Fire Behaviour and Flame-Retardant Mechanisms of Natural Fibre-Reinforced Composites in Sustainable Building Materials: A Case Study in Ghana

Purpose: The global trend of implementing natural fibre-reinforced composites as sustainable building materials has led to a keen focus on their fire behaviour and flame-retardant processes. Understanding the mechanism by which these flame retardants work is crucial for optimising their use and achieving adequate fire protection. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper comprehensively reviews and highlights the fire behaviour of natural fibre-reinforced composites and how flame retardants can enhance their fire resistance. The study adopted a structured review strategy using electronic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SpringLink. The 63 articles used were published between 2005 and 2024. This study used thematic analysis to examine recurring ideas and concepts within the texts. Data was coded using NVivo software to manage and categorise emerging themes. Findings: However, the challenges of these materials are their inherent to fire. The findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate flame retardants and optimising their concentrations to achieve the desired balance between fire safety and material performance. Research Limitation: This study used fire-resistant materials and strategies to minimise the thermal impacts on natural fibre reinforced by composites as a sustainable building material in Ghana. Practical implication: The insights gained from this research can inform future strategies for enhancing the fire performance of natural fibre-reinforced composites, contributing to safer and more sustainable construction practices. Social Implication: This study will promote and highlight the prospects of using composite-reinforce natural fibres as an alternative building material, offering significant environmental benefits in Ghana and other developing countries. Originality/ Value: This paper is designed to comprehensively analyse and review the thermal characteristics of natural fibre-reinforced composites.