Over the past few decades, rapid advancements in science and technology have accelerated the development of high-performance composite materials for aerospace, automotive, structural, and electronic applications. In this context, the present study investigates the flammability, creep, fatigue, and dynamic mechanical behaviour of silane-treated Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy composites containing onion peel-derived biocarbon and compares their performance with conventional carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced composites. The novelty of this work lies in the utilization of sustainable biocarbon as a replacement for commercial CNTs and the comprehensive evaluation of their influence on fatigue, creep, dynamic mechanical, and flame-retardant properties using ASTM standards. The primary objective is to develop an eco-friendly and high-performance hybrid composite with improved durability and fire resistance for advanced engineering applications. Composites were fabricated through the hand lay-up process using silane-treated Kevlar fibers, epoxy resin, and varying concentrations of CNTs or biocarbon. The results revealed that the biocarbon filled composite (EKCB3) exhibited superior performance compared with the CNT-filled composite (EKCN3). The fatigue life of EKCB3 reached 26,050, 22,480, and 19,250 cycles at 25
Yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) is an important pest of rice, and effective management approaches are required to reduce crop damage and maintain productivity. The study assessed the efficacy of calcium silicate, diatomaceous earth (DE) and rice husk biochar in managing yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) and improving rice (Oryza sativa cv. Jaya) productivity under field conditions in Mandya during Kharif 2024. A randomized complete block design with ten treatments, comprising three levels each of calcium silicate, diatomaceous earth (DE) and rice husk biochar, along with an untreated control, was used. In each treatment, dead heart, white ear, larval activity and abundance, plant growth, yield attributes, grain and straw yield, and economic returns were assessed. Among the silicon sources, DE at 0.60 t ha⁻1 was the most effective, recording the lowest mean dead heart incidence (3.05
This study presents the first comprehensive investigation of teff straw-derived nano-silicon nitride (Si3N4) as a sustainable nano-admixture in square wire mesh reinforced ferrocement, combining full mechanical and durability characterization to address the low tensile strength and high water absorption of conventional ferrocement. High-purity Si3N4 nanoparticles were synthesized from teff straw ash through controlled nitridation and confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Ferrocement composites containing 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.
Building structures are increasingly demanding durable and sustainable reinforcement materials, while the extensive use of conventional steel rebars has raised concerns regarding resource depletion and corrosion.To overcome such issues and bring alternatives to metallic based rebar, the Fiber Reinforced Polymer(FRP) rebar materialcomposites were developed using vinyl ester reinforced with 40 vol.
This research investigates the influence of biosilica particle size and loading on the mechanical, fatigue, and flame resistance properties of vinyl ester pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) composites. Biosilica obtained from agricultural waste was incorporated at 1–4 vol.
