Eco-friendly composites: exploring the potential of natural fiber reinforcement

Abstract

Eco-friendly fiber-reinforced polymer composites are attracting substantial attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic composites. This comprehensive review examines the historical use, key drivers for adoption, varieties of natural fibers, applications, processing techniques, life cycle analysis, and future trends and challenges of natural fiber composites. Renewable resources, including jute, flax, hemp, and kenaf, are the source of natural fiber composites, which provide significant environmental advantages. These benefits include reduced carbon emissions, reduced energy consumption, and biodegradability. They offer cost-effective solutions for a diverse array of applications in industries including aerospace, construction, consumer products, automotive, marine, and medical, as well as support of rural economies. Compression molding, rotomolding, injection molding, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum infusion, and hand layup are among the processing techniques that have substantially improved the properties and performance of these composites. Yet, obstacles persist, including the necessity for standardized testing and regulations, moisture absorption, and the variability of fiber properties. As they address these issues, continuous research and development are essential for the successful and widespread adoption of natural fiber composites. In comparison to synthetic alternatives, the life cycle analysis of natural fiber composites emphasizes their sustainability, underscoring their potential to contribute to sustainable development objectives. Enhancing durability, optimizing fiber-matrix compatibility, incorporating nanotechnology, and enhancing mechanical properties are among the future trends in this field. Natural fiber composites can leverage these advancements to play a critical role in fostering a sustainable future, reducing environmental impact, and meeting the changing demands of various industries. This review emphasizes the potential and relevance of natural fiber composites in shaping the future of material science and engineering.