Bending Modulus Of Elasticity Research Articles

Effects of alkyl-ketene dimer on physical, mechanical and formaldehyde emission properties of particleboard produced with melamine-impregnated paper waste

ABSTRACT This study aimed to enhance the physical properties and the weak heat transmission of the core layer, which are the weak points of particleboard produced using melamine-impregnated paper waste (MIPW) as an adhesive. Alkyl-ketene dimer (AKD) and paraffin were used as water-repellent chemicals. MIPW was used as an adhesive, and no additional resin was used. As a result of this study, the samples’ physical properties improved with AKD and paraffin's existence. Moreover, it has been approved that AKD is more effective than paraffin in improving the physical properties of the particleboard because AKD improves ester bonding with hydroxyl groups of cellulose fibers. The usage of water repellents resulted in the improvement of internal bond (IB) properties. It was determined that the type and amount of water-repellent chemicals significantly affected the mechanical and physical properties and formaldehyde content of the produced particleboards, except for bending properties. Just the chemical type was found to be significantly effective on bending strength (BS) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) properties. Overall, the study findings suggested that AKD might be successfully utilized as a water-repellent chemical in particleboard manufacturing, while MIPWs used as an adhesive.

Studying the influence of additives of cationic latex and basalt fiber on the calculated characteristics of stone-sand mixtures made of iron tailings reinforced with cement

Problem. As a major industrial solid waste, iron tailings not only occupy a lot of agricultural land, but also pollute the environment. It is necessary to study the effect of adding different concentrations of aqueous cationic latex and different lengths of basalt fibers to the composition of crushed stone-sand mixtures of iron tailings and cement on the parameters of flexural ultimate tensile strength and the characteristics of the modulus of elasticity calculation. Goal. The effect of additives of aqueous cationic latexes of different concentrations and basalt fiber of different lengths in the composition of crushed stone-sand mixtures of iron tailings with cement on the flexural tensile strength and the elastic modulus as design characteristics was investigated. Methodology. The first stage of the study was to determine the effect of the content of two cationic latexes on the values of the tensile strength in flexion and the elastic modulus of the material from CSM-40 made of iron tailings reinforced with cement. The content of Butonal NS 198 and Butonal 5126 latexes in the composition of CSM-40 was 0, 3, 5, and 10 % by weight of the optimal amount of water at the maximum density of the mixture with cement. At the second stage, the influence of the length of basalt fibers at their content of 0.05 % by weight of the crushed stone and sand mixture on the values of the flexural tensile strength and the elastic modulus of the material from the cement-reinforced iron tailings CSM-40 was studied. It has been established that the addition of cationic latexes of the Butonal series to the composition of crushed stone-sand mixtures of iron tailings with cement causes a moderate increase in the values of the flexural tensile strength and the elastic modulus, compared to the material without the addition of latexes. Experimentally, a more significant increase in the values of the flexural tensile strength and elastic modulus of fiber-reinforced materials made of crushed stone-sand mixtures of iron tailings with cement was found compared to materials modified with cationic latexes. Conclusions:1.When the latex content is 5% (equivalent to the critical concentration of micelle formation in aqueous solution), the flexural tensile strength can be increased by a maximum of 14-15%. Under similar conditions, the elastic modulus value increases by 12-18%. 2.The addition of 0.05% (by weight) basalt fiber to the crushed stone and sand mixture of rust-colored quartzite reinforced with cement improves the bending strength and elastic modulus values compared to the non-fiber material. The largest increases in flexural tensile strength (18.5%) and elastic modulus (27.1%) are for materials with basalt fiber lengths of 18 mm.

