Natural Fibers in Uganda Suitable for Sustainable Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

The use of natural fibers in composite polymers has grown rapidly and has gained popularity in various areas. Most of these natural fibers can also be found in Uganda. Many sectors are currently shifting to “green technologies” that are environmentally friendly in order to reduce synthetic plastic wastes and pollutions. Natural fibers are at low-cost with high specific properties and low densities. Based on these factors, most developing countries already begun using natural fibers to produce good quality products that are effective and economical. Countries like Uganda are the future source of many known and many unknown natural fibers. One of the uses of natural fiber reinforced composites is the automotive industry; Uganda is a promising country in this sense. In this study, we will review the natural fibers in Uganda suitable for natural fiber reinforced composites. These are, namely, mutuba tree (ficus natalensis), rice and coffee husk, cotton, Sansevieria trifasciata, banana fibers, sisal fibers, marsh grass and bamboo fibers. These plants are found in many other countries; however, a combined investigation is presented in our study. These fibers are mainly used in textiles, automotive industry, and lightweight items. Their future use as structural parts of low to medium strength are evaluated.