In recent years, due to increasing environmental awareness, natural fibers have gained popularity by replacing their synthetic counterparts as lightweight reinforcement for inorganic polymers (i.e., geopolymers). The reasons can be attributed to the fibers' relatively low cost and low density, acceptable specific properties, ease of separation, enhanced energy recovery, CO2 neutrality, biodegradability, and recyclable properties. In addition, natural fibers are durable, reliable, lightweight, and have excellent mechanical properties. However, geopolymers have relatively low tensile and flexural strength, which limits their use in many areas. The mechanical properties of geopolymers can be significantly improved by reinforcement with natural fibers. The resultant geopolymer composites are significantly better than those of traditional materials, and they are fueling the growing demand for natural fibers in various industries such as automotive, building, and construction.
Natural Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications is a collection of innovative research that provides a cohesive overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, characterization, and mechanical properties of geopolymers reinforced with natural fibers such as pulp-fiber, cotton, sisal, flax, and hemp. The influence of adding various natural fibers on the mechanical properties of these composites is discussed as well as potential applications, challenges, and future directions of these composites. Featuring coverage on a wide range of topics including flax fabric, microstructure, and composite characterization, this book is ideally designed for engineers from building and construction industries, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, academicians, researchers, and students.