Sustainable Biocomposites Materials for Automotive Brake Pad Application:An Overview

Research into converting waste into viable eco-friendly products has gained global concern.Using natural fibres and pulverized metallic waste becomes necessary to reduce noxious environmental emissions due to indiscriminately occupying the land.This study reviews the literature in the broad area of green composites in search of materials that can be used in automotive brake pads.Materials made by biocomposite,rather than fossil fuels,will be favoured.A database containing the tribo-mechanical performance of numerous potential components for the future green composite was established using the technical details of bio-polymers and natural reinforcements.The development of materials with diverse compositions and varying proportions is now conceivable,and these materials can be permanently connected in fully regulated processes.This explanation demonstrates that all of these variables affect friction coefficient,resistance to wear from friction and high temperatures,and the operating life of brake pads to varying degrees.In this study,renewable materials for the matrix and reinforcement are screened to determine which have sufficient strength,coefficient of friction,wear resistance properties,and reasonable costs,making them a feasible option for a green composite.The most significant,intriguing,and unusual materials used in manufacturing brake pads are gathered in this review,which also analyzes how they affect the tribological characteristics of the pads.

Development and Characterization of Calcium Based Biocomposites Using Waste Material (Calcite Stones) for Biomedical Applications

Calcium-based biocomposite materials have a pivotal role in the biomedical field with their diverse properties and applications in combating challenging medical problems. The study states the development and characterization of Calcium-based biocomposites: Hydroxyapatite (HAP), and PVA-Gelatin-HAP films. For the preparation of Calcium-based biocomposites, an unconventional source, the waste material calcite stone, was used as calcium raw material, and by the process of calcination, calcium oxide was synthesized. From calcium oxide, HAP was prepared by chemical precipitation method, which was later added in different proportions to PVA-Gelatin solution and finally dried to form biocomposite films. Then the different properties of PVA/Gelatin/HAP composite, for instance, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and swelling properties due to the incorporation of various proportions of HAP in PVA-Gelatin solution, were investigated. The characterization of the HAP was conducted by X-ray Diffraction Analysis, and the characterization of HAP-PVA-Gelatin composites was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermomechanical Analysis, Tensile test, Thermogravimetric Differential Thermal Analysis, and Swelling Test. The produced biocomposite films might have applications in orthopedic implants, drug delivery, bone tissue engineering, and wound healing.

Characterization of Formacell Lignin Derived from Black Liquor as a Potential Green Additive for Advanced Biocomposites

Black liquor is obtained as a by-product of the pulping process,which is used to convert biomass into pulp by removing lignin,hemicelluloses and other extractives from wood to free cellulose fibers.Lignin represents a major constituent in black liquor,with quantities varying from 20%to 30%,of which a very low share is used for manufacturing value-added products,while the rest is mainly burned for energy purposes,thus underestimating its great potential as a raw material.Therefore,it is essential to establish new isolation and extraction methods to increase lignin valorization in the development of bio-based chemicals.The aim of this research work was to determine the effect of KOH or ethanol concentration as an isolation agent on lignin yields and the chemical characteristics of lignin isolated from formacell black liquor of oil palm empty fruit bunch(OPEFB).Isolation of lignin was carried out using KOH with various concentrations ranging from 5%to 15%(w/v).Ethanol was also used to precipitate lignin from black liquor at concentrations varying from 5%to 30%(v/v).The results obtained showed that the addition of KOH solution at 12.5%and 15%concentrations resulted in better lignin yield and chemical properties of lignin,i.e.,pH values of 3.86 and 4.27,lignin yield of 12.78%and 14.95%,methoxyl content of 11.33%and 10.13%,and lignin equivalent weights of 476.25 and 427.03,respectively.Due to its phenolic structure and rich functional groups that are favorable for modifications,lignin has the potential to be used as a green additive in the development of advanced biocomposite products in various applications to replace current fossil fuel-based material,ranging from fillers,fire retardants,formaldehyde scavengers,carbon fibers,aerogels,and wood adhesives.

