experimental work on the final moisture content
is also evaluated. Different models are used to predict the
composite effective diffusion coefficients as a function of
filler concentrations. 20 refs.
ARGENTINA
Accession no.758984
Item 331
Polyurethanes Expo 99. Conference proceedings.
Orlando, Fl., 12th-15th Sept.1999, p.373-6
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCES WITH
AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR TRIM
COMPONENTS UTILISING NATURAL FIBRE
MATS
Fries K-W; Sander W; Rompala T; Muto J
Hennecke GmbH; Bayer Corp.
(American Plastics Council,Alliance for the
Polyurethanes Industry)
NafpurTec, a Hennecke technology utilising a natural fibre
mat impregnated with Bayers Baypreg F PU systems,
most recently went into production for the manufacturing
of automotive interior parts. The first actual production
experiences with this new process technology are related.
By utilising the NafpurTec technology, interior panels can
be moulded with minimal thicknesses of 1.5-2.0 mm,
within 30-60 seconds. The natural fibre mat used is a flax/
sisal blend (50/50) which is used to replace glass fibre,
commonly used in competitive technologies. A variety
of other natural fibres such as hemp are also conceivable
for this technology. The natural fibre mat is impregnated
with the Baypreg PU system to produce a finished,
lightweight product which is 35-45 % urethane, and 55-
65% natural fibres. Advantages of the technology are short

cycle times as compared to competitive technologies, thin
wall thicknesses, the lightweight nature of the finished
parts, the cost savings resulting from the favourable ratio
of natural fibres to urethane (i.e. 65%:35% versus
20%:80%), and the use of a natural fibre which is a
renewable resource with the opportunity for recycling.
Processing data, part physical properties, equipment
configurations and production data are outlined.
USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.755704
Item 332
74, No.8, 21st Nov.1999, p.1962-77
STEAM-EXPLODED RESIDUAL SOFTWOODFILLED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Angles M N; Salvado J; Dufresne A
Tarragona,Universitat Rovira i Virgili; Grenoble,Joseph
Fourier University
Residual softwood sawdust was pretreated using a steamexplosion technique and was used as a natural filler in
PP-based composites. DMA and tensile properties of the
materials were studied. The influence of filler loading,
steam-explosion severity and coating of the fibre with a
functionalised compatibiliser, such as maleic anhydridemodified PP, on the mechanical behaviour of the
composite was evaluated. The results were analysed in
relation to those from SEM observations and surface
energy and apparent specific area measurements. 59 refs.
Accession no.755613
Item 333
26, No.11, Dec.1999, p.40
TWO-MATERIAL DEMONSTRATION
It is briefly reported that Battenfeld has demonstrated an
HM 4500/2x2800 injection moulding machine producing
a furniture door and handle. The door part consists of a
flax reinforced PP core and Targor PP for the outer layers.
The door part and the thermoplastic elastomer grip were
made in a multi-component mould.
BATTENFELD AG
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.754611
Item 334
89, No.8, Aug.1999, p.18-20
English; German
FLAX-REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Wielage B; Kohler E; Odenwald S; Lampke T; Bergner A
107
In the production of composite materials from natural
fibres and a thermoplastic matrix, the process parameters
have a significant effect on the mechanical properties of
the parts. The boundaries of the process control are
derived from theoretical principles and temperature-time
dependencies, determined by thermoanalytical
techniques. 7 refs. (Translated from Kunststoffe p.60-2).
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.753240
Item 335
Plastics Technology
45, No.10, Oct.1999, p.62/8
NATURAL FIBERS
Sherman L M
A review is presented of developments in the use of natural
fibre-reinforced plastics in vehicle interiors. Technology
for using natural fibre composites in interior trim is being
cultivated by Tier I and II automotive suppliers, typically
in partnership with producers of natural fibre-based mat
materials. Much developmental work is focused on PPbased composites produced by compression moulding or
thermoforming extruded sheet or commingled mats of PP
and plant fibres, and at least one SRIM-type polyurethane
application has been commercialised. Details are given
of automotive applications using these biocomposites,
processing techniques used, and material combinations.
NORTH AMERICA
Accession no.752984
Item 337
Journal of Composite Materials
31, No.5, 1997, p.509-27
INFLUENCE OF SHORT GLASS FIBRE
ADDITION ON THE MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF SISAL REINFORCED LOW
DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES
Kalapasad G; Joseph K; Thomas S
The evaluation of enhancement in the mechanical
properties of short sisal fibre reinforced PE composites
by the incorporation of short glass fibre as an intimate
mix with sisal is described. Intimately mixed short glasssisal hybrid fibre reinforced PE composites (GSRP) are
prepared by solution mixing technique. The effects of fibre
orientation and alkali treatment on sisal fibre in GSRP
are studied. Addition of relatively small volume fraction
of glass (0.03) to the sisal reinforced PE matrix (SRP)
enhances the tensile strength of longitudinally oriented
composites by about 80%. Addition of the same volume
fraction of glass to the alkali treated sisal incorporated
SRP enhances the tensile strength by more than 90%. The
flexural strength of the longitudinally oriented composites
is also studied. The incorporation of glass fibre (Vf = 0.03)
to SRP enhances the flexural strength by more than 60%.
The effect of hybridisation on water absorption tendency
of the sisal fibre is studied by immersing SRP and GSRP
in boiling water for 3 hours. It is observed that water
uptake of GSRP is two to four times less than that of SRP
composites. Halpin-Tsai equation for composites is tried
for calculating the tensile modulus of longitudinally
oriented GSRP. 25 refs.
INDIA
Item 336
38, No.4, 1999, p.767-82
JUTE-REINFORCED URETHANE POLYMER
COMPOSITE UNDER GAMMA RADIATION
Khan M A; Balo S K; Ali K M I
Some formulations are developed with urethane
triacrylate oligomer in combination with monomers of
different functionalities. Thick (2 mm) polymer films are
prepared with these formulations under Co-60 gamma
radiation. The films are reinforced with jute by mixing
jute particles in the above formulations at different
proportions. These films are characterised and it is
observed that both tensile and bending strengths are
enhanced by the addition of the jute in the formulation;
however, elongation is reduced with the increase in jute
concentration. However, the presence of trimethylol
propane triacrylate (TMPTA) in the formulations slightly
reduce the tensile properties of the composites from the
already enhanced properties induced by the TMPTA in
the films. 9 refs.
BANGLADESH
Accession no.752297
108
Accession no.751391
Item 338
12, No.5, Sept.1999, p.388-98
INFLUENCE OF FIBRE SURFACE TREATMENT
ON THE CREEP BEHAVIOUR OF JUTE FIBREREINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Gassan J; Bledski A K
Kassel,Universitat
Improvements in the characteristic properties of jute-PP
composites are obtained with the application of MAH
grafted PP copolymers as a coupling agent to the fibre
SEM investigations demonstrate that fibre pull-out is
reduced after the modification with the coupling agent.
This improved fibre-matrix adhesion further leads to a
lower creep strain in the outer fibres. This is demonstrated
for composites with two different fibre contents. Up to
applied stresses of 5.1 N/sq.mm, the creep behaviour for
the composites with unmodified, as well as for those with
MAH-PP modified, fibres obeys the creep law according
to Abbott. The experimental data of creep tests at higher
applied stresses are fitted more successfully by using the
creep law according to Findley. The creep kinetic
coefficient according to Abbott is dependent on the

applied stress for both types of composites and for both
fibre contents. 32 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.751376
Item 339
No.268, July 1999, p.22-8
German
EFFECT OF WATER EXPOSURE ON ALKALI
TREATED JUTE AND FLAX FIBRE-EPOXY
RESIN COMPOSITES
Kassel,Universitat
The influence of water exposure on the physical properties
of untreated and alkali-treated jute and flax fibres and
their composites with an epoxy resin is reported. The
water caused strong anisotropic swelling which was more
significant for the alkali-treated fibres. Generally, jute
fibres lost 30% of their tenacity after exposure to water
while the tenacity of flax fibres remains unaffected. In
consequence, the tensile strength of jute-epoxy
composites decreases with increasing water content, while
the strength of comparable flax-epoxy composites
increases slightly. The dynamic strength of the composites
was improved after the use of alkali-treated fibres. Over
a 49-day period of storage in water, the dynamic strength
decreased in relation to the type of fibre and their
treatment. 32 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.750687
decreased, regardless of the quality of fibre-resin

adhesion. For dynamic loadings, storage cycle induced
damage, further bringing about a decreased dynamic
modulus and an increased progress in damage with
increasing loading cycles during the first two
environmental cycles, being constant afterwards. 29 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.750345
Item 341
Antec 99. Volume II. Conference proceedings.
New York City, 2nd-6th May 1999, p.2645-9. 012
HIGH QUALITY FLAX FIBRE COMPOSITES
MANUFACTURED BY THE RESIN TRANSFER
MOULDING PROCESS
Oksman K
Swedish Institute of Composites
(SPE)
The use of high quality natural fibres as reinforcements
is studied using the resin transfer moulding (RTM)
processing technique. The fibres are unidirectional high
quality ArcticFlax and the matrix is an epoxy resin. The
mechanical properties of the composites are compared to
conventional RTM manufactured glass fibre composites,
traditionally retted UD-flax fibre composites and to the
pure epoxy. Results of mechanical testing show that the
(50/50) high quality ArcticFlax/epoxy composite has a
stiffness of about 40 GPa compared to the stiffness in
pure epoxy of 3.2 GPa. The same composite has a tensile
strength of 280 MPa compared to 80 MPa of the epoxy.
RTM is shown to be a suitable processing technique for
natural fibre composites when high quality laminates are
preferred. 9 refs.
SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; WESTERN EUROPE
Item 340
Polymer Composites
20, No.4, Aug.1999, p.604-11
EFFECT OF CYCLIC MOISTURE ABSORPTION
DESORPTION ON THE MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF SILANIZED JUTE-EPOXY
COMPOSITES
Kassel,Universitat
The effect of water absorption-desorption cycles on the
mechanical properties of natural fibre-reinforced plastics
was studied. Epoxy resins with jute woven fabrics as
reinforcement with untreated and silane-treated fibres
were investigated. Silane treatment of fibres led to
increases of up to 30% in TS, flexural strength and
Youngs modulus of composites. Absorption-desorption
cycles of fibres changed the fracture mechanisms of fibres
without having significant effects on the TS of the fibres.
Light microscopic investigations showed that absorptiondesorption cycles of composites led to the debonding of
resin from fibres as well as to cracks in the adjacent resin.
As a result of these mechanisms, TS and Youngs modulus
Accession no.749510
Item 342
59, No.11, 1999, p.1625-40
EFFECT OF PROCESSING VARIABLES ON THE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SISAL-FIBERREINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Joseph P V; Joseph K; Thomas S
Mahatma Gandhi,University; Kerala,St.Berchmans
College
Short sisal fibre-reinforced PP composites were prepared
by melt mixing and solution mixing methods. The melt
mixing parameters were optimised. A mixing time of 10
min, rotor speed of 50 rpm and a mixing temp. of 170C
were found to be optimum conditions. The tensile properties
were evaluated as a function of fibre length, loading and
orientation. Fibre length of 2 mm was found to be optimum
for the best balance of properties in the case of melt-mixed
composites. Composites containing longitudinally oriented
109
fibres showed superior mechanical properties to those of

the transverse and random orientations. Tensile properties
of melt-mixed and solution-mixed composites were
compared. Melt-mixed composites showed better
properties than solution-mixed composites. 34 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.749069
Item 343
FOAMING OF PS/WOOD FIBRE COMPOSITES
IN EXTRUSION USING MOISTURE AS
BLOWING AGENT
Rizvi G; Matuana L M; Park C B
Toronto,University; Michigan,Technological University
(SPE)
An experimental study on foam processing of PS and HIPS/
wood fibre composites in extrusion using moisture as a
blowing agent is presented. Wood fibre inherently contains
moisture that can potentially be used as a blowing agent.
Undried wood fibre is processed together with PS and HIPS
materials in extrusion and wood fibre composite foams are
produced. The cellular morphology and volume expansion
ratios of the foamed composites are characterised. Because
of the high stiffness of styrenic materials, moisture
condensation during cooling after expansion at high
temperature does not cause much contraction of the foamed
composite and a high volume expansion ratio up to 20 is
successfully obtained. The experimental results show that
the expansion ratio can be controlled by varying the
processing temperature and the moisture content in the wood
fibre. The effects of a small amount of a chemical blowing
agent and mineral oil on the cell morphologies of plastic/
wood fibre composite foams are also investigated. 36 refs.
CANADA; USA
Accession no.748770
Item 344
73, No.12, 19th Sept.1999, p.2493-505
WOOD-POLYMER COMPOSITES MADE WITH
ACRYLIC MONOMERS, ISOCYANATE AND
MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
Ellis W D; ODell J L
US,Dept.of Agriculture,Forest Service
Wood could provide better service in some applications if
it were harder and more dimensionally stable. Woodpolymer composites (WPC) made with different chemical
combinations are evaluated for dimensional stability, ability
to exclude water vapour and liquid water and hardness.
Pine, maple and oak solid wood are combined with different
combinations of hexanediol diacrylate, hydroxyethyl
methacrylate, hexamethylene diisocyanate and maleic
anhydride. Treatment slows the rates of water vapour and
liquid water absorption. Although the resultant dimensional
110
stability is not permanent, the rate of swelling of WPC

specimens is less than that of unmodified wood specimens.
In addition, WPC are harder than unmodified wood. The
chemical combination of hexanediol diacrylate,
hydroxyethyl methacrylate and hexamethylene
diisocyanate greatly decrease wetting and penetration of
water into the wood. This chemical combination also gives
the hardest and most dimensionally stable WPC. In general,
WPC prepared using hydroxyethyl methacrylate are harder
than specimens made without hydroxyethyl methacrylate
and exclude water and moisture more effectively. 17 refs.
USA
Accession no.747986
Item 345
Gummi Fasern Kunststoffe
52, No.4, April 1999, p.294-6
German
WOOD-FILLED THERMOPLASTICS AS AN
ALTERNATIVE TO NATURAL WOOD
Bledzki A K; Sperber V; Theis S; Gassan J; Nishibori S
Kassel,Universitat; EIN Engineering Co.Ltd.
Data are presented on the mechanical properties and
moisture absorption of wood-fibre and wood-powder
filled plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene and PVC) as
compared with MDF and natural wood. 6 refs. Articles
from this journal can be requested for translation by
subscribers to the Rapra produced International Polymer
Science and Technology.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.747662
Item 346
34, No.15, 1st Aug. 1999, p.3709-19
INTERFACIAL AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY
GREEN COMPOSITES MADE FROM
PINEAPPLE FIBRES AND
POLY(HYDROXYBUTYRATE-CO-VALERATE)
RESIN
Luo S; Netravali A N
Cornell University
The results are reported of a detailed study of the physical
and tensile properties of pineapple fibres, the tensile and
flexural properties of biodegradable composites
reinforced with these fibres and measurements of
pineapple fibre/poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate)
interfacial shear strength, performed using the microbond
test. The tensile and flexural properties of the composites
are compared with those of various kinds of wood and
the fracture surfaces of the composites are briefly
discussed. 20 refs.
USA
Accession no.745938
Item 347
29, No.9, Sept.1999, p.70/79
PROCESSORS FOCUS ON DIFFERENTIATION
IN WINDOW PROFILES
Defosse M
The need for product differentiation in the window
industry is discussed as the market reaches maturity. In
the two largest geographical markets, North America and
Germany, penetration is said to be over 40% and 50%
respectively. Processors are aware that future sales growth
will depend on offering unique products, including the
use of composites materials and taking advantage of
possible US legislation regarding the energy efficiency
of buildings, by offering thermally efficient products.
Product developments are reviewed.
NORTH AMERICA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.745194
Item 348
73, No.9, 29th Aug.1999, p.1757-61
GRAFT COPOLYMERISATION OF
ACRYLONITRILE ON KENAF FIBRES BY
CERIC ION IN THE PRESENCE OF ALLYL
COMPOUNDS
Eromosele I C; Bayero S S
Yola,Federal University of Technology
Graft copolymers of acrylonitrile on kenaf fibres are
obtained in an aqueous medium by the use of allyl alcohol
and allyl chloride in combination with ceric ion as redox
pairs. The graft copolymerisation reactions show distinct
features associated with different initiating species derived
from the redox pairs. For a ceric-allyl chloride-initiated
reaction, a minimum graft yield is observed, accompanied
by an enhanced graft yield. This suggests the existence
of two kinetically controlled grafting reactions arising
from two different initiating species. For the ceric-allyl
alcohol-initiated reaction, the grafting profile shows a
maximum yield and suggests the presence of one active
initiating species. High concentrations of acrylonitrile are
favourable to grafting with values of up to 150%, but they
also result in decreased efficiency in monomer conversion
to grafted polymer. The frequency of grafting increases
with the concentration of allyl alcohol but the molecular
weight of grafted polymer of up to 4.46 x 10 4 decreases
by a factor of one and half over the concentration range
1.8-9.0 x 10 -4 M of the latter. The presence of 10% (v/v)
N,N-dimethylformamide results in zero graft, but the
same vol % of formic acid had no apparent effect on the
graft yield. A negative temperature dependence in the graft
yield is found in the temperature range of 50-70 deg.C.
15 refs.
NIGERIA
Accession no.744465
Item 349
59, No.9, 1999, p.1303-9
POSSIBILITIES FOR IMPROVING THE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF JUTE/EPOXY
COMPOSITES BY ALKALI TREATMENT OF
FIBRES
Kassel,Universitat
The mechanical properties of tossa jute fibres were
optimised by treatment with sodium hydroxide using
different alkali concentrations and shrinkages. The effects
of shrinkage on fibre structure and, as a result, on the
mechanical properties of the fibre and the influence of
treatment on the mechanical properties of the composites
are discussed in depth. Mechanical properties evaluated
included tensile properties and impact properties. A
correlation was established between composite impact
damping and yarn toughness. 20 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.741354
Item 350
73, No.7, 15th Aug.1999, p.1329-40
FIBER-REINFORCED CELLULOSIC
Glasser W G; Taib R; Jain R K; Kander R
Virginia Tech
Steam-exploded fibres from Yellow poplar (Liriodendron
tulipifera) wood were assessed in terms of their thermal
stability characteristics, their impact on torque during melt
processing of a thermoplastic cellulose acetate butyrate
matrix, their fibre-matrix adhesion and dispersion in
composites, and their mechanical properties under
tension. Fibres included water-extracted steam-exploded
fibres, alkali-extracted fibres(AEF), acetylated
fibres(AAEF) and a commercial milled oat fibre sample
(untreated control). AAEF composites produced the best
mechanical properties. Fibre-aspect ratio was reduced to
an average of 25 to 50 from much more than 200 during
compounding. The superior reinforcing characteristics of
AAEF fibres were also reflected by SEM, which revealed
better fibre-matrix adhesion and failure by fibre
fibrillation rather than by fibre pull-out. 29 refs.
USA
Accession no.739040
Item 351
Polymer Composites
20, No.3, June 1999, p.367-78
MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES
OF ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY GREEN
COMPOSITES MADE FROM PINEAPPLE LEAF
FIBRES AND POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE-CO-
111
VALERATE RESIN
Luo S; Netravali A N
Cornell University
Item 353
73, No.4, 25th July 1999, p.583-92
BIOCOMPOSITES BASED ON SEA ALGAE
FIBERS AND BIODEGRADABLE
THERMOPLASTIC MATRICES
Iannace S; Nocilla G; Nicolais L
Napoli,Universita Federico II
The mechanical and thermal properties of unidirectional,

degradable, environmentally friendly green composites
made from pineapple fibres and polyhydroxybutyrate-covalerate (PHBV) resin are presented. Tensile and flexural
properties of the green composites with different fibre
contents are measured in both longitudinal and transverse
directions. Compared to those of virgin resin, the tensile
and flexural strengths of green composites are
significantly higher in the longitudinal direction while
they are lower in the transverse direction. However, the
mechanical properties are lower than those predicted by
simple models. Scanning electron microscope
photomicrographs of the tensile fracture surfaces
demonstrate fibres being pulled out from the matrix, the
interfacial failure, fibre fibrillation and the nonunidirectional nature of the green composites. The thermal
behaviour of the green composites, studied by differential
scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis,
shows that the presence of pineapple fibres does not affect
the non-isothermal crystallisation kinetics, crystallinity
and thermal decomposition of PHBV resin. 23 refs.

