Extraction and modification of natural plant fibers—A comprehensive review

Natural plant fibers and their composites have been extensively used in various sectors for the last few decades, due to their promising potentials that compete with synthetic materials. The biodegradable and renewable nature of plant fibers rely on them as environmentally friendly material with high ecological benefits. The extraction and processing procedures are more convenient and nonharmful than that of artificial materials. Moreover, nonabrasive nature, low density, good chemical, thermal and mechanical properties are the other potential advantages of natural plant fibers. Although, certain limitations are reported for plant fibers as inconsistency of specific properties, surface smoothness/ less roughness, low interfacial adhesion with matrix and hydrophilic nature [1], [2], [3]. Such concerns could be neutralized not only by using apposite extraction and processing methods, but also using suitable modification techniques.