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<p>The growing demand for sustainable materials and circular economy solutions has intensified interest in natural fiber-reinforced composites as alternatives to synthetic reinforcement systems. While fibers such as hemp, flax, jute, and sisal have been extensively investigated, the potential of barkcloth as a composite reinforcement remains largely unexplored. Barkcloth, a traditional material derived from the inner bark of <i>Ficus natalensis</i> and predominantly produced in Uganda, possesses a distinctive non-woven architecture that differentiates it from conventional natural fibers. This review critically evaluates the production, structure, physicochemical characteristics, interfacial behavior, mechanical reinforcement potential, durability, sustainability performance, and emerging applications of barkcloth in composite materials. Comparative analysis indicates that although barkcloth exhibits lower tensile strength and stiffness than established natural fibers, its interconnected fibrous network promotes multidirectional load transfer, enhanced impact resistance, improved energy absorption, and simplified composite fabrication. The review further examines fiber–matrix adhesion mechanisms, manufacturing approaches, moisture absorption behavior, thermal stability, and long-term durability considerations. Sustainability assessment highlights the advantages of barkcloth arising from its regenerative harvesting, low processing energy requirements, favorable environmental profile, and potential contribution to local value chains. Particular attention is given to multifunctional applications, including thermal insulation, acoustic materials, and radiation shielding composites, where barkcloth serves as a structural reinforcement and filler-supporting framework. Key challenges identified include material variability, moisture sensitivity, limited standardization, and insufficient long-term performance data. Surface modification, hybrid composite design, nano-engineering strategies, and standardized characterization protocols are identified as critical pathways for future development. Overall, barkcloth represents a promising yet underutilized reinforcement material whose unique structural and sustainability attributes warrant further investigation for next-generation bio-composite systems.</p>

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Barkcloth as a natural fiber reinforcement in composite materials

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月1日

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  • Ruth Kanyana,
  • Afam Uzorka,
  • Mundu Muhamad Mustafa,
  • Living Ounyesiga,
  • David Kibirige

摘要

The growing demand for sustainable materials and circular economy solutions has intensified interest in natural fiber-reinforced composites as alternatives to synthetic reinforcement systems. While fibers such as hemp, flax, jute, and sisal have been extensively investigated, the potential of barkcloth as a composite reinforcement remains largely unexplored. Barkcloth, a traditional material derived from the inner bark of Ficus natalensis and predominantly produced in Uganda, possesses a distinctive non-woven architecture that differentiates it from conventional natural fibers. This review critically evaluates the production, structure, physicochemical characteristics, interfacial behavior, mechanical reinforcement potential, durability, sustainability performance, and emerging applications of barkcloth in composite materials. Comparative analysis indicates that although barkcloth exhibits lower tensile strength and stiffness than established natural fibers, its interconnected fibrous network promotes multidirectional load transfer, enhanced impact resistance, improved energy absorption, and simplified composite fabrication. The review further examines fiber–matrix adhesion mechanisms, manufacturing approaches, moisture absorption behavior, thermal stability, and long-term durability considerations. Sustainability assessment highlights the advantages of barkcloth arising from its regenerative harvesting, low processing energy requirements, favorable environmental profile, and potential contribution to local value chains. Particular attention is given to multifunctional applications, including thermal insulation, acoustic materials, and radiation shielding composites, where barkcloth serves as a structural reinforcement and filler-supporting framework. Key challenges identified include material variability, moisture sensitivity, limited standardization, and insufficient long-term performance data. Surface modification, hybrid composite design, nano-engineering strategies, and standardized characterization protocols are identified as critical pathways for future development. Overall, barkcloth represents a promising yet underutilized reinforcement material whose unique structural and sustainability attributes warrant further investigation for next-generation bio-composite systems.