In the effort to mitigate environmental pollution there is a growing global demand for sustainable materials in place of existing synthetic one. In this research work, stacked hybrid laminate composite were produced by combining alkali treated kenaf and bamboo natural fiber mats as reinforcement with a biopolymer polylactic acid as matrix through compression moulding technique. The current work intends to study the outcome of surface modification of natural fibers which modifies their performance characteristics. Here the overall characteristics: mechanical, tribological, thermal and physical properties were investigated for the fabricated sample and the assessments were made between the alkali treated and untreated fiber composites. The alkali treated samples exhibited an enhanced tensile strength of 44.83 %, flexural strength of 108.13 %, compressive strength of 86.21 % and peak degradation temperature compared to the untreated samples. In addition, the tribological characteristics of the treated hybrid composites were studied. The inherent hydrophilic characteristics of natural fiber which leads to water absorption is resisted by the chemical treatment and it is also confirmed by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis.Morphological analysis of the fractured and worn composites was also conducted to examine the microstructural changes and interface bonding within the developed composites. The biodegradability of the developed composites under soil burial test showed that the untreated composites exhibited higher weight loss percentage compared to the treated samples. The experimental results reveal that the alkali chemical treatment significantly enhances the suitability and compatibility of kenaf and bamboo natural fibers in polymer composites for sustainable construction products like roofing sheets and door panels in rural terrain regions.
In this study, a green composite material made from 60% tree bark and 40% polylactic acid (PLA) was fabricated and evaluated according to its mechanical properties and biodegradability. Biodegradation tests were performed in compost, simulated aquatic environments, and natural soil. In compost, the composite degraded steadily and reached 47% biodegradation after 11 weeks. In soil, the material quickly lost much of its tensile strength, and after 6 weeks, there were signs that the surface and the internal structure had started to deform. Biodegradation in aquatic environments also caused a loss of tensile strength after only a few weeks. Because of the high filler content, excellent biodegradability, and light weight, the composite material has a low environmental footprint. The material could be used in agricultural equipment such as plant pots.