Importance of Fiber-/Nanofiller-Based Polymer Composites in Mechanical and Erosion Performance: A Review

Abstract

The addition of nanofillers in the polymer matrix composites (PMC) has shown a considerable improvement in the mechanical properties and acts as a suitable replacement material. Among the various properties, erosion studies play a key role in the establishment of new materials in engineering applications irrespective of material properties. This paper primarily focus on mechanical properties of PMC and provides a view of the erosion studies conducted on various PMC that are reinforced with natural fibers and nanofillers. The study related to natural fiber as secondary reinforcement and nanofiller as primary reinforcement is taken into consideration. The natural fibers such as sisal-, pineapple-, jute-, bamboo-, banana-based polymer composites and their improvement in mechanical properties by the addition of various fillers are compared and reported. From the survey, it was noticed that the incorporation of nanofillers with natural fiber and polymers provides an acceptable range of material behavior. Being the natural fiber and its proper surface treatment enhance erosion resistance behavior.