A comprehensive review on recent developments of natural fiber composites synthesis, processing, properties, and characterization

Abstract

The escalation of ecological awareness and sustainability has motivated many researchers to foster bio-composite studies and advancement in employing natural fibers and resin. During the last few decades, composites have emerged with various environmental impacts such as degradation, incineration and toxicity. The credence is that bio-composite materials will downsize the need for environmentally and economically synthetic polymers. To enhance the degradability to the maximum extent, natural resin and natural fiber must be acquired from natural resources. A sequence of treatments must be followed throughout the resin synthesis process to obtain a usable and effective form of natural resin. Natural fibers are becoming more and more dominant over synthetic fibres because of their superior strength, stiffness, durability and lack of toxicity. In comparison to synthetic fibres, biocomposites have the potential to diminish material expenses while improving mechanical properties. Many applications of bio-composites have created new opportunities for research and business ventures. Bio-composites are non-abrasive, degradable, and used for various purposes like packaging, medicine, agriculture and automotive industry. The undesirable factors like degradation, incineration, and recycling problem of non-biodegradable composite have induced the research and evolution of bio-composite. This decisive review would manifest a summary concerning the framework of natural resins, natural fibers, and bio-composites, the factors affecting the characteristics of bio-composites and the future prospects for this field.

Processing and properties of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) fibres and their sustainable composite materials: a review

“…20,21 Specifically, it is necessary to reduce the use of debris-creating pollution to maintain a safe and green environment. 22–24 Extensive studies have proven the potential of natural fibres to replace synthetic fibres as reinforcement materials in composites, 25–30 where several experimental trials have performed to replace synthetic fibres with natural fibres. Synthetic fibres, together with plant fibres such as flax, jute, sisal, hemp, ramie, and kenaf have been reported to show a good reinforcing effect.…”