Bombyx mori silk fibre and its composite: A review of contemporary developments

•We reviewed the overall characteristics of Bombyx mori fibre.•Chemical composition and mechanical properties; properties of B. mori as a reinforced composite.•Its behaviour under impact loading, as well as crashworthiness and possible applications in automotive industry.

Application of natural fibres in composite plastics is gaining popularity in many industries and particularly the automotive industry. Using natural fibres in polymers provides many advantages over other techniques, and the application areas appear limitless. There is currently a shift of paradigm in the automotive industry towards a “green” outlook, due to consumers’ demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles. Natural fibres are biodegradable and are renewable natural source. These two characteristics are most important for disposal of components at end-life. They are recyclable and can be easily converted into thermal energy through combustion, without leaving residue. Among the natural fibres with proven potential application as reinforcement for polymers, Bombyx mori woven silk fibre is one that recently received special attention from researchers. B. mori silk fibre is one of the best fibres discovered in nature, providing high mechanical properties over frequently used natural fibres like sisal, jute, hemp and coir. This review presents a summary of B. mori woven silk fibre and its composite.