Natural Fibers Composites: Origin, Importance, Consumption Pattern, and Challenges

Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted world of natural fiber applications within the domain of composite materials. Natural fibers are meticulously examined in detail, considering their diverse origins, which encompass plant-derived fibers (cellulose-based), animal-derived fibers (protein-based), and even mineral-derived variations. This review conducts a profound analysis, not only scrutinizing their chemical compositions, intricate structures, and inherent physical properties but also highlighting their wide-ranging applications across various industries. The investigation extends to composites utilizing mineral or polymer matrices, delving into their synergistic interplay and the resulting material properties. Furthermore, this review does not limit itself to the intrinsic attributes of natural fibers but ventures into the realm of innovative enhancements. The exploration encompasses the augmentation of composites through the integration of natural fibers, including the incorporation of nano-fillers, offering a compelling avenue for further research and technological development. In conclusion, this review synthesizes a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role of natural fibers in the realm of composite materials. It brings together insights from their diverse origins, intrinsic properties, and practical applications across sectors. As the final curtain is drawn, the discourse transcends the present to outline the trajectories of future work in the dynamic arena of natural fiber composites, shedding light on emerging trends that promise to shape the course of scientific and industrial advancements.

Extraction of Lightweight Platanus orientalis L. Fruit’s Stem Fiber and Determination of Its Mechanical and Physico-Chemical Properties and Potential of Its Use in Composites

“…Despite coming from the same plant, natural fibers can differ in their chemical composition, microfibrillar angle, structure, physical attributes, crystalline cellulose diameter, flaws, and isolation method. There may also be notable differences in the mechanical properties and characteristics [ 31 ]. Therefore, like many natural fibers, stem fibers have an irregular shape and typically show a heterogeneous cross-section.…”

“…Polymeric resins have been combined with various natural fibers, such as kenaf, sugar palm, flax, jute, hemp, etc., to create new materials known as natural fiber composites [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. According to this perspective, the use of natural fiber composites has attracted the interest of material scientists and engineers because of the benefits they provide [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Investigation of Physical Properties of Polymer Composites Filled with Sheep Wool

“…Natural fibers can also be incorporated into polymer composites to modify various properties of virgin polymers such as epoxy resin, polyester, polylactic acid, polyurethane, vinyl ester, and polystyrene. In general, the incorporation of natural fibers into polymers aims to create composite materials that are environmentally friendly, cost effective, with reduced density, and mechanically robust, with specific properties tailored to various applications [ 63 , 64 ].…”

“…These include enhanced tensile and flexural strength, reduced density, and improved thermal and acoustic insulation properties. Plant fiber-reinforced polymers have a range of potential applications [ 63 ], including bamboo composite door panels, roofs incorporating jute coir composites, bicycle frames made from flax–fiber composites, tables featuring oil palm-based biocomposites, perfume containers utilizing Curaua fiber–wood–flour composites, acoustic absorbers composed of cotton fiber–rubber granulate composites, building panels constructed from sisal jute sandwich composites, chairs made of coir fiber–polyester composites, tennis rackets made from hemp epoxy composites and flax, fire retardant materials, ballistic applications, food packaging, etc.…”

“…Animal fibers are the second most widely utilized fibers for composite reinforcement, following plant-based fibers [ 63 ]. They are characterized by thermal stability and fire resistance.…”