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An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments

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DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011

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Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

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journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/matpr

An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical

treatments and application areas
N. Karthi a,⇑, K. Kumaresan b, S. Sathish a, S. Gokulkumar a, L. Prabhu a, N. Vigneshkumar c
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641407, India
b
Park College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641659, India
c
Department of Agriculture Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641608, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Application of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites (NFPC) in transportation diligences has
Received 9 August 2019 become inexorable due to light weight, superior properties, less cost of production and suitability to
Received in revised form 27 December 2019 many products. But the main disadvantages of employing these fibers are their poor dimensional stability
Accepted 1 January 2020
and high hydrophilic nature. Interfacial bonding between the fiber and matrix plays a vital role in decid-
Available online xxxx
ing the mechanical characteristics of composites. Various chemical cures are applied for enhancing the
fiber-matrix adhesion which ends up in better mechanical characteristics of the composites. The current
Keywords:
aerospace and automotive industries are looking to change the conventional materials which are high
Natural fibre
Chemical treatment
density material to composite material for reducing the overall weight of the vehicle to increase its per-
Hybrid composites formance. This review paper provides a vast overview on natural fiber reinforced composites, various
Mechanical properties chemical treatments applied and applications of those composites.
Applications Ó 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International conference
on Materials and Manufacturing Methods.

1. Introduction properties of polymers are essentially insufficient for many struc-

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals were used in earlier times to
produce everything from nail to aircraft. Polymers were then
invented and conventional materials such as metals, for example
switches, fasteners and structural components were replaced. Plas-
tics are very easy to manufacture complicated components and
weigh less than metal counterparts and are even more robust.
Because of the need for lightweight and robust materials, compos-
ite materials have been developed. A composite material can be
defined as a macroscopic combination of two or more matrix and
reinforcement materials with enhanced properties than individual
materials used alone. Composite materials are usually produced by
the three most important materials, such as polymers, metals and
ceramics. The purpose of using composites in different fields is to
increase strength, reduce weight and fulfill the specific properties
of applications. The matrix material may be polymers, metals or
ceramics.
Polymers are mainly hydrogen, carbon and other non-metallic
elements based organic elements. The physical and mechanical
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: karthimli@gmail.com (N. Karthi).
tural and constructional purposes. In particular, their rigidity and
strength is much lower compared to metals and ceramics. Poly-
mers are strengthened with natural / synthetic fibers on the basis
of their strength properties to overcome these disadvantages.
The phase in continuous volume and present in a larger volume
is called the matrix. They provide composites with ductility and
toughness. Matrix plays an important role in some of the compos-
ite’s mechanical properties, such as shear properties, compression
and transverse modules. The physical and chemical properties of
the matrix, such as curing temperature, time, viscosity and fiber
bonding behavior, influence the choice of the manufacturing
method.
The matrix in the composites serves the following purpose,

To bond the fibers together and transfer the applied loads
between them

To hold the fibers in the desired orientation and location

To protect the reinforcement from an adverse environmental
damage like temperature, humidity, chemicals and mechanical
degradation usually by abrasion

Carry interlaminar shear

Improves transverse properties of composite

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
2214-7853/Ó 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International conference on Materials and Manufacturing Methods.

Please cite this article as: N. Karthi, K. Kumaresan, S. Sathish et al., An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments and
application areas, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
2 N. Karthi et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Improves impact and fracture resistance of composite
The needs or desired properties of the matrix which are impor-
tant for a composite are as follows,

Low shrinkage

Dimensional stability

Better chemical resistance

Low coefficient of thermal expansion

Reduced moisture absorption

Strength at elevated temperature

Must be elastic to transfer load to fiber

Excellent flow characteristics so that it penetrates the fiber bun-
dles completely and eliminate voids during the compacting
process

Should be easily processable into final composite shape
Among the various materials that can be developed, plastics
holds major share as wood substitutes. Plastics are almost used
in all fields from home appliances to complicated engineering com-
ponents. But the plastics are non-renewable and non-
biodegradable. Due to daily price hike and crisis of petroleum-
based materials, there is a need to use suitable alternatives to con-
cern an environmentally friendly.
The enhancement in mechanical and thermal properties of fab-
ricated polymer composites depends on the following factors are

