Fabrication Of Biocomposites Research Articles

Utilization of banana crop ligno-cellulosic waste for sustainable development of biomaterials and nanocomposites.

Banana (Musa spp.) is a tropical fruit cultivated in over 130 countries, producing significant lignocellulosic biomass. However, much of the agro-industrial waste from banana plants is neglected, contributing to environmental pollution. Around 60 % of the plant's biomass is generated after fruit harvesting, representing an untapped resource. This review examines the potential of banana plant waste for developing biocomposite and biodegradable materials. It covers the extraction and modification of banana fibers for composites, with a focus on the fabrication of nano biocomposites using banana fibers as reinforcement and polysaccharides or proteins as matrices. The review also evaluates the biodegradability and environmental impact of these materials through Life Cycle Assessment studies. Future research directions include refining processing methods, improving fiber-matrix compatibility, and enhancing the durability of banana fiber composites for packaging applications.

Recycling tempura powder debris derived from the fried food industry as a binder for 3-dimensional biodegradable composites: A novel circular economy alternative to low-performance plastics

Although the collection and recycling of used cooking oils have been well-established, tempura powder debris discarded from the frying process has received little attention. Here, in collaboration with a local company that collects used cooking oil, we estimated that approximately 881,000,000 kg of tempura powder debris is discarded annually in South Korea. The debris was found to contain approximately 60 % of oils that can be extracted through a squeezing process. The resulting cake was proven to be beneficial for the fabrication of 3-dimensional biocomposites with waste biomass powders (e.g., used cardboard and coffee powders and rice straw powder), wherein the polysaccharides from the debris likely serve as a binder. Various complex structures were readily fabricated using heat-drying (90 ℃ for 30 minutes and then at 120 ℃ for 30 minutes for a dish and 130 ℃ for 24 hours for other shapes) and exhibited a compressive strength of 2500 kPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.089 W/(m·K). The overall composite shape was maintained under water soaking, while the compressive strengths were reduced by 40 % under a high humidity. Furthermore, strong sorption for toxic compounds, excellent biodegradability, low cytotoxicity, good-odor emission, and enhanced maize germination rates with bed soils were displayed by using the composites. The performance and function comparisons with commercial expanded polystyrene suggest that using the composites could be multi-beneficial. In conclusion, tempura powder debris from the fried food sector could become a significant bulk waste source, supporting the development of circular economy such as a low-performance plastic alternative.

Exploring the potential of agricultural waste enset fibers reinforced poly lactic acid biocomposites

This study explores the environmental sustainability of composite materials by reinforcing agricultural residue enset fiber as a potential reinforcement. Initially, enset fibers underwent a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide treatment to eliminate impurities and enhance fiber-matrix adhesion in the subsequent biocomposite fabrication process. Various enset fiber-to-polylactic acid ratios were blended and opened to enset/PLA fibers mat using a fiber carding machine, and the resulting biocomposite material was prepared through the hot press. A comprehensive assessment covering mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, water absorption, and morphological properties was conducted on the enset/PLA biocomposites. The results showed increased mechanical (tensile strength of 24.12 MPa, bending stress of 33.02 MPa, flexural modulus of 2.01 GPa, the impact resistance of 12 kJ/m2) and thermomechanical properties with increased enset fiber loading, with optimum value at a 30 % weight percentage. The Differential scanning calorimetry results showed the addition of enset fiber increases the glass transition temperatures and degree of crystallinity. SEM images confirmed robust adhesion between enset fibers and PLA. This study highlights the potential applications of enset/PLA composites in automotive, furniture, packaging, and diverse industries, emphasizing their promising role in sustainable material development.

