| Abstract Scope |
Understanding failure mechanisms is essential for improving the reliability and structural performance of natural fiber-reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites. This review critically examines the evolution of damage from the microscale to the structural level, emphasizing the interactions between fiber morphology, matrix properties, interfacial adhesion, and manufacturing-induced defects. Failure mechanisms, including fiber fracture, matrix cracking, interfacial debonding, delamination, moisture-assisted degradation, fatigue damage, and impact-induced failure, are systematically discussed. Recent advances in experimental characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray computed tomography, digital image correlation, acoustic emission, and atomic force microscopy, are reviewed alongside numerical approaches for damage prediction. The relationships between microstructural damage and residual mechanical performance are highlighted to identify key factors controlling composite durability. Finally, current research gaps and future directions, including multiscale modeling, hybrid reinforcements, and artificial intelligence-assisted damage prediction, are presented to support the development of more reliable and sustainable NFRP composites. |