Research Article
Renewable Composites for Sustainable and ECO-Friendly Solutions
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
53-64
Received:
13 March 2025
Accepted:
4 May 2025
Published:
7 July 2025
Abstract: The planet faces a polycrisis - a set of interconnected challenges that include climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. These issues are not isolated but are symptoms of unsustainable practices. Ignoring them risks catastrophic consequences for the environment, society, and economies worldwide. This paper examines innovative approaches to developing biodegradable composite materials that are environmentally friendly. By using renewable resources and advanced methods, these composites improve strength while being eco-friendly. The study shows how biodegradable composites can help reduce plastic waste and support sustainability in different industries, tackling major global environmental issues. Renewable composites are usually made from biodegradable materials like polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) mixed with natural fibers such as jute or flax. They aim to lower environmental impact while still performing well. New processing techniques help make these materials more efficient and reduce waste during production. Industries like aerospace and automotive are starting to use these lightweight and recyclable materials, which helps create a circular economy. However, challenges remain in increasing production and keeping costs low. To promote the use of renewable composites and ensure a sustainable future, ongoing research and collaboration among industry players are essential.
Abstract: The planet faces a polycrisis - a set of interconnected challenges that include climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. These issues are not isolated but are symptoms of unsustainable practices. Ignoring them risks catastrophic consequences for the environment, society, and economies worldwide. This paper examines innovative appr...
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Review Article
Recent Advances in M-N-C Electro-catalysts for O2 Reduction Reaction in Fuel Cells
Hou Bingxue*
,
Tang Rui
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
65-80
Received:
25 June 2025
Accepted:
7 July 2025
Published:
30 July 2025
Abstract: Transition metal–nitrogen–carbon (M-N-C) catalytic materials are widely considered the most promising non-Pt metal for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), they are extensively studied as potential electrocatalysts in energy conversion and storage devices like fuel cells. The ORR is a critical reaction that significantly impacts the performance and efficiency of these devices. Recently, tremendous researches have been made to obtain high-performance M-N-C catalysts. This review article provides insights into the mechanism of the O2 reduction reaction, offering insights that are crucial for designing effective catalysts. It also provides a detailed account of the recent progress in the synthetic methods, which are pivotal for tailoring the structure and properties of M-N-C materials. The article also examines different transition metal - nitrogen - carbon species, the choice of transition metal and its coordination environment significantly influence the electronic structure and catalytic activity. Furthermore, it highlights approaches to enhance the catalytic activity of M-N-C catalysts, these strategies aim to optimize the active sites and improve electron transfer, thereby boosting ORR performance. Finally, several key factors must be solved to create efficient and robust electrocatalysts are summarized briefly.
Abstract: Transition metal–nitrogen–carbon (M-N-C) catalytic materials are widely considered the most promising non-Pt metal for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), they are extensively studied as potential electrocatalysts in energy conversion and storage devices like fuel cells. The ORR is a critical reaction that significantly impacts the performance and eff...
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Review Article
Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Characterization of a Cocos Nucifera Rachis Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composite
Gallus Eric Atangana*,
Theodore Tchotang,
Joseph Nkongho Anyi,
Zacharie Merlin Ayissi,
Moukam Tchawe Tchawe
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
81-97
Received:
5 October 2025
Accepted:
3 November 2025
Published:
24 December 2025
Abstract: The valorisation of natural waste proves highly promising given its abundance in our environment. In this context, we developed a polyester matrix composite reinforced with treated fibres extracted from the coconut rachis (Cocos nucifera). Prior to incorporation, the fibres were subjected to an alkaline treatment and then added at different volume fractions (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) into the matrix using a manual hand lay-up technique. After fabrication of the composite material, the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of each specimen were evaluated. Regarding the physical properties, the results indicate an increase in composite porosity, ranging from 6.877% to 13.437% depending on the fibre content. The water absorption rate shows a slight, monotonic rise, averaging 0.49%. Concerning the mechanical properties, the composite containing 25% fibres exhibits the best tensile and flexural strengths, with values of 19.450 MPa and 28.718 MPa, respectively. Thermal assessment using an asymmetric hot plate device reveals that fibre incorporation enhances the thermal insulation of the material. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis highlights a predominantly amorphous structure at 0% fibre content, with characteristic peaks of polyester. From 15% onwards, crystallinity peaks associated with cellulose and minerals begin to appear. At 25% and 30%, crystallinity becomes more pronounced, reflecting improved structuring of the fibrous phases and stronger interaction with the matrix. These observations are consistent with the literature on natural fibre composites.
Abstract: The valorisation of natural waste proves highly promising given its abundance in our environment. In this context, we developed a polyester matrix composite reinforced with treated fibres extracted from the coconut rachis (Cocos nucifera). Prior to incorporation, the fibres were subjected to an alkaline treatment and then added at different volume ...
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