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By: Anita Gaur and Anjali Pundir
1Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Lajpat Rai College, Ghaziabad (Affiliated to CCS University)
2Student, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Lajpat Rai College, Ghaziabad (Affiliated to CCS University)
The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials has led to growing interest in utilizing natural fibers as reinforcements in polymer composites. Natural fibers such as jute, flax, hemp, sisal, and coir have gained notable attention due to their renewable origin, biodegradability, low density, and cost-effectiveness when compared with conventional synthetic fibers like glass or carbon. When combined with suitable polymer matrices, these fibers form natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs), which offer improved mechanical properties, reduced environmental impact, and potential for lightweight structural applications. As a result, NFRPCs are increasingly used in automotive, construction, packaging, aerospace, and consumer product industries, where they contribute to lower material usage, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced sustainability.
Despite their advantages, natural fiber-based composites face important challenges that can limit performance. Moisture absorption, inconsistency in fiber properties, and weak interfacial bonding between fibers and polymer matrices can significantly influence mechanical strength, long-term durability, and resistance to environmental degradation. Recent research has therefore focused on various surface modification and chemical treatment methods—including alkaline treatment, silane coupling agents, and acetylation—to enhance fiber–matrix adhesion and reduce susceptibility to moisture. Additional advancements, such as hybrid composites that blend natural and synthetic fibers and the use of biodegradable polymer matrices, further improve performance while maintaining sustainability.
Overall, natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites represent a promising route toward environmentally responsible material development. Their growing adoption demonstrates their potential to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources while supporting global efforts to create lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products across diverse industries.
Citation:
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