Analysis of mechanical and thermal characteristics of bio composite as a substitute for conventional boat building materials

Abstract

Composite materials have increasingly outperformed conventional materials; newlinehowever, despite many advantages, composites like Carbon Fiber Reinforced newlinePolymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) lack key properties newlinesuch as sustainability, renewability, and environmental impact. In this context, newlinenatural fiber composites and bio-composites are gaining attention. These materials newlinemust meet structural load requirements, resist hygroscopic effects due to newlinecontinuous sea water exposure, and be evaluated for their environmental impacts, newlinemachinability, availability, manufacturability, and cost. Considering these factors is newlineessential for selecting a suitable alternative material for marine applications. Given newlinethe environmental impact, the material must be sustainable, recyclable, and newlineeco-friendly. Traditional materials used in boats, such as steel, and popular Fiber newlineReinforced Polymer(FRP) boat hulls pose environmental challenges during newlinedisposal, as both the matrix and the fiber in FRP materials are difficult to dispose of. newlineNatural fiber composites, which replace synthetic reinforcements with natural newlineones, offer a solution where the reinforcement can be biodegradable, ensuring newlinerenewability. newline newline