Key advances in development of straw fibre bio-composite boards: An overview

Abstract

In recent years, considerable attention have been given to the development and utilization of biodegradable fibres for bio-composite boards. This is due to the increase in the environmental consciousness and the need for sustainable development which enable establishment of new materials majorly for packaging, aircraft, furniture, and automobile. Straw fibres (wheat, rice, and corn fibre) are the most available natural agricultural wastes products, which has been utilized for the production of these new materials. This paper hence reviews the enhancement in production methodology and properties of the straw fibres bio-composite boards to add further scientific knowledge to the potentiality of using agricultural fibres as value added products. The future replacement of conventional wood fibres for the production of bio-composite panels, especially with agricultural wastes, could be centered on straw fibres. The introduction of straw fibres in polymer matrices were presented based on various research outcomes. Biodegradable fibres could be regarded as a good fibrous composite material. Although, more efforts are still needed in developing facile straw fibre composite production methods and materials with robust industrial and domestic applications. Industrial adoption of these fibres would gear effort towards achieving a clean, and pollution free environment.