Recently explored natural cellulosic plant fibers 2018–2022: A potential raw material resource for lightweight composites

The applications of composite materials had grown significantly over a certain period due to their weight-saving and cost-effective parameters. The use of synthetic materials and synthetic polymers for developing composite materials over the years has created a lot of hazardous effects on the environment. Nowadays, environmentally friendly materials like natural fibers obtained from plants have gained much attention due to their remarkable properties. These natural fibers were employed in developing lightweight composites to replace synthetic fibers in various engineering applications. Various natural fibers were resources to be used as reinforcements in polymer composites. To date, no works provide a complete review of physico-chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the recently identified natural fiber resources. There was always a demand for the availability of renewable resources of plant fibers. The current work reviews the recently identified natural fibers over the past five years (2018–2022). Furthermore, the review focuses on the processability, properties, and application suitability of lightweight composite structures. Additionally, the vital information from this comprehensive review will aid industries and researchers with a keen knowledge of the recently identified available potential plant fibers. This knowledge helps to develop environmentally friendly composites ensuring a pollution-free environment and moving towards a greener society.