This study investigates the experimental performance and Optimisation of alginate-based Zn–Co–Fe/Ba (ZCFB) and Zn–Co–Fe/Ba–Aniline Blue (ZCFBA) magnetic nanocomposite beads for integrated solar desalination (SBSS) and dye removal, targeting sustainable water purification. The biopolymer sodium alginate, a renewable polysaccharide, served as a green encapsulating matrix for Zn–Co–Fe/Ba ferrite nanoparticles synthesized through an ionic gelation route with BaCl₂ cross-linking. With their robust photothermal conversion and great sorptive efficiency, the designed magneto-active alginate–ferrite beads demonstrated dual functionality, allowing for both dye abatement and desalination to occur simultaneously within the SBSS. Using pseudo (I & II) organize rate laws, Langmuir-Freundlich isotherms, thermo-dynamic indices (Δ G°, ΔH°, ΔS°), and intraparticle diffusion analysis, kinetic and equilibrium modeling was used to clarify the adsorption of aniline blue (AB). Stable metal–oxygen coordination, high crystallinity, and uniform nanoparticle dispersion within the polymer matrix were all validated by structural interrogation using XRD, SEM, and FTIR. With a monolayer uptake (qₘₐₓ) of 184.6 mg g−1, the improved system demonstrated chemisorptive monolayer attachment and excellent alignment to the Langmuir formalism (R2 = 0.992) and PSO kinetics (R2 = 0.985). 24-h distillate yields for WMN, ZCFB, and ZCFBA were 4.237, 5.865, and 8.188 kg m−2 day−1 in the winter and 4.866, 6.368, and 8.664 kg m−2 day−1 in the summer, respectively, under solar irradiance levels of 600–1000 W m−2 and dye concentrations of 50–200 mg/L. Thermal efficiencies of 44.83% in summer and 34.25% in winter were achieved. Were attained by the SBSS enabled by the nanocomposite. Strong AB–bead interactions were confirmed by FTIR, and broad dye coverage was confirmed by SEM. Thermodynamic analysis revealed an endothermic, spontaneous adsorption mechanism (ΔG° < 0 and ΔH° > 0). The Ba-Co synergy improved visible-light absorption and thermal conductivity, enhancing photothermal efficiency. The beads maintained over 92% removal efficiency after five cycles, proving high stability and reusability. Overall, the Zn–Co–Fe/Ba–alginate nanocomposite provides a low-cost, sustainable, and energy-efficient system for combined desalination and dye removal, offering a scalable solution for solar-driven clean-water production.

Additive manufacturing of recycled polymer composites reinforced with natural and bio-derived fillers offers a sustainable pathway for developing functional materials. In this work, recycled PLA composites reinforced with Hennep 16 microfiber and cuttlefish-derived aragonite nanoparticles were fabricated using fused deposition modelling and systematically evaluated for mechanical, wear, swelling–degradation, and thermal conductivity properties. The results demonstrate a strong dependence of composite performance on aragonite nanoparticle content. Specimen M3, containing 40 vol

Abstract The growing demand for lightweight and durable materials in automotive, marine, and industrial machinery applications has intensified interest in aluminium metal matrix composites (MMCs). However, producing high wear resistance composites while preserving sustainability is a significant challenge. This study develops and evaluates the tribological performance of sustainable aluminium MMCs reinforced with bio-driven coconut shell ash (CSA) and aluminium waste red mud (RM) materials for engineering applications. Stir-casting was used to produce sustainable composites with RM and CSA particle reinforcements (2–6 wt. %). The wear rate and friction coefficient were evaluated at a constant sliding distance of 1500 m under varying loads (40–60 N) and speeds (300–500 rpm). The composite samples were evaluated using energy dispersive x-ray analysis and scanning electron microscope, and their surface roughness and textural characteristics were further examined by 3D-surface topography analysis. Moreover, DoE-RSM optimization techniques were utilized to optimize the reinforcement composition and wear parameters. Experimental results showed that the wear rate and surface roughness of 4 wt. % sustainable composites decreased by 73.64% and 24.3%, respectively, as compared to base alloy materials. The tensile strength of 4-wt% hybrid reinforced composites increased by 17.9% when compared to the base alloy aluminium material. Moreover, the DOE analysis identified the optimal values as a reinforcement concentration of 3.98%, a sliding speed of 300 rpm, and a sliding load of 47 N for providing the lowest wear rate, which has been validated through experiments. Subsequently, future directions are indicated that could lead to more efficient and superior wear performance of sustainably reinforced MMCs.