Effect of climate and wood type on elastic modulus of heat-treated wood and its optimization by the Taguchi method

Wood, as the oldest building material, provides some of the basic needs of human beings, including shelter and protection. Wood is used in exterior cladding, carrier systems, joinery, ceiling-floor coverings, windows, doors, and furniture production. When wooden material is exposed to external weather conditions, due to its hygroscopic structure, its physical and mechanical properties deteriorate from exposure to moisture, temperature, and biological organisms. The bending modulus of elasticity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), oak (Quercus petraea L.), and chestnut (Castanea sativa M.) wood that was tannin-impregnated and heat-treated at 160 °C, was investigated using Taguchi L9 (33). The sequence was optimized. After heat treatment, the carrier elements were subjected to artificial climate conditions. In the optimization of the data obtained, it was understood that the highest impact factor was the tree type. In contrast, the climate on the elastic modulus was the lowest impact factor. In Taguchi analysis, a mathematical prediction model was created using actual and predicted data using the S/N ratio’s biggest-best equation. The R2 of the model can be predicted with an accuracy rate of 98.6%.

Studying the Structure and Properties of Epoxy Composites Modified by Original and Functionalized with Hexamethylenediamine by Electrochemically Synthesized Graphene Oxide.

In this study, we used multilayer graphene oxide (GO) obtained by anodic oxidation of graphite powder in 83% sulfuric acid. The modification of GO was carried out by its interaction with hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) according to the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution between the amino group of HMDA (HMDA) and the epoxy groups of GO, accompanied by partial reduction of multilayer GO and an increase in the deformation of the carbon layers. The structure and properties of modified HMDA-GO were characterized using research methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The conducted studies show the effectiveness of using HMDA-OG for modifying epoxy composites. Functionalizing treatment of GO particles helps reduce the free surface energy at the polymer-nanofiller interface and increase adhesion, which leads to the improvement in physical and mechanical characteristics of the composite material. The results demonstrate an increase in the strength and elastic modulus in bending by 48% and 102%, respectively, an increase in the impact strength by 122%, and an increase in the strength and elastic modulus in tension by 82% and 47%, respectively, as compared to the pristine epoxy composite which did not contain GO-HMDA. It has been found that the addition of GO-HMDA into the epoxy composition initiates the polymerization process due to the participation of reactive amino groups in the polymerization reaction, and also provides an increase in the thermal stability of epoxy nanocomposites.

Modeling and experimental investigations of mechanical properties of hybrid composite rods with gradient composition

The concept of creating a functionally gradient material characterized by a smooth change in composition was used in the fabrication of hybrid composite rods. A hybrid core structure with a glass fiber core and a carbon fiber shell was adopted as the basis. To reduce the risk of delamination at the core-shell interface, a gradual transition was implemented from the core of the rod, made based on high-modulus fiber, to the outer shell composed of low-modulus fiber. The strength and modulus of elasticity in bending for hybrid composite rods were modeled. Using the proposed model, an optimal scheme for distributing glass and carbon fibers across the cross-section of a composite rod was selected. Hybrid composite rods with a diameter of 25 mm, with the same matrix (31±0,1%) and fiber (69±0,1%) content, but with different distribution patterns of glass and carbon fibers along the cross-section, were manufactured via pultrusion technique. The bending strength and stiffness characteristics of composite rods were experimentally determined. Mechanical properties of rods with different reinforcement schemes were compared: homogeneous, core-shell, single, and double gradient. The results indicate that a hybrid rod with a gradient reinforcement scheme exhibits higher values of strength and modulus of elasticity during bending. The modulus of elasticity of the rod with the "double gradient" structure was 103 GPa, for comparison, the modulus of elasticity of the rod made by the "core-shell" scheme was 82 GPa. The simulation aligns well with the experimental data.

Effect of colorants on interfacial compatibility in wood flour/poly (β-hydroxybutyrate valerate) composites

ABSTRACT In order to study the effect of the colorants on interfacial compatibility between wood and polymer in wood flour/Poly (β-hydroxybutyrate valerate) composites (WPHBVs), three kinds of colorants (white, yellow and red colorants) were added respectively to color the WPHBVs. The results showed that the bending strength and elastic modulus of the WPHBVs increased first and then decreased with the increase of colorant content. When the amount of white, yellow and red colorants was 3%, 2% and 3%, respectively, the WPHBVs showed the best performance. The bending strength increased by 21%, 33% and 18% respectively, and the elastic modulus increased by 26%, 37% and 21% respectively. The SEM micrographs of the WPHBVs revealed that some of the cracks and grooves in the wood fibers were coated with the dispersed colorant, which improved the mechanical properties of the WPHBVs. However, there were no new obvious characteristic peaks in the FT-IR spectra of the WPHBVs, indicating that the colorants only facilitated thorough mixing of wood flour with PHBV. The addition of these colorants improved the compatibility between wood flour and PHBV, and significantly improved the bending strength and elastic modulus of the WPHBVs.

