Alternative Reinforcement Research Articles

Considering distribution grids and local flexibilities in the prospective development of the European power system by 2050

Previous works proposed a tool coupling models of a prospective outlook on long-term energy systems and a transmission grid investment and dispatch, focusing on the representation of the European transmission grid and its development on the horizon 2050–2100. In this paper, this prospective tool is further improved with the capacity to compute voltage as well as active and reactive power flows at the level of the distribution grid. This added capacity allows analyzing various issues related to the integration of variable energy resources in three representative real medium voltage distribution grids (urban, rural and semi-urban). Technical flexibility solutions such as on-load tap changers, variable energy resources curtailment and storage technologies are modeled and compared to reinforcement. A cost comparison between these flexibility solutions is also carried out. Finally, the new version of the tool is used to evaluate the CO2−eq emissions linked to the development of the European power system infrastructure, with flexibility solutions, up to the year 2050 (both high voltage alternative and direct current lines reinforcement being considered) under a 2 °C climate energy policy scenario. Results show that it exists various options for the development of the European grid infrastructure, which are clearly sensitive to the level of accuracy in the representation of the physical infrastructures and their technical limitations. Being able to represent the distribution grid, in addition to the transmission one, has a noticeable impact on the prospective outlook of the European power systems both in terms of infrastructure reinforcement and estimation of the needs of flexibility solutions.

A review on mechanical and tribological characterization of boron carbide reinforced epoxy composite

This article is a review of the properties of boron carbide (B4C)-reinforced polymer composites. B4C have recently become attractive to researchers, engineers, and scientists as an alternative reinforcement for polymer composites due to its attractive physical and mechanical characteristics. The tensile strength of the B4C-reinforced epoxy was lower than the neat epoxy due to the poor bonding of the materials. Various surface treatments of the reinforcement were suggested in the literature to improve the bonding between the reinforcement and the matrix. B4C addition improved the elastic modulus of the epoxy. No clear trend was observed for the flexural behavior of the same. It was mainly dependent on the type of epoxy used and size and concentration of reinforcement. A higher B4C particulate addition in epoxy improved the hardness values of the composites. There was a marginal improvement in the shear strength of the B4C-reinforced composites. The commonly observed plasticization tendency of epoxy after moisture absorption was less severe when epoxy was reinforced with B4C particulates. Poor anchoring of B4C particulates in the resin hampered the wear resistance of the composite. The situation further worsens after moisture absorption. However, cavitation erosion behavior of the composite improved and limited to localized areas.

Kajian Stabilitas Lereng dengan Perkuatan Geotekstil dan Dinding Penahan Tanah Kantilever di Ruas Jalan Padang-Lb. Selasih Sumatera Barat

A typical relatively steep slope makes the Lb. Selasih – Bts. Kota Padang KM.29+650 experienced a landslide in 2017. So, it is necessary to strengthen the slope to overcome the landslide. Alternative slope reinforcement used is reinforcement using cantilever retaining walls or geotextiles. Slope stability analysis before and after were analyzed using the Slope/W program. The output produced by Slope/W program is the value of the safety factor. The safety factor value for the state of the original slope is 1.100. It shows that the slope in the original condition is unstable and vulnerable to landslide hazards. The retaining wall has a height of 11 m and a base plate width of 8 m. The results of the analysis showed that the cantilever retaining wall securely with stands shear, rolling, and bearing capacity of the subgrade with a safety factor value of 1.620; 1.550; 2.160, while geotextile reinforcement has a height of 16 m and an ultimate tensile strength of 200 kN / m. The results of the analysis showed that the reinforcement of the geotextile safely sliding, stability, and bearing capacity of the subgrade with a safety factor value of 1.600; 2.330; 2.860. Both of these reinforcements are safe to stabilize the slope by increasing the value of the slope safety factor by 2.235 for strengthening the cantilevered retaining wall and 2.279 for strengthening the geotextile.

Providing noncontingent, alternative, functional reinforcers during delays following functional communication training.

