Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites, ed. A.K. Mohanty, M. Misra, and L.T. Drzal (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2005).

Fiberreinforced polymercomposites

Holbery, J., Houston, D. Natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites in automotive applications. JOM 58, 80–86 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-006-0234-2

Fiberreinforcedplastic

A. Bismark et al., “Surface Characterization of Flax, Hemp and Cellulose Fibers: Surface Properties and the Water Uptake Behavior”, Polymer Composites, 23 (5) (2002), pp. 872–895.

Fiberreinforcedcomposites

B. Singh, A. Verma, and A. Gupta, “Studies on Adsorptive Interaction Between Natural Fiber and Coupling Agents”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 70 (1998), pp. 1847–1858.

In the past decade, natural-fiber composites with thermoplastic and thermoset matrices have been embraced by European car manufacturers and suppliers for door panels, seat backs, headliners, package trays, dashboards, and interior parts. Natural fibers such as kenaf, hemp, flax, jute, and sisal offer such benefits as reductions in weight, cost, and CO2, less reliance on foreign oil sources, and recyclability. However, several major technical considerations must be addressed before the engineering, scientific, and commercial communities gain the confidence to enable wide-scale acceptance, particularly in exterior parts where a Class A surface finish is required. Challenges include the homogenization of the fiber's properties and a full understanding of the degree of polymerization and crystallization, adhesion between the fiber and matrix, moisture repellence, and flame-retardant properties, to name but a few.

J. George, M.S. Sreekala, and S. Thomas, “A Review on Interface Modification and Characterization of Natural Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composites”, Poly. Eng. and Science, 41 (8) (2001), pp. 1471–1485.

CFRP

Fiberreinforced polymerused in construction

N.E. Zafeiropoulous et al., “Engineering and Characterization of the Interface in Flax Fibre/Propylene Composite Materials. Part I. Development and Investigation of Surface Treatments” Composites: Part A, 33 (2002), pp. 1083–1093.

Sue Elliott-Sink, “Special Report: Cars Made of Plants” (12 April 2005), www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articies/105341/article.html(downloaded 28 August 2006).

David L. Lewis, “Henry Ford and His Magic Beanstalk”, The Soy Daily, www.thesoydaily.com/ MOShenryford/henryfordDL1.asp (downloaded 8 August 2006).

glass-reinforced plastic

H. Hutchinson, “Research Aims to Make the Land of the Automobile Run More Efficiently”, Mech. Engr. (July 2006), p. 29, www.memagazine.org/july06/features/ easygas/easygas.html.

T.P. Schloesser, “Natural Fiber Reinforced Automotive Parts”, Natural Fibers, Plastics and Composites, ed. F.T. Wallenberger and N. Weston (Dordrecht, The Netherlands, Kluwer, 2004).

S.J. Eichhom et al., “Review: Current International Research into Cellulosic Fibers and Composites”, J. of Mat. Sci., 36 (2001), pp. 2107–2131.

“Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on End-of Life Vehicles”, Official Journal of the European Communities (21 October 2000).