A review investigating the influence of nanofiller addition on the mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of cellulosic fibre reinforced polymer composite

Composite holds great promise for future materials considering its advantages such as excellent strength, stiffness, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness. Due to rising environmental concerns, the research speed gradually changes from synthetic polymer composites to natural fibre reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs). Natural fibres are believed a valuable and robust replacement to synthetic silicates and carbon-based fibres, along with biodegradability, recyclability, low cost, and eco-friendliness. But the incompatibility between natural fibre and polymer matrices and higher moisture absorption percentage of natural fibre limitise their applications. To overcome these flaws, surface treatment of natural fibre and nanofiller addition have become some of the most important aspects to improve the performance of NFRPCs. This review article provides the most recent development on the effect of different nanofiller addition and surface treatment on the mechanical, thermal, and wetting behaviour of NFRPCs. It concludes that the fibre surface treatment and nanofillers in natural fibre polymer composites positively affect mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties. A systematic understanding in this field covers advanced research basics to stimulate investigation for fabricating NFRPCs with excellent performance.