The need for lightweight, sustainable materials has increased due to the growing global population, environmental issues, and the fast growth of the automotive sector. Because of their excellent mechanical and physical qualities as well as their environmentally beneficial character, natural fiber-reinforced composites have become a viable option. Due to their ability to blend strength with lightweight properties, these composites are gaining increasing popularity across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, sports, medical, and personal protective equipment. Natural fibers serve as an advantageous choice for composite material applications due to their superior mechanical properties, economic viability, and sustainability. Examples of these fibers are jute, flax, hemp, and kenaf. This study examines the factors of fiber type, matrix type, fiber-matrix interaction, and environmental conditions that influence the mechanical and physical properties of natural fiber-reinforced composites. The study also highlights how processing methods can optimize composite performance for particular uses. By examining these crucial components, this thorough review seeks to provide a basis for upcoming studies and advancements in the field of biodegradable composites. The results show how natural fiber-reinforced composites can meet industry expectations for high-performance materials while lowering carbon footprints. The importance of these composites in promoting sustainable development across industries is highlighted by this investigation, which propels additional developments in environmentally friendly material research.

Keywords: Automobile sector, building, composites, mechanical and physical characteristics, natural fiber

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1. Kerni L, Singh S, Patnaik A, Kumar N. A review on natural fiber reinforced composites. Mater Today Proc. 2020;28:1616–21.
2. Li X, Tabil LG, Panigrahi S. Chemical treatments of natural fiber for use in natural fiber–reinforced composites: A Review. J Polym Environ. 2007;15:25–33.
3. Sanjay MR, Arpitha GR, Naik LL, Gopalakrishna K, Yogesha B. Applications of natural fibers and its composites: An Overview. Nat Resour. 2016;7(3):108–14.
4. Sanjay MR, Arpitha GR, Senthamaraikannan P, Kathiresan M, Saibalaji MA, Yogesha B. The Hybrid Effect of Jute/Kenaf/E–Glass Woven Fabric Epoxy Composites for Medium Load Applications: Impact, Inter–Laminar Strength, and Failure Surface Characterization (vol 16, pg 600, 2019). J Nat FIBERS. 2020;17(2):310.
5. Madhu P, Sanjay MR, Senthamaraikannan P, Pradeep S, Saravanakumar SS, Yogesha B. A review on synthesis and characterization of commercially available natural fibers: Part–I. J Nat Fibers. 2019;16(8):1132–44. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2018.1453433
6. Pramanik TJ, Karmakar A, Nayeem MH, Turjo SMKS, Abid MR. Withdrawn: An Experimental and Numerical Approach to Evaluate Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber–Based Polymer Composites. Elsevier; 2024.
7. Sastra HY, Siregar JP, Sapuan S, Hamdan MM. Tensile properties of Arenga pinnata fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Polym Plast Technol Eng. 2006;45(1):149–55.
8. Ku H, Wang H, Pattarachaiyakoop N, Trada M. A review on the tensile properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Compos Part B Eng. 2011;42(4):856–73.
9. Shalwan A, Yousif BF. In state of art: Mechanical and tribological behaviour of polymeric composites based on natural fibres. Mater Des. 2013;48:14–24.
10. Jariwala H, Jain P. A review on mechanical behavior of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites and its applications. J Reinf Plast Compos. 2019;38(10):441–53.
11. Zamora–Mendoza L, Gushque F, Yanez S, Jara N, Álvarez–Barreto JF, Zamora–Ledezma C. Plant fibers as composite reinforcements for biomedical applications. Bioengineering. 2023;10(7):804.
12. Sarikaya E, Çallioğlu H, Demirel H. Production of epoxy composites reinforced by different natural fibers and their mechanical properties. Compos Part B Eng. 2019;167:461–6.
13. Prasad AVR, Rao KM. Mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced polyester composites: Jowar, sisal and bamboo. Mater Des. 2011;32(8–9):4658–63.
14. Gupta A, Kumar A, Patnaik A, Biswas S. Effect of different parameters on mechanical and erosion wear behavior of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Int J Polym Sci. 2011;2011(1):592906.
15. El–Shekeil YA, Sapuan SM, Abdan K, Zainudin ES. Influence of fiber content on the mechanical and thermal properties of Kenaf fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composites. Mater Des. 2012;40:299–303.
16. Joshi SV, Drzal LT, Mohanty AK, Arora S. Are natural fiber composites environmentally superior to glass fiber reinforced composites? Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf. 2004;35(3):371–6.
17. Jaafar J, Siregar JP, Oumer AN, Hamdan MH, Tezara C, Salit MS. Experimental Investigation on Performance of Short Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Tapioca Biopolymer Composites. Bio Resources. 2018 Aug 1;13(3).
