Potential of natural fiber/biomass filler-reinforced polymer composites in aerospace applications

Biomass/natural fibers are potential raw materials in various fields of application, due to their exclusive characteristics. These raw materials also come with the solution to increasing fossil fuel prices, global warming issues, environmental pollution, and greenhouse effects. Biomass is a source of energy and easily available as a raw material. Agricultural biomass produces lignocellulosic materials in billions of tons around the world every year. Natural fibers are traditionally used as reinforced material in composites, due to awareness of their availability, mechanical, and chemical properties. Polymer composites are successfully used in various fields, and many types of fiber are being reinforced to improve their strength and achieve desired properties. Many types of polymers, such as thermoset and thermoplastic, are used to hybridize different types of fiber to fulfill requirements. Hybrid polymer composites are very useful in several applications such as aircraft, furniture, and construction. Many aircraft industries are using composite materials for aircraft components to reduce weight such as in blade, secondary structures, and in other machinery parts. Many defense aircraft industries are also looking at the potential of fiber composite in camouflaging their aircraft from radar signals.