Natural Fiber-Based Materials for Sustainable Development: Comprehensive Insights into Extraction, Applications, and Challenges Thandavamoorthy Raja, Yuvarajan Devarajan, Deepak Kohli, Ranganathaswamy Madihalli Kenchappa, Nagendra Svh, Mukul Saxena, Jayanta Kumar Nath, Kulmani Mehar Journal of Natural Fibers, 2026 Natural fibers are increasingly recognized as sustainable materials supporting the transition toward circular and eco-friendly material technologies due to their biodegradability, renewability, and low density. This review provides a critical overview of natural fiber resources, including their classification, chemical composition, and structural characteristics. Various fiber extraction techniques are discussed, comparing conventional methods such as water retting and mechanical decortication with emerging green approaches including enzymatic treatments, ionic liquids, and microwave or ultrasound-assisted extraction, highlighting their effects on fiber morphology, crystallinity, and surface properties. The physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of major natural fibers are summarized using literature-based ranges to clarify their reinforcement potential in polymer composites. Key application areas are reviewed across automotive, construction, biomedical, packaging, and renewable energy sectors, with attention to material performance and industrial feasibility. Emerging research directions, including hybrid composites, nanofiber reinforcements, surface functionalization for antimicrobial behavior, and smart bio responsive materials, are also highlighted. Finally, major challenges are discussed, including variability in fiber quality due to agro-climatic conditions, scalability limitations of eco-friendly extraction processes, durability under environmental stress, and the lack of standardized testing protocols. Addressing these issues is essential for advancing the broader adoption of natural fiber – based materials in sustainable engineering applications.
Eco-engineered prosopis juliflora biochar–reinforced recycled polypropylene biocomposites for enhanced mechanical and thermal performance Yoganandam K, Anni Shayana S, Deepak Kohli, Rahul Mishra, Jayanta Kumar Nath, Niveditha AS, Rajasekar K, Kulmani Mehar, Kamakshi Priya K European Journal of Materials, 2026 Escalating environmental concerns associated with plastic waste accumulation and the unchecked spread of invasive biomass species have intensified the pursuit of sustainable, high-performance materials. This study presents the fabrication and characterization of eco-engineered Prosopis juliflora biochar–reinforced recycled polypropylene (PP) biocomposites designed to enhance the mechanical and thermal functionalities of recycled polymers. Activated biochar derived from P. juliflora wood waste was incorporated into PP at 2, 4, and 6 wt.% using twin-screw extrusion followed by injection moulding. Mechanical evaluations revealed that biochar incorporation significantly improved tensile, flexural, and impact properties, with the 4 wt.% formulation exhibiting the optimum performance achieving tensile and flexural strengths of 26.23 MPa and 23.92 MPa, alongside superior elongation and toughness. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated delayed onset and peak degradation temperatures, indicating enhanced thermal stability attributed to the carbonaceous structure and barrier effect of the filler. SEM examination of fractured specimens confirmed strong interfacial adhesion and effective stress transfer between biochar and the PP matrix. Beyond performance enhancement, this work validates the sustainable valorisation of invasive P. juliflora biomass into functional biochar, offering an environmentally responsible pathway for upgrading recycled polypropylene. The developed biocomposites show promising potential for applications in automotive components, packaging, and construction materials, contributing to circular-economy practices and next-generation sustainable material innovation.
SMART CLASSROOMS FOR ART AND DESIGN EDUCATION Quazi Taif Sadat, Swati Chaudhary, Prabhat Sharma, Gunveen Ahluwalia, Jayanta Kumar Nath, Rohini Shodhkosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 2025 Implanted smart classroom technologies in art and design education is an innovative change of the traditional teaching and learning in a studio to a dynamic, interactive, and technology-intensive learning concepts. This paper examines the use of digital innovations as interactive whiteboards, virtual and augmented reality technologies, digital whiteboard drawing, and cloud collaboration systems that improve creativity, engagement, and critical thinking among art and design students. The study is based on a mixed-methods approach, which involves the use of surveys, interviews, and classroom observations in different institutions in analyzing both the pedagogical and experiential outcomes. According to the findings, it can be stated that smart classrooms have a significant positive effect on the visualization capacity of complex design concepts by students, real-time collaboration, and accessibility of global creative resources. The environments are conducive to personalized learning that is consistent with the concepts of constructivist and experiential theories of learning and promote creativity by being interactive and providing instant feedback. Nevertheless, issues like poor infrastructure, digital illiteracy among teachers and institutional support are also likely to be a barrier to effective implementation. The paper also introduces a conceptual model that connects technological interactivity and creative performance to provide a sequence of assessment of smart classroom work in the artistic field. The discussion provides the urgency of professional growth on a regular basis, investment in digital infrastructure, and curriculum redesign, which implies the seamless integration of technology into the artistic pedagogy.
