Characterization of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate)/ Sisal Fiber/Clay bio-composites Prepared by Casting Technique

Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate)(PHBV) biocomposites containing of sisal fibers and clay particles were prepared by solution casting technique. Silane (Bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfide) treatment has been used to modify surface of sisal fiber and enhance the properties of related PHBV composites. The mechanical and thermal properties of the PHBV composites were determined in uniaxial tensile, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The dispersion of the sisal fiber and clay in the PHBV was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All PHBV based composites were subject to water absorption. It was found that the tensile and storage modulus of PHBV/5 wt.% sisal composites was improved by maximum 7 % and 10 % respectively. Treated silane of sisal fiber at 5 wt.% was found to enhance tensile modulus by 12 % as compared to the neat PHBV. In corporation of 3 wt.% clay in PHBV matrix increased the tensile and storage modulus by 8 % and 16 % respectively, compared to the neat PHBV. Note that this feature was also confirmed by SEM. Moreover, water uptake and the diffusion coefficient of the PHBV composites systems studied was also calculated

AGRO-WASTE NATURAL FIBER SAMPLE PREPARATION TECHNIQUES FOR BIO-COMPOSITES DEVELOPMENT: METHODOLOGICAL INSIGHTS

In today's engineering industries, there is a growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products due to their recyclability, abundant availability and property variability. One key aspect of this sustainability effort is the development of eco-friendly materials, particularly bio composites derived from agricultural waste residues. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties as well as suitability of these fibers depend greatly on the methods used for extraction, processing, chemical modification and physical treatments. Understanding these processes comprehensively is essential for obtaining desired natural fibers/fillers from agricultural waste for creating effective bio composites to meet specific application demands. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the various extraction and modification techniques employed for natural fibers. It offers an in-depth review of diverse extraction processes, ranging from the initial harvesting to the decortication stage. It has been revealed that the choice of extraction methodologies depends on climate, water resources, local traditions, and the desired fiber quality. Additionally, the paper explores chemical and physical treatments, highlighting how each method influences the structure and properties of natural fibers. Overall, this review offers practical insights into the steps taken to transform agro-waste biomass into desired natural fiber and in turn biocomposite material, while enhancing product quality and performance

3D-MID Technology for surface modification of polymer-based composites: a comprehensive review

The three-dimensional molded interconnected device (3D-MID) has received considerable attention because of the growing demand for greater functionality and miniaturization of electronic parts. Polymer based composite are the primary choice to be used as substrate. These materials enable flexibility in production from macro to micro-MID products, high fracture toughness when subjected to mechanical loading, and they are lightweight. This survey proposes a detailed review of different types of 3D-MID modules, also presents the requirement criteria for manufacture a polymer substrate and the main surface modification techniques used to enhance the polymer substrate. The findings presented here allow to fundamentally understand the concept of 3D-MID, which can be used to manufacture a novel polymer composite substrate

LEMONGRASS PLANT LEAF AND CULM AS POTENTIAL SOURCES OF REINFORCEMENT FOR BIO-COMPOSITES

A possible source of natural reinforcement for bio-composites can be represented by lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon flexuosus), a clumped and perennial grass which belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is extensively used for several applications such as pharmacology, food preservation and cosmetics but, to the best of our knowledge, few papers were published on its use as source for reinforcement of composites and no one article was focused on the comparison between lemongrass leaves and culms as potential source of natural reinforcement. To this aim, a preliminary investigation on leaf and culm fibers was carried out to compare their physical and chemical features as well as their tensile properties. Furthermore, bio-composites based on a biodegradable starch-derived matrix (MaterBi®) and lemongrass leaf and culm particles were manufactured via extrusion and compression molding. For both fillers, two compositions (i.e., 10% and 20 wt.%) were investigated in terms of morphological and mechanical properties