The depletion of petroleum-based resources and the adverse environmental problems, such as pollution, have stimulated considerable interest in the development of environmentally sustainable materials, which are composed of natural fiber–reinforced polymer composites. These materials could be tailored for a broad range of sustainable industrial applications with new surface functionalities. However, there are several challenges and drawbacks, such as composites processing production and fiber/matrix adhesion, that need to be addressed and overcome. This review could provide an overview of the technological challenges, processing techniques, characterization, properties, and potential applications of NFRPC for sustainable industrial applications. Interestingly, a roadmap for NFRPC to move into Industry 4.0 was highlighted in this review.

A novel class of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanomaterials has been surging since 1991 due to their noticeable mechanical and electrical properties, as well as their good electron transport properties. This is evidence that the development of CNT-reinforced polymer composites could contribute in expanding many areas of use, from energy-related devices to structural components. As a promising material with a wide range of applications, their poor solubility in aqueous and organic solvents has hindered the utilizations of CNTs. The current state of research in CNTs—both single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced polymer composites—was reviewed in the context of the presently employed covalent and non-covalent functionalization. As such, this overview intends to provide a critical assessment of a surging class of composite materials and unveil the successful development associated with CNT-incorporated polymer composites. The mechanisms related to the mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance of CNT-reinforced polymer composites is also discussed. It is vital to understand how the addition of CNTs in a polymer composite alters the microstructure at the micro- and nano-scale, as well as how these modifications influence overall structural behavior, not only in its as fabricated form but also its functionalization techniques. The technological superiority gained with CNT addition to polymer composites may be advantageous, but scientific values are here to be critically explored for reliable, sustainable, and structural reliability in different industrial needs.

The development of antimicrobial packaging has been growing rapidly due to an increase in awareness and demands for sustainable active packaging that could preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of foods and products. The addition of highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles, antifungals, and antioxidants to biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers has become a significant advancement trend for the packaging evolution. Impregnation of antimicrobial agents into the packaging film is essential for impeding or destroying the pathogenic microorganisms causing food illness and deterioration. Higher safety and quality as well as an extended shelf life of sustainable active packaging desired by the industry are further enhanced by applying the different types of antimicrobial packaging systems. Antimicrobial packaging not only can offer a wide range of advantages, but also preserves the environment through usage of renewable and biodegradable polymers instead of common synthetic polymers, thus reducing plastic pollution generated by humankind. This review intended to provide a summary of current trends and applications of antimicrobial, biodegradable films in the packaging industry as well as the innovation of nanotechnology to increase efficiency of novel, bio-based packaging systems.

This study delves into the potential of utilizing various components of the sweet potato plant (Ipomoea batatas) for animal feed production, focusing on leaves, stems, tubers, and peels processed into powdered and pelletized forms. Proximate analysis is employed to ascertain their characteristic properties. The investigation aims to determine the viability of marketing sweet potato plant parts as a technical-grade powder for animal feed formulation. Powder properties are thoroughly examined, including cohesion, caking, and powder flow speed dependency. Simultaneously, the research uses a compaction process to explore the feasibility of generating animal feed pellets from underutilized sweet potato leaves and stems. Pellets are formulated at a 1:1 ratio of leaves to stems, with the moisture content varying from 40% to 60%. Evaluations encompass friability, bulk density, true density, porosity, and tensile strength. Results highlight that sweet potato plant parts, mainly leaves and stems, contain substantial nutritional substances, rendering them suitable for animal feed production. Flowability analysis categorizes the powders as stable and free-flowing. Moreover, the study pinpoints the optimal moisture content for pellet production at 60%, showcasing the formulation's lowest friability (0.30%), lowest bulk density (629.5 kg/m3), highest porosity (56.51%), and highest work of compression (303.79 kg.s). This formulation also yields superior tensile strength than other moisture-content formulations for sweet potato leaves and stem pellets. The comprehensive findings underscore the potential of sweet potato plant components in animal feed production, presenting a sustainable alternative with nutritional benefits.

Drying is essential to prolong the shelf-life of the food but the loss of moisture during drying can accelerate the food quality degradation. This study aims to