PARTICLE MORPHOLOGY AND FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOMASS FOR AEROSPACE AND INDUSTRIAL MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT

With the rising demand for sustainable materials, biomass use has expanded across various industries, including aerospace, where lightweight, eco-friendly materials are critical. Effectively integrating biomass into such systems requires a solid understanding of its physical and flow behavior. This study examines the flow, handling, and morphological properties of different biomass types—ground barley, oak leaves, straw, and cut jute—to inform engineering decisions in material processing. The biomass samples were milled or cut, oven-dried, and analyzed through particle size distribution, bulk density, Hausner ratio, Carr’s index, angle of repose, flowability tests, and SEM imaging. Ground barley, with small, rounded particles and the highest bulk density (0.648 g/cm³), showed excellent flowability and low surface friction, making it ideal for bioplastic films and structural fillers. Ground oak, characterized by fibrous, angular particles and moderate bulk density (0.416 g/cm³), exhibited good flow and strong surface adhesion—useful in reinforced composites for load-bearing aerospace components. Straw displayed bark-like fiber morphology, lower bulk density (0.328 g/cm³), and good flowability, indicating potential for flexible thermal and acoustic insulation. Cut jute had the lowest bulk density (0.106 g/cm³), with fibrous, hair-like morphology and variable flow, suited for cushioning, nonwoven mats, or biodegradable packaging. These insights offer foundational data for designing bio-based composites where flow, packing, and adhesion are crucial to material performance.