Type of fiber

Type of matrix

Type of fillers (if used)

Percentage of fibers in the composites

Aspect ratio and orientation of fiber

Shape of the fiber (which may be cylindrical, spherical or rect-
angular cross sectioned prisms or platelets)

Manufacturing method/techniques
Table 1 shows the comparison between natural and glass Fibers
[1].
Natural fibers are classified into different types based on their
origins such as cotton, pulp, bark, wood, nut shells, corncobs, bam-
boo, bagasse and vegetables. These natural fibers are mainly com-
posed of cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin’s, lignin and small
quantity of extractives. Fig. 1 shows the structural organizations
of the three major constituents in the fiber cell wall. Fig. 2 shows
classification of natural fibers.
Natural fibers provide many advantages over synthetic fibers
are easily availability and low cost, recyclability, renewability,
biodegradability, low density, desirable aspect ratio and moderate
strength. Table 2 shows the physical and mechanical Properties of
various natural fibers. The natural fiber composites can be cost
effective material especially automobile body panels, interiors,
storage devices, building and industrial panels, partition boards
and false ceilings. Aircraft wings and wind turbine blades are con-
stantly pushing the limits on size and requiring advanced materi-
als, designs and fabrication techniques. In the further days,
composites will utilize processed fiber and resin, fillers incorpo-
rated materials. The research activities will be refined to use
improved materials and steps to fabricate them into products.
2. Overview of natural fiber reinforced hybrid polymer
composite
Hybrid composites are the combination of two or more rein-
forced elements in single matrix or a mixture of different matrices
merged with a single reinforcing element. The physical and
mechanical properties of the hybrid composites is dependent on
the aspect ratio of fiber, properties of individual fiber, orientation
of fiber, length of individual fiber, adhesion between fiber and
matrix and stacking sequence of both fibers [2]. The properties of
the hybrid composites of two elements can be estimated through
the rule of mixtures [3] as shown in Eqs. (1) and (2).

Issues such as biodegradability and recyclability are vital role in PH ¼ P1 V1 þ P2 V2 ð1Þ

the introduction of materials and products. Natural fibers have a
number of techno economic and ecological advantages over syn- V1 þ V2 ¼ 1 ð2Þ
thetic fibers. Table 1 shows the comparison between natural and
glass fibers. Where, PH is the property to be analyzed, P1 the corresponding
Synthetic fibers like carbon and glass fibers are widely used as property of the first element and P2 the corresponding property of
reinforcement materials, but their non-bio degradability and the second element. V1 and V2 are the volume fraction of first and
non-recyclability becomes a significant drawback at the end of second element respectively. Most of the investigation on natural
their lifetime. During processing, they are also found to hazardous fibers reinforced hybrid composite involves studies of strength
to health. In recent days, research and development interest has property as function of fiber loading, length of fiber, fiber disper-
been shifting from monolithic materials to natural fiber reinforced
composites. Carbon dioxide neutrality of plant fibers is mostly fas-
cinating. The combustion of elements derived from petroleum-
based products releases enormous quantities of carbon dioxide
into the environment, which is believed to be the root cause of
the greenhouse effect and, by extension, the global climate change.

Table 1
Comparison between Natural and Glass Fibers [1]

S. No Natural fiber Glass fiber

1 Density Low
2 Cost Low
3 Renewability Yes
4 Recyclability Yes
5 Energy consumption Low
6 Distribution Wide
7 CO2 neutral Yes
8 Abrasion to machines No
9 Health risk No
Fig. 1. Structural Organizations of the Three Major Constituents in the Fiber Cell
10 Biodegradability Yes
Wall.

