The Manufacturing Process of Recycled Polymer Composites reinforced with Natural Fibers – A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In the light of growing global awareness in environmental sustainability, it is essential to employ more “environmentally friendly technology” which preserve natural resources. In the past decade, natural fiber composites with thermoplastic and thermoset polymers have been applied by several industrial sectors in various parts of the world. Natural fibers such as kenaf, hemp, sisal, abaca, and sugar palm have been widely used because they provide several advantages such as low cost, environmentally friendly, and reducing dependence on the use of materials that cannot be recycled. The use of recycled material for the development of natural fibre reinforced polymer (NFRP) has seeking current attention. This article reviewed several literatures on the manufacturing process of recycled polymer in NFRP material. The five-step systematic literature review (SLR) was chosen as the approach in reviewing the literature. The analysis of the selected articles revealed that a successful process for making recycled natural fiber reinforced polymers begun by appropriate treatment of natural fibers. Treatment of natural fibers using alkaline treatment (sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and silane treatment is the most influential factor in the success of the process of making recycled polymer composites reinforced with natural fibers. This study implies a new manufacturing trend for natural based fibre composites in recycled polymer matrix.