Question

Which of the following are having potential as Composite material from New Natural fibres?

• A. Silk and Maize
• B. Basalt and Coir
• C. Jute and Alginate
• D. Wool and Jute

Hint:

Frequently used natural fibres for composite materials include \[ \begin{aligned} &\bullet\ \text{Coir} &\bullet\ \text{Jute} &\bullet\ \text{Flax} &\bullet\ \text{Hemp} &\bullet\ \text{Kenaf} &\bullet\ \text{Sisal} &\bullet\ \text{Basalt Fibre} \end{aligned} \] Remember: \[ \boxed{ \text{Basalt Fibre} \Rightarrow \text{High Strength, Heat Resistant, Composite Reinforcement} } \] Questions related to fibre applications in composite materials are frequently asked in textile engineering and materials science examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Composite materials are engineered materials formed by combining two or more different materials to obtain superior mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties than those of the individual constituents. A composite generally consists of \[ \boxed{\text{Matrix}+\text{Reinforcement}} \] where the reinforcement provides strength and stiffness, while the matrix binds the reinforcement together and transfers the applied load. In recent years, many natural fibres have gained importance as reinforcing materials because they are
• Eco-friendly,
• Renewable,
• Biodegradable,
• Lightweight,
• Economical,
• Good specific strength. Among the newly explored reinforcing fibres, both Basalt and Coir have shown excellent potential for composite applications.

Step 1: Understand the properties of Basalt fibre.
Basalt fibre is produced by melting naturally occurring basalt rock. It possesses \[ \begin{aligned} &\bullet\ \text{High tensile strength,} &\bullet\ \text{Excellent thermal resistance,} &\bullet\ \text{Good chemical stability,} &\bullet\ \text{High durability.} \end{aligned} \] Because of these properties, basalt fibre is widely used as reinforcement in polymer composites.

Step 2: Understand the properties of Coir fibre.
Coir fibre is extracted from the coconut husk and is one of the most commonly used natural fibres in composite manufacturing. Its important characteristics include \[ \begin{aligned} &\bullet\ \text{High toughness,} &\bullet\ \text{Good impact resistance,} &\bullet\ \text{Low density,} &\bullet\ \text{Renewable and biodegradable.} \end{aligned} \] Coir-reinforced composites are widely used in automobile interiors, furniture, packaging materials, and construction products.

Step 3: Examine each option.
Option (A): Silk and Maize Silk is mainly a luxury textile fibre, while maize is not commonly used as a reinforcing fibre in composite materials. \[ \boxed{\text{Incorrect}} \] Option (B): Basalt and Coir Both basalt fibre and coir fibre are recognized as promising reinforcing materials for modern composite applications. \[ \boxed{\text{Correct}} \] Option (C): Jute and Alginate Although jute is widely used in composites, alginate is mainly used as a specialty fibre and is not commonly paired as a new reinforcing composite material. \[ \boxed{\text{Incorrect}} \] Option (D): Wool and Jute Wool is primarily an apparel fibre and is generally not preferred as a reinforcement material for structural composites. \[ \boxed{\text{Incorrect}} \]

Step 4: Write the final answer.
Among the given options, the fibres having significant potential as composite materials are \[ \boxed{\text{Basalt and Coir}.} \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (B) is the correct answer.}} \]