Perspectives on the robustness of the mechanical properties assessment of biocomposites

Abstract

Biocomposite materials made of natural plant fibers are becoming a viable alternative to the use of synthetic ones such as glass fibers, thanks to many economic, ecological, and technical benefits. However, their massive use in the industry requires optimal control of their mechanical performances, which constitutes a real scientific issue to be overcome. Indeed, biocomposites suffer from an important variability in their mechanical properties because of their multiscale structure, natural growth conditions, and various processing parameters, in addition to eventual chemical treatments. Biocomposites are also highly sensitive to the surrounding environment in terms of humidity and temperature because of the hydrophilic properties of natural plant fibers. In this context, this Perspective aims to provide a critical look at the influence of the main factors that affect the mechanical properties of biocomposites in order to suggest some possible research outlooks that could contribute to optimizing the control of these mechanical properties and expanding the use of biocomposites in industry.