Functional Communication Training (FCT) involves arranging extinction for problem behavior and reinforcement for a more desirable, functionally equivalent, communicative response (FCR). Although effective under ideal arrangements, the introduction of delays to reinforcement following the FCR can result in increased problem behavior. Austin and Tiger (2015) showed that for individuals whose problem behavior was sensitive to multiple sources of reinforcement, providing access to alternative, functional reinforcers during delays mitigated this increase in problem behavior during delay fading. The current study replicated the procedures of Austin and Tiger with 2 individuals displaying multiply controlled problem behavior. Providing alternative functional reinforcers reduced problem behavior during 10-min delays for both participants without requiring delay fading.

Quoting the Classics: An Alternative Reinforcement of Regime Legitimacy in China

After the opening reform of China, the revival of Chinese traditional culture has raised by the CCP. One characteristic of this revival has emerged with the continuous adaption of the Chinese classics in speeches of top leaders of the CCP . In particular, the current president Xi Jinping likes to cite Chinese traditional classics more than his two predecessors. This paper examines this tendency. At the same time, the CCP propaganda department also actively matches up Xi’s citation. They have published official interpretation books, raised Xi’s personal prestige as a Confucian gentleman possessing the good values of Chinese traditional philosophy. These values are aimed at gaining the support of the conservative climate in Chinese society and adapted to be an alternative for the reinforcement of CCP legitimacy. This paper also examines some concrete governmental policies of raising this adaption and observes that Xi and the CCP have begun to use it to connect with current social problems and their solutions in China, such as officials’ morality, social justice and equality, rule by law and nationalism. However, Xi has not matched this perfect commitment in reality.

Sex differences in cholinergic regulation of behavioral responses to rewarding and aversive stimuli

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health concern, characterized by dysregulation in drug taking, drug seeking, and compulsive behavior, as well as deficits in the valuation of drugs and alternative reinforcers. Determining neurobiological factors that contribute to individual variability of SUD is critical for identification of at‐risk populations as well as the use of preventative measures and personalized medicine in treatment. Women represent a particularly vulnerable population when it comes to the development and trajectory of SUD, therefore understanding the sex‐specific mechanisms underlying the differential control of reward and motivation will be critical for improving treatment outcomes in women. At the core of this SUD vulnerability is an enhancement in reward processing and motivation for both natural and drug rewards. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) have been directly linked to the control of reward‐related behavior for both natural and drug reinforcers, thus, here we aimed to understand how these receptor populations differentially control motivated behavior for positive and negative stimuli in a sex‐specific fashion. Mice were trained to acquire positive (response = reward delivery) and negative (response = shock removal) reinforcement in the presence of discrete antecedent auditory cues. We found sex differences in performance at baseline, with females showing reduced rates of acquisition for negative reinforcement and increase motivation for positive reinforcers. Next, the non‐selective nAChR antagonist, mecamylamine, was administered systemically to assess the effect of nAChRs on task performance. Blocking nAChRs reduced discrimination for auditory cues in both sexes regardless of what task type they were predicting, demonstrating that its effects on reinforcement are not stimulus specific. Further, while we saw sex‐differences in reinforcement at baseline, we observed no sex differences following mecamylamine treatment. Together this data shows that nAChR modulation of reward‐related behavior eliminates basal sex differences in reinforcement behavior and suggests that the cholinergic system may be a crucial factor in sex differences in motivation.Support or Funding Information Funding was provided by startup funds from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (to E.S.C.) and the Vanderbilt University Academic Pathways Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (to L.J.B.). Funds from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) DA042111 and DA048931(E.S.C), the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (to E.S.C), Whitehall Foundation (to E.S.C), and the Edward J Mallinckrodt Jr. Foundation (to E.S.C) also supported this work.

