The present review article provides an overview of the properties of various natural and synthetic fibers for the fabrication of pure natural composites and the combination of both natural/synthetic fibers-based hybrid composites, bio-based resins, various fabrication techniques, chemical and mechanical properties of fibers, the effect of chemical treatment and the influence of nanoparticles on the composite materials. Natural fibers are becoming more popular and attractive to researchers, with satisfactory results, due to their availability, ease of fabrication, cost-effectiveness, biodegradable nature and being environmentally friendly. Hybrid composites made up of two different natural fibers under the same matrix material are more popular than a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Recent studies relevant to natural fiber hybrid composites have stated that, due to their biodegradability and the strength of individual fibers causing an impact on mechanical properties, flame retardancy and moisture absorption, natural fibers need an additional treatment like chemical treatment for the fibers to overcome those drawbacks and to enhance their better properties. The result of chemical treatment on composite material properties such as thermal, mechanical and moisture properties was studied. Researchers found that the positive influence on overall strength by placing the filler materials (nanoparticles) in the composite materials. Hybrid composites are one of the fields in polymer science that are attracting consideration for various lightweight applications in a wide range of industries such as automobile, construction, shipping, aviation, sports equipment, electronics, hardware and biomedical sectors.
Keywords: applications; chemical treatment; fabrication techniques; hybrid composites; nanoparticles; natural and synthetic fibers; thermosets and thermoplastic resins.