Natural Fibre Reinforced Composites for Industrial Applications

Natural fibre reinforced (NFR) polymer composites set an avenue for the development of new sustainable materials. These materials led a paradigm shift from synthetic materials to natural fibre reinforced materials. Natural fibres are easily and excessively available in nature, biodegradable, cost effective, lightweight, environment friendly, and no irritation to eyes or skin and hence gained the attention of researchers as a promising candidate for the development of natural fibre reinforced composites with enhanced properties. NFR-based composites research field is continuously evolving. Various industries such as aviation, military, sports, sensors, electrical engineering, construction, and food are some major sectors to utilize NFR composites for designing different components and materials due to their distinct properties as conferred in the text. Jute, sisal, kenaf, hemp, cotton, flax, coir, etc. are commonly used fibres as reinforcement. Inherent characteristics of natural fibres such as moisture, strength, thermal stability, incompatibility with embedded matrices, etc. are major challenges while developing and applicability of NFR composites. However, these shortcomings can be minimized by chemical treatments. Furthermore, considerable research is going on the elevation of the performance of NFR composites.