Please cite this article as: N. Karthi, K. Kumaresan, S. Sathish et al., An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments and
application areas, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
 N. Karthi et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx 3

Fig. 2. Classification of Natural Fibers.

sion, fiber orientation, stacking sequence of fiber arrangements,
effect of various chemical treatments of fibers, use of coupling
agents, matrix selection and fiber/matrix interaction.
The mechanical properties of sisal/oil palm fiber reinforced nat-
ural rubber hybrid composites as function of fiber loading, ratio
and chemical treatment had investigated [4]. The maximum
mechanical properties of the composite were found for longitudi-
nal direction rather than transverse direction. The interfacial
strength between natural fiber and rubber matrix was found to
increase on alkali treatment of fibers. Therefore, the alkali treated
fibers exhibited maximum tensile strength than untreated fiber
composites.

Please cite this article as: N. Karthi, K. Kumaresan, S. Sathish et al., An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments and
application areas, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
4 N. Karthi et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Table 2
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibers.

Fiber type Density (g/cm2) Tensile strength (MPa) Specific strength (MPa) Youngs modulus (GPa) Specific modulus (GPa) Elongation (%) Specific gravity
Bast Fibers surrounds the central core of plant
Flax 1.4 340–1600 535–1000 25–81 16.7–54 1.1–3.3 1.5
Hemp 1.48 550–900 372–608 70 – 0.8–3 1.5
Remie 1.5 200–1000 147–625 41–130 27–81 1.5–4 1.6
Kenaf 1.2 223–1191 641 11–60 10–42.9 1.6–4.3 1.3
Jute 1.46 385–850 269–548 9–31 6.9–20.7 1.4–2.1 1.3–1.5
Leaf Fibers extracted from the leaf of plant
Sisal 1.33 400–700 366–441 8.5–40 6.5–30.8 1.9–15 1.3
Abacca 1.5 980 – – – – –
Fruit Fiber collected from the fruits
Coir 1.25 170–230 146 3.0–7.0 2.5–5.0 14–30 1.2–1.4
Banana 1.35 711–789 444 4.0–32.7 3.6–27.3 2.4–3.5 1.1–1.2
Betelnut 0.2–0.4 120–166 – 1.3–2.6 1.0–1.9 22–24 1.3–1.4
Stalk Fibers collected from the stake of plant
Wheat 1.45 – – – – – –
Grass Fibers are sclerenchyma elongated cells that occurs in various parts of plants
Elephant 0.817 185 – 7.4 – 3 –
Sea 1.5 453–692 – 3.1–3.7 – 13–26.6 –
Cane Natural fiber obtained from fiber rich parts of the plants
Bagasse 1.5 170–350 – 5.1–6.2 3.6–4.1 6.3–7.9 1.4–1.5
Bamboo 1.1 500–575 454 27–40 50–67.9 1.9–3.2 0.4–0.8