Effect of selective enhancement on the bending performance of fused deposition methods 3D-printed PLA models

The top and bottom shells of fused deposition 3D-printed PLA models are exposed to the highest stresses. To improve the bending performance of PLA models under three-point bending conditions, the models were strengthened by a selective enhancement method. Several sets of PLA models were fabricated using FDM technology, and three-point bending experiments were conducted to compare the bending strength of PLA models when the layer height, top/bottom shell thickness, and extrusion rate were varied. The bending strength of the PLA models increased as the layer height of the top/bottom shell decreased, the thickness increased, and the extrusion rate increased. The average bending strength of the PLA models after selective enhancement was 84.4 MPa, and the average bending modulus of elasticity was 0.816 GPa, which were higher than the average bending strength of 68.6 MPa and the average bending modulus of elasticity of 0.736 GPa of the conventional groups. These results indicated that the selective enhancement method improved the bending performance of 3D-printed PLA models, and it also provided a reference for the improvement of the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed models with cellulose composite reinforced materials.

Performance enhancement of 3D‐printed carbon fiber‐reinforced nylon 6 composites

AbstractThe inherent defects of the layer‐by‐layer manufacturing process limit the mechanical performance of 3D‐printed composite parts. This paper explores a process optimization method for continuous fiber composites 3D printing to improve the mechanical performance of 3D‐printed CF/PA6 (Carbon Fiber/Nylon 6) parts. First, the effects of printing temperature, printing speed, layer thickness, and side step on the mechanical performance of 3D‐printed CF/PA6 were studied by conducting variable parameter printing experiments. All optimal printing parameters for CF/PA6 were obtained, and their impact mechanisms were analyzed. Second, the coupling effect of temperature and pressure of post‐processing reduced the internal voids of 3D‐printed CF/PA6 and improved its mechanical properties. The influence mechanism of the coupling effect of temperature and pressure was summarized, and the optimal post‐processing parameters applicable to CF/PA6 were obtained. Based on the above process optimization, the fiber volume content of the printed CF/PA6 reached 41.05%, and the bending strength and elastic modulus reached 651.54 MPa and 79.08 GPa, which were 209.05% and 179.53% higher than those before optimization. Moreover, the tensile strength and elastic modulus reached 730 MPa and 29.23GPa, which were 98.10% and 81.10% higher than those before optimization. The experimental results give a positive validation of the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methodology.Highlights The effects of printing temperature, printing speed, layer thickness, and side step on the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed CF/PA6 were investigated. The optimal printing parameters applicable to CF/PA6 were obtained and their influence mechanisms were analyzed. The effects of the heat press processing method on the internal voids and mechanical properties of 3D‐printed CF/PA6 were investigated, and the optimal post‐processing parameters applicable to CF/PA6 were obtained. The study resulted in optimal printing parameters and post‐processing parameters for 3D printing CF/PA6, which greatly enhanced its tensile and flexural strength and modulus.

Determination of the Static Bending Properties of Green Beech and Oak Wood by the Frequency Resonance Technique

This article discusses the non-destructive evaluation of the mechanical properties of green wood. To estimate the dynamic flexural modulus of elasticity (MOED), a non-destructive test (NDT) method—the frequency resonance technique (FRT)—was used. A three-point bending test was carried out to determine the static bending properties as the bending modulus of elasticity (MOE), the modulus of rupture (MOR), and bending toughness (Aw). This article presents the results of a study comparing the correlations between the dynamic and static bending parameters of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.) wood, which was further divided into heartwood and sapwood. These species were chosen as the most widespread representatives of diffuse-porous and ring-porous hardwoods. This study found statistically significant differences in most mechanical parameters between the two species, except for MOR. Among the investigated parameters, beech had higher values than oak (by 22.1% for MOED, 9.5% for MOE, and 12.1% for Aw). Furthermore, relevant correlations (R > |0.7|) were established between MOED and between some of the static flexural parameters. These correlations were stronger for beech, which due to its more homogeneous structure showed less data variability than the ring-porous oak.

