Biocomposite Materials in Sports Equipment: A Systematic Review of Manufacturing Routes, Performance Functions, and Sustainability Impacts
JOM, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11837-026-08690-y
- Dergi Adı: JOM
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC, Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The sports industry increasingly demands materials that can deliver elite mechanical performance while reducing environmental burdens across product life cycles. In this systematic review, we synthesize interdisciplinary evidence on the use of biocomposite materials particularly natural fiber-reinforced polymer systems in sports equipment and related applications. The reviewed literature indicates that biocomposites can provide competitive specific strength at reduced density, alongside functional benefits such as improved vibration damping, safer (more ductile) fracture behavior, and enhanced user comfort in equipment subjected to repeated impacts and dynamic loading. From a manufacturing standpoint, multiple pathways are reported for translating biocomposites into sports products, including prepreg/autoclave routes for high-performance structures, filament winding for tubular parts, and thermoforming, compression molding, and injection molding for high-throughput components. Sustainability outcomes are commonly framed through circular-economy logic, emphasizing renewability, lower processing abrasiveness, reduced energy demand relative to conventional fiber composites, and improved end-of-life options (e.g., mechanical recycling and reuse as fillers), especially when combined with bio-based matrices such as PLA. Despite these advantages, persistent barriers moisture uptake, natural-fiber variability, interfacial adhesion limitations, and durability under combined UV–humidity cycling continue to constrain broader adoption. Overall, the evidence supports biocomposites as not merely “green substitutes,” but as engineering materials capable of delivering performance-relevant functions in sports equipment when supported by hybrid designs, surface treatments, protective coatings, and standardized testing protocols.