The hybrid composites prepared with three different fibers such
as sisal, jute and glass with epoxy resin with weight ratio of fiber to
matrix as 30:70. Different combination of composites was fabri-
cated to the ASTM standard and tested for mechanical properties
such as tensile and impact strength. The maximum tensile and
impact strength were found for sisal/glass/epoxy hybrid composite
compared to other combinations [5].
The small amount of glass fiber in silk fabric reinforced epoxy
composites and has been analyzed by mechanical properties. The
addition of small content of glass fabric to the silk fiber reinforced
composites enhanced the mechanical properties. The results
showed that the mechanical properties increased with increase
in weight fraction of fiber content to the maximum extent. They
also found that the water absorption of composites decreased by
the process of hybridization [6].
The tensile and flexural strength of sisal and glass fibers rein-
forced unsaturated polyester hybrid composites were studied as
a function of fiber content [7]. They noticed that the tensile and
flexural strength of sisal/glass fibers reinforced hybrid composite
was higher than sisal fiber reinforced composite, but lower than
the glass fiber reinforced composite.
In the evaluation of physical, mechanical and dynamic mechan-
ical properties of glass/ramie fibers reinforced polyester hybrid
composites were fabricated by resin transfer moulding as function
of fiber content [8]. The impact and interlaminar shear strength of
the composites were improved by using higher fiber content. The
high interfacial strength between fiber and matrix was observed
during the SEM analysis.
The luffa fiber and ground nut reinforced epoxy hybrid compos-
ites prepared by hand lay-up techniques as function of volume
fraction of fiber. They found that composites with 40% treated fiber
content exhibited maximum mechanical properties than luffa
groundnut polymer composites with 30% and 50% fiber contents.
The lowest strength was found at 50% fiber content due to insuffi-
cient wetting between fiber and the matrix [9].
Tensile test on oil palm empty fruit bunches/jute fibers rein-
forced epoxy matrix hybrid composites has been conducted. Signif-
icant improvement in tensile strength and modulus of the oil palm
empty fruit bunches/jute fiber hybrid composites were observed
while compare to oil palm empty fruit bunches fibers alone used.
Finally, the hybrid composites showed excellent adhesion to
matrix than pure oil palm empty fruit bunches fiber composite
during SEM analysis [10].
The effect of stacking sequence on tensile and flexural proper-
ties of luffa cylindrica and glass fiber reinforced epoxy-based
hybrid composites investigated. All composite samples were made
with a total of four plies by varying the number and position of
glass fiber. From the results, it was found that the maximum ten-
sile and flexural strength are obtained from hybrid composite by
placing of two luffa cylindric fiber mats at the middle when sup-
ported by two glass fiber mats on either side [11].
The production and mechanical properties of composites from
natural and man-made fibers such as hemp, kenaf, lyocell and cot-
ton were described. Tensile strength, impact strength and elonga-
tion at break were improved significantly compared to lyocell/PLA
composites by using a combination of lyocell and hemp [12].
3. Treatment by chemical agents
Natural fibers inherently possess high amount moisture and
more water absorption capability. This ends up in poor interface
between the matrix and reinforcement. To convert the fibers into
hydrophobic from hydrophilic nature, chemical treatment of fibers
is necessary. There are many chemical treatments available in that
best chemical treatment is finding out based upon the environ-
mental aspects and cost factor.
The main drawbacks of using bio fibers are their poor dimen-
sional stability and its moisture absorption level getting increase
from the environment which leads to poor adhesion with matrix
materials. The lignocellulosic natural fibers are composed of cellu-
lose, hemicelluloses, lignin, pectin and waxy elements. Cellulose is
the main element of the bio fiber configuration which provides
high strength, stiffness and structural stability of the fiber [13].
Fig. 1 shows structural organization of the three major constituents
in the fiber cell wall.
Lignin and pectin are linked with cellulose-hemicellulose chain
and provides the bonding quality to hold the molecules together.
This bonding quality is the cause for strength properties of the fiber
[14].
The main problems with the use of natural fiber composites
stem from the hydrophilic nature of the matrix’s fiber and
hydrophobic nature. The fiber-matrix interfaces are chemically
combined in the reaction zone. The adhesion between fiber and
matrix plays a major part to improve the mechanical properties
of the composites. Poor adhesion across the reaction zone which

Please cite this article as: N. Karthi, K. Kumaresan, S. Sathish et al., An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments and
application areas, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
 N. Karthi et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx 5

