Bio-Derived TPS–Lignin Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Modified Coir and Plantain Fibers for Eco-Efficient Structural Applications

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 136 145
    By

    Nantha Kumar P,

  • Nagasrisaihari Sunkara,

  • Sachin S. Harak,

  • A. Vijayalakshmi,

  • DVSSSV Prasad,

  • Karanam Suresh Babu,

  • Kirubakaran D,

  • S.Dhivya,

  • Rajendiran M,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  3. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Late GN Sapkal College of Engineering, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  4. Professor, Department of Chemistry, R.M.K. Engineering College, Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya University, Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. Professor, Department Mechanical Engineering, SRKR Engineering College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  7. Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, St.Joseph’s Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Professor, Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study develops bio-derived polymer composites using a thermoplastic starch–lignin (TPS–lignin) matrix reinforced with alkali-treated coir and plantain fibers for sustainable load-bearing applications. The TPS–lignin matrix was formulated using cassava starch, glycerol, and 10 wt% lignin, while coir and plantain fibers were surface-modified using 5 wt% NaOH to enhance interfacial compatibility. Composite laminates were fabricated with varying fiber loadings (10–40 wt%) through melt-mixing and hot-press compression. Tensile, thermal, morphological, and water absorption analyses were performed to determine the influence of single-fiber and hybrid-fiber reinforcement. Tensile stress–strain results revealed substantial improvement in mechanical performance, where hybrid composites exhibited the highest tensile strength, showing a ~55–70% increase over the neat TPS–lignin matrix and outperforming single-fiber composites. SEM micrographs confirmed improved fiber–matrix adhesion, reduced pull-out, and uniform fiber dispersion, validating the enhanced stress-transfer mechanism. TGA results showed enhanced thermal stability for reinforced composites, with the hybrid system retaining the highest residual mass and displaying the slowest rate of thermal degradation. Water absorption decreased significantly with fiber addition, where hybrid composites demonstrated over 40% lower water uptake compared to the matrix due to reduced voids, improved crystallinity, and the hydrophobic influence of lignin-rich coir fibers. Overall, the combined mechanical, thermal, and moisture-resistance enhancements confirm that TPS–lignin hybrid composites reinforced with treated natural fibers offer a promising biodegradable alternative for lightweight structural and eco-efficient engineering applications.

Keywords: Fiber reinforcement, hybrid composites, thermal degradation, TPS–lignin, water absorption

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Nantha Kumar P, Nagasrisaihari Sunkara, Sachin S. Harak, A. Vijayalakshmi, DVSSSV Prasad, Karanam Suresh Babu, Kirubakaran D, S.Dhivya, Rajendiran M. Bio-Derived TPS–Lignin Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Modified Coir and Plantain Fibers for Eco-Efficient Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):136-145.
How to cite this URL:
Nantha Kumar P, Nagasrisaihari Sunkara, Sachin S. Harak, A. Vijayalakshmi, DVSSSV Prasad, Karanam Suresh Babu, Kirubakaran D, S.Dhivya, Rajendiran M. Bio-Derived TPS–Lignin Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Modified Coir and Plantain Fibers for Eco-Efficient Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):136-145. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236374


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 21/11/2025
Accepted 01/12/2025
Published 08/01/2026
Publication Time 48 Days
106

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