WESTERN EUROPE
USA
Accession no.738097
Composites were prepared by mixing thermoplastic

biodegradable polymers (Mater-Bi Y101 U, Mater-Bi
ZF03 U/A and polycaprolactone) with sea algae
(lignocellulosic) fibres. Tensile properties were analysed
as a function of fibre concentration. The effect of
processing, such as compression moulding and
calendering, on the mechanical properties of the materials
was investigated. Composites showed higher elastic
modulus and lower strength than the matrix components.
Fibre damaging, characterised by a reduction of both
length and diameter, was observed in the composites.
Films prepared by calendering operations showed
anisotropic properties due to fibre alignment. 23 refs.
NOVAMONT
Accession no.738681
Item 352
5th International Conference on Deformation and
Fracture of Composites. Conference proceedings.
London, 18th-19th March 1999, p.282-96
HETEROEPITAXIAL NUCLEATION OF FLAX
FIBRES IN POLYOLEFIN CRYSTALLISATION
Zafeiropoulos N E; Barber A H; Baillie C A; Matthews
FL
(Institute of Materials; Institution of Mechanical
Engineers)
Cellulose fibres have long been used in the plastics industry
as cost-cutting materials. They are now recognised as a
potential replacement for glass fibres for use as reinforcing
agents in composite materials. They enjoy a number of
certain advantages over glass fibres, such as low cost, high
strength-to-weight ratio, biodegradability and ease of
processing. Crystallisation from the melt of various
polyolefin matrices (isotactic PP (i-PP), maleic anhydride
modified PP (MAPP) and HDPE) in the presence of flax
fibres of three different types (green flax, dew retted flax
and Duralin treated flax) is examined using hot stage optical
microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It is
revealed that all the three types of flax fibres induce the
formation of a transcrystalline layer in i-PP, while only
dew retted flax is found able to induce transcrystallinity in
HDPE and MAPP. 19 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.738674
112
Item 354
73, No.3, 18th July 1999, p.399-407
CORRELATION OF WATER VAPOR
ADSORPTION BEHAVIOR OF WOOD WITH
SURFACE THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
Tshabalala M A; Denes A R; Williams R S
US,Forest Products Laboratory; Wisconsin,University
The surface thermodynamic characteristics of a wood
fibre were determined and an attempt made to correlate
these characteristics with water vapour adsorption
behaviour of the fibre. The surface thermodynamic
characteristics were the dispersive component of the
surface energy, surface acid-base free energy and enthalpy
of desorption of acid-base probes, and surface acid-base
acceptor and donor parameters. The data obtained were
relevant to the design of appropriate processes for
manipulating the surface properties of wood fibres while
preserving their desirable bulk properties. A desirable
feature for wood-plastic composites was optimal adhesion
to non-wood matrices and for fibreboard, particleboard
and flakeboard resistance to degradation mediated by
water vapour adsorption. 20 refs.
USA
Accession no.738079
Item 355
Antec 99. Volume III. Conference proceedings.
EFFECT OF FILLER SIZE AND COMPOSITION
ON THE PROPERTIES OF INJECTION

MOULDED PP AND PP/HDPE-WOOD FLOUR
COMPOSITES
Albano C; Ichazo M N; Gonzalez J; Molina K; Espejo L
Venezuela,Universidad Central; Simon
Bolivar,Universidad
(SPE)
The effect of filler size and composition on the mechanical
properties of wood PP composites is studied. The blends
are prepared in an intermeshing co-rotating twin screw
extruder and injection moulded. The best properties
(elastic modulus and tensile strength) are obtained for the
40 wt.% wood flour composites for all filler sizes
employed. PP/HDPE blends (80/20 wt.%) are prepared
based on the higher wood flour content of the composites
tested previously. 8 refs.
VENEZUELA
Accession no.734017
jute layers increases, by keeping the number of PP layers

constant, generally failure properties decrease but an
increased water uptake is observed. The influence of
various constructions on the properties is analysed by
changing the mode of combination of jute and PP layers.
In these experiments, the total number of layers are fixed
at a constant. It is found that the preferred combination is
one with jute as core layer and PP as skin layers. Scanning
electron microscopy is used to analyse the failure surface
morphology of the composites. Finally, value-added
product is fabricated using selected composites. 45 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.732294
Item 358
PROCESS OF MAKING A LOAD-CARRYING
STRUCTURE
Ryan D B
Item 356
Revista de Plasticos Modernos
76, No.506, Aug.1998, p.190-7
Spanish
DEVELOPMENT OF LIGNOCELLULOSE
FIBRE-REINFORCED THERMOPLASTICS FOR
INJECTION MOULDING
Gomez J L; Jarones C; Ganan P
Gaiker; Medellin,Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
At least one of bamboo culms, split bamboo culms,

bamboo fibre tape or prepared bamboo fibres is coated
with a bonding material to produce a core, which is then
combined with a polymer matrix and extruded or moulded
to form a structure having the desired shape. The structure
compares favourably with wood, steel and concrete with
regard to strength, longevity, price and ability to withstand
earthquakes and may be used as a beam, column,
telephone pole or marine pole.
The properties of injection moulded specimens of PP

reinforced with sisal were studied in comparison with
glass fibre-reinforced PP specimens. The influence of a
propylene-maleic anhydride graft copolymer coupling
agent on the mechanical properties of the composites was
USA
COLOMBIA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;

Accession no.732436
Item 357
18, No.4, 1999, p.346-72
JUTE SACK CLOTH REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES:
MECHANICAL AND SORPTION STUDIES
Harikumar K R; Joseph K
CMS College; St.Berchmans College; Mahatma
Gandhi,University
Composite materials are fabricated using jute and PP sacks
by compression moulding. Different types of composites
are fabricated by varying the number of jute layers,
number of PP layers and the mode of combination of jute
and PP layers, keeping the total number of layers a
constant. It is found that as the number of PP layers
increases, the tensile strength, tear strength and modulus
increase, but the elongation at break and equilibrium water
uptake are found to decrease. Also, when the number of
Accession no.730270
Item 359
Composites Part B: Engineering
30B, No.3, 1999, p.309-20
EFFECT OF FIBRE SURFACE TREATMENT ON
THE FIBRE-MATRIX BOND STRENGTH OF
NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED COMPOSITES
Valadez-Gonzalez A; Cervantes-Uc J M; Olayo R;
Herrera-Franco P J
Yucatan,Centro de Investigacion Cientifica;
Iztapalapa,University
The interfacial shear strength between natural fibres
(henequen fibres) and a thermoplastic matrix (HDPE) was
improved by the morphological and silane chemical
modification of the fibre surface. The three surface
modifications were (1) treatment with alkaline solution,
(2) surface treatment with vinyltris(2-methoxyethoxy)
silane (Silane A-172 from Union Carbide), and (3) preimpregnation with a dilute solution of HDPE in xylene.
The alkali treatment improved the interfacial shear
strength by increasing the surface roughness to give better
mechanical interlocking and increased the amount of
cellulose on the surface to increase the number of possible
reaction sites. The pre-impregnation gave better fibre
wetting. Surface silanisation resulted in better interfacial
load transfer efficiency, but did not seem to improve the
113
wetting of the fibre. The results obtained from the single

fibre fragmentation test gave better agreement with the
effective mechanical properties of composite material than
those obtained by pull-out test. 27 refs. (See also next
paper, this journal, p.321-31)
MEXICO
Accession no.729210
Item 360
International Polymer Processing
14, No.1, March 1999, p.10-20
UTILISATION OF RHEOLOGY CONTROL TO
DEVELOP WOOD-GRAIN PATTERNED PVC/
WOOD FLOUR COMPOSITES
Yong Lak Joo; Myung Ho Cho
Hanwha Group
The effects of wood flour and plasticiser on the rheology
and extrusion of PVC-based wood-plastic composites were
investigated. The intention was to determine an optimal
pair of PVC-based wood-plastic composites that would
exhibit substantially different rheological behaviours so that
patterns similar to wood grain can be developed inside and
on the surface of the product when the two compounds are
extruded together. Experiments were performed on a single
screw extruder, an intermeshing, co-rotating twin screw
extruder and an intermeshing, counter-rotating twin screw
extruder. Only the counter-rotating, twin screw extruder
gave wood pattern both inside and on the surface as well
as complete plasticisation. Considerable rheological,
compounding (DOP content, wood flour content and
optional acrylic impact modifier content), Tg, and
processing data are given. Mechanical properties need to
be improved before the composites can be used for door
frames and windows. 22 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.728752
Item 361
89, No.3, March 1999, p.6-7. (Translated from
Kunststoffe 89 (1999) 3, pp.30-2)
INJECTION MOULDING OF NATURAL FIBREREINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Aurich T; Mennig G
The suitability is investigated of natural fibres as
reinforcements for use in polymer based composite
materials. In particular injection moulded flax fibrereinforced polypropylene is discussed. Consideration is
given to the fibre-matrix adhesion and the use of coupling
agents, compounding, rheology and mechanical
properties. It is shown that natural fibres can provide
significant increases in strength and elastic modulus
compared to the pure polymer, and represent an alternative
to glass fibre-reinforced thermoplastics for use in the
medium loading range. 8 refs.
114

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.726373
Item 362
89, No.2, Feb. 1999, p.23-4. (Translated from
Kunststoffe 89 (1999), 2, pp.80-4).
RECYCLING OF POLYPROPYLENE
REINFORCED WITH NATURAL FIBRES
Reussmann T; Mieck P; Gruetzner R; Bayer R
Thueringisches Institut fuer Textil- & KunststoffForschung eV; Allied Polymers GmbH
The recycling of flax fibre reinforced PP is examined,
and the incorporation of a recompounding stage is
investigated, which leads to a higher quality recycled
compound for injection moulding and extrusion
applications. By recompounding regrind, it is possible to
optimise fibre content and also fibre/matrix adhesion by
means of chemical coupling. The remoulding of used parts
has not gained any major technical significance, since
repeated compression moulding leads to a reduction in
mechanical properties. 4 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.726066
Item 363
Reinforced Plastics
43, No.1, Jan.1999, p.19
PLANT FIBRES OFFER GREENER OPTION
The automotive industrys search for cheaper, greener
materials is generating considerable research into plant
fibre as an alternative to glass reinforcement in composite
products. Research into plant fibre composites is focusing
on two processing routes: injection moulding for nonstructural parts and resin transfer moulding for semistructural parts. Concargo has developed a hemp
reinforced composite parcel shelf for the Ford Transit van
using RTM.
CONCARGO LTD.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.725938
Item 364
38, No.1, 1999, p.99-112
STUDY ON PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF BIOPOL-JUTE COMPOSITE
Khan M A; Ali K M I; Hinrichsen G; Kopp C; Kropke S
Bangladesh,Atomic Energy Commission;
A Biopol-jute composite (BJC) is prepared using a hotpress treatment by reinforcing the Biopol polymer with
hessian cloth (jute fabrics) placed in between the layers
of Biopol polymer films. Both the tensile and bending

strengths of the composite increase substantially, in
comparison to pure Biopol. Jute fabrics are treated with
different additives to improve the composite properties.
Among them, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate (3%), gammamethacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (2%), and
trimethoxy vinyl silane (0.5%) are found to be effective
in enhancing tensile properties up to 80% with respect to
Biopol. Mixed additives increase the tensile properties
of the composites to some extent, but not as much as the
single additive. 23 refs.
BANGLADESH; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
Accession no.724276
Item 365
38, No.12, Dec.1998, p.2029-33
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF
THERMOPLASTIC WHEAT STARCH
INJECTION MOULDING PROCESS
Abbes B; Ayad R; Prudhomme J C; Onteniente J P
Reims,University; ESIEC; IFTS
Wheat starch was plasticised using 16% water, 10%
glycerol and 2% magnesium stearate as lubricant. This
lubricated and fully biodegradable thermoplastic wheat
starch formulation was pelletised using an ogive-shaped
head single screw extruder. After conditioning one week
at 20C and 65% relative humidity, the pellets were
moulded to produce standardised samples for tensile test.
The aim of this work is to optimise the injection moulding
process of this formulation using available moulding
software. Two sets of process simulation software were
used, namely, C-MOLD (AC-Technology USA) and
STRIMFLOW (Matra-DataVision, France). It is shown
that the conventional continuum mechanics equations can
be used for modelling the injection moulding of
thermoplastic starch. These equations are solved using
the finite element method. Comparisons with some
experimental results are presented, indicating good
agreement. Data on the processing of thermoplastic starch
and several other basic aspects are provided. 38 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.718719
Item 366
Plastverarbeiter
46, No.4, April 1995, p.18-24
German
DIRECT EXTRUSION: COMPOUNDING AND
PROCESSING IN ONE STEP, PART II
Berghaus U
Examples of the use of direct extrusion in a wide range
of applications for e.g. dispersion of additives and filling
and reinforcement of polyolefins are given. Information
is tabulated on the change in thermal, mechanical and
acoustic properties of polyolefins with the use of fillers

(whiting, talc, barium sulphate and wood flour) and
reinforcing agent (glass fibre), and the economics of
production of pipes from different materials (HDPE, PVC,
filled and unfilled PP) are considered. Articles from this
journal can be requested for translation by subscribers to
the Rapra produced International Polymer Science and
Technology.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.716840
Item 367
Manufacturing
30A, No.3, 1999, p.277-84
SOME MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
UNTREATED JUTE FABRIC-REINFORCED
Gowda T M; Naidu A C B; Chhaya R
Bangalore,Aeronautical Development Establishment
Details are given of the mechanical properties of jute fibrereinforced composites. Data are given for tensile strength,
compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength,
in-plane shear strength, interlaminar shear strength, and
hardness for jute fibre-reinforced saturated polyester
resins. 21 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.716342
Item 368
71, No.9, 28th Feb.1999, p.1505-13
JUTE FIBRE REINFORCED POLYESTER
COMPOSITES BY DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
ANALYSIS
Saha A K; Das S; Bhatta D; Mitra B C
Utkal,University
Chemically modified jute fibres were used to make jute
fibre-reinforced polyester composites. Dynamic
mechanical thermal properties are discussed. 26 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.716335
Item 369
71, No.5, 31st Jan.1999, p.841-6
IN SITU JUTE YARN COMPOSITE WITH 2HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE(HEMA)
VIA UV RADIATION
Ali K M I; Khan M A; Ali M A; Akhunzada K S
Jute yarns were soaked for 30 min in HEMA/methanol
solutions of different proportions and were then irradiated
115
in situ with a UV lamp for different periods of time. The

treated jute yarns, which were washed in acetone after
the irradiation to remove the unused excess HEMA
monomer, gained about 10% polymer loading with
enhanced TS (80%) and elongation (95%). The tenacity
was not further increased by incorporation of a very small
amount (1%) of various additives into the HEMA/
methanol solutions, but elongation was enhanced up to
140% when the additive urethane acrylate(1%) was mixed
with the solution. 11 refs.
BANGLADESH
Accession no.713503
Item 370
71, No.4, 24th Jan.1999, p.623-9
ALKALI TREATMENT OF JUTE FIBERS:
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRUCTURE AND
Kassel,Universitat
The mechanical properties of tossa jute fibres were shown
to be improved by using sodium hydroxide treatment.
Shrinkage of fibres during this treatment had significant
effects on the fibre structure, as well as on fibre
mechanical properties such as TS and modulus. Isometric
sodium hydroxide-treated jute yarns (20 min at 20C in
25% sodium hydroxide solution) exhibited an increase
in yarn TS and modulus of about 120% and 150%,
respectively. These changes in mechanical properties were
affected by modifying the fibre structure, basically via
the crystallinity ratio, degree of polymerisation and
orientation (Hermans factor). Structure-property
relationships, developed for cellulosic man-made fibres,
were used with a high correlation factor to describe the
behaviour of the jute fibre yarns. 27 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.709661
Item 371
71, No.4, 24th Jan.1999, p.531-9
SHORT JUTE FIBER-REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES: DYNAMIC
MECHANICAL STUDY
Rana A K; Mitra B C; Banerjee A N
Calcutta,University
Short jute fibre-reinforced PP composites were prepared
using a high-speed thermokinetic mixer. A compatibiliser
was used to improve the molecular interaction between
jute and PP, the weight fractions of both jute fibre and
compatibiliser being varied. Dynamic parameters, such
as storage flexural modulus, loss flexural modulus, storage
shear modulus, loss shear modulus and loss factor or
damping efficiency (tan delta), were determined in a
116
resonant frequency mode. The nature of the transition

peak, amplitude and temps. of the moduli and the tan delta
of different compositions were shown to indicate possible
improvements of molecular interaction in the presence
of a compatibiliser. The modulus retention term, a plot of
the reduced modulus with the weight fraction of the jute
fibre, also indicated its improvement. 33 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.709649
Item 372
70, No.13, 26th Dec.1998, p.2647-55
EFFECT OF COMPOUNDING TECHNIQUES ON
THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF OIL
PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHPOLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Rozman H D; Peng G B; Ishak Z A M
Oil palm empty fruit bunch-PP composites were produced
using two types of compounding techniques, i.e. an
internal mixer and a single screw extruder. The mechanical
and water absorption properties of both types of
composites were investigated. 25 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.709569
Item 373
38, No.11, Nov.1998, p.1862-72
CELL MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTY
RELATIONSHIPS OF MICROCELLULAR
FOAMED PVC/WOOD FIBRE COMPOSITES
Matuana L M; Park C B; Balatinecz J J
Michigan,Technological University; Toronto,University
Details are given of the characterisation of microcellular
foamed PVC/wood fibre composites. The effect of
changes in cell morphology and surface modification
of fibres on tensile and impact properties are discussed.
40 refs.
CANADA; USA
Accession no.709519
Item 374
Second International Conference on Carbon Black.
Conference proceedings.
Mulhouse, 27th-30th Sept.1993, p.389-92. 51B
INVESTIGATION ON THE POTENTIAL OF
RICE HUSK ASH AS CARBON BLACK
REPLACEMENT FOR EPOXIDISED NATURAL
RUBBER VULCANISATES
Nasir M; Ishak Z A M; Bakar A A; Azahari B
(Societe Francaise de Chimie; CNRS; HauteAlsace,Universite; Societe Industrielle de Mulhouse;
Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chimie de Mulhouse)
The search for potential new fillers, particularly those of

lignocellulosic based, which are of obvious advantages
of being cheap, in abundance and renewable are not new.
In fact, some have been used in commercial applications.
Previous studies by Haxo and Mehta, and Mehta and Pitt,
and later Nasir and Low, have clearly indicated the vast
potentials of rice husk ash (RHA) fillers in rubbers, with
properties comparable to commercial silicas. Earlier
studies have found that these fillers enhance the flexural
modulus of PP. In short, preliminary investigations reveal
the potential of RHA as fillers in polymers albeit semireinforcing or as extender type fillers. A further attempt
is made to examine its use as a reinforcing agent in rubber,
particularly epoxidised NR is presented. ENR is chosen
specifically as it has been found to be more receptive to
silica and carbon black, even without the presence of
coupling agent. The influence of A-189 silane coupling
agent on the vulcanisate properties is also described.
Comparisons with a commercial silica and carbon black
are presented. 9 refs.
MALAYSIA
Accession no.709149
Item 375
Advanced Composites Bulletin
Dec.1998, p.2-3
PLASTICS REINFORCED WITH NATURAL
FIBRES FOR TRIM COMPONENTS
trim from a combination of natural fibre mat and a PU

system. It can now produce parts with wall thicknesses
of 1.5-2.0 mm - depending on the unit weight of the natural
fibre mat used. End products weigh from 1,250 to 1,600
g/m2 with natural fibre contents between 55 and 65% by
weight. These end products weigh about 45% less than
products using conventional injection moulding materials,
for example. This potential weight reduction is attractive
to car manufacturers. Bayers raw materials are marketed
under the trade name Baypreg; Hennecke offers the
associated plant engineering under the name NafpurTec.
USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.708727
Item 377
37, No.4, Nov.1998, p.495-507
POLYETHYLENE-OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT
BUNCH COMPOSITES
Rozman H D; Ismail H; Jaffri R M; Aminullah A;
Ishak Z A M
Kafus Environmental Industries has established a whollyowned subsidiary, Kafus Bio-Composites, to develop
applications for materials reinforced with kenaf fibres,
particularly in the automotive industry. Kenaf composites
have good impact strengths, are 20-30% lighter in weight
than GRPs, are less likely to warp under extreme heat
and humidity and can be recycled. The long outer fibres
of kenaf can be combined with polymers, such as PP, to
create automotive trim components such as door panels,
seat backs, headliners and package trays.
KAFUS ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRIES LTD.
The mechanical properties of composites consisting of

