Natural Fiber-Based Hybrid Bio-composites: Processing, Characterization, and Applications

In this era, use of composite materials has become ubiquitous in aerospace, defense, automobiles, sports, and medical fields. But most of the commercially available composites are manufactured from the sources obtained from the fossil fuels that are depleting rapidly and are the major cause of environmental contamination. In addition to the pollution, the majority of these composites are nonbiodegradable and are ending up in the landfills. In order to deal with these sorts of problems effectively, there is an indispensable necessity for the development of sustainable bio-based composite materials, with eco-friendlier end of life possibilities. Natural fiber-based bio-composites have many distinct advantages with huge possibilities in different application areas which will have a great impact on the practical applications. This leads to a huge chunk of researchers to explore the performance of the natural fiber composites, investigating different methods for improving their characteristics. Hybridization is one such approach which can lead to the improvement in the mechanical, thermal, and dynamic characteristics of the composites. This chapter deals with the processing, characterization and different applications of the hybrid composite based on the natural fibers that were reviewed in the most recent context with mechanical properties as the main emphasis.