leads to relative weak dispersion of load occurs and results in less
mechanical properties [15].
The connections between fibers and matrix are challenging and
the chemical structures of both are different, which cause ineffec-
tive load transfer across the composite interface region. Due to the
presence of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in natural fibres, compat-
ibility with the matrix is reduced. In order to improve the interface
connection between fibers and matrix, the outer surface of fibers
and hydroxyl groups must be changed with different chemical
treatments, couplers and reactive fillers. Chemical treatments
expose more reactive groups across the fiber surface and provide
an efficient matrix coupling [16].
The functional mechanisms of coupling in materials are follow-
ing namely (a) Elimination of weak outer boundary layers (b) pro-
duction of thin and flexible layer (c) formation of cross linked inter
phase compression region with a modulus intermediate between
the substrate and the polymer (d) improvement in wettability
between matrix and substrate (e) development of covalent bonds
with both phases and (f) alteration of the substrate surface. The
main objective of surface treatments on bio fibers is to maximize
the interfacial strength between reinforcement and matrix so as
the stress transferability in the composites. The influences of sur-
face treatments on natural fibers that are used as reinforcement
in the composites are studied. The different chemical agents for
the treatments include alkali, silane, acetylation, acrylation,
maleated coupling agent, benzoylation, permanganate, peroxide,
isocynate, sodium chlorite and stearic acid. As a result, significant
improvements in the strength properties of the composites can
be achieved through chemical treatment.
Hence it is perceived that there are problems like poor bonding
between fibers and matrix, and hydrophilic nature of the natural
fibers, which limit their applications. A literature reveals that
chemical treatment on natural fibers would lead to enhanced fiber
matrix bonding, increase in the hydrophobicity, improved fiber
wetting, removal of hemi cellulose and lignin. Table 3 shows the
effect of various chemical treatments on mechanical properties
[17-26].
4. Applications of natural fiber composite
NFPC can replace glass in various applications in which the load
bearing capacity is considered as a major factor. Fiber reinforced
composites are better than polymer resins in case of structural
applications because of its high mechanical properties and less cost
[27-34].
Products made of bio fibers have been increased and used in
window frame, decking, dashboards, parcel shelves, door panels,
seat cushions, backrests and cabin linings. The using of natural
fiber over petroleum based fiber have been increased in various
industries like automotive, aerospace, marine, electrical and elec-
tronics, sports, recreation equipments and machinery office equip-
ments due to light weight, recyclability, biodegradability, low
processing cost, good relative mechanical properties and resistance
to corrosion and fatigue [22].
The effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical and ther-
mal properties of the natural fibers reinforced thermoplastic and
thermoset composites has addressed and demonstrated the appli-
cations of Natural Fiber Composites (NFC) in automobile and con-
struction industries [35]. It was found that, the physical and
mechanical properties of NFC can be further improved through
the surface modification, while moisture absorption of the NFC
can be reduced through chemical treatment on fibers such as alka-
lization with addition of curing agents. Volkswagen company used
natural fibers to make boot lid finish panel, seatback, boot liner and
door panel in passat variant, A4, golf and Bora model. Daimler Benz
used natural fibers to develop the dashboards and centre armrest
consoles along with seat shells. Moreover, it increased the usage
of NFC in few automobiles by approximately 98% over earlier mod-
els by using cellulose fibers, for example flax and abaca. Table 4.
shoes applications of natural fibers in automobile field. As per
European guidelines 2000/53/EC provided by the European com-
mission, 85% of the weight of products especially automobiles
had to be recyclable by 2005. This percentage of recyclable will
be increased to 95% by 2015. In order to face balancing sustainabil-
ity and cost, the automakers are invited to use bio fibers in com-
posites [36].
Composites have become a prominent material for commercial
aircrafts such as the Airbus A380 used 25% of composites and
Boeing 787 ‘‘Dreamliner” used 50% of composites while A350
used 53%. Weight reduction in composites is crucial factor for
improving fuel efficiency [37]. The development of natural fibers
reinforced composites in aircrafts reduces the overall weight of
the aircraft by 35%. The E-class Mercedes Benz introduced the
first NFRC for inner door panel which containing flax and sisal
with epoxy polymer shown remarkable weight reduction of about
20% [38].

Table 3
Effect of various chemical treatments on mechanical properties.