Effect of natural Sapindus mukorossi treatment process on bio-waste bagasse fibers for biocomposite fabrication and application purposes

In the present research investigation, a novel natural treatment technique consists of Sapindus mukorossi and citric acid was used to treat the fibers as an alternative to conventional chemical treatments that can have adverse effects on both the environment and human health. The fibers were treated with natural solution for varying time intervals of 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, and reinforced with poly-lactic acid using injection moulding machine. The thermal, mechanical and moisture absorption properties of developed naturally treated biocomposites were examined through FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical analysis to explore the optimal treatment period. The optimal treatment period for the fibers was determined to be 72 h, during which overall properties of biocomposite were observed highest. The biocomposites fabricated with 72 h of treatment exhibited 16.8 % improvement in tensile modulus and 22.8 % increment in flexural modulus as compared to untreated fiber biocomposites. Furthermore, the highest levels of water absorption and impact strength were achieved through treatment duration of 96 h and 48 h, resulting in significant improvements of 63.2 % and 22.2 %, respectively. The assessment of surface characteristics was carried out through the use of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Fabrication of biopolyethylene-based biocomposites with coffee ground waste: Effect of polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride

The production of plastic products from non-renewable raw materials, such as petroleum, damages the environment. Consequently, biocomposites have aroused interest from industry and researchers due to their ecologically correct characteristics, mainly because they come from renewable sources. Therefore, this study aimed to produce biopolyethylene/coffee ground waste (BioPE/CGW) biocomposites and analyze the impact of CGW and polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) on BioPE. The biocomposites were prepared in a co-rotational twin-screw extruder equipped with a side feeder to feed the CGW. The materials were subsequently injection molded to produce the impact, tensile, and HDT samples. The temperature profiles used during extrusion and injection were between 170 and 180°C. The BioPE and biocomposites were investigated for the vibrational (Infrared Spectroscopy - FTIR), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry), mechanical (tensile, impact, and hardness), thermomechanical (heat deflection temperature (HDT) and Vicat softening temperature (VST)), and morphological (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) properties. The compatibilizer improved the interface between phases, promoting mechanical and thermomechanical improvements in the biocomposites. PE-g-MA promoted increments in tensile strength and elastic modulus of up to 38% and 25% in the BioPE/CGW30 and an increase of 44% in the elastic modulus compared to BioPE. The thermomechanical investigations showed that HDT increased by 8.8 and 3.3°C and VST increased by 2.5 and 6.6°C compared to BioPE and the BioPE/CGW30, respectively. Biocomposites from renewable and biodegradable sources align with a sustainable development concept.

Multifunctional chitosan-cross linked- curcumin-tannic acid biocomposites disrupt quorum sensing and biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria

Natural products have a long history of success in treating bacterial infections, making them a promising source for novel antibacterial medications. Curcumin, an essential component of turmeric, has shown potential in treating bacterial infections and in this study, we covalently immobilized curcumin (Cur) onto chitosan (CS) using glutaraldehyde and tannic acid (TA), resulting in the fabrication of novel biocomposites with varying CS/Cur/TA ratios. Comprehensive characterization of these ternary biocomposites was conducted using FTIR, SEM, XPS, and XRD to assess their morphology, functional groups, and chemical structures. The inhibitory efficacy of these novel biocomposites (n = 4) against the growth and viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) and Chromobacterium violaceum (ATCC12472) was evaluated and the most promising composite (C3) was investigated for its impact on quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm formation in these bacteria. Remarkably, this biocomposite significantly disrupted QS circuits and effectively curtailed biofilm formation in the tested pathogens without inducing appreciable toxicity. These findings underscore its potential for future in vivo studies, positioning it as a promising candidate for the development of biofilm disrupting antibacterial agents.

Effect of Mercerization on Mechanical Properties of <i>Grewia Optiva </i>Natural Fiber Polymer Composites