Rheological, tensile, and thermal properties of poly(butylene succinate) composites filled with two types of cellulose (kenaf cellulose fiber and commercial cellulose)

AbstractKenaf cellulose fiber was extracted from kenaf locally grown in Thailand as a potential local renewable resource for the cellulose fiber. In this study, the biodegradable polymer composites, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/cellulose fiber composites with different types of cellulose were prepared. The kenaf fiber treated with hydrochloric acid (KTH), extracted cellulose fiber (EC), and commercial cellulose fiber (CC) were selected as alternative renewable fillers in the PBS (the biodegradable polymer). Regarding the fiber characteristics, the aspect ratio of the EC (11.5) was found to be higher than that of the CC (6.1). In a similar manner, the EC contained 65.9% crystallinity, which was higher than that of the CC (37.0%) and the KTH (58.9%). Moreover, the EC exhibited higher thermal stability (Td[Max] = 362.9°C) than the CC (Td[Max] = 302.0°C) and the KTH (Td[Max] = 353.8°C). For PBS/cellulose fiber composites, the rheological, tensile, and thermal properties were studied. The rheology results revealed that the addition of the fiber changed the PBS microstructure. The EC fiber dispersion in the PBS seemed to be better than the others; however, the KTH fiber dispersion was poor. The addition of the fiber raised the elastic moduli of the composites by 5‐26%; however, it reduced the tensile strengths (by 14‐53%) and the decomposition temperatures (by 1‐2%). Furthermore, the addition of the fiber slightly affected the crystallization temperatures and melting temperatures of the composites. The yellowness and whiteness of the composites were marginally reduced. The composite with the EC fiber showed a significant improvement in the elastic modulus as compared to the composite with the CC fiber, while the tensile strength and the strain at maximum stress were comparable. Thus, according to the rheological, thermal, and tensile properties of the composites, the EC fiber showed a possibility of using as an alternative reinforcement material from a local renewable resource.

Role of Projections between Piriform Cortex and Orbitofrontal Cortex in Relapse to Fentanyl Seeking after Palatable Food Choice-Induced Voluntary Abstinence.

We recently developed a rat model of relapse to drug seeking after food choice-induced voluntary abstinence. Here, we used this model to study the role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and its afferent projections in relapse to fentanyl seeking. We trained male and female rats to self-administer palatable food pellets for 6 d (6 h/d) and intravenous fentanyl (2.5 μg/kg/infusion) for 12 d (6 h/d). We assessed relapse to fentanyl seeking after 13-14 voluntary abstinence days, achieved through a discrete choice procedure between fentanyl infusions and palatable food (20 trials/d). In both sexes, relapse after food choice-induced abstinence was associated with increased expression of the activity marker Fos in the OFC. Pharmacological inactivation of the OFC with muscimol plus baclofen (50 + 50 ng/side) decreased relapse to fentanyl seeking. We then determined projection-specific activation of OFC afferents during the relapse test by using Fos plus the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B (injected into the OFC). Relapse to fentanyl seeking was associated with increased Fos expression in the piriform cortex (Pir) neurons projecting to the OFC, but not in projections from the basolateral amygdala and thalamus. Pharmacological inactivation of the Pir with muscimol plus baclofen decreased relapse to fentanyl seeking after voluntary abstinence. Next, we used an anatomical disconnection procedure to determine whether projections between the Pir and OFC are critical for relapse to fentanyl seeking. Unilateral muscimol plus baclofen injections into the Pir in one hemisphere plus unilateral muscimol plus baclofen injections into the OFC in the contralateral, but not ipsilateral, hemisphere decreased relapse. Our results identify Pir-OFC projections as a new motivation-related pathway critical to relapse to opioid seeking after voluntary abstinence.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT There are few preclinical studies of fentanyl relapse, and these studies have used experimenter-imposed extinction or forced abstinence procedures. In humans, however, abstinence is often voluntary, with drug available in the drug environment but forgone in favor of nondrug alternative reinforcers. We recently developed a rat model of drug relapse after palatable food choice-induced voluntary abstinence. Here, we used classical pharmacology, immunohistochemistry, and retrograde tracing to demonstrate a critical role of the piriform and orbitofrontal cortices in relapse to opioid seeking after voluntary abstinence.

Choice is relative: Reinforcing value of food and activity in obesity treatment.

