Sustainable lignocellulose based biocomposites from polybutylene succinate (PBS) biopolymer/bamboo disposable chopsticks/hemp fibers for lightweight applications.

The sustainable green hybrid composites, consisting of hemp and bamboo fibers, were reinforced with polybutylene succinate (PBS) biopolymer for single-use packaging and lightweight applications, aiming to enhance material properties and promote sustainable waste utilization. The bamboo fibers were extracted from disposable chopstick waste and underwent chemical alkalization treatment and bleaching. The morphology, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the hybrid composites were examined. Additionally, the PBS composites were subjected to weathering for 220 and 440 h, and changes in color, chemical functionality, thermal, and rheological properties were analyzed in comparison to non-weathered composites. The study of the hybridization of hemp fiber and bamboo fiber extracted from disposable chopsticks in biopolymer, both before and after weathering, has been limited in previous research. The results showed that fiber type and concentration significantly influenced composite performance. Hemp fiber provided superior rigidity, hardness, thermal properties and rheological properties, while bamboo fiber enhanced mechanical strength and crystallinity. Both alkaline and bleaching treatments for bamboo fiber reduced the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the composites. However, fiber hybridization enhanced crystallization, improved thermal degradation resistance, and balanced the mechanical properties. Despite degradation under weathering conditions, the hybrid composites exhibited better retention of properties compared to neat PBS.