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Abstract
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With energy saving becoming a strategic goal in the world, protecting the environment and natural resources has come to the fore. In architecture, a method of saving for the protection of natural resources can be achieved by selecting building materials. Offering natural-containing alternatives with less embedded energy to the materials used in the building can ensure that the energy consumed in the whole life cycle of the materials, such as production, use, demolition, or recycling, is minimized. Compared to synthetic materials, it is known that much less energy is spent in producing and using natural fibre materials. Many of them, with their structure, are suitable insulation materials by trapping the air and can be a healthy and sustainable alternative by absorbing the CO2 in the air. Considering the kenaf plant, it is known that it has a growth rate of 3-9 times faster than other plants and has a higher absorption capacity than all existing plants by absorbing almost 1.5 times its weight in CO2. This article presents a literature review of Natural Fibre Composites (NFC), focusing on kenaf fibre, published between 2000-2021. The literature research has determined that these studies are on developing the material's mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. The subsequent use and application areas need to be examined in detail. This paper aims to predict whether natural fibre composites can be a potential alternative to synthetic composites currently used in architectural applications due to their novel mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. For example, in the literature, the thermal conductivity value in a hemp fibre-reinforced lime composite study is approximately 0.08W/mK, which can be an alternative to architectural insulation applications. In addition, studies in the literature show that the Kenaf/PLA impact strength is 90.64J/m, and the water absorption value of the Kenaf/NR/TPU composite is below 1%. It is predicted to be used as an alternative and natural material in semi-structural or wet areas where water resistance is required. The Systematic Literature Search (SLR) technique was used as the research methodology, and research questions and keywords were determined. The numerical data of the mechanical, chemical, and physical test results of the fibrous composites in the articles and the new properties gained from the natural fibrous material have been interpreted, and the potential for which architectural application areas can be used as an alternative to synthetic fibre composites used in architecture have been revealed. As a result of these predictions have determined that natural fibre materials with comparable mechanical and chemical properties can be an alternative to synthetic materials currently used in many application areas, such as roofs, structures, etc., in architecture. It is predicted that it will shed light on the use of innovative architectural materials by researchers and professionals in the future.
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