Natural fiber polymer composites

Since its inception, the aerospace industry has actively pioneered the use of advanced materials, especially polymer composites for aircraft construction. The key objectives are to gain lightweight advantages, so that aircraft can burn less fuel, and hence travel longer distances or carry higher payload over the same distance. In line with the current drive toward improving sustainability performance the in aerospace industry, environmentally friendly materials are steadily being introduced as substitute materials for aircraft component construction, such as natural fiber polymer composites (NFPC). Natural fibers, derived from plants and animals, offers many advantages in term of low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, low cost, and alike synthetic composites, they are able to be applied to components with complex geometrical design features. Furthermore, due to their natural origin, natural fibers are also more environmentally friendly because of to their renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable properties. In this chapter, the current applications of NFPC for aerospace engineering are discussed. Among the topics covered are the introduction to aerospace materials especially polymer composites such as for aircraft frames, and engine construction, and the advantages offered by the material. Further topics included are the recent development of NFPC in aerospace applications such as for aircraft radome and interior cabin components, as well as remarks on NFPC future trends and challenges. It is hoped that this chapter is able to provide a positive insight to readers and spark greater interest to industry players on the potential of applying NFPC in aerospace applications, towards improving the current performance of aerospace materials, especially in terms of lightweight and environmental sustainability.