Composite fibre reinforcements in aerospace structural engineering: classification, mechanical performance, sustainability, and future pathways — a systematic review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Materials which are compatible with the environment, thermally stable, design-flexible, and with high specific strength are desired in the aerospace industry. The world is changing from traditional aluminium alloys to fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems with advanced technologies as part of the circular economy, cost optimisation of the product life cycle and decarbonisation. The study differentiates and systematically compares natural fibre reinforcement like flax, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, bamboo, basalt and the synthetic fibre like coir, ramie and advanced synthetic fibre reinforcement system such as glass, carbon, aramid, boron, silicon carbide, UHMWPE and PBO used in aerospace structure composite applications. Over 25 fibre types have tabulated information analysed for mechanical properties as well as density benefits, failure modes, fabrication limitations, fire-safety compliance and environmental impact indicators. The literature supports that specific strength of CFRP composite can reach up to 1800 MPa/(g/cm³) and also in all the life cycles of the composite glass fibre alternatives are 30–70% higher than the composite made from the natural fibre (flax/bio-epoxy). The gap between the performance of natural and synthetic fibers is assessed through nano-scale hybridization, bio-inspired architectures and thermoplastic matrix transitions. The material range includes all types of metal from primary fuselage skins and wing spars to interior panels, fairings and high heat turbine components and is systematically examined. Moisture sensitivity, delamination susceptibility, FST certification (per FAR 25.853/CS-25) and end-of-life recyclability are critically evaluated. A roadmap towards future research activities into 2050 is provided. Graphical abstract
Authors: Hemachandran R, Jayabal S
Institution: National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222474930