18. Yun IS, Hwang SW, Shim JK, Seo KH. A study on the thermal and mechanical properties of poly (butylene succinate)/thermoplastic starch binary blends. Int J Precis Eng Manuf Green Technol. 2016 Jul;3:289–96.
19. Siregar JP, Salit MS, Rahman MZ, Dahlan KZ. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calometric (DSC) analysis of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites. Pertanika J Sci Technol. 2011 Jan 1;19(1):161–70.
20. S Samal A, Kumar S, Mural PK, Bhargava M, Das SN, Katiyar JK. A critical review of different properties of natural fibre–reinforced composites. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: J Proc Mech Eng. 2023:09544089231202915.
21. Parameswaranpillai J, Gopi JA, Radoor S, Krishnasamy S, Deshmukh K, Hameed N, et al. Turning waste plant fibers into advanced plant fiber reinforced polymer composites: A comprehensive review. Composites Part C: Open Access. 2023 Mar 1;10:100333.
22. Jaafar J, Siregar JP, Mohd Salleh S, Mohd Hamdan MH, Cionita T, Rihayat T. Important considerations in manufacturing of natural fiber composites: A review. Int J Precis Eng Manuf Technol. 2019;6:647–64.
23. Westman MP, Fifield LS, Simmons KL, Laddha S, Kafentzis TA. Natural fiber composites: A review.2010;
24. George J, Bhagawan SS, Thomas S. Thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of pineapple fibre reinforced polyethylene composites. J Therm Anal Calorim. 1996Oct1;47(4):1121–40.
25. Faruk O, Bledzki AK, Fink HP, Sain M. Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010. Prog Polym Sci. 2012 Nov 1;37(11):1552–96.
26. Neto AR, Araujo MA, Souza FV, Mattoso LH, Marconcini JM. Characterization and comparative evaluation of thermal, structural, chemical, mechanical and morphological properties of six pineapple leaf fiber varieties for use in composites. Ind Crop Prod. 2013 May 1;43:529–37.
27. Jaafar J, Siregar JP, Piah MB, Cionita T, Adnan S, Rihayat T. Influence of selected treatment on tensile properties of short pineapple leaf fiber reinforced tapioca resin biopolymer composites. J Polym Environ. 2018 Nov;26:4271–81.
28. Mohanty AK, Misra MA, Hinrichsen GI. Biofibres, biodegradable polymers and biocomposites: An overview. Macromol Mater Eng. 2000 Mar 1;276(1):1–24.
29. Jawaid MH, Khalil HA. Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Carbohydrate polymers. 2011 Aug 1;86(1):1–8.
30. Joseph PV, Joseph K, Thomas S. Effect of processing variables on the mechanical properties of sisal–fiber–reinforced polypropylene composites. Comp Sci Technol. 1999 Aug 1;59(11):1625–40.
31. Duval A, Bourmaud A, Augier L, Baley C. Influence of the sampling area of the stem on the mechanical properties of hemp fibers. Materials letters. 2011 Feb 28;65(4):797–800.
32. Liu W, Drzal LT, Mohanty AK, Misra M. Influence of processing methods and fiber length on physical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced soy based biocomposites. Composites Part B: Eng. 2007 Apr 1;38(3):352–9.
33. Ramesh M, Palanikumar K, Reddy KH. Plant fibre based bio–composites: Sust Energ Rev. 2017 Nov 1;79:558–84.
34. Syduzzaman M, Chowdhury KP, Fahmi FF, Rumi SS, Hassan A. Effects of carbon–based nanofillers on mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of bast fiber reinforced polymer composites. J Therm Comp Mater. 2024 Aug;37(8):2723–74.
35. Jawaid M, Hamdan A, Sultan MTH. Structural health monitoring system for synthetic, hybrid and natural fiber composites. Springer; 2021.
36. Kulandaivelu P, Sakthipandi K, Kumar PS, Rajendran V. Mechanical properties of bulk and nanostructured La0. 61Sr0.39MnO3 perovskite manganite materials. J Phys Chem Solids. 2013 Feb 1;74(2):205–14.
37. Ogihara S, Okada A, Kobayashi S. Mechanical properties in a bamboo fiber/PBS biodegradable composite. J Solid Mech Mater Eng. 2008;2(3):291–9.
38. Kabir MM, Wang H, Aravinthan T, Cardona F, Lau KT. Effects of natural fibre surface on composite properties: A review. In Proceedings of the 1st International Postgraduate Conference on Engineering, Designing and Developing the Built Environment for Sustainable Wellbeing (eddBE 2011). University of Southern Queensland; 2011 Jan 1.
39. El–Sabbagh A. Effect of coupling agent on natural fibre in natural fibre/polypropylene composites on mechanical and thermal behaviour. Compos B Eng. 2014 Feb 1;57:126–35.

