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<p>The growing environmental burden associated with conventional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has accelerated the search for sustainable, bio-based alternatives that combine reduced carbon footprint with reliable engineering performance. While plant-based natural fiber composites have been extensively studied, animal-derived protein fibers remain comparatively under-reviewed despite their distinct hierarchical structures and functional potential. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic synthesis of animal fiber–reinforced polymer composites, focusing on keratin-based fibers (wool, hair, feathers), silk fibroin, and collagen-derived reinforcements. Unlike lignocellulosic fibers, animal fibers are composed of hierarchical protein architectures stabilized by secondary structures, disulfide bonding, and nanoscale organization, imparting unique combinations of toughness, viscoelastic damping, thermal response, and functional tunability. The review critically examines feedstock sourcing, cleaning and conditioning, fiber characterization, and processing routes, emphasizing how these steps govern reproducibility and composite performance. Particular attention is given to fiber–matrix interface engineering, identifying surface activation, chemical coupling, and matrix compatibilization as the dominant levers controlling stress transfer, durability, and moisture resistance. Mechanical, thermo-mechanical, thermal, and durability performance trends are synthesized across thermoplastic, thermoset, and biodegradable matrices, highlighting application-specific design strategies for structural components, vibration and acoustic damping, thermal insulation, and fire-resistant systems. Emerging functional applications—including electromagnetic interference shielding, wearable sensing, energy harvesting, and additive manufacturing of protein-based composites—are reviewed as evidence of the expanding role of animal fibers beyond structural reinforcement. Finally, key research gaps, standardization needs, and a roadmap for scalable, durable, and circular animal-fiber composite systems are proposed, positioning bio-architectural protein reinforcements as a viable pathway toward next-generation sustainable composite materials.</p>

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Bio-architectural reinforcements in polymer composites: a comprehensive review of animal fiber–based materials, interfaces, and applications

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月25日

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  • Md. Farhad Ali,
  • Md. Abdus Shabur

摘要

The growing environmental burden associated with conventional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has accelerated the search for sustainable, bio-based alternatives that combine reduced carbon footprint with reliable engineering performance. While plant-based natural fiber composites have been extensively studied, animal-derived protein fibers remain comparatively under-reviewed despite their distinct hierarchical structures and functional potential. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic synthesis of animal fiber–reinforced polymer composites, focusing on keratin-based fibers (wool, hair, feathers), silk fibroin, and collagen-derived reinforcements. Unlike lignocellulosic fibers, animal fibers are composed of hierarchical protein architectures stabilized by secondary structures, disulfide bonding, and nanoscale organization, imparting unique combinations of toughness, viscoelastic damping, thermal response, and functional tunability. The review critically examines feedstock sourcing, cleaning and conditioning, fiber characterization, and processing routes, emphasizing how these steps govern reproducibility and composite performance. Particular attention is given to fiber–matrix interface engineering, identifying surface activation, chemical coupling, and matrix compatibilization as the dominant levers controlling stress transfer, durability, and moisture resistance. Mechanical, thermo-mechanical, thermal, and durability performance trends are synthesized across thermoplastic, thermoset, and biodegradable matrices, highlighting application-specific design strategies for structural components, vibration and acoustic damping, thermal insulation, and fire-resistant systems. Emerging functional applications—including electromagnetic interference shielding, wearable sensing, energy harvesting, and additive manufacturing of protein-based composites—are reviewed as evidence of the expanding role of animal fibers beyond structural reinforcement. Finally, key research gaps, standardization needs, and a roadmap for scalable, durable, and circular animal-fiber composite systems are proposed, positioning bio-architectural protein reinforcements as a viable pathway toward next-generation sustainable composite materials.