An Overview of Kenaf as a Bio Composites Material in Fabrication Process for Sustainable Construction

Abstract

The construction industry has been concerned with improving the social, economic and environmental indicators of sustainability in the past decades. This has led to the emergence of bio fibrous composites in cement and polymer science. Bio fibrous composites are non-abrasive and biodegradable compared to synthetic and glass composites. Though, the hydrophilic propensity and the poor fibre-matrix interface bonding of bio fibres have repeatedly reduce its potential for composite production. Kenaf fibre have been identified as a probable bio fibre with tremendous potentials and properties for composite productions. The aim of this review is to examine previous research on Kenaf fibre, its composites, and its development for building construction materials production. This will assist in the evaluation of the current status and to outline the key challenges concerning the fibre, its matrix and the resulting bio-composite product. The survey also reflect the key milestones accomplished in research articles with different most widely used matrix for Kenaf fibrousbio composites development over the last decade. A review of literature between 2005 and 2017 was done for the purpose of achieving the aim of this research. Hence, it can be stated that the application of Kenaf fibre is fundamental to sustainability and improvement in building and construction materials. The possibility of substituting synthetic and glass fibre with cellulose fibre contributes to the effort to reduce global warming, promotes a bio base economy and achieve a cleaner environment.