review · Journal of Composites Science
Natural fibres from plant and animal sources offer renewable, biodegradable, and cost-effective alternatives for reinforcing polymer composites. Despite growing interest, natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites face challenges such as high moisture absorption, poor fire resistance, and limited strength properties. Fibre source, type, and internal structure directly shape composite performance. Applying intentional physical and chemical treatments to natural fibres improves their thermal stability and mechanical strength by strengthening the interfacial bond between the fibre surface and the surrounding polymer matrix. Various fabrication methods support the processing of both thermoplastic and thermosetting composites reinforced with these treated fibres. While performance constraints historically limited broader adoption, these composites are currently utilised across several sectors, most notably within automotive manufacturing and academic research. Further refinement of composite design frameworks supports progress toward broader sustainable development targets.
Replacing synthetic reinforcements with renewable plant-based fibres helps reduce the environmental footprint of manufactured materials. Understanding how surface treatments overcome common material weaknesses such as moisture uptake and poor structural strength is essential for engineering practical, biodegradable components that align with global sustainability goals.
Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites are actively applied within the automotive and research sectors. Modifying fibre surfaces enables manufacturers to improve structural integrity and heat resistance, expanding use in lightweight, bio-based components. Because this work reviews existing physical and chemical treatment methods alongside established fabrication techniques, the underlying technology sits at an applied and tested stage, though specific products require addressing fire safety and moisture limitations.
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Natural fiber (NF) is one of the many resources that nature has provided. NFs decompose quickly and are biodegradable, renewable, and cost-effective. It may be scavenged from a variety of plant and animal sources. They are employed as reinforcing materials in polymers for NF composite development. Because of its environmental friendliness and long-term survivability, NF is growing in appeal among academics and researchers for usage in polymer composites. This study aims to offer a thorough evaluation of the most suitable and widely utilized natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs), along with their manufacture, processing, and applications. It also defines several external treatments of NF and their influence on the characteristics of NFPCs. The characteristics of NFPCs are affected by fiber supply, fiber type, and fiber structure. Numerous physical and chemical treatments were tested to see how they affected the thermal and strength properties of natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting composites. Several polymer composite fabrication techniques were also studied. NFPCs have several disadvantages, notably low fire protection, poor strength properties, and greater moisture absorption, which have prevented their application. It is shown how NFPCs are employed in a variety of industries, particularly automotive and research industries. The review discovered that intentionally changing the regular fiber enhanced the thermochemical and physico-mechanical properties of the NFPCs by means of improving the grip between the fiber surface and the polymer framework. This study aims to provide important and fundamental facts on NF and their composites, which will aid in new investigations, the creation of a creative framework for polymer composite types, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
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DOI: 10.3390/jcs7030120
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