Review Article 2019, 10(10), 682-694 Advanced Materials Letters Natural Fibers as Viable Sources for the Development of Structural, Semi-Structural, and Technological Materials – A Review Chioma E. Njoku1,2,3, Kenneth K. Alaneme2, Joseph A. Omotoyinbo2, Michael O. Daramola3,* 1Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, PMB 1526, Nigeria 2Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria 3School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa *Corresponding author: E-mail:
[email protected]; Tel: (+27) 11 717 7536 Received: 11 December 2018, Revised: 23 January 2019, Accepted: 18 February 2019 DOI: 10.5185/amlett.2019.9907 www.vbripress.com/aml Abstract A systematic and critical review on the potentials and viability of naturally occurring fibers as suitable reinforcements for the development of composite systems for structural, semi-structural and technological materials is presented in this article. Globally, the movement towards greater protection of the environment and the use of cost-saving technologies has led to a surge in the consideration of natural (biodegradable) products for the development of technological materials. In this regard, natural fibers have been proven to be good substitutes to synthetic fibers for the development of composites - because they possess similar mechanical and physical characteristics, to the synthetic fibers. In addition, natural fibers are lighter non-toxic and biodegradable. It is on this premise that several studies on their use in a number of applications where composites are desirable have been reported.