Recently, because of the rising population, carbon overloading, and environmental distress, human beings have needed to increase awareness and responsibility for the reduction of agricultural waste. The utilization of agricultural waste as a filler material in reinforced polymers is a fascinating discovery. This review paper attempts to study the physical, mechanical, and thermal behavior of rice husk (RH) as a fiber for reinforcing various synthetic polymers, based on recent studies, conducted between 2017 and 2021. It also highlights that advanced modification techniques could further improve the performance of composites by tailoring the physical and chemical substances of the fiber or matrix. The thermal properties, including flame-retardance and thermal behavior, are also discussed. The characteristics of the fiber–matrix interaction between RH and the polymer matrix provide essential insights into the future-ready applications of this agricultural waste fiber. The way forward in researching RH polymer composites is finally reviewed.

Cellulose, the most abundant polysaccharide on earth, possesses desirable properties such as biodegradability, low cost, and low toxicity, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Being a non-conductive material, the structure of the nanocellulose can be modified or incorporated with conductive filler to facilitate charge transport between the polymer matrix and conductive components. Recently, cellulose-based ion exchange membranes (IEMs) have gained strong attention as alternatives to environmentally burdening synthetic polymers in electrochemical energy systems, owing to their renewable nature and versatile chemical structure. This article provides a comprehensive review of the structures, fabrication aspects and properties of various cellulose-based membranes for fuel cells and water electrolyzers, batteries, supercapacitors, and reverse electrodialysis (RED) applications. The scope includes an overview of various cellulose-based membrane fabrication methods, different forms of cellulose, and their applications in energy conversion and energy storage systems. The review also discusses the fundamentals of electrochemical energy systems, the role of IEMs, and recent advancements in the cellulose-based membranes’ research and development. Finally, it highlights current challenges to their performance and sustainability, along with recommendations for future research directions.

Metal magnetic memory (MMM) technique is a promising non-destructive technology for determining the state of material deformation and structural defect in carbon steel pipe by measuring the self-magnetic leakage field (SMLF). The relationship between SMLF and stress concentration of cracked specimens has been extensively researched, but little is known about corrosion defects in carbon steel pipes, such as circular holes. A static tensile test and MMM measurement were performed on the ASTM A106 Gr. B steel to investigate its applicability in predicting material deformation state and structural defect. The tensile load makes the distribution of self-magnetic leakage field, SMLF intensities in the elastic stage regular. In the defect zone of defective specimens, a peak-trough in the SMLF intensity in the tangential component, Hp(x), and a peak in the normal component, Hp(y), were observed. As yield approached, the SMLF intensities remained unchanged. During plastic deformation, dislocation slip and dislocation interaction rarely change the SMLF intensities and its gradient. The SMLF intensities and its gradient rise as the tensile load approach its ultimate strength. The distribution of SMLF intensities show a peak feature in the Hp(x), and a peak-trough in the Hp(y) as the specimen fractures. Variations in the magnetic and stress fields of carbon steel pipe are caused by structural defect. As a result, the SMLF intensity varies. The method described in this study can be applied to MMM technique to detect material deformation states and defect formation in ASTM A106 Gr. B steel at low cost and with minimal equipment.