The concerns towards sustainable development have triggered the need of adopting biodegradable products in different applications. The natural fibers are being widely explored in the field of composites for various applications. Sustainable architecture is also seeking the research and development of new materials to minimize the negative environmental effect of the traditional structural materials. A bast fiber obtained from Grewia Optiva (G.O.) tree is abundantly available in the sub-Himalayan terrains and is still underutilized in the field of biocomposites. The promotion of G.O. fiber in fabrication of biocomposites may give a source of income and employment to rural hilly populations. This research work utilizes the G.O. fiber collected from the Okhalkanda block of Nainital district of Uttarakhand to develop biocomposites. The effect of mercerization on the water absorption behavior and mechanical properties has been also studied. It is found that the treatment of fibers with NaOH reduces the water absorption tendency of G.O. Natural Fiber Reinforced Biocomposites (NFRB) upto 41.05% and the mechanical properties are also improved by appreciable amount. The tensile and flexural strength obtained are 141.45 MPa and 109.84 MPa respectively for mercerized fiber reinforcement. Impact strength and mode-I fracture toughness have been recorded as 11.97 KJ/m2 and 1.85 MPa√m respectively. SEM images of fractured surfaces indicate good bonding of mercerized fibers as compared to untreated fibers with epoxy matrix. Hence the Grewia Optiva biocomposites have potential to be used in different architectural applications like wall panels, false ceilings, doors, windows, etc.

Biocomposite thermoplastic polyurethanes containing evolved bacterial spores as living fillers to facilitate polymer disintegration

The field of hybrid engineered living materials seeks to pair living organisms with synthetic materials to generate biocomposite materials with augmented function since living systems can provide highly-programmable and complex behavior. Engineered living materials have typically been fabricated using techniques in benign aqueous environments, limiting their application. In this work, biocomposite fabrication is demonstrated in which spores from polymer-degrading bacteria are incorporated into a thermoplastic polyurethane using high-temperature melt extrusion. Bacteria are engineered using adaptive laboratory evolution to improve their heat tolerance to ensure nearly complete cell survivability during manufacturing at 135 °C. Furthermore, the overall tensile properties of spore-filled thermoplastic polyurethanes are substantially improved, resulting in a significant improvement in toughness. The biocomposites facilitate disintegration in compost in the absence of a microbe-rich environment. Finally, embedded spores demonstrate a rationally programmed function, expressing green fluorescent protein. This research provides a scalable method to fabricate advanced biocomposite materials in industrially-compatible processes.

Fabrication and property characterization of biocomposite based on polyamide 11 and AP1 green ramie fiber modified with epoxy

AbstractIn this article, Vietnam ramie fiber from Moc Chau, Son La province was chosen as a reinforcement for polyamide 11 (PA11) to prepare full–biocomposites. To enhance the compatibility and adhesion with the matrix, the original ramie fiber (oRF) was treated with Ca(OH)2 solution (tRF) and then modified by epoxy (mRF). Properties and structure of these fibers were characterized by tensile test, chemical composition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results showed the removal of hemicellulose and lignin after treatment improved the morphology and mechanical properties of the fiber. Rheology in melting state indicated the increase in the torque of PA11 matrix by adding tRF and mRF. The improvement in mechanical properties was observed for both PA11/tRF and PA11/mRF composites. After modification, epoxy on the fiber surface enhanced the adhesion and compatibility with the matrix. This led to a strong increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and flexural strength of about 37%, 57%, and 33%, respectively. tRF and mRF also improved thermal stability of the composite as shown in TGA and DSC analysis. Finally, mRF showed a better compatibility with PA11 than tRF by observation of SEM images.

Development of New Composite Materials by Modifying the Surface of Porous Hydroxyapatite Using Cucurbit[n]urils.

This study represents an advancement in the field of composite material engineering, focusing on the synthesis of composite materials derived from porous hydroxyapatite via surface modification employing cucurbit[n]urils, which are highly promising macrocyclic compounds. The surface modification procedure entailed the application of cucurbit[n]urils in an aqueous medium onto the hydroxyapatite surface. A comprehensive characterization of the resulting materials was undertaken, employing analytical techniques including infrared (IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, the materials were subjected to rigorous evaluation for their hemolytic effect, anti-inflammatory properties, and cytotoxicity. Remarkably, the findings revealed a notable absence of typical hemolytic effects in materials incorporating surface-bound cucurbit[n]urils. This observation underscores the potential of these modified materials as biocompatible alternatives. Notably, this discovery presents a promising avenue for the fabrication of resilient and efficient biocomposites, offering a viable alternative to conventional approaches. Furthermore, these findings hint at the prospect of employing supramolecular strategies involving encapsulated cucurbit[n]urils in analogous processes. This suggests a novel direction for further research, potentially unlocking new frontiers in material engineering through the exploitation of supramolecular interactions.

