Silk as a reinforcement in polymer matrix composites

Abstract

Natural fibers perform well as reinforcement materials in polymer matrix composites and provide ecological and environmental advantages. Both plant- and animal-based natural fibers have been studied for their mechanical properties and potential contributions to composite material. These natural fiber composites are renewable, completely or partially biodegradable and also given more applications in many fields, which makes the final product lighter and decreases the wear of manufacturing used in the production process in the plastic industry. This chapter deals with silk fiber-reinforced composites. Silk is one of the strongest natural fibers; it is originally from Bombyx mori and can be available industrially at a low cost. Silk fiber-reinforced composites have the advantage of being relatively light; they have impact resistance, a high specific strength, high specific stiffness and are extremely elastic and resilient. In this chapter, we will discuss the use of silk fiber as reinforcement in polymer composites as well as their different properties.