This study addresses the development of environmentally friendly biocomposites using Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar for industrial applications. Derived sustainably, these materials significantly enhance mechanical properties, exemplified by Composite C3 (Resin 57wt.%, Fiber 40 wt%, Biochar 3 wt%) with notable flexural strength (217 MPa), tensile strength (178 MPa), impact strength (7.2 J), and hardness (92 Shore-D). However, a 5% biochar concentration led to a slight property decline. Thermal conductivity increased proportionally with biochar concentration, ranging from 0.36 to 0.49 W/mK, with biochar acting as an effective lubricant. Opuntia cladode fiber and biochar influenced water absorption rates, mitigated by silane surface treatment. The biocomposites show promise for electronics, spacecraft, automotive components, and packaging. The specific problem addressed is the need for sustainable materials. Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar offer a focused solution, yielding composites with improved mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties for targeted industrial applications.

This article explores the impact of nano-silica on the properties of woven flax fibre/epoxy composites. Using compression moulding, epoxy/flax/silica hybrid nanocomposites were produced. The nano-silica was dispersed in the epoxy matrix via ultrasonication at various weight ratios. A series of tests, including crack durability, dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, were conducted to evaluate the modified materials. Notably, a 3% nano-silica filler load resulted in a 54% and 57% improvement in initiation and transmission interfacial fracture toughness, respectively. Scanning electron microscope imaging confirmed that fibres pull out at the crack tip during initial debonding, accounting for the increased toughness. Dynamic mechanical analysis further revealed enhancements in mechanical properties. Moreover, the 3% nano-silica content led to less fibre pull-out, suggesting higher heat resistance than standard flax/epoxy composites. The material also demonstrated promising antimicrobial efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, offering a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics.

This work presents the feasibility of Prunus Domestica methyl ester (PDME) as an alternate fuel on diesel blended fuel to evaluate the engine characteristics. Six blends of neat baseline diesel, biodiesel (PDME), a blend of diesel -biodiesel (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%) and neat diesel are prepared which are tested on a diesel engine. The experimental results were revealed that the replacement of diesel by PDME has shown a slight reduction in brake thermal efficiency with a slight increase in brake specific fuel consumption. Further, the PDME addition to diesel reduced the unburned hydrocarbon, CO, and NOx. Critical analysis in combustion aspects is also carried out and it is witnessed with prolonged ignition delay during PDME addition with diesel.