Novel Mycelium-Based Biocomposites (MBB) as Building Materials

Novel mycelium-based biocomposites(MBB)were obtained from local agricultural(hemp shives)and forestry(wood chips)by-products which were bounded together with natural growth of fungal mycelium.As a result,hemp mycocomposites(HMC)and wood mycocomposites(WMC)were manufactured.Mechanical,water absorption and biodegradation properties of MBB were investigated.MBB were characterized also by ash content and elemental composition.The results of MBB were compared with the reference materials such as the commercial MBB material manufactured by Ecovative®Design(EV),hemp magnesium oxychloride concrete(HC)and cemented wood wool panel(CW),manufactured by CEWOOD®.The mechanical properties of HMC and WMC showed that the bending strength difference was about 30%,with a better result for HMC.Compression strength was better for WMC by about 60%compared to that of HMC.The mechanical strength of HMC and HC materials was equal;both materials contained hemp shives but differed by the binding material.Water absorption and volumetric swelling tests showed that HMC and WMC could be considered as potential biosorbents.Ash content and elemental analysis showed that reference materials(CW,HC)contained significant amounts of inorganic compounds that decreased the biodegradation rate,compared to the case of HMC and WMC materials.The biodegradation results of HMC and WMC,after 12 weeks,revealed a mass loss(ML)above 70%,while in the case of EV,HC and CW,it was about 60%,17%and only 6%,respectively.MBB were completely biodegradable.

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Wollastonite Biocomposites, Produced by an Alternative Sol-Gel Route

Hydroxyapatite is a type of calcium phosphate-based material with great interest for biomedical applications, due to the chemical similarity between this material and the mineral part of human bone. However, synthetic hydroxyapatite is essentially brittle;the practice indicates that the use of hydroxyapatite without additives for implant production is not efficient, due to its low strength parameters. In the present work, biocomposites of hydroxyapatite-wollastonite were synthesized by an alternative sol-gel route, using calcium nitrate and ammonium phosphate as precursors of hydroxyapatite, and high purity natural wollastonite was added in ratios of 20, 50 and 80 percent by weight immersed in aqueous medium. Formation of hydroxyapatite occurs at a relatively low temperature of about 350?C, while the wollastonite remains unreacted. After that, these biocomposites were sintered at 1200?C for 5 h to produce dense materials. The characterization techniques demonstrated the presence of hydroxyapatite and wollastonite as unique phases in all products.

Preparation and Characterization of Raw and Chemically Modified Sponge-Gourd Fiber Reinforced Polylactic Acid Biocomposites

This research work has been undertaken to fabricate environmentally friendly biocomposites for biomedical and household applications. Sponge-gourd fibers (SGF) obtained from Luffa cylindrica plant were chemically treated separately using 5 and 10 wt% NaOH, acetic anhydride and benzoyl chloride solutions. SGF reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites were fabricated using melt compounding technique. Surface morphological, structural, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as antibacterial activities of raw and chemically modified SGF reinforced PLA (SGF-PLA) composites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry, universal testing method, thermogravimetry, and Kirby-Bauer agar diffusion method, respectively. Surface morphology indicates that after treatment of fibers, the interfacial adhesion between PLA and fibers is improved. X-ray diffractometry result shows that chemical treatment of fibers improves the crystallinity and exhibits new chemical bond formation in the composites. After chemical treatment, compressive strength of the composites is found to increase by 10% - 35%. The thermal stability of the treated fiber reinforced composites is also found to increase significantly. The composites have no antibacterial activities and no cytotoxic effect on non-cancer cell line. Soil burial test has confirmed that the composites are biodegradable. Benzoyl chloride treatment of fibers shows superior mechanical properties and enhances thermal stability among the composites.

Influence of Glycerol Content on Properties of Wheat Gluten/Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Biocomposites

Environmentally friendly biocomposites were prepared by blending wheat gluten（WG）as a matrix, hydroxyethyl cellulose（HEC）as a filler,and glycerol as a plasticizer,followed by thermo-molding of the mixture at 120°C for crosslinking the matrix.Moisture absorption,tensile properties,dynamic mechanical analysis,and dynamic rheology were evaluated in relation to the glycerol content.Tensile strength and modulus drop dramatically with increasing glycerol content,which is accompanied by significant depression in the glass transition temperature and improvement in the extensibility of the biocomposites.

Chitosan/Nanocrystalline Cellulose Biocomposites Based on Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Sheath Fibers

In this study,nanocrystalline celluloses were used to enhance physical,mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of chitosan films for potential food packaging applications.Two different mineral acids(sulfuric and phosphoric)were used to extract nanocrystalline cellulose from date palm sheath fibers.The influence of cellulose I and cellulose II on the properties of the isolated nanocrystalline celluloses(e.g.,yield,energy and length of intra-and intermolecular hydrogen bonds,and degree of substitution)were studied too.The characteristics of chitosan biocomposite film with phosphorylated nanocrystalline cellulose were compared to those with sulfated nanocrystalline cellulose.Results showed that besides cellulose polymorphism,the ionic ester groups on the surface of nanocrystalline cellulose is one of the factors influencing the physical,chemical,mechanical,and water vapor barrier properties in chitosan/nanocrystalline cellulose biocomposites.

