Open Access

REVIEW

A Comprehensive Review of Natural Fibers: Bio-Based Constituents for Advancing Sustainable Materials Technology

Sachin Ghalme^1,*, Mohammad Hayat², Mahesh Harne³

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Nashik, 422213, MS, India
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Vincent Pallotti College of Engineering and Technology, Nagpur, 441108, MS, India
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrutvahini College of Engineering, Sangamner, 422605, MS, India

* Corresponding Author: Sachin Ghalme. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Renewable Materials and Advanced Technologies for Sustainability)

Journal of Renewable Materials 2025, 13(2), 273-295. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2024.056275

Received 18 July 2024; Accepted 28 November 2024; Issue published 20 February 2025

Abstract

With growing concerns for global warming and environmental issues, the research community has contributed significantly to green technology in the area of material science through the development of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC). Polymers serve as the matrix in NFRPC, while natural fibers serve as the reinforcing materials. Demand for high-performing materials made with natural resources is growing continuously. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are sustainable biocomposites fabricated with natural fibers embedded with a polymer matrix. They offer a wide range of advantages, including a low weight-to-strength ratio, high flexural strength, damping properties, and resistance to corrosion, wear, and impact. Understanding the basic properties, characteristics, and processing techniques for natural fibers is important to consider their use as raw materials for high-quality biocomposite. Natural fibers come with low density and a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing them to be a potential reinforcement for low-weight composites. This article attempts to present a comprehensive review of the available natural fibers, their classification, types, structures, physical properties, characteristics, and mechanical properties. Natural fibers are hydrophilic in nature and require physical and chemical treatment prior to their application as reinforcing material. This review will also cover the required physical and chemical treatments of natural fibers for fabricating biocomposites.

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