PLA-Based Composite Panels Prepared via Multi-Material Fused Filament Fabrication and Associated Investigation of Process Parameters on Flexural Properties of the Fabricated Composite.

This study prepares composite panels with three Polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials via the multi-material fused filament fabrication method. The influences of four processing parameters on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed samples are investigated employing the Taguchi method. These parameters include the relative volume ratio, material printing order, filling pattern, and filling density. A "larger is better" signal-to-noise analysis is performed to identify the optimal combination of printing parameters that yield maximum bending strength and bending modulus of elasticity. The results reveal that the optimal combination of printing parameters that maximizes the bending strength involves a volume ratio of 1:1:2, a material sequence of PLA/foam-agent-modified eco-friendly PLA (ePLA-LW)/glass fiber-reinforced eco-friendly PLA (ePLA-GF), a Gyroid filling pattern, and a filling density of 80%, and the optimal combination of printing parameters for maximum bending modulus involves a volume ratio of 1:2:1 with a material sequence of PLA/ePLA-LW/ePLA-GF, a Grid filling pattern, and 80% filling density. The Taguchi prediction method is utilized to determine an optimal combination of processing parameters for achieving optimal flexural performances, and predicted outcomes are validated through related experiments. The experimental values of strength and modulus are 43.91 MPa and 1.23 GPa, respectively, both very close to the predicted values of 46.87 MPa and 1.2 GPa for strength and modulus. The Taguchi experiments indicate that the material sequence is the most crucial factor influencing the flexural strength of the composite panels. The experiment result demonstrates that the flexural strength and modulus of the first material sequence are 67.72 MPa and 1.53 GPa, while the flexural strength and modulus of the third material sequence are reduced to 27.09 MPa and 0.72 GPa, respectively, only 42% and 47% of the first material sequence. The above findings provide an important reference for improving the performance of multi-material 3D-printed products.

Study on the Characterization of Physical, Mechanical, and Mildew Resistance Properties of Enzymatically Treated Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

The enhancement of the physical and mechanical properties and the anti-mildew performance of wood–plastic composites are of great significance for broadening their application field. In this research, bamboo fibers underwent treatments with safe, environmentally friendly bio-enzymes. Subsequently, a bamboo–plastic composite (BPC) was developed using the modified bamboo fibers and polyethylene. The effects of biological enzymatic treatments on the surface free energy, the chemical composition of the bamboo fibers, water resistance, thermal stability, bending performance, impact performance, and anti-mildew performance of the BPC samples were analyzed. This study revealed that treating bamboo powder with bio-enzymes (xylanase, lipase, laccase, pectinase, hemicellulase, or amylase) decreased the surface free energy and the polar components of the bamboo fibers while improving the surface O/C atomic ratio of the bamboo fibers. These enzyme treatments enhanced the water resistance, bending performance, and anti-mildew performance of the BPC samples. However, on the whole, the thermal stability of the composites decreased. Particularly, after hemicellulase treatment, the composites had the lowest water absorption, reflecting a decrease of 68.25% compared to the control group. With xylanase modification, the 24 h water absorption thickness swelling rate of the composites was the lowest, reflecting a decrease of 71.27% compared to the control group. After pectinase modification, the static bending strength and elastic modulus of the prepared composites were the highest, with an increase of 15.45% and 13.31%, respectively, compared to the unmodified group. After xylanase modification, the composites exhibited the best anti-mildew effect, with an anti-mold effectiveness of 74.67%. In conclusion, bio-enzyme treatments can enhance the physical and mechanical properties and anti-mildew performance of BPCs. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the preparation of high-performance wood–plastic composites.

