*1.2.2 Limitations of composites*

Though composite materials possess a huge number of advantages, there are certain limitations to the same. The composite materials are known to have a low ductility and have certain temperature limits. Due to the presence of more than one component, the material can be subjected to solvent or moister attack. The matrix component of the composite is generally weak giving rise to low toughness, higher brittleness, higher susceptibility to damage and weak transverse properties. The


#### **Table 1.**

*Biocomposite properties different categories.*

composite materials are difficult to attach onto other materials, requiring the need of additional materials such as fasteners. Repairing composites can introduce many other problems, making the disposal and reuse of composites very difficult. Composites have a limited shelf-life discouraging its usage for long term applications. Composite materials have a very complicated manufacturing and fabrication process requiring sophisticated tools and high cost raw materials. Composite materials require refrigerated transport and storage. In most of the cases, hot curing is necessary which takes time and requires special tools; overall adding to the high expense of producing composite materials.