Reactive Compatibilization of Short-Fiber Reinforced Poly(lactic acid)Biocomposites

Poor interfacial adhesion between biobased thermoplastics and natural fibers is recognized as a major drawback for biocomposites.To be applicable for the large-scale production,a simple method to handle is of importance.This work presented poly(lactic acid)(PLA)reinforced with short-fiber and three reactive agents including anhydride and epoxide groups were selected as compatibilizers.Biocomposites were prepared by one-step meltmixing methods.The influence of reactive agents on mechanical,dynamic mechanical properties and morphology of PLA biocomposites were investigated.Tensile strength and storage modulus of PLA biocomposites incorporated with epoxide-based reactive agent was increased 13.9%and 37.4%compared to non-compatibilized PLA biocomposite,which was higher than adding anhydride-based reactive agent.SEM micrographs and Molau test exhibited an improvement of interfacial fiber-matrix adhesion in the PLA biocomposites incorporated with epoxide-based reactive agent.FTIR revealed the chemical reaction between the fiber and PLA with the presence of epoxide-based reactive agents.

Study of the Thermal, Rheological, Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Biocomposites Based on Rod-Of Typha/HDPE Made up of Typha Stem and HDPE

The thermal, rheological and morphological properties of composite biomaterials made with mixture of high density polyethylene and typha rod powder (RD) were evaluated. The dynamic mechanical behavior of the samples was studied with 25%, 35% and 45% typha stem powder concentrations. The viscoelastic properties are mainly related to the nature of the polymer and the typha stem powder. Storage (G') and loss (G') moduli increased significantly, depending on the amount of powder in the molten mixture. After a viscosity increase was noticed in low frequency, it decreased in high frequencies, which demonstrates the pseudo-plasticity effect. Morphological and thermal characterization results have shown the dispersion state of the powder and its ability to modify the kinetics crystallization of biocomposites.

Hybrid Method for the Formation of Biocomposites on the Surface of Stainless Steel Implants

This study reports a hybrid method which allows the formation of biocomposites on stainless steel implants. The main idea of the method is to create multilayer coatings consisting of titanium primer layer and a microarc calcium-phosphate coating. The titanium layer is deposited from plasma of continuous vacuum-arc discharge, and calcium-phosphate coating is formed by the microarc oxidation technique. The purpose of the hybrid method is to combine the properties of good strength stainless steel with high bioactivity of calcium-phosphate coating. This paper describes the chemical composition, morphology characteristics, adhesion and the ability of the formed biocomposites to stimulate the processes of osteoinduction. It is expedient to use such biocomposites for implants which carry heavy loads and are intended for long-term use, e.g. total knee endoprosthesis.

Recent advances in functional utilisation of environmentally friendly and recyclable high-performance green biocomposites: A review

Humans have relied on biomass for survival and development since the Stone Age. All aspects of human needs for materials are covered by tools, fuel, and buildings. Nowadays, metals and petroleum-based materials are widely used in highly developed industries. Unfortunately, environmental contamination and the loss of natural resources have led to the reemergence of biomass resources as efficient and sustainable energy sources. Notably, simple and direct applications can no longer meet the demand for functionalization, high performance of materials and construction materials. Therefore, it is imperative to modify biomass and combine its utilisation to produce functionalization and high performance materials. For example, construction materials with superior mechanical properties and water resistance can be produced by reinforcing fibres to facilitate crosslinking. Water-oil separation or adsorption effects of hydrogels and aerogels are determined by the porosity and lightness of biomass, biocomposite conductor is prepared by chimaeric conductive material. Here, we review the approaches that have been taken to devise an environmentally friendly yet fully recyclable and sustainable functionalised biocomposites from biomass and its potential directions for future research.