Persons with obesity find high-energy-dense food and sedentary behaviors highly reinforcing. Diets and exercise programs deprive individuals of many favorite foods and activities, which can counterproductively heighten their value and lead to relapse. Since the value of reinforcers depend on the alternatives available, one approach to reducing food and sedentary activity reinforcement is to build healthy alternative reinforcers. Current behavioral treatment programs for children and adults do not attempt to build alternative reinforcers as substitutes for unhealthy behaviors to reduce the impact of food or activity deprivation on the motivation to eat or be inactive. A goal of the next generation of obesity treatment programs should focus on development of healthy behaviors as reinforcers so that people will be motivated to engage in them. This article provides an overview of relationships among reinforcers, how understanding substitutes and complements can influence eating and activity, and how enriching a person's environment and providing choice architecture can enhance weight control. Ideas for translation of these basic behavioral economic principles to obesity treatment programs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Performance on a progressive-ratio schedule of food reinforcement during concurrent access to a sucrose solution or tap water

Seven food-deprived rats were observed on a progressive-ratio 5 schedule of food reinforcement under baseline conditions and during concurrent access to tap water, a 1 % sucrose solution, or a 5 % sucrose solution. Subjects responded for the alternative reinforcer primarily during the preratio pause. Responding for the alternative reinforcer caused a local increase in pause durations in all conditions, however, the mean pause duration for the session increased only when the 5 % sucrose solution was available. Otherwise, the increase in pause durations that accompanied responding for the alternative reinforcer was offset by reducing pausing at other times. Access to the 5 % sucrose solution changed the relation of ratio size to pause duration in several subjects in that the longest pause durations occurred before the end of the session rather than when the highest ratios were in effect. Breakpoints were largely unaffected by alternative reinforcement.

Lignin as Alternative Reinforcing Filler in the Rubber Industry: A Review

Lignin has a potential reinforcing filler and alternative to carbon black in rubber industry. This is due to cheaper materials, abundant with yearly renewable source, low weight, high biological efficiency and wide ecological adaptability. Utilization of bio-filler in rubber industry has increased more attention among the researchers due to increasing environmental concerns and toxicological effect of carbon black towards health and environment. This article is intended to summarize the current efforts in development of green and sustainable of rubber product. Instead of focused to silica and alternative rubber matrix like guayule and Russian dandelion, lignin also has potential as reinforcing filler and lead to development of competitive green rubber composites. Lignin has several special properties such as good mechanical, physico-chemical, biodegradability, antioxidant and excellent thermal stability. However, incorporation of lignin in rubber matrix is not a straightforward and needs to overcome with certain suitable solution because of the polarity of lignin molecules which contribute to strong self-interactions. Consequently, chemical modification of lignin is often used to improve the dispersion of lignin in elastomers, or compatibilizer is added to enhance interfacial of adhesion between lignin and rubber matrix. This review attempts to compile relevant knowledge about the performance of lignin-filled rubber composite from different approach such as mixing method, surface modification, hybrid filler etc. This study is expected to gain significance interest of researcher globally on the subject of lignin-based rubber composites and the advancement of development in green rubber product.

Physical, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Areca Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites — An Overview

Areca catechu, is a species of palm belonging to the family of Arecaceae/Palmae, grows vertically, to the height of 10 m to 20 m, the stem is straight, solitary and slender, 10 cm to 15 cm in diameter, with marks of annulated scars of fallen leaf sheaths. Areca fibres are predominantly extracted not only from the fruit as areca husk, but also from leaf stalks and fronds. In this review paper, areca fibre is compared with those of other representative species of the Arecaceae/Palmae family, such as the coconut tree and the palm tree, in terms of physical and mechanical properties. This review article also discusses the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of areca fibre and its composites. The review of known published data reveals that, while areca fibre has the potential to be used as an alternative reinforcement in polymer composites. Besides, it has been also noticed that some other species from the family of Arecaceae/Palmae have not been explored as natural fibre reinforcement in polymer composites either, thus revealing further options of natural alternative reinforcement to be investigated with regard to their potential to be used in fibre based composites for the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.

