Plant Fiber/Woven Composites (PFCs): Composition, Chemical Processing, Manufacturing Techniques, and Potential Applications

Plant fiber composites (PFCs) are a combination of plant fibers (flax, banana, jute fibers) and matrix or resins. Plant fibers have a wide range of uses, including nonwoven applications such as short fibers, yarns, and ropes, as well as woven structures like mats and textiles. PFCs have been used for centuries in a variety of applications related to construction, furniture, and automotive parts. One advantage of plant fiber composites is that they are a sustainable alternative to conventional fiber-reinforced composites (FRPs). Plant fibers (PFs) are grown and harvested on a large scale, making them an attractive alternative to non-biodegradable materials such as glass and carbon fibers. Plant fiber composites also have a lower carbon footprint than traditional materials; they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during growth. Plant fibers are generally lightweight and offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Therefore, plant fibers composites or composites made by plant fiber mats/woven are suitable for use in structural applications. They also have good impact resistance and moisture-resistant (after chemical treatments), making them ideal for indoor and outdoor applications. Several plant fibers are commonly used in engineering sectors (furniture, automobiles). Wood and jute fibers (in textiles or mates form) are the most used plant fibers in composites, as they are widely available and have good mechanical properties. Bamboo fibers are also gaining popularity due to their high strength and lightweight properties. Flax fibers and straw are not as extensively available as wood and bamboo fibers; thus, they have limited applications. The matrix material used in plant fiber composites can be a variety of materials, including resin, rubber, and a wide range of polymers. Multiple factors can affect the properties of plant fiber composites. Plant fiber type, matrix material (natural or synthetic), the manufacturing process (from extracting fibers to converting it into yarns or textiles), and the processing conditions are significant factors that influence the properties of PFCs. These properties can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of different applications by selecting the appropriate fiber type, matrix materials and by adjusting the processing conditions. Plant fiber composites have a wide range of applications and have the potential to replace traditional materials due to their sustainability aspect. Overall, PFCs are a promising material that can be used to meet the increasing demand for sustainable materials.