Low-velocity impact response of natural fiber reinforced composites: A comprehensive review on influential parameters

Abstract

This review paper provides a thorough overview of current knowledge regarding how natural fiber composite materials react to Low-Velocity Impacts. It highlights the key things that influence their performance and potential uses. Natural fiber composites have gotten more attention since they are cost-effective, lightweight, and biodegradable options. However, they have some limitations compared to traditional synthetic composites when handling impacts, which can restrict their application. Low-Velocity Impacts can cause different types of damage, like delamination, fiber pull-out, and matrix cracking. The material's response to these situations is important for its strength and durability. This review examines, summarizes, and suggests the best options for factors like fiber orientation, stacking sequence, hybridization, geometry, size, impactor kinetic energy and velocity, chemical treatment and matrix effects that influence the natural fiber composite response under LVI conditions. By understanding these parameters, the impact resistance of natural fiber composites can be improved by treating the fibers, mixing them with synthetic fibers, adding nano-fillers, changing the architecture of the fibers and improving NFC's impact resistance and damage tolerance while minimizing damage during manufacturing. The findings provide important implications for using natural fiber composites in the aerospace, vehicle, maritime, and sports equipment industries. Enhancing their ability to handle LVI could expand where they are applied in high-performance situations, offering a sustainable option better for the environment than traditional synthetic materials.