Advancing Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites Through Incorporating ZnO Nanofillers in the Polymeric Matrix: A Review
Bekinew Kitaw Dejene
Abstract
Natural fiber-reinforced composites have gained significant popularity owing to their lightweight nature, low environmental impact, favorable specific properties, and cost-effectiveness. However, these composites often lack sufficient mechanical strength, thermal resistance, water repellence, and antibacterial performance, limiting their applicability in a variety of fields. To address these limitations, researchers have recently investigated the incorporation of ZnO nanofillers into the polymeric matrix of natural-fiber-reinforced composites. Nevertheless, there is a gap in the current literature regarding a review on the utilization of ZnO nanoparticles as fillers in matrix materials to improve the performance of natural-fiber-reinforced composites. Therefore, this review discusses recent advancements in incorporating ZnO nanofillers into natural fiber composites, with an emphasis on how these advancements affect the mechanical, water, thermal, and antibacterial properties of the composites. This review explores the methods for incorporating ZnO nanofillers into a matrix, including solution and melt mixing, and discusses the influence of surface modification on mitigating agglomeration issues. The potential applications and future perspectives of ZnO nanofiller-reinforced natural fiber composites in the automotive, construction, and packaging industries are also discussed.