In order to fulfill the demand for eco-friendly materials, it is imperative to fabricate high-performance bio composites from agro-industrial wastes. The current research investigates the fabrication and characterization of jute-banana hybrid composites using potato peel starch as a biodegradable binder and natural antimicrobial and hydrophobic agent, lemon peel oil. Seven composites were designed with different fiber combinations, starch content (5-15% w/w) and lemon peel oil content (0-10% v/v). The structural, morphological and mechanical characterization of the developed composites showed that JB50-L10 hybrid composite (50% jute, 50% banana, 10% starch, 10% lemon oil) has optimized multiple performance. It was proved from FTIR characterization that there was enhancement in esterification (C=O at 1740 cm, C-O-C at 1172 cm) and hydrogen bonding. Mechanically JB50-L10 has 49.2 Mpa tensile strength and 70.3 Mpa flexural strength. The value of moisture regains, water absorption and water vapor transmission rate for JB50-L10 (11.2%, 7.9% and 322.8 g/m/day) was less compared to other unmodified composites when 10% lemon peel oil was incorporated to. The surface was hydrophobicity. JB50-L10 was stable when degradation of composite at different zones was studied by TGA. The inhibition zone of JB50-L10 against both E. coli and S. aureus were found to be 9.0 mm. Also, JB50-L10 showed better resistance toward UV light (E=3.3). It was statistically confirmed using One-way ANOVA at the p<0.05 level of significance for all characterization. This work showed that there is a possible process that could add value to the agro-waste by producing bioactive composites at industrial level for both packaging and building materials.

Bangladesh is one of the world's top exporters of ready-made clothing, and the country's textile dyeing industry is a vital part of its garment manufacturing sector. With an emphasis on reactive, direct, vat, sulfur, basic, and pigment dyes in the woven, knit, yarn, and jute dyeing industries, this study methodically examines the demand and consumption patterns of several dye classes used for cellulosic fiber dyeing. Ten woven dyeing companies, twenty-eight knit dyeing factories, eight yarn dyeing factories, and three jute dyeing factories were among the 49 dyeing enterprises in Bangladesh that participated in a thorough survey. To ascertain the percentage use of each dye class, quantitative data on monthly dye consumption (in metric tons) were gathered and examined. The findings clearly show that reactive dyes dominate all industry types: knit dyeing factories used only reactive dyes (100%), whereas the woven, yarn, and jute dyeing sectors recorded reactive dye shares of 61.09%, 95.86%, and 51.11%, respectively. Reactive dyes' strong performance attributes, such as their compatibility with cellulosic substrates, moderate-to-high exhaustion rates (50–95%), and outstanding wash fastness (grade 3 and beyond), were found to be the main causes of their extensive use. The results offer quantitative proof for resource planning, environmental impact evaluations, and dye market dynamics in Bangladesh's textile industry. For dye house managers, supply chain planners, and legislators involved in sustainable textile production, this report is a fundamental resource.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functionalization of jute-cotton blend fabrics with active substances (from tepur and aloe) by using the pad-dry-cure process. The two active substances (tepur extract from leaves of Crateva religiosa, and Aloe vera gel) were applied individually and together, on the fabrics, with two concentration (5% and 10%). A set of tests (MMT, MNR, FTIR, tensile strength, air permeability, WVTR, contact angle, thermal conductivity and porosity) were performed in order to analyze the functionalization achieved. This study demonstrated a significant improvement of the moisture transport and retention; indeed, the dual treated fabric (10% Tepur+ 10% Aloe vera) presents OMMC (0.78), MNR (20%) and WVTR (~1050g/m/day) values as highest. FTIR showed effective coating and embedding of the compounds containing alkaloids, flavonoids and polysaccharides in the fabric structure. A reduction of tensile strength (~132 N) but, a high increment of the air permeability and porosity values were recorded, which is suitable for an appropriate comfort. A reduction of contact angle (78) demonstrated that the treatments improve hydrophilicity, and a low increase of the thermal conductivity (0.047 W/mK) suggests an appropriate thermal comfort. This research indicates the great efficiency of combining tepur and Aloe vera compounds on the functionalization and confort behavior of jute-cotton fabrics.

As the world moves away from fossil fuels, the demand for rechargeable batteries has exploded. For years, lithium-ion batteries have powered everything from smartphones to electric cars. However, lithium mining poses serious ecological challenges, relies on limited geographical reserves, and depends on expensive, ethically complicated metals like cobalt and nickel. Sodium-ion batteries have stepped forward as a practical, clean, and reliable alternative. Made from ordinary salt-derived sodium, which is thousands of times more abundant than lithium, these batteries eliminate the need for scarce minerals and use cheaper, safer materials throughout their design. This paper explores how sodium batteries work in plain language, compares their strengths and trade-offs against lithium, details their safety and environmental benefits, and examines how they will reshape power grids and urban transport. While sodium batteries are heavier than high-end lithium cells, their low cost, incredible cold-weather endurance, long life, and exceptional safety make them an ideal clean technology for our shared energy future.