Freshwater scarcity remains one of the most pressing global challenges, while conventional solar stills are restricted by low productivity and limited thermal efficiency. Nanofluid integration has emerged as a promising pathway, yet optimization of concentration and the use of sustainable synthesis routes are still underexplored. In this study, a solar single slope basin distiller (SSBD) was experimentally enhanced using phytogenically synthesized Ag-In2O3-Aloe Vera (IAA) nanofluids at varying concentrations (IA, AA, IAA 05 to 25 w t.%). Ag-In2O3 nanostructures were phyto-synthesized using Aloe Vera extract as a green bioreductant. The phytochemicals in Aloe Vera facilitated nanoparticle stabilization, while the incorporation of Ag introduced plasmonic resonance, thereby enhancing solar absorption, charge transfer, and thermal conductivity. The synthesized IAA nanofluids exhibited superior SSBD performance attributed to adjustable optical absorption, improved heat transfer, and stable colloidal structures. We measured and compared hourly efficiency, cumulative yield, and daily productivity of plain water and intermediate nanofluid SSBD systems. The SSBD achieved 25.24% efficiency at 13:00 and 2.12 L m- 2 day- 1 yield. Aloe vera and In2O3 nanofluids enhanced thermal performance, reaching peak efficiencies of 33.03% and 32.31%, respectively. This means that the solar absorption and heat distribution have gotten better. IAA nanofluids showed concentration-dependent improvement, going from 34.45% at 5 wt% to 36.21% at 10 wt%, with the best performance at 15 wt%, when they had an efficiency of 41.78% and a distillate output of 4.1 L m- 2 day- 1. When the nanoparticle loadings were higher (20-25 wt%), the efficiency went down because of light scattering, less absorption, and agglomeration. When compared to Al2O3, CuO, and Fe3O4 nanofluids (28-36%), IAA formulations offer a scalable, cost-effective, and long-lasting way to get the most freshwater.

Rice straw represents a plentiful agricultural by-product that remains largely underexploited, particularly for composite reinforcement, due to poor fiber-matrix interactions and its high amorphous fraction. In this study, environmentally benign surface modification strategies were explored to ensure better mutual performance of rice-straw grains with an epoxy pattern. Four activation approaches were evaluated: ultrasonic treatment (P1), ultrasonic assisted with sodium carbonate (P2), plasma exposure (P3), and a combined Na2CO3-plasma sequence (P4). Fibers were processed using 5% w/v Na2CO3 solution and low-pressure plasma at 13.56 MHz, followed by fabrication of epoxy composites. The materials were examined through several analytical methods, including flexural evaluation (ASTM D790), FTIR spectroscopy, SEM-EDX imaging, XRD diffraction, TGA/dTG thermal analysis, and BET surface analysis. An overall enhancement in mechanical characteristics was detected as the degree of treatment increased. Sample P1 had a flexural durability of approximately 109.1 MPa, while sample P4 showed elasticity at 162.0 MPA and the range of modalities in terms of their articulation was expanded by 5.625 GPa (passive modulus) from 3.709 GPa when tested against other methods. SEM micrographs revealed remarkable surface alterations, such as a 131% rise in micro-texture roughness (from 0.344 to 0.796), resin deposition reaching 90.8%, a 72% decline in pore or void fraction (from 3.319% to 0.917%), and an 84% reduction in silica or ash residues. XRD profiles showed more pronounced cellulose-I reflections at 15.7°, 22.6°, and 34.6°, alongside the suppression of the amorphous halo (18-20°), signifying increased crystallinity, particularly in P4 fibers. TGA results demonstrated reduced char residue and higher, sharper Tmax peaks, confirming improved thermal stability. Among the treatments, the Na2CO3-assisted plasma approach (P4) provided the most substantial enhancement, offering a scalable and sustainable method to upgrade rice-straw fibers for structural composite applications.

