A comprehensive review of various factors for application feasibility of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Composites consisting of natural fibers and plastics are gaining huge consideration nowadays because of the relentless increase in the use of non-renewable resources. Worldwide, researchers are trying to explore new techniques to effectively utilize non-renewable resources for various purposes. Plastic materials represent non-biodegradable resources that are excessively used nowadays and are sources of environmental issues. Natural fibers are one of the best substitutes for manufacturing composite products. They are not only useful in reducing carbon footprints but also in solving various degradation issues. Natural fiber-based polymer composites are in huge demand because of their manufacturing cost, lightweight, availability, and environmentally friendly nature. Prior to the usage of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) for different applications, their behavioral study is required under different application aspects. Therefore, this paper aims to review the different application aspects of NFRPCs such as machining, tribology, and environmental degradation. Additionally, this review also presents a brief introduction to composites, their constituents, and their various applications. This review study will provide useful information to researchers working on NFRPCs and exploring the possible applications of NFRPCs under different working conditions. •Application feasibility of natural fiber composites is reviewed.•Different composite manufacturing techniques are discussed.•Machining aspects of natural fiber composites are reviewed.•Tribological behavior of various natural fiber composites discussed.•Environmental degradation behavior of natural fiber composites is reviewed.