A Comprehensive Review Article on Natural Fiber Polymer Composites

Abstract

Natural fibers (NFs) have notably piqued the interest of professionals in the field due to the significant benefits they offer over traditional reinforcing agents, and the advancement of natural fiber composites has become a widely researched topic. Natural fibers do have a promising future as reinforcing materials in polymer composites (PCs) (thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers). Natural fibers have become more popular in composite materials as lightweight, minimal price, and environmentally preferable alternatives to synthetic fibers. Due to a variety of factors, such as increased environmental problems and prolonged resource sustainability, reusability, biocompatibility, and weight-specific performance, natural fibers are becoming more popular as reinforcement material for polymer composites (PCs). The advancement of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) has had a significant impact on polymer composite technology and development in the last decade. NFPCs are gaining popularity as a result of their tremendous benefits, including minimal cost, biodegradability, eco-friendliness, and comparatively excellent mechanical characteristics, as well as focus on the environmental sustainability aspects of engineering materials. Moreover, because of the obstacles in industrial production, inadequate information of its machinability, relevant parameters, and the risk of machining-induced discrepancies, industrial use of NFRCs remains a challenge. This article addresses various processing techniques of NFPCs, properties, particularly mechanical properties, and applications. Some major challenges in manufacturing NFPCs and drawbacks of natural fibers have also been discussed.