In an attempt to increase biodiversity in natural plant fiber nonwovens, new sources of natural fibers must be discovered. Nonwoven fabric is a promising commercial product for upgrading the new bast fiber Triumfetta cordifolia (TCF) and giving it an opportunity to be used in composite nonwoven applications. Two types of TCF nonwoven mats blended with polylactide fibers for one and polypropylene fibers for the other at a mass ratio of 50 : 50 were manufactured using carding and needling technology. The aim of the present work is to compare the different types of TCF-based nonwovens with other nonwovens based on commercial bast fibers, namely flax and hemp, known for their use in automotive interiors. The nonwoven fabrics were characterized in terms of weight per unit area, thickness, tensile strength and flexural rigidity. In addition, morphological aspects of fiber organization, density and distribution within the nonwoven reinforcement were observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results revealed great variability in terms of surface density and thickness. Increasing the surface mass of nonwovens led to an increase in mechanical performance in terms of strength and stiffness, while retaining anisotropy in terms of fiber orientation, which has a significant effect on mechanical behavior due to the preferential fiber orientation generated during carding. In addition, the type of thermoplastic polymer fiber in the nonwoven mat has an influence on the characteristics evaluated. The results obtained showed that TCFs are good candidates, given their competitive performance and availability compared with flax and hemp fibers, and that they can be used in the same composite applications. Such a non-woven mattress based on TCFs from the tropical African region, manufactured using carding and needling technology, could open up opportunities to create new value-added products that can benefit these countries from an economic and ecological point of view.

The tannin extract of Cissus dinklagei was used in the preparation of a 3 % paraformaldehyde resin for the manufacture of particleboard. This tannin is of the procyanidin type associated with furan residues. The modulus of elasticity of the resin obtained after the thermomechanical analysis is 3825 MPa. The TGA performed on the panels obtained shows three degradation zones with a thermal stability zone between 74 and 210 °C. These panels have good thermomechanical properties. The values of the best density, internal bond, modulus of elasticity in flexion (MOE) and resistance to flexion (MOR) are respectively 658 kg/m³; 0.52 MPa; 2035.4 MPa; 16.3 MPa. These results classify this panel for generalinterior construction and furniture uses according to the NF EN 312 standard.

This study investigates the effects of different extraction methods—water retting and alkali treatments using 5% and 10% NaOH—on the properties of Carica papaya fibers (CPFs) for sustainable composite applications. Physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the fibers were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. Results showed that alkaline treatment enhanced fiber purity, crystallinity, and thermal stability, with 5% NaOH offering the best compromise between strength and flexibility. Crystallinity index (CI) reached 64.06%, and tensile strength improved significantly (276.98 MPa for CPF5 compared to 116.88 MPa for untreated fibers). Thermal degradation onset increased by 13.5°C compared to retted fibers. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD tests confirmed statistically significant improvements. Although no composites were fabricated, the thermal and mechanical properties of treated CPF suggest compatibility with thermoplastic matrices such as polypropylene and PLA. These findings demonstrate that Carica papaya (CP) pseudostem, an agricultural residue, can be a promising reinforcement source for biodegradable composites. Further investigation is needed to optimize fiber–matrix interactions and long‐term durability under environmental stress.

1. Plastics are one of the most common materials used commercially. They are used in many fields, including food packaging, electronics, and electricity.[1] The use of non-biodegradable plastics de...