This study investigates the effect of alkali-modified Tectona grandis flower stalk fiber (40 vol

This study examined the mechanical, acoustic, and microstructural performance of epoxy composites reinforced with Snake Grass Fiber compression molding with a constant SGF content of 30 wt% and varying hybrid filler contents (5 to 15 wt%). Mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, compressive, impact strength, hardness, and water absorption were evaluated alongside sound absorption behavior. The incorporation of hybrid fillers significantly improved mechanical strength, surface hardness, and dimensional stability while reducing moisture uptake compared to SGF-only composites. The optimized hybrid composition exhibited superior properties, achieving tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strengths of 58 MPa, 87 MPa, 70 MPa, and 8.98 J, respectively, with a hardness of 84 Shore D and reduced water absorption of 23%. Acoustic analysis revealed enhanced sound absorption, with a maximum absorption coefficient of 0.24 at an optimal filler-to-fiber ratio, attributed to synergy between fibrous reinforcement and porous fillers. SEM analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion, improved interfacial bonding, and reduced voids, supporting the observed mechanical and acoustic enhancements. SGFbased hybrid agro-waste composites offer improved structural and soundabsorbing performance, making them suitable for sustainable automotive, construction, and acoustic insulation applications.

In this investigation, bio-organic hybrid nanofluids prepared from Palmyra fruit (Borassus flabellifer) are utilized to improve the thermo-functional efficiency of a floating-tilted wick solar desalination unit (TWSW). TiO2-Borassus (TBNF), LaTiO3-Borassus (LBNF), and TiO2-LaTiO3-Borassus (TLBNF) were the nanofluids that demonstrated the best colloidal stability, thermal conductivity, and optical absorption. Photothermal conversion was enhanced by the nanoscale photon interaction between LB (donor) and TB (acceptor) nanoparticles made possible by the FRET process. Latent heat recovery was improved by regenerative cooling, which caused the wick surface temperature to rise by around 6.8 degrees C. The transient thermal diffusion model confirmed internal energy transfer associated with thermal wave propagation using Fourier-based harmonic time analysis. Nanofluids boosted TWSW yields to 3.380 (WNF), 4.177 (TBNF), 4.959 (LBNF), and TLBNF is 7.642 kg m(-2) day(-1). TLBNF achieved 10.533 kg m(-2) day(-1) over 24 h due to strong photothermal and FRET effects, compared to 4.612, 5.856, and 7.102 kg m(-2) day(-1) for WNF, TBNF, and LBNF. The optimum at 15 wt% produced 11.321 kg/m(2)& centerdot;day (similar to 80% efficiency), slightly decreasing at 20 wt% (0.496 kg/m(2)& centerdot;day). TLBNF achieved 74.48% efficiency with 18.7% FRET at 325 W m(-2), ensuring superior photothermal conversion. With a zeta potential of +42 mV, specific heat of 4.18 kJ kg(-1) K-1, and thermal conductivity of 0.65 W m(-1) K-1, the nanofluid demonstrated exceptional colloidal stability and cost-effective desalination capability (Indian Rupee0.5 kg(-1)) for sustainable solar purification. This research introduces the innovative integration of FRET/light-driven enhancement of photothermal energy with thermal wave-based energy recovery and bio-organic hybrid nanofluid to create a membrane free solar purification construction unlike any other currently in existence.

