review · Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials
Natural fibre reinforced polymer composites provide an environmentally friendly alternative for vehicle light-weighting, combining ecological benefits with strong engineering performance. Driven by regulatory requirements and sustainability targets, these composite materials utilise a wide variety of natural fibres combined with different polymer matrices. Optimal performance depends heavily on the compatibility and interfacial interactions between the fibre and the matrix, which can be improved through specific additives and surface treatments. Evaluating these materials requires balanced assessments of mechanical and thermal performance alongside environmental and economic metrics. Life cycle assessments gauge the ecological footprint of these materials, while cost analyses address the viability of widespread industrial adoption. Overall, compiling advancements across fibre types, processing considerations, and property enhancements highlights both the practical potential and ongoing technical challenges associated with adopting natural composites in vehicle manufacturing.
Reducing vehicle weight is vital for cutting emissions and meeting stringent environmental regulations. Substituting synthetic components with natural fibre composites lowers the ecological footprint of manufacturing while maintaining required mechanical standards. Understanding how these bio-based materials perform technically and economically helps the transport sector transition toward more sustainable, circular manufacturing practices without compromising vehicle safety or driving up production costs excessively.
The work addresses vehicle light-weighting applications for automotive manufacturers and materials developers seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional composites. Commercial adoption requires navigating trade-offs between mechanical performance, cost-effectiveness, and processing methods. As a review consolidating existing experimental studies, life cycle assessments, and economic evaluations, the underlying technologies range from early-stage laboratory formulations to advanced stages being evaluated for broader industrial viability.
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The automotive industry stands at a critical juncture, compelled by the imperative of sustainability to seek innovative materials for eco-friendly light-weighting. Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) have gained popularity due to their environmentally friendly nature and excellent engineering capabilities. This review paper comprehensively examines the landscape of NFRPCs in the context of automotive applications. Beginning with an overview of the ecological urgency and regulatory framework driving sustainable automotive materials, the review navigates through key advancements in NFRPC technology. The paper delineates the diverse array of natural fibers employed as reinforcements, elucidating their intrinsic properties, sources, and processing considerations. Concurrently, an in-depth analysis of various polymer matrices showcases their compatibility with different fiber types, emphasizing the critical interplay between fiber and matrix for optimal composite performance. A pivotal facet of this review manuscript lies in the rigorous evaluation of NFRPC performance across an array of metrics, including mechanical, thermal, and environmental considerations. Studies examining the interfacial interactions between natural fibers and polymers, as well as enhancements through additives and treatments, are critically assessed. Environmental and economic considerations are paramount in the quest for sustainable automotive materials. While economic evaluations delve into the viability and cost-effectiveness of widespread adoption, life cycle assessments and environmental impact analyses are evaluated to estimate the ecological footprint of NFRPCs. The paper also surveys current trends and prospects, offering insights into forthcoming innovations and directions for research. Therefore, this review article consolidates a comprehensive body of knowledge on NFRPCs for eco-friendly automotive light-weighting. By synthesizing findings from diverse studies, it provides a holistic perspective on the potential, challenges, and future trajectory of NFRPCs in the automotive sector.
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DOI: 10.1177/08927057241254324
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