ABSTRACT
To stimulate interest in natural fibre and materials, the year 2009 is considered as the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF). Natural fibres represent a substantial cultivated biomass that contributes towards the economy and supports the nation’s environmental policy. The widespread use and accessibility of natural fibres can reduce pressure on forests and agriculture. The usage of diverse natural fibres as raw materials will help to retain the ecological balance of nature. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of natural fibres results in distinctive and interesting sorption phenomena. For natural fibre composites to meet market requirements, it is becoming essential to consider the issues of fibre blend proportions, fibre matrix, process and method of selection, and product optimization through statistical methods. Nanocellulose pineapple fibre is now used in making wound-dressing materials, implants and tissue engineering materials, and drug-delivery materials for use in the field of biotechnology. Among the benefits of naturally based composites are that they pose little or no health hazard, are low cost, lightweight, renewable, abundant, aesthetically attractive, and have good specific strength and stiffness. Natural fibre–reinforced composites can be considered as environmentally friendly materials compared to conventional fibre composites.
