Recent advances in natural fiber reinforced metal/ceramic/polymer composites: An overview of the structure-property relationship for engineering applications
Olajesu Favor Olanrewaju, Isiaka Oluwole Oladele, Samson Oluwagbenga Adelani
Abstract
Advances in the material science world drive the birth of a new generation of sustainable materials. Natural fiber (NFs) biocomposites are emerging as valuable alternatives to conventional materials for engineering applications such as construction, automobiles, and aerospace due to their exceptional mechanical properties, lightweight, low carbon footprint, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These outstanding properties have made them more desirable for engineering applications. However, the focus has been on lignocellulosic fibers, neglecting other sources, such as keratinous, fibrinous, and microorganism fibers. Only a few reviews have considered the structure-property relationship of all classes of natural fibers, such as lignocellulosic (plant), keratinous and fibrinous (animal), and microorganism (mycelium) fibers. Although NFs have outstanding potential from an economic, technical, environmental, and green credentials perspective, they have limitations, such as fiber-matrix incompatibility and moisture damage. These limitations make using NFs as reinforcement for different material systems challenging. Surface alterations are usually necessary to improve the adherence between fiber and matrix. With the upgrade, NFs have the potential as sustainable replacement for conventional materials for engineering applications. Future research should aim at reconciling the mechanical properties of NFs to improve composite quality and fiber-matrix adherence and performance.