Natural Fiber and Synthetic Fiber Composites: Comparison of Properties, Performance, Cost and Environmental Benefits

Abstract

Due to scarcity of natural resources, scientists are looking for new materials that can replace heavy and expensive materials needed in product manufacturing. Based on this concept, composites have become a major research topic due to their versatile properties, applications as well as economic utilization of resources. In the present article, a critical review is conducted on the natural and synthetic fiber reinforced composites. The review is based on the properties, performance, cost and environmental benefits of those composites. Both natural and synthetic fiber composites have a wide range of properties. Synthetic fiber composites generally have better properties as compared to natural fiber reinforced composites. However, natural fiber reinforced composites showed better performance as compared to synthetic fiber reinforced composites in different applications. The cost of producing natural fiber composites is lower as compared to that of synthetic fiber reinforced composites. Natural fiber reinforced composites also have better impact on environment as compared to synthetic fiber reinforced composites.