From Degradation to Durability: Strategies for Prolonging the Shelf Life of Natural Fiber Composites–A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Natural fiber composites (NFCs) have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic composites, yet their shelf life remains a critical limitation. This review comprehensively examines factors affecting NFC degradation including moisture absorption, UV exposure, microbial attack, and oxidation and highlights recent mitigation strategies such as surface treatments, hybridization, and advanced packaging. The integration of shape-memory behavior and sustainability metrics is also explored, offering a roadmap to extend NFC lifespan for real-world applications in construction, packaging, and automotive sectors.