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Open research questions in Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

35 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 715 Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • The systematic implementation of a quantitative wear damage characterization methodology, which remains insufficiently explored in the literature, and the evaluation of the tribological performance of HFRCs through a dual-parameter approach considering both mass loss and areal wear significantly enhance the novelty of this study.

    Experimental and machine learning analysis of the wear and mechanical performance with morphological investigation of ZnO- and WC-nanoparticle reinforced glass/flax hybrid composites · 2026 · DOI

  • It is important to recognize that this bibliometric analysis was conducted exclusively using records indexed in the Scopus database. While Scopus is considered one of the most comprehensive and reliable scientific indexing plat- forms, it does not cover the entirety of global academic output. Therefore, publications not included in Scopus may have been omitted from the analysis, particularly those from emerging journals, regional databases, or al- ternative open-access platforms. This limitation may affect the overall representativeness and scope of the findings, especially with regard to identifying all relevant contribu- tions related to the application of banana pseudostems as biodegradable materials. It is recommended that future studies expand the range of data sources and adopt multi- platform bibliometric strategies to achieve a more holistic and inclusive mapping of scientific discourse in this field.

    From waste to resource: bibliometric evaluation of the use of banana pseudostems as biodegradable material · 2026 · DOI

  • and for L. Tang, J. Dang, M. He, J. Li, J. Kong, Y. Tang, J. Gu (2019) Preparation and properties of cyanatelaminated composites based wave-transparent reinforced by dopamine/POSS functionalized Kevlar cloth, Composites Science and Technology, 169, 120–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2018.11.018 G. Rajesh, H. Kim, T. Setoguchi, S. Raghunathan (2007) Performance analysis and enhancement of the ballistic range, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 221, 649–659. https://doi.org/10.1243/09544100jaero229 C. Tham, V. Tan, H.P. Lee (2008) Ballistic impact of a KEVLAR® helmet: Experiment and simulations, International Journal of Impact Engineering, 35, 304–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2007.03.008 M. Asyraf, M. Suriani, C. Ruzaidi, A. Khalina, R. Ilyas, M. Asyraf, A. Syamsir, A. Azmi, A. Mohamed fibre-reinforced (2022) Development of natural using helmet composites polymer concurrent engineering approach: a brief review, Sustainability, 7092. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127092 ballistic 14, A. Harmukh, A. Singh, P. Kumar, S.K. Verma, P.D. Kumar, S. Ganpule (2023) Mechanical analysis of helmeted headforms under ballistic impact with implications in performance evaluation of ballistic helmets, Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, 9, 1270905. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmech.2023.1270905 advances Y. Li, H. Fan, X.L.

    Chemical and Thermal Analysis of Flax, Aramid, and Aluminum for HDPE Composites in Protective Helmets · 2026 · DOI

  • Abstract In a context of growing interest in flax-based composites, this study addresses the lack of data on the behavior of woven flax rovings during the preforming stage of liquid composite molding (LCM) processes.

    Characterization of the Compaction/Compression Behavior of Woven Flax Tows · 2026 · DOI

  • 1) Bamboo fiber should be prioritized as the most ef- fective natural reinforcement for concrete. Based on the experimental results, bamboo fiber at 1.5% to 2% dosage provided consistent improvement in compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. Its use is highly recommended for structural applica- tions where enhanced mechanical performance and durability are required. 2) Banana fiber is suitable for improving early com- pressive strength but should be used in limited amounts. The highest compressive strength was achieved with 0.5% banana fiber at 28 days. How- ever, higher dosages resulted in reduced perfor- mance, likely due to poor dispersion and in- creased porosity. Therefore, banana fiber should be restricted to 0.5% content and is more appro- priate for non-load-bearing or low-strength con- crete components. Jute fiber is most effective when used in non-load- bearing elements or structures where tensile resil- ience and crack control are more critical than high compressive strength (e.g., pavements, thin- walled elements, or plastering). 3) 4) Proper fiber content and mixing techniques are es- sential for optimal performance. Overuse of fiber especially banana and jute can reduce concrete workability, cause clumping, and lead to strength loss. Uniform mixing methods and possibly pre- treatment of fibers (e.g., alkali treatment) should be considered to improve fiber dispersion and bonding with the cement matrix. 5) Further research is recommended to explore long- term durability and environmental benefits. Fu- ture studies should focus on the aging behavior, chemical resistance, shrinkage, and environmen- tal performance of fiber-reinforced concrete. Ad- ditionally, life-cycle assessments can support the promotion of natural fibers as a sustainable alter- native in the construction industry.

    Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Natural Fiber Reinforcement: A Comparative Study of Bamboo, Banana, and Jute Fibers · 2026 · DOI

  • https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12126.91202. A. Majumder, M. Valdes, A. Frattolillo, E. Martinelli and F. Stochino, ”Natural fiber TRM for integrated upgrading/retrofitting”. Buildings, vol. 15, no. 16, art. No. 2852, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162852. M. Hosseini, M. Gaff, P. Konvalinka, D. Hui, Y. Wei, P. Ghosh, A. Hosseini and P. K. Pandey, “Natural fiber-reinforced composites in precast modular construction: A critical review of structural viability and durability considerations for high-rise applications.” Journal of Natural Fibers. Vol. 23, no. 1, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2026.2629567. Y. Millogo, J.-E. Aubert, E. Hamard, J.-C. Morel, “How properties of kenaf fibers from Burkina Faso contribute to the reinforcement of earth blocks,” Materials, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 2332–2345, 2015. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8052332. K. Annamalai, T. Shanmugam, H. Sundaram, V. Jagadeesan, “Enhancing concrete properties with bamboo and jute fibers: a response surface methodology approach.” Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), vol. 30, no. 1, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-RMAT-2024-0759. M. A. Hossain, S. D. Datta, A. S. M. Akid, M. H. R. Sobuz, M. S. Islam, “Exploring the synergistic effect of fly ash and jute fiber on the fresh, mechanical and non-destructive characteristics of sustainable concrete.” Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 11, e21708, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21708. M. Hasan, F. H. Tushar, K. Hasan, F. M. Yahaya, R. P. Jaya, R. Hasan, S. H. Sohan, and M. L. Rabbani, “Performance analysis of sustainable reinforced concrete using chemically treated betel 2025. fiber,” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.112456.

    Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Natural Fiber Reinforcement: A Comparative Study of Bamboo, Banana, and Jute Fibers · 2026 · DOI

  • While the paper reports decreased elongation at break and ductility with increased WBFB content, it does not investigate mitigation strategies or surface modification techniques to maintain composite ductility.

    Agriculture waste derived biochar based polyvinyl alcohol composites for structural applications · 2026 · DOI

  • However, the results show that before using NMMO for the production of microfibers, additional research on the pretreatment process will be necessary because an insufficient aspect ratio value and surface morphology were obtained.

    Potential uses of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide for the treatment of agricultural waste biomass · 2023 · DOI

  • Progress toward broader applications will depend on further studies on long-term performance, standardization of methodologies, expansion of life cycle assessments, and integration between technical performance, economic fea- sibility, and environmental impact.

    Textile waste reinforced cementitious composites: state of the art and future perspectives · 2026 · DOI

  • Future studies incorporating artificial aging protocols and long-term clinical evaluation are warranted to better correlate laboratory findings with clinical performance.

    Comparison of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Various Commercially Available Nanohybrid Composites: An In Vitro Study · 2026 · DOI

  • However, the physiogeometrical properties of GFRP bars manufactured in Ghana have not been adequately documented.

    Evaluation of Physiogeometrical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars Manufactured in Ghana · 2026 · DOI

  • Despite this, the effect of reprocessing on PVC-based WPCs has not been extensively investigated, and the mechanism is not well understood.

    Influence of Reprocessing on the Properties of PVC-Based Wood–Plastic Composites · 2026 · DOI

  • Overall, biological responses weremore closely related to leachate chemistry than to biodegradation rates, indicating thatbiodegradability alone is insufficient as a criterion for environmental safety assessment andhighlighting the need for integrated regulatory frameworks.

    ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF PLANT-BASED SINGLE-USE BIODEGRADABLE FOOD-CONTACT MATERIALS · 2026 · DOI

  • The study is limited to a single bamboo species (Drepanostachyum falcatum) and does not explore the potential variations in biochar properties from different agricultural waste sources or processing conditions.

    Agriculture waste derived biochar based polyvinyl alcohol composites for structural applications · 2026 · DOI

  • Although the use of biodegradable polymers is limited by their poor mechanical and thermal properties, a filler in the form of sheep wool fibres increases the mechanical properties of the composite and reduces production costs, while maintaining its biodegradability.

    The potential application of sheep wool as a component of composites · 2021 · DOI

  • Syngonanthus nitens, locally called Sikki grass, is one of such potential natural fiber resources whose potential as a reinforcement in polymer matrix composite has not been explored till date.

    Potential of Syngonanthus nitens fiber as a reinforcement in epoxy composite and its mechanical characterization · 2020

  • Obtained results target our further research into the direction of Spanish Broom fibres and PLA application in the production of green composites.

    Spanish broom (S<i>partium junceum L</i>.) – feedstock for bioplasticand bioenergy industry · 2019 · DOI

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35 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 715 Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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