The need for lightweight, sustainable materials has increased due to the growing global population, environmental issues, and the fast growth of the automotive sector. Because of their excellent mechanical and physical qualities as well as their environmentally beneficial character, natural fiber-reinforced composites have become a viable option. Due to their ability to blend strength with lightweight properties, these composites are gaining increasing popularity across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, sports, medical, and personal protective equipment. Natural fibers serve as an advantageous choice for composite material applications due to their superior mechanical properties, economic viability, and sustainability. Examples of these fibers are jute, flax, hemp, and kenaf. This study examines the factors of fiber type, matrix type, fiber-matrix interaction, and environmental conditions that influence the mechanical and physical properties of natural fiber-reinforced composites. The study also highlights how processing methods can optimize composite performance for particular uses. By examining these crucial components, this thorough review seeks to provide a basis for upcoming studies and advancements in the field of biodegradable composites. The results show how natural fiber-reinforced composites can meet industry expectations for high-performance materials while lowering carbon footprints. The importance of these composites in promoting sustainable development across industries is highlighted by this investigation, which propels additional developments in environmentally friendly material research.

Keywords: Automobile sector, building, composites, mechanical and physical characteristics, natural fiber

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Kerni L, Singh S, Patnaik A, Kumar N. A review on natural fiber reinforced composites. Mater Today Proc. 2020;28:1616–21.
2. Li X, Tabil LG, Panigrahi S. Chemical treatments of natural fiber for use in natural fiber–reinforced composites: A Review. J Polym Environ. 2007;15:25–33.
3. Sanjay MR, Arpitha GR, Naik LL, Gopalakrishna K, Yogesha B. Applications of natural fibers and its composites: An Overview. Nat Resour. 2016;7(3):108–14.
4. Sanjay MR, Arpitha GR, Senthamaraikannan P, Kathiresan M, Saibalaji MA, Yogesha B. The Hybrid Effect of Jute/Kenaf/E–Glass Woven Fabric Epoxy Composites for Medium Load Applications: Impact, Inter–Laminar Strength, and Failure Surface Characterization (vol 16, pg 600, 2019). J Nat FIBERS. 2020;17(2):310.
5. Madhu P, Sanjay MR, Senthamaraikannan P, Pradeep S, Saravanakumar SS, Yogesha B. A review on synthesis and characterization of commercially available natural fibers: Part–I. J Nat Fibers. 2019;16(8):1132–44. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2018.1453433
6. Pramanik TJ, Karmakar A, Nayeem MH, Turjo SMKS, Abid MR. Withdrawn: An Experimental and Numerical Approach to Evaluate Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber–Based Polymer Composites. Elsevier; 2024.
7. Sastra HY, Siregar JP, Sapuan S, Hamdan MM. Tensile properties of Arenga pinnata fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Polym Plast Technol Eng. 2006;45(1):149–55.
8. Ku H, Wang H, Pattarachaiyakoop N, Trada M. A review on the tensile properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Compos Part B Eng. 2011;42(4):856–73.
9. Shalwan A, Yousif BF. In state of art: Mechanical and tribological behaviour of polymeric composites based on natural fibres. Mater Des. 2013;48:14–24.
10. Jariwala H, Jain P. A review on mechanical behavior of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites and its applications. J Reinf Plast Compos. 2019;38(10):441–53.
11. Zamora–Mendoza L, Gushque F, Yanez S, Jara N, Álvarez–Barreto JF, Zamora–Ledezma C. Plant fibers as composite reinforcements for biomedical applications. Bioengineering. 2023;10(7):804.
12. Sarikaya E, Çallioğlu H, Demirel H. Production of epoxy composites reinforced by different natural fibers and their mechanical properties. Compos Part B Eng. 2019;167:461–6.
13. Prasad AVR, Rao KM. Mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced polyester composites: Jowar, sisal and bamboo. Mater Des. 2011;32(8–9):4658–63.
14. Gupta A, Kumar A, Patnaik A, Biswas S. Effect of different parameters on mechanical and erosion wear behavior of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Int J Polym Sci. 2011;2011(1):592906.
15. El–Shekeil YA, Sapuan SM, Abdan K, Zainudin ES. Influence of fiber content on the mechanical and thermal properties of Kenaf fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composites. Mater Des. 2012;40:299–303.
16. Joshi SV, Drzal LT, Mohanty AK, Arora S. Are natural fiber composites environmentally superior to glass fiber reinforced composites? Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf. 2004;35(3):371–6.
17. Jaafar J, Siregar JP, Oumer AN, Hamdan MH, Tezara C, Salit MS. Experimental Investigation on Performance of Short Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Tapioca Biopolymer Composites. Bio Resources. 2018 Aug 1;13(3).
