Characteristics Of Fibers Research Articles

Enhancing mechanical performance of kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites: influence of fiber characteristics and processing techniques

Enhancing mechanical performance of kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites: influence of fiber characteristics and processing techniques

An MIP-Based PFAS Sensor Exploiting Nanolayers on Plastic Optical Fibers for Ultra-Wide and Ultra-Low Detection Ranges—A Case Study of PFAS Detection in River Water

In this work, a novel optical–chemical sensor for the detection of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs) in a real scenario is presented. The proposed sensing approach exploits the multimode characteristics of plastic optical fibers (POFs) to achieve unconventional sensors via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomena. The sensor is realized by the coupling of an SPR-POF platform with a novel chemical chip based on different polymeric nanolayers over the core of a D-shaped POF, one made up of an optical adhesive and one of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for PFAS. The chemical chip is used to launch the light into the SPR D-shaped POF platform, so the interaction between the analyte and the MIP’s sites can be used to modulate the propagated light in the POFs and the SPR phenomena. Selectivity tests and dose–response curves by standard PFOA water solutions were carried out to characterize the detection range sensor response, obtaining a wide PFAS response range, from 1 ppt to 1000 ppt. Then, tests performed on river water samples collected from the Bormida river paved the way for the applicability of the proposed approach to a real scenario.

Effect of roasting on physicochemical, functional, thermal, pasting, and structural properties of tamarind seed powder

The impact of different roasting conditions on the nutritional profile, physical, functional, thermal, pasting properties, morphology, crystallinity, and functional groups of tamarind seed powder (TSP) was investigated. Roasting treatment enhanced ash, carbohydrate, fat, and flavonoid content (2.21 to 11.93 mg QE/g) while significantly reduced protein, fiber, phenol content, tannin (2.72 to 1.36 mg TAE/g), antioxidant activity, and physical characteristics like bulk density, tap density. The concentrations of minerals like Mg, K, Ca, and P (3006.00, 8313.85, 482.44, 2723.78 mg/kg) and essential and non-essential amino acids were significantly enhanced by roasting. The roasted TSP exhibited a significant difference in pasting and functional properties compared to the control powder. The proportion of crystallinity in the roasted powder decreased according to the XRD patterns. The SEM micrographs revealed slight modifications in the morphology of TSP after roasting. According to our outcomes, the enhanced nutritional content of roasted TSP has excellent potential for usage as a food ingredient with added value.

Current research status of high-performance UHMWPE fiber: A review

In the relentless evolution of technological innovation, the incorporation of engineered materials across numerous sectors is becoming increasingly widespread. Among them, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber, as a novel type of engineered material, has emerged as a critical hot topic in industries such as aerospace, national defense, and new energy due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties. This article attempts to introduce the characteristics of UHMWPE fibers, including their advantages and areas for enhancement, to provide researchers with a comprehensive overview and research trajectory of UHMWPE. Moreover, this article succinctly elucidates the preparation methodologies and advances of UHMWPE fibers, encompassing mainstream dry and wet spinning methods, revealing their research trajectories, pivotal positions, and practical significance in the realm of engineered materials. In summary, this review briefly discusses the research overview and recent advances in UHMWPE fibers, which contribute to accelerating comprehensive and sustainable progress in this field.

Dielectric characteristics of Mediterranean lignocellulosic fibers for functional biocomposite materials

Abstract The primary aim of this study is to investigate the dielectric properties of lignocellulosic fibers, a unique kind of natural fiber prevalent in the Mediterranean area. Comprehensive investigations were undertaken to determine the suitability of these fibers for functional biomaterials and to reveal their potential capabilities comparable to those commonly used in other parts of the world. More exploration of the electrical characteristics of agricultural waste fibers may lead to the development and improvement of a more comprehensive knowledge on their use in the production of practical eco-products. This will provide novel opportunities for ecologically conscious design. Based on the introduction of natural fibers and their advantages in biomaterials, this study will examine the parallel plate capacitor approach to assess the dielectric properties of biological fibers. Subsequently, the impact of maleic anhydride on the dielectric properties of natural fiber composites was demonstrated as a focused case study. Therefore, it is possible to develop a suitable database for the selection of visually appealing materials in order to enhance comprehensive knowledge of the intrinsic electrical properties and attributes of these materials. Consequently, this would result in the development of more practical strategies for designing environmentally friendly products in bio-electronics and the identification of novel biomaterials with potential applications in electronics.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GLASS FIBER AND CARBON FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES

The significant potential of glass fiber-based composite materials in aerospace and aviation industries, automotive manufacturing, and medical equipment production is emphasized. It is concluded that glass fiber is much cheaper and less brittle compared to materials like carbon fiber or other plastic fibers, as glass fiber exhibits high resistance to tensile and compressive loads. The main stages of the technological process of composite manufacturing are described, and the key requirements for evaluating the mechanical parameters of glass fiber products are listed. An analysis of the scientific literature has established that the high strength of fiberglass ensures the stability of its thermal conductivity characteristics, making it resistant to environmental influences and aging. The thermal conductivity of fiberglass composites depends on several factors, the most important of which are the type of fiber and matrix, fiber volume fraction, fiber characteristics, control of heat flow, interaction between the matrix and fiber, and operating temperature. It is summarized that the mechanical properties of fiberglass structures depend on a number of factors, the most important of which are: the type of fiber and resin, fiber orientation (aligned, randomly oriented, woven, etc.), and the percentage content of each component.

The effect of hardness on bending value in manufacturing brake pads from shell and palm fiber

Motorbikes are one of the primary needs for many people because they are more effectively used to carry out community activities than public transportation. Because motorbikes are used so frequently, the braking system is one of the parts that must be updated. Brake pads are motorbike equipment that function to slow and stop the vehicle comfortably. The research aims to determine the characteristics of brake linings and the optimal composition of brake linings that are good for use. Brake pads are a component of motorcycle vehicles that are useful for slowing down and stopping the speed of the vehicle comfortably. The purpose of this study is to find out how the characteristics of palm shells and fibers if used as material for making brake linings. The method used is direct experimentation with a qualitative approach. The results obtained are the characteristics of brake pads made from filler palm shell powder and palm fiber with polyurethane matrix have a hard texture, solid brown, if viewed from the surface of the brake lining is a little rough because the fiber is too long. The test results showed the best hardness value of 91 R and the best bending test with a value of 10.21 kgf/mm2

3D‐printing continuous plant fiber/polylactic acid composites with lightweight and high strength

AbstractContinuous plant yarn‐reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites were produced through in situ 3D printing, focusing on how plant fiber attributes influence the crystallization, mechanical, and rheological properties of the printed composites. The aim of this study was to assess the viability of plant fibers as substitutes for synthetic ones in engineering additive manufacturing. Plant fibers promoted the crystallization of PLA due to their shear induction and nucleation agent induction effects. The inherent triangular void defect during printing decreased with increasing plant fiber‐volume fraction. Rheological analysis revealed a transition to more elastic behavior post‐fiber addition, indicating solid‐like properties. The tensile strength of flax fiber‐yarn/PLA composite (volume fraction of 50.79%) was 342.37% higher than that of pure PLA, with a 22.2% lower density than pure PLA. Flax fiber demonstrated a superior reinforcement effect than carbon fiber in compressive strength for 3D printed honeycomb sheets with lower energy consumption and footprint. Optimizing fiber characteristics holds promise for high‐performance 3D‐printed natural fiber composites, particularly in vehicle applications.Highlights Plant fiber/polylactic acid (PLA) composites were in situ printed with a volume fraction of 50.79%. Plant fibers promoted the crystallization of PLA during the printing process. The tensile strength of flax fiber/PLA increased by 342.3% with a 22.2% lower density than PLA. Flax fiber showed a better reinforcement than carbon fiber in a compressive test of printed honeycomb.

Fiber morphological characteristics of bamboo Ferrocalamus strictus culms from different geographical distribution regions

The fiber index including fiber length, width, wall thickness and lumen diameter of Ferrocalamus strictus culms (1, 2, and ≥ 3 years) from Jinping, Mojiang and Lvchun counties of Yunnan Province was determined and the elemental content of the soil was also determined to analyze the fiber characteristics. The average relative fiber index measured for F. strictus culms were fiber length (1.30 mm), width (21.57 μm), slenderness ratio (60.79 μm), wall thickness (4.21 μm), lumen diameter (7.22 μm), and runkel ratio (1.22 μm), which belonged to the range of middle and long fibers. The fiber length increased with the culm age. The proportion of long fiber increased while short fibers decreased along with culm maturing. The fiber morphology did not show a specific trend with the culm height. Fiber length reached the maximum in the bottom portions of the culms. There is a correlation between fiber morphology and soil elements, the content of organic matter, total potassium, total sulfur, total aluminum, total zinc, total iron, total boron, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen and available silicon in the soil affects fiber morphology. The content of organic matter, total boron and alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen in the soil from Mojiang County was largest. Comparatively, the culm fiber in Mojiang County had the best fiber index performance for utilization, since the greatest proportion of medium and long fibers and the optimal distribution of fiber length frequency was obtained from the culms in Mojiang County. This study can provide a theoretical basis for large-scale bamboo forest cultivation and the development and utilization of bamboo culm fiber.

