It is crucial to find an effective, environmentally acceptable solution, such as bioplastics or biodegradable plastics, to the world’s rising plastics demand and the resulting ecological destruction. This study has focused on the environmentally friendly production of bioplastic samples derived from corn starch, rice starch, and tapioca starch, with various calcium carbonate filler concentrations as binders. Two different plasticizers, glycerol and sorbitol, were employed singly and in a rich blend. To test the differences in the physical and chemical properties (water content, absorption of moisture, water solubility, dissolution rate in alcohol, biodegradation in soil, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and FT-IR) of the produced samples, nine samples from each of the three types of bioplastics were produced using various ratios and blends of the fillers and plasticizers. The produced bioplastic samples have a multitude of features that make them appropriate for a variety of applications. The test results show that the starch-based bioplastics that have been suggested would be a better alternative material to be used in the packaging sectors.

Current global trends demand the replacement of synthetic fibres with natural fibres in polymeric composites. The present work makes use of Prosopis juliflora, a plant that is a threat to the environment as a partial replacement in a hybrid composite. Individual Prosopis juliflora fibres are added to matrices at ratios of 12, 6, 9 and 8 wt % and glass fibres are added discretely at ratios of 28, 24, 21 and 32 wt % into matrices as well. The composites are prepared with four different combinations and tested in terms of the mechanical benefits and water absorption performance. This work exploits the mechanical advantage of impact energy in addition to producing Prosopis juliflora particles, fibre glass mats, and resin appropriate for structural uses. Water absorption tests are conducted for four different compositions. Among the four samples, sample 3 (9 wt % Prosopis juliflora fibres and 21 wt % glass fibres) has a higher rate of water absorption than the others, although sample 2 (6 wt % Prosopis juliflora fibres and 24 wt % glass fibres) has a lower rate. The difference in the quantity of water absorption between the hybrid composites can be attributed to the weight percentage of fibres. On the other hand, sample 1 (12 wt % Prosopis juliflora fibres and 28 wt % glass fibres) is reported to have absorbed 2.6 J of energy in the impact strength test. The increase in impact strength is attributed to the increase in the weight percentage of glass fibres. A scanning electron microscope is employed to study the fractured surfaces of the composites. This study shows that the developed hybrid composite could be employed in structural and automotive applications because of its improved impact strength and water resistance.

Biodegradable magnesium-based composites show potential application in orthopedic implants, with excellent biocompatibility, low density, and biodegradable characteristics inside the human body. In this study, the stir casting procedure was employed to produce magnesium–zinc MMCs (metal matrix composites) reinforced with MgO nanoparticles, and they were characterized intensively. The analyzed compositions were Mg/4Zn, Mg/4Zn/0.4MgO, and Mg/4Zn/0.6MgO. Their mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and microstructure were then investigated employing tensile, impact, hardness, wear, and corrosion tests, supplemented with SEM analysis. The results indicate that the Mg-4Zn-0.6MgO composite exhibited the highest performance among the tested formulations, with a tensile strength of 150 MPa, a hardness of 65 HRE (Rockwell Hardness, E-scale), and enhanced corrosion resistance. These improvements are attributed to the uniform dispersion of MgO nanoparticles and the formation of a protective Mg(OH)₂ layer, which together contribute to mechanical reinforcement and controlled degradation behavior. The combination of superior mechanical properties and customizable biodegradability verifies the engineered Mg/4Zn/0.6MgO composite as a promising candidate for a biodegradable orthopedic fixation plate without secondary surgery.

One of the most straightforward and affordable ways to produce hydrogen is by alkaline water electrolysis. In order to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, an electrolyser is often subjected to current levels of 1.23V. The electrodes in an electrolytic cell are the primary structural...