Sustainable Natural Fiber Based Composites Materials: A Review

Natural fiber-based composite materials have emerged as sustainable alternatives to conventional composites, driven by the need for environmentally friendly solutions in various industries. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the natural fibers commonly used in composite manufacturing, including jute, flax, hemp, sisal, coir, and many more. The fiber characteristics such as tensile strength, elasticity, moisture absorption, and their mechanical and physical properties are presented and discussed, highlighting their influence on the overall performance of the composites. The interaction between these natural fibers and polymer matrices, including both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, is also focused on this review. Various manufacturing techniques employed to produce natural fiber composites are explored, including hand layup, compression molding, resin transfer molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, and automated fiber placement techniques. Lastly, the review explores the diverse applications of natural fiber-based composites across sectors such as automotive, construction, packaging, and sports equipment.