A review of natural fiber and agricultural waste fiber-based bio-composites used in building construction

Bio-composites are emerging as viable alternatives to conventional building materials owing to their renewable origin, environmental benefits, and potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction sector. Comprising natural fibers embedded within polymer matrices, these materials have attracted considerable attention within the building industry for their capacity to mitigate environmental impact while offering functional alternatives to conventional synthetic materials. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the various classes of bio-composites, their applications in building construction, mechanical properties, manufacturing processes, associated advantages and limitations, and prospects for future development. Natural and agricultural fibers such as jute, hemp, flax, sisal, bamboo, rice husk, wheat straw, and coconut coir, combined with matrices including corn starch, arrowroot, polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, and bio-based epoxy resin, are evaluated in terms of their structural and functional performance. Particular attention is given to recent advances in bio-composite fabrication, including the incorporation of novel binder systems, hybrid fiber reinforcements, and chemical surface treatments aimed at enhancing mechanical and thermal performance. The environmental benefits of bio-composites are also discussed, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy efficiency, and minimized construction waste, all of which align with the objectives of green building standards and sustainable construction practices. Nevertheless, several challenges continue to impede widespread adoption, including moisture sensitivity, variability in raw material properties, insufficient long-term performance data, and the absence of standardized testing protocols. The significant potential of bio-composites to advance sustainable construction practices, offering a practical pathway toward reducing the environmental footprint of the built environment.