Multifunctional Jute-Banana Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Lemon Peel Oil and Potato Peel Starch: Synergistic Effects on Mechanical, Hygrothermal and Bioactive Performance

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.