Eco‐innovative processing of poly (butylene succinate)‐Kenaf composite laminates: Solar energy integration and material characterization

Abstract The high processing costs and environmental concerns of conventional compression molding necessitate alternative approaches. Therefore, the present study investigates an eco‐innovative approach for producing sustainable poly (butylene succinate)‐kenaf composite laminates using a novel spring‐forced compression molding (SFCM) setup, potentially utilizing solar energy for heating application. Composite laminates were then synthesized by reinforcing the PBS matrix with untreated woven kenaf fiber mats (KFM), denoted as PBS/K(UT), and with 5% alkali‐treated woven KFM, denoted as PBS/K(TR). The processing parameters during the fabrication process included an average solar irradiation of 750–900 W/m², concentrated solar irradiation of 97–116 kW/m², wind speeds ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 km/h, and an ambient temperature of 38°C. Identical samples (150 × 150 × 4 mm³) were fabricated for pure PBS, PBS/K(UT) and PBS/K(TR) laminates. The mechanical, thermal, viscoelastic, and water absorption behavior of developed bio PBS, PBS/K(UT) and PBS/K(TR) composites are compared. PBS/K(TR) composite shows superior mechanical and viscoelastic properties and in contrast, bio PBS demonstrates better thermal stability, highest crystallinity, and greater resistance to water absorption. However, the PBS/K(TR) composite shows improved thermal stability, crystallinity, and resistance to water absorption compared to the PBS/K(UT) composite. Highlights Eco‐innovative processing of PBS‐K Composites using solar‐powered novel SFCM setup. Alkali treatment enhances mechanical and viscoelastic properties of composites. PBS/K(TR) composites exhibited superior mechanical and thermal properties. Bio PBS showed higher crystallinity, thermal stability, and water resistance.