HDPE and oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre are
reported. Three sizes of EFB at different filler loadings
are compounded with a single-screw compounder.
Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture
(MOR) of the EFB-HDPE composites increase and
decrease, respectively, with increasing filler loading.
Samples with smaller sized particles display higher MOE
and MOR compared to the larger ones. Flexural toughness
and tensile and impact strengths decrease as more filler
is incorporated in the composite. Scanning electron
micrographs show that the particles embedded in the
matrix are in the form of irregular-shaped fibre bundles
and the tensile failure occurs through extensive fibre
bundles pull-out and debonding. 15 refs.
CANADA
MALAYSIA
Accession no.708784
Accession no.704285
Item 376
Polyurethanes Expo 98. Conference proceedings.
Dallas, Tx., 17th-20th Sept.1998, p.397-9. 43C6
POLYURETHANES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF
AUTOMOTIVE TRIM PARTS
Muller H; Seagrave T D
Bayer AG; Bayer Corp.
(SPI,Polyurethane Div.)
Item 378
37, No.4, Nov.1998, p.451-68
THERMOPLASTICS REINFORCED WITH
WOOD FILLERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Bledzki A K; Reihmane S; Gassan
Kassel,Universitat; Riga,Technical University
Natural fibre-reinforced PUs are being used more and

more in the automotive industry. Bayer has recently
developed polymer systems based on PU raw materials
and, in cooperation with its Hennecke subsidiary, has
developed efficient process engineering for manufacturing
Problems concerning the processing of thermoplastics

reinforced with wood fillers are discussed. The high
level of moisture absorption by the filler, its poor
wettability, as well as the insufficient adhesion between
untreated filler and the polymer matrix are reasons for
the low tensile strength and high moisture sorption of
composites. These shortcomings of composites can be
117
prevented by the modification of the interface. The

fibre-matrix compatibility and the composites
properties can be improved by using some physical
(e.g. steam explosion, corona, cold plasma) and
chemical (crosslinking and acetylation of cellulose,
grafting, use of coupling agents) methods. Modified
wood-polymer interaction mechanisms are complex
and specific for each definite system and processing
conditions. Cellulose crosslinking and acetylation
reduce hygroscopicity and swelling of wood and wood
composites. Grafting of styrene to wood is effective
for wood-PS systems. The best coupling agent for
wood-thermoplastics is polymethylenepolyphenyl
isocyanate. Silanes coupling effect can be increased
with additives to the polymer matrix. Optimisation of
technological parameters of wood-thermoplastics
processing is necessary. 52 refs.
LATVIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.704282
Item 379
85, No.3, March 1995, p.23-4
FLAX VERSUS GLASS
Mieck K P; Reussmann T
Item 381
84, No.11, Nov.1994, p.22-3
JUTE FIBRES - AN ALTERNATIVE TO GLASS
FIBRES IN REINFORCEMENT OF
POLYPROPYLENE?
Wuttke B; Hinrichsen G
TU Berlin
The substitution of glass fibre-reinforced PP by jute fibrereinforced polymers is discussed with reference to
mechanical properties and specific gravity. Laminates are
produced from jute fibre-reinforced PP using the film
stacking process, and their properties are compared to
those of glass mat reinforced PP. Tensile strength in quasiisotropic and unidirectional laminates is compared. 4 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.703633
Item 382
58, No.9, Sept.1998, p.1471-85
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT ON THE
PROPERTIES OF LDPE COMPOSITES
REINFORCED WITH PINEAPPLE-LEAF FIBRE
George J; Bhagawan S S; Thomas S
Flax-mat-reinforced thermoplastics are compared with

glass mat reinforced thermoplastics in terms of
mechanical properties. Consideration is given to the
influence on properties made by fibre opening processes
and the mat forming process, and also the use of surface
treatment to improve fibre matrix adhesion in
polypropylene/flax composites is examined. 14 refs.
The influence of water environment on the sorption

characteristics of LDPE reinforced with pineapple leaf
fibres was studied. The effects of fibre loading,
temperature and chemical treatment on the water uptake
were evaluated. Correlations between theoretical and
experimental sorption results were examined. The effects
of water uptake on mechanical properties were also

WESTERN EUROPE
INDIA
Accession no.703671
Item 380
85, No.3, March 1995, p.10-1
AUTOMOBILE CONSTRUCTION AND
ECOLOGY
Schlosser T; Folster T
Daimler-Benz AG
A description is given of two processes involving the use
of natural fibre-reinforced plastics based on flax for
automotive applications. The first is the express process
for engineering structural carrier components for
functional purposes which uses natural fibre-reinforced
PP, and the second involves a SRIM process for thinwalled inside lining parts. 3 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.703665
118
Accession no.702915
Item 383
Journal of Advanced Materials
30, No.2, 1998, p.32-8
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF KENAF BAST
FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY MATRIX
COMPOSITE PANELS
Zimmerman J M; Losure N S
Mississippi,State University
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) bast fibre was used in a nonwoven mat form and embedded into an epoxy resin
matrix. Plaques with three different fibre volume fractions
were prepared by hand lay-up using 3, 4 and 10 layers of
non-woven mat. Coupons were cut from these plaques
and tested for impact and tensile strength. The random
kenaf fibre mat did not reinforce the TS characteristics or
the impact strength of the epoxy resin matrix. Percent
elongation and Youngs modulus were calculated from
the data. The strength and elongation values were
compared with the fibre volume fraction of the respective

test plaques. Results showed that kenaf bast fibres served
as a good filler for thermoset composites due to the fibres
high yield strengths. Kenaf fibres possessed advantages
such as low cost, biodegradability and environmental
safety, while serving as a renewable resource. 14 refs.
USA
Accession no.702804
Item 384
70, No.11, 12th Dec.1998, p.2121-31
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOODFLOUR
UNSATURATED POLYESTER COMPOSITES
Marcovich N E; Reboredo M M; Aranguren M I
The effect of the addition of chemically-modified wood
flour on the final properties of unsaturated polyester
composites was studied. The filler was treated with an
alkaline solution to increase its interfacial area and then
modified with maleic anhydride under severe reaction
conditions (140C, 24 h). No improvement in the
mechanical behaviour of polyester-wood flour composites
was found when particles were only alkali-treated, while
the composites prepared with maleic anhydride-treated
wood flour exhibited better performance under
compressive loads. Simple mechanical models used to
fit the experimental flexural behaviour indicated that good
compatibility between filler and matrix was achieved
regardless of the type (treated or untreated) of
reinforcement used. 20 refs.
ARGENTINA
Accession no.702774
Item 385
Advanced Materials & Composites News
20, No.22, 16th Nov.1998, p.3
COMPOSITE MATERIAL DEVELOPED IN NEW
ZEALAND FROM PLASTICS AND PINE WOOD
FIBRES
It is briefly reported that Auckland University has
developed a high-grade industrial material from plastics
and pine wood fibres. The University has developed a
prototype machine which allows radiata pine wood fibres
to be formed into large sheets. This has provided the edge
in developing a composite material that enables natural
wood fibres to be blended or reinforced with virgin or
waste polymers.
AUCKLAND,UNIVERSITY
NEW ZEALAND
Accession no.702574
Item 386
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A PALLET
MADE OF COMPOSITE FIBER REINFORCED

POLYOLEFIN
Evans D W
A method of manufacturing a pallet made of a composite
cellulose fibre reinforced polyethylene is disclosed. The
composite polyethylene is produced through a process
which blends preheated cellulose fibres with molten
polyethylene. The blend of polyethylene and fibres is
combined with ozone gas to form a polyethylene and fibre
matrix. The polyethylene and fibre matrix is then fed to
an extruder where it is further mixed, heated and then
extruded through one of a series of dies to create the
components of the pallet. The pallet has excellent rigidity
and is welded together by coating meeting surfaces with
a bonding material of blended high density polyethylene
and iron oxide, placing the pallet into an electromagnetic
field, and energising the pallet with electromagnetic field
having a frequency between 1 megahertz and 100
megahertz, causing the bonding material to melt and fuse
the meeting surfaces.
USA
Accession no.701698
Item 387
7, No.3, 1998, p.81-5
CRITICAL FIBRE LENGTH AND APPARENT
INTERFACIAL SHEAR STRENGTH OF SINGLE
FLAX FIBRE POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
van den Oever M J A; Bos H L
ATO-DLO
The stress transfer in both elementary and technical single
flax fibre/PP composites was studied by determining the
critical fibre length and the apparent interfacial shear
strength. The influence of improved fibre-matrix
interaction was examined and the results compared with
data in the literature. The study indicated that the critical
fibre length for elementary flax fibres was equal to or
even higher than the flax fibre lengths found after
extrusion and injection moulding processes. Furthermore,
addition of maleic anhydride-modified PP to the matrix
resulted in an apparent interfacial shear strength for
elementary flax fibres close to the shear yield strength of
the matrix, while for technical fibres the interfacial shear
strength was somewhat lower. 11 refs.
Accession no.700279
Item 388
Materials Challenge - Diversification and the Future.
Volume 40: Book 1. Symposium proceedings.
Anaheim, Ca., 8th-11th May 1995, p.221-31. 627
BANANA FIBRE-REINFORCED COMPOSITES
Tobias B C; Zhu W H
Victoria,University of Technology
119
(SAMPE)
An attempt is made to determine whether banana fibre
strands can be consolidated into a fibre-reinforced
composite lamina using a vulcanised hydraulic platen
press. The proportions of constituents and mechanical
properties of fibre strands and composite lamina are
investigated. A composite with 28% fibre by volume,
resulted in a tensile strength of 54 MPa and a flexural
strength of 97 MPa. The values of modulus of elasticity
are 1.0 GPa and 6.5 GPa in tension and bending,
respectively. These values are found to be higher than
that of the polyester matrix used. The toughness of the
composite, both in tensile and bending test, is about 1.5
times greater than the polyester matrix. Banana fibre
strands reinforced polyester composite with fibre volume
fraction greater than the critical volume fraction is shown
to be a valuable source of material for commercial
application. 10 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.698119
Item 389
Materials Challenge - Diversification and the Future.
Volume 40: Book 2. Symposium proceedings.
Anaheim, Ca., 8th-11th May 1995, p.1002-10. 627
INVESTIGATION OF CREEP PROPERTIES OF
NATURAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL
Tobias B C; Lieng V T
Victoria,University of Technology
(SAMPE)
Creep testing is conducted to determine the creep
properties of a natural material-based hybrid composite.
This material consists of 50% abaca fibre and 20%
powdered rice husk embedded in polyester resin. The
material is tested in tension at three temperature levels,
and at three constant stress levels using a dynamic
mechanical analysis. The creep curves show the standard
regions of an ideal creep curve such as primary and
secondary creep stage as well as the recovery stage. The
results show that the minimum creep rate of the hybrid
composite increases with increase of temperature and
applied stress. By plotting minimum creep rate against
stress, the stress exponents vary from 0.0252 at 20 deg.C
to 0.0068 at 120 deg.C. Comparison of the creep
behaviour between the polyester resin used in this study
and the hybrid composite indicates that the hybrid
composite showed a significant creep resistance than the
polyester matrix, since the minimum creep rate of the
hybrid composite is lower than that of the polyester resin.
6 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.698011
Item 390
Polymer Composites
19, No.4, Aug.1998, p.377-82
120
SHORT TERM FLEXURAL CREEP BEHAVIOR

OF WOOD FIBER/POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Byung-Dae Park; Balatinecz J J
Toronto,University
Short-term flexural creep tests were conducted to
investigate the creep behaviour of wood fibre/PP
composites. Three experimental parameters were selected,
i.e. addition of a wetting agent, temp. and wood fibre
concentration. All the creep curves were presented in
terms of relative creep as a percentage of instantaneous
(initial) strain. The creep power law model was used
accurately to fit the creep data. The addition of a wetting
agent significantly reduced the creep at high stress, but
had little effect at a lower stress level. The extent of
relative creep increased with increasing temp. It was found
that the slope of the power law model was directly
proportional to the temp. The addition of wood fibres to
pure polymer greatly improved the creep resistance of
the matrix polymer. The relative creep of the composites
decreased with an increase in wood fibre concentration,
but the composite showed relatively large creep compared
with that of solid wood. It was found that both the time
exponent and slope of the power law model were inversely
related to wood fibre concentration. The flexural modulus
of the composites also had an inverse relationship with
the time exponent. 14 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.697131
Item 391
69, No.10, 6th Sept.1998, p.1891-9
BAMBOO FIBRE-REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES: A STUDY OF
THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Xiaoya Chen; Qipeng Guo; Yongli Mi
Hong Kong,University of Science & Technology
Bamboo fibre-reinforced plastic (BFRP) composite was
developed as a cheap substitute for wood. To enhance
adhesion between the bamboo fibre and the PP matrix,
maleic anhydride-grafted PP (MAPP) was prepared and
used as a compatibiliser for the composite. Mechanical
properties of the composites are reported, e.g. tensile
strength, tensile modulus, yield strength at break, and
impact strength. 15 refs.
HONG KONG
Accession no.694879
Item 392
Polymer Composites
19, No.3, June 1998, p.287-300
INTERFACES IN POLYOLEFIN/CELLULOSIC
FIBRE COMPOSITES: CHEMICAL COUPLING,
MORPHOLOGY, CORRELATION WITH
ADHESION AND AGEING IN MOISTURE
Gauthier R; Joly C; Coupas A C; Gauthier H; Escoubes M

Claude Bernard,Universite
tensile strength and modulus decrease as the void

fraction increases. 32 refs.
The characteristics of pure cellulose and wood fibres when

associated with thermoplastic matrices for composite
applications were detailed in this comprehensive review
paper. Each step of composite elaboration and
characterisation was considered, to summarise the most
important characteristics of cellulosic fibre for composite
applications and to point out recent aspects and
developments, particularly in the domain of water
interaction with fibres alone (treated or not treated) and
for the composites made from these two kinds of fibres.
161 refs.
CANADA

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.689733
Item 393
Journal of Polymer Engineering
17, No.5, 1997/1998, p.383-404
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF PINEAPPLE
FIBRE REINFORCED PE COMPOSITES
Jayamol G; Bhagawan S S; Thomas S
Pineapple fibre-reinforced LDPE composites were
prepared by solution mixing. The dielectric constant,
volume resistivity, and dielectric loss factor were
evaluated as a function of frequency, fibre content, and
fibre length. The influence of chemical treatments on
electrical properties were studied. 23 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.689591
Item 394
Atlanta, Ga., 26th-30th April 1998, p.1968-74. 012
CHARACTERISATION OF MICROCELLULAR
FOAMED PLASTIC/CELLULOSIC FIBRE
COMPOSITES
Matuana L M; Park C B; Balatinecz J J
Toronto,University
(SPE)
Microcellular foamed PVC/cellulosic fibre composites
with unique cell morphology and material composition
are characterised. The void fraction of the microcellular
foamed PVC/cellulosic fibre composites is controlled
by the foaming temperature and foaming time. Tensile
and impact tests are performed on the foamed
composites to investigate the dependence of these
properties on the void fraction of foamed specimens.
The notched Izod impact strength of microcellular
foamed PVC/cellulosic fibre composites increases as
the void fraction increases. When the void fraction is
56%, the notched Izod impact strength of foamed PVC/
cellulosic fibre composites is almost three times as high
as that of the unfoamed composites. However, the
Accession no.687470
Item 395
5, No.3, 1998, p.201-23
IMPROVED INTERACTIONS IN CHEMICALLY
MODIFIED PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBRE
REINFORCED POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES
George J; Bhagawan S S; Thomas S
Mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibre reinforced
LDPE composites were studied with special reference to
the effects of interface modifications. Various chemical
treatments using reagents such as sodium hydroxide,
poly(methylene)poly(phenyl) isocyanate (PMPPIC),
silane, benzoyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide and potassium
permanganate were carried out to improve the interfacial
bonding. IR spectroscopy and SEM were used to
characterise the interface and the modified fibre surface.
30 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.685319
Item 396
69, No.2, 11th July 1998, p.329-38
SHORT JUTE FIBRE-REINFORCED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES. EFFECT OF
COMPATIBILISER
Rana A K; Mandal A; Mitra B C; Jacobson R; Rowell
R; Banerjee A N
Indian Jute Industries Research Assn.; US,Forest
Products Laboratory; Calcutta,University
Jute fibres were chopped to approximately 100 mm
length and then processed through a granulator having
an 8 mm screen. Final fibre lengths were up to 10 mm
maximum. These fibres, along with PP granules and a
compatibiliser (Epolene G-3002, maleated PP from
Eastman) were mixed in a K-mixer at a fixed rpm, 5500,
and dumped at a fixed temperature, 390F, following a
single-stage procedure. The fibre loadings were 30, 40,
50 and 60 wt.%, and at each fibre loading, compatibiliser
doses were 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt.%. The K-mixer samples
were pressed and granulated before being moulded into
test specimens using a Cincinnatti Milacron 33T
injection moulding machine. At 60% by weight of fibre
loading, the use of the compatibiliser improved the
flexural strength as much as 100%, the TS by 120%,
and the impact strength (unnotched) by 175%. Tensile
energy absorption decreased with increase in fibre
loading, but this could be remedied by addition of up to
3% compatibiliser. Above 4% compatibiliser,
engineering properties deteriorated. Remarkable
121
improvements were attained even with 1%

