Eco-friendly synthesis of jute carbon and desert sand nano-composites with superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance

This study presents the sustainable synthesis and characterization of jute carbon (JC) and desert sand-derived nano-silica (nanoSiO₂) composites using spark plasma sintering (SPS). This eco-friendly approach yields advanced composites with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The SPS process improves the crystallinity and graphitization of compressed JC (C-JC), whereas the nanoSiO₂ leads to better densification and stronger interfacial bonding. Nanoindentation results revealed that the C-JCnanoSiO₂ composite achieved a remarkable hardness of 9.04 GPa, attributed to the uniform dispersion of nanoSiO₂. The composite also displayed superior thermal properties, including a thermal conductivity of 4.34 W/m·K and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (5.3 ppm/K). Electrically, the C-JCnanoSiO₂ composite exhibited a low resistivity (0.187 Ω-cm) and sheet resistance of 0.384824 Ω/sq., significantly outperforming pure JC or SiO₂. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed its high electrocatalytic activity toward potassium ferricyanide and hydroquinone, making it suitable for electrochemical sensing. The study presents a sustainable method for producing high-performance composites that combine strength, conductivity, and thermal stability. These materials hold significant promise for energy, electronics, and thermal management applications. Their high strength also makes them strong candidates for various carbon-fiber-reinforced and glass-fiber-reinforced applications.