This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, and wears characteristics of eco-friendly composite materials (designated as N1 to N5) with varying ratios of silicon nitride (biogenic Si3N4) and biochar along with jute and kenaf microfiber. The primary aim of this research study was to investigate the suitability of low cost biomass derived functional ceramic fillers in composite material instead of high cost industrial ceramics. Both the bio carbon and biogenic Si(3)N(4 )were synthesized from waste sorghum husk ash via pyrolysis and thermo-chemical method. Further the composites are prepared via mixed casting process and post cured at 100 degrees C for 5 h. According to results, the mechanical properties show a consistent improvement, attributed to the contributions of biogenic Si3N4. Moreover, the specific wear rate decreases progressively, with a larger biogenic Si(3)N(4 )and bio carbon filler %. The presence of biochar acts as solid lubricant and offered balanced friction coefficient. The composite N4 attained maximum mechanical properties including tensile (110 MPa), flexural (173 MPa), impact (6.1 J), hardness (82 shore-D), compressive (138 MPa) and lap shear strength (16 MPa). On contrary, the composite N5 attained least thermal conductivity of 0.235 W/mK, Sp. Wear rate of 0.00545 with COF of 0.26. Similarly, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed highly adhered nature of fillers with matrix, indicating their cohesive nature indicating the strong interfacial adhesion between the fillers and the matrix, attributed to the presence of biochar, which enhances mechanical interlocking and provides functional groups that promote chemical bonding with the polymer matrix, leading to improved load transfer efficiency and overall composite performance. Moreover, thermal conductivity values exhibit a marginal decline with the presence of biogenic Si(3)N(4)and biochar. Overall, the study demonstrated that biomass-derived functional fillers are capable candidates for providing the required toughness and abrasion-free surfaces, as evidenced by the increased impact strength, improved wear resistance, and enhanced durability observed in treated specimens compared to the control samples.This approach offers both economic and environmental benefits by reducing human exposure to hazardous pollutants through the utilization of biomass-derived materials, which help divert waste from landfills, lower air pollution caused by burning conventional plastics, and minimize soil contamination from non-biodegradable waste. In addition, the developed natural fiber-reinforced composites exhibited competitive mechanical performance compared to conventional industrial ceramic-reinforced composites, demonstrating comparable strength, enhanced toughness, and improved damping properties while offering the advantages of lower density, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. These findings highlight the potential of biomass-derived fillers as sustainable alternatives in structural applications.

Transforming waste materials into valuable commodities is a promising strategy to alleviate challenges associated with managing solid waste, benefiting both the environment and human well-being. This study is focused towards harnessing the potential of waste eggshell microparticles (ESMP) (0.10, 0.15, 0.20 g/150 mL) as reinforcing biofiller and orange peel essential oil (OPEO) (14 %, 25 % and 36 %, w/w) as bioactive agent with pectin (2.80, 2.85, 2.90, and 3.00 g/150 mL) to fabricate five different biocomposite films using particle dispersion and solvent casting technique. The addition of ESMP and OPEO progressively increased film thickness and led to variations in transparency. Micromorphological analysis and vibrational spectroscopy indicated hydrophobicity and compactness, as showed by the loss of free O- H bonds, sharpening of aliphatic C- H and stretching of C = C, C- O and C- O- C bonds with increasing filler content. Noticeable improvements in thermal stability and tensile strength were observed, while the flexibility was minimized. The films displayed remarkable barrier properties against hydrological stress, as evidenced by a reduction in water activity, moisture content, water uptake capacity, and solubility. The antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals suggested efficient release of bioactive compounds. Antibacterial assessment revealed inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. During soil burial, notable weight loss along with shrinkage confirmed the film biodegradability. In conclusion, the pectin-ESMP-OPEO biocomposite films show potential characteristics as food packaging materials, warranting further performance testing on food samples.

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.

The production of tomatoes faces significant challenges, including the high amount of waste generated during the harvest stage and copper-contaminated soil due to pesticide use. To address these issues and to promote a more sustainable agriculture, innovative biodegradable green composites for contextual controlled soil fertilization and Cu removal were produced by 3D-printing technology. These composites were made by incorporating NPK fertilizer flour and tomato plant waste particles (SLP) into three different biodegradable polymeric matrices: polylactic acid (PLA); a commercial blend of biodegradable co-polyesters (Mater-Bi (R), MB) and their blend (MB/PLA, 50:50). Rheological characterization suggested the potential processability of all of the composites by FDM. Morphological analysis of printed samples confirmed the good dispersion of both filler and fertilizer, which also acted as reinforcement for MB and MB/PLA composites. SLP and NPK moduli were evaluated by powder nanoindentation and, for almost composites, the theoretical Halpin-Tsai model satisfactorily fitted the actual tensile moduli. The decrease in NPK fertilizer release rate and the increase in Cu(II) removal efficiency were achieved using whole 3D-printed composites. By selecting the appropriate matrix and incorporating SLP particles, it was possible to tune the NPK release rate and achieve copper absorption efficiency. Notably, MB samples containing SLP particles displayed the fastest release and the highest Cu(II) removal efficiency.