compatibiliser. Interface studies were carried out by
SEM to investigate the fibre surface morphology, fibre
pull-out, and fibre-polymer interface. 27 refs.
INDIA; USA
Accession no.684706
Item 397
17, No.7, 1998, p.651-72
STRESS RELAXATION BEHAVIOR OF SHORT
PINEAPPLE FIBER-REINFORCED
George J; Sreekala M S; Thomas S; Bhagawan S S;
Neelakantan N R
Mahatma Gandhi,University; Vikram Sarabhai Space
Centre; Indian Institute of Technology
The stress relaxation behaviour of short pineapple fibrereinforced PE composites in tension was studied with
emphasis on the effects of fibre loading, fibre length,
chemical treatment and fibre orientation. The stress
relaxation rate was found to decrease with strain level. It
was found that incorporation of fibre resulted in two
relaxation processes. The rate of relaxation was decreased
with increasing fibre content. It was observed that
chemical treatment had a significant effect on the
relaxation behaviour. Composites containing fibres
oriented longitudinally had higher relaxation rate than
transversely oriented composites. Ageing of samples
improved the relaxation modulus due to improved
interfacial adhesion at higher temp. It was demonstrated
that the stress relaxation modulus values measured at
different strains could be superimposed by a shift along
the log. time axis to yield master curves of modulus over
an extended time period. 27 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.682897
Item 398
68, No.10, 6th June 1998, p.1567-73
WOOD-FIBER REINFORCEMENT OF
STYRENE-MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
COPOLYMERS
Simonsen J; Jacobsen R; Rowell R
Oregon,State University; US,Forest Products
Laboratory
Styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers (SMA) containing
either 7 or 14% maleic anhydride were filled with either
pine flour or dry-process aspen fibre from a medium
density fibreboard (MDF) plant. Material properties of
the filled and unfilled SMA plastics were compared with
those of aspen-fibre-filled and unfilled PS. 14 refs.
USA
Accession no.681580
122
Item 399
68, No.9, 31st May 1998, p.1417-21
ABSORPTION OF STEAM AND WATER AT
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IN WOOD
POLYMER COMPOSITES PREPARED FROM
AGRO-WASTE AND NOVOLAC
Mishra S; Naik J B
Composites of banana, hemp and Agave fibres with
novolac resin were prepared at a 50/50 wt/wt ratio. These
fibres were also treated with maleic anhydride and it was
found that composites based on treated fibres showed
higher absorption of steam (at 100C) up to 12 h, while
beyond 18 h it was lower than for the untreated fibre
composites. At ambient temp., however, the absorption
of water was lower for composites based on maleic
anhydride-treated fibre than for composites based on
untreated fibres. The Shore-D hardness was generally
higher for composites based on maleic anhydride-treated
fibres. 6 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.680859
Item 400
68, No.11, 13th June 1998, p.1845-55
INFLUENCE OF THERMOPLASTIC
ELASTOMERS ON ADHESION IN
POLYETHYLENE-WOOD FLOUR
COMPOSITES
Oksman K; Lindberg H
Lulea,University of Technology
A maleated triblock styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene
(SEBS-MA) compatibiliser was added to recycled lowdensity polyethylene/wood flour (LDPE/WF) composite
to improve its mechanical properties. Maximum strength
of the composites occurred with a 4wt% addition. Impact
strength and elongation at break were also improved,
but the stiffness was decreased. The interfacial adhesion
between the different phases was characterised using
dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, a lap shear
adhesion test and scanning electron microscopy. There
was interaction between the ethylene/butylene part of
the copolymer and the wood flour. The shear lap test
showed that the adhesion between the wood and SEBSMA was better than between the wood and SEBS.
Investigation of the fracture surfaces confirmed good
adhesion between the wood particles and the LDPE/
SEBS-MA matrix. 26 refs.
Accession no.680615
Item 401
Macromolecules
31, No.8, 21st April 1998, p.2693-6
IMPROVEMENT OF STARCH FILM

PERFORMANCES USING CELLULOSE
MICROFIBRILS
Dufresne A; Vignon M R
Grenoble,Joseph Fourier University
An attempt was made to improve the thermomechanical
properties and to decrease the water sensitivity of starchbased systems, while preserving the biodegradability of
the material. Cellulose microfibrils were used as an
inexpensive and environmentally-friendly filler. They
were extracted from potato parenchyma cell wall by a
chemical treatment leading to purified cellulose, followed
by a mechanical treatment in order to obtain a
homogeneous suspension due to the individualisation of
the microfibrils. 12 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.678379
Item 402
68, No.4, 25th April 1998, p.681-6
ABSORPTION OF WATER AT AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE AND STEAM IN WOODPOLYMER COMPOSITES PREPARED FROM
AGROWASTE AND POLYSTYRENE
Mishra S; Naik J B
Hemp, banana and agave fibres were used for the
preparation of wood-polymer composites using PS in the
ratio of 50:50 w/w. These fibres were esterified with
maleic anhydride and the effect of maleic anhydride was
studied on the adsorption of water at ambient temperature
and steam in wood-polymer composites made from said
fibres and PS. 6 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.676659
Item 403
No.127, Feb.1998, p.193-203
THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES BASED ON
FLAX FIBRES AND PP: INFLUENCE OF FIBRE
LENGTH AND FIBRE VOLUME FRACTION ON
Peijs T; Garkhail S; Heijenrath R; van den Oever M;
Bos H
Eindhoven,University; Wageningen,Agrotechnological
Research Institute
Flax fibre-reinforced PP was manufactured using a film
stacking method and a paper making process. The
influence of fibre length and fibre content on stiffness
and strength was compared with GRP, including the
influence of using maleic anhydride grafted PP.
Correlations between experimental results and theoretical
predictions are discussed. 21 refs.

Accession no.672898
Item 404
67, No.9, 28th Feb.1998, p.1503-13
MORPHOLOGY OF IMPACT MODIFIED
POLYPROPYLENE-WOOD FLOUR(PP-WF)
COMPOSITES
Oksman K; Clemons C
Lulea,University of Technology; USDA Forest
Products Laboratory
The mechanical properties and morphology of PP-WF
composites with different impact modifiers and maleated
PP(MAPP) as a compatibiliser were studied. Two different
EPDMs and one maleated styrene-ethylene/butylenestyrene triblock copolymer(SEBS-MA) were used as
impact modifiers. All three elastomers increased the
impact strength of the PP-WF composites but the addition
of maleated EPDM and SEBS gave the greatest
improvements in impact strength. Addition of MAPP did
not affect the impact properties of the composites but had
a positive effect on the composite unnotched impact
strength when used together with elastomers. Tensile tests
showed that MAPP had a negative effect on the EB and a
positive effect on TS. The impact modifiers were found
to decrease the stiffness of the composites. SEM showed
that maleated EPDM and SEBS had a stronger affinity
for the wood surfaces than did unmodified EPDM. MAPP
further enhanced adhesion between WF and impactmodified PP systems. 25 refs.
SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.671143
Item 405
Polymer Journal (Japan)
29, No.12, 1997, p.1007-11
FINE STRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF RAMIE
FIBRES BY SMALL ANGLE X-RAY
SCATTERING TECHNIQUE
Misra T; Shukla J; Khan M N; Bisoyi D K; Patel T
Orissa,Regional Engineering College; Orissa,IGIT;
Orissa,Gandhi Mahavidyalaya
Small-angle X-ray scattering studies on ramie fibres
compared the macromolecular structure of natural fibre
with fibres treated in sodium hydroxide solution at
different concentration were presented. 24 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.670324
Item 406
67, No.6, 7th Feb.1998, p.1093-100
STUDIES ON JUTE-REINFORCED
123
COMPOSITES, ITS LIMITATIONS, AND SOME

SOLUTIONS THROUGH CHEMICAL
MODIFICATIONS OF FIBERS
Mitra B C; Basak R K; Sarkar M
Indian Jute Industries Research Assn.
MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF THE

VACUUM FORMING OF WOOD FIBRE-FILLED
Liu S-J
Chang Gung,College of Medicine & Technology
Some water-thin, solvent-dilutable low molecular weight

precondensate based on phenol formaldehyde, cashew
nutshell liquid (CNSL)-modified phenolic resin, modified
melamine formaldehyde condensate and CNSL were
examined with the object of providing a jute composite
of higher strength and good water resistance. Pretreated
non-woven jute was impregnated with phenol
formaldehyde resin, and composite board prepared
therefrom. The board was tested for bending strength,
tensile strength, thickness swelling, and water absorption.
Thermal analyses, e.g. DSC and thermogravimetry, were
also conducted on jute and pretreated fibres. 20 refs.
Details are given of the development of a novel

viscoelastic model of a two-dimensional finite element
scheme with eight noded overlay isoparametric elements
to numerically simulate the vacuum forming of wood
fibre-filled isotactic PP. Computed results were compared
with experimental data. 27 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.670308
Item 407
REINFORCING BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
Tomka I
Bio-Tec Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH
In order that a substantially biologically degradable
polymer is prevented from at least partially losing its
biological degradability when reinforced by additives
such as fibres and the like, it is proposed that natural fibres
such as, in particular, sisal or ramie fibres, be used.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.670248
Item 408
87, No.12, Dec.1997, p.9-10
INJECTION MOULDING OF NATURAL FIBREREINFORCED PLASTICS
Colberg M; Sauerbier M
Ford Werke AG
CHINA
Accession no.666684
Item 410
Manufacturing
28A, No.12, 1997, p.1001-5
INFLUENCE OF FIBRE-SURFACE TREATMENT
ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF JUTEPP COMPOSITES
Kassel,Universitat
Details are given of the effectiveness of propylene-maleic
anhydride graft copolymer as coupling agents in jutereinforced PP composites. The influence of fibre treatment
and copolymer concentration on mechanical properties
is discussed. Fibre-matrix adhesion was examined by
SEM. 38 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.666573
Item 411
Reinforced Plastics
41, No.11, Dec.1997, p.22
FORD PIONEERS MOVE TO HEMP FIBRE
Mass production of injection moulded natural fibrereinforced automotive parts is discussed. Flax and cotton
fibre reinforced PP, PP/EPDM and ABS are investigated
as to their suitability for these applications. Despite
reduced weight and costs, the parts are shown to still have
properties lying within the specifications set for
conventional reinforced parts. 4 refs.
Ford is leading the drive to replace glass fibre with hemp

for reinforcing plastics in a number of automotive
components. Hemcore is providing Ford component
suppliers with needlepunched hemp fibre. Bioforce Hemp
450 is used as a chopped strand mat replacement in the
parcel shelf for the high roof Ford Transit van. The
significant cost and weight savings associated with using
hemp are the key reasons for this move by Ford. Hempmat
250 has also been trialed for use as a core material in
thick composites.
HEMCORE LTD.; FORD MOTOR CO.

WESTERN EUROPE

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.666980
Accession no.664756
Item 409
Polymer Composites
18, No.6, Dec.1997, p.673-80
Item 412
67, No.1, 3rd Jan.1998, p.79-85
124
EFFECT OF ADDITIVES ON REINFORCEMENT

OF RADIATION-INDUCED JUTE-URETHANE
POLYMER COMPOSITES
Ali K M I; Khan M A; Balo S K; Ahmad M U
Bangladesh,Atomic Energy Commission;
Jahangirnagar,University
Thick polymer films were prepared under gammairradiation using urethane acrylate in the presence of Nvinyl pyrrolidone, ethylhexyl acrylate and trimethylol
propane triacrylate. Jute dust and hessian cloth (jute
fabric) were used to prepare composites from the prepared
resin matrices. Some of their physical and mechanical
properties were studied. Some additives such as acetic
acid, acrylamide, urea, talc and titanium oxide were
incorporated into the formulation to examine their effect
on the physical and mechanical properties. Water
absorption and weathering resistance of the resin and
composites were also investigated. 12 refs.
BANGLADESH
Accession no.664532
Item 413
66, No.6, 7th Nov.1997, p.1163-73
DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE FOURIER
TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTRA OF WOOD
FIBERS TREATED WITH MALEATED
POLYPROPYLENES
Kazayawoko M; Balatinecz J J; Woodhams R T
Toronto,University
The esterification reaction between wood fibres and
maleated PP was studied. The reaction was conducted in
a reactor in the presence of xylene used as a solvent and
sodium hypophosphite as catalyst. The reaction between
wood fibres and pure maleic anhydride was also
investigated. The appearance of an IR absorption band
near 1730/cm indicated that maleated PP chemically
reacted by esterification with bleached Kraft cellulose.
No direct evidence of an esterification reaction was,
however, obtained between thermomechanical pulp and
maleated PP. The FTIR studies also showed that both
bleached Kraft cellulose and thermomechanical pulp
reacted with maleic anhydride with the formation of ester
links. 29 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.658677
Item 414
87, No.9, Sept. 1997, p.25-7
VEHICLE PARTS REINFORCED WITH
NATURAL FIBRES
Schloesser T; Knothe J
Daimler-Benz AG
The substitution of natural fibre-reinforced plastics in
place of glass fibre-reinforced plastics is discussed, with
reference to their use in car components. An overview is

presented of the preparation and treatment of fibres, and
of the mechanical properties of both types of fibre
reinforced plastics. Economic, environmental and
performance advantages are examined. 3 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.655707
Item 415
5, No.4, 1997, p.273-9
JUTE FIBRE TREATED WITH CARDANOLFORMALDEHYDE
Ton That Minh Tan
HoChiMinh City,University
The effect of surface treatment of jute fibre by aqueous
sodium hydroxide solution and cardanolformaldehyde(CF) was evaluated by diffuse reflectance
FTIR spectroscopy and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy and
the fibre tensile properties and the fibre water absorption
were measured. Composites based on untreated and
treated fibres and common thermoplastic films (LDPE,
HDPE and PP) were also prepared by hot press moulding.
Treatment of jute fibre with CF reduced the water
absorption of composites and improved the tensile and
flexural strengths, especially when the samples were
immersed in water. 39 refs.
VIETNAM
Accession no.653120
Item 416
37, No.7, July 1997, p.1137-47
PROCESSING AND CELL MORPHOLOGY
RELATIONSHIPS FOR MICROCELLULAR
FOAMED PVC/WOOD FIBRE COMPOSITES
Maturana L M; Park C B; Balatinecz J J
Toronto,University
The effects of the materials and the processing conditions
on the cell morphology of foamed PVC/wood fibre
composites are studied with a view to establishing their
process-structure relationships. Each step of microcellular
PVC/wood fibre composites processing is addressed,
including surface treatment of the wood fibre, mixing of
polymer and wood fibre, manufacture of the composites,
saturation of the composites with gas, microcellular
foaming of the composites, and characterisation of cell
morphology. The cellular morphologies of the foamed
PVC/wood fibre composites are a strong function of the
content of plasticiser and the surface treatment of wood
fibre as well as the gas saturation and foaming conditions.
48 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.650821
125
Item 417
65, No.6, 8th Aug.1997, p.1227-35
POLYPROPYLENE-WOOD FIBRE
COMPOSITES: EFFECT OF TREATMENT AND
MIXING CONDITIONS ON MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES
Coutinho F M B; Costa T H S; Carvalho D L
Rio de Janeiro,Universidade Federal
Polypropylene/wood fibre composites were prepared at
three different temperatures: 170, 180 and 190 C. The
surface of wood fibres was modified using silane coupling
agents and/or coating with PP or maleated PP. The fibre
coating was performed by propylene polymerisation in
the presence of wood fibres or by immersion in an odichlorobenzene polypropylene (or maleated PP) solution.
Tensile and three-point bending tests were performed to
evaluate the adhesion between matrix and wood fibres.
13 refs.
BRAZIL
Accession no.650316
Item 418
Polymer Composites
18, No.3, June 1997, p.425-31
COMPARISON OF COMPOUNDING
PROCESSES FOR WOOD FIBRE/
Byung-Dae Park; Balatinecz J J
Toronto,University
The feasibility of developing a continuous compounding
process for wood fibre/thermoplastic composites using
the Szego mill, a high-speed planetary ring-roller grinding
mill, was investigated. Prior to compounding, air-dried
sawdust was ground to evaluate the grinding effect in the
mill. As the feed rate and the mill speed increased, the
particle size increased and decreased, respectively.
Sawdust particles were successfully compounded in
LLDPE using the Szego mill without any major heat
application. A Gelimat mixer, used for the compounding
of wood fibre through a high-shear thermokinetic mixing
process, was also used for comparison. Composites with
30 wt% wood fibre were prepared by both compounding
processes, and their mechanical properties were evaluated.
15 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.650245
Details are given of the preparation of novel families of

flexible, semiflexible and rigid crosslinked polyesters
from modified soyabean, rape-seed and linseed oils. The
resulting thermosetting polyesters were reinforced with
hemp and flax fibres. The influence of molecular
structures, curing conditions and formulations on thermal,
mechanical and morphological properties were
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.649737
Item 420
65, No.2, 11th July 1997, p.381-90
LOW-PRESSURE PLASMA POLYMER
MODIFICATION FROM THE FTIR POINT OF
VIEW
Nitschke M; Meichsner J
Details are given of the potential of FTIR spectroscopy
as a diagnostic tool for low-pressure plasma polymer
modification. PE and PS were treated in radio frequency
discharges in argon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and
tetrafluoromethane. results are compared with other
diagnostic techniques. 32 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.640374
Item 421
64, No.9, 31st May 1997, p.1739-48
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PINEAPPLE
LEAF FIBRE-REINFORCED POLYESTER
COMPOSITES
Uma Devi L; Bhagawan S S; Thomas S
Centre
The tensile, flexural, and impact behaviour of pineapple
leaf fibre-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites
were investigated as a function of fibre loading, fibre
length, and fibre surface modification. Scanning electron
microscopic studies were undertaken to examine fibrematrix adhesion, fibre breakage, and failure topography.
Properties were compared with other cellulose-based
natural fibre composites. 18 refs.
INDIA
Item 419
Vol.249, July 1997, p.79-92
POLYESTER NETWORKS BASED UPON
EPOXIDISED AND MALEINATED NATURAL
OILS
Warth H; Mulhaupt R; Hoffmann B; Lawson S
126
Accession no.640322
Item 422
64, No.11, 13th June 1997, p.2119-25
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS ON
FTIR SPECTRA. II. PHYSICOCHEMICAL
BEHAVIOR OF PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBER(PALF)
Samal R K; Ray M C
Ravenshaw College
Chemical modifications such as alkali treatment,
dinitrophenylation, benzoylation and benzoylationacetylation were carried out on a pineapple agrowaste leaf
fibre(PALF). The parent and chemically-modified PALF
were characterised by FTIR spectra, pH measurement and
detection of nitrogen. The percent moisture regain (extent
of hydrophobicity), mechanical strength and chemical
inertness of parent and chemically-modified fibres were
evaluated. The modified fibres showed significant
hydrophobicity, improved mechanical strength and
moderate chemical resistance. 19 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.640096
Item 423
Toronto, 27th April-2nd May 1997, p.2046-50. 012
STRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STUDY OF FOAMED WOOD FIBRE/
Doroudiani S; Kortschot M T; Park C B
Toronto,University
(SPE)
Wood fibre/PE composites are foamed and their
mechanical properties investigated. HDPE is compounded
with virgin kraft pulp and wood flour in a high intensity
mixer. The compounds are granulated, injection moulded
and then foamed by saturating the moulded specimens
with carbon dioxide followed by a rapid heating cycle. It
is shown that there is a weak interface between the matrix
and cellulose fillers, which preferentially nucleate foam
bubbles. The impact strength of the composites is
improved through foaming, although not to the same
extent as the impact strength of the polymer. The tensile
strength and modulus of the composites are reduced by
foaming. The structures of the foamed composites are
examined using scanning electron microscopy to
determine the density and distribution of cells to account
for this behaviour. 8 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.638338
Item 424
Polymer Composites
18, No.2, April 1997, p.198-210
THERMOPLASTIC NANOCOMPOSITES
FILLED WITH WHEAT STRAW CELLULOSE
WHISKERS. II. EFFECT OF PROCESSING AND
MODELLING
Dufresne A; Cavaille J Y; Helbert W
The reinforcing effect of cellulose microcrystals, or
whiskers, dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix, was
analysed. The effect of processing on the mechanical
properties of styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer/straw

