Executive Summary : | The increasing greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of fossil fuel resources have led to the need for alternative materials for conventional petroleum-based plastics. Natural fibers, derived from plant species, have mechanical properties comparable to synthetic fibers and are easily biodegradable. However, their use is limited due to poor adhesion with polymer matrix and poor thermal stability. To improve thermal stability and moisture resistance, chemical treatments, flame retardants, and nanomaterials can be applied to the polymer matrix. several novel bast fibers have been identified for green composites, possessing promising mechanical, thermal, tribological, water absorption, and weather resistance properties. The proposed research aims to investigate the durability and thermal stability of biodegradable composites made using these fibers, biopolymers, and nanofillers. Biopolymers like Polylactic acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, Poly (hydroxylbutyrateco-valerates) (PHBV), and soy protein concentrate (sPC) will be used as the polymer matrix. Bio-based flame retardants like Chitosan, Phytic acid, Polydopamine, Tannic acid, and sodium alginate will be added to improve thermal degradation resistance. Inorganic nanofillers like ZrO2, siO2, Cus, ZnO, CuO, and TiO2 will be added to improve flame retardancy and water absorption characteristics. Composite models fabricated into specific components will undergo tests such as acoustic, fire performance, thermal conductivity, anchorage, pull out, impact resistance, moisture absorption, weathering, and flexural. The structural performance of the composite models will be validated by assessing their load carrying capacity using finite element analysis using ANsYs and FE software. |