Plant-based macromolecules such as lignocellulosic fibers are one of the promising bio-resources to be utilized as reinforcement for developing sustainable composites. However, due to their hydrophilic nature and weak interfacial bonding with polymer matrices, these fibers are mostly incompatible with biopolymers. The current research endeavor explores the novel eco-friendly oxalic acid (C2H2O4. 2H2O) treatment of sisal fibers (SF) with different concentrations (2, 5, and 8 % (w:v)) and exposure duration (4, 8, and 12 h). Optimum treatment conditions were achieved through the single fiber strength testing of SFs. The tensile strength of the treated fiber with 8 % concentration and 12 h exposure duration (TSF/8/12) increased by approximately 60 % compared to untreated SF. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), morphological observation, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of untreated and treated fibers confirmed that TSF/8/12 has better mechanical and crystallinity behavior than its counterparts. The thermal stability and maximum degradation temperature of the TSF/8/12 are 232 degrees C and 357 degrees C. Sustainable composites were fabricated by introducing the treated SFs (30 wt%) as reinforcement in a bio-based poly (butylene succinate) (bio PBS) matrix. The experimental evaluation of mechanical properties, thermal degradation behavior, and water absorption established that treated fiber-reinforced biocomposites (bio PBS/TSF/8/12) have strong interfacial bonding between constituents that resulted in better thermal stability and decreased water uptake than untreated sisal fiber (USF)based composites (bio PBS/USF). The results of the soil degradation confirmed that SFs expedite the rate of degradation of composites due to the increased availability of hydroxyl groups.

Plant fibers' wide availability and accessibility are the main causes of the growing interest in sustainable technologies. The two primary factors to consider while concentrating on composite materials are their low weight and highly specific features, as well as their environmental friendliness. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) stands out among natural fibers due to its rich cellulose content, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and good fiber strength. This review provides an intensive assessment of the surface treatment, extraction, characterization, modifications and progress, mechanical properties, and potential applications of PALF-based polymer composites. Classification of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, chemical composition, micro cellulose, nanocellulose, and cellulose-based polymer composite applications have been extensively reviewed and reported. Besides, the reviewed PALF can be extracted into natural fiber cellulose and lignin can be used as reinforcement for the development of polymer biocomposites with desirable properties. Furthermore, this review article is keen to study the biodegradation of natural fibers, lignocellulosic biopolymers, and biocomposites in soil and ocean environments. Through an evaluation of the existing literature, this review provides a detailed summary of PALF-based polymer composite material as suitable for various industrial applications, including energy generation, storage, conversion, and mulching films.

The energy absorption capacity (EAC) of earthen materials significantly influences the safety of civil projects. Furthermore, the development of machine learning techniques, including Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models, entails financial and non-financial benefits by reducing the need for performing expensive, exhausting and time-consuming laboratory tests. This study investigates the EAC of sandy soil reinforced by three different forms of processed lignocellulosic fiber pulps. The studied influence parameters included fiber type, curing time, effective confining pressure, and fiber content. Artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed to assess the EAC of the reinforced specimens and evaluate the impact of studied parameters. The analysis of each fiber type was carried out using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods. The specimens, subjected to a 7-day curing period and reinforced with 2% of lignocellulosic fibers of 1.5 mm in length, exhibited the greatest EAC values. Sensitivity analysis identified effective confining pressure as the most influential factor on the EAC of the reinforced specimens. This study demonstrates the advantageous impact of processed lignocellulosic fibers, which are environmentally harmless substances, in enhancing the EAC of sandy soil and its ductility response. As a result, this decreases the likelihood of unexpected and catastrophic failures. This research also demonstrates the high capability of ANN-based models in predicting EAC at various influence parameters.