A Review on Developments in Manufacturing Process and Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Composites

Abstract

From the last few decades, the study of natural fiber composite materials has been gaining strong attention among researchers, scientists, and engineers. Natural fiber composite materials are becoming good alternatives to conventional materials because of their lightweight, high specific strength, low thermal expansion, eco-friendly, low manufacturing cost, nonabrasive and bio-degradable characteristics. It is proven that natural fiber is a great alternative to synthetic fiber in the sector of automobiles, railway, and aerospace. Researchers are developing various types of natural fiber-reinforced composites by combining different types of natural fiber such as jute, sisal, coir, hemp, abaca, bamboo, sugar can, kenaf, banana, etc. with various polymers such as polypropylene, epoxy resin, etc. as matrix material. Based on the application and required mechanical and thermal properties, numerous natural fiber-based composite manufacturing processes are available such as injection molding, compression molding, resin transfer molding, hand lay-up, filament welding, pultrusion, autoclave molding, additive manufacturing, etc. The aim of the paper is to present the developments of various manufacturing processes of natural fiber-based composites and obtained mechanical properties.