S. Fiber Applied Chemical Treatments Results on Mechanical Properties Ref.

No Treated No
1 Coir 20% alkali treated followed by grafting The mechanical properties of the composites were increased significantly after treatment of the 17
with 50% ethylene dimethylacrylate fiber.
2 Aspen fiber Alkaline Treatment The tensile strength has been improved 18
3 Flax Maleic Anhydride, Mercerization The tensile strength of MAH-PP treated flax/PP composites has improved by 50% compared to 19
Treatment untreated and mercerized fiber composites.
4 Ramie fiber 15% Alkaline Treatment The tensile strength of treated ramie fiber has been improved by 4 to 18% higher than that of 20
the untreated ramie fiber.
5 Flax fiber Alkaline Treatment The young’s modulus and tensile strength of the flax/epoxy composites were found to be 21
increased with decreasing fiber shrinkage
6 Different Alkaline Treatment Alkaline treatment was found to be most effective method to improve interfacial bonding 22
fibers between fiber and matrix, while other treatment methods exhibited either no effect or
reduction on the fiber strength.
7 Doum Alkaline Treatment After alkaline treatment, a significant improvement was observed in flexural modulus, young’s 23
Fibers modulus and flexural modulus
8 Pineapple Alkaline Treatment & Silane Treatment The mechanical and thermal properties were found to be high for alkaline treatment 24
Leaf Fibers
9 Vetiver 5% Alkaline Treatment The maximum tensile strength for raw vetiver fiber composite and chemically treated fiber 25
Fiber composite was found to be 11.9 MPa and 13.59 MPa respectively.
10 Sisal Fiber Treated Vs Untreated fibers The dynamic mechanical property like storage modulus has been increased for treated fiber 26
composites compared to untreated fiber composites

Please cite this article as: N. Karthi, K. Kumaresan, S. Sathish et al., An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments and
application areas, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
6 N. Karthi et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Table 4
Applications of Natural Fibers in Automobile Field.

Manufacturer Model Components

Audi A2, A3, A4, A4 Avant, A6, Audi Seat back, side and back door panel, boot lining,
A8 Road star, Coupe hat rack, spare tyre liner
Citroen C5 Interior door paneling
BMW 3, 5, 7 series Door panels, headliner panel, bootlining, seat back,
noise insulation panels, molded foot well linings
Lotus Eco Elise Body panels, spoiler, seats, interior carpets
Fiat Punto, Brava, Marea, Door panel
Alfa Romeo 146, 156
Opel Astra, Vectra, Zafira Instrumental panel, headliner panel, door panels,
Pillar cover panel
Peugeot 406 Front and rear door panels
Rover 2000 and others Insulation, rear storage shelf/panel
Toyota Raum, Brevis, Harrier, Celsior Door panels, seat backs, floor mats, spare tier cover
Volkswagen Golf A4, Passat, Variant, Bora Door panel, seat back, boot-lid finish panel, boot-
liner
Mitsubishi Space star, Colt Cargo area floor, door panels, instrumental panels
Renault Clio, Twingo Rear parcel shelf
Daimler-Benz Mercedes A, C, E, S class, Trucks Door panels, windshield/dashboard, business table,
EvoBus (exterior) Piller cover panel, glove box, instrumental panel
support, insulation, molding rod/apertures, seat
backrest panel, trunk panel, seat surface/backrest,
internal engine cover, engine insulation, sun visor,
bumper, wheelbox, roof cover
Honda Pilot Cargo area
Volvo C70, V70 Seat padding, natural foams, cargo floor tray
General Motors Cadillac Deville, Chevrolet, Seat backs, cargo area floor
Trial Blazer
Saturn L3000 Package trays and door panel
Ford Mondeo CD 162, Focus, freestar Floor trays, door panels, B-piller, boot liner

Consumer products such as helmets, stabilizer casing and pro-
jector panel are developed by coir reinforced polyester composites.
An interior part of the car containing sugarcane-based composites
has been introduced by Toyota.
5. Conclusion
NFPC was observed to perform superior when compared with
synthetic composites since it has low density, affordable cost and
eco-friendly. Thus, natural fiber composites have wide advantages
for the utilization of the commercial and engineering applications.
However, natural fibers have less strength when compared to syn-
thetic composites but on addition with synthetic composites pro-
vide high strength and less environmental effect. On observation
it is found, for the natural fibres, that the most suitable method
of chemical modification is the alkaline treatment. Current work
assessed the properties of natural fiber, hybridization of the com-
posite, chemical methods used for processing and the applications
of the natural fiber in various fields. This gives a clear idea about
the processing of natural fibers, features of some fibres like sisal,
jute, hemp etc. and its usage in various fields based on the proper-
ties of the natural fiber considered.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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Please cite this article as: N. Karthi, K. Kumaresan, S. Sathish et al., An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments and
application areas, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
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