From Nature to Performance: Sustainable Nanoengineered Composites Using Natural Bast Fibers
Presentation Type
Short presentation 10-15 minutes
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Faculty/Staff Department
Aerospace Engineering
Student Year and Major
Second year, Structure & Materials
Organization, if requesting a table
EMBRY RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
Presentation Description/Abstract
The urgent need to reduce reliance on non-renewable, non-biodegradable materials has driven research into sustainable structural materials. This study develops high-performance, eco-friendly composites reinforced with natural bast fibers, jute and ramie, balancing mechanical strength and sustainability. Fiber–matrix adhesion is enhanced using nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) coatings via hydrothermal synthesis. These bio-inspired coatings improve interfacial bonding, moisture resistance, and durability. The composites employ a biodegradable, bio-based epoxy matrix (EcoPoxy), minimizing carbon footprint throughout production and disposal. Mechanical tests demonstrate that nanomodified fibers show significant improvements in strength and hardness. SEM confirms uniform nanoparticle coatings that enhance load transfer. This work establishes a scalable framework for sustainable composites applicable in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical sectors, advancing this material design with enhanced mechanical and environmental performance.
Keywords
Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites, Ramie Fiber, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc oxide, Nanoindentation, Tensile test, Scanning Electron Microscope
From Nature to Performance: Sustainable Nanoengineered Composites Using Natural Bast Fibers
The urgent need to reduce reliance on non-renewable, non-biodegradable materials has driven research into sustainable structural materials. This study develops high-performance, eco-friendly composites reinforced with natural bast fibers, jute and ramie, balancing mechanical strength and sustainability. Fiber–matrix adhesion is enhanced using nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) coatings via hydrothermal synthesis. These bio-inspired coatings improve interfacial bonding, moisture resistance, and durability. The composites employ a biodegradable, bio-based epoxy matrix (EcoPoxy), minimizing carbon footprint throughout production and disposal. Mechanical tests demonstrate that nanomodified fibers show significant improvements in strength and hardness. SEM confirms uniform nanoparticle coatings that enhance load transfer. This work establishes a scalable framework for sustainable composites applicable in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical sectors, advancing this material design with enhanced mechanical and environmental performance.