Green Composites based on Kenaf Fibers

Natural fibers have recently become attractive to automotive industry as an alternative reinforcement for glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The best way to increase the fuel efficiency without sacrificing safety is to employ fiber reinforced composite materials in the body of the cars so that weight reduction can be achieved. The latest thermo plastic developments have resulted in higher material properties and more possibilities in the design of bumper beams. However the use of steel, aluminum, glass thermoplastics, sheet metal components, bumpers becomes at higher cost than long fiber reinforced thermoplastics.