Natural Fiber Based Composites II

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “Natural-Fiber-Based Composites II”, aims to provide an inventory of the latest research in the area of composites reinforced with natural fibers. Fibers of renewable origin have many advantages. They are abundant and cheap, they have a reduced impact on the environment, and they are also independent from fossil resources. Their ability to mechanically reinforce thermoplastic matrices is well known, as is their natural heat insulation ability.

In the last twenty years, the use of cellulosic and lignocellulosic agricultural byproducts for composite applications has been of great interest, especially for reinforcing matrices. The latter can themselves be of renewable origin (e.g., proteins, starches, PLA, PHAs), thus contributing to the development of 100% bio-based composites with a controlled end of life.

In Special Issue, original manuscripts presenting the latest developments in the field of natural-fiber-based composites are welcome. In addition to the use of natural fibers, the use of renewable matrices is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Structured as original experimental works, papers will focus on the preparation and molding processes of such materials (e.g., extrusion, injection-molding, hot pressing, 3D printing) and their thermomechanical characterization. New data dealing with their aging behavior, recyclability, biodegradability, and life cycle assessment will be highly appreciated.

The Special Issue will be of interest for producers of natural fibers, polymer matrices of renewable origin, and composite materials, with the aim of future marketing of more environment-friendly materials.

In particular, the topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Cellulosic and lignocellulosic fibers;
• Composite materials reinforced with renewable fibers;
• Preparation and molding processes of natural-fiber-based composites;
• Thermomechanical characterization of natural-fiber-based composites;
• Aging behavior of natural-fiber-based composites;
• Recyclability of natural-fiber-based composites;
• Biodegradability of natural-fiber-based composites at end of life;
• Life cycle assessment.

Dr. Philippe Evon
Guest Editor

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