Natural fibers have been one of the most interesting researched topics over the past years as a substitute to synthetic engineered fibers. This might be attributed to their inherent properties, such as low cost of production, renewability, biodegradability, and their availability when compared to synthetic fibers. Some natural fibers that have been used for reinforcement with biopolymer composites are sugar palm, areca, banana, bamboo, kenaf, jute, hemp, oil palm, pineapple, and sisal.

Biocomposites can be defined as materials that consist of two or more constituent materials, mainly fiber and matrices reinforcements, bonded together. As a result, better properties are obtained in the final biocomposites compared to the constituent materials. The preparation of polymer nanocomposites using nanocelluloses has been found to be of growing interest due to the unique characteristics of those nanomaterials, such as abundant surface –OH groups and their associated ease of surface modification, high strength, thermal and crystallinity, (potentially) low cost, and renewability. Natural fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites are emerging very rapidly as the potential substitute to the synthetic based materials in applications that also include automotive, building, food packaging, aerospace, marine, sporting goods, furniture, biomedical and electronic industries. Additionally, composite building materials are being made from straw in the United States. Natural fiber biocomposites can be potentially utilized in transport industry such as automotive (parcel shelves, door panels, instrument panels, armrests, headrests, seat shells, car bumper beam, under-floor protection for passenger cars, rear view mirror, visor in two wheeler, billion seat cover, indicator cover, cover L-side and name plate), train (interior paneling for rail vehicles, train seat paneling and door leaves), aircraft (radome, interior and exterior body panels such as in seat cushions, cabin linings, parcel shelves etc.), and naval (hull and deck). Substituting heavier parts materials with natural fiber composites of high performance properties can reduce transport weight, which in turn lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collate articles describing advances in this field. Original research and review articles are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Biopolymer composites
• Natural fiber reinforced biopolymer composites
• Nanocellulose biopolymer composites
• Hybrid natural fiber reinforced biopolymer composites
• Material selection of natural fiber biopolymer composites
• Natural fiber reinforced biopolymer blend
• Biomimetics of bio-based composites
• Advanced application of natural fiber reinforced biopolymer composites
• Design, processing, and environmental aspects of natural fiber reinforced biopolymer composites
• Effect of chemical coupling on natural fiber reinforced biopolymer composites