cellulose whiskers was investigated, the materials being
processed by casting and evaporating a mixture of aqueous
suspensions of microfibrils and latex. The behaviour of
the composite was modelled by subdividing the sample
into layers with different whisker contents lying parallel
to the film surface. 42 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.635209
Item 425
Polymer Composites
18, No.1, Feb.1997, p.79-89
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD FIBRE/
TOUGHENED ISOTACTIC POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Park B D; Balatinecz J J
Toronto,University
A study was made of the mechanical properties of
composites consisting of wood fibres in an isotactic PP
matrix which had been modified by blending with EPDM.
The addition of EPDM improved impact toughness while
reducing the stiffness and strength properties. To
compensate the non-plane strain fracture toughness, the
specimen strength ratio was adopted as a comparative
measure of toughness. The strength ratio increased with
addition of EPDM and decreased with increasing fibre
content. The work of fracture increased with EPDM
content except at large fibre concentrations. The
effectiveness of the impact modification was assessed
with the balance between tensile modulus and unnotched
impact energy as a function of fibre concentration.
Examination of fracture surfaces showed twisted fibres,
fibre breakage and fibre pull-out from the matrix. 41 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.632370
Item 426
37, No.2, Feb.1997, p.476-83
BIOFIBRE-REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
COMPOSITES
Karnani R; Krishnan M; Narayan R
Interfacial adhesion in PP composites containing
lignocellulose (kenaf) fibres was enhanced by adding a
maleic anhydride grafted PP compatibiliser to the matrix
and modifying the fibre surfaces with a silane coupling
agent in aqueous solution. The modified matrix and fibres
were extruded to form compatibilised composites. Tests
on injection moulded samples showed improved
mechanical properties resulting from increased fibre/
matrix adhesion and polar interactions at the phase
boundaries. 9 refs.
USA
Accession no.632360
127
Item 427
55, No.1, 1997, p.1-7
DEGRADABLE JUTE PLASTIC COMPOSITES
Uddin M K; Khan M A; Ali K M I
A urethane prepolymer with an aliphatic chain was used
to prepare several formulations, in the presence of
plasticisers and monomers with different characteristics.
Hessian cloth (a jute product) was coated with these
formulations and cured with UV radiation. Tensile
properties (such as strength and elongation) of the jute
plastic composites formed were improved. The treated
jute products (composites) were buried in soil, semi-mud,
mud and water in order to study the degradability
characteristics of the composite. They were found to be
degradable in mud, while they did not decompose in water
or soil. The composites were also treated under simulated
weathering conditions by alternating sunshine and
condensation and it was found that the composites were
significantly degraded under these conditions. 6 refs.
BANGLADESH
Accession no.621306
Item 428
Macromolecules
29, No.23, 4th Nov.1996, p.7624-6
NEW NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS.
MICROCRYSTALLINE STARCH REINFORCED
THERMOPLASTIC
Dufresne A; Cavaille J Y; Helbert W
A dispersion of starch microcrystals was obtained by
acid treatment of the amorphous domain of potato starch
granules, followed by washing, centrifugation and
ultrasonic treatment. This colloidal microcrystalline was
mixed with a latex containing a copolymer obtained by
polymerising 65% w/w butyl acrylate, 34% w/w styrene,
1% acrylic acid and 1% acrylamide. The product was
freeze-dried and hot pressed. Dynamic mechanical tests
were performed on samples ranging from pure matrix
to composites filled with 60% starch microcrystals.
Storage tensile modulus versus temperature curve for
pure matrix was typical of thermoplastic behaviour.
Unexpectedly, Tg remained almost constant whatever
the concentration of filler. Tg increased with filler
content, both below and above Tg. The relaxed modulus
of film containing only 30% starch at 50C above Tg
was 100 times higher than that of the matrix. For 60%
starch it was 1000 times higher. This reinforcing effect
cannot be explained by classical models. A similar
composite based on poly(hydroxybutyrate) is mentioned
too. 23 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.621239
128
Item 429
62, No. 9, 28th Nov. 1996, p.1347-60
KEVLAR FIBRE-EPOXY ADHESION AND ITS
EFFECT ON COMPOSITE MECHANICAL AND
FRACTURE PROPERTIES BY PLASMA AND
CHEMICAL TREATMENT
Wu S R; Sheu G S; Shyu S S
Taiwan,National Central University
Kevlar 49 fibres were surface-modified by ammonia,
oxygen and water-plasma etching and chlorosulphonation
and subsequent reaction with some reagents (glycine,
deionised water, ethylenediamine, and 1-butanol) to
improve the adhesion to epoxy resin. After these
treatments, the changes in fibre topography, chemical
composition of the fibre surfaces, and the surface
functional groups introduced to the surface of fibres were
identified by SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and
static secondary ion mass spectrometry. Interlaminar shear
strength and T-peel strength between the fibre and epoxy
resin, as measured by the short-beam test and T-peel test,
were remarkably improved by gas plasma and
chlorosulphonation (0.1% and 0.25% chlorosulphonic
acid for 30 s). However, from the results of similar fracture
toughness tests of treated and untreated composites, it is
clear that the fibre/matrix interfacial bond strength is only
a minor contributor to the fracture toughness. SEM was
also used to study the surface topography of the fracture
surfaces of composites in T-peel tests. It could be seen
from SEM observations that the improvement of fibre/
matrix interfacial bond strength often accompanied a
change in fracture mechanism. 26 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.617149
Item 430
Polymer
37, No.24, 1996, p.5421-31
MELT RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF SHORT
PINEAPPLE FIBRE REINFORCED LOW
DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES
George J; Janardhan R; Anand J S; Bhagawan S S;
Thomas S
Mahatma Gandhi,University; Central Institute of
Plastics Engineering & Technology; Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre
The melt rheological properties of short pineapple fibrereinforced LDPE composites were studied as a function
of fibre loading, fibre length, shear rate and temperature.
Melt viscosity increased with fibre loading. Chemical
treatments based on poly(methylene)-poly(phenyl)
isocyanate, silane and peroxide increased the viscosity
of the system by high fibre-matrix interfacial interaction.
The viscosity of the system decreased with increasing
temperature, but in peroxide-treated composites, viscosity
was increased because of crosslinking of the composite
at higher temperatures. Optical microscopy was used to
analyse fibre breakage during extrusion, and the

morphology of the extrudates. The latter was also analysed
by SEM. The melt flow index (MFI) of the composites
was measured and master curves were generated using
modified viscosity and shear rate function with MFI as
one of the parameters. 30 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.616294
Item 431
Reinforced Plastics
40, No.11, Nov.1996, p.16
STINGING NETTLES: A PROMISING
REINFORCEMENT FOR PLASTICS
Mercedes-Benz is now using animal hair and natural
fibres in upholstery, door panels and rear shelves of its
cars. The company says it is actually looking to replace
glass fibre with natural fibre alternatives. Ramie yields
fibres which are almost as resistant to tearing as glass,
but processing proved a problem. Daimler-Benz
Aerospace found a suitable technology and the material
is currently being tested as a possible replacement in
interior fittings for the Airbus. Various forms of polymer
matrix are being explored. PU, which can be processed
at a lower temperature, is promising. Daimler-Benz has
developed a combined extrusion compression moulding
technique to embed the natural fibre reinforcement in
the polymer matrix.
DAIMLER-BENZ AG
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.610670
Item 432
Journal of Cellular Plastics
32, No.5, Sept/Oct.1996, p.449-69
CHARACTERISATION OF MICROCELLULAR
FOAMED PVC/CELLULOSIC-FIBRE
COMPOSITES
Matuana-Malanda L; Park C B; Balatinecz J J
Toronto,University
The feasibility of the production of microcellular PVC/
cellulosic-fibre composites and the effect of the fibre
content on the cell morphology were studied. Emphasis
is given to fibre surface treatment. 47 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.608368
Item 433
Polymer Composites
17, No.4, Aug.1996, p.612-9
TENSILE BEHAVIOUR OF NANOCOMPOSITES
FROM LATEX AND CELLULOSE WHISKERS
Hajji P; Cavaille J Y; Favier V; Gauthier C; Vigier G
GEMPPM; Grenoble,Joseph Fourier University
Composites comprising cellulose whiskers and styrenebutyl acrylate copolymer initially prepared by a water
suspension-mixing
procedure
exhibited
thermomechanical behaviour which was enhanced by
increasing the filler content. Processing methods could
be classified in ascending order of their reinforcement
efficiency (extrusion, hot-pressing, evaporation)
associated with a gradual decrease of the models L/D
ratio, i.e. corresponding to a breakage and/or an
orientation effect of the whiskers. The short fibre
composite model of Halpin-Kardos perfectly fitted
experimental composite moduli measured below Tg,
whereas a significant reinforcing effect, indicating the
presence of a cellulose network linked by hydrogen bonds,
which could not be predicted by this model, was achieved
above Tg. The formation of such networks was possible
only above the whisker percolation threshold and the most
developed one occurred in 6 wt % E-systems, where the
apparent L/D ratio was the highest. 30 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.608128
Item 434
Polymer Composites
17, No.4, Aug.1996, p.604-11
THERMOPLASTIC NANOCOMPOSITES
FILLED WITH WHEAT STRAW CELLULOSE
WHISKERS. I. PROCESSING AND
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR
Helbert W; Cavaille J Y; Dufresne A
Cellulose microcrystals with dimensions of about 5 nm
by 150-300 nm were obtained from wheat straw.
Composites with a weight fraction of cellulose ranging
from 0 to 30 wt % were processed by freeze-drying and
moulding a mixture of aqueous suspensions of
microcrystals and styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer latex.
It was found that these microcrystals, or whiskers, resulted
in a significant reinforcing effect at temps. higher than
the Tg of the matrix and improved the thermal stability
of the composite. The relaxed modulus increased
continuously with the filler content and, for a film
containing 30 wt % whiskers, it was more than a thousand
times higher than that of the matrix. This effect was
examined with regard to theoretical calculations based
on a mean field approach. It was concluded that the
significant reinforcement observed was due not only to
geometry and stiffness of the straw cellulose whiskers
but also to the interactions of the microcrystals, their
topological arrangement and the probable formation of
whisker clusters within the thermoplastic matrix, the
cellulose fillers probably being linked through hydrogen
bonds. 43 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.608127
129
Item 435
Indianapolis, 5th-10th May 1996, p.1900-7. 012
PRODUCTION OF MICROCELLULAR FOAMED
PVC/WOOD-FIBRE COMPOSITES:
PROCESSING AND CELL MORPHOLOGY
RELATIONSHIP
Malanda L M; Park C B; Balatinecz J J
Toronto,University
(SPE)
A microcellular polymer is a foamed plastic characterised
by a cell and a fully grown cell size in the range of 0.1 to
10 micron. The plastic/wood fibre composites utilise wood
fibres as a reinforcing filler in the polymer matrix and
are known to be advantageous over the neat polymers in
terms of the materials cost and some mechanical
properties such as stiffness and strength. These wood fibre
composites are microcellular processed to create a new
class of materials with unique properties. Recent studies
have demonstrated the feasibility of developing
microcellular structures in PVC/wood fibre composites.
In this research, the effects of the materials and the
processing conditions on the cell morphology of foamed
PVC/wood-fibre composites are studied with a view to
establishing the process-structure relationships for these
materials. Each step of microcellular PVC/wood fibre
composites processing is addressed including: the surface
treatment of the wood fibre; the mixing of polymer and
wood fibre; the manufacture of the composites; the
saturation of the composites with gas; the microcellular
foaming of the composites; and the cell morphology
characterisation of foamed composites. The experimental
results indicate that the cellular morphologies of the
foamed PVC/wood fibre composites are a strong function
of the content of plasticiser and the surface treatment of
wood-fibre as well as the gas saturation and foaming
conditions. 38 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.607202
Item 436
5, No.3, 1996, p.81-5
NATURAL FIBRE MAT-REINFORCED
FLAX FIBRES AND POLYPROPYLENE
Heijenrath R; Peijs T
Eindhoven,University of Technology
Natural fibre mat-reinforced thermoplastics based on flax
fibres and a PP matrix were manufactured using a filmstacking method. The influence of fibre content on
stiffness and strength was investigated and the results
compared with data for glass mat-reinforced
thermoplastics, including the influence of improved fibre/
matrix adhesion as a result of the use of maleic anhydridegrafted PP. In addition, unidirectional and random flax
mat composites based on epoxy resin were manufactured
130
as reference materials. The results obtained indicated that

natural fibre mat-reinforced thermoplastics could be used
for low cost engineering materials, especially when a high
stiffness per unit weight was desirable. 12 refs.
Accession no.595393
Item 437
60, No.6, 9th May 1996, p.919-22
X-RAY LINE PROFILE ANALYSIS IN ALKALITREATED RAMIE FIBRE
Sao K P; Samantaray B K; Bhattacherjee S
Indian Institute of Technology
A systematic study is reported of lateral crystallite size
and paracrystalline distortion parameter in ramie fibres
treated with various concentrations of alkali at room
temperature and at 0C respectively. The conversion
mechanism from cellulose I to cellulose II lattice in the
light of changes in both size and distortion of the
crystallites is also discussed. 22 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.588297
Item 438
Acta Polymerica
47, No.4, April 1996, p.177-80
GRAFT COPOLYMERISATION ONTO WOOD
FIBRES. OZONE-ACTIVATED
HYDROPHOBISATION OF PRETREATED
WOOD PULP
Daneault C; Sain M M; Lavoie C
Quebec,University
The effect of various pretreatments on grafting efficiency
was investigated. Grafting of thermomechanical pulp was
feasible under all the pretreatment conditions studied.
Exposure of thermomechanical pulp to ozone followed
by grafting by the xanthation method further degraded
the cellulose and decreased graft yield. Graft yield could
be improved by introducing chemical crosslinks to the
cellulose backbone before or after ozone exposure. 6 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.588231
Item 439
Vol.236, March 1996, p.129-38
German
EFFECT OF COUPLING AGENTS ON THE
MOISTURE ABSORPTION OF NATURAL
FIBRE-REINFORCED PLASTICS
Bledzki A K; Gassan J
Institut fuer Werkstofftechnik
Details are given of improvements in mechanical
properties of jute fibre-reinforced epoxy resins by using
a silane coupling agent and an optimal predrying

technique. The influence of moisture on composite
properties is discussed. 11 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.587669
Item 440
Antec 95. Vol.II. Conference Proceedings.
Boston, Ma., 7th-11th May 1995, p.2086-90. 012
COMPOSITES FROM JUTE- AND KENAFREINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Schneider J P; Karmaker A C
US,Dept.of Agriculture,Forest Products Laboratory;
Connecticut,University
(SPE)
Composites were prepared from PP and chopped jute and
kenaf fibres by melt mixing in a thermokinetic mixer,
and the mechanical properties of injection moulded
specimens were determined. Designed experiments were
used to investigate the effects of fibre type and content,
maleated PP coupling agent and melt flow index of PP
on the mechanical properties. 20 refs.
USA
Accession no.571285
Item 441
Vol.233, Nov.1995, p.149-66
STEAM-EXPLODED WHEAT STRAW FIBRES
AS REINFORCING MATERIAL FOR
POLYPROPYLENE-BASED MATERIALS:
CHARACTERISATION AND PROPERTIES
Avella M; Bozzi C; dellErba R; Focher B; Marzetti A;
Martuscelli E
Istituto di Ricerca e Tecnologia delle Materie Plastiche;
Consorzio sulle Applicazioni dei Materiali Plastici e
Corrosione; Stazione Sperimentale per la Cellulosa
Composites of wheat straw fibres with PP and maleic
anhydride modified PP were prepared. Before mixing
with PP matrices the wheat straw fibres were subjected
to a steam explosion process that induces morphological
and structural changes in lignocellulosic materials. Such
changes are able to enhance the interactions with the
thermoplastic matrix. Thermal, mechanical and
morphological behaviour of the two series of composites
was investigated and compared; the resulting interfacial
adhesion was examined by SEM and infra-red FTIR
spectroscopy. Resistance to water of the composites was
also tested by swelling measurements to assess the
strength of the interphase between the PP and the
exploded straw fibres. 18 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.569358
Item 442
58, No.3, 17th Oct.1995, p.597-612
SHORT SISAL FIBRE-REINFORCED STYRENEBUTADIENE RUBBER COMPOSITES
Kumar R P; Amma M L G; Thomas S
Mahatma Gandhi,University; Rubber Research Institute
of India
The effect of fibre length, fibre distribution, fibre
orientation, fibre concentration and bonding agent on
the physical and mechanical properties of short sisal
fibre-reinforced SBR composites was investigated.
Fibre length of 6mm was found to be optimum for the
best balance of properties. Composites containing
longitudinally oriented fibres showed superior
mechanical performance to those with transversely
oriented fibres. Fibre-matrix adhesion was analysed by
SEM and anisotropic swelling measurements. The
adhesion between fibre and rubber was enhanced by
use of resorcinol-hexamethylene tetramine bonding
system. 47 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.563392
Item 443
34, No.5, 1995, p.729-92
STUDIES ON JUTE COMPOSITES - A
LITERATURE REVIEW
Mohanty A K; Misra M
Ravenshaw College
A detailed review is given of jute composites, particularly
structure and chemical composition of jute fibres; jute
fibre reinforced thermosetting polymer composites; jute
fibre reinforced thermoplastic polymer composites; jute
fibre reinforced rubber composites; and cost aspects and
applications of jute products. 327 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.561490
Item 444
57, No.7, 15th Aug.1995, p.843-54
SHORT PINEAPPLE-LEAF-FIBREREINFORCED LDPE COMPOSITES
George J; Bhagawan S S; Prabhakaran N; Thomas S
Centre
Short pineapple-leaf-fibre-reinforced LDPE composites
were prepared by melt mixing and solution mixing
methods. Tensile properties were compared. The influence
of fibre length, fibre loading and orientation on the
mechanical properties were also evaluated. 51 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.558784
131
Item 445
1, No.2, June 1995, p.103-8
BIOFIBRES AS REINFORCING FILLERS IN
Schneider J P; Myers G E; Clemons C M; English B W
US,Dept.of Agriculture,Forest Service
A waste wood composite (mixture of plywood,
particleboard, and fibreboard), kenaf core, a waste jutepolyester composite panel, and waste newspaper
biofibre materials were compared with wood flour for
their ability to act as reinforcing fillers in melt blended
composites with PP as the matrix polymer. The
composites were prepared either by extrusion or by
blending in a high intensity thermokinetic mixer (Kmixer), and mechanical properties were determined on
injection moulded specimens. 11 refs.
composites are reported. A composite with 30 wt%

fibre, had a flexural strength of 97 MPa, and modulus
of elasticity in bending of 6.5 GPa. Fracture toughness
of the composite was about 1.6 times greater than the
polyester matrix. 4 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.550168
Accession no.558189
Item 448
Vol.225, Feb.1995, p.37-49
German
FIBRE-MATRIX ADHESION IN COMPOSITES
OF A THERMOPLASTIC MATRIX AND FLAX.
II. APPLICATION OF FUNCTIONALISED
POLYPROPYLENE
Mieck K P; Nechwatal A; Knobelsdorf C
Item 446
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
34, No.5, May 1995, p.1889-96
RENEWABLE AGRICULTURAL FIBRES AS
REINFORCING FILLERS IN PLASTICS:
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF KENAF
FIBRE-POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Sanadi A R; Caulfield D F; Jacobson R E; Rowell R M
Wisconsin,University; US,Forest Products Laboratory
The adhesion of flax fibres to a PP matrix in flax/PP

composites was improved by pretreatment of the fibre
with PPs grafted with maleic anhydride(MAH). Prior to
composite preparation, the flax fibres were loaded with
the coupling agent. Shear strength and tear strength were
improved by 100% and 25%, respectively. They depended
on degree of grafting and average molar mass of the PPMAH graft copolymers. Comparable results were
achieved by embedding untreated flax fibres in a PP
matrix modified with MAH. 18 refs.
USA
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is a fast-growing annual

growth plant that is harvested for its bast fibres. These
fibres have excellent specific properties and have
potential to be outstanding fillers in plastics. The
fibres and PP were blended in a thermokinetic mixer
and then injection moulded, with the fibre weight
fractions varying to 60%. A maleated PP was used to
improve the interaction and adhesion between the
non-polar matrix and the polar lignocellulosic fibres.
Specific tensile and flexural moduli of a 50 wt% (39%
vol%) of kenaf-PP composite compare favourably
with a 40 wt% glass fibre-PP injection moulded
composite. 23 refs.
USA
Accession no.551540
Item 447
14, No.7, 1st April 1995, p.508-10
BANANA FIBRE STRANDS REINFORCED
Zhu W H; Tobias B C; Coutts R S P
Victoria,University of Technology; CSIRO
Fabrication techniques and the physical and mechanical
properties of banana fibre strand reinforced polyester
132

