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In this work, a thermal behaviour comparison of a new bamboo-based and banana-based Green Bio-Composites (GBC) is conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone-calorimeter experiments. An Intumescent Fire-Retardant (IFR) coating (a mixture of Exolit IFR36 and boric acid) has been applied on the investigated GBC materials in order to explore the flammability resistance of such GBCs. Vacuum Bag Resin Transfer Moulding (VBRTM) technique has been used to manufacture the samples. TGA test have been conducted under oxidative atmosphere with three different heating rates while cone calorimeter tests have been performed with a horizontally exposure on the top surface of the sample. The outcomes of TGA revealed that Bamboo-based (BM-GBC) and Banana-based (Bn-GBC) materials exhibited similar thermal degradation patterns. However, BM-GBC outperformed Bn-based in the cone calorimetry analysis, this is proven by the fire reaction parameters as well as the higher char residue. In addition, IFR coating improved the flame retardancy of both GBCs, reduced the Peak Heat Release Rate (PHRR) by approximately 40–50% and smoke production (SEA) by 26%. SEM and EDS analysis of char residue were performed to deeply investigate the effectiveness of the IFR as a protecting layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, waste cotton fabric reinforced polymer matrix composite plate has been processed by a-custom-made recycling extruder. Two different (12.5% and 25% fibers by weight) waste fabric reinforced composite plates were produced and reprocessed six times to assess repetition effect of processing on the mechanical and rheological properties on plates. Effects of reprocessing were evaluated by the tensile testing and impact testing besides SEM, DSC, XRD and MFI rheological and characterization analysis. Test results of composite plates were compared with the pure low density polyethylene (LDPE) plate. Test results show that the tensile strength was increased till the 4th reprocessing step while reducing impact properties. In further reprocessing, tensile properties have been decreased as a consequence of the fabric/fiber damage. Thermal effect of reprocessing was limited according to the comprehensive characterization and rheological analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]