Page 50 - Template Tesis UTM v2.0

Cellobiose
Fragment of cellulose molecule

Glucose

Crystalline cellulose

Microfibril structure

Primary
cell wall

Hemicellulose Cellulose
microfibril Plasma
membrane

Cellulose synthase complexes

Figure 2.6 Schematic diagram of natural fibre’s cell wall [45]

Natural fibres are less costly to produce, have little or health threatening

compounds, have high-level of stiffness and specific strength which provide a possible
alternative to the synthetic fibres. However, despite the growing applications of natural

fibres due to environmental and economic concerns, the variability of their properties
and behaviours make them difficult to use. Furthermore, parameters such as weather

condition, type of soil, origin of the grain plant, and plant maturation period, create
big challenges for the industries and manufacturers to ensure the consistent

reproducibility of their properties [46]. Table 2.6 presents a comparison between the

mechanical properties of natural fibres and conventional reinforcing fibres while
Figure 2.7 shows the healthy growth of natural fibres and the opportunity of these

materials in the market, especially in automotive applications. Natural fibre
composites were found to have a higher level of strength compared to wood

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