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Harnessing the Potential of Natural Fiber Composites: A Paradigm Shift Towards Sustainable Materials

Submission Deadline: 30 April 2025 View: 112 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

S.M. Sapuan, Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
S.M. Sapuan is Professor (Grade A) of composite materials Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Head of Advanced Engineering Materials & Composite Research Centre, UPM and Chief Executive Editor of Pertanika journals in office of Deputy Vice Chancellor, UPM. He earned BEng in Mechanical Engineering, University of Newcastle, Australia, MSc in Engineering Design, Loughborough University, UK and PhD in Material Engineering, De Montfort University, UK. He is Professional Engineer, and Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences, Society of Automotive Engineers International, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, International Society for Development and Sustainability, Plastic & Rubber Institute Malaysia, Malaysian Scientific Association, International Biographical Association and Institute of Material Malaysia. He is an Honorary Member of the Asian Polymer Association and Founding Chairman and Honorary Member of the Society of Sugar Palm Development & Industry, Malaysia. He was World Class Visiting Professor at Andalas University Indonesia. He is editorial board member of 30 journals. He has produced over 2000 publications, including over 948 journal papers, 60 books, and 230 chapters in book; He has delivered 67 plenary and keynote lectures and 150 invited lectures. He organized 33 journal special issues as guest editor, reviewed 1500 journal papers and has 8 patents. He successfully supervised 98 PhD and 75MSc students and 16 postdoctoral researchers. His h-index is 116 with 48,991 citations(Google Scholar). He received ISESCO Science Award, Khwarizimi International Award, National Book Award, Endeavour Research Promotion Award, Citation of Excellence Award, Emerald, UK, Malaysia's Research Star Award, Publons Peer Review Award, USA, Professor of Eminence Award and Top Research Scientists’ Malaysia Award, He was listed in World Top 2% Scientists, Stanford University, USA. He received SAE Subir Chowdhury Medal of Quality Leadership, International Society of Bionic Engineering Outstanding Contribution Award, China, lkon Akademia 2022, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Award in Engineering Sciences, Materials Science Leader Award by Research.com, IET Malaysia Leadership Award, William Johnson International Gold Medal, Life Time Achievement KnowTex Award and COMSTECH Best Scientific Book Award.

Edi Syams Zainudin, Doctor, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
Dr. Edi Syams Zainudin, an esteemed academic and researcher specializing in Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), presently holds the position of Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Engineering. He completed his B.Eng degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1998, followed by obtaining MSc and Ph.D. degrees from UPM in 2002 and 2009, respectively. With a publication record exceeding 300 articles, Dr. Zainudin has made substantial contributions to the fields of bio-composites, bio-packaging materials, and mechanical engineering. His noteworthy achievements include being recognized among the World's Top 2% of Scientists for Career-Long Citation Impact. Additionally, Dr. Zainudin served as the leader of the Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology at UPM from 2010 to 2012. His wealth of expertise, strong leadership qualities, and unwavering dedication have earned him a respected position at UPM, where he actively mentors both postgraduate and undergraduate students. In 2013, he further enriched his academic experience by conducting post-doctoral research at Brunel University in the UK, contributing to his international exposure.

Khalina Abdan, Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
Professor Khalina Abdan is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Biocomposite Technology, currently serving as a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and the Director of the Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP). With a career spanning over two decades, Professor Abdan has made significant contributions to the field of biocomposites, focusing on manufacturing technology and textile composites. Educated at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Professor Abdan earned her Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering (Hons) in 1996 and later completed her PhD in Biocomposite Technology in 2006. Her academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to research and innovation, particularly in the utilization of local biomass and agricultural residues for sustainable development. Dr. Abdan has contributed significantly to her field through various publications and has been granted multiple patents related to biocomposite materials and processes.

Summary

In the realm of material science, natural fiber composites (NFCs) stand out as a beacon of sustainable innovation. This proposal advocates for a fundamental shift in NFC development, where natural fibers take center stage, constituting the predominant component of the composite matrix. Moreover, it promotes the utilization of biocompatible polymers sourced from renewable materials, aligning with the ethos of sustainability and environmental stewardship. The research endeavors to explore the inherent properties and intricate characteristics of natural fibers, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing NFC performance, durability, and eco-friendliness. By adhering to these principles, NFCs are poised to revolutionize various industries, offering eco-conscious solutions with unparalleled functionality and minimal environmental impact. This proposal sets the stage for a transformative journey towards a more sustainable future, where natural fiber composites lead the way in material innovation and environmental responsibility.


Keywords

Natural fiber composites (NFCs); Sustainable materials; Biocompatible polymers; Renewable resources; Eco-conscious innovation

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