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.547367
Item 449
Antec 94. Conference Proceedings.
San Francisco, Ca., 1st-5th May 1994, Vol.II, p.1474-5.
012
STUDY OF THE PREFERENTIAL
CRYSTALLISATION OF POLYPROPYLENE ON
THE SURFACE OF WOOD FIBRES
Wang G; Harrison I R
Pennsylvania,State University
(SPE)
DSC and optical microscopy were used to study the
effectiveness of silane and acrylic polymer fibre surface
treatments in inducing the preferential crystallisation of
PP on the surface of wood fibres in PP/wood fibre
composites. It was shown that wood fibres, whether
treated or not, would nucleate crystallisation. However,
untreated fibres showed less tightly packed spherulites
compared with the treated fibres. Silane treated fibres
exhibited the most complete spherulite encapsulation and
more uniform spherulitic structure. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.544339
Item 450
23, No.5, May 1994, p.69
NATURAL FIBRE-REINFORCED COMPOSITES
ARE LIGHT AND STRONG
BASF has made available test quantities of mat reinforced
PP that contain sisal or flax instead of the usual glass
fibres, designated NMTs (Natural Fibre Reinforced
Thermoplastics). The company says that sisal fibres can
be produced at around 20% of the cost of glass fibres;
details of the typical properties of NMTs compared with
those of GRP are given.
BASF AG
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.512831
Item 453
18,No.5,May 1983,p.1443-54
ALKALI TREATMENT OF COIR FIBRES FOR
COIR-POLYESTER COMPOSITES
Prasad S V;Pavithran C;Rohatgi P K
Coir fibres extracted from coconut husk were subjected
to an alkali treatment with NaOH with a view to improving
their wettability with polyester resin. The effect of alkali
treatment on the microstructure, surface topography and
tensile strength of the fibres was investigated and fibre/
matrix interfacial strength was determined from fibre pullout tests. Flexural, impact and ultrasonic properties of
coir/polyester composites containing varying volume
fractions of untreated and alkali treated fibres were also
studied. 11 refs.
INDIA
Item 451
42,No.3,5th Feb.1991,p.609-20
NATURE OF ADHESION IN COMPOSITES OF
MODIFIED CELLULOSE FIBRES AND
POLYPROPYLENE
Felix J M;Gatenholm P
CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Accession no.232496
Surface studies of cellulose fibres treated with a maleic

anhydride-polypropylene copolymer were carried out in
order to investigate the nature of adhesion between
cellulose fibres and the copolymer. Techniques such as
ESCA and contact angle measurements were used to
determine the functioning of the coupling agent on the
molecular level and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy
was used to investigate the nature of adhesion. 22 refs.
Accession no.420094
Item 452
Polymer Communications
27,No.5,May 1986,p.157-60
ADHESION OF SISAL FIBRE-POLYESTER
SYSTEM
Chand N;Rohatgi P K
INDIAN REGIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
The effect of alkali (NaOH) treatment on the tensile
strength and adhesion of sisal fibres to polyester resin
was investigated. Adhesion was determined from pullout tests and SEM was employed to examine surface
topography of both the treated and untreated fibres. It
was found that treatment of the fibres with a 5% aqueous
solution of NaOh at room temp. resulted in fibres having
increased wettability. Treatment for 90h gave rise to
improved tensile strength and adhesion of the fibres to
the resin. 12 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.311129
133
134
Subject Index
Subject Index
A
ABACA FIBRE, 24 389
ABRASION RESISTANCE, 174
175
ABS, 12 109 115 146 157 176 201
309 322 408
ABSORPTION, 204 269 344 357
363
ACACIA, 1
ACCELERATED AGEING, 166
304
ACETYLATION, 1 37 47 217 263
350 422
ACID RESISTANCE, 55 99
ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES, 31 203
312 322 366
ACRYLATION, 209 217
ACRYLONITRILE
COPOLYMER, 38 47 100 217
285 296 348
ACTIVATION ENERGY, 48 69 80
281 326 327 382
ACYLATION, 101
ADDITIVE, 16 18 44 52 56 59 83
98 105 115 122 136 137 138
140 146 147 149 160 161 162
163 174 189 225 226 234 242
246 264 270 280 297 300 332
343 356 370 371 374 384 401
404 425 426 427 434 440 449
ADHESION, 4 5 14 38 44 59 64 67
76 83 87 100 103 104 114 170
194 213 214 216 252 266 272
278 313 316 320 321 356 361
362 379 391 392 400 410 417
421 426 439 446 448 451 452
453
ADHESION PROMOTER, 94 183
212
ADHESION PROMOTION, 34
206 311 359 395 426 429
ADHESIVE, 191 203 308 317
ADSORPTION, 267 354
AEROPLANE, 45 52 57 175 431
AEROSPACE APPLICATION, 31
52 175 186
AGAVE FIBRE, 25 402
AGAVE FOURCROYDES, 399
AGEING, 94 104 107 116 276 299
304 312 392 397
AGRICULTURAL
APPLICATION, 117
AGRICULTURAL WASTE, 280
399 402
ALGAE, 353
ALKALI, 5 13 37 54 72 100 170
216 349 350 370 422 452 453
ALKALI TREATMENT, 26 43 89
339 359 437
ALKALINE DEGRADATION, 43
ALOE FIBRE, 116
ANALYSIS, 5 8 10 11 28 37 38 54
60 63 82 83 85 88 100 105 114
128 170 194 198 205 207 212
214 217 241 269 314 334 343
351 352 356 365 389 405 406
409 425 426 429 440 441 449
452
APPEARANCE, 36 115 137 201
APPLICATION, 7 15 16 18 29 31 33
36 45 49 52 53 56 57 59 83 93 94
102 103 108 109 110 111 115 116
117 118 126 127 137 138 139
143 144 146 155 156 157 164
175 176 180 183 186 190 196
201 202 203 209 210 236 246
247 248 256 257 259 262 265
266 272 283 293 308 309 317
318 322 335 347 358 360 362
363 366 375 376 380 381 385
392 408 411 414 431 443
AQUEOUS, 277 348 415 434
AQUEOUS SOLUTION, 43 285
426 452
ARAMID FIBRE, 8 94 103 271
272 429
ASPECT RATIO, 54 67 172 193
350 426
ASPEN FIBRE, 166 398
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY,
106 194 314
ATTENUATED TOTAL
REFLECTANCE
SPECTROSCOPY, 10 91
AUTOCLAVE MOULDING, 57
AUTOMATION, 57 333
AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION, 16
29 31 36 45 49 53 56 57 83 108
109 110 111 117 118 126 127 143
144 155 156 164 175 183 186
202 203 210 247 248 256 257
259 265 266 283 308 309 322
335 362 363 375 376 380 381
385 408 411 414 431 450
B
BACK INJECTION MOULDING,
109
BAGASSE, 119 140 254 280

BALSA, 59
BAMBOO, 50 62 73 358 391
BAMBOO FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 99 358 391
BANANA FIBRE, 5 388 399 402
447
BASTING, 192
BENDING, 78 92 165 249 252 260
286 296 417 447
BENDING STRENGTH, 121 292
406
BINDER, 18 101 146 164 292
BIOCOMPOSITE, 13 15 36 47 64
65 89 108 127 206 266 335 353
BIODEGRADABILITY, 26 36 90
223 291
BIODETERIORATION, 24 26 30
36 40 47 52 78 89 90 94 96 103
105 106 108 110 123 135 141
146 176 206 208 223 254 261
263 286 291 296 298 304 321
329 346 352 353 363 364 365
383 401 407 431
BIOMATERIAL, 36 298 335 445
BIOPOLYMER, 76 108 127 180
234 286 438
BLEACHING, 38 47 88 89 170
321
BLEND, 95 99 120 161 163 183
201 203 218 266 293 335 356
378 385 386 404 425 426 446
BLENDING, 61 67 93 125 425
BLOWING AGENT, 115 133 136
153 157 176 246 343 416
BOARD, 196 406
BOAT, 175
BODY PANEL, 31 57 381
BOILING WATER, 166
BOND STRENGTH, 429 453
BONDING, 23 27 203 252 308 363
386 426 440
BONDING AGENT, 44 62 73 168
287 442
BREAKAGE, 54 425 430
BREAKING STRENGTH, 16 391
BREAKING STRESS, 158 178
198
BRITTLE FAILURE, 425
BRITTLENESS, 183 362
BUILDING APPLICATION, 16 18
33 45 52 53 59 93 102 110 115
117 137 138 146 157 176 190
196 201 236 246 262 293 317
318 347 358 360
135
Subject Index
BUILDING PANEL, 124

BULK MOULDING
COMPOUND, 94 117 303 335
BUS, 31
BUTADIENE-STYRENE
COPOLYMER, 116 168 287
392 442
BUTYL ACRYLATE
434
C
CABLE, 123
CALENDERING, 353
CAR TYRE, 112 122
CARBON DIOXIDE, 94 97 134
160 202 423
CARBON FIBRE, 52
CARBON FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 45 57 145 180
CARPET, 116
CASEIN POLYMER, 208
CASHEW NUTSHELL LIQUID,
406
CAST, 180 329
CASTING, 45 172 424
CAUSTIC SODA, 5 26 43 114 121
216 221 251 321 349 370 395
405 415 430
CELLULAR MATERIAL, 52 71
81 115 133 134 137 138 153
157 160 164 179 203 204 228
246 305 308 328 331 343 373
380 394 414 416 423
CELLULOSE, 29 32 41 51 69 82
90 91 94 101 103 116 121 123
129 131 165 172 175 223 241
252 254 255 282 298 319 329
352 356 386 392 394 401 408
413 424 426 430 437 438
CELLULOSE ACETATE, 95 105
197
CELLULOSE ACETATE
BUTYRATE, 350
CELLULOSE ESTER, 350
CELLULOSE FIBRE, 29 32 51 90
94 123 129 131 252 255 319
329 352 356 392 394 401 424
426 430 432 433 434 451
CELLULOSE XANTHATE, 438
CELLULOSIC, 68 392
CENTRIFUGAL CAST, 180
CENTRIFUGATION, 45 57
CHAIR, 227
CHARACTERISATION, 1 5 39 43
75 88 105 106 130 141 144 165
194 199 200 206 207 250 261
136
392 395 414 441

CHARPY, 2 82 130 356 391
CHEMICAL BONDING, 283 292
398 438
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, 272
443
CHEMICAL MODIFICATION, 1
10 13 24 35 37 38 39 43 47 51
75 83 87 89 100 101 131 157
165 185 198 209 215 217 251
263 270 272 282 285 288 294
296 307 350 356 378 384 392
395 402 404 406 413 420 422
425 426 429 438 443
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, 99
251 378 422
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE, 55 99
251 422
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE, 26 30
41 272 398 419 426 430
CHEMICAL TREATMENT, 83
430
CHLORINATED
POLYETHYLENE, 200 273
CHLOROSULFONATION, 429
CHOPPED FIBRE, 140 183 254
440
CHOPPED STRAND, 13 164 411
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 76 141
243 279
CLADDING, 127 146 191 262
CLEAN ROOM, 109
CO-ROTATING, 149 355
CO-ROTATING EXTRUDER, 152
246 360
COATED FIBRE, 449
COATING, 172 210 217 247 284
331 417
COCONUT FIBRE, 115 202 227
263 325 414
COCONUT SHELL, 453
COIR, 198 453
COIR FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 89 170 453
COLOUR, 93 184 347
COMMERCIAL INFORMATION,
93 96 109 117 186 408
COMMERCIALISATION, 59 93
COMPATIBILISER, 2 4 15 26 27
34 35 44 70 114 120 123 141
149 150 151 163 166 185 199
218 233 246 288 297 307 332
371 372 391 392 396 400 404
426
COMPATIBILITY, 19 39 41 47 59
75 119 120 157 161 172 185
206 252 324 384 426
COMPOSITION, 2 26 50 133 134
150 151 153 159 199 200 207

253 317 318 366
COMPOSTING, 110 127
COMPOUNDING, 27 32 49 51 56
67 83 95 102 125 145 149 151
152 153 189 262 293 300 325
335 350 361 362 372 418 425
426 432 440
COMPRESSION, 63 156 165 270
384
COMPRESSION MOULDING, 31
45 49 52 78 85 117 142 145 147
164 167 186 187 203 247 266
312 335 353 357 362 380 411
414 431 432
COMPRESSION PROPERTIES, 6
46 71 216 228 367
COMPRESSION SET, 162
COMPRESSION STRENGTH, 71
216
COMPUTER SIMULATION, 347
365
CONCRETE, 116 175
CONSUMPTION, 45 52 57 111
190 246
CONTINUOUS EXTRUSION, 109
136 366
CONTINUOUS MOULDING, 56
COOLING, 35 61 115 125 146 175
201 271 315
COOLING RATE, 22 188 441
COPOLYESTER, 346
CORE, 52 115 175 333 358 411
445
CORN FIBRE, 93
CORN STARCH, 97
CORONA DISCHARGE, 260
CORROSION RESISTANCE, 52
175
CORRUGATED, 14
COST, 52 56 57 64 83 90 109 115
117 118 137 147 155 156 157
180 181 202 203 209 234 246
272 316 322 335 358 363 366
383 408 411 414 443 450
COTTON, 63 115 186 202 231 248
COUNTER-ROTATING
EXTRUDER, 246 360
COUPLING AGENT, 2 15 16 18
21 37 40 50 65 70 74 78 83 92
94 98 114 115 123 131 153 154
163 174 194 213 239 246 249
252 253 263 264 267 268 278
283 292 332 338 356 359 361
362 372 374 378 379 410 417
426 439 440 448 449 451
CRACKING, 11 14 147 175 178
210 340 425 440
Subject Index
CREEP, 48 150 205 326 338 389

390
CREEP RESISTANCE, 115 150
CROSSLINKING, 39 44 120 132
209 261 419 430
CRYSTALLINITY, 27 40 43 67 72
83 105 148 150 188 271 311
356 370 440 441 449
CRYSTALLISATION, 11 35 40
105 188 271 281 315 352 449
CURAUA, 414
CURE TIME, 50 73 87 264
CURING, 44 50 73 85 87 94 158
174 251 264 316 374 419 427
CURING AGENT, 25 120
CYANOETHYLATION, 37 38 47
89 100 198 282
CYCLE TIME, 109 159 247
D
DAMAGE, 77 147 175 178 340
353
DAMPING, 2 45 57 213 305 349
DASHBOARD, 155 204
DEBONDING, 340
DECK, 191 196 246 293
DECKING, 18 59 93 115
DEFENCE APPLICATION, 52
DEFORMATION, 140 235 254 287
425
DEGRADABLE, 26 40 47 52 78
89 103 105 108 110 123 135
146 176 206 208 254 261 291
298 321 329 346 353 363 364
365 383 401 407 427 431
DEGRADATION, 43 47 89 94 104
106 107 116 157 166 171 184
193 261 263 272 276 290 291
299 304 321 351 353 392 397
DEGRADATION RATE, 184 291
DELIGNIFICATION, 127
DEMAND, 45 53 57 180 191 196
362
DENSITY, 29 31 32 39 56 57 58
71 81 83 94 103 115 117 118
127 128 133 134 136 137 144
147 173 177 180 191 204 256
303 312 320 335 356 363 381
398 423
DESIGN, 12 14 18 93 115 118 201
347 354
DIE, 115 125 146 176 191 201 246
386
DIE DESIGN, 347
DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL
ANALYSIS, 4 11 27 35 40 43
67 70 75 85 105 114 148 188
241 269 271 281 282 311 314