Recent research status on synthesis and characterization of natural fibers reinforced polymer composites and modern friction materials – An overview

The current growth in environmental awareness results in use of natural fibers as alternative reinforcement materials for polymer composites. Green composites are being used which are filled with natural fibers due to awareness towards environmental concern. The purpose of present overview is to put forward the various types of manufacturing methods used for the development of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites by various researchers. Also different types of matrices used are mentioned with justification, different properties considered by different researchers to access the performance of NFRPCs are presented to know the behavior of newly formed composite material.Modern friction materials have application in automotive, aerospace and industrial brake systems. The kinetic energy is converted to thermal energy by means of friction provided by friction material. In order to perform this task friction material should have constant coefficient of friction at all operating conditions. It should posses resistance to heat and water. It should posses high thermal stability and low wear rate. To meet these requirements, composite friction materials have been designed often based on experience or a trial and error method to make a new formulations. Selection of Binders, fibers, fillers, and modifiers plays key role in deciding new formulation of friction composite. Listing out these ingredients from literature give rise to idea for selection of suitable ingredient of new formulation which can be acceptable worldwide. Various test samples manufactured and compared with commercially available friction materials in the market are shown. This gives idea about friction materials which fulfills the need of future. Finally, some inferences are drawn from an overview and concluded future research scope that will be helpful to a new investigator in the area of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites and modern friction composites.

Appraisal on Varied Natural and Artificial Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Composites

Abstract Professionals, experts and scientists of modern era treasure the use of Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites and find these very significant due to the necessity in countless arenas like automobiles, infrastructure, marine vessels and equipment, chemical industry, sporting goods, domestic articles etc. These mixtures of amalgams of strengthened fibers also develop extensively as possible fixings for the construction of composites of diverse applications. These inventions are not only used as an alternative reinforcement due to their high level of specific strength but also hail with the rewards of low price, less heaviness and adequate good mechanical possessions or properties. Here, experts must take note of the lavish obtainability of natural and synthetic elements in India like kenaf, jute, oil palm, cotton flax, hemp, sisal, nylon, polyester, etc. These elements are the boundless gift of the nature and acquiring thorough attention in every nook and corner of today’s technology. These crossbred complex materials are undoubtedly a combination of more than one dissimilar kinds of filament which are armored in a single chemical compound or contrariwise and display inimitable possessions that are challenging to attain from a single sort of hybrid complex materials of strengthened fiber polyamide. Complex chemical compounds or polyamides do demonstrate an important and remarkable function of congeniality over filaments besides the heftiness of cross complex materials. Therefore the assortment of polymer with fibers should be always considered cautiously

Flexural behaviour of concrete slabs reinforced with GFRP bars and hollow composite reinforcing systems

Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars are now attracting attention as an alternative reinforcement in concrete slabs because of their high resistance to corrosion that is a major problem for steel bars. Recentlyhollow concrete slab systems are being used to reduce the amount of concrete in the slab and to minimise the self-weight, but the internal holes makes them prone to shear failure and collapse. A hollow composite reinforcing system (CRS) with four flanges to improve the bond with concrete has recently been developed to stabilise the holes in concrete members. This study investigated the flexural behaviour of concrete slabs reinforced with GFRP bars and CRS. Four full-scale concrete slabs (solid slab reinforced with GFRP bars; hollow slab reinforced with GFRP bars; slab reinforced with GFRP bars and CRS; and slab reinforced with steel bars and CRS) were prepared and tested under four-point static bending to understand how this new construction system would perform. CRS is found to enhance the structural performance of hollow concrete slabs because it is more compatible with GFRP bars than steel bars due to their similar modulus of elasticity. A simplified Fibre Model Analysis (FMA) reliably predicted the capacity of hollow concrete slabs.

Design method for strengthening high-proportion renewable energy regional power grid using VSC-HVDC technology

This paper proposes a general design method for strengthening regional power grids with high proportion of renewable energy using voltage source converter based high voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) technology. First, three main security and stability problems of regional power grids with high proportion of renewable energy are pointed out, which implies the necessity of the VSC-HVDC reinforcement scheme. Second, two VSC-HVDC reinforcement schemes are designed to strengthen a real high-proportion renewable energy regional power grid in China, with emphases on the determination of location and capacity of VSC stations. Third, three evaluation indexes that related to the security and stability of power grids are put forward, namely line load rate, bus voltage level and system strength of the VSC-connected terminal. Finally, the two alternative reinforcement schemes are analyzed in detail. The results show that, the two VSC-HVDC schemes can well solve the line overload problem of electromagnetic loop networks with high generation of renewable energy, and can effectively increase the voltage level of the system during the fault period. After a comprehensive evaluation, scheme 2 is slightly superior to scheme 1.

