Effect of moisture absorption on the properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: A review

Abstract In this modern era, the world is deteriorating as there is an increase in pollution. It is not only giving rise to global warming but also deteriorate our water bodies most of which is contributed by the factories and industries. The synthetic fibers are also made in such type of industries. Synthetic fibers which are made from long-chain linking of hydrocarbons are made in such factories only which add to this pollution by fishing their hazardous waste into the water bodies. To cope up with this problem we should look for better alternatives and natural fibers are the best alternative to the toxic synthetic fibers. They are biodegradable, they do not pollute the environment in any way or the other, they have good tensile strength, they are durable, and they have high mechanical, thermal and tribological properties. The mechanical properties consist of tensile strength, impact strength, compressive strength e.t.c. and tribological properties show the wear and tear or the abrasive properties of the material. The natural fibers are long-lasting but when extracted by different medium and different methods show different characteristics in presence of moisture. Different natural fibers have different moisture absorption rates and different behaviour after moisture absorption. This present study is done to review the effect of moisture absorption on the properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites.