Title
I. Natural fiber-polyolefin composites. Mini-review
Authors
IULIANA SPIRIDON

Published Volume 48 Issue 7-8 July-August
Keywords lignocellulosic fibers, polyolefins, composites

Abstract
The climate changes and fossil resource depletion have increased environmental awareness, influencing the market of products based on renewable resources. Natural fibers are renewable materials, which are certainly advantageous for sustainability. They have been extensively used as reinforcements within polymeric matrices due to their renewable origin, relatively high strength and modulus, low density and cost. On the other hand, their high moisture absorption capacity, as well as poor wettability and thermal behaviour during processing represent some impediments that limit their applications. By their numerous applications, lignocellulose polyolefin composites are present in everyday life. They combine the best properties of the neat components and can show outstanding performance. Also, the large market for these composites and their performance in terms of durability, maintenance and cost effectiveness make it possible to achieve more sustainable efficient technologies for new materials with improved properties. The paper reviews the recent advances in the development of lignocellulosic polyolefin composite materials.