Biocomposites Research Articles

What are the benefits of biocomposites?

What are the benefits of biocomposites?

A Review of Hybrid polymer Bio-composites

There is a large scope for polymer composites in various fields of allocations like automotive, aerospace, civil construction materials, marine applications and many more. Developing a biodegradable industry based green materials, sustainable technology and optimal processes with low ecological impact is a general societal objective but this remains a considerable challenge to achieve. Various researchers worked for development of green or bio composites which may include use of bio waste materials like coconut shell, palm fruit, egg shell, sugarcane bagasse, banana fibers, bamboo fibers, etc. There has been less progress in the application of combination or hybridization of bio waste materials as reinforcement materials for producing polymeric composites of desired characteristics. In this paper, review of hybrid polymer Bio composites is carried out in order to identify future scope to develop novel hybrid Polymer Green composite (HPGC) for industrial applications.

Mechanical Testing of Poly Hydroxy Butyrate Co Valerate and Natural Fiber by Varying Fiber Length

The knowledge of 3D printing material used in 3D printing technique is so abundant. Even though there are many critical issues in practical applications. This paper reports the mechanical properties of Environmental friendly Bio composites. This composite material is intended to be used as a replacement for the current 3D printing material. The composite was prepared in compression molding technique under 150 kg/cm2 pressure. The composite consists of Poly Hydroxy Butyrate co Valerate (PHBV) and Sansevieria Roxburghiana. The tensile strength of the given specimen is found to be increased by the change in the volume fraction of fibers. Initially composite plates composed of both PHBV and Sansevieria Roxburghiana are prepared with different weight percentage of PHBV and different lengths of fiber such as 20mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50mm.

Preparation of Polylactide/Modified Clay Bio-composites Employing Quaternized Chitosan-Modified Montmorillonite Clays for Use as Packaging Films

Composite materials of polylactide (PLA) have been a popular environmentally-friendly and low-cost bio-composite that is used for packaging applications. Clay has been used as fillers to improve the mechanical properties of PLA and enhance the gas permeation properties of the composites. However, adding unmodified clay to PLA leads to a reduction in its tensile strength and elongation at break, due to its incompatibility with PLA. In this study, Montmorillonite clay was modified with highly-positive charged quaternized chitosan (QC) by a solution mixing process. The modification efficiency was evaluated through the change in d-spacing values of the clays by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to study the changes in the structures of the clays. QC with 50 % DQ at 10 % concentration, 2.5 % solid content, 1,000 rpm of stirring speed, and by ultra-sonication (70 % amplitude in 15 min) were observed as the optimum conditions to modify Montmorillonite. The d-spacing value increased from 12.4 A to 20.3 A, after the modification, which is comparable to the 18.2 A of commercial Cloisite 30B. The modified clays were then mixed with PLA to generate bio-composite materials. The results show that adding the modified clays (at up to 5 wt%) leads to a slight reduction in tensile strength and modulus, but a modest increase in the elongation at break of the material, compared to neat PLA. Tensile strength, strain, modulus, and elongation at break of the bio-composite are 41.60 ± 2.06 (MPa), 2.97 ± 0.15 (%), 1,740 ± 140 (MPa), and 3.00 ± 0.16 (%), in comparison with 46.20 ± 4.04 (MPa), 2.67 ± 0.26 (%), 2,015 ± 301 (MPa), and 2.79 ± 1.28 (%) for neat PLA. Moreover, the bio-composite shows an impact strength improvement of about 20 %, compared to neat PLA. Hence, QC can be applied as a promising agent to modify Montmorillonite clay for preparing bio-composites. These composites can maintain high mechanical properties and degradability with an improvement in impact strength are suitable for packaging applications.

Thermal Stability and Compression Strength of Rigid Polyurethane/Kenaf Fibre Biocomposite Foam

Rigid palm oil-based polyurethane/kenaf fibre biocomposite foams were prepared at various amounts of kenaf fibre (i.e. 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 pphp). Effects of kenaf fibre (KF) loadings on thermal stabilities and compressive strength were investigated. The peaks detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) at 3,310 cm-1 (OH stretching), 1,533 cm-1 (NH bending) and 1,510 cm-1 (CN stretching) had proved the formation of urethane linkages in the system. Results from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the thermal stabilities of biocomposite foams were higher than that of control PU foam. Higher KF contents resulted in agglomeration of which reduced the rate of heat transfer throughout the system. The presence of intra-hydrogen bonds in agglomerated KF caused more heat needs to break the bonds, thus increasing the thermal stabilities. Consequently, the agglomeration of KF created stress concentration, which reduced the compression strength of the foams with respect to the control PU foam. The presence of intra-hydrogen bonding in PU chains had surpassed the agglomeration effect, thus causing just a small reduction percentage. The foams have potentials to be used in non-load bearing applications such as insulators and wall panels.