Design optimization in additive manufacturing: A review of AI applications for remanufacturing Ramachandran Thulasiram, Amit Gaurav, Ashwin Jacob, Jayanta Kumar Nath, Tusha, Dheeravath Raju Multidisciplinary Reviews, 2025 The manufacturing sector has experienced a profound transformation with the emergence of additive manufacturing (AM), which enables the fabrication of complex geometries while significantly reducing material waste. Concurrently, remanufacturing has become increasingly vital for extending product lifecycles, minimizing environmental impact, and conserving resources—key aspects of sustainable production systems. This review investigates the convergence of AM and remanufacturing, with special attention to the function of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven design optimization techniques. The study explores how AI can enhance various aspects of remanufacturing using AM, including component restoration, process efficiency, and repair accuracy. It examine both traditional and automated repair strategies, emphasizing the growing importance of AI in improving repair quality and consistency. The integration of AI-based optimization methods helps reduce operational waste, minimize repair costs, and improve overall system performance. These advancements are particularly crucial in dealing with the inherent complexities of AM processes, such as variable material characteristics, environmental sustainability concerns, and the need for precise process parameter control. Moreover, the review highlights the promise of hybrid AI systems in overcoming these challenges by offering adaptive, intelligent solutions that improve design effectiveness, support predictive analytics, and enable real-time process optimization. It also assesses the broader implications of these technologies for industrial applications, including their potential to revolutionize maintenance, reduce downtime, and support circular economy practices. The paper concludes by identifying key research gaps, particularly in the seamless integration of AI into AM-based remanufacturing workflows. Recommendations are provided to guide future investigations aimed at enhancing the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of modern manufacturing systems through intelligent, AI-enhanced technologies.
Sustainable isolation and characterization of natural fibers from Musa acuminata stem for green composite development Palanivendhan Murugadoss, Basavaraj Devakki, Parin Patel, Jayanta Kumar Nath, Jonaki Mukherjee, Honganur Raju Manjunath, Ritesh Pratap Singh, K. Kamakshi Priya Results in Chemistry, 2025 This study reports the sustainable extraction and characterization of natural fibers from Musa acuminata stems, emphasizing their role as eco-friendly reinforcements for green composites in line with global sustainability goals. Over 100 million tonnes of banana biomass are generated annually worldwide, much of which is discarded, posing environmental challenges. Converting this residue into value-added fibers supports circular bioeconomy strategies and meets the growing demand for natural fiber composites. Fibers were isolated using an environmentally benign retting process and assessed for antibacterial, anti-biofilm, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. Antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli showed notable activity, with 100 μg extract producing a 21 mm inhibition zone comparable to streptomycin (23 mm), while 25 μg yielded 9 mm. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy confirmed biofilm disruption through strong propidium iodide staining. Mechanical testing revealed a tensile strength of 23.76 MPa at 0.32 strain, reflecting favorable ductility and strength. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a primary degradation peak at 386.37 °C with 43.72 % mass loss, confirming thermal stability for polymer processing. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed fibrillated surfaces with microvoids and partial delamination, promoting interfacial adhesion in composites. These combined properties demonstrate Musa acuminata fiber as a renewable candidate for biomedical, packaging, and structural applications, advancing the global transition toward eco-friendly materials. • Antibacterial efficacy reaching 91.3 % of streptomycin's performance. • Over 80 % biofilm inhibition confirmed via confocal microscopy. • Thermal stability up to 386.37 °C, suitable for polymer processing. • Mechanical strength of 23.76 MPa with favorable ductility. • SEM evidence of surface roughness aiding fiber–matrix adhesion.