The utilization of water hyacinth (WH) (Eichhornia crassipes) fibers as a reinforcing material in epoxy-based matrices has been extensively documented. However, research concerning the implementation of these composites specifically for protective helmet shell development remains relatively scarce. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the performance of eco-friendly water hyacinth fiber-reinforced epoxy composites as a sustainable alternative material for fabricating lightweight protective helmets. The composites were fabricated using epoxy resin via vacuum bagging and subsequently subjected to tensile and impact testing. Furthermore, the best composition was utilized to develop the helmet shell, which underwent performance testing in compliance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 1811:2007. The tensile test results indicated that the composites achieved a maximum ultimate tensile strength of 29 MPa, while the impact test recorded the highest impact strength of 27.6 kJ/m² for the specimen containing 10% water hyacinth powder and 30% water hyacinth fiber (A3). The helmet shell testing results revealed that among all testing parameters, only one criterion did not meet the standard requirements, namely the shock absorption performance at the rear area of the helmet shell. Despite one test condition not fully satisfying the standard criteria for helmet shell materials, the overall findings of this study demonstrate that water hyacinth (WH) natural fiber composites exhibit promising potential as a sustainable alternative material for helmet shell applications.

This study aimed to develop high-performance, sustainable epoxy composites for construction applications, using natural waste materials such as walnut shells (NR) and pine bark (PR) as reinforcing agents for epoxy resin (EP). The study analyzed the effects of particle size (150 and 250 µm) and addition ratios (2-10%) on mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and morphological properties. The NR/EP and PR/EP samples were produced by the hand lay-up technique using a 3 : 1 epoxy resin to hardener mixing ratio. Particle distribution and absorption were guaranteed, and the samples were then dried under controlled conditions. The results showed significant performance improvements. NR/EP10 exhibited the highest tensile strength (28.5 MPa), PR/EP1 achieved the best flexural strength (28 MPa), NR/EP6 reached the highest flexural modulus (1.038 GPa), and NR/EP9 demonstrated the highest impact strength (795 kJ m-2), with a maximum hardness of 87.4 shore D at high addition ratios. Thermally, NR/EP1 exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity (0.8834 W m-1 K-1), while NR/EP10 showed the best heat transfer coefficient (0.09 W m-2 K-1), and PR/EP10 achieved the highest sound insulation (96.05 dB). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results supported these findings, revealing that the fracture surfaces of NR/EP composites (particularly NR/EP5 and NR/EP10) exhibited high homogeneity and strong matrix-fiber bonding with reduced gaps, compared to the pure EP matrix, which displayed smooth and brittle fracture surfaces, and PR/EP composites, which exhibited some agglomeration and irregularity at high addition ratios (PR/EP10). These results confirm that improved microstructure is directly related to enhanced mechanical and thermal performance, thus enhancing the suitability of these composites for use in multifunctional, sustainable building materials.

Although the high flexibility of PBAT (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate) makes it ideal for food packaging, its poor antibacterial properties restrict its use in the food industry and shorten the shelf life of food products. In this work, PBAT polymer film was modified with bay leaf essential oil to improve its antibacterial properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis showed 38 chemical components in bay leaf. The main absorbances were the strong C=O stretching of the ester group (1720 to 1730 cm⁻¹) and the aliphatic C–H stretching (2950 and 2850 cm⁻¹). An increase in the amount of essential oil resulted in a decrease in the melting temperature of the PBAT, confirming a plasticizing effect. No antibacterial activity was observed in the PBAT films containing 5 wt% or 10 wt% bay leaf oil against either gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria. However, PBAT films containing 15 wt% and 20 wt% bay leaf oil exhibited zone diameters of 8 and 12 mm, respectively, against the E. coli strain. PBAT films with enhanced plasticizing and antibacterial properties, resulting from the addition of 20 wt% bay leaf oil, could be of great interest to the food packaging and biomedical industries.