Natural Fibre Composites for Sustainable and Lightweight Automotive Materials

Abstract

Natural fibre composites (NFCs) have gained significant attention as sustainable and lightweight alternatives to traditional automotive materials. Combining renewable plant-based fibres such as flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf with polymer matrices, NFCs offer competitive mechanical properties while reducing environmental impact through lower density, biodegradability, and reduced lifecycle carbon footprint. This paper comprehensively examines the botanical and chemical characteristics of natural fibres, their mechanical and functional properties, and the processing techniques suited for automotive manufacturing. Critical environmental and sustainability aspects, including life cycle assessment and end-of-life options, are analysed. The paper highlights diverse automotive applications, ranging from interior trims to semi-structural components, supported by case studies from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The benefits of NFCs, such as weight reduction, acoustic damping, and cost-effectiveness, are weighed against challenges including moisture sensitivity, fibre variability, and thermal processing limitations. Future research directions emphasise advanced fibre treatments, bio-based matrices, hybrid composites, and circular economy integration to overcome current limitations. The synthesis provided underscores NFCs as promising materials enabling the automotive industry’s transition toward greener, lighter, and more sustainable vehicles.