Investigation on the thermal performance of MgO-filled basalt Fiber/PLA composites for high-temperature industrial applications Thandavamoorthy Raja, Yuvarajan Devarajan, Jayanta Kumar Nath, Swapnil M Parikh, Krishna Kumar Shukla, Sunil Kumar M, Lokesh Verma Results in Engineering, 2025 • MgO nanoparticles enhance thermal and mechanical properties of basalt fiber/PLA composites. • L3 composite shows a 79.3% rise in thermal conductivity and 86.18% lower thermal expansion. • Mechanical strength improves with 8.63% higher tensile and 38.24% higher impact resistance. • TGA confirms 11°C higher degradation temperature, ensuring better thermal stability. • Suitable for automotive, electronics, and high-temperature industrial applications. This study presents a novel approach to enhancing the thermal and mechanical performance of biodegradable polymer composites by integrating magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles into basalt fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) matrices. Addressing the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance materials in high-temperature industrial settings, this work focuses on developing lightweight composites that combine environmental responsibility with advanced functional properties. The composites were fabricated with varying MgO nanoparticle contents (0–16 g), while maintaining a constant basalt fiber reinforcement to systematically evaluate the effect of MgO on structural and thermal behavior. Notably, the L3 formulation (3% MgO) exhibited the most significant enhancements, with a tensile strength of 154.94 MPa (7.79%), flexural strength of 159.21 MPa (8%), impact strength of 32.45 kJ/m² (28%), and Shore D hardness of 132 (13,6%), highlighting its mechanical superiority. Thermal characterization revealed a high thermal conductivity of 0.142 W/mK, a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (1.14 × 10⁻⁵ /°C), and a heat deflection temperature of 163°C. Enhanced thermal stability was confirmed by a peak degradation temperature of 378°C and a final residue of 14%. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed improved fiber–matrix adhesion and reduced microstructural defects. The novelty of this work lies in the synergistic use of MgO and basalt fibers in a PLA matrix, offering a sustainable route to high-temperature composite design. These composites are highly suitable for demanding applications such as automotive under-the-hood parts, electronic enclosures, structural components in thermal environments, and industrial insulation panels. Therefore, this study provides an innovative and eco-friendly solution to current limitations in thermal engineering materials by delivering high-performance, bio-based composites with broad industrial applicability.
Sustainable enhancement of Henequen fiber-reinforced polymer composites with copper oxide nanoparticles: A step forward in clean engineering and technology Thandavamoorthy Raja, Yuvarajan Devarajan, Geetika M. Patel, Jayanta Kumar Nath, Aravindan Munusamy Kalidhas, Shweta Sharma, Pavan Chaudhary Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 2025 This study presents the development of environmentally sustainable Henequen fiber-reinforced polymer composites enhanced with copper oxide nanoparticles for clean engineering applications . Five composite variants were fabricated via the hand lay-up method with varying copper oxide loadings to investigate their influence on mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties . The composite with 15 g of copper oxide exhibited superior performance, achieving a tensile strength of 76.19 MPa, flexural strength of 81.29 MPa, impact strength of 17.92 kJ/m 2 , and Shore D hardness of 67. Microscopic analysis confirmed improved fiber–matrix adhesion and reduced fiber pull-out, while thermogravimetric analysis indicated enhanced thermal stability with 20 % char yield at 500 °C. Elemental mapping verified nanoparticle integration, and antibacterial assays revealed significant inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus , supported by biofilm disruption and oxidative cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate the potential of copper oxide-reinforced natural fiber composites as biodegradable, antimicrobial, and high-performance materials aligned with the principles of clean and sustainable engineering.
Thermomechanical response of multilayered FGM plates at normal and elevated temperatures Tapaswinee Das, Prabhu Kalyan Mishra, Jayanta Kumar Nath European Journal of Materials, 2025 Thermomechanical response in functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich and multilayered plates is studied in normal environment as well as high temperature environment using a zigzag theory. The theory employs layerwise assumptions for displacement field and is transformed into an equivalent single layer theory using a set of continuity conditions in displacements and stresses. Resulting theory can address material property discontinuity at laminate interfaces. Final displacement field is described by five mechanical variables and a set of temperature variables. Governing equations are obtained using principle of virtual work. Responses for displacements and stresses are analyzed in both types of plates. Effects of layer thicknesses and the proportion of constituent materials on deformation and stress are investigated. FGM sandwich can be manufactured with a soft face on one side, hard face on the other side and a FGM core matching the two face sheets. In such cases, midplane deflection and stresses are found to be dependent on relative layer thicknesses and the proportion of constituent materials. The mechanical behavior of symmetric FGM sandwich plates in high-temperature environments are then analyzed taking different ceramic/material combinations. In certain combinations, a transition temperature is observed where deformation and stress become independent of proportion of material constituents and relative thickness of individual layers.
