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Agricultural by-products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry can pollute the environment, endangering human and animal health. Most agricultural waste is disposed of without treatment before being burned or deposited in landfills. Furthermore, agro waste has the potential to create a slew of new climate-related challenges by emitting more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere regularly. Around 1 billion tons of agro-waste is generated annually, posing a severe problem on several fronts, including the environment and the economy. Thereby, it is essential to effectively use these wastes during industrial operations to pave the way for producing valuable products, which serves as the conceptual framework. For instance, extracting methane from solid waste in Delhi could provide electricity to 18 million residents. Moreover, the global biofuel demand is expected to increase by 11 million gallons between 2021 and 2026. Effectively processing agro waste with rich carbohydrates such as fruit peels, vegetables, sugarcanes, coconut shells, oil palms, maize, and rice husk can produce biofuels. Furthermore, agro-wastes can be used as filler materials in making biopolymers and bio-composites, which serve as greener alternatives to traditional materials. The effective methods for converting agricultural by-products into biofuels, biocomposite materials, bioenergy, and filler materials have been thoroughly discussed in this review. Furthermore, perspectives ways to improve energy efficiency and techniques to reduce environmental impacts are discussed in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new approach to manufacture biocomposite sandwich structure is introduced with all materials naturally derived, including jute, flax and cellulose textile as reinforcement skin; mycelium-bound agricultural waste as lightweight cores; and a soy-based bioresin as a matrix. This new material could be used to replace many of the plastic products that are widely used today and therefore preventing the production of waste, while increasing efficiencies in the use of nonrenewable resources. This paper focuses on the final step of the seven-step manufacturing process: resin infusion followed by curing in place for the grown then deactivated mycelium sandwich beams. Specific process details that are highlighted include designing and building the preliminary transparent resin transfer molding for resin flow behavior study, design and fabrication of the aluminum permanent mold prototype, three-point bending flexural tests of the resin infused then cured sandwich beams to determine their strengths, and finally, finite element simulation using Abaqus software to simulate the three-point bending process. To obtain the skin reinforcements' Young's and shear moduli, tensile and V-groove shear tests were performed based on corresponding ASTM standards. It is concluded that although the skin material is the one that carries most of the loads, the strength of the sandwich structure appears to largely depend on the degree of fungal colonization within the core and bonding between the skin and core. The cured resin increased the beams' core shear ultimate stress, core shear yield stress, skin ultimate stress and flexural strengths of the sandwich beams by factors of 1.5–6.5, and the finite element simulation results agreed with the actual situations, which well explained the beams' most common failure mode in flexural bending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biocomposite production system (BPS) contains a wide range of elements that are vulnerable to internal as well as external factors that may stimulate a system to be disrupted. Hence, there is a need to manifest resiliency in order to withstand the inevitable change without affecting its robustness and stability. The three aspects of a resilient BPS are interconnectivity, adaptability and transformability. The interconnectivity concept deals with the reliability and effectiveness of the supply chain network and production systems’ resourcefulness. The adaptability aspect reinforces the agility and adjusting capacity of a system towards versatility and flexibility across the range of elements involved in the production system. Transformability deals with the capacity of a system to alter into a new system based on research, innovation and creativity. Therefore, the core aspects of resiliency in a BPS would result in increased stability and effectiveness. System dynamics models have been developed depicting the cause and effect of each of the three aspects. Finally, a model has been presented which could enable researchers and organizations to take guided decision towards a more robust and resilient BPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated mechanical properties of biocomposites developed from recycled polylactic acid (PLA) from packaging industry and treated cellulosic fibers from pulp and paper solid waste. Microwave and enzymatic treatments were used for extraction and surface modification of hydrophilic cellulosic fibers. Enzymatic treatment was specifically performed for activation of hydroxyl groups and improvement of adhesion between matrix and fibers including controlling the length of cellulosic fibers with size reduction of around 50% (142 and 127 μm for primary and mixed biosolids, respectively) as compared to microwave treatment. Microwave treatment produced cellulosic fibers of 293 and 341 μm, for primary and mixed biosolids, respectively. Mechanical properties of biocomposites with 2% (w/w) of treated cellulosic fibers (Young's Modulus 887.83 MPa with tensile strain at breakpoint of 7.22%, tensile stress at yield 41.35 MPa) was enhanced in comparison to the recycled PLA (Young's Modulus 644.47 ± 30.086 MPa with tensile strain at breakpoint of 6.01 ± 0.83%, tensile stress at yield of 29.49 ± 3.64 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy revealed size reduction of cellulosic fibers. