Curaua fibres ( <i>Ananas Erectifolius</i> ) reinforced polymer composites – a comprehensive review

Biodegradable materials serve as alternatives to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, as they play a significant role in reducing environmental impacts and enhancing recyclability. This literature review article focuses on the use of natural fibre-based biodegradable composite materials to achieve net-zero emissions in structural and automotive applications. Moreover, this article reviews the overall view of the curaua fibres preparation and fabrication of bio-composites, such as processes of fibre preparation using various chemical treatments, composite fabrication techniques, assessment of mechanical properties, and potential applications. The critical review analysis indicated that the mechanical properties of the curaua bio-composite, such as tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness, have been improved through the chemical treatment of the fibres, careful selection of matrix materials, functionalisation of either or both fibre and matrix, incorporation of nanofillers with the matrix, and hybridisation of the composite. The hybridisation techniques have provided good mechanical strength, successfully addressing the specific limitations of the natural curaua fibre composite in structural applications. The cultivation of curaua fibres on agricultural land has proven straightforward and cost-effective. This review article provides a valuable starting point for exploring new avenues for the further development of curaua-based composites across structural and non-structural applications.