Natural fiber composites expected to be in great demand in the coming years due to increased consumer awareness to reduce the waste and environmental pollution. Bagasse fibers available in plenty as an agro-residue and bio composites derived from such renewable resources offer potential for scale-up and value addition. This review provides an insight on current research trends on development and characterization of bagasse-based composites. Various chemical treatment methods and processing techniques used to improve the mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and aging properties of sugarcane bagasse reinforced composites are summarized in the review.

Bagasse fiber which is abundantly available as waste after processing of sugarcane is used as reinforcement with an epoxy polymer in forming the natural fiber reinforced composites. The raw fibers were treated chemically to improve compatibility and adhesion with the epoxy polymer. Treated and untreated fibers were subjected to analysis such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to understand the structural changes and to determine thermal stability. The mechanical properties of fibers and the composites were evaluated by conducting tensile tests. The results reveal alkaline pretreated and KMnO₄ treated fibers show improved mechanical and thermal properties.

The scenario of the Automobile Industry has changed, not only in India but also for the world as a whole. Rise in demand for more sustainable mobility and vehicles with increased usage of renewable energies have given rise to a revolution. This revolution has not only been affecting mankind for better implementation of resources but has also shown tremendous greener and cleaner effects on the flora and fauna of the land as a whole. There has been electrification of vehicles, addition of superior systems to generate lesser harmful effluents and also changing the guidelines of emissions to cleaner and more sustainable ones. The purpose of this paper is to review and state the existence of different pieces of literature for the transition from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI). Much has been written about the transition to BS-VI, the difficulties, and the positive effects on vehicle reliability, economy and the environment. In particular, this work explores the parallels between BS-VI and the corresponding Euro norms and their sequence of implementation. The aforesaid transition has increased the number of oil refineries in India that produce BS-VI-compliant fuels, keeping in mind the increased need for it. This paper explores the current state of the literature and throws light on many of the questions regarding this significant transition. The authors have tried to study the ongoing issues including the stress of inventory management of diesel-run passenger cars, the different refinements required to process and manufacture the BS-VI-compliant vehicles, people's reaction on the changes brought in by the issuing bodies with respect to the norms, to name a few. The focus of the research has been on Bharat Stage emission norms, their implementation challenges and automobile pollution in India to name a few. The authors also discuss the needs, advantages and challenges faced by the industry, producers and customers and conclude that this change is one of the reasons for the decline in car sales in India as it may affect the buying power of the customers.

Partially biodegradable composites were prepared using bast fibers extracted from Grewia Serrulata trees with unsaturated polyester resin. Different durations of fiber pretreatment and volume fraction variations were tried for fabricating the composites. Hand lay-up technique was used for the fabrication; tensile strength and flexural strength of the specimens were tested following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. It is found that the mechanical properties of Grewia Serrulata bast fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites are superior in comparison with relevant properties of unsaturated polyester resin. Such natural fiber-reinforced composites are adaptable in applications such as automotive interiors, partition walls, and false ceilings and ensures easy material disposal ways at the end of service life as raw materials used are mostly biodegradable.