Comparative advantages and application of polymer-based materials: Prioritizing natural fibres as reinforcement in building structures

Abstract

Climate change and uncertainties in energy transition continue to increase the risk of environmental pollutions. The need for new materials derivable from organic materials have opened several new frontiers in research and innovation. Polymer-based materials (PBMs), considering its versatility, have shown their potentials in engineering structures and, the results are promising and far-reaching. PBMs possesses excellent thermal, mechanical and chemical properties, which necessitated significant research interest in these materials, resulting in their involvement in building and construction works. However, as their needs widened, spanning all human endeavours, it therefore important to establish how best these materials could be deplored in the face of climate change. Part of what is necessary as we explore these materials, is to report how best these materials could be applicable in building and construction works due to their low thermal conductivity’s values and their biodegradability properties. The application of natural fibres is noticeable everywhere with possibility of being used the more if containment measures are put in place to reduce its vulnerability. This review paper x-rays the natural fibre materials as a reliable reinforcement in building structure and this assertion is premised on its peculiarities and thermal properties. As established in many published papers, natural fibre is of lower thermal conductivities values, compared with other materials in building reinforcements. This discussion would be all encompassing, providing details on how natural fibre could assist in energy conservation in building and equally saves considerable cost in construction works.