Multifunctional 58S Bioactive Glass/Silver/Cerium Oxide-Based Biocomposites with Effective Antibacterial, Cytocompatibility, and Mechanical Properties.

58S bioactive glass (BG) has effective biocompatibility and bioresorbable properties for bone tissue engineering; however, it has limitations regarding antibacterial, antioxidant, and mechanical properties. Therefore, we have developed BGAC biocomposites by reinforcing 58S BG with silver and ceria nanoparticles, which showed effective bactericidal properties by forming inhibited zones of 2.13 mm (against Escherichia coli) and 1.96 mm (against Staphylococcus aureus; evidenced by disc diffusion assay) and an increment in the antioxidant properties by 39.9%. Moreover, the elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness were observed to be increased by ∼84.7% (∼51.9 GPa), ∼54.5% (∼3.4 GPa), and ∼160% (∼1.3 MPam1/2), whereas the specific wear rate was decreased by ∼55.2% (∼1.9 × 10-11 m3/Nm). X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the fabrication of biocomposites and the uniform distribution of the nanomaterials in the BG matrix. The addition of silver nanoparticles in the 58S BG matrix (in BGA) increased mechanical properties by composite strengthening and bactericidal properties by damaging the cytoplasmic membrane of bacterial cells. The addition of nanoceria in 58S BG (BGC) increased the antioxidant properties by 44.5% (as evidenced by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay). The resazurin reduction assay and MTT assay confirmed the effective cytocompatibility for BGAC biocomposites against mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) and mouse bone marrow stromal cells. Overall, BGAC resulted in mechanical properties comparable to those of cancellous bone, and its effective antibacterial and cytocompatibility properties make it a good candidate for bone healing.

3D Bioprinting of Food Grade Hydrogel Infused with Living Pleurotus ostreatus Mycelium in Non-sterile Conditions.

Mycelium is the root-like network of fungi. Mycelium biocomposites prepared by template replication (molding) can function as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional polystyrene foams, which are energy- and carbon-intensive to manufacture. Recently, several studies have shown that 3D bioprinting technologies can be used to produce high value functional mycelium products with intricate geometries that are otherwise difficult or impossible to achieve via template replication. A diverse range of nutrients, thickeners, and gelling agents can be combined to produce hydrogels suitable for 3D bioprinting. 3D bioprinting with hydrogel formulations infused with living fungi produces engineered living materials that continue to grow after bioprinting is complete. However, a hydrogel formulation optimized for intricate 3D bioprinting of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium, which is among the strains most commonly used in mycelium biocomposite fabrication, has yet to be described. Here, we design and evaluate a versatile hydrogel formulation consisting of malt extract (nutrient), carboxymethylcellulose and cornstarch (thickeners), and agar (gelling agent), all of which are easily sourced food grade reagents. We also outline a reproducible workflow to infuse this hydrogel with P. ostreatus liquid culture for 3D bioprinting of intricate structures comprised of living P. ostreatus mycelium and characterize the changes in height and mass as well as hardness of the prints during mycelium growth. Finally, we demonstrate that the workflow does not require a sterile bioprinting environment to achieve successful prints and that the same mycelium-infused hydrogel can be supplemented with additives such as sawdust to produce mycelium biocomposite objects. These findings demonstrate that 3D bioprinting using mycelium-based feedstocks could be a promising biofabrication technique to produce engineered living materials for applications such as mushroom cultivation, food preparation, or construction of the built environment.

