Journal of Natural Fibers

Sustainable Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites: Design, Fabrication, and Performance for Modern Engineering Applications

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have emerged as promising materials for sustainable engineering due to their low density, renewability, and reduced environmental impact. In recent years, hybrid composites combining natural fibers with synthetic reinforcements such as glass or carbon fibers have gained increasing attention. These hybrid systems aim to overcome the limitations of natural fibers, such as lower mechanical strength and moisture sensitivity, while maintaining their ecological advantages. Advances in material design, fabrication processes, and interfacial engineering are enabling the development of high-performance hybrid composites suitable for diverse structural and semi-structural applications.

The growing demand for sustainable and lightweight materials in industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction engineering has significantly accelerated research in this field. With growing concerns about climate change, resource depletion, and sustainability, the development of natural-fiber hybrid composites represents a critical step toward reducing dependence on fully synthetic materials. However, challenges remain in optimizing hybridization strategies, improving fiber-matrix interactions, enhancing durability, and ensuring consistent performance under varying environmental conditions. Addressing these challenges requires integrated research efforts combining experimental, analytical, and modeling approaches.

The goal of this Article Collection is therefore to provide a platform for recent advances in the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of sustainable natural fiber hybrid composites. We seek contributions that explore innovative material systems, advanced processing techniques, and performance optimization strategies. With the aim of highlighting diverse perspectives in sustainable composite development, we encourage studies addressing both fundamental research and practical applications.

Papers investigating hybrid composite materials through experimental, numerical, or engineering approaches are especially welcome. In particular, we encourage the submission of articles on the subtopics:

• Design and development of natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites
• Hybridization of natural and synthetic fibers (e.g., glass, carbon)
• Influence of fiber orientation, stacking sequence, and laminate architecture
• Advanced fabrication and manufacturing techniques for hybrid composites
• Surface modification and interface engineering of natural fibers
• Mechanical, thermal, and dynamic performance characterization
• Durability, moisture absorption, and environmental degradation behavior
• Bio-based and sustainable polymer matrices
• Modeling and simulation of hybrid composite behavior
• Recycling, life-cycle assessment, and environmental impact of composites

Keywords:

• Natural fiber hybrid composites
• Sustainable polymer composites
• Hybrid fiber reinforcement
• Composite fabrication techniques
• Advanced composite characterization
• Bio-based materials

­­All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is February 5, 2027.

Please contact commissioning editor Kara Roberts at [email protected] with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select the appropriate Article Collection from the drop-down menu in the submission system.

Dr. Md. Abdul Hasib is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Bangladesh. He holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Japan, specializing in advanced mechanical engineering disciplines. With expertise in fatigue and fracture mechanics, material behavior under stress, composite materials, material characterization, additive manufacturing, and sustainable materials, Dr. Hasib’s research has significantly contributed to understanding material degradation, structural integrity, and thermal management in engineering applications. His work aims to enhance the durability, efficiency, and sustainability of engineering materials used in modern industrial applications.

Guest Advisors declare no potential conflicts of interests in line with our Editorial Policies.