Recent developments highlight the potential of utilizing agricultural waste as sustainable building blocks for advanced materials. Researchers have conducted comprehensive studies on hybrid composites made from natural coir fiber and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), reinforced with epoxy, investigating their resistance to corrosion and water absorption.
The study, published on January 28, 2025, explores how varying both the amount and the size of coir fiber and hBN particles affect these composites' longevity and performance. By employing different statistical experimental designs, particularly the Box-Behnken Design (BBD), and several optimization algorithms, the research aims to maximize the material performance of these composites.
Natural fibers have garnered attention for their eco-friendly attributes and mechanical qualities. Coir fiber, derived from coconut husks, is renewable and abundant, making it attractive for composite formulations. Alongside, hBN, known for its impressive barrier properties and excellent thermal stability, provides significant enhancements when used as reinforcement. Researchers noted, 'The composite with higher weight percentage of hBN particulates exhibits reduced water absorption and corrosion rates.'
The study utilized four optimization techniques, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Salp Swarm Optimization (SSO), among others, to predict the optimal characteristics of the material. While all algorithms produced favorable outcomes, the SSO proved most effective, with a Deng's Value of 0.68, demonstrating its utility as the best method for reducing corrosion and water absorption.
The findings revealed intriguing correlations between composite composition and performance. Notably, increasing the weight percentage of hBN resulted in lower water absorption, enhancing the overall durability of the material. A lower weight ratio of coir also contributed to improved resistance against corrosion, indicating the importance of achieving balanced ratios for optimal performance.
Experimental results showed substantial variability between different formulations. For example, composites with 1% coir fiber and optimal particle size displayed the highest resistance to corrosion, with recorded rates as low as 0.01 mpy. Conversely, higher concentrations of coir led to increased water absorption, highlighting the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers.
When comparing the effectiveness of different optimization strategies, the SSO emerged as the superior method, aligning with the research team’s aims for improving material traits. The study concluded: 'The Salp Swarm Optimization algorithm outperforms other algorithms in minimizing both corrosion resistance and water absorption.'
With sustainability becoming increasingly important across industries, these findings can significantly impact composite material development. By integrating natural fibers like coir and advanced materials like hBN, researchers are paving the way toward greener alternatives for various industrial applications.
The study suggests potential future research avenues, including exploring different combinations of natural fiber sources and optimization algorithms to refine performance metrics. This aligns with the goal to boost sustainability within engineering processes.