Natural fiber reinforced polybenzoxazine composites: A review

• Published in: Materials today communications 2022-06, Vol.31, p.103645, Article 103645
• Main Authors: Ramdani, Noureddine, Derradji, Mehdi, Mokhnache, El Oualid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fiber/matrix bond; Mechanical properties; Natural fiber; Thermosetting resin
• ISSN: 2352-4928; 2352-4928
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.103645

Recently, natural fibers have been extensively utilized as a reinforcing agent for thermosetting polymers due to their various outstanding characteristics such as low cost, good resistance to oxidation, improved mechanical properties, good adhesion to polymeric matrices, and chemical inertness, which make them suitable applicable materials in construction and automotive sectors. Polybenzoxazine matrices, like other thermosets, have been used for the development of high-performance natural fiber-reinforced composites through several mixing techniques. The properties of the polybenzoxazine/natural fiber systems were found to mainly depend on the type of fiber and its composition, the selected mixing methods, and the selected type of surface modification. Herein, the curing behavior, the surface-treatment, the reinforcing mechanisms, and the various outstanding properties of polybenzoxazine/natural fibers composites are reviewed in detail along with some examples from the recent literature. In addition, some prospective trends related to these composites are also reported. [Display omitted] •The inclusion of natural fiber reduces the cost and improved the properties of polybenzoxazine composites.•Phenolic groups of natural fiber can promote the curing process of benzoxazine monomers.•The Water-uptake mechanism of natural fiber/polybenzoxazine composites conforms to Fickian’s law.•Chemical treatment modifies the surface of natural fiber improves its adhesion to polybenzoxazine chains.•Coupling agents play a key role in enhancing the mechanical strength of the natural fiber/polybenzoxazine composites.