TY - JOUR ID - 13767 TI - Natural Fibers as Viable Sources for the Development of Structural, Semi-Structural, and Technological Materials – A Review JO - Advanced Materials Letters JA - AML LA - en SN - 0976-3961 AU - E. Njoku, Chioma AU - K. Alaneme, Kenneth AU - A. Omotoyinbo, Joseph AU - O. Daramola, Michael AD - Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, PMB 1526, Nigeria AD - Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria AD - School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa Y1 - 2019 PY - 2019 VL - 10 IS - 10 SP - 682 EP - 694 KW - Natural fibers KW - composites KW - biodegradability KW - reinforcements KW - technological applications DO - 10.5185/amlett.2019.9907 N2 - A systematic and critical review on the potentials and viability of naturally occurring fibers as suitable reinforcements for the development of composite systems for structural, semi-structural and technological materials is presented in this article. Globally, the movement towards greater protection of the environment and the use of cost-saving technologies has led to a surge in the consideration of natural (biodegradable) products for the development of technological materials. In this regard, natural fibers have been proven to be good substitutes to synthetic fibers for the development of composites - because they possess similar mechanical and physical characteristics, to the synthetic fibers. In addition, natural fibers are lighter non-toxic and biodegradable. It is on this premise that several studies on their use in a number of applications where composites are desirable have been reported. Therefore, this article discusses various types of natural fibers, their properties, and their applications in different technological domains. The documentation of this review is thought-provoking and provides challenges and future prospects in the development and application of natural fibers and their composites. Copyright © VBRI Press. UR - https://aml.iaamonline.org/article_13767.html L1 - https://aml.iaamonline.org/article_13767_5880a53d890e17d449a84a5a61eba925.pdf ER -