Green Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers: A Review on Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The rapid development of modern social economy, the acceleration of industrialization, and the increasingly serious environmental problems have severely restricted the sustainable development of social ecology. At present, the public’s awareness of environmental protection has been greatly improved, and the development and application of green materials have received more and more attention. In order to improve the utilization efficiency and quality of green composite materials, the first step is to clarify the concepts and characteristics of green materials, then grasp the value and development trend of green materials, and finally analyze their applications in-depth to make green composite materials possible. Green material is a new material concept, so its advantages and value must be clarified in the application process in order to fully develop and use green materials, so as to better serve social development. Natural fiber is a diverse and renewable resource. Its availability and satisfactory mechanical properties make it a potential substitute for man-made fibers and can be widely used in various fields. However, natural fibers still have some inherent deficiencies such as hydrophilicity and variability. Physical and chemical treatments are used to improve the mechanical properties of natural fibers, thereby improving the properties of natural fiber composites. This study gives a detailed overview of these sustainable and renewable natural fiber composite materials. The general characteristics of natural fibers used in green composites will be reviewed, including types, sources, properties, as well as improved methods. Furthermore, the application of natural fibers composites in various fields is studied.