Recent advances in development, characterization and joining of new sustainable materials

Abstract

Abstract. Nowadays, in order to increase the transport efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions of contaminants, a reduction in weight associated with improved safety performance of the materials in use must be achieved. On the other hand, environmental concern has generated interest in research about new materials aligned with the principles of sustainability. Thus, this need for better performing and ecological structures has resulted in the development of a new variety of materials. Among these materials, currently, are the composites produced from resources of renewable sources. Natural fiber composites have recently attracted a great deal of attention by the industry due to their many attractive benefits (e.g., high strength-to-weight ratio, sustainable characteristics and low cost). Welding is highly impractical to use in these situations (i.e., thermoset polymer composites) and rivets or screws exhibit stress concentrations and offer a low fatigue resistance. Adhesive bonding is usually the preferred method since it allows for greater flexibility in design and is more efficient in mechanical and energy aspects. In this work, recent advances in development, characterization and joining of new sustainable materials, critical challenges and future perspectives are presented. The application of sustainable green composites may further increase in many structural and non-structural applications if their joining behavior is well-known and established.