Potential of natural fibres and their composites for South Asian countries: Moving towards sustainability

Abstract

Increased environmental concerns and depletion of petroleum-based resources arising from the use of non-renewable resources have increased the demand of natural fibre reinforced composites (NFRCs). Composite materials reinforced with glass and carbon fibres have limited end-of-life (EoL) options, which is a major concern. To minimise this situation, lignocellulose plant fibres have been studied extensively in recent years, due to the increasing demand for sustainable lightweight and environmentally friendly materials. Natural plant fibres are considered as a viable substitute to E-glass fibres owing to their many attractive benefits, such as biodegradable, recyclability, high specific strength and stiffness suitable as reinforcements for many semi-structural and structural composite applications. This new class of lightweight sustainable composites can offer environmental, social and economic benefits as substitute materials for various applications. Through an up-to-date review, this work presents an overview of natural plant fibres as reinforcements of composites for various applications, especially in the context of the South Asian countries.