A Review on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (NFRPC) for Sustainable Industrial Applications

Abstract

The depletion of petroleum-based resources and the adverse environmental problems, such as pollution, have stimulated considerable interest in the development of environmentally sustainable materials, which are composed of natural fiber–reinforced polymer composites. These materials could be tailored for a broad range of sustainable industrial applications with new surface functionalities. However, there are several challenges and drawbacks, such as composites processing production and fiber/matrix adhesion, that need to be addressed and overcome. This review could provide an overview of the technological challenges, processing techniques, characterization, properties, and potential applications of NFRPC for sustainable industrial applications. Interestingly, a roadmap for NFRPC to move into Industry 4.0 was highlighted in this review.

Superparamagnetic wood‐polypropylene nanocomposite made using magnetic wood flour with a nanoparticle‐free surface

“…Moreover, the increase in the surface roughness of the filler phase increases the interlocking of the filler particles with the matrix, which improves the transfer of stresses between them. 3,5 However, it should be noted that the effect of the increase in surface roughness due to the presence of magnetic nanoparticles on the outer surface of the FFMWF particles depends mainly on the quality of the bond between the magnetic nanoparticles and the wood particles. The magnetic nanoparticles prevent good adhesion and interaction between the filler and the matrix as long as the bond between the nanoparticles and the wood flour particles is not strong enough.…”

“…As shown by the determination of the ash content, the weight fraction of magnetic nanoparticles in the filler phase differed depending on the filler particles' type and size. According to the literature, the density of poplar wood and magnetite nanoparticles is about 0.4 and 5.2 g/cm 3 , respectively. 54,55 Since magnetic nanoparticles and poplar wood flour have a considerable density difference (about 1200%), increasing or decreasing the proportion of magnetic nanoparticles significantly impacts the filler phase's density.…”

“…The literature review shows many research reports on improvements and innovations in WPCs' properties. [3][4][5][13][14][15][16] With the rise in nanotechnology, much research has focused on using mineral and organic nanoparticles in WPCs to improve their performance and extend their applications. 15,[17][18][19][20] Metal oxide nanoparticles are among the most attractive nanoparticles to produce functional polymer nanocomposites with specific optical, electrical, and magnetic features.…”

“…Over the past two decades, the production and use of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) in the construction and automotive industries have developed significantly. [1][2][3][4] Issues such as the depletion of fossil resources, global warming, environmental challenges associated with plastic waste, and the tendency to reduce production costs have led to an ever-increasing growth in the use of plantbased fibers and fillers in the polymer industry. [5][6][7][8] In the polymer industry, plant fibers have several advantages over mineral fillers, including their availability, low cost, environmental friendliness, and low density.…”

The Mechanical Properties of Plant Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers: A Review

“…Nowadays, Fiber-reinforced cement-based composites are increasingly widely used [ 1 ]. However, the preparation of cement-based materials requires a large amount of energy, which does not meet the requirements of energy conservation and environmental protection [ 2 , 3 ].…”