Grewia Optiva Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Lignocellulosic fibers are being used as reinforcement of polymeric matrices to fabricate composites over the past decades because of their eco-friendly nature as well as low cost, easy availability, low density, high specific strength and high stiffness. There are many natural fibers like hemp, ramie, banana, sisal, and coir on which a large amount of research has been done. Natural fibers which are abundantly available in specific areas, especially rural areas can also prove to be vital in fulfilling the rising demands of natural fibers along with providing employment to the rural population. One of such underutilized natural fiber is extracted from the stems of Grewia Optiva tree which is abundantly available in Uttarakhand and found only in some parts of sub-Himalayan terrains. This fiber has a great potential to be used as reinforcement to fabricate polymer composites. This book chapter presents the utility of Grewia Optiva as a reinforcement in polymer composites and discusses the fiber extraction methods, lignocellulosic composition, fiber-surface modification methods, thermal, mechanical properties and tribological properties.