Shaping sustainable pathways: Enhancing mechanical properties of biocomposite through tannic acid treatment of flax fabrics

Biocomposites developed using natural fibers serve as a sustainable alternative to synthetic composite materials. However, narrowing the performance gap between synthetic composites and biocomposites requires serious efforts. A promising approach is the modification of natural fibers using various chemical treatments. This paper investigates the potential of tannic acid (TA) treatment as a sustainable approach to enhance mechanical performance and reduce moisture absorption of flax fabric-reinforced biocomposites. The methodology involves the treatment of flax woven fabric with tannic acid, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, followed by the fabrication of biocomposite using a green epoxy matrix. The variables studied during treatment are TA concentration and processing time. Characterization of untreated and treated flax fabric and its composites was done using various analytical techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy, moisture absorption and mechanical testing (tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance). FTIR spectroscopy of TA-treated flax confirmed attachment of aromatic rings and carbon double bond formation, thus serving for properties enhancement. The mechanical characterization of composites showed that properties are enhanced up to an optimum limit of concentration and processing time i.e., 1 % concentration and 30 min of processing. Moisture absorption of the TA-treated composite also reduced significantly as compared to untreated composites. These findings contribute towards the advancement in sustainable biocomposites and pave the way for their utilization in various applications.

Facile fabrication of high-strength biocomposite through Mg2+-enhanced bonding in bamboo fiber

The emerging interests in high-performance biocomposites grows significantly driven by their superior environmental sustainability. This study proposes a unique biocomposite strategy by implementing an acetic and ball-milled treatment to disrupt the bamboo cell wall structure, thereby facilitating further processing by effectively increasing the active sites and specific surface area in the bamboo fiber. The fibers are subsequently carboxymethylated to introduce carboxyl groups which facilitate physical bonding between the fibers and Mg2+ ions that are added to the system. These ions form metal-coordination bonds with the carboxyl groups, acting as ion bridges that significantly strengthen the inter-fiber bonding. The resulted biocomposite exhibits impressive mechanical properties, including a high tensile strength (94.24 MPa) and flexural strength (104.14 MPa), not only that, changes in elastic modulus also highlight changes in fiber bonding, the flexural modulus is 21.29 GPa and the tensile modulus is 7.01 GPa. Moreover, it maintains a low water uptake capacity of only 6.8 % despite being submerged for 12 h. The thermal conductivity and fire retardancy have also been improved. The synergic bonding ability between the cellulose and lignin in the fibers, coupled with the glue-free thermoforming process, enhances the material performance and renders it fully recyclable, thus reducing environmental pollution and providing cost-effective engineering materials to society.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-bentonite biocomposite: Parametric optimization and adsorption potential

The study investigates the fabrication of chitosan-bentonite biocomposites through an ultrasonic-assisted technique. The influence of the chitosan: bentonite molar ratio, ultrasonication temperature, and ultrasonication time on the yield of biocomposites was assessed and juxtaposed using the response surface methodology, employing both Box Behnken design (BBD), and central composite design (CCD) methodologies. The pristine compounds and synthesized biocomposites were characterized using various spectral techniques viz. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal conditions for the synthesis of biocomposites were: uni-molar ratio of chitosan: bentonite, ultrasonication temperature of 60 °C, and ultrasonication time of 30 min. BBD demonstrated a slightly better fit (R² > 0.981) as compared to CCD (R² > 0.936). Additionally, the error values for BBD and CCD were determined to be 0.307 and 0.459, respectively, highlighting the higher accuracy of the BBD model compared to the CCD model. The structural analysis through FT-IR and XRD revealed the intercalation of chitosan into the bentonite interlayer. TGA indicated elevated thermal stability and increased resistance of the biocomposites toward degradation. Furthermore, the consistent bonding mechanism observed between chitosan and bentonite remained unchanged regardless of the molecular weight variations. The results revealed that synthesized biocomposites have the potential to be exploited as adsorbents for the removal of pesticides, dyes, drugs, and heavy metals from aqueous solution, demonstrating their application in wastewater remediation technology.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BIOCOMPOSITES WITH UNSATURATED VINYL ESTER MATRIX REINFORCED WITH DURIAN SKIN FIBER AS A GREEN COMPOSITE APPLICATION


 
 
 In this study, a biocomposite based on vinylester fortchem 411 VE filled with durian skin fiber (DSF) was successfully synthesized using the casting method with the aid of a catalyst to accelerate the biocomposite fabrication process. DSF was treated with 7% NaOH. The biocomposite was loaded separately with treated DSF at 3 to 6% by weight, and its tensile properties were investigated. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of the biocomposite decreased with the addition of DSF particles, and lower values were found compared to the matrix. Additionally, alkali treatment on DSF reduced the strain and modulus of the biocomposite compared to the composite without DSF filler. The opposite trend was found in the case of elongation at break. However, biocomposites with treated DSF showed greater elongation compared to biocomposites without DSF filler. This was indicated by the presence of air voids and roughness on the fractured surface of the biocomposite treated with DSF.
 
