Publication

Abstract : Fibers are widely used for enhancing the properties of polymer matrices to make them appropriate for several applications. Fiber reinforced materials offer better strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance but suffer certain drawbacks like poor impact and tolerance resistance together with weak fracture toughness that prevent their utility in high end applications. These can be mitigated by generating better interfacial interaction between the fiber and the polymer matrix. Surface modification of fibers is a suitable method for enhancing the interface interaction and hence engineered fibers are more compatible with polymers. Nano engineering of fibers can induce tremendous enhancement in biomedical, self-healing, electrical and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymers. By an amalgamation of process parameters with surface modification subsequent to fiber preparation, it is possible to selectively tune the properties of fiber composites. This chapter tries to bring into light the different types of nano engineered fibers, their fabrication methods and the various applications of the polymer composites fabricated from them.