A Preliminary Study for the Use of Natural Fibers as Reinforcement in Starch‐Gluten‐Glycerol Matrix

Mercerized and nonmercerized coconut, jute and sisal fibers were combined with a matrix of gluten/starch/glycerol to produce composite materials. All nonmercerized fibers improved the mechanical properties of the composites. After mercerization of the fibers, the composite reinforced with sisal fibers exhibited lower values of Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength than composite with nonmercerized sisal fiber, whereas these properties were improved in the composites reinforced with mercerized coconut and jute fibers.