A comprehensive review on recent developments of natural fiber composites synthesis, processing, properties, and characterization

Abstract

The escalation of ecological awareness and sustainability has motivated many researchers to foster bio-composite studies and advancement in employing natural fibers and resin. During the last few decades, composites have emerged with various environmental impacts such as degradation, incineration, and toxicity. The credence is that bio-composite materials will downsize the need for environmentally and economically synthetic polymers. To enhance the degradability to the maximum extent, natural resin and natural fiber must be acquired from natural resources. A sequence of treatments must be followed throughout the resin synthesis process to obtain a usable and effective form of natural resin. Natural fibers are becoming more and more dominant over synthetic fibers because of their superior strength, stiffness, durability, and lack of toxicity. In comparison to synthetic fibers, biocomposites have the potential to diminish material expenses while improving mechanical properties. The processing techniques of compression molding, injection molding, and extrusion are frequently employed for biopolymer composite preparations. The ultimate properties of the composite are determined by the degree of adhesion between the matrix and fiber. To assess the mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites, tests such as tensile, flexural, impact, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analyzer are conducted. Many applications of bio-composites have created new opportunities for research and business ventures. Bio-composites are non-abrasive, degradable, and used for various purposes like packaging, medicine, agriculture, and the automotive industry. The undesirable factors like degradation, incineration, and recycling problem of non-biodegradable composite have induced the research and evolution of bio-composite. This decisive review would manifest a summary concerning the framework of natural resins, natural fibers, and bio-composites, the factors affecting the characteristics of bio-composites, and the future prospects for this field.