What does this research mean for the field?

Raw or minimally processed wool can serve as a low-impact reinforcement and multifunctional modifier in biocomposite materials, though its mechanical and functional effects are highly conditional and system-dependent. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To review the evidence on the use of raw or minimally processed wool as reinforcement in composites and its various applications.

February 19, 2026Open Access

Recent Advances in Biocomposite Materials Reinforced with Raw or Minimally Processed Wool: Fabrication Methods, Properties and Applications—A Systematic Review

CRCarlos Ruiz-DíazUniversity of Córdoba ÓRÓscar Rodríguez-AlabandaUniversity of Córdoba MSMaría M. Serrano-BaenaUniversity of Córdoba

Key Points

To review the evidence on the use of raw or minimally processed wool as reinforcement in composites and its various applications.
Systematic review of articles from 2015 to 2025 in Scopus and Web of Science
Analysis of 44 studies on wool-reinforced composites
Use of PRISMA guidelines for reporting
Evidence mapping of polymers versus mineral binders in composite usage
33 out of 44 studies focused on polymer-based composites, mainly thermosets
Short wool fibers were predominant in 27 out of 44 studies
Notable variations in mechanical performance depending on composite architecture
Moisture uptake and durability present significant challenges for application readiness

Abstract

Sheep wool is a keratin-based natural fiber increasingly explored as a low-impact reinforcement and multifunctional modifier in composites, enabling valorization of coarse or waste wool streams. This systematic review consolidates evidence on raw or minimally processed wool-reinforced composites across polymer matrices and mineral binders. Following a registered protocol and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for English-language journal articles (2015–2025), yielding 44 included studies after screening. Evidence mapping shows polymers dominate (33/44; thermosets 19/44), while mineral binders account for 11/44. Wool is mainly used as short fibers (27/44), with woven (9/44) and nonwoven/felt (8/44) architectures appearing in laminates and insulation products. Because heterogeneity limits pooled meta-analysis, outcomes are synthesized using matched-control comparisons where available (27/44) and interpreted with a TRiC appraisal (Transparency, Reproducibility, and Credibility). Mechanical effects are highly conditional: gains in impact/energy absorption and occasional tensile/flexural stress improvements coexist with frequent losses linked to dispersion, wetting/impregnation and void sensitivity. Functional trends are similarly system-dependent, with promising but uneven evidence for acoustic performance, variable thermal conductivity shifts, and formulation-driven fire behavior. Moisture uptake and durability emerge as principal translation bottlenecks, motivating minimum reporting and design practices to improve comparability and application readiness.

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