PBAT/PLA Fibers Prepared via Coaxial Electrospinning: The Effect of Core Feed Rate on the Fibers Characteristics

PBAT/PLA Fibers Prepared via Coaxial Electrospinning: The Effect of Core Feed Rate on the Fibers Characteristics

Large Range Curvature Measurement Using FBGs in Two-Core Fiber with Protective Coating

In this work, we propose a fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensor for curvature measurements. Two gratings are inscribed through the protective coating in a specialty optical fiber using focused femtosecond laser pulses and point-by-point direct writing technology. One grating is inscribed on the central core adjacent to an air channel, while the other is inscribed on the eccentric core. The bending characteristics of the two-core fiber strongly depend on the bending direction due to the asymmetry of the fiber cores. A bending sensitivity of 58 pm/m−1 is achieved by the FBG in the eccentric fiber core over the curvature range of 0–50 m−1 . Temperature and humidity cross-sensitivity could be significantly reduced by analyzing the differences in peak shifts between the two gratings. The sensor features a large sensing range and good robustness due to the presence of its protective buffer coating, which makes it a good candidate for curvature sensing in engineering fields.

Rheological, Structural and Melt Spinnability Study on Thermo-plastic Starch/PLA Blend Biopolymers and Tensile, Thermal and Structural Characteristics of Melt Spun Fibers

Rheological, Structural and Melt Spinnability Study on Thermo-plastic Starch/PLA Blend Biopolymers and Tensile, Thermal and Structural Characteristics of Melt Spun Fibers

Multiscale image-based modeling for failure prediction of sheet molding compound composite under uniaxial tension

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are extensively utilized as primary load-bearing components in various engineering applications due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio and excellent mechanical properties. However, their intricate microstructural interactions within composite present a significant challenge for failure analysis of CFRP. Although finite element (FE) simulations have been proven feasible to conduct the failure analysis, the classical FE models are developed based on homogeneous fiber characteristics, ignoring the influence of internal structures on the damage evolution process. This paper presents a multiscale image-based modeling approach to predict the tensile failure procedure of chopped carbon fiber sheet molding compound (SMC) composite. To accurately reconstruct the representative volume element (RVE) model of the SMC composite, synchrotron micro-X-ray computed tomography (μXCT) was adapted to explore the SMC internal microstructure. Then microscale RVE models with different fiber volume fractions were constructed to predict the corresponding microcosmic mechanical properties, which were used as the inputs for mesoscale RVE models to determine the constitutive parameters of fiber chips having varied fiber volume and orientations. Finally, the YOLOv5_Seg algorithm was employed to extract the geometric feature parameters of the fiber chips for mesoscale RVE modeling and then the failure location and sequence under uniaxial tension were predicted. It is found that the final simulated failure behaviors were consistent with the experimental observations, confirming the feasibility of this approach for understanding the failure mechanisms of CFRP composites. Thus, once the internal microstructure is determined using experimental techniques or predicted by simulating the composite manufacturing process, this approach can also be utilized for design optimization and performance evaluation for CFRP composites.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Toluidine Blue Electrospun in Detecting Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with epithelial dysplasia can progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Toluidine blue (TB) has been used in oral screening with various methods. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of TB-containing electrospun fibers in detecting OPMDs with epithelial dysplasia compared to histopathology. The concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and TB were optimized for fiber diameter and puncture strength using the design of experiments method with a central composite design. These optimized fibers were tested on 36 suspected OPMD lesions in 30 patients, followed by a biopsy for histopathological examination. The quadratic and two-factor interaction models described the relationship between TB and PVP concentrations and fiber characteristics. The TB-containing electrospun fibers had 77.3% sensitivity and 35.7% specificity in detecting OPMDs with epithelial dysplasia. The TB-containing electrospun fibers offer advantages such as easy application, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced sensitivity in identifying OPMDs with epithelial dysplasia. However, their diagnostic accuracy is insufficient as a standalone diagnostic method, and they should be considered an adjunctive tool for detecting dysplastic changes in the oral epithelium. Thailand Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20240429002.