Mechanical Performance of Heat-Treated Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Wood

In this study, the mechanical characteristics of Norway spruce wood (Picea abies) from Bosnia and Herzegovina were investigated by thermal treatment at three different temperatures (specifically, 180, 190, and 210°C) and treatment durations (namely, 2, 3, and 4 hours). For this purpose, the maximum 4-point bending force, the modulus of elasticity in bending, the compression strength parallel to the grain, and the compression strength perpendicular to the grain in treated and untreated specimens were evaluated. Results indicated that the relationship between temperature and duration modification affects the mechanical properties of wood specimens. The results revealed that the relationship between temperature and duration modification influenced the mechanical properties of the wood samples. Specifically, in terms of compression strength, it was observed that the heat-treated specimens exhibited improved mechanical properties compared to the unmodified specimens. However, for the maximum 4-point bending force and modulus of elasticity, the results indicated a decrease in mechanical properties.

STRENGTH CHARACTERISATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF COMBINED GLULAM BEAM MADE FROM OPEPE (Nauclea diderrichii) AND OBECHE (Triplochiton scleroxylon) TIMBERS

Quality timber species are declining due to over-exploitation in Nigeria. This has propelled the utilisation of low-grade timbers species that are considered for low-end constructions in the past which called for concern. This study establishes the viability of a typical beam made from locally sourced non-durable Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon) with highly durable Opepe (Nauclea diderrichii) timber specie in a combined glulam form, using polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesive which serves the impact of environmental sustainability and reduced cost of engineering construction. Seasoned timber samples and PVA adhesive were all obtained locally in Nigeria. Beam specimens were tested in the Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria according to EN 338 (2009). Based on tests, it is evident that solid Opepe and Obeche timber specimens exhibited more durable characteristics than their homogenous glulam when fabricated with PVA adhesive. The combined Opepe/Obeche (GLc OP/OB) glulam beam specimen was proposed into GL18c strength class according to EN 338 based on minimum constraints which it satisfies, reflecting a 41 % greater Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) in comparison with EN 338 experimental value. This study recommends the enhancement of the bending strength, density and modulus of elasticity of a typical non-durable solid Obeche timber beam by 38 %, 47 % and 35 % respectively with 40 % durable Opepe timber in a combined glulam form using PVA adhesive for engineering construction purposes.

Binders Based on Solution of Polyvinyl Butyral in Di(1-methacryloxy-3-chloro-2-propyl) Methylphosphonate–2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Mixture for Difficultly Combustible Glass-Reinforced Plastics

Binders based on solutions of polyvinyl butyral (molecular mass 43 000 and 57 000 g mol–1) in a mixture of two monomers, di(1-methacryloxy-3-chloro-2-propyl) methylphosphonate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, were developed for difficultly combustible glass-reinforced plastics (oxygen index up to 45.5 vol %). Under the conditions of redox initiation, the gel effect is reached in 82 to 418 min. The glass-reinforced plastic prepared by vacuum infusion from T11 glass fabric and the binder developed (at the binder content no higher than 35.2 wt %) exhibits the elastic modulus in bending across the warp of up to 17.9 GPa and the breaking stress in static bending across the warp of up to 178.4 MPa.

Research on the Influence of Compression and Offset of Cushion Blocks on the Axial Strength of Transformers

The instability of the winding-cushion structure is one of the primary causes of transformer failures. Insulation cushion compression and offset are the predominant forms leading to structural instability. Therefore, this paper, using the SFSZ7-31500/110 transformer as an example, first derives the theoretical formula for mechanical stress calculation. It clarifies the key influencing parameters of the winding-cushion block structure on the axial bending stress of the winding. Subsequently, an electromagnetic force finite element calculation model is established to obtain the axial force distribution in the winding and the distribution of unbalanced displacement during short-circuit processes. Based on the force and offset distribution, a specific cushion block compression and offset test platform is constructed. By setting different cushion block variables, the effects of cushion block unbalanced height and cushion block offset on the winding’s bending elastic modulus are determined. Finally, a simulation model for stress calculation of the winding-cushion block structure is established, revealing the influence pattern of cushion block compression and offset instability on the axial strength of the winding. The results of this study indicate that the greater the uneven cushion block height, the lower the axial strength of the winding. Under the same cushion block offset angle, winding structures with non-uniform cushion block offsets exhibit the worst axial stability. When the offset angles are 30°, 45°, and 60°, the maximum axial bending stress of the winding increases by 1.73%, 3.46%, and 7.82%, respectively. Increasing the offset angle exacerbates the decrease in the axial strength of the winding up to a certain extent. The findings in this study have significant implications for enhancing a transformer’s short-circuit resistance.

