ABSTRACT
The natural fibers have better physical and specific mechanical properties then synthetic fibers and are widely used in structural and semi-structural components. However, there are some drawbacks with natural fibers, i.e., they lose their strength at high temperatures and are hydrophilic in nature. Therefore, natural fiber reinforced polymer composites absorb moisture in high humidity, water, and seawater environments. The mechanical, thermal, and wear properties are degraded with water or moisture absorption. This chapter emphasizes the effects of water absorption on the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of natural and natural-synthetic fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites. Furthermore, the effects of micro and nanofillers on mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties at dry and moisture environments have been explored and discussed.