First Successful Induced Breeding Protocol for Bengal Danio Devario devario (Hamilton, 1822) M Talukdar, D Chutia, JK Nath, C Gupta, D Sarma National Academy Science Letters, 1-5 , 2026 2026
Thermomechanical response of multilayered FGM plates at normal and elevated temperatures T Das, PK Mishra, JK Nath European Journal of Materials 5 (1), 2515036 , 2025 2025
C–Cl Bond Activation and Orthogonal Cascade Reactions Targeting Fluorophores and Molecular Dyads with Low Content Ru–Pd Nanocluster at Zeolite-NaY: A Combined Experimental and … S Biswas, D Kim, YB Park, P Dutta, GV Karunakar, JK Nath, KK Bania The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 129 (34), 15282-15300 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Selective Detection of Picric Acid Using 2D Zinc-Coordination Polymer (Zn-CP):“Turn-On” Fluorescence Response Triggered by PET Suppression N Phukan, K Nath, A Guha, A Jana, JK Nath, B Kumar Tripuramallu Crystal Growth & Design 25 (15), 5927-5935 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Synthesis, crystal structure, and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a cubane-type tetranuclear polyoxotitanate cluster JK Nath European Journal of Chemistry 16 (2), 146-153 , 2025 2025
Syntheses, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analyses of cocrystals and salt of a flexible imidazole tethered naphthalenediimide with some organic acids JK Nath Journal of Structural Chemistry 66 (1), 30-45 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Reproductive Biology, Captive Breeding and Larval Development of the Threatened Deocata Pipefish Microphis deocata (Syngnathidae) A Saikia, JK Nath, H Choudhury, R Chandran, UK Sarkar, D Sarma Journal of Ichthyology 64 (6), 1038-1047 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Study on Induced Breeding and Early Embryonic Development of the Tengara Catfish, Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) in Captivity. M Talukdar, D Chutia, A Deka, JK Nath, A Saikia, D Sarma Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries 28 (6) , 2024 2024
Synthesis, structural investigation and Hirshfeld surface analyses of two imidazolinone based heterocyclic compounds S Abdullah, S Deka, F Abid, S Sharma, JK Nath, BK Rajbongshi Journal of Structural Chemistry 65 (9), 1805-1815 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Exploring the Nutritional, Ornamental, and Conservation Aspects of a Few Indigenous Small Fishes (ISFs) Belonging to the Genera Puntius and Pethia from … D Chutia, M Talukdar, A Deka, JK Nath, A Saikia, D Sarma Perspectives and Applications of Indigenous Small Fish in India: An … , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Synthesis, supramolecular insight, Hirshfeld surface analyses and magnetic properties of two lanthanide complexes of 1, 8-naphthalene dicarboxylate JK Nath, R Borah Journal of Structural Chemistry 65 (2), 217-229 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Observations on the courtship behaviour of Deocata Pipefish Microphis deocata (Hamilton, 1822)(Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) in an aquarium A Saikia, JK Nath, D Sarma Journal of Threatened Taxa 16 (1), 24529-24534 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Syntheses, structural insight and Hirshfeld surface analysis of two heteroleptic coordination polymer of Cu (II) JK Nath Journal of Structural Chemistry 64 (9), 1664-1676 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Syntheses and crystal structures of dinuclear metallacycles of Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) of 1, 8-naphthalene dicarboxylate exhibiting dihydrogen contact JK Nath Journal of Structural Chemistry 64 (6), 1021-1039 , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
Utilization of methanol and ethanol for 3, 3′-bis (indolyl) methane synthesis through activation of peroxymonosulfate over a copper catalyst A Devi, MM Bharali, S Biswas, TJ Bora, JK Nath, S Lee, YB Park, L Saikia, ... Green Chemistry 25 (9), 3443-3448 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
Double superposition hypothesis for smart composite plates-two approaches T Das, JK Nath Materials Today: Proceedings 74, 1017-1022 , 2023 2023
Accurate Computation of Transverse Shear Stresses in Smart Composite Plates T Das, JK Nath Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering: Select Proceedings of ICRAMERD … , 2022 2022
Electrothermomechanical Responses in Smart Composite Plates SA Ohid, JK Nath Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering: Select Proceedings of ICRAMERD … , 2022 2022
Accurate Prediction of Thermomechanical Stress Field in the Laminated Composite Plates T Das, JK Nath Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering: Select Proceedings of ICRAMERD … , 2022 2022
