Tribological Advancements in Natural Fiber Composites for Sustainable Applications

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) have revolutionized tribological applications by offering a unique combination of wear resistance, strength, and design flexibility. This mini-review explores the mechanisms of abrasive and erosive wear in FRPCs, focusing on the influence of reinforcements, fillers, and operational conditions. Abrasive wear studies reveal the critical role of fiber orientation, filler content, and material architecture in determining resistance to material removal in two and three-body interactions. Erosive wear, characterized by particle impingement, emphasizes the interplay between impact velocity, angle, and fiber-matrix interactions in governing performance. Advanced hybrid composites incorporating nano-fillers or sustainable natural fibers have demonstrated promising wear resistance, addressing both performance and environmental concerns. However, challenges such as moisture absorption in natural fibers, cost-performance trade-offs, and the complexity of wear mechanisms remain significant. Innovations in surface treatments, material design, and characterization techniques have contributed to a deeper understanding of these wear phenomena. This mini-review identifies future directions for the development of FRPCs, highlighting the potential of hybrid configurations to balance cost, sustainability, and performance. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to enhance the durability of FRPCs, making them viable candidates for diverse industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.