Potential of natural fiber in unsaturated polyester biocomposite application

Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) is one of the most common synthetic matrices used for composites. Their applications include simple elements as ceiling until more complex as aeronautic devices. One of the constant concerns about these composites is reducing their environmental impact. An alternative is the inclusion of renewable raw materials that increase the carbon bio-based. That is the reason UPR matrices have been reinforced or modified using components isolated from natural resources, such as vegetable, animal, and mineral. This chapter contains six sections where is commented general aspects related to these biocomposites and their potential applications. The chapter starts with an introduction that considers the general concepts of the biocomposites based on UPR matrices. The second part presents information about natural reinforcements, nano-objects from nature sources, and natural fiber configurations. Then, it is included comments on aspects of fiber modifications used to improve interactions with UPR matrices. The next part treats about the main technologies used for UPR biocomposites manufacture. Two final parts present information about the UPR biocomposite applications and the challenges of UPR biocomposites to satisfy market demands performance.