Emprenye ve Isıl İşlemin Ahşap Malzemenin Bazı Fiziksel ve Mekanik Özelliklerine Etkileri

The aim of this study was to determine some physical and mechanical properties of spruce (Picea orientalis) wood, which was impregnated with aqueous solutions of valonia (valex) (the extract of Quercus ithaburensis), pine bark powder (pinex) (Pinus brutia Ten.) and gallnut powder (galex) (Quercus infectoria Oliver) as a pre-treatment and then heat treated. Test specimens were prepared from sapwood of spruce wood and impregnated with 10% tannin solutions before heat treatment base on ASTM D 1413-76. After pre-impregnation processs, specimens subjected to heat treatment at 150 °C, 175 °C and 200 °C for 2 h. The effect of impregnation process and heat treatment temperature on the air-dried density, compressive strength paralell to the grain (CS), bending strength (MOR) and modulus of elasticity in bending (MOE) were analyzed. As results, impregnation solutions showed positive effects on mechanical strength in unheat-treated samples and determined that mecnaical strength loses due to heat treatment slightly limited at low temperatures. However, strength loses increased with increasing temperature. The highest strength loses were also determined in impregnated samples with galex extract and heat-treated samples at 200 °C.

Selected properties of MDF boards bonded with various fractions of recycled HDPE particles

Selected properties of MDF boards bonded with various fractions of recycled HDPE particles.The substitution of non-renewable, formaldehyde-based amine wood binders in the wood-based composites industry is one of the main directions of trials and research. On the other hand, a bigger effort should be put into carbon capture and storage (CCS) activity, especially in the case of oil-based plastics, to extend their life in the products. The aim of the research was to use waste high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in MDF panels and determine their selected properties, including modulus of elasticity in bending, bending strength, internal bond, thickness swelling, water absorption, screw withdrawal resistance, density profile when referred to the fraction of used HDPE.The panels were created in laboratory conditions with a 50% weight content of HDPE particles of different fractions (<1 mm, <2 mm, <4 mm, and a mixed fraction containing 25% of each fraction and unsorted waste). The results show that the highest strength and modulus of elasticity were obtained for panels with plastic fractions below 1 mm. This fraction also achieved the lowest results for water absorption and thickness swelling. The fraction of the used plastic has no significant effect on screw withdrawal resistance. The negative impact of using larger fractions in the board is noticeable, however, for the mixed fraction, the results are similar to the finest fraction in terms of the internal bond, thickness swelling, and water absorption. The addition of HDPE can have a beneficial effect on the parameters of MDF panels. It is possible to create fibreboards from wasted plastic, store carbon dioxide in them, and upcycle them. In the discussed panels, the only binder for wood fibres was HDPE, so panels should not emit formaldehyde from the binder.

Corn pomace as a substitute for wood raw material in lignocellulosiccomposite technology

Corn pomace as a substitute for wood raw material in lignocellulosic composite technology. Composites made from polymers PE, PP, PLA and modified starch with addition of corn pomace were produced and subjected quality parameters test. There were examined such parameters as: density, static bending strenght and modulus of elasticity and also water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 h and 24 h soaking in water, wettability and surface roughness. In general, the addition of corn pomace to polymers caused changes of parameters and through comparing parameters of different composites and control samples it was possible to indicate corn composite variants that occurs to have similar properties to pure polymer samples. Waste products should be seriously considered as a valuable substitute of wood raw material, but characteristics of composites should be improved through further research.

