Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites for Marine Applications: A Review

Fiber-reinforced composites are widely utilized across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and marine, due to their outstanding mechanical properties and lightweight characteristics. Natural fibers, as promising reinforcements, have the potential to replace synthetic fibers in certain areas to meet the growing demand for environmental protection and sustainability. These biocomposites offer numerous benefits, including reduced carbon footprints, diminished reliance on non-renewable resources, and increased natural biodegradability. In addition, utilizing such eco-friendly materials is a critical strategy for balancing industry progress and environmental protection. Kenaf fiber, a superior bast fiber known for its excellent mechanical properties and high cellulose content, presents considerable advantages for enhancing the performance of biocomposites. This review explores the potential of kenaf fiber-reinforced biocomposites for marine applications, focusing on their fabrication and testing methods to evaluate their physicochemical and mechanical properties. This paper examines the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the kenaf fiber, investigates the excellent performance advantages of kenaf fiber-based biocomposites by hybridization manufacturing, and provides an overview of the status and challenges of applying such biocomposites in marine environments. Based on this review, it is evident that kenaf fiber-reinforced biocomposites have significant superiority for marine applications with the advancement of manufacturing techniques.