Development of a polar bear-inspired starch bio-composite reinforced with graphene oxide-coated coconut coir

Abstract

The development of bio-composites has emerged in response to the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials. Among the various application areas, thermal insulation and energy conservation have gained significant attention due to their direct implications in environmental sustainability. Over the past decades, advancements in nanotechnology and biomimetic strategies have revolutionized the design and functionality of insulating materials. The source of inspiration in biomimetic thermal insulation design is polar bear (Ursus maritimus). It is an apex predator well adapted to extreme Arctic environments, capable of enduring temperatures as low as -46°C [1]. This exceptional thermal resistance is attributed to a hierarchical natural heat recovery system, composed of a thick fat layer, black skin, and a dual-layer fur structure consisting of ground hair and guard hair. The outer guard hair possesses a hollow, pigment-free core that facilitates the absorption of ultraviolet radiation, subsequently converting it into heat [1]. The hollow microstructure of guard hair traps air and reduce convective heat loss, while the dense shell provides tensile strengths up to 300 MPa with strain values around 35% ensuring durability under harsh conditions [2].