Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: A comprehensive review of Tribo‐Mechanical properties

Abstract

The escalating industry-wide requirement for environmentally friendly materials has led to an augmented emphasis on natural fibers. Their intrinsic biodegradability, lightweight attributes, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally sustainable characteristics render natural fibers exceptionally well-suited for modern industrial applications. These days, numerous studies have focused on their usage as a reinforcing material in polymer composites. Bamboo, Cotton, Coir, Sisal, Jute, Flax, Abaca, and others are regularly used as natural fibers in polymer composites due to their environmentally benign nature compared to neat polymers or traditional polymer composites, as the fibers used in them are derived from renewable sources. Although the polymer matrices used in Natural Fiber reinforced Polymer Composites (NFPCs) are not inherently biodegradable, rather natural fibers allow for enhanced biodegradability compared to neat polymers or synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composites. Moreover, their production requires less energy and generates fever emissions compared to conventional composites. Additionally, some NFPCs have been found to possess similar or in many cases better mechanical properties than synthetic fiber reinforced composites. Owing to these benefits, NFPCs are used across numerous industries like automotive, marine, ballistic and aerospace. This paper thoroughly discusses the Tribo-Mechanical characteristics of NFPCs. The overview of various manufacturing techniques of polymer composites and the applicability of NFPCs in various industries have also been discussed. A brief overview of economic and sustainability aspects and key challenges and problems associated with the use of NFPCs have also been covered.