Smart and Sustainable Natural Fibre Composites

Project ID: AAD12

This PhD project will address the pressing need for smart and sustainable natural fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites that can biodegrade at a predetermined rate at the end of their useful life. Such composites hold great promise as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials, especially in the rapidly growing FRP composites market, projected to reach $84.5 billion by 2027. The project will contribute to meeting the UK's "Net-Zero" target by 2050 by reducing the environmental impacts associated with non-biodegradable FRP composites.

Smart and sustainable natural fibre-based composites have emerged as an environmentally responsible alternative to synthetic fibre composites, offering biodegradability, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact. The adverse environmental effects of synthetic fibres and plastics, which can persist for centuries and contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, underscore the urgency of exploring sustainable materials. Natural fibres, such as jute, present a promising solution for manufacturing environmentally sustainable, biodegradable, and lightweight composites with improved properties, thermal and acoustic insulation, and a reduced carbon footprint.

While natural jute fibre-based composites offer notable environmental benefits, they face challenges related to mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, which limits their applicability in multifunctional engineering applications. This research aims to address these limitations by creating high-performance, multifunctional, and environmentally sustainable composites by incorporating of graphene and other 2D materials with exciting properties.

The research will involve a multi-disciplinary approach, combining materials science, engineering, and environmental science. It will encompass (1) Designing and synthesizing biodegradable fibres, polymer matrices, and electronic materials through innovative processes. (2) Modifying preforms and matrices to incorporate sustainable electronic materials without compromising composite performance and functionality. (3) Scaling up the manufacturing processes for these sustainable smart FRP composites. (4) Conducting extensive testing and analysis to evaluate their performance, durability, and biodegradability.

The research outcomes are expected to lead to the development of sustainable smart FRP composites that offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials. These composites will find applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, defence, space, and sustainable electronics. Moreover, the project will contribute to the UK's environmental sustainability goals by reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Supervisory Team:

Professor Nazmul Karim

Dr. Arash Shahidi

For the eligibility criteria, visit our studentship application page .

This is part of NTU's 2024 fully-funded PhD Studentship Scheme.