Abstract
Natural fibers are lighter, less expensive, and less abrasive than synthetic fibers such as glass or carbon, and provide a resource that is both renewable and biodegradable. This study uses surface treatments and flock fiber based Z-axis reinforcement technology to improve the strength and fracture toughness properties of natural fiber composites (NFCs), thus increasing their ability to bear loads. The enhancement of performance properties will expand applications of NFCs in industries such as automotive and housing/construction industries. NFCs will also provide a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive structural material alternative over traditional resin reinforced glass or carbon fiber composite materials. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.