Biobased natural fiber-reinforced composites derived from lignin-based resin and mercerized jute fibers

Demand for high-performance natural fiber -reinforced polymer composites is increasing, owing to their lightweight combination with unprecedented mechanical properties and reduced carbon footprints. However, natural fiber composites display poor performance due to incompatibility with biobased resins. In this report, advancements in flexural and hydrophobic properties of jute fiber -reinforced biopolymer composite were achieved by using a lignin -based resin and mercerization approach. The pristine and mercerized jute mats were infused with the resin, compression molded and finally post -cured to fabricate the composites. Three-point bending test results revealed flexural strength and modulus improved by 37.7% and 72.9% after mercerizing the jute fibers. The mercerized composite exhibited excellent fiber-matrix bonding with no voids perceived. Besides, the mercerized composite portrayed improved thermal stability and hydrophobicity. This fully bio-based resin and high-performance composite have the potential to replace synthetic and toxic resins used in advanced composites fabrication and are suitable for structural engineering applications.