A comprehensive review of invasive Urena lobata fibers and their composites

The research on biomass from natural fibers represents a promising path for developing environmentally friendly composite materials. Bast fibers sourced from plants are renowned for their superior mechanical properties and versatility, making them suitable for various applications. Fibers from the Urena lobata plant, an invasive species found in tropical and subtropical regions, have traditionally been used for making bags, mats, and ropes. These fibers exhibit significant potential as reinforcement materials in composites, enabling the production of high-value products. This review offers the first comprehensive analysis of Urena lobata fibers and their composites, starting with discussions on natural fibers and bast fibers, followed by an exploration of the characterization and properties of Urena lobata fibers. A general overview of biocomposites, including their micromechanical modeling and bast fiber biocomposites, is provided. It then examines the performance of Urena lobata fiber composites in thermosets, thermoplastics, and biobased polymers. The review also outlines the various applications of Urena lobata fiber-reinforced composites, including fiberglass replacement, ballistic materials, building and construction applications, as well as yarn and paper production. Additionally, it discusses the life cycle assessment and limitations of using Urena lobata fibers and their composites, alongside the significant opportunities they present for the future.