GhGRF4/GhARF2-GhGASA24 module regulates fiber cell wall thickness by modulating cellulose biosynthesis in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

Fiber elongation rate is an essential characteristic of cotton fiber in the textile industry, yet it has been largely overlooked in genetic studies. Gibberellins (GAs) and auxin (IAA) are recognized for their role in directing numerous developmental processes in plants by influencing cell differentiation and elongation. However, the degree to which GA-IAA interaction governs cellular elongation in cotton fiber cells remains to be fully understood. In this study, we identified a causal gene, Gibberellic Acid-Stimulated in Arabidopsis 24 (GhGASA24), that appears to be responsible for fiber elongation rate via regulating fiber cell wall thickness. Subsequent experiments revealed that GhGASA24 influences cell wall formation by promoting the expression of GhCesA8 and GhCesA10. Our findings suggest that Auxin Response Factor 2 (GhARF2) regulates fiber elongation rate by directly binding to the AuxRE elements in GhGASA24 promoter. In addition, we identified Growth Regulation Factor 4 (GhGRF4) as a transcription factor that interacts with GhARF2 to form a heterodimer complex, which also transcriptionally activates GhGASA24. Intriguingly, GhGRF4 regulates GhARF2 expression by directly binding to its promoter, thereby acting as a cascade regulator to enhance the transcriptional levels of GhGASA24. We propose that the GhGRF4/GhARF2-GhGASA24-GhCesAs module may contribute to fiber cell wall thickness by modulating cellulose biosynthesis, and provide a theoretical basis for improvement of fiber quality.

Study on the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of dual-loss type composite MWCNT/CIP/GF/EP

Abstract The electromagnetic properties of single-loss glass fiber (GF) absorbing composites with the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) particles and single-loss glass fiber (GF) absorbing composites with the addition of carbonyl iron powder (CIP) particles in the X-band were studied. Using CST electromagnetic simulation combined with experiments, dual-loss multi-walled carbon nanotube/carbonyl iron powder/glass fiber/epoxy (MWCNT/CIP/GF/EP) resin absorbing composites were designed and prepared. The effects of thickness ratio and periodic layering on the absorbing properties of dual-loss glass fiber absorbing composites were investigated. The results show that by changing the thickness ratio and periodic layering, the impedance matching and attenuation characteristics of the dual-loss glass fiber absorbing composites can be altered, thereby affecting the overall absorbing performance. The optimal group exhibited a maximum reflection loss of -55.3 dB at 8.5 GHz, with an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.0 GHz, covering 71.4% of the X-band.

Utilization of natural kapok and coconut fiber in thermally insulated sustainable concrete design.

Nowadays, when regenerable alternative green sources are attracting more caution under sustainability targets, kapok and coconut fibers, known as natural fibers, have come to the fore as a very significant raw material source. In this experimental study, compressive strength, thermal insulation, and pore structure characteristics of kapok fiber (KP)- and coconut fiber (CC)-incorporated concrete samples under different curing conditions were analyzed. For that purpose, randomly distributed fiber-incorporated concrete mixtures containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% KP and CC fiber by the weight of cement were prepared and under H2O2 and NaClO curing conditions, the effects of KP and CC fiber inclusion on properties mentioned above of fiber-incorporated concrete samples were researched in detail. Experimental results depict that a maximum thermal conductivity coefficient decrease of 24.31% was detected at a content ratio of 1.5% by the reason of the pore modification effect of used natural fibers in the H2O2 curing group. Because of the remarkable pore modification effect of KP fiber incorporation into the cement matrix compared to the CC fiber inclusion cases, strong linear correlations revealing the insulation-strength mechanism could be detected for both H2O2 and NaClO curing cases. This work intends to promote sustainable development in the building industry by integrating natural fibers into concrete mixtures as an innovative design approach.

Extraction Method Effects on Structural Properties and Functional Characteristics of Dietary Fiber Extracted from Ginseng Residue.

