Open Access

REVIEW

Kenaf Fibre–Based Composites as Sustainable Materials for Marine Applications: A Short Review

Harmiansyah^1,2,3, Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Rizal^1,2,4,5,*, Mohd Yazid Yahya^1,2,5, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas^1,4,5,6, Melbi Mahardika^5,7

1 Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
2 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
3 Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung Selatan, Indonesia
4 Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
5 Research Collaboration Center for Nanocellulose, BRIN and Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia
6 Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
7 Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Serpong, South Tangerang, Indonesia

* Corresponding Author: Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Rizal. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Biomass-based Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymers for Biomass-based Composites)

Journal of Renewable Materials 2026, 14(9), 3 https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0207

Received 10 November 2025; Accepted 13 March 2026; Issue published 23 September 2026

Abstract

Kenaf fibre has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable reinforcement material for polymer composites, particularly for applications in marine environments where lightweight structures, corrosion resistance, and environmental compatibility are essential. This review critically examines the current state of research on kenaf fibre–reinforced composites for marine applications, focusing on their mechanical performance, environmental durability, processing methods, and sustainability potential. Existing studies consistently indicate that kenaf fibres offer favourable strength-to-weight ratios, low density, and renewable characteristics, making them promising alternatives to conventional synthetic reinforcements. Surface modification techniques, including alkaline and silane treatments, have been widely reported to enhance fibre–matrix interfacial bonding, thereby improving tensile strength and reducing moisture absorption in composite systems. In addition, hybridisation strategies and the use of bio-based polymer matrices, such as polylactic acid (PLA), have demonstrated potential for improving both mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. However, despite these advantages, several challenges remain unresolved, particularly concerning long-term durability under marine exposure, moisture-induced degradation, and biofouling susceptibility. Current literature also highlights the need for further investigation into lifecycle performance, large-scale manufacturing feasibility, and optimisation of fibre treatment methods. Overall, the collective evidence suggests that kenaf fibre composites represent a promising class of environmentally responsible materials for selected marine applications, especially in non-load-bearing and semi-structural components, although further research is required to address durability and performance limitations before broader industrial implementation can be achieved.

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