Novel hybrid biocomposites for tendon grafts:The addition of silk to polydioxanone and poly(lactide-co-caprolactone)enhances material properties,in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility

Biopolymers play a critical role as scaffolds used in tendon and ligament(TL)regeneration.Although advanced biopolymer materials have been proposed with optimised mechanical properties,biocompatibility,degradation,and processability,it is still challenging to find the right balance between these properties.Here,we aim to develop novel hybrid biocomposites based on poly(p-dioxanone)(PDO),poly(lactide-co-caprolactone)(LCL)and silk to produce high-performance grafts suitable for TL tissue repair.Biocomposites containing 1-15%of silk were studied through a range of characterisation techniques.We then explored biocompatibility through in vitro and in vivo studies using a mouse model.We found that adding up to 5%silk increases the tensile properties,degradation rate and miscibility between PDO and LCL phases without agglomeration of silk inside the composites.Furthermore,addition of silk increases surface roughness and hydrophilicity.In vitro experiments show that the silk improved attachment of tendon-derived stem cells and proliferation over 72 h,while in vivo studies indicate that the silk can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines after six weeks of implantation.Finally,we selected a promising biocomposite and created a prototype TL graft based on extruded fibres.We found that the tensile properties of both individual fibres and braided grafts could be suitable for anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)repair applications.

Valorization of Tree Bark-Derived Suberin in Applications for the Bio-Based Composites Industry–A Recent Review

Bark extracts are sustainable sources of biopolymers and hold great promise for replacing fossil fuel-based polymers,for example,in wood-based composites.In addition to primary and secondary metabolites,tree bark also contains suberin,which plays a major role in protecting the tree from environmental conditions.Suberin is a natural aliphatic-aromatic cross-linked polyester present in the cell walls of both normal and damaged external tissues,the main component of which are long-chain aliphatic acids.Its main role as a plant ingredient is to protect against microbiological factors and water loss.One of the most important suberin monomers are suberin fatty acids,known for their hydrophobic and barrier properties.Therefore,due to the diverse chemical composition of suberin,it is an attractive alternative to hydrocarbon-based materials.Although its potential is recognized,it is not widely used in biocomposites technology,including wood-based composites and the polymer industry.The article will discuss the current knowledge about the potential of suberin and its components in biocomposites technology,which will include surface finishes,composite adhesives and polymer blends.

Nano-SiC reinforced Zn biocomposites prepared via laser melting:Microstructure,mechanical properties and biodegradability

Zn has been regarded as new kind of potential implant biomaterials due to the desirable biodegradability and good biocompatibility,but the low strength and ductility limit its application in bone repairs.In the present study,nano-SiC was incorporated into Zn matrix via laser melting,aiming to improve the mechanical performance.The microstructure analysis showed that nano-SiC distributed along Zn grain boundaries.During the laser rapid solidification,nano-SiC particles acted as the sites for heterogeneous nucleation,which resulted in the reduction of Zn grain size from 250μm to 15μm with 2 wt%SiC(Zn-2 SiC).Meanwhile,nano-SiC acted as a reinforcer by virtue of Orowan strengthening and dispersion strengthening.As a consequence,the nanocomposites showed maximal compressive yield strength(121.8±5.3 MPa)and high microhardness(72.24±3.01 HV),which were increased by 441%and 78%,respectively,compared with pure Zn.Moreover,fracture analysis indicated a more ductile fracture of the nanocomposites after the incorporation of nano-SiC In addition,the nanocomposites presented favorable biocompatibility and accelerated degradation caused by intergranular corrosion.These findings suggested that the nano-SiC reinforced Zn biocomposites may be the potential candidates for orthopedic implants.

Flexural and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Treated Coir/Pineapple Leaf Fibres Reinforced Polylactic Acid Hybrid Biocomposites

Polylactic acid(PLA)possesses good mechanical and biodegradability properties which make it a suitable material for polymer composites whereas brittleness and high costs limit its utilization in various applications.The reinforcement of natural fibres with biopolymers has been formed to be an efficient technique to develop composites having the ability to be fully biodegradable.This study concerns with the incorporation of various percentages of untreated and alkali-treated Coir Fibres(CF)and pineapple leaf fibres(PALF)in PLA biocomposites and characterizations of flexural,morphological and dynamic mechanical properties.Flexural properties showed that the treated C1P1 hybrid composites(C1P1A)displayed highest flexural strength(35.81 MPa)and modulus(5.28 GPa)among all hybrid biocomposites.Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)revealed a behaviour of fibre-matrix adhesion in untreated treated biocomposites.SEM observation revealed good dispersion of the fillers in PLA.Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that C1P1A showed highest glass transition temperature(Tg)and storage modulus(E')while untreated C3P7 displayed the least Tg and E'.Overall findings showed that alkali-treated hybrid biocomposites(CF/PALF/PLA)especially C1P1A have improved flexural properties,dynamic and morphological properties over untreated biocomposites.Success of these findings will provide attracting consideration of these hybrid biocomposites for various lightweight uses in a broad selection of industrial applications such as biomedical sectors,automobile,construction,electronics equipment,and hardware tools.