In this research, the dietary fibers (DFs) from ginseng residue were extracted by employing three different extraction methods (alkaline: AL, acidic: AC, enzymatic: EN). The extracted DFs were characterized in terms of their structural and functional properties. The results clearly showed that, regardless of the extraction methods, all DF samples exhibited representative infrared spectral features. The DF extracted by AC (citric acid) had more porous structures with a looser configuration, in conjunction with high apparent viscosity, whereas the DF extracted by EN (α-amylase and protease) exhibited higher thermal stability. Moreover, the monosaccharide composition of the DF samples was significantly influenced by the extraction method type. The DF from ginseng residue extracted by AC had the highest functional properties, such as water holding capacity (8.16 g/g), oil holding capacity (3.99 g/g), water swelling capacity (8.13 g/g), cholesterol-absorption capacity (12.85 mg/g), bile acid absorption capacity (91.51 mg/g), nitrite ion absorption capacity (124.38 ug/g at pH 2.0), glucose absorption capacity (52.67 mg/g at 150 mmol/L), as compared to those of DF extracted by the EN and AL (sodium hydroxide) methods. Hence, ginseng residue-derived DF extracted by the AC method may be potentially employed in the preparation of functional food ingredients.

Dietary niacin supplementation improves meat quality, muscle fiber type, and mitochondrial function in heat-stressed Taihe black-bone silky fowls.

A recent study has shown that niacin supplementation induces the conversion of type II to type I muscle fibres, thereby promoting a phenotypic shift in oxidative metabolism in porcine skeletal muscle. These effects may be mediated by modulation of the AMPK1/SIRT1 pathway, which activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a key regulator of fibre conversion, thereby promoting skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and myofibre conversion. In this study, we explored how niacin (NA) supplementation impacts the quality of meat and the characteristics of muscle fibers in Taihe Black-bone Silky Fowls (TBsf) exposed to heat conditions. Chickens were rationally assigned to five different treatment groups with five replicates of six chickens each: thermophilic (TN), heat stress (HS) and HS + NA (HN) groups, with the HN group being supplemented with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg (HS + NA0.02, HS + NA0.04 and HS + NA0.08) NA in the premix, respectively. The results of the experiment showed that addition of 800 mg/kg NA to the diet significantly improved TBsf muscle tenderness compared to HS. Dietary enrichment with 200-800 mg/kg NA significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde compared to HS. Incorporation of 200-800 mg/kg NA into the diet significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase activity and myosin heavy chain (MyHC-IIB) gene expression. Furthermore, adding 800 mg/kg NA can significantly enhance the mRNA expression of mitochondrial transcription factors (TFAM and TFB1M) in TBsf skeletal muscle. Adding 400 and 800 mg/kg of NA significantly increased the mRNA expression of AMP-activated protein kinase 1 (AMPK1), PGC-1α, cytochrome c oxidase (Cytc), and nuclear respiratory factor (NRF-1) in the skeletal muscle of TBsf. Supplementing NA at 200-400 mg/kg significantly increased the expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA in TBsf skeletal muscle. The experimental results showed that the addition of NA to the diet reduced the shear force of TBsf muscle under heat exposure conditions. It increased the proportion of type I muscle fibres by increasing the antioxidant capacity of the muscle and by promoting mitochondr fibreial biogenesis. Considering the results of this study, it is recommended that TBsf be supplemented with 400-800 mg/kg of NA in the diet to reduce the adverse effects of heat stress on meat quality.

Characteristics of bast fibers derived from the bark of three paper-mulberry cultivars in Korea

Bast fiber from paper-mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) has long been utilized for handmade paper in Asia, serving as a prominent non-wood cellulose material. When restoring paper cultural assets, selecting a similar paper to the original ensures longevity and prevents deterioration issues like warping or tearing. The production of handmade paper involves several processes, including refining, steaming, and bleaching of raw materials. Once formed into sheets, the physical properties of the paper are dictated by these materials and remain unchanged unless the paper is newly made. Handmade paper production is labor-intensive and time-consuming, emphasizing the need for careful raw material selection to match desired characteristics. This study evaluated the dendrological, morphological, anatomical, and chemical compositions of three paper-mulberry wood types cultivated in Korea and inferred their suitability as pulp for papermaking or repair of archival paper specimens. Paper-mulberry wood showed differences in fiber length according to molecular phylogenetic characteristics, but there were no differences in anatomical characteristics owing to the immaturity of the wood. This study investigated the characteristics of the bast fibers from the bark of paper-mulberry trees with different genetic traits to identify favorable factors likely to affect the pulp and papermaking process and paper quality.