The challenges of natural fiber in manufacturing, material selection, and technology application: A review

Abstract

In this review, previous studies about the properties and applications of natural fiber composites in the aerospace and automobile fields will be discussed. Natural fiber composites are a better alternate to the existing artificial fiber composites due to their advantages, e.g. lightweight, cheaper and, most importantly, their environmental aspects and biodegradability. Since ancient times, natural fibers have been used for preparing walls, baskets, ropes, clothes, and many more products. More recently, natural fibers such as jute, kenaf, sisal, hemp, and flax have been used in the engineering production field. Natural fiber composites are used increasingly in the aerospace and automotive industries. Nowadays, natural fiber composites and artificial composites are being compared by researchers to find the most appropriate materials for engineering fields. Researchers are also more focused on natural fibers due to their biodegradability and low production cost. Assessments of the materials used in aircraft parts and panel structures have been made to study the potential of using natural fiber composites instead.