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed strong mechanical properties of novel biocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials based on renewable agricultural and biomass feedstocks are increasingly utilized as these products significantly offset the use of fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in comparison with conventional petroleum-based materials. However, the inclusion of natural fibers in polymers introduces several challenges, such as excess water absorption and poor thermal properties, which need to be overcome to produce materials with comparable properties to the conventional composite materials. Instead of using rather expensive chemical and physical modification methods to eliminate these aforementioned challenges, a new trend of utilizing waste, residues, and process by-products in natural fiber-polymer composites (NFPCs) as additives or reinforcements may bring considerable enhancements in the properties of NFPCs in a sustainable and resilient manner. In this paper, the effects of waste materials, residues or process by-products of multiple types on NFPCs are critically reviewed and their potential as NFPC constituents is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste based activated biochar was used to manufacture wood/polypropylene biocomposites. The biochar used had no surface functional groups, however, possessed high surface area (335 m 2 /g). Therefore, it was hypothesised that less than usual amount (3–5 wt%) of compatibiliser (maleic anhydride) could be used, to reduce production costs, while maintaining similar mechanical and flammability properties of the biocomposite. The biocomposites were characterised mechanically through tension, flexural, impact, and micro–hardness tests. The flammability and thermal behaviours were determined using cone calorimetry and thermogravimetry, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy and X–ray diffraction were also employed to comprehend the chemical changes occurring in the biocomposites. It was found that the amount of compatibiliser could be reduced to 1 wt% (from 3 wt%) without compromising on the mechanical performance (especially, tensile strength/modulus, impact strength, and micro–hardness) and flammability properties of the biocomposites. Electron microscopy revealed that the lack of compatibiliser in the biocomposites was compensated by well–dispersed biochar particles whose pores were infiltrated by the polymer causing a mechanical interlocking. In general, addition of biochar improved the mechanical and fire performance of the biocomposites compared to the neat polymer. Reduction of compatibiliser to 1 wt% from 3 wt% in conjunction with biochar saves ∼18% of the biocomposite production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of residual plastics and the biomass wastes from agricultural sectors are causing serious global environmental problems if not addressed effectively. Cellulose with polypropylene as biocomposite material is an elegant strategy for value-added utilization of wastes. In this study, green isolation of cellulose from oil palm empty fruit bunches by autoclave-based and ultrasonication pre-treatments were developed to replace the non-green chlorite method. Ultrasonic treatment with hydrogen peroxide yielded 49% cellulose with 91.3% α-cellulose content and 68.7% crystallinity, as compared to 64% cellulose with autoclave treatment. Based on field emission scanning electron microscope, the ultrasonic and the autoclave-treated fibers showed complete separation of cellulose fibrils, with punctures and pores on the surface. High resolution transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction studies suggested monoclinic unitary crystal structure. The cellulose/polypropylene composite fabrications were achieved by using injection-molding technique where the composites with 25% cellulose loading gave high tensile strength of 27 MPa, without any addition of coupling agents. Thermogravimetric analysis study showed that the thermal stability of composites was enhanced by 150 °C as compared to singular cellulose and polypropylene. The low water and diesel uptake suggested the compact structure of the composites. This study has developed green techniques combining heat and eco-friendly chemical treatment for cellulose extraction from agro-lignocellulosic wastes. The cellulose/polypropylene composites developed with high tensile strength, high thermal stability, and low water and diesel sorption have great potentials for conversion into eco-composite products such as polymeric material insulated cables for high voltage engineering, automotive parts, sports tools and other household or office items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites from steam-exploded coconut fibers and polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic were developed in this study. Biocomposite filaments and samples were produced using a commercial-scale screw extruder and a 3D printer, respectively. In-depth mechanical and thermal analyses were also performed. The results showed that the tensile strengths of PLA mixed with 3% coconut fiber (PLA97/F3) and 6% coconut fiber (PLA94/F6) decreased by approximately 22% and 23%, respectively, compared to the 64% reduction of that of the original PLA after four-week storage. The bending modulus of the PLA/fiber composite was better than that of the original PLA (21–29% higher), whereas a 5–8% improvement was observed for the PLA/PBS/fiber composites. The impact strengths of PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 were approximately 8.5% and 7.4% higher than those of the original PLA and PLA/PBS, respectively. During the degradation test, both PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 exhibited higher tensile strengths than the original materials. Finally, this research presents encouraging results for the production of biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites that are applicable to 3D printing platforms. The final products can be used as replacement or aftermarket components of automobiles. • PLA, PBS, and steam-exploded coconut fiber were used for filament production. • The 3D-printed biocomposites were subjected to mechanical and thermal tests. • Coconut fiber is effective as a natural fiber reinforcement material. • The products have higher tensile strengths than original materials during degradation test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clean and sustainable development of biomass resources has attracted tremendous attention to alleviate the increasingly serious energy depletion and environmental problems. Hence, it is urgently needed to design a green product through a cleaner production strategy to bridge the gap between materials and sustainability toward environmental protection and practicality. Herein, a bamboo fiber/polybutylene succinate (PBS) biocomposite that carries silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and antibacterial activity, as well as the performance of interface reinforcement, were prepared using a green, efficient, and scalable bionic strategy of PDA coupling with minimal environmental footprint. The proposed bamboo fiber/PBS biocomposites, which showed multifunctionality and environmental adaptability, revealed good antibacterial activity, where the average inhibition zone diameters against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria reached 5.37 ± 0.36 and 3.96 ± 0.74 mm, respectively. Simultaneously, gains in the EMI shielding effectiveness (∼29.72 dB) and mechanical properties (improved by 24.58% in tensile strength, 39.13% in tensile modulus, 14.60% in flexural strength, and 19.67% in flexural modulus) were realized. Overall, this work displays a novel pathway toward eco-friendly and multifunctional nature fiber/polymer composites for high-value utilization. A green and sustainable natural fiber-reinforced polybutylene succinate biocomposite carrying silver nanoparticles based on a clean, simple and bionic strategy was proposed for antibacterial application and electromagnetic interference shielding. [Display omitted] • An eco-friendly biocomposite was realized via a green and bionic strategy. • AgNPs were synthesized through a clean synthetic route. • Biocomposites exhibit a remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness. • Enhanced interfacial interaction was attained. • Biocomposites possess antibacterial performance towards E. coli and S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While polybutylene succinate (PBS) has gained increasing interest following the recent shift from conventional polymers to biobased and biodegradable polymers, its high cost, high flammability, and low thermal conductivity have limited its practical applications. In this study, PBS hybrid composites with improved heat dissipation capability and anti-dripping performance were fabricated by incorporating a novel organic-inorganic hybrid filler. The hybrid filler was fabricated by attaching silicon carbide particles to the surface of coffee husks treated with a flame retardant agent. Spectroscopic and morphological analyses confirmed that the hybrid filler was successfully fabricated. PBS composites filled with the hybrid filler exhibited better filler/matrix interfacial interaction, which resulted in a 250% enhancement on the thermal conductivity of the hybrid composite with the incorporation of small vol% of conductive SiC. They also showed superior mechanical properties: the tensile strength and Young's modulus were enhanced by 40% and 70%. During a burning test, the composite attained the UL-94 V-0 rating without any dripping and with surface char formation. Overall, the PBS hybrid composite showed promising properties that could potentially broaden the applications of PBS-based materials. [Display omitted] • Silicon carbide was attached to surface treated coffee cusk (CHs) to fabricated novel hybrid filler. • Polybutylene succinate hybrid composite was successfully fabricated. • The composites filled with hybrid fillers exhibit excellent anti-dripping performance. • The thermal conductivity of the hybrid composite showed 250% enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we investigated the possible use of Paddy straw (PS) to develop biodegradable pots for the cultivation of transplantable horticulture crops, as alternative to plastic pots. To prepare biodegradable pots, six different Biocomposites (BCs) were developed using PS (untreated and treated) as filler, corn starch (native and cross-linked) as matrix and glycerol as a plasticizer. All the six BCs were characterized on the basis of various parameters (water uptake, mechanical strength, porosity, density, etc.). Biodegradability of all the six BCs was established under lab (in vitro CO 2 emission assay) and field condition (weight loss assay), which was further validated through SEM and FTIR analysis. Under in vitro conditions, none of the BCs was found antimicrobial. Among the six BCs, pots prepared from BC3, BC4, BC5, and BC6 were found physically stable for up to 28–30 days under greenhouse conditions. The plant growth variables of cucumber plant grown in these pots were equivalent to those grown in plastic pots. However, considering the ease of preparation, only BC3 and BC4 were selected for field studies. When BC3 and BC4 pots along with 30-day old cucumber plants were transplanted to fields, both the pots have shown disintegration and degradation within 10–20 days after transplantation, facilitating the penetration of roots out of the pots. Further, plants were found to be healthy and morphologically equivalent to those grown in plastic pots. In the background of rising concern about plastic waste, agro residue burning and their effect on the environment and human health in the long run, these biodegradable pots open a new path to reduce, reuse and recycle responsibly. Fuss-free transplantation