No abstract

Polymer-based materials have been discovered as the most outstanding class of material that is fast displacing other materials in all areas of human needs. The dire need for durable, aesthetic, and lightweight materials has favored the increasing demand for polymer-based materials in structural industries. The application of polymeric-based materials in all aspects of human endeavor is based on their ease of formation, lightweight, and acceptable properties. The philosophy of composite development has also contributed immensely to the production of components from polymer-based materials suitable for several structural applications. More recently, interest in green materials also encourages the use of polymer-based materials in structural applications. The suitability of a material for any selected application is justified by structural and environmental compatibility. Thus, researchers have focused on these two major areas in their investigations for product development. Despite continuous efforts in these two directions, they are still issues of great concern to researchers in satisfying the desires of users presently. Hence, this review presents the philosophies of researchers, the product developed, and areas of application for polymer-based materials in structural industries such as biomedical, building and construction, energy, and sports. The paper advanced graphical presentation of the application of developed products and strongly supports the recommendation of polymer-based composite materials as a viable alternative to other materials due to their remarkable capabilities in many application domains.

Natural fibres are biodegradable materials that contribute to the development of a “green” economy due to their numerous merits such as energy efficiency, ease of manufacturing, environmental friendliness, low cost, sustainability, and biodegradability. Natural fibres have lately become more appealing to technology and innovation as substitute materials for synthetic fibre-based composites due to these qualities. Several projects have also been undertaken to reveal the potential applications, economic and environmental benefits of natural fibres sourced from plants for polymer reinforcements. Among the commonly used fibres are banana and sisal fibres which form part of the reasons for their selection in this review. The justification for this is the environmental concerns in the modern days which have increased the demand for natural materials as suitable alternatives for synthetic reinforcements. Hence, this review reveals the impact of banana and sisal fibres as reinforcements in polymers on the environment, the possible future processing pathways, and applications.