Examining stimuli paired with alternative reinforcement to mitigate resurgence in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and pigeons.

In two laboratory experiments, we examined whether stimuli paired with alternative reinforcers could mitigate resurgence of a previously reinforced target response with pigeons (Experiment 1) and children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Experiment 2). In Phase 1, we arranged food reinforcement according to a variable-ratio schedule for engaging in a target response. In Phase 2, we arranged extinction for target responding and differentially reinforced alternative responding according to a fixed-ratio schedule, with every alternative-reinforcer delivery paired with a change in keylight color (Experiment 1) or automated verbal (praise) statement (Experiment 2). In Phase 3, we assessed resurgence during extinction of target and alternative responding in the presence versus absence of continued presentation of the paired stimulus. Despite variation across sessions, resurgence on average was lower when continuing to present the paired stimuli in all pigeons and children while maintenance of alternative responding did not differ between assessments. These findings indicate that stimuli paired with alternative reinforcement can modestly decrease resurgence, but further examination of their efficacy and a better understanding of the underlying processes are necessary before they can be recommended for clinical use in reducing resurgence of clinically relevant problem behavior.

Explorative Study on the Use of Curauá Reinforced Polypropylene Composites for the Automotive Industry.

The automotive industry is under a growing volume of regulations regarding environmental impact and component recycling. Nowadays, glass fiber-based composites are commodities in the automotive industry, but show limitations when recycled. Thus, attention is being devoted to alternative reinforcements like natural fibers. Curauá (Curacao, Ananas erectifolius) is reported in the literature as a promising source of natural fiber prone to be used as composite reinforcement. Nonetheless, one important challenge is to obtain properly dispersed materials, especially when the percentages of reinforcements are higher than 30 wt %. In this work, composite materials with curauá fiber contents ranging from 20 wt % to 50 wt % showed a linear positive evolution of its tensile strength and Young’s modulus against reinforcement content. This is an indication of good reinforcement dispersion and of favorable stress transfer at the fiber-matrix interphase. A car door handle was used as a test case to assess the suitability of curauá-based composites to replace glass fiber-reinforced composites. The mechanical analysis and a preliminary lifecycle analysis are performed to prove such ability.

Enhancing microfibrillated cellulose reinforcing efficiency in epoxy composites by graphene oxide crosslinking

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has the potential to be used as an alternate reinforcement to glass fibers. However, glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites at usual operating temperatures (below Tg) are still superior to MFC infused epoxy composites. In this work, MFC mats with variable amounts of graphene oxide (GO) crosslinking were prepared using epichlorohydrin. Crosslinked MFC/GO epoxy composites with constant fiber content and different GO loadings were fabricated by impregnation of the freeze-dried crosslinked MFC/GO mats with the epoxy/hardener mixture followed by compression molding. Composites with 15 vol% MFC and 2 wt% GO crosslinking exhibit a storage modulus in the glassy state (40 °C) of 6.5 GPa, which surpasses the storage modulus of glass fiber/epoxy composite with similar fiber volume content (6.2 GPa at 40 °C). Thus, with a small amount of GO crosslinking, MFC was shown to possess superior modulus and lower weight when compared to glass fiber composites at similar fiber volume content.

Rheological and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Abutilon Natural Straw and Polylactic Acid Biocomposites

Recently, natural fibers have become attractive materials to engineers, scientists, and researchers as an alternative reinforcement for biocomposites. In this study, polylactic acid/abutilon natural straw biocomposites with various abutilon straw weight fractions were prepared by melt blending. The differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) results showed a significant influence of the abutilon straw on the melting behavior of PLA, even at the low abutilon straw contents. The dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that the storage modulus, as well as tan delta of the biocomposites, increased when the abutilon straw content increases, which indicates better interaction between abutilon natural straw and PLA. The incorporation of abutilon straw into biocomposites provided favorable changes in rheology related to the matrix. SEM observation revealed good dispersion of the abutilon straw in PLA.