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation to design a new type of bio self-healing dental composite.

Crack propagation is one of the issues associating with dental composites which can significantly affect their performance. Current solutions for preventing and stopping the cracks include maximizing the filler to matrix ratio as well as fiber reinforcing of composites which are not always reliable. The precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals by the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) bacteria can be seen as a novel approach to address this shortcoming. In the present study, the effect of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) on filling dental composites' cracks and cavities was studied. In this first step, the capability of different GRAS bacteria to induce CaCO3 precipitation was investigated. In the next step, the capability of potent bacteria to initiate MCIP in solid matrix was evaluated. For this purpose, the CaCO3-bacteria along with necessary nutrients were introduced into different dental composites in two ways, namely, powder and paste form. The light-cured composites were analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) to identify and characterize the precipitated CaCO3 crystals. It was shown that the incorporation of powder healing compound in two composites resulted in precipitation of CaCO3, while no crystals were formed when a paste form of healing compound was mixed with composites. The results evidently show that MICP can be a feasible alternative to current inefficient approaches to address microcracking issues in dental composites.

Recent Trends in Preparation and Applications of Biodegradable Polymer Composites

This review efficiently covers the research progress in the area of polymer bio composites in perspective of the modern-day renewable materials. In the last decade, attraction towards the bio-composite based systems has been the topic of interest due to their potential as a substitute of conventional materials produced in important manufacturing industries. Recently, preparation of biocompatible and biodegradable polymer composites is an important achievement as an alternative of petrochemical based renewable products. Successful production of eco-friendly bio-composite materials have been achieved with natural fibers viz jute, bamboo, hair, flex, wool, silk and many others instead of synthesized fibers like carbon, glass dispersed in synthesized resins viz poly vinyl alcohol, epoxy and etc. Biomaterials based on natural fibers dispersed in natural matrix like natural rubber or polyester have also been obtained with endless applications for the mankind. The utilization of such materials for the good well of mankind is attributed to their ease of disposal and being renewable. The last but not the least, the extraordinary mechanical properties of bio-composites make them superior to many other conventional materials. This review paper addresses the recent trends, mechanical and chemical properties, synthesis, and application of bio-composites in the recent years.

Preparation and characterisation of nanofibres from bio cellulose and neem-AgNP bio composites for wound healing

Preparation and characterisation of nanofibres from bio cellulose and neem-AgNP bio composites for wound healing

Preparation and characterisation of nanofibres from bio cellulose and neem-AgNP bio composites for wound healing

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is secreted by a few strains of bacteria and consists of a cellulose nanofibre network with unique characteristics. In this study, Gluconoacetobacter xylinus was used to isolate bacterial cellulose. Moreover, microbial cellulose has proven to be a remarkably versatile biomaterial and can be used in paper industry, electronics, wound healing and biomedical devices. The cellulose isolated from G. xylinus was confirmed by the biochemical tests. The parameters for the production of cellulose such as pH, temperature, carbon source, nitrogen source, and growth factor both static and shaking conditions were optimised. The cellulose obtained was observed by phase contrast microscope. The isolated bacterial cellulose is impregnated with silver nanoparticles synthesised by neem leaves extract. The bio cellulose and neem AgNPs were converted into nanofibres by electrospinning technique. The cellulose-PVA composite was analysed by SEM, zeta potential and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This approach can be easily used in the large scale production of bio cellulose fibres loaded with silver nanoparticles. These fibres can be used in the wound dressing including use as a biomaterial for scaffolds in tissue engineering.

Mechanical and morphological behaviour of rice husk/prosopis juliflora reinforced bio composites

Natural fiber composites with discrete filler reinforcements are extensively used over various monetary and engineering applications due to its colossal availability, and offhand processing methods. Over a few decades researchers worldwide directing on biodegradable and environmentally friendly natural fiber composites for various engineering applications. One such fiber prosopis juliflora (PJ), universally available around arid, semi-arid and Asian countries. All parts of the tree species have a wide range of usage. This present research focuses on the fabrication of Prosopis Juliflora composites filled with rice husk through book press compression mould technique and investigating its mechanical properties to grasp the filler ratio which possesses ultimate mechanical properties. Prosopis Juliflora/Rice husk/Epoxy hybrid composite (PREHC) samples with different volume fractions were prepared as per ASTM standard and its tensile, flexural, micro hardness and morphological behaviors were observed. Results reveal that the inclusion of rice husk significantly improves the mechanical behaviour of PREHC up to 45% than unfilled Prosopis Juliflora/Epoxy composites (PJEC). The proposed outcome of the research is suitable for structural and automobile engineering components.