18. Yun IS, Hwang SW, Shim JK, Seo KH. A study on the thermal and mechanical properties of poly (butylene succinate)/thermoplastic starch binary blends. Int J Precis Eng Manuf Green Technol. 2016 Jul;3:289–96.
19. Siregar JP, Salit MS, Rahman MZ, Dahlan KZ. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calometric (DSC) analysis of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites. Pertanika J Sci Technol. 2011 Jan 1;19(1):161–70.
20. S Samal A, Kumar S, Mural PK, Bhargava M, Das SN, Katiyar JK. A critical review of different properties of natural fibre–reinforced composites. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: J Proc Mech Eng. 2023:09544089231202915.
21. Parameswaranpillai J, Gopi JA, Radoor S, Krishnasamy S, Deshmukh K, Hameed N, et al. Turning waste plant fibers into advanced plant fiber reinforced polymer composites: A comprehensive review. Composites Part C: Open Access. 2023 Mar 1;10:100333.
22. Jaafar J, Siregar JP, Mohd Salleh S, Mohd Hamdan MH, Cionita T, Rihayat T. Important considerations in manufacturing of natural fiber composites: A review. Int J Precis Eng Manuf Technol. 2019;6:647–64.
23. Westman MP, Fifield LS, Simmons KL, Laddha S, Kafentzis TA. Natural fiber composites: A review.2010;
24. George J, Bhagawan SS, Thomas S. Thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of pineapple fibre reinforced polyethylene composites. J Therm Anal Calorim. 1996Oct1;47(4):1121–40.
25. Faruk O, Bledzki AK, Fink HP, Sain M. Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010. Prog Polym Sci. 2012 Nov 1;37(11):1552–96.
26. Neto AR, Araujo MA, Souza FV, Mattoso LH, Marconcini JM. Characterization and comparative evaluation of thermal, structural, chemical, mechanical and morphological properties of six pineapple leaf fiber varieties for use in composites. Ind Crop Prod. 2013 May 1;43:529–37.
27. Jaafar J, Siregar JP, Piah MB, Cionita T, Adnan S, Rihayat T. Influence of selected treatment on tensile properties of short pineapple leaf fiber reinforced tapioca resin biopolymer composites. J Polym Environ. 2018 Nov;26:4271–81.
28. Mohanty AK, Misra MA, Hinrichsen GI. Biofibres, biodegradable polymers and biocomposites: An overview. Macromol Mater Eng. 2000 Mar 1;276(1):1–24.
29. Jawaid MH, Khalil HA. Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Carbohydrate polymers. 2011 Aug 1;86(1):1–8.
30. Joseph PV, Joseph K, Thomas S. Effect of processing variables on the mechanical properties of sisal–fiber–reinforced polypropylene composites. Comp Sci Technol. 1999 Aug 1;59(11):1625–40.
31. Duval A, Bourmaud A, Augier L, Baley C. Influence of the sampling area of the stem on the mechanical properties of hemp fibers. Materials letters. 2011 Feb 28;65(4):797–800.
32. Liu W, Drzal LT, Mohanty AK, Misra M. Influence of processing methods and fiber length on physical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced soy based biocomposites. Composites Part B: Eng. 2007 Apr 1;38(3):352–9.
33. Ramesh M, Palanikumar K, Reddy KH. Plant fibre based bio–composites: Sust Energ Rev. 2017 Nov 1;79:558–84.
34. Syduzzaman M, Chowdhury KP, Fahmi FF, Rumi SS, Hassan A. Effects of carbon–based nanofillers on mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of bast fiber reinforced polymer composites. J Therm Comp Mater. 2024 Aug;37(8):2723–74.
35. Jawaid M, Hamdan A, Sultan MTH. Structural health monitoring system for synthetic, hybrid and natural fiber composites. Springer; 2021.
36. Kulandaivelu P, Sakthipandi K, Kumar PS, Rajendran V. Mechanical properties of bulk and nanostructured La0. 61Sr0.39MnO3 perovskite manganite materials. J Phys Chem Solids. 2013 Feb 1;74(2):205–14.
37. Ogihara S, Okada A, Kobayashi S. Mechanical properties in a bamboo fiber/PBS biodegradable composite. J Solid Mech Mater Eng. 2008;2(3):291–9.
38. Kabir MM, Wang H, Aravinthan T, Cardona F, Lau KT. Effects of natural fibre surface on composite properties: A review. In Proceedings of the 1st International Postgraduate Conference on Engineering, Designing and Developing the Built Environment for Sustainable Wellbeing (eddBE 2011). University of Southern Queensland; 2011 Jan 1.
39. El–Sabbagh A. Effect of coupling agent on natural fibre in natural fibre/polypropylene composites on mechanical and thermal behaviour. Compos B Eng. 2014 Feb 1;57:126–35.