Insights into the use of composites reinforced with natural fibers in architectural applications, with a focus on kenaf fiber

With energy saving becoming a strategic goal worldwide, protecting the environment and natural resources has come to the fore.In architecture, a method for saving for the protection of natural resources can be achieved by selecting building materials.Compared with synthetic materials, much less energy is spent producing and using natural fiber materials.Considering the kenaf plant, has a growth rate of 3-9 times faster than other plants and has a higher absorption capacity than all existing plants by absorbing almost 1.5 times its weight in CO 2 .This article presents a literature review of Natural Fiber Composites (NFC), focusing on kenaf fiber, published between 2000-2021.This study aims to predict whether natural fiber composites can be a potential alternative to synthetic composites currently used in architectural applications because of their novel properties.The Systematic Literature Search (SLR) technique was used as the research methodology, and research questions and keywords were determined.The numerical data of the mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact strengths), water resistance, thermal stability, fire resistance and acoustic test results of the fibrous composites in the articles and the new properties gained from the natural fibrous material have been interpreted, and the potential for which architectural application areas can be used as an alternative to synthetic fiber composites used in architecture has been revealed.Because of these predictions, it has been determined that natural fiber materials with comparable mechanical, water resistance, thermal stability, fire resistance and acoustic properties can be an alternative to synthetic materials currently used in many application areas, such as roofs and structures in architecture.It is predicted that it will shed light on the use of innovative architectural materials by researchers and professionals in the future.