343 352 406 419 449
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY, 18
57 83 93 118 210 247 282 304
344
DIRECT EXTRUSION, 246 366
DISCOLOURATION, 115 304
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT, 31 111
DOOR, 31 57 138 155 164 180 201
203 318 333
DOOR FRAME, 360
DOOR PANEL, 31 57 156 247 283
292 335 375 431
DRYING, 59 103 146 153 177 201
246 257 293 317 331 418 439
DUCTILITY, 70 356 426
DURABILITY, 107 304
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
ANALYSIS, 37 40 60 80 82
105 258 329 332 398
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES, 28 80 81 135
172 241 255 270 277 371 428
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
THERMAL ANALYSIS, 28
147 260 398 400
DYNAMIC MODULI, 213 278
340
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES, 28 80
81 135 172 241 255 270 277
371 428
DYNAMIC VULCANISATION, 3
132
E
E-GLASS, 83
E-MODULUS, 23 25 51 60 67 120
121 132 144 178 218 254 318
326 327 340 362 383 395
ECOBALANCE, 156 272
ECONOMIC INFORMATION, 18
45 52 53 57 97 111 116 117 157
180 190 191 196 201 225 246
265 347 362 366 408
ELASTIC MODULUS, 23 25 51
60 67 120 121 132 144 178 212
218 252 254 303 318 319 326
327 340 353 355 356 361 362
381 383 395
ELASTICITY, 51 62 94 116 283
287 292 447
ELASTOMER, 3 39 44 50 55 62
73 87 97 104 112 116 122 128
132 161 162 163 168 174 198
199 218 229 232 233 261 264
281 287 302 307 333 358 374
400 407 408 425 428 442 443
ELECTRICAL APPLICATION, 52
183
ELECTRON MICROGRAPH, 1 2
25 26 194 430
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, 4 5 8
23 24 37 38 40 43 54 58 67 75
82 85 87 100 104 107 114 128
130 131 141 165 170 173 182
187 198 205 206 217 229 230
254 274 282 286 287 299 311
314 326 351 357 377 408 423
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION, 7
52 183
ELONGATION, 51 104 120 362
369 373 381 383 417 427 440
ELONGATION AT BREAK, 25 44
58 73 78 89 116 120 128 161
162 163 200 217 234 239 301
336 356 372 395 400 404 425
426
ENCAPSULATION, 115 246 449
ENERGY ABSORPTION, 45 57
63 83 299 312 396 446
ENGINE, 31
ENGINE COVER, 127 156 202
ENGINEERING APPLICATION,
13 45 57 66 94 380 436
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, 36
96 97
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION, 15 36 203 210
272 380
ENVIRONMENTALLY
FRIENDLY, 16 47 53 89 94 96
117 175 202 210 265 292 317
322 335 346 411
EPOXIDISED SOYBEAN OIL, 68
209
EPOXY RESIN, 25 37 60 63 64 66
77 94 99 116 126 154 172 175
216 245 255 260 295 305 306
314 316 320 328 339 340 349
383 392 429 436 439 443
EQUIPMENT, 115 202 248
ESTERIFICATION, 35 39 101 251
270 288 402 413
ETHYLENE COPOLYMER, 27
149 150 151 163 199 404
ETHYLENE-PROPYLENEDIENE TERPOLYMER, 3 162
185 404 408 425
ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE
EXTRUDATE, 54 61 274 287 430
EXTRUDER, 12 42 56 59 95 102
109 115 125 145 146 149 151
152 153 176 183 196 246 262
293 347 355 360 372 377 418
137
Subject Index
EXTRUSION, 12 42 54 59 65 83
93 109 115 117 133 136 146
149 153 157 176 179 183 186
187 189 190 191 196 201 206
207 246 262 268 284 293 297
300 303 317 318 343 358 360
362 365 366 380 386 426 430
431 433 445
EXTRUSION BLOWING, 153
EXTRUSION COMPOUNDING,
83 109 145 151 152 153 377 426
EXTRUSION COMPRESSION
MOULDING, 431
EXTRUSION MIXING, 83 149
187 189 300 426
F
FABRIC, 45 211 222 282 321 363
FABRICATION, 47 63 89 96 447
FAILURE, 1 37 58 63 77 82 84
327 350 377 381 425 429 440
446
FALLING WEIGHT, 82
FATIGUE, 44 45 72 178 213 264
278 410
FEEDING, 31 59 61 146 176 201
293
FENCING, 18
FIBRE ALIGNMENT, 64
FIBRE DIAMETER, 83
FIBRE DISTRIBUTION, 25 72
326 442
FIBRE LENGTH, 21 36 60 83 88
94 135 152 164 206 214 274
301 326 342 385 387 397 426
430 442
FIBRE MAT, 147 335 379
FIBRE ORIENTATION, 36 45 57
63 83 98 168 231 301 327 342
353 362 379 381 397 433 442
FIBRE TREATMENT, 15 36 40 67
88 89 135 206 247 326 406 430
FIBRE VOLUME, 36 206
FIBRE-REINFORCED RUBBER,
50 62 73 168 229 232
FIBREBOARD, 110 354 398 445
FIBROUS FILLER, 42 43 119 140
146 150 151 152 159 169 174
184 198 200 250 253 280 332
370 372 395 398 425 441 446
447 449
FILAMENT WINDING, 45 52 57
63
FILLER, 1 3 12 18 35 42 43 44 52
61 68 71 74 75 79 87 90 91 105
112 114 115 117 119 120 122 123
128 136 137 138 140 146 147
138
149 150 151 152 153 157 159

160 161 162 163 169 172 174
176 179 182 184 189 191 195
198 199 200 201 225 226 234
235 241 242 244 250 253 254
258 264 270 280 288 293 307
330 332 345 355 366 370 372
374 378 384 386 395 398 401
404 409 425 428 434 445 449
FILLER CONTENT, 50 62 71 87
90 102 146 157 162 163 270
360 433 434
FILM, 109 141 172 203 204 275
336 381 401 412 434 436 449
FIRE RESISTANCE, 261 266
FLAKEBOARD, 354
FLAME PROOFING, 33 191
FLAME RESISTANCE, 222
FLAME RETARDANCE, 33 191
FLAMMABILITY, 33 110 167 222
246 312 431
FLAX, 9 31 33 40 45 46 53 69 86
94 103 113 117 118 126 167
169 175 186 192 202 209 248
249 253 265 266 320 335 361
379 380 408 414 419 436 448
450
FLAX FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 9 21 22 31 33 40 45
46 49 57 82 84 94 98 113 139
142 147 167 177 183 188 194
208 209 211 212 214 253 257
278 283 295 313 334 339 341
361 362 387 403
FLEECE, 380
FLEXIBILITY, 71 172 175 419
FLEXURAL MODULUS, 1 16 24
45 51 83 94 135 166 199 250
303 325 334 356 371 390 398
425 440 446
FLEXURAL STRENGTH, 1 16 18
24 45 47 58 72 89 94 103 115
135 138 144 150 158 159 166
170 181 182 245 250 269 278
291 303 340 356 362 363 396
415 425 440 447
FLOOR, 124 176 284
FOAM, 52 71 81 115 133 134 137
138 153 157 160 164 179 203
204 228 305 308 328 331 343
373 380 394 414 423 432 435
FOAMING AGENT, 115 133 136
153 157 176 246 343 416
FOOTWEAR, 75
FORMING, 144 175 385 409
FOURIER TRANSFORM
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY,
1 4 5 10 43 70 78 154 184 198
251 267 285 286 326 413 415

419 420 422 441
FRACTOGRAPHY, 182 426 441
FRACTURE, 27 31 58 62 72 154
165 182 218 221 314 340 419
425
FRACTURE MORPHOLOGY, 5
11 17 27 40 54 114 128 131 132
136 147 179 188 205 211 258
261 267 271 274 314 343 349
370 372 373 392 393 400 404
418 419 421
FRACTURE SURFACE, 37 73 128
209 217 307 346 396 425 426
429 430
FRACTURE TOUGHNESS, 2 130
189 258 425 429 447
FRAGMENTATION, 22 48 188
359
FUNCTIONALISATION, 49 114
426 448
FUNCTIONALISED, 16 83
FUNGAL RESISTANCE, 304
FURNITURE, 124 176 222 227
246 254 333
G
GLASS FIBRE, 24 31 52 116 272
299 335 356 366 379 414
GLASS FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 20 31 32 45 57 58
63 82 83 94 107 109 113 145
147 164 170 171 175 180 182
186 202 210 211 214 215 220
248 265 271 289 300 303 305
308 313 322 325 335 337 356
363 366 375 380 381 403 411
414 431 446
GLASS TRANSITION
TEMPERATURE, 66 68 80 83
87 103 105 135 281 360 398
419 428 433 434
GRAFT, 89 130 252 253 285 307
311 443
GRAFT COPOLYMER, 2 150 151
185 199 212 217 253 290 296
356 410 426 436 448
GRAFT COPOLYMERISATION,
38 100 106 170 285 290 348
356 426 438
GRAFT POLYMERISATION, 4 47
141 198
GRAFTING, 89 130 252 253 285
307 311 356 392 443
GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS, 10
23 35 165 269 282 285 286 314
343
Subject Index
GROWTH RATE, 45 53 57 111

180 191 196
H
HAND LAY-UP, 38 45 52 57 383
HARDNESS, 50 58 73 87 90 128
146 161 162 174 264 280 288
297 306 367 399 402
HEAT AGEING, 104
HEAT DEGRADATION, 27 29 35
55 66 67 69 105 149 152 167
258 290 299 329 351 362 408
HEAT INSULATION, 110 117 224
308 347
HEAT RESISTANCE, 10 31 55 66
76 80 83 104 111 148 281 285
290 312 350 356 361 431
HEAT TREATMENT, 37 88 121
HEATING, 45 49 116 126 146 418
HEMP, 26 31 43 45 53 57 68 86 94
111 117 118 175 186 202 203
209 215 219 226 244 248 265
266 283 303 309 311 320 335
399 402 408 411 414 419
HENEQUEN FIBRE, 13 359
HESSIAN, 427
HIBISCUS CANNABINUS, 383
HIGH DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE, 12 16 17 67
70 76 93 115 149 150 151 153
176 187 196 207 233 236 250
258 324 352 359 366 377 386
415
HOT PRESS MOULD, 415
HOT PRESSING, 73 433
HUMIDITY, 304 398
HYBRID, 15 58 107 182 235 246
289 325 337 363 389
HYBRID COMPOSITE, 13 20 82
157 170 171 183 276
HYDROGEN BOND, 105 172 433
434
HYDROGEN BONDING, 4 108
255
HYDROLYSIS, 329 426
HYDROPHILIC, 40 41 67 172 208
217 252 392
HYDROPHOBIC, 40 67 172 217
252 270 422 438
HYGROSCOPIC, 76
HYGROTHERMAL AGEING, 173
I
IMMERSION, 3 417 443
IMPACT, 204 263
IMPACT ENERGY, 83 178 425
426 440
IMPACT MODIFIER, 130 134 160
183 200 273 360 404 425
IMPACT RESISTANCE, 8 34 56
118 126 178 200 250 253 265
283 292 335
IMPACT STRENGTH, 1 2 23 26
57 64 65 70 78 81 82 83 85 94
130 150 151 159 166 170 183
185 187 189 199 200 203 214
218 230 240 250 253 278 286
288 299 303 312 319 356 362
372 375 383 391 394 396 398
400 404 423 425 426 440
IMPREGNATION, 13 15 45 57 65
106 121 142 211 214 257 331
359 406
IN-MOULD LAMINATING, 335
IN-SITU POLYMERISATION, 75
369
INFRARED SPECTRA, 1 24 30 41
75 91 148 217 285 311 395 413
INITIATOR, 75 285 356 426
INJECTION COMPRESSION
MOULDING, 49
INJECTION MOULD, 440
INJECTION MOULDED, 445 446
INJECTION MOULDING, 11 21
27 31 45 65 83 86 95 98 103
109 110 111 117 135 176 189
197 233 265 266 297 303 312
317 318 355 356 361 362 363
365 396 408 411 418 423 425
426
INJECTION MOULDING
MACHINE, 31 109 333
INJECTION PRESSURE, 425 440
INSULATION, 31 110 117 123 224
308 322 347
INTERFACE, 1 70 189 194 276
392 395
INTERFACIAL ADHESION, 5 14
34 51 72 73 78 83 87 88 105
106 147 148 168 177 188 208
212 213 214 218 252 297 326
340 346 350 354 356 387 391
397 400 404 426 430 436 441
442 448 452 453
INTERFACIAL BONDING, 23
218 395 396 429 440
INTERFACIAL DEBONDING, 23
INTERFACIAL INTERACTION,
23 35 37 70 105 430
INTERFACIAL PROPERTIES, 4
22 23 27 35 37 41 47 70 77 105
106 188 217 278 279 287 297
321 384 430 439
INTERFACIAL SHEAR
STRENGTH, 14 21 359 387

INTERFACIAL STRENGTH, 68
307
INTERLAMINAR PROPERTIES,
9 177
INTERLAMINAR SHEAR, 9 177
429
INTERPHASE, 40 278 305 441
INTERPHASE PROPERTIES, 35
ISOCYANATE, 94 106 326 327
IZOD, 83 130 189 398 425 426 440
J
JOINT VENTURE, 93 109 117 186
201 322 335
JUTE, 43 45 94 103 117 175 186
201 245 251 265 266 282 290
291 299 311 321 340 349 364
370 406 410 412 439 440 443
445
JUTE FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 28 45 60 72 78 88
92 144 148 213 221 231 245
260 269 275 283 286 291 296
304 305 306 321 328 336 338
339 357 364 367 368 369 371
381 396 406 410 412 415 427
440 443
K
KAPOK, 43 311
KENAF, 13 53 59 104 115 117 186
203 229 244 265 266 283 335
348 375 383
KUDZU FIBRE, 4
L
LAMINATE, 121 194 326 327 341
358 381
LAMINATING, 204 335
LANGIVIN EQUATION, 1 11 25
41 44 58 63 77 132
LATEX, 217 228 308 329 392 424
428 433 434
LAY-UP, 45 57
LEATHER FIBRE, 75
LEGISLATION, 56 122 127 186
347
LICENCE, 93 115 196 246
LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS, 36 143
309
LIGHT DEGRADATION, 184 250
LIGHTWEIGHT, 36 45 57 115 117
126 175 247 256 265 335 380
LIGNIN, 29 68 94 101 105 116
139
Subject Index
121 131 141 148 261 443

LIGNIN-FORMALDEHYDE
RESIN, 148
LIGNOCELLULOSE, 83 103 165
208 332 353 356 372 426 441
446
LIGNOCELLULOSE
COPOLYMER, 47 285
LINEAR LOW DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE, 151 161
418
LINING, 335 375 380
LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA,
350
LOADING, 1 63 340 372 425 430
LONG FIBRE, 9 56 109 115 145
146 223
LORRY, 31
LOW DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE, 88 120 150
220 382 393 395 400 415 430
444
M
MACHINERY, 12 31 42 45 56 57
59 61 95 115 145 146 149 155
176 293 333 385 440
MAIZE, 146
MALEATED, 15 16 26 83 130 150
151 185 294 396 400 413 417
425 440 446
MALEATION, 13 51 185 356 404
426
MALEIC ANHYDRIDE, 4 10 16
23 35 41 51 54 68 70 83 115
141 165 218 252 253 268 270
280 288 307 310 324 338 344
356 361 384 391 392 398 399
402 403 413 426 436 441
MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
COPOLYMER, 2 21 35 98 114
130 166 177 189 199 212 213
214 249 332 356 387 410 426
436 448 451
MANUFACTURING, 52 93 96 117
175
MARINE APPLICATION, 52 358
MARKET, 18 45 52 53 57 97 115
118 157 196 201 265 347
MAT, 118 203 322 375 436
MATERIAL REPLACEMENT, 7
15 18 29 31 32 59 82 83 85 94
97 108 115 122 128 137 138
142 143 148 183 222 228 256
257 258 264 308 309 316 318
322 323 345 356 363 374 375
380 381 391 411 414 431
140
MATERIALS SELECTION, 56 59
113 139 175 203 248
MATRIX, 1 5 9 25 29 37 38 49 52
68 100 116 120 165 168 170
175 194 211 215 279 358 391
392 417 426 430 441 443 445
446 447 453
MATTING, 118 203 322 375
MATTRESS, 222
MELAMINE-FORMALDEHYDE
RESIN, 129 147 406
MELT, 103 175 176 201 211 386
MELT COMPOUNDING, 135 141
297
MELT FLOW, 187 207 287
MELT FLOW INDEX, 39 56 83
187 426 430 440 445
MELT MIXING, 51 342
MELT PROCESSING, 76 350 431
440
MELT VISCOSITY, 16 45 54 274
287 430
MELT VISCOSITY INDEX, 39 56
83 187 426 430
MERCERISATION, 38 47 88 198
216 217 321 326
METHYL METHACRYLATE
COPOLYMER, 38 198
MICROSCOPY, 10 25 40 54 58
132 141 178 188 193 258 271
274 287 307 340 398 425 430
MICROSTRUCTURE, 38 300 453
MILLING, 174 195 418
MINERAL FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 183
MIXER, 61 103 162 418 440 445
446
MIXING, 51 54 61 83 103 132 149
162 187 189 193 201 208 229
233 300 342 371 393 417 418
425 426 433 440 441 444
MODIFICATION, 1 24 35 39 43
51 67 75 83 90 94 101 123 131
157 165 194 215 251 270 272
285 296 356 378 384 392 404
406 413 420 422 425 426
MOISTURE ABSORPTION, 55 79
116 138 166 169 173 210 272
280 299 323 340 345 379 439
MOISTURE CONTENT, 45 79
142 146 224 246 249 252 253
282 293 317 318 378
MOISTURE DIFFUSION, 330
MOISTURE REGAIN, 251 368
422
MOISTURE REMOVAL, 146 246
MOISTURE RESISTANCE, 18
146 157 191 323 344 345 392
449
MOISTURE SENSITIVE, 36
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE, 26
30 41 272 398 405 419 426 430
443
MORPHOLOGY, 5 8 11 17 25 27 40
43 54 70 83 114 128 131 132 136
147 151 153 179 188 199 205
211 217 238 258 261 267 271
274 300 314 325 343 349 370
372 373 392 393 400 404 416
418 419 421 430 432 438 453
MOULDING, 3 25 31 45 52 56 57
78 85 93 94 117 126 142 145
147 158 159 164 167 180 186
187 203 209 215 219 227 238
247 257 266 312 322 335 341
353 357 358 362 363 380 411
414 434
MOULDING COMPOUND, 94
117 129 142 257
MOULDING PRESSURE, 425 440
N
NANOCOMPOSITE, 172 241 255
261 277 329 424 428 433 434
NANOFILLER, 71 172
RUBBER, 50 73 168 229 232
442
NATURAL POLYMER, 7 146 222
261
NATURAL RUBBER, 44 50 62 73
87 104 132 161 163 174 261
264 314 374 392
NEEDLE PUNCHING, 211 335
379
NOISE INSULATION, 31
NOISE REDUCTION, 112 122
308
NON-WOVEN, 156 211 282 335
375 406
NOTCHED IMPACT STRENGTH,
83 166 183 425 426 440
NOVOLAC RESIN, 280 288 399
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC
RESONANCE, 19 106 119 140
242 243 415 419
NUCLEATION, 35 153 157 160
271 281 315 352 449
NYLON, 45 109 175 180
NYLON-6, 29
O
OIL PALM, 20 217 281
OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT
Subject Index
BUNCH FIBRE, 131 263 372

OIL PALM WOOD FLOUR, 44
264
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY, 25 40
54 58 178 188 193 271 274 287
430 449
OPTIMISATION, 14 177 270 342
442
ORIENTATION, 98 214 284 296
370 395 444
ORTHOPHTHALIC POLYESTER
RESIN, 158
OXIDATIVE DEGRADATION,
258
OXYGEN PLASMA
TREATMENT, 34
OZONE, 386 438
P
PACKAGING, 175
PALLET, 386
PALM FIBRE, 158
PANEL, 203 204 265 266 383 445
PAPER, 90 117 123 148
PARCEL SHELF, 155 292 363 375
411 431
PARTICLE BOARD, 254 258 354
445
PATENT, 93 115 308 335 347
PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE
RESIN, 20 58 73 148 171 217
239 281 392 406
PHENOLIC RESIN, 85 121 148
175 219 230 280 302 304 312
320 406
PHLOEM, 94 446
PHOTODEGRADATION, 258 427
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, 8 29
55 83 95 137 139 174 177 223
260 304 346 382 395 412 442
447
PHYSICOCHEMICAL
PROPERTIES, 422
PHYSICOMECHANICAL
PROPERTIES, 10 13 101 128
229
PINE FLOUR, 398
PINEAPPLE FIBRE, 346
PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBRE, 47 100
285 382 393 395 397 421 422
430 444
PIPE, 45 57 146 180 366
PLASMA TREATMENT, 14 34
233
PLASTICISER, 68 241 275 416
427 435
PLYWOOD, 445
POLYACRYLONITRILE, 291 348

