article · Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
This research evaluates the fabrication of biodegradable hybrid composites made from a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced with biochar and alkali-treated Robusta short palm fibres. Microscopic examination revealed that treating the palm fibres with an alkali solution reduced interfacial gaps between the matrix and the reinforcement. Composites reinforced with fibres treated with a 3 percent sodium hydroxide solution demonstrated superior viscoelastic behaviour compared to untreated variants. This specific formulation achieved a storage modulus of 2463.64 MPa and a loss modulus of 516 MPa, alongside a minimal damping factor of 0.97. These mechanical properties indicate strong elasticity, high energy dissipation, and effective damping capability, making the material particularly suitable for resistance against shocks and vibrations.
Using agricultural waste to reinforce biodegradable plastics helps replace petroleum-based materials with sustainable alternatives. By improving the strength, elasticity, and vibration absorption of polylactic acid composites, this approach demonstrates how treated natural fibres can produce robust, environmentally friendly materials suited for demanding applications.
The material shows potential for manufacturers producing sports equipment, green building materials, and automotive interior components seeking shock and vibration resistance. At present, the technology represents early-stage laboratory research, as the abstract highlights that further research and development are required to improve composite qualities and extend their practical applications.
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The aim of this study to develop biodegradable composites by using agricultural biowaste that well qualified to be used in various applications. They are an outstanding choice for the production of sports equipment, green building materials, and car interior components due to their transport and recycling capabilities. In this work, hybrid biocomposites are fabricated from a Poly lactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced with alkali-treated Robusta (Rb) short biomass palm fibers and biochar (B) were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy showed a decrease in the interfacial spaces of the treated reinforcement materials compared to the untreated ones, becoming less frequent and smaller. The Rb-reinforced biocomposite treated with 3 % NaOH (PLA-BRb3) showed better viscoelastic behavior, with high energy storage and loss moduli and minimal damping factor (tan δ), showing high elasticity and low glass transition temperature. The loss and storage moduli reached 516 MPa and 2463.64 MPa, respectively, suggesting excellent energy dissipation and enhanced damping capacity, ideal for shock and vibration resistance applications. Tan δ decreased to 0.97, making it the most elastic material in the study. The qualities of these green biocomposites could be improved and their uses could be extended to various sustainable production sectors through further research and development.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2025.106170
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