 
 
 
 

Effective removal of arsenite from water using polylactic acid ZIF-8 biocomposite nanofiber

Water purification from As(III)-contaminated groundwater is difficult but highly needed. Herein, a new polylactic acid ZIF-8 biocomposite nanofiber mat (ZIF-8@PLA/NFM) was fabricated using an electrospinning technique for As(III) decontamination. The active component, ZIF-8 nanoparticles, are uniformly embedded in sustainable PLA fibers and can be rapidly contacted by As(III), achieving fast kinetics and high utilization of nanoparticles. The removal experiments show that the ZIF-8@PLA/NFM can effectively remove As(III), especially in combination with H2O2. The 50%-ZIF-8@PLA/NFM with 1 mM H2O2 reduced 1000 μg/L As(III) to less than 10 μg/L in just 5 min through the synergy of oxidation and adsorption. The maximum sorption capacity for As(III) on 50-ZIF-8@PLA/NFM was 11.61 ± 0.99 mg/g, which increased to 39.25 ± 3.84 mg/g with the addition of H2O2. It performed well in the pH range of 4–9. The combination of H2O2 broadened its effective pH operating range (3–10) as well as enhanced interference resistance, enabling deep removal of As(III) across a wide range of water environments. The As(III)-spiked natural water (100 μg/L) could be purified to drinking standard level by ZIF-8@PLA/NFM within 60 min. In combination with H2O2, the removal efficiency was reduced by only 1.5% at the fifth reuse. Macroscopic experiments and microscopic characterization suggest that the adsorption follows the inner-sphere complexes mechanism. The study provides a novel approach for the fabrication of efficient, easy-to-use, and sustainable MOFs-based biocomposite for As(III) decontamination.

Fabrication of osteogenesis induced WE43 Mg-Hydroxyapatite composites with low biodegradability and increased biocompatibility for orthopedic implant applications

Good biocompatibility, low biodegradation rate and excellent mechanical properties are essential for desirable performance of metallic biomaterials during osseointegration process. In the present study, bioabsorbable WE43 Mg alloy was used for fabrication of bio-composites with addition of nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) particles by means of multi pass friction stir processing (FSP) for orthopedic implant applications. Microstructure, in vitro biodegradation and biocompatibility, wettability, and microhardness of resultant bio-composites were characterized. Results showed that applying severe plastic deformation through FSP caused significant grain refinement of Mg matrix and homogenous dispersion of fragmented secondary phase particles. Moreover, applying higher number of FSP passes increased uniformity of distribution of HA nanoparticles throughout Mg matrix. Compared to coarse grain samples, grain refined samples showed lower Mg2+ concentration and H2 evolution in simulated body fluid (SBF). Moreover, addition of HA into Mg matrix, reduced Mg2+ release and H2 evolution. The bio-composites illustrated uniformly and flatly corroded surface compared to samples without HA nanoparticles. During immersion of the bio-composites in SBF solution, a cauliflower structure of Ca–P compounds deposited on the surface of bio-composites which confirmed acceptable biomineralization. Contact angle measurement demonstrated that wettability of fabricated bio-composites increased by increasing number of FSP passes. Mouse osteoblast MC3T3 cell culture indicated that the fabricated bio-composites with uniform distribution of HA nanoparticles showed excellent in vitro biocompatibility, cell viability, and cell proliferation. Eventually, it was found that applying further FSP and presence of HA nanoparticles resulted in increased microhardness which is an indication of higher load-bearing capability of the fabricated bone implants.