POLYAMIDE, 45 109 175 180
POLYAMIDE-6, 29 141
POLYBUTYLENE, 39 55
POLYBUTYLENE SUCCINATE,
26 103 135
POLYCAPROLACTAM, 141
POLYCAPROLACTONE, 48 103
206 353
POLYCARBONATE, 99
POLYEPOXIDE, 25 37 60 63 64
66 77 94 99 116 126 154 172
175 216 245 255 260 295 305
306 314 316 320 328 339 340
349 383 392 429
POLYESTER FIBRE, 104
POLYESTER RESIN, 5 38 100
158 170 178 263 299 445 452
453
POLYESTERAMIDE, 89 298
POLYETHER URETHANE, 71
POLYETHYLENE, 12 16 17 18 51
67 70 74 76 88 90 93 102 115
116 119 149 150 151 152 153
159 161 176 187 191 196 200
205 207 220 233 236 246 250
254 258 273 293 303 323 324
327 337 345 352 359 366 377
378 382 386 392 393 395 400
415 418 420 423 430 444
POLYETHYLENE
TEREPHTHALATE, 8 103 104
183
POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE, 24
103 234
POLYISOBUTYLENE, 39 55
POLYLACTIC ACID, 40
POLYMERIC COMPATIBILISER,
150 151 185 396 426
POLYMERIC COUPLING
AGENT, 83 213 249 356 426
440 449
POLYMETHYL
METHACRYLATE, 75 89 94
126 279 392
POLYPHENYLENE OXIDE, 66
POLYPROPYLENE, 1 2 3 4 6 8 9
11 12 13 14 15 16 18 21 22 23
27 29 32 33 34 35 36 39 40 45
49 54 55 56 57 59 65 74 76 77
79 82 83 84 88 92 94 98 102
108 109 113 114 115 116 119
126 130 131 132 139 144 146
150 156 162 163 166 167 173
176 177 179 180 183 185 186
188 189 190 191 196 201 203
204 211 212 213 214 218 236
246 249 252 253 254 261 265
266 268 271 283 284 292 293

294 297 300 303 305 307 313
315 322 323 326 332 333 334
335 338 342 345 352 356 357
361 362 366 371 372 375 378
379 380 381 387 390 391 392
396 403 404 408 409 410 415
417 425 426 431 436 440 441
445 446 448 449 450 451
POLYSACCHARIDE, 103 243 261
POLYSTYRENE, 12 26 56 80 146
165 176 199 201 205 274 279
343 378 392 398 402 420
POLYURETHANE, 19 45 52 57 71
81 111 118 124 126 155 156
164 180 186 228 247 275 278
284 308 331 335 336 376 380
412 427 431
POLYURETHANE-ACRYLATE,
275 412
POLYVINYL ACETATE, 320
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, 320
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE, 12 42
76 90 93 115 116 123 133 134
136 137 138 146 160 176 184
190 191 196 200 201 203 246
247 273 279 293 303 317 323
345 347 360 366 373 378 394
416 432 435
POLYVINYL CYANIDE, 291 348
POLYVINYL ESTER, 28 68 72
221
POLYVINYLBENZENE, 199 402
POROSITY, 57 83 180 408
PREPREG, 45 57 142 180
PRETREATMENT, 37 54 257 320
332 349 406 438 452
PRICE, 116 127 272 347 379 385
PROCESSABILITY, 16 36 88 93
156 162 172 185 187 246 277
356 440
PROCESSING, 8 13 16 18 21 22
45 48 57 59 61 90 93 94 96 97
98 116 117 136 139 147 149
187 189 203 206 241 255 257
277 297 320 326 342 353 372
380 403 416 418 424 434
PRODUCTION COST, 157 272
408 414
PROFILE, 42 59 94 115 146 176
201 246 262 347 437
PROPYLENE COPOLYMER, 2 9
21 32 35 98 114 130 150 151
163 166 177 189 212 213 214
249 332 356 387 410 426 436
448 451
PROTEIN, 208
PULL-OUT, 14 72 359 396 425
141
Subject Index
426
PULP, 117 438
PULTRUSION, 32 45 52 57 94 113
139 289 316
Q
QUALITY, 53 94 117 335 362 431
R
RAILING, 196
RAILWAY APPLICATION, 31 57
RAMIE, 94 117 405 407 414 431
437
REACTION INJECTION
MOULDING, 94 380
REACTIVE EXTRUSION, 141
297 426
RECLAIM, 123 146 207 335 378
RECYCLATE, 90 130 207 250 400
RECYCLING, 18 36 45 53 56 57
83 93 94 116 123 126 127 130
143 146 155 156 162 180 186
202 207 210 236 250 259 265
272 283 317 362 400 414
REINFORCED RUBBER, 62 73
87 104 168 229 232 287 442
443
RENEWABLE RESOURCE, 31 32
56 68 94 96 97 116 123 155 186
209 266 272 363 365 383 411
414 431 446
RESIN IMPREGNATION, 45 121
156 180
RESIN INJECTION, 57 180
RESIN TRANSFER MOULDING,
25 45 57 94 180 209 215 219
238 257 341 363 411
RESOL RESIN, 148 237
REVIEW, 52 106 108 139 276 298
335 347 378 392 408 443 447
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES,
27 39 45 54 57 67 83 94 95 104
116 162 172 206 207 229 274
287 307 360 361 409 426 430
440
RICE HUSK, 115 173 207 389
RICE HUSK ASH, 3 128 161 162
163 174 374
RIGID, 71 136 160 164 204 209
273 308
RIGIDITY, 90 252 386
ROTATIONAL MOULDING, 159
RUBBER, 3 39 44 50 55 62 73 87
97 104 112 116 122 128 161
162 163 168 174 198 218 229
232 233 261 264 281 287 302
142
307 333 358 374 407 408 425

428 442 443
RUBBER WOOD, 87
S
SANDWICH STRUCTURE, 52
449
SATURATED POLYESTER, 48
103 298 329 353 367
SAWDUST, 130 280 418
SCANNING ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY, 1 2 4 5 8 14 23
24 25 26 27 37 38 40 43 46 47
54 58 62 67 72 73 75 82 83 85
87 95 100 104 106 107 114 128
130 131 132 147 154 165 170
173 179 182 187 188 193 194
198 205 206 217 229 230 254
267 282 286 299 304 307 311
314 321 326 327 332 350 351
357 368 372 377 382 391 393
395 396 398 400 404 408 410
419 421 423 425 426 429 430
432 435 441 442 444 452 453
SCREW, 29 115 146 149 246
SCREW DESIGN, 152
SEAT, 228 375
SELF-DRYING, 59 103 146 153
177 201 257 293 317 331
SHEAR, 21 149 387 425 429
SHEAR MODULUS, 81 255 277
371
SHEAR PROPERTIES, 14 21 95
206 207 274 289 310 346 359
367 381 387 430 448
SHEAR RATE, 16 54 274 287 430
SHEAR STRESS, 206 274 430
SHEET, 144 176 211 266 280
SHEET MOULDING
COMPOUND, 88 94 117 142
257 303 335 414
SHORE HARDNESS, 288 402
SHORT FIBRE, 29 37 54 75 83
103 115 168 214 274 301 337
342 361 371 379 380 397 430
433 442
SHRINKAGE, 85 93 349 370
SIDING, 138 196 293
SILANE, 5 9 37 40 70 78 94 106
115 163 174 233 263 264 267
307 327 340 374 378 395 417
426 439 449
SILANISATION, 10 294 307
SILICA, 3 44 97 128 264
SILICON DIOXIDE, 3 44 97 128
264
SILICONE RUBBER, 128
SINGLE-SCREW EXTRUDER,
125 146 196 293 360 372 377
SISAL, 8 11 14 17 23 25 27 34 37
38 41 43 45 47 48 54 57 80 83
103 117 118 135 168 186 193
197 202 206 216 218 220 232
233 235 237 238 240 242 248
267 271 274 276 289 301 311
335 337 342 356 407 414 426
442 450 452
SODIUM HYDROXIDE, 5 26 43
114 121 216 221 251 321 349
370 395 405 415 430 452 453
SOIL BURIAL, 263 427
SOLVENT RESISTANCE, 99
SORPTION, 9 20 39 67 107 160
177 357
SOUND DAMPING, 111 335
SOUND INSULATION, 31 322
SOY POLYMER, 7 209 298
SPECIFIC GRAVITY, 115 137 191
381
SPORTS GOODS, 31 52 111
SPRAY DRYING, 59 103 146 153
177 201 257 293 317 331
SPRAYING, 61 308 331 414
STABILISER, 115 184 191 195
STABILITY, 10 55 66 76 80 83
104 148 281 285 290 350 356
STARCH, 48 95 97 105 112 122
146 206 241 298 365 401 428
STATISTICS, 45 52 53 57 111 116
117 180 190 191 196 201 225
246 362 408
STEAM, 280 399 402
STEAM EXPLODED, 332 441
STEAM RESISTANCE, 399
STIFFNESS, 15 25 29 57 59 83 94
98 115 116 126 127 147 150
172 175 186 194 214 238 254
292 295 312 320 335 341 362
381 398 400 403 404 411 425
436 440
STORAGE MODULUS, 23 28 80
135 371
STRAIN, 130 147 171 390 397 425
440
STRAW, 117 303
STRENGTH, 25 32 53 56 68 72 77
101 121 157 166 183 252 307
320 323 335 353 358 361 398
406 408 414 422 425 426 436
441 446
STRESS, 31 83 130 198 235 389
390 417 440 441
STRESS RELAXATION, 83 171
397
STRESS-STRAIN PROPERTIES,
Subject Index
21 22 161 162 163 217 326 327

337 341 367 381 390 391 421
426 440 446
STRESS TRANSFER, 22 88 177
387 440
STYRENE ACRYLONITRILE
COPOLYMER, 115
STYRENE COPOLYMER, 27 199
404 424 428 433 434
STYRENE-ETHYLENE
BUTYLENE-STYRENE
BLOCK COPOLYMER, 151
218 400
STYRENE-MALEIC
ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER,
398
SUGAR CANE, 119 140 254
SURFACE ENERGY, 279 332 354
SURFACE FINISH, 43 45 83 90
104 146 360
SURFACE MODIFICATION, 15
20 26 38 43 47 89 100 163 215
245 286 291 359 395 426 430
SURFACE PROPERTIES, 17 39
43 76 83 166 184 198 267 281
297 354 421 438 451 452 453
SURFACE TREATMENT, 5 9 10
13 14 15 17 20 24 26 31 37 38
40 43 47 54 64 89 100 103 108
111 114 116 135 146 154 163
169 170 171 198 213 215 216
217 233 234 239 245 252 260
267 276 286 291 311 315 320
321 338 340 349 359 372 373
379 395 397 405 410 415 416
417 420 426 429 430 432 435
437 449 452 453
SUSTAINABILITY, 36 96
SWELLING, 1 44 62 101 104 148
161 166 168 174 191 268 280
290 324 339 406 441 442
SYNTHETIC WOOD, 18 31 59 93
115 137 138 146 176 196 323
347 360
T
TANDEM EXTRUSION, 153
TAPE WINDING, 45 52 57 63
TEAR STRENGTH, 50 73 87 128
162 174 264 357 374 431 448
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
APPLICATION, 52
TELEPHONE, 358
TENACITY, 275 339 369
TENSILE MODULUS, 4 21 24 25
26 44 50 58 73 87 107 135 152
161 163 166 200 208 217 234
239 250 264 269 301 313 325

337 341 356 370 372 378 391
423 425 428 440 446
TENSILE STRAIN, 144 440
TENSILE STRENGTH, 2 4 11 16
18 23 24 25 26 44 50 57 58 64
67 70 78 83 88 89 92 94 99 103
104 107 116 120 128 135 141
142 144 146 150 151 152 166
170 181 182 185 200 206 208
217 218 234 250 252 291 301
319 321 326 327 336 339 355
356 357 372 379 380 381 391
406 423 425 440 445 452 453
TENSION, 98 350
TEST, 8 9 10 11 13 30 32 33 37 38
54 58 60 75 79 82 83 99 100
103 114 128 129 164 168 169
170 171 197 208 209 211 212
213 214 215 216 217 221 224
227 249 251 258 260 268 271
295 301 320 325 328 346 349
356 367 368 373 382 391 393
395 398 400 403 405 406 409
410 417 418 419 420 421 425
426 432 439 440 441 444 445
447 449 452 453
TEST METHOD, 25 29 34 44 67
71 88 94 118 123 125 178 194
206 218 252 254 265 326 381
414
TEST SPECIMEN, 3 63 445
TESTING, 25 29 34 44 67 71 88
91 94 118 123 125 178 194 206
218 252 254 265 326 381 414
425 452 453
TEXTILE, 143 225
TEXTURE, 93 104
THERMAL DEGRADATION, 27
29 35 55 66 67 69 104 105 149
152 167 258 290 299 329 351
362 408
THERMAL EXPANSION, 31 45
60 356
THERMAL EXPANSION
COEFFICIENT, 60 191
THERMAL INSULATION, 110
117 224 308 347
THERMAL PROPERTIES, 4 11 20
23 27 28 29 31 40 45 59 60 80
83 114 139 179 185 220 224
260 271 281 296 302 315 351
354 356 366 368 371 382 398
401 419 440 441 449
THERMAL STABILITY, 10 31 55
66 76 80 83 104 111 148 281 285
290 312 350 356 361 431 434
THERMOGRAVIMETRIC
ANALYSIS, 10 23 27 35 69 75
105 148 165 179 269 282 285

286 314 343 356 406
THERMOPLASTIC
ELASTOMER, 132 199 333
400
THICKNESS, 115 148 166 204
247 406
TOOLING, 115 201 203
TORQUE, 11 23 62 162 264 350
417
TOUGHNESS, 15 18 64 175 183
189 278 312 349 425 426
TOYS, 31 176
TRANSFER MOULDING, 25 45 57
94 180 209 215 219 238 257 341
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY, 4 5 8 23 24 37
38 40 43 54 58 67 75 82 85 87
100 104 107 114 128 130 131
165 170 173 182 187 194 198
205 206 217 229 230 254 282
286 299 311 314 326 351 357
377 408 423
TRANSPORT APPLICATION, 31
52 157 180 248
TURBINE, 45 57
TWIN-SCREW, 115 176 201
TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDER, 102
109 125 146 149 151 152 183
246 262 293 347 355 360 418
TYRE, 36 97 112 122 232
U
ULTRAVIOLET CURING, 369
427
ULTRAVIOLET DEGRADATION,
104 184 250 304
ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION,
166 184 250 258 260 275
UNDER-THE-BONNET
APPLICATION, 31
UNIDIRECTIONAL, 25 37 98 177
381 436
UNSATURATED POLYESTER, 5
38 40 52 68 77 100 116 165 170
178 181 194 215 231 263 269
270 282 299 301 303 330 368
384 388 389 392 411 419 421
443 445 447 452 453
UPHOLSTERY, 222 431
UREA-FORMALDEHYDE
RESIN, 227
V
VACUUM FORMING, 144 175
409
143
Subject Index
VEHICLE BOOT, 292

VEHICLE DOOR, 31 57 155 164
180
VEHICLE GRILLE, 408
VEHICLE INTERIOR, 110 127
156 204 283 292 335 380 414
VEHICLE ROOF, 31
VEHICLE SEAT, 228
VEHICLE SHELL, 31 57 256 257
VEHICLE TAILGATE, 109
VEHICLE TRIM, 33 49 155 164
204 228 256 292 312 331 335
375 376
VIBRATIONAL
SPECTROSCOPY, 24 30 41 75
91 148 217 311 395 413
VINYL CYANIDE COPOLYMER,
38 47 100 217 285 296 348
VINYL ESTER RESIN, 28 72 221
VISCOELASTICITY, 48 409
VISCOSITY, 45 57 67 83 94 95
116 172 206 207 287
VOID CONTENT, 25 160 394
VOLUME FRACTION, 20 36 38
54 57 58 100 140 168 171 173
197 208 213 214 215 254 313
320 337 383 388 440 453
VULCANISATION, 3 162
VULCANISATION TIME, 50 73
87 264
W
WAFER, 7
WALL SLIP, 274
WALL THICKNESS, 31 45 146
WARPAGE, 375
WASTE PAPER, 90 123 148 445
WASTE WOOD, 191 445
WATER, 3 20 166 340 343 350 433
WATER ABSORPTION, 1 2 3 16
20 39 62 67 85 101 114 123 132
147 148 150 163 170 209 241
268 269 270 275 280 297 324
144
337 340 344 345 357 372 382

398 399 402 406 412 415 431
WATER CONTENT, 252 317 318
WATER PIPE, 45 57
WATER RESISTANCE, 1 150 163
216 284 304 344 392 406 427
441
WATER UPTAKE, 3
WATER VAPOUR SORPTION,
354
WEAR RESISTANCE, 174 175
WEATHER RESISTANCE, 118
138 166 236 258 269 304 412
427
WEIGHT REDUCTION, 36 45 53
57 94 115 118 155 156 157 180
203 248 252 256 266 283 292
375 408 411 414
WET LAY-UP, 212
WETTABILITY, 10 39 129 216
299 452 453
WETTING, 16 40 94 165 372
WHEAT STARCH, 365
WHEAT STRAW, 124 280 424 434
441
WHISKER, 172 241 329 424 433
434
WHITE RICE HUSK ASH, 3 161
162 163
WIND TURBINE, 45 57
WINDING, 180
WINDOW, 115 201 317 318
WINDOW FRAME, 146 191 246
347
WOOD, 18 29 31 36 55 59 74 76
93 115 137 138 146 175 176
196 201 258 318 323 345 346
347 354 360 378 385 400
WOOD COPOLYMER, 185 400
WOOD FIBRE, 2 42 53 70 132
146 153 159 165 184 185 200
205 208 294 317 318 345 385
392 398 409 417 418 425 435
438 445 449
WOOD FIBRE-REINFORCED
PLASTIC, 1 2 12 35 39 55 59
66 67 70 101 102 107 111 115
124 125 133 134 146 150 151
152 153 157 159 184 185 187
190 191 196 199 200 246 254
262 273 279 280 284 293 323
332 343 344 345 350 354 373
390 392 398 399 402 409 413
416 418 423 425 449
WOOD FINISH, 360
WOOD FLAKE, 70 258
WOOD FLOUR, 1 16 35 39 53 55
59 61 71 79 95 102 105 114 115
117 120 123 130 134 136 137
138 149 150 151 152 157 160
165 179 189 195 199 235 250
264 270 307 330 335 345 360
366 384 398 400 404 445
WOOD POWDER, 250 307 345
360
WOOD PULP, 208 391
WOOD REPLACEMENT, 345 391
WOOD TREATMENT, 121 400
WOODGRAIN, 284
X
X-RAY ANALYSIS, 106 194 437
X-RAY SCATTERING, 27 35 43
75 148 154 188 289 311 405
X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY, 106
429
Y
YIELD, 225 375 438
YIELD STRENGTH, 383 391
YIELD STRESS, 130
YOUNGS MODULUS, 23 25 51
60 67 120 121 132 144 178 212
218 252 254 303 318 319 326
327 340 353 355 356 361 362
381 383 395 440 441
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Report 152

Volume 13, Number 8, 2002

Rapra Review Reports

RAPRA REVIEW REPORTS

33, No.6, 21st March 2000, p.2171-83

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Previous Titles Still Available

Advanced Composites, D.K. Thomas, RAE, Farnborough.

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Polymers in Chemically Resistant Applications,

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