Technological watch

Incense stick ash (ISA)-filled Luffa cylindrica (LC) and short human hair (SHH) fiber-based partially biodegradable hybrid composites are synthesized in-house by hand lay-up method assisted with the ultrasonicator. The physical (density and water absorption), mechanical (elastic through RFDA, flexural, and micro-hardness), thermal (thermal conductivity, Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)), and acoustic (sound absorption and sound transmission) properties are thoroughly investigated considering diverse weight proportions (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) of ISA as filler to defend their progressive application. The experimental results revealed that the incorporation of ISA in the new class of hybrid natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite enhances the mechanical strength, resistance to water absorption and thermal, as well as acoustic insulation characteristics. Thus, it opens new ways for the preparation of sustainable bio-composite for packaging and sound insulation applications.