Fabrication and characterization of novel biocomposite based on Sargassum vulgare for controlling sugar beet root diseases

BackgroundSafe food free from diseases is the world's goal. Excessive usage of chemical fungicides is considered the most important danger for the climate. Natural alternatives with low costs have become the best choice for sustainable agriculture.ResultsIn the context of researching green materials instead of chemical fungicides, the fabrication of nano-Sargassum vulgare and its composite with zeolite was carried out. Followed by an investigation of the efficiency of their extracts on controlling sugar beet root rot diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), Sclerotium rolfsii (S. rolfsii), and Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporium) throughout two successive seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) under greenhouse conditions. The structure and morphology of nanosargassum and its biocomposite were characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDX, Zeta potential, and size particles. The morphological structure of biocomposite was changed from tubularly structured into layers stacked on top of each other after impregnation of zeolite into S. vulgare, and its size was reduced from 85 to 50 nm, which was confirmed through size particle distribution. The biocomposite was the most effective one in managing root rot disease caused by R. solani. It reduces disease severity (DS) and disease incidence (DI) with efficacy (91.08% and 88.89%), respectively, compared to that recorded by commercial fungicides (63.09% and 61.81%). In the same manner, the composite extract recorded the highest efficiency percentage in controlling the disease caused by S. rolfsii (76.04 and 55.27e was carried out. followed by an investigation of the efficiency of their extracts on controlling sugar beet root rot diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), Sclerotium rolfsii (S. rolfsii), and Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporium) throughout two successive seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) under greenhouse conditions. The structure and morphology of nanosargassum and its biocomposite were characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDX, Zeta potential, and size particles. The morphological structure of biocomposite was changed from tubularly structured into layers stacked on top of each other after impregnation of zeolite into S. vulgare, and its size was reduced from 85 to 50 nm, which was confirmed through size particle distribution. The biocomposite was the most effective one in managing root rot disease caused by R. solani. It reduces disease severity (DS) and disease incidence (DI) with efficacy (91.08% and 88.89%), respectively, compared to that recorded by commercial fungicides (63.09% and 61.81%). In the same manner, the composite extract recorded the highest efficiency percentage in controlling the disease caused by S. rolfsii (76.04 and 55.27%), respectively, compared to fungicide (67.74 and 36.92%). All applied treatments considerably reduced DS and DI caused by F. oxysporum. At the same time, growth characteristics, sucrose, and TSS percentages of the root juice significantly improved when the seeds were treated with the biocomposite extract.ConclusionThe newly fabricated structure of biocomposite facilitates the movement of macronutrients from the soil into the seed, which in turn improves growth characteristics and the sucrose yield quality in root juice, which is one of the most essential characters to advance the sugar industry. Therefore, the biocomposite is recommended to be a biofungicide and biofertilizer.Graphical

Flame resistance and heat barrier performance of sustainable plain-woven jute composite panels for thermal insulation in buildings

Global environmental awareness and stringent regulations laid the foundation for utilizing natural fibers alternative to synthetic fibers in polymeric composites due to their biodegradability and low carbon footprint. This research demonstrates the fabrication of natural jute-reinforced polypropylene biocomposite and investigates its utilization for heat insulation in buildings. Different volume fractions of cellulosic jute fiber as reinforcement were used to fabricate jute-polypropylene (jute-PP) composites, and mechanical and thermal performance was assessed by comparing them with the commercial gypsum board. The developed composites exhibited considerably higher tensile and flexural strength than the commercial specimen because of strong interfacial adhesion between jute fiber and polypropylene. Such stable bonding at the interface of reinforcement and matrix was also confirmed by the fractographic investigation. The thermal characteristics, including the low thermal conductivity and enhanced conductive and radiative heat resistance, revealed the superior thermal barrier performance of jute–PP composites compared to their commercial counterpart. The developed composites also demonstrated almost comparable flame resistance due to the presence of lignin in jute fiber. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed the inferior thermal stability of jute–PP composites at high temperatures. Besides, the low water absorption because of reduced interfacial vacuity indicated the potentiality of using jute–PP composites in the structure with durability. Hence, designing green buildings utilizing such heat-insulating engineered biocomposites is expected to alleviate the burgeoning global carbon dioxide emission associated with the energy consumption of buildings and promote the sustainable growth of this industry.