in the Laminated Composite Plates T Das, JK Nath Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering: Select Proceedings of ICRAMERD … , 2022 2022
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Efficient modeling of smart piezoelectric composite laminates: a review S Kapuria, P Kumari, JK Nath Acta Mechanica 214 (1), 31-48 , 2010 2010 Citations: 130
On the accuracy of recent global–local theories for bending and vibration of laminated plates S Kapuria, JK Nath Composite Structures 95, 163-172 , 2013 2013 Citations: 41
Improved efficient zigzag and third order theories for circular cylindrical shells under thermal loading PC Dumir, JK Nath, P Kumari, S Kapuria Journal of Thermal Stresses 31 (4), 343-367 , 2008 2008 Citations: 36
Static and free vibration analysis of multilayered functionally graded shells and plates using an efficient zigzag theory JK Nath, T Das Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures 26 (9), 770-788 , 2019 2019 Citations: 27
Coupled global-local and zigzag-local laminate theories for dynamic analysis of piezoelectric laminated plates S Kapuria, JK Nath Journal of sound and vibration 332 (2), 306-325 , 2013 2013 Citations: 19
Coupled efficient layerwise and smeared third order theories for vibration of smart piezolaminated cylindrical shells JK Nath, S Kapuria Composite Structures 94 (5), 1886-1899 , 2012 2012 Citations: 18
Analytical piezoelasticity solution for vibration of piezoelectric laminated angle-ply circular cylindrical panels S Kapuria, P Kumari, JK Nath Journal of sound and vibration 324 (3-5), 832-849 , 2009 2009 Citations: 15
Utilization of methanol and ethanol for 3, 3′-bis (indolyl) methane synthesis through activation of peroxymonosulfate over a copper catalyst A Devi, MM Bharali, S Biswas, TJ Bora, JK Nath, S Lee, YB Park, L Saikia, ... Green Chemistry 25 (9), 3443-3448 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
2D exact solutions for flat hybrid piezoelectric and magnetoelastic angle-ply panels under harmonic load P Kumari, JK Nath, PC Dumir, S Kapuria Smart materials and structures 16 (5), 1651-1661 , 2007 2007 Citations: 13
An improved third order theory and assessment of efficient zigzag theory for angle-ply flat hybrid panels P Kumari, JK Nath, S Kapuria, PC Dumir Composite structures 83 (2), 226-236 , 2008 2008 Citations: 11
Syntheses and crystal structures of dinuclear metallacycles of Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) of 1, 8-naphthalene dicarboxylate exhibiting dihydrogen contact JK Nath Journal of Structural Chemistry 64 (6), 1021-1039 , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
Assessment of improved zigzag and smeared theories for smart cross-ply composite cylindrical shells including transverse normal extensibility under thermoelectric loading JK Nath, S Kapuria Archive of Applied Mechanics 82 (7), 859-877 , 2012 2012 Citations: 10
Improved smeared and zigzag third-order theories for piezoelectric angle-ply laminated cylindrical shells under electrothermomechanical loads JK Nath, S Kapuria Journal of Mechanics of Materials and Structures 4 (6), 1157-1184 , 2009 2009 Citations: 9
Zigzag theory for piezoelectric-layer-integrated functionally graded material plates T Das, JK Nath AIAA Journal 59 (4), 1406-1421 , 2021 2021 Citations: 8
Efficient laminate theory for predicting transverse shear stresses in piezoelectric composite plates S Kapuria, JK Nath AIAA journal 47 (12), 3022-3030 , 2009 2009 Citations: 8
Global–local and zigzag-local theories for direct transverse shear stress computation in piezolaminated plates under thermal loading JK Nath, S Kapuria International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 75, 158-169 , 2013 2013 Citations: 6
Improved global-local theory for laminated plates under thermal load with actual temperature profile S Kapuria, JK Nath Journal of Thermal Stresses 35 (1-3), 169-191 , 2012 2012 Citations: 6
Syntheses, structural insight and Hirshfeld surface analysis of two heteroleptic coordination polymer of Cu (II) JK Nath Journal of Structural Chemistry 64 (9), 1664-1676 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Enhanced zigzag theory for static analysis of composite plates: Zigzag theory for composite plates JK Nath, BB Mishra Archive of Applied Mechanics 88 (9), 1595-1615 , 2018 2018 Citations: 5
Two‐dimensional benchmark solution for buckling and vibration of simply supported hybrid piezoelectric angle‐ply flat panels PC Dumir, S Kapuria, P Kumari, JK Nath ZAMM‐Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics/Zeitschrift für Angewandte … , 2008 2008 Citations: 4