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Thermoset polymer composites, known for their outstanding thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties, have found applications in diverse fields, including aerospace and automotive industries. These polymers, once cured, cannot be recycled, making the end-of-life management of these composites very difficult and posing an environmental challenge. Conventional recycling methods are unsuitable for thermosets, forcing their accumulation in landfills and raising environmental concerns. One possible solution to overcome this concern is to use resins or curing agents, or both, made from biodegradable materials. This study explores the fabrication and characterization of polymer composites using a commercially available green curing agent made from biomass. The composite laminates were fabricated using HVARTM (Heated Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding) process. In this process, heat pads are used to increase the temperature of both the epoxy resin and the plain weave carbon fiber laminate to a desired temperature, providing ease of flow to the resin. Small coupons were cut from the laminate using a water jet machine to study the flexural behavior of the composite in accordance with ASTM testing standards and compared with composite coupons fabricated using conventional epoxy resin. 

Abstract Scientific evidence regularly guides policy decisions¹, with behavioural science increasingly part of this process². In April 2020, an influential paper³proposed 19 policy recommendations (‘claims’) detailing how evidence from behavioural science could contribute to efforts to reduce impacts and end the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we assess 747 pandemic-related research articles that empirically investigated those claims. We report the scale of evidence and whether evidence supports them to indicate applicability for policymaking. Two independent teams, involving 72 reviewers, found evidence for 18 of 19 claims, with both teams finding evidence supporting 16 (89%) of those 18 claims. The strongest evidence supported claims that anticipated culture, polarization and misinformation would be associated with policy effectiveness. Claims suggesting trusted leaders and positive social norms increased adherence to behavioural interventions also had strong empirical support, as did appealing to social consensus or bipartisan agreement. Targeted language in messaging yielded mixed effects and there were no effects for highlighting individual benefits or protecting others. No available evidence existed to assess any distinct differences in effects between using the terms ‘physical distancing’ and ‘social distancing’. Analysis of 463 papers containing data showed generally large samples; 418 involved human participants with a mean of 16,848 (median of 1,699). That statistical power underscored improved suitability of behavioural science research for informing policy decisions. Furthermore, by implementing a standardized approach to evidence selection and synthesis, we amplify broader implications for advancing scientific evidence in policy formulation and prioritization.