Title: Review on recent trends in sustainable biocomposites: materials, manufacturing, applications

Authors: Hiral H. Parikh; Viren K. Parikh; Jitendra M. Mistry

Addresses: School of Engineering & Technology, Navrachana University, Vadodara 391410, Gujarat, India ' School of Engineering & Technology, Navrachana University, Vadodara 391410, Gujarat, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology, Vasad 388306, Gujarat, India

Abstract: Growing environmental awareness and the limitations of conventional resources have spurred a greater interest in biocomposite materials across diverse applications. Researchers are increasingly turning to natural fibres and binders as sustainable alternatives to traditional, petroleum-based materials. This shift towards eco-friendly materials aims to address the demand for lightweight, environmentally responsible solutions. However, the manufacturing of biocomposite materials has many concerns regarding the high cellulose content of the fibres, bonding between fibre and matrix, strength, manufacturing constraints, surface modification of fibres, long-term durability, poor electrical properties and low thermal stability. Recently, exclusive research has been carried out to address issues like durability, biodegradability, sustainability and sustainable manufacturing. This review article broadly covers the different types of fibres obtained through plants and animals and discuss the surface modification processes to enhance the adhesion. It also covers the different types of biopolymers, their advantages and limitations in developing biocomposites. Also, the review article discusses the various manufacturing techniques used to create the biocomposite with highlighting on advanced manufacturing techniques to produce lightweight composites. Finally, the detailed application areas, scope and challenges of biocomposites are briefly discussed.

Keywords: biocomposites; biopolymers; biofibres; advanced manufacturing processes; fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2026.155497

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2026 Vol.17 No.3, pp.253 - 278

Received: 26 Dec 2024
Accepted: 22 Jan 2025
Published online: 04 Aug 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article