Date of Award

Summer 7-2-2025

Access Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

Sirish Namilae

Committee Chair Email

namilaes@erau.edu

Committee Advisor

Sirish Namilae

Committee Advisor Email

namilaes@erau.edu

First Committee Member

Alberto W. Mello

First Committee Member Email

MELLOA2@erau.edu

Second Committee Member

Jiang Yizhou

Second Committee Member Email

JIANGY5@erau.edu

College Dean

James W. Gregory

Abstract

In response to growing environmental concerns and the urgent demand for sustainable development, the composite materials industry is increasingly challenged to balance high performance with environmental responsibility. Conventional composites, typically composed of synthetic fibers and petroleum-based resins, offer outstanding mechanical properties but are associated with significant ecological drawbacks due to their non-biodegradable nature and energy-intensive production. This has led to increased interest in the development of sustainable composites that minimize environmental impact without compromising functionality. This study presents the development of eco-friendly composites reinforced with natural bast fibers—specifically ramie and jute—through a comprehensive program of materials processing and characterization. To enhance the fiber–matrix interfacial properties, the surfaces of the natural fibers were modified by in situ growth of inorganic metal oxides such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) via a hydrothermal chemical synthesis process. These modifications aimed to improve interfacial bonding and load transfer between the fiber and polymer matrix. Composite samples were fabricated using EcoPoxy, a bio-based resin, with both untreated and nanoparticle-treated fibers. The interfacial mechanical performance was evaluated using techniques such as nanoindentation, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results demonstrate that nanoparticle surface functionalization significantly improves interfacial adhesion, thereby enhancing the overall mechanical performance of the composites.

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