Antibacterial Cellulose Based Biomedical Hand Sanitizer: Current State and Future Trends

Bo Sun1,2,4, Fangong Kong3, Min Zhang2, Weijun Wang2, Birat Singh KC1, Omar Faruk1, Jimi Tjong1 and Mohini Sain1* Author Affiliations 1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Canada 2Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, China 3Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Science and Technology of Shandong Province, China 4Department of Chemical Engineering, Canada Received: December 11, 2019 | Published: December 18, 2019 Corresponding author: Mohini Sain, Center for Bio composites and Biomaterials Processing, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks St, Toronto, ON, Canada DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.24.003989

Evaluating the Mechanical Properties of Snake Grass Fibre and Sisal Fibre Hybrid Composites by Injection Moulding Method

This study motivates the state of relying on the non-degradable plastic packaging to develop the alternative material namely reinforced poly lactic acid (PLA) with snake grass fibre (SG) and sisal fibre (SF) bio composite. Injection moulding fabrication method is used. For mechanical characterization, SG/SF is loaded with an effect from 10 to 30 wt.%. Similarly, the tensile and flexural properties are significant to improve the attained wt. % of SG/SF. Additionally, PLA-SG/SF bio composite produced is having high specific strength and specific modulus. The suggested one in SG/SF may be integrated into PLA to reduce the mass of the end product and substantially reduce the cost of raw materials. The impact strength tends to decrease with SG/SF content. Finite element analysis was carried out to correlate the experimental values.

What Obstacles Need to Be Overcome in Order to Optimize Performance and Develop Spplications for Biocomposites?

What Obstacles Need to Be Overcome in Order to Optimize Performance and Develop Spplications for Biocomposites?

Mechanical and machinability study on discontinuously reinforced sisal fibre polyester composite laminates

Due to the advancement in the field of bio composites the role of plant fiber reinforced composites has increased over the last few years. Now, these materials are used for both serviceable and non-serviceable applications. The components to be manufactured by natural fiber reinforced composites can be created using simple manufacturing techniques. However, joining of these manufactured parts has been the major difficulty faced by manufacturers. Extensive research has been carried out in drilling of polymer matrix composites and metal matrix composites, however the studies on behavior of natural fiber reinforced composites are limited. Hence an attempt has been made to study the mechanical characterization, machinability and microstructural study of Discontinuously Reinforced Sisal Fiber Polyester (DRSFP) composite laminates. From the experimental results it is observed that Moisture absorption was 1.4% for 40 h’ time period due to porosity content, the lumen and fiber matrix adhesion, at higher load frictional thrust increases and resulted in increased debonding and fracture, main effects plot for three body abrasive wear indicates the selection of less Load (4 kg) and less speed (100 rpm) results in the best combination to get minimum abrasive wear value, selection of Spindle speed (1500 rpm), Feed rate (10 mm min−1) and Point angle (90°) resulted in the best combination to get better surface roughness and minimum delamination. From the SEM micrographs of the drilled hole of DRSFP composites it is observed that the hole drilled at point angle 118° has severely damaged surface compared to point angle 90° and 104° due to more fiber pull-out, surface and subsurface cracks (radial direction), de-bonding of fiber-matrix.

Jute Based Bio and Hybrid Composites and Their Applications

The popularity of jute-based bio and hybrid composites is mainly due to an increase in environmental concerns and pollution. Jute fibers have low cost, high abundance, and reasonable mechanical properties. Research in all-natural fibers and composites have increased exponentially due to the environment concerns of the hazards of synthetic fibers-based composites. Jute based bio and hybrid composites have been extensively used in number of applications. Hybrid jute-based composites have enhanced mechanical and physical properties, reasonably better than jute fiber composites. A detailed analysis of jute-based bio and hybrid composites was carried out in this review. The primary aim of this review paper is to provide a critical analysis and to discuss all recent developments in jute-based composites. The content covers different aspects of jute-based composites, including their mechanical and physical properties, structure, morphology, chemical composition, fiber modification techniques, surface treatments, jute based hybrid composites, limitations, and applications. Jute-based composites are currently being used in a vast number of applications such as in textiles, construction, cosmetics, medical, packaging, automobile, and furniture industries.

