Vegetable Fibers in Cement Composites: A Bibliometric Analysis, Current Status, and Future Outlooks

Abstract

The use of vegetable fibers (VFs) in cement-based composites has increased in recent years owing to their minimal environmental impact and notable particular properties. VFs have aroused interest within the scientific community because of their potential as a sustainable alternative for construction. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of VFs in cement composites using data from the Scopus database and scientometric tools to explore publication trends, influential sources, and research directions. Key findings reveal a steady increase in publications, with Construction and Building Materials identified as a leading journal in the field and China and Brazil as prominent contributors in terms of publications and citations. The analysis highlights a strong focus on mechanical properties and durability, reflecting the interest of the scientific community in optimizing VF composites for construction. Furthermore, this study includes a revision of the most influential studies addressing VF classification, durability improvements, and advanced applications of VFs in building applications. Finally, future research opportunities are outlined, emphasizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), industry integration, CO2 absorption, and the application of machine learning techniques to advance the development of VF composites. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the field, suggesting future guidelines and promoting collaborative research.