A review on cellulose fiber extraction and processing strategies for natural fiber polymer composites

Alarming ecological changes have been evident across the globe over the last few decades, with natural ecosystems impacted by the large amounts of pollution continually produced by human activities. As a result, several researchers have focused intense efforts on the search for more environmentally friendly potential substitute materials to manufacture or produce in place of hazardous synthetic polymer composites. However, creating a composite from raw components is exceedingly challenging due to a lack of proper understanding of the extraction and processing of natural or biodegradable materials. Researchers and scientists are currently exploring the use of natural fibers extracted from various plant species as potential reinforcements in polymer composites. Natural fiber-reinforced composites have many noteworthy advantages, including affordability, sustainability, renewability, and environmental friendliness. However, these qualities largely depend on the extraction and processing of natural plant-based fiber. Composites fabricated using natural bio-sourced materials are a desirable alternative due to their low density, low cost, and acceptable mechanical qualities, as well as the abundant availability and renewability of raw materials. This investigative research study provides in-depth analyses of several natural fiber extraction techniques, composite preparation characterization, and composite testing. The selection of optimum extraction procedures and composite manufacturing techniques to obtain a high-performance composite is discussed.