Effect of Soil Biodegradation on Tensile and Physical Properties of Coir/Pineapple Leaf Fibre Reinforced Poly Lactic Acid Hybrid Bio Composites

Natural fibre and biopolymer based biocomposites are getting rising consideration owing to their renewability and biodegradation properties. In order to observe the behavior of these biocomposites in outdoor applications, its environmental reaction properties such as soil biodegradation need to be analyzed. In this study coir fibres (CF) and pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) hybrid biocomposites (CF/PALF/PLA), pure PLA, pure CF (C30) and PALF (P30) biocomposites were fabricated through heat compounding and hot pressing methods. Effect of soil biodegradation on the tensile properties of PLA, CF and PALF biocomposites, and hybrid biocomposites were assessed and evaluated by Soil Burial tests. Tensile samples of all biocomposites undergoes soil burial test for 60 and 90 days at natural condition. After the subjected period, the results indicated that there is reduction in weight, tensile strength and modulus values of biocomposites owing to lignin degradation and fibre–matrix bonds

Green Bio Composites for Food Packaging

Petroleum-based synthetic polymers are mostly used for packaging materials for their advantageous features such as flexibility, lightness and transparency. However, the waste caused by the increasing usage has led to serious environmental impacts. There are many packaging products claimed as ‘green’ material in the market but, they are not fully from natural renewable resources. Most biocomposites materials comprised only either the matrix or fiber/filler from natural renewable resources, but still blended with another synthetic compound. Thus, green biocomposites which composed of fully biodegradable natural fibers and biopolymer matrix would be a great alternative. It can be naturally degraded and completely return to the environment safely after usage. The main shortcomings of biopolymer are their inadequate of mechanical and barrier properties in product application. Yet, the embedding reinforcing fibers or fillers would help in improving the final properties of the composites. The intention of this review is to present the latest development of green biocomposites research and its application for food packaging. It is also proposed to provide critical information that covers around properties of green biocomposites, types of available biopolymers and natural fibers, including their manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the economic circumstances and forthcoming trend of these materials in food packaging industry would also be reviewed

Analysis and Characterization Helm Based on Hyacint Water Composites

Material engineering in the field of natural fiber composites has potential prospects. The availability of natural resource was very abundant. Composite with natural fiber reinforcement was called Bio composite. The promising natural resource were water hyacinth. Water hyacinth was a source of fiber that can be used optimally as a filler in composites. Bio composite properties are be affected by several factors including filler volume, process parameters and filler interface properties in the matrix. The use of water hyacinth bio composite was developed as a substitute for shipbuilding materials, board and leg sockets for prosthetic limbs. This research identified the nature of fibers as fillers in the application of motorcycle helmet that meet Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI). Hyacint fibers are made from water hyacinth plants, the plant is dried by sun shine. The material was crushed into powder and woven fibers with yarn spinner and the both materials are mixed using resin. The bio composite was tested by tensile test and impact test using variations weight fraction. The best high strength of bio composite was used as material helm shell by using a vacuum bagging system. The value of Impact absorption strength and penetration testing will be tested on helmet shell composites. Tests conducted on bio composite helmets are carried out to meet standard safety according to SNI 1811: 2007.

The Effect of Dibutyl phthalate plasticizer to Impregnation and Mechanical Properties of Biocomposite Sansevieria trifasciata/High Impact Polypropylene

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of dibutyl phthalate plasticizer to impregnation and mechanical properties of biocomposite sansevieria trifasciata/high impact polypropylene and to analyze the morphology of interfacial bond between matrix and fiber. In this research, biocomposite sansevieria trifasciata/high impact polypropylene was manufactured by using a hot press method with temperature 180°C and pressure 140 bar for 10 minutes. Fibers were extracted from sansevieria trifasciata by using mechanical retting. In this experiment, the fibers weree treated by NaOH 3% (wt%) solution at temperature 100°C for an hour. The volume fractions of fiber used in this experiment were 0%, 15%, 25%, and 35% with unidirectional orientation. To improve impregnation of high impact polypropylene matrix, 2% dibutyl phthalate was added as plasticizer. Actual density and mechanical properties of biocompositesare conducted based on ASTM standard testing methods D792 and D3039. The results showed that tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and elongations of bio composite sansevieria trifasciata/high impact polypropylene with plasticizer were higher than without added plasticizer. The fracture analysis was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The highest tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation of biocomposites were 65 Mpa, 2.31 GPa and 0.42% respectively. Their highest properties were obtained from bio composites with 35 % volume fraction of unidirectional alkaline treated fiberand 2% dibutyl phthalate. Morphological feature based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that biocomposites with added plasticizer had better interface bond between matrix and fibers.

The effect of fiber volume fraction on tensile and impact properties of eleusine indica grass reinforced polypropylene bio composite

The purpose of this research was to investigate the tensile strength and impact strength of eleusine indica grass fiber-reinforced polypropylene recycle composite. In this study, the fiber was treated with alkali at 5% NaOH for 2 hours. The eleusine indica grass fiber cut with a length of 3 cm and the matrix used recycle polypropylene. In this research, the volume fraction of eleusine indica grass fiber varied by 20%, 25%, and 30% respectively. The composite molded with a hot press at temperature 200°C with a holding time for 2 hours. Tensile test used ASTM D3039 and impact test used ASTM D256. The highest tensile and impact strength results on fiber volume fraction 30%.