Exploring the Environmental Implications and Mechanical Optimization of Kevlar/Waste-Based Piassava Fiber Nano-SiO2 Hybrid Composites: Toward Sustainable Material Solutions

This research describes the development of a new sustainable and high-performance hybrid polymer matrix composite (HPMC) that reduces ecological impact by adding waste-based piassava fiver as a key reinforcing, sustainable, and biodegradable material.The composite contains Kevlar and waste based-piassava fibers in an epoxy matrix with nanosilicon dioxide particles (SiO 2 NPs) to have the desired mechanical properties for uses in aerospace, railway cabins, structural frameworks, sports, medical equipment, and so on.Employing the hand lay-up method and compression moulding, sixlayered composites were made with different stacking sequences (A to O type) and SiO 2 nanoparticle content (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt.%).N-type stacking (KKPPKK) at 1.5 wt.% SiO 2 NPs achieved the highest level of performance.The optimized composition produced impressive tensile strength (336 MPa), and flexural strength (381 MPa).Further, M-type composites with 1 wt.%SiO 2 NPs had the highest impact strength of 263 J/m.Among all the combinations, the N-type composites absorbed less water, with 8.96% absorption, making them more useful in wet conditions.By incorporating waste-based piassava fiber and optimal nano SiO 2 filler, this research creates a new way to achieve lightweight, durable, and environmentally responsible composite hybrid materials, positioning with the aims of sustainable engineering and waste valorization.