A recent article in Materials takes a closer look at vegetable fibers (VFs) in cement composites, offering an interesting bibliometric analysis. The study breaks down how these fibers are being used to improve construction materials, with researchers focusing heavily on mechanical properties and durability to make VF composites more construction-friendly.
Study: Vegetable Fibers in Cement Composites: A Bibliometric Analysis, Current Status, and Future Outlooks. Image Credit: FootMade0525/Shutterstock.com
What Types of Vegetable Fibers Are Used?
Vegetable fibers used in cement composites are generally divided into two main categories: wood fibers and non-wood fibers. Wood fibers can be further classified into softwood fibers, such as pine, and hardwood fibers, like eucalyptus. Non-wood fibers, on the other hand, are grouped by their plant origin—bast, leaf, stalk, or seed fibers.
Softwood fibers, such as pine, are commonly sourced from kraft pulp used in the paper industry and are widely studied for their effectiveness as reinforcements in cement mortar and paste. Hardwood fibers, like eucalyptus pulp, are gaining attention for their potential in roofing applications, particularly in sustainable construction.
Non-wood fibers introduce even greater variety. Bast fibers, including kenaf, jute, and hemp, are commonly used in concrete and mortar applications, with flax increasingly incorporated into geopolymer mixtures. Leaf fibers, such as sisal, are another well-researched option, often paired with ordinary Portland cement for enhanced performance.
Stalk fibers like bamboo stand out for their remarkable versatility, being utilized in mortars, geopolymer composites, and even as an alternative to steel in reinforced concrete. Finally, seed fibers—such as coconut coir and cotton—complete the range of options, offering additional avenues for sustainable reinforcement in cement-based materials.
Why Are Vegetable Fibers So Valuable?
The benefits of adding VFs to cement-based materials are hard to ignore. For starters, they significantly enhance mechanical properties like flexural and tensile strength. Coconut fiber-reinforced concrete, for instance, is not only more flexible than standard concrete but, in some cases, outperforms glass and carbon fiber reinforcements. Similarly, concrete reinforced with coconut or sugarcane bagasse fibers demonstrates greater fracture toughness and energy absorption compared to conventional concrete.
However, the degree of improvement depends on factors like the type of fiber, the amount used, and how the fibers are treated. One of the biggest challenges is durability—cement’s alkaline environment can degrade natural fibers over time.
To address this, researchers are focusing on two main strategies. The first involves tweaking the cement matrix itself to reduce its alkaline content. The second approach is all about treating the fibers. For example, immersing VFs in calcium or sodium hydroxide solutions improves their durability and bonding with the cement. Mechanical treatments, such as unbundling fibers for even distribution, also contribute to more consistent and reliable composite materials.
Advanced Applications of VFs in Construction
VFs aren’t just about making materials stronger—they’re opening the door to a variety of innovative uses. Thanks to their lightweight and insulating properties, VFs are being explored for applications beyond structural reinforcement.
Take hemp-lime concrete, for example, which offers excellent soundproofing. Other unconventional fibers, like açai, are being tested in wall coverings and for reinforcing small structural points. Juncus acutus fibers are being incorporated into clay-sand composites for lightweight construction, while Himalayan nettle is showing potential as a material for nonwoven acoustic panels.
What’s exciting is how accessible these fibers are—they can be sourced from plants, agricultural byproducts, and even waste materials. This makes them a sustainable, cost-effective choice for a wide range of construction needs.
What’s Next for Vegetable Fibers in Construction?
The review makes it clear that vegetable fibers have a lot of potential to improve construction materials. Both wood and non-wood fibers offer unique benefits, but their use depends on factors like regional availability, cost, and the specific needs of each project.
Key variables like the type, length, and amount of fiber added to the mix all play a critical role in determining performance. Moving forward, researchers are looking into exciting new areas, such as how VFs can contribute to CO2 absorption, how to make them more durable, and how machine learning could be used to optimize their applications.
With continued innovation, vegetable fibers could become a cornerstone of sustainable construction, offering materials that are stronger, lighter, and better for the environment.
Journal Reference
Arvizu-Montes, A. & Martinez-Echevarria, M. J. (2025). Vegetable Fibers in Cement Composites: A Bibliometric Analysis, Current Status, and Future Outlooks. Materials, 18(2), 333. DOI: 10.3390/ma18020333, https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/18/2/333
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