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A Comprehensive Review on Construction Applications and Life Cycle Sustainability of Natural Fiber Biocomposites

Author

Listed:
  • Hammad Ahmad

    (Life Cycle Management Lab, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus), 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Gyan Chhipi-Shrestha

    (Life Cycle Management Lab, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus), 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Kasun Hewage

    (Life Cycle Management Lab, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus), 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Rehan Sadiq

    (Life Cycle Management Lab, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus), 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

Abstract

The construction industry is continuously searching for sustainable materials to combat the rapid depletion of global resources and ongoing ecological crises. Biocomposites have recently received global attention in various industries due to their renewability, low cost, and biodegradability. Biocomposites’ potential as a sustainable substitute in construction can be understood by identifying their diverse applications. Moreover, examining their life cycle environmental and economic impacts is important. Therefore, this study is a novel attempt to encompass biocomposites’ construction applications and their environmental life cycle performance. Statistical analysis is done related to the temporal distribution of papers, publishers, literature type and regions of studies. First, this paper reviews the latest research on the applications of natural fiber biocomposites in construction with their key findings. The applications include fiber reinforcements in concrete, external strengthening elements, internally filled hollow tubes, wood replacement boards, insulation, and non-structural members. The second part covers the life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost studies on biocomposites. The life cycle studies are currently rare and require more case-specific assessments; however, they highlight the benefits of biocomposites in cost savings and environmental protection. Finally, this study provides key suggestions for increasing the applicability of biocomposites as sustainable construction materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Hammad Ahmad & Gyan Chhipi-Shrestha & Kasun Hewage & Rehan Sadiq, 2022. "A Comprehensive Review on Construction Applications and Life Cycle Sustainability of Natural Fiber Biocomposites," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-34, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:15905-:d:987801
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chang, Yuan & Ries, Robert J. & Wang, Yaowu, 2011. "The quantification of the embodied impacts of construction projects on energy, environment, and society based on I-O LCA," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(10), pages 6321-6330, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luca Morganti & Laura Vandi & Julen Astudillo Larraz & Javier García-Jaca & Arsenio Navarro Muedra & Alessandro Pracucci, 2024. "A1–A5 Embodied Carbon Assessment to Evaluate Bio-Based Components in Façade System Modules," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-25, January.
    2. Federico Rotini & Lorenzo Fiorineschi & Leonardo Conti & Giuseppe Rossi, 2024. "Investigating Polylactic Acid Foam–Plant Fiber Composites for Sound Absorption and Insulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Eliana Fernández Fortunato & Fernando Jiménez-Sáez & Eloy Hontoria, 2023. "Can Industry Counteract the Ecological Crisis? An Approach for the Development of a New Circular Bioeconomic Model Based on Biocomposite Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, February.

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