Unveiling new frontiers: Bast fiber-reinforced polymer composites and their mechanical properties

Bast fibers such as flax, hemp, and jute-reinforced polymer composites due to their exceptional properties are gaining significant demand as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional synthetic fiber-reinforced composites. This comprehensive study aims to shed light on the potential of bast fiber reinforced composites (BFRCs) as innovative materials for various industrial applications. The manuscript presents a comprehensive discussion on bast fibers, polymer matrices, and the fabrication techniques employed to produce BFPCs, highlighting the effects of different modification techniques on the resulting mechanical properties. Industrial and structural applications of BFPCs are explored, with a specific focus on their use in the automotive and aerospace industries, construction materials, and sporting goods. Finally, the manuscript concludes with a discussion of the challenges and future prospects of BFPCs. This manuscript can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and professionals interested in the emerging field of bast fiber-reinforced polymer composites. It opens new frontiers in material design and highlights the enormous potential of BFPCs to revolutionize industrial applications through their exceptional mechanical properties. HighlightsMaterials and processing of fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites.Exploration of various fiber and matrix modification techniques.Recent advances in the mechanical properties of bast fiber-reinforced composites.Ashby charts to illustrate the comparative analysis.