Natural Fibre Composite (NFC): New Gateway for Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres in Automobiles and Infrastructure Sector

Suriya Ferdous, Md Sarwar Hossain

This paper closely reviews the prospective utilization of natural fibres e.g. jute, kenaf and allied fibres in the technical production of automobiles and infrastructure sectors as a sustainable substitute over expensive synthetic fibres e.g. carbon, aramid, glass etc. Jute fibre (density 1.4 g/cc) being lighter than glass fibre (density 2.5 g/cc) offers additional advantages as regards specially in fuel efficiency in automobiles and lighter weight in infrastructures. The cost of natural fibre as raw material is also remarkably lower-priced than any synthetic fibres being utilized for manufacturing the reinforced products. Renowned car manufacturers e.g. Mercedes Benz, Daimler Chrysler, Ford Motors, Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Suzuki have already started using 10 to 20 kg of natural fibres to make interior body parts of automobiles as a part of their commitments for taking action against CO2 emissions, thus making greener world. It is estimated that the market size of NFC will increase from the level of USD 2.1 billion in 2010 to USD 3.8 billion in 2016 which is wide open for more eco-friendly and economic jute/ kenaf fibres to tap.