Int. J. Adv. Sci. Eng. Vol.11 No.4 4591-4609 (2025) 4591 E-ISSN: 2349 5359; P-ISSN: 2454-9967
Govinda et al.,
International Journal of Advanced Science and Engineering www.mahendrapublications.com
Natural Fibers Reinforced Polymer Composite: Focus on
Mechanical, Tribological and Biodegradable Properties
Govinda
1
, Chingakham Chinglenthoiba
1
, Jitendra Kumar Katiyar
1*
1
Centre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura- 140401, Punjab, India
INTRODUCTION
Natural fibers reinforced composites (NFRCs)
have gained attention as sustainable alternatives
to synthetic materials in various industries,
including automotive, aerospace and
construction [1]. Natural fibers combined with
epoxy, polyester, polypropylene etc., to make
components like automotive door panels, seat
backs, bumpers, roofing, etc. Natural fibers are
produced from plants, animals and minerals and
are identified for their biodegradability and
renewable nature [2]. Natural fibers used to
increase the strength of polymer matrix with
reduction in weight of composite. An
appropriate number of natural fibers are added
to the polymer for good strength. Natural fibers
polymer composites can be a potential
replacement for synthetic fibers in the
composite material area [3].The scarcity of non-
renewable resources has led to a dependence on
renewable resources. The natural fibers
extracted from living plants are renewable and
sustainable. There are two types of natural fiber:
primary and secondary fibers. Primary fibers are
those unprocessed natural fibers extracted
directly from nature, like cotton, jute, wool etc.
Secondary fibers are those fibers that have
already been used or recycled [4].Composites
are made from two or more different materials
to form a new material having properties
superior to each material used in the composite.
Polymer Matrix Composites are those
composites where a polymer matrix mixed with
fibers to increase their mechanical properties
[5]. Polymer matrix composites are widely used
because they are lightweight and have a great
strength-to-weight ratio. Polymer matrix
composites are not very costly and easy from
manufacturing point of view. The properties of
polymer matrix composites can be achieved by
varying the type of polymer matrix, fabrication
process, and reinforcement fibers for the
required properties [6].Metal matrix with
ceramic or other reinforcing particles enhances
properties such as wear resistance and thermal
conductivity. Ceramic fibers embedded in a
ceramic matrix, offering high-temperature
resistance and low density generally used in
turbine engines and high-temperature
application [7]. Carbon-carbon composites are
advanced materials made from carbon fibers
inserted in carbon matrix. These composites are
known for their exceptional properties,
especially at high temperatures. Carbon-carbon
composites can withstand extremely high
temperatures, often exceeding 1000°C [8]. This
review paper aim is to discuss the mechanical
properties of composites fabricated in research
studies by single natural fiber or dual natural
fibers reinforcement in epoxy and single natural
fiber reinforcement in polypropylene and
ABSTRACT: Interest in creating sustainable materials, such as natural fiber-reinforced polymer
composites, for various industrial applications has increased due to the depletion of petroleum
resources and environmental concerns. Natural fibers are strong and enhance the mechanical strength
of polymer matrices through their inherent strength, adhesion to polymers, effective load transfer,
damping properties, density reduction, and sustainability benefits. This review study discusses the
mechanical properties, tribological properties, and moisture absorption of epoxy, polypropylene, and
polyester matrices reinforced with different natural fibers, as well as their applications in various
industries. This review also covers mechanical characteristics for natural fiber composites, including
dual fiber composites, their impact, tensile and flexural strengths, and hardness from research studies.
KEYWORDS: Natural fiber, polyester, polypropylene (PP), epoxy, tribological, biodegradability,
moisture absorption
https://doi.org/10.29294/IJASE.11.4.2025.4591-4609 ©2025 Mahendrapublications.com, All rights reserved
*Corresponding Author: jitenderkumar.katiyar@chitkara.edu.in
Received: 10.03.2025 Accepted: 20.04.2025 Published on: 23.06.2025