10.1 Introduction

The application of lignocellulosic fibres in reinforcing plastics has been known for a long time. As early as 1908 the first composite materials were applied for the production of large quantities of sheets, tubes and pipes for electronic purposes (paper or cotton to reinforce sheets, made of phenol or melamine formaldehyde resins). In 1896, aeroplane seats and fuel tanks were made of natural fibres with a small amount of polymeric binder [1].

Because of low prices and the steadily rising performance of technical and standard plastics, the application of natural fibres for obtaining lignocellulosic fibre plastic composites is widely used. More recently, the critical discussion about the preservation of natural resources and recycling has led to a renewed interest concerning natural materials with the focus on renewable raw materials [2].

Wood fibre as a lignocellulosic fibre possesses a number of potential advantages as a suitable candidate for fibre reinforced polymer composites. Among these advantages, those of major importance include low price, low density, low abrasiveness, and the absence of potential health hazards during processing. Besides, natural fibre reinforced plastics using biodegradable polymers, as matrixes, are the most environmental friendly materials, as they can be composted at the end of their life. There is currently a great deal of interest in updating the technology to incorporate cellulosics in plastic composites.

The field of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite materials is now rapidly growing both in terms of industrial applications and fundamental research.

The use of...