Hybrid Straw/Perlite Reinforced Natural Rubber Biocomposites

The purpose of the work is to prepare and characterize hybrid fillers of cereal straw perlite as well as to examine their impact on the functional properties of elastomeric biocomposites.Natural rubber was used as the polymer matrix,vulcanized with a sulfuric crosslinking system.The subject matter of the work included an interdisciplinary knowledge segment in the field of polymertechnology—hybrid biomaterials.The work investigated the effect of physical(mecha nical)modificatio n of ligno cellulosic filler.The process of milling and homogenization of cereal straw with the addition of perlite was carried out in a planetary ball mill.The properties of biocomposites were examined in terms of two key aspects:The amount of hybrid filler and its ratio(cereal straw to natural mineral).The plate-like structure of natural minerals and the fibrous structure of cereal straw created a two-component filler,which influenced the properties of the produced biomaterials.A significant improvement in barrier,crosslinking density,hardness,mechanical and damping properties has been noted for systems containing hybrid fillers.Moreover,all vulcanizates proved to be resistant to the nnooxidative aging.Furthermore,the straw modificated with perlite fonned a more complex structure in the composites,resulting in a stronger reinforcing effect,which was confirmed by dynamic-mechanical analysis(Payne effect).

Flexural Mechanical Properties of Functional Gradient Hydroxyapatite Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Biocomposites

Functional gradient hydroxyapatite reinforced polyetheretherketone is one of the most promising or- thopedic implant biomaterials. In this study, functional gradient hydroxyapatite reinforced polyetheretherketone biocomposites were prepared by layer-by-layer method with the incorporation of hot press molding technology. Studies on the flexural mechanical properties of the functional gradient biocomposites revealed that the flexural stress-stain behavior of the biocomposites presented linear elastic characteristics. The fracture mechanism of the functional gradient biocomposites was predominated by brittle rupture. Furthermore, both flexural strength and break strain of the functional gradient HA/PEEK biocomposites obviously decreased with the rise of the total HA content. The effect of hydroxyapatite concentration difference between adjacent layers （HCDBAL） on the flexural strength obviously relied on the level of HCDBAL and total HA content in the functional gradient HA/PEEK biocomposites. The higher the total HA content in the functional gradient biocomposites is, the less the influence degree of HCDBAL on the flexural strength is. Moreover, total HA content and HCDBAL played synergistic influence on the flexural modulus of the functional gradient HA/PEEK biocomposites.

Laminated Epoxy Biocomposites Based on Clay and Jute Fibers

Jute/epoxy hybrid laminated biocomposites were manufactured by using Illite clay particles at various content （5 wt.% - 20 wt.%）. The effects of hybridization on the morphology, structure, and mechanical properties were investigated. The properties of the biocomposites reinforced with jute fibers were mainly influenced by the interfacial adhesion between the jute fibers and the epoxy matrix. An alkali treatment was applied to improve the interfacial fiber-matrix adhesion and thus obtaining better mechanical properties. Besides the chemical treatment, epoxy hybridization using clay particles also had a strong effect on the overall properties of laminated biocomposites. The mechanical properties of the jute/epoxy biocomposites reinforced with Illite clay increased with clay content, up to an optimum value at 15 wt.%. The average technique and the laminates theory were performed to validate the coherence of the elastic moduli between the calculated and experimental values. A difference between the experimental and predicted data was observed, which was attributed to the simplifying assumptions made in both models. The laminates theory gave better overall predictions.

A Comprehensive Review on Epoxy Biocomposites Based on Natural Fibers and Bio‑fillers: Challenges, Recent Developments and Applications

Natural fiber-reinforced polymers remained a hot topic of interest in material sciences over the last two decades.Such fibers are appealing in composite materials due to their renewability,low density,better specific strength,biodegradability,accessibility,and low cost.Polymers reinforced with natural fibers provide improved mechanical performance at a lower cost and could be the best alternative to synthetic fibers.Bio-fillers have gained much attention nowadays due to their cost-effectivity and the ability to modify base materials in the composite structure.Natural materials reinforced epoxy composites have a high capacity due to their eco-friendliness,economic feasibility,and technical viability.However,some parameters directly influence desired product performance.This review discusses various properties of natural fibers and their impact on the overall performance of natural fiber-based epoxy composites.It summarizes the recent research on natural fibers/bio-fillers reinforced epoxy biocomposites.