Important Considerations in Manufacturing of Natural Fiber Composites: A Review

Abstract

The paper overviews the essential considerations in the manufacturing process of natural fiber composites which influence the performance of biocomposites. The evaluation of thermal properties of composites matrix and natural fiber chemical composition and physical properties appears to be necessary as the initial screening factors before the manufacturing process of biocomposites. On the other hand, considerations on fiber composition, type of manufacturing process and parameter used are seen as other crucial significant factors that need to be focused during the manufacturing of biocomposites. Moreover, the treatment used in the manufacturing process such as alkali treatment and coupling agent utilization should also be highlighted as additional important measures for better performance of biocomposites. In this review, all significant factors that influence the performance outcome of natural fiber composites are highlighted to provide the base-line source of literature for the manufacturing and production of composites sample. It is expected that the findings from the present study could further enhance the performance of natural fiber composites and able to become the preferred alternative or replacement for petroleum-based polymer in various industrial and commercial applications in the future.