Advanced natural fibre-based fully biodegradable and renewable composites and nanocomposites: a comprehensive review

ABSTRACT The present environmental limitations and also the depletion of oil-based resources have resulted in greater thrust for the development of environmentally friendly and energy-saving biocomposites termed as green composites. The unique combined properties of biofibres have introduced this new class of biocomposites as a versatile alternative to the present petrochemical composite materials. Considerable efforts are now underway to effectively take advantage of the synergistic effects of combining natural reinforcements and plant-derived polymers for high-performance green composites and nanocomposites. This paper reports the most recent advances in characterization and multifunctional properties of different agro-waste fibres and polymers. The structural properties and functions of the resulting green composites along with their applications are also discussed in details in each section. The current research trends for modification of natural fibres, processing techniques of the given composites as well as their future prospects and challenges are addressed.