is another resounding benefit associated with these pots. In future, these biodegradable pots may provide better opportunity to manage PS ecofriendly. [Display omitted] • Paddy straw and starch based biodegradable biocomposites were prepared. • Biodegradation of biocomposites in soil was observed in 20 days. • Biocomposite pots were stable up to 30 days under greenhouse conditions. • Biocomposite pots were non-phytotoxic and transplantable. • Plants roots were able to penetrate biocomposite pots after transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing demand for eco-friendly polymer materials that can be employed in advanced industrial applications, the development of biodegradable polymer composites with advantageous mechanical properties and fire resistance remains a challenge. In this work, we fabricated fully biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)/polybutylene succinate (PBS) composites reinforced with surface-treated coffee husks (CHs) with high rigidity, mechanical strength, and fire resistance. CH characterization confirmed that the surface was successfully treated with different C4 dicarboxylic acids. Morphological analysis of the composites revealed that the surface-treated CHs helped to improve both the compatibility between the matrices and the interfacial interaction between the filler and the matrices. The tensile strength and modulus of the composites increased by 96% and 278% compared to neat PBAT. Flammability and combustion tests confirmed that the combined effect of phosphorus and dicarboxylic acid surface treatment improved the fire-resistant behavior of the composites. This study thus presents a promising technique for the development of PBAT composites with suitable mechanical properties and fire resistance. [Display omitted] • Polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polybutylene succinate composites reinforced with surface-treated coffee husks (CHs). • CHs were successfully surface treated with different dicarboxylic acids. • The composites filled with treated CHs exhibit excellent fire resistance. • The tensile strength and modulus of the composites increased by 96% and 278%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials have gained attention in automotive industries for their renewability and environmental benefits. This study evaluates the life cycle environmental impacts and benefits of the automotive component produced from biocomposite (biomaterials, i.e., polypropylene (PP) reinforced with biocarbon and Miscanthus fiber) relative to the component produced from conventional composite (PP reinforced with talc and colorant; hereafter referred to composite) using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. To accomplish this study, the LCA software (SimaPro 8.0.4.26) and the Ecoinvent database (v3.1) are used. Miscanthus , an energy crop grown on the marginal land in Ontario, Canada, is used for producing biocarbon. Then PP is reinforced with biocarbon for producing biocomposite and the automotive components. The functional unit is considered to be an automotive component (441 cm3). Among the materials used in automotive components, colorant has the highest environmental impacts for each unit mass, followed by Miscanthus fiber, PP, talc, and biocarbon, respectively. Interestingly, each unit mass of biocomposite has slightly greater environmental impacts compared with composite. However, the innovative component is emerged to be environmentally favorable over the conventional component. The global warming potential (GWP) of innovative components and conventional components are 11.08 kg CO 2 eq. and 12.53 kg CO 2 eq., respectively. Consequently, any replacement of conventional components with innovative components would lead to meeting the fuel economy emission regulations of the automotive industries. • Life cycle impacts of biocarbon from miscanthus has been determined. • Evaluated environmental impacts of biocarbon & talc reinforced automotive components. • Biocarbon reinforced automotive component is favorable compared to its counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the application of hydrocolloid and fiber industry wastes and their transformation in biochar and biocomposite as biosorbents for emerging pollutants effective removal was carried out. Initially, the adsorption ability of six different wastes was ascertained in single and competitive removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and methylparaben (MePa). Among them, fiber extraction process wastes presented the best result attaining maximum uptakes with removal levels up to 23 and 48% of MePa and SMX, respectively. The adsorption capacity was enhanced by fiber waste biochar preparation at 500 °C and 30 min under nitrogen atmosphere, and improved by the preparation of laccase-biocomposites, achieving maximum uptakes more than ten-fold the obtained using raw material. The simultaneous removal of the pollutants by the biocomposite followed a pseudo-second order kinetic and resulted in maximum uptakes of 24.06 and 23.15 mg/g for SMX and MePa, respectively. Finally, raw material and laccase-biocomposite behaviours were simulated by homogeneous surface diffusion model. Previously, the isotherms were studied fitting well to Freundlich model. The obtained results remarked the feasibility of laccase-biocomposite in which reactive groups incorporation on the biochar surface could be responsible for facilitating the pollutants removal from the aquatic environment. Image 1 • Lime and lemon waste (LL) could be used as biosorbent at low PPCPs concentration. • SMX and MePa sorption intensity of LL was enhanced by biochar preparation (Bc). • Biocomposite made by laccase adsorption on Bc (BcL) modified its surface increasing the uptake. • BcL improved the uptake values more than 10-fold the maximum level of LL. • Upscaling fixed bed adsorption column was modelled using LL and BcL in flow system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]