Applications of biocomposite materials based on natural fibers from renewable resources: a review

Abstract

Biocomposites (natural fiber composites) from local and renewable resources offer significant sustainability; industrial ecology, eco-efficiency, and green chemistry are guiding the development of the next generation of materials, products, and processes. Considerable growth has been seen in the use of biocomposites in the domestic sector, building materials, aerospace industry, circuit boards, and automotive applications over the past decade, but application in other sectors until now has been limited. Nevertheless, with suitable development, the potential exists for biocomposites to enter new markets and thus stimulate an increase in demand. Many types of natural fibers have been investigated with polymer matrices to produce composite materials that are competitive with synthetic fiber composites which require special attention. The agricultural wastes can be used to prepare fiber-reinforced polymer composites for commercial use and have marketing appeal. The growing global environmental and social concern, high percentage of exhaustion of petroleum resources, and new environmental regulations have forced the search for new composites, compatible with the environment. Many references to the current status of research work on the applications of biocomposites are cited in this review.