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Journal of Polymer & Composites Review Article Special issue

An Overview of Natural Fibers and Fillers Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials

  1. Dinki Sharma Department of Automobile Engineering, Chandigarh University, Gharuan
  2. Akant Kumar Singh Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chandigarh University, Gharuan

Abstract

Polymer composite materials reinforced with natural fibers and fillers are drawing wide spread attention due to their sustainability, eco-friendliness, and a replacement of conventional synthetic composites. Such materials combine strength and stiffness of natural fibers like jute, hemp, flax, and sisal with flexibility and durability of polymer matrices, including thermoplastics, and thermosets. The paper reviews some developments, properties, and applications of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs), focusing on their merits, constraints, and emerging trends. Some main advantages of natural fibers are biodegradability, renewability, and regularity of density and cost-saving. The use of natural fibers in polymer matrices increases mechanical properties such as tension, impact resistance, and thermal stability, yet sparingly impacts the environment. Substituent materials like rice husk, wood flour, or other agricultural residues serve as functional reinforcements in improving composite performance. Nevertheless, challenges such as moisture absorption, poor interfacial bonding, and droplet content could need to be better understood to compete fully. The role of surface treatments, hybridization with synthetic fibers, and advanced fabrication techniques is examined in this paper with respect to their limitations. Progress in bio-based polymers and green processing is further solidifying the justification for using NFRPCs as a convenient solution for automotive, construction, packaging, and consumer product applications.

Keywords

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