A review on sustainable bamboo fibre composites in construction: Recent advancements, properties and future perspectives

• Historical development and applications of bamboo fibre are reviewed. • Performance of bamboo composites under various environmental exposures is discussed. • Key properties are correlated with the structure and chemical composition of bamboo fibres. • Processing characteristics of bamboo from plant to finished product are discussed. • LCA aspects of bamboo fibre composites for sustainable construction are critically reviewed. Bamboo, a rapidly renewable lignocellulosic resource, is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials. Its high strength-to-weight ratio, short growth cycle, and carbon-sequestration capacity make it ideal for developing low-impact composite systems. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent progress in bamboo fibre-reinforced composites (BFRCs), examining their structure, processing, properties, and potential in the building sector. The paper reviews the hierarchical and chemical characteristics of bamboo fibres that underpin their mechanical efficiency and discusses how treatments such as alkali, silane, and enzymatic modification improve fibre–matrix adhesion and composite performance. Advances in fabrication, including resin-transfer, compression moulding, and additive manufacturing, have expanded applications to structural, architectural, and prefabricated components. Key performance aspects, mechanical strength, thermal stability, environmental durability, and water resistance are analysed with emphasis on optimisation strategies through hybridisation, nanoparticle reinforcement, and surface functionalisation. Life-cycle studies indicate that bamboo composites exhibit significantly lower embodied energy and carbon emissions than glass-fibre system while maintaining comparable mechanical behaviour. Despite these advantages, challenges remain in achieving consistent fibre quality, long-term durability under humid and alkaline conditions, and standardisation of design and testing methods. Addressing these issues through improved processing control, modelling, and industrial collaboration will be vital for large-scale adoption. Overall, bamboo fibre composites represent a technically viable and environmentally responsible route toward circular, low-carbon construction materials capable of supporting next-generation sustainable infrastructure.