This study focuses on bio-based natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs). In this work, bio-polybutylene succinate (bio-PBS) reinforced with hemp fibers (HF) varying at 10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt% were developed via microwave-assisted compression moulding (MACM) technique. The mechanical properties, crystalline properties, dynamic mechanical analysis, and soil degradation behaviour of these composites were analysed. The study demonstrated that composites with 30 wt% hemp fiber content exhibited the most optimal mechanical properties, with crystallinity increasing by 22%. These composites achieved the highest storage modulus of 13,349 MPa, while their loss modulus was found to be 110% higher compared to neat bio-PBS. Additionally, soil burial experiments revealed that the 30 wt% HF/bio-PBS composites underwent the greatest weight loss after 60 days of soil exposure, indicating superior biodegradability compared to the pure bio-PBS matrix. The work further concluded that hemp fiber-reinforced bio-PBS composites showcased improved mechanical performance, crystallinity, biodegradability, and processing characteristics, surpassing other bio-composite alternatives.

Nearly a decade ago the DOD Clementine lunar orbital mission obtained data indicating that the permanently shaded regions at the lunar poles may have permanently frozen water in the lunar soil or 'permafrost'. Currently a Lunar Lander Exploration Program is expected to land at the lunar pole to determine if water is present. The detection of water from the permafrost is an important goal for NASA. Extraction of water from lunar permafrost would be a valuable In-Situ Resource for Utilization (ISRU) in human life support and as a fuel. The use of microwave processing could permit the extraction of water without the need to dig, drill, or excavate the lunar surface. Microwave heating of regolith is potentially faster and more efficient than any other heating methods due to the very low thermal conductivity of the lunar regolith. Also, microwaves can penetrate into the soil permitting water removal from deep below the lunar surface. A cryogenic vacuum test facility was developed for evaluating the use of microwave heating and water extraction from a lunar regolith simulant. Water was collected in a cryogenic cold trap even with soil temperature well below 0 degrees C. The results of microwave extraction of water experiments will be presented.