Mechanical and thermal properties of environmentally friendly straw boards

Straw is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and abundant raw material for building boards. To assess the feasibility of using straw boards in building envelops, such as being alternative sheathing panels in light-gauge steel-framed members, for instance, walls and floors, both the mechanical and thermal properties of straw boards with high densities were investigated. The straw boards involved in this study include five wheat straw strand boards (WSSB12, WSSB15, WSSB18, WSSB25, and WSSB30) and a paper straw board (PSB58) named with a combination of the respective board type and thickness. Among them, the WSSBs are a type of straw composite, while the PSB is an improved straw bale with sheathing paper, which is mainly for enhancing the board integrality. Moreover, the former is composed of smashed straw fibers and isocyanate resin and has higher densities, while the latter is without using any artificial binders. Mechanical properties, including compression, tension, and bending properties, were investigated by tests and a proposed prediction method of tensile strength. In the experimental studies of compression properties, the failure modes, characteristics of load-deformation curves, and the differences in material directivity were analyzed and discussed. The results show that the WSSBs were considered to be transverse isotropic material with brittle characteristics in the plane. Then, the experimental studies of bending properties were carried out, and the results show that the bending strength is less than the compressive strength for WSSBs, while the bending strength of PSB is greater than its compressive strength. And the bending elastic modulus and the compression elastic modulus are close for either the WSSBs or the PSB. Furthermore, finite element models of the bending test specimens using the user material subroutine UMAT were developed to predict the tensile strength ft, and the constraint checks were conducted. It is verified that the prediction results of ft are believable, and the prediction method proposed is feasible. For the thermal properties of straw boards, tests were performed using the temperature control box - heat flux meter method, and the thermal conductivity λ was mainly focused. It is found that a significant linear correlation exists between the density ρ and λ, and the proposed fitting formula can be used to predict the thermal conductivities of such materials. Finally, brief comparisons of the mechanical and thermal properties between the straw boards and the oriented strand boards (OSBs) were conducted, and the feasibility of applying straw boards in building envelops, such as alternative sheathing panels with load bearing and insulation demands was verified. This study contributes to popularizing the application of straw boards in engineering structures by a compromising consideration of mechanical and thermal properties, which plays a positive role in the development of green buildings.

Long non-coding RNA Homeobox D gene cluster antisense growth-associated long noncoding RNA/microRNA-182-5p/Homeobox protein A10 alleviates postmenopausal osteoporosis via accelerating osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

BackgroundStudies have illuminated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) influences bone cell differentiation and formation. Nevertheless, whether lncRNA Homeobox D gene cluster antisense growth-associated long noncoding RNA (HAGLR) was implicated in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) was yet uncertain.PurposeThe research was to explore HAGLR’s role in the osteogenic differentiation (OD) process of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).MethodsBMSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow tissues and identified by electron microscope and flow cytometry. HAGLR, microRNA (miR)-182-5p, and homeobox protein A10 (Hoxa10) levels in BMSCs were detected. Mouse BMSC OD process was induced, and calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase content were analyzed, as well as expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2, osteopontin, and osteocalcin, and cell apoptosis. Bilateral ovaries were resected from mice to construct the ovariectomized model and bone mineral density, maximum bending stress, maximum load, and elastic modulus of the femur were tested, and the femur was histopathologically evaluated. Chondrocyte apoptosis in the articular cartilage of mice was analyzed. Analysis of the interaction of HAGLR, miR-182-5p with Hoxa10 was conducted.ResultsHAGLR and Hoxa10 were down-regulated and miR-182-5p was elevated in PMOP patients. During the BMSC OD process, HAGLR and Hoxa10 levels were suppressed, while miR-182-5p was elevated. Promotion of HAGLR or suppression of miR-182-5p accelerated OD of BMSCs. Inhibition of miR-182-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of HAGLR on BMSC OD. In in vivo experiments, up-regulating HAGLR alleviated PMOP, while silencing Hoxa10 reversed the effects of upregulating HAGLR. HAGLR performed as a sponge for miR-182-5p, while miR-182-5p targeted Hoxa10.ConclusionIn general, HAGLR boosted the OD process of BMSCs and relieved PMOP via the miR-182-5p/Hoxa10 axis. These data preliminarily reveal the key role of HAGLR in PMOP, and the research results have a certain reference for the treatment of PMOP.