Analysis of cost and flexural strength performance of natural fiber-polyester composites

Natural fiber-reinforced polyester matrix composite materials are evaluated both for strength performance and cost. The flexural strength of composites fabricated with untreated chopped natural fibers is comparable only to the performance of low-strength wooden agglomerates and plywood. Nevertheless, it is shown here that on a cost basis the composites fabricated with high-strength natural fibers can even compete with glass fiber-mat polyester matrix composites. The primary constraint is to maintain consistently low cost of the fibers.