Abstract
Natural fibers from renewable resources offer a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to synthetic reinforcements in polymer composites. This presentation examines the development of sustainable engineering materials by repurposing agricultural waste from the Borassus flabellifer tree, commonly known as the Asian Palmyra palm. It focuses on the use of natural fibres extracted from the fruit husk as reinforcement in epoxy resins to create environmentally friendly composite materials. The study shows that applying alkali treatments to these fibres significantly enhances their thermal stability and mechanical properties. These bio-based composites are evaluated alongside conventional materials used in the aerospace and automotive industries, where reducing weight and improving sustainability are key priorities. A range of experimental methods, including vacuum oven testing, flexural testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and outgassing tests, are employed to rigorously assess material performance. The results demonstrate that these reinforced composites provide a promising and sustainable alternative for modern engineering applications considering the limitations and constraints. Overall, this work supports a transition toward bio-fibre-based materials, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of industrial manufacturing while aligning with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and Paris agreement.