The applications of natural fibre/polymer composites in civil engineering are mostly concentrated on non-load bearing indoor components due to its vulnerability to environmental attack. This paper evaluates the characteristics of several natural fibre composites exposed to moisture, thermal, fire, and ultraviolet degradation through an extensive literature review. The effects of chemical additives such as fibre treatments, fire retardants and UV stabilizers are also addressed. Based on the evaluation conducted, optimum fibre content provides strength in a polymer composite but it also becomes an entry point for moisture attack. Several fibre treatments are also being used to improve fibre/matrix interface, thereby increasing moisture durability. However, the treated fibres were found to behave poorly when exposed to weather. The addition of UV stabilizers and fire retardants are suggested to enhance outdoor and fire performance of natural fibre/polymer composite but compromises its strength. Therefore, from the collected data and various experimental results, it was concluded that an optimum blend ratio of chemical additives must be employed to achieve a balance between strength and durability requirements for natural fibre composites. Dear EditorI would like to submit a paper entitle of "Degradability of Polymeric Composites Based on Natural Fibres" to the materials and design. This paper address important issues related to the degradation of natural fibres in polymeric composites. I believe the paper has interest to the reader of the journal and will be beneficial for many researchers in the field of materials and design considering the degradation of polymer and bio-materials. I would like to confirm that the paper has not been sent to any journal before and not under review. I hope you can send the paper fore reviewing process. Editor: Thank you for submitting your review paper. There are no technical issues. However, there are areas of the paper that need attention as follows: 1.Include more keywords -you are allowed up to 6 keywords.The keywords have been updated and highlighted in the revised version as Keywords: natural fibres; polymer composites; civil applications; characteristics degradation; weathering. 2.Include your personal university telephone number in the contact details in the paper.In the revised version it has been included as Reference 20 is incomplete. Updated 10.Reference 37 is incomplete. Updated 11.Reference 40 is incomplete. This paper is much related to the topic and it is in press. I added the DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2012.733149 . this is accepted in the production stage 12.Reference 65 is incomplete. Removed 13.In view of the above, please check all references for accuracy and completeness. Detailed Response to Reviewers JMAD-D-12-03220R1 2All the references are cited using endnote software. This makes it easy to update and cite the references in the required format at the publication stage. 14. Remove page numbers from list of table and figure captions. Page numbers removed...

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The widespread use of natural fibre reinforced composites is hindered by a few issues, some related to the durability of the natural fibre itself especially when exposed to certain environmental conditions. In this study, the moisture impact on the physical and mechanical behaviours of bamboo fibre/polyester composites was investigated. Composites fabricated using bamboo fibres and polyester resin were immersed in water at room temperature (25 C) for 60 days and at 80 C for 2 days. The percentage of thickness swelling and surface expansion was recorded throughout the duration of the study, until apparent physical degradation was observed on the samples. At both temperatures, untreated and treated composites had similar swelling behaviour, with 8% NaOH-treated composite showing highest swelling rate. The surface area expansion for all composites was observed to be much lower than in the thickness direction and was relatively negligible. Since the percentage of final swelling was about the same for all composites, it was also found that the composites achieved similar maximum tensile strength for both conditions, with approximately 2% increment at room temperature and 13.6% reduction at 80 C.

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