Demands for reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts are the major driving factors for the development of natural fiber–reinforced composites (NFRCs) in many sectors. Compared with synthesized fiber, natural fiber provides several advantages in terms of biodegradability, light weight, low price, life-cycle superiority, and satisfactory mechanical properties. However, the inherent features of plant-based natural fibers have presented challenges to the development and application of NFRCs, such as variable fiber quality, limited mechanical properties, water absorption, low thermal stability, incompatibility with hydrophobic matrices, and propensity to agglomeration. Substantial research has recently been conducted to address these challenges for improved performance of NFRCs and their applications. This article reviews the recent advancements of plant-based NFRCs, focusing on strategies and breakthroughs in enhancing the NFRCs’ performance, including fiber modification, fiber hybridization, lignocellulosic fillers incorporation, conventional processing techniques, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and new fiber source exploration. The sustainability of plant-based NFRCs using life-cycle assessment and the burgeoning applications of NFRCs with emphasis on the automotive industry are also discussed.

Recent advancements of plant-based natural fiber–reinforced composites and their applications

The Purpose of this work is to develop a niobium based metal matrix alloy through sintering based powder metallurgy technique. The 2, 4 and 6 weight percentage of Titanium Carbide (TiC) is added to the alloy. Various material properties such as hardness, tensile strength, impact strength and density are measured after the addition of TiC particle. The characterization, microstructure and particle size of the developed metal matrix are learnt through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX).Finally, the synthesized niobium metal matrix is machined by unconventional machining processes namely Ultrasonic Machining (USM) and Laser Beam Machining (LBM) processes. The various input and output parameters have been considered for this experimental work. The most influential parameters on Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Surface Roughness (SR) are found by Analysis of variance. The systematic evaluation of optimal parameters of MRR and SR are carried out by using taguchi approach.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2053-1591/ab624d/pdf

Material characterization and unconventional machining on synthesized Niobium metal matrix

Assessment of weld joint strengths on dissimilar alloys of Inconel 625 and aluminium 7068 using FSW process

Mechanical properties of aluminium metal matrix composites-A review

This paper summarizes the results obtained in the course of the development of a specific group of biocomposites with high functionality of flame retardancy, which are environmentally acceptable at the same time. Conventional biocomposites have to be altered through different modifications, to be able to respond to the stringent standards and environmental requests of the circular economy. The most commonly produced types of biocomposites are those composed of a biodegradable PLA matrix and plant bast fibres. Despite of numerous positive properties of natural fibres, flammability of plant fibres is one of the most pronounced drawbacks for their wider usage in biocomposites production. Most recent novelties regarding the flame retardancy of nanocomposites are presented, with the accent on the agents of nanosize (nanofillers), which have been chosen as they have low or non-toxic environmental impact, but still offer enhanced flame retardant (FR) properties. The importance of a nanofiller’s geometry and shape (e.g., nanodispersion of nanoclay) and increase in polymer viscosity, on flame retardancy has been stressed. Although metal oxydes are considered the most commonly used nanofillers there are numerous other possibilities presented within the paper. Combinations of clay based nanofillers with other nanosized or microsized FR agents can significantly improve the thermal stability and FR properties of nanocomposite materials. Further research is still needed on optimizing the parameters of FR compounds to meet numerous requirements, from the improvement of thermal and mechanical properties to the biodegradability of the composite products. Presented research initiatives provide genuine new opportunities for manufacturers, consumers and society as a whole to create a new class of bionanocomposite materials with added benefits of environmental improvement.

Progress in Biodegradable Flame Retardant Nano-Biocomposites

Study on tribological properties of palm kernel fiber for brake pad applications

Harvesting energy from moving vehicles with single-axis solar tracking assisted hybrid wind turbine

A critical investigation on viscosity and tribological properties of molybdenum disulfide nano particles on diesel oil

The intent of this work is to investigate the mechanical properties of chemically treated banana and areca fibers as reinforcement for various applications. Compression molding technique was used to prepare the composites. Fiber loading was varied by 5 and 10 volume weight percentages. Both areca and banana fiber were chemically treated with 5 wt.% sodium carbonate. Tensile, flexural and hardness Testes were carried out. On seeing the results, it was witnessed that the mechanical properties and thermal stability got increased with fiber loading and sodium carbonate treatment. Ten fibers reinforced composite provided the best set of mechanical and thermal properties, while banana fiber reinforced polypropylene composites had slightly better properties as compared to jute fiber reinforced polypropylene composites.

Raghuram Pradhan

Papers

Material characterization and unconventional machining on synthesized Niobium metal matrix

Study on tribological properties of palm kernel fiber for brake pad applications

Harvesting energy from moving vehicles with single-axis solar tracking assisted hybrid wind turbine

A critical investigation on viscosity and tribological properties of molybdenum disulfide nano particles on diesel oil

Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Chemically Treated Banana and Areca Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites