Corn Husk Fiber Research Articles

Effect of fiber volume fraction on tensile strength and fracture analysis of corn husk reinforced epoxy resin composite

This study aims to determine the effect of volume fraction of corn husk fiber as reinforcement in epoxy matrix composites on tensile strength and fracture analysis of specimens. This study used a variation of fiber volume fraction of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% by using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI) method. Tensile testing and analysis of fracture patterns were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the material. The results showed that the addition of corn husk fiber volume fraction to the corn husk reinforced epoxy resin composite could increase the tensile strength value. Tensile strength values for fiber length of 165 mm with variations in fiber volume fraction 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% get the tensile stress values of 26.16 N/mm2, 27.09 N/mm2, 27.82 N/mm2, and 30.61 N/mm2. The mechanism of fiber pull out, debonding, and the rich matrix also occurs in the microstructure analysis of the tensile test fracture results.

Effect of Corn Husk Fibre Loading on Thermal and Biodegradable Properties of Kenaf/Cornhusk Fibre Reinforced Corn Starch-Based Hybrid Composites

Effect of Corn Husk Fibre Loading on Thermal and Biodegradable Properties of Kenaf/Cornhusk Fibre Reinforced Corn Starch-Based Hybrid Composites

Preliminary Study of the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Fibres Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

This research project investigates the mechanical properties of the corn husk fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composite (CHFPC) and hybrid fibre (corn husk/flax) reinforced unsaturated polyester composite (HFPC) at different fibre orientations. The tensile and flexural properties of CHFPC and HFPC were manipulated by the different degrees of fibre orientations of 0°, 45°, and 90°. Both CHFPC and HFPC with 0° of fibre orientation had the highest tensile strength and flexural strength. Moreover, the tensile and flexural modulus of specimens with 0° orientation had the highest result compared to 45° and 90° orientations. However, for the elongation at break during tensile testing, 0° orientation had the highest strain, more than unsaturated polyester (UPR) and other composites. The tensile and flexural strengths of HFPC specimens with 0° fibre orientation were higher than that of CHFPC. Besides, the tensile modulus and flexural modulus of HFPC also increased as compared to CHFPC. The elongation at break of HFPC for tensile testing had the highest strain compared to CHFPC. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the hybrid fibre composite performed better compared to the single fibre composite. Moreover, the corn husk fibre (CHF) and flax fibre (FF) acted as reinforcements to enhance the mechanical properties of the UPR composites.

Mechanical properties of polyester/corn husk fibre composite produced using vacuum infusion technique

Issues pertaining to deforestation, environmental pollution and natural wastes are increasing day by day. These issues can be resolved by introducing a new composite material, in which natural waste is used as fibre and as a replacement of wood plastic composite. The different lengths (3, 6 and 9 cm) of corn husk fibre filled polyester composites were produced using the vacuum infusion method. Several mechanical properties of these polyester composites, such as tensile and flexural properties, were evaluated. The results revealed that both the tensile and flexural properties of polyester composites increased with increment of corn husk fibre length from 3 to 6 cm. However, the results decreased for 9 cm of fibre length filled composites. Similar trends were recorded after alkali treatment of the corn husk fibre filled polyester composites. The alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide had improved the tensile strength (33%), Young’s modulus (23%), elongation (14%), flexural strength (42%) and flexural modulus (8.5%) of the polyester/corn husk fibre composites with 6 cm of fibre length by enhancing the mechanical interlocking bonding between treated corn husk fibres and polyester.

Thermal Characteristics of Okra Bast and Corn Husk Fibers Extracted via Alkalization

ABSTRACT In this study, fibers were extracted from okra stems and corn husks via alkalization. The obtained fibers were subjected to physical and thermal analyses. It was found that okra bast fibers have better breaking strength and are finer than corn husk fibers. Corn husk fibers show high elongation at break rates. The paper also presents results of thermogravimetric analysis of the okra bast and corn husk fibers. Tests were carried out in oxygen and inert gas atmospheres. The temperature range of the main thermal decomposition stage was determined in the range of 290–400°C for thermo-oxidation and 290–420°C for pyrolysis investigation. Slight differences in the thermal resistances of the tested fibers were found. The maximum temperature in which both types of materials can used is determined. The calculated activation energy values show large-spread ranges.

Comparison of Experimental and Empirical Approaches for Determination of Sound Absorption Properties of Bagasse and Cornhusk Fibers

ABSTRACT The significant physical, economic and environmental properties of some agricultural wastes have made them viable alternatives for the conventional sound-absorbing materials. Therefore, it is necessary to identify these types of agricultural wastes and investigate the acoustic behavior and applicability of mathematical predictive models for sound absorption of the samples fabricated from such wastes. In this regard, this study was conducted to investigate the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) values of the samples made from sugarcane and corn husk wastes using experimental and empirical methods. The morphological examination of sugarcane and corn husk fibers was performed by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Having prepared the fibers, several cylindrical samples with a constant density (150 kg/m3) and different thicknesses (20, 30 and 40 mm) were fabricated. The SAC values, porosity and airflow resistivity of these samples were then measured using ISO 10534–2 (impedance tube system), SEM and ASTM C522–03, respectively. The Delany-Bazley (DB) analytical model and the reversed Delany-Bazley model with Nelder-Mead Simplex (DB-NMS) were also used to predict the SAC values. Based on the acoustic performance of the fabricated samples, the SAC values for the thickness of 40 mm and frequency of 500 Hz were, respectively, 0.42 and 0.54 for sugarcane and corn. Increasing the thickness of the samples and creating an air gap behind them were found to be the acceptable approaches for improving the sound absorption. It was found that the DB-NMS model would appropriately follow the experimental results. The purposeful application of agricultural waste and analytical acoustic models because of their outstanding benefits and an effective approach will encourage the usability of natural materials (as eco-friendly, cheap and efficient acoustic products) in indoor and outdoor commercial applications.

Cornhusk retting by pectinase enzyme combined with NaOH and effects on fiber properties

Cornhusk fiber is a kind of biodegradable lignocellulosic fiber. The conditions of enzyme and NaOH retting were optimized on the basis of weight loss rate and the Fried test score to extract the cornhusks fiber. Taking raw cornhusk fiber as a contrast, physicochemical properties of the fiber extracted from cornhusk was researched in detail by chemical analysis (GB5889-86), X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optimal retting condition of cornhusk fiber is the following: Pectinase 9032 0.5% concentration, at 40–55°C, pH 4.2–5.8, and then 5% NaOH treatment for 15 min. The crystallinity index of raw cornhusk fiber, enzyme-treated cornhusk fiber and enzyme-alkali-treated cornhusk fiber are 20.30%, 35.05% and 51.00%, respectively, and the structure of these fibres all correspond to cellulose I. The FTIR spectra showed that higher amounts of lignin and hemicellulose were removed by NaOH treatment compared with enzyme treatment.

Characterization of the density and mechanical properties of corn husk fiber reinforced polyester composites after exposure to ultraviolet light

The best properties of corn husk fiber (CHF)/polyester composites are still being investigated and developed for the expansion of applications of CHF composites. The focus of this study was to evaluate the physical properties, tensile strength, and flexural properties of CHF/polyester composites after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The addition of CHF 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (volume fraction) was used as fillers and polyester resin as the binder. The composites were made by hot press technique. Density, tensile strength, and bending tests were carried out to evaluate the developed composites, and the fracture morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that after exposure to UV light, the density, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the composite decreased compared to the composite before UV exposure; because UV has caused the interface bond between the resin–CHFs to be less strong. Increasing the number of fibers causes the number of individual fibers to smaller and shrink in the composite due to the evaporation of the water content in the composite.

Wet processing of agro-residual fibres for potential application in fancy décor items

ABSTRACT This research compares the change of physical and chemical properties of three types of agro-residual (AgR) fibres namely banana plant stem fibre (BSF), pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) and corn husk fibre (CHF) by wet processing steps: scouring, bleaching and dyeing. Bleaching operation was performed using mild sodium chlorite concentration. The percentage of lignin and hemicelluloses were remarkably declined and densities of the fibres were increased. The highest amount of α-cellulose is found 88.7% for bleached BSF, followed by bleached PALF (78.4%) and bleached CHF (70.1%). The morphology changes of the fibres due to bleaching were clearly detected by FTIR spectroscopy. The bleached fibres were dyed with two different types of reactive dyes viz. Reactive Orange 2 R-XF and Reactive Blue F-R by conventional dyeing technique. The absorption of dyes was tested by UV-vis spectroscopy. It was seen that the dye absorption percentage of all types of fibre are not equal. The dye absorption was also diverged in the case of two reactive dyes. Colour fastness properties of dyed fibres were tested under sunlight, wash and reagent spot tests. All the dyed fibres were exhibited excellent colour fastness properties. Reactive Orange 2 R-XF showed better fastness property than Reactive Blue F-R in every investigation.

Composite Filament Made from Post-used Styrofoam and Corn Husk Fiber for Fuse Deposition Modeling

ABSTRACT This research aimed at developing composite filament for fuse deposition modeling (FDM) application was carried out by recycling post-used expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) as a binding matrix for natural fibers derived from corn husk (CH) waste. The recycled polystyrene (rPS) resin, CH fibers, and predefined amount of processing aid were primarily compounded using a Brabender® internal mixer to produce composite masterbatch feedstock. The composite masterbatch was further blended with measured amount of rPS resin, and the mixtures were extruded into composite filament containing different weight percentage (wt%) of CH fiber loading, ranging from 2.5 to 10 wt%. The 3D printability of the composite filament was assessed through observation on melt flow behavior and viscosity of the molten composite material subjected to typical FDM process conditions, where tensile dumbbell specimen was produced. Through repeated attempts carried out to FDM 3D-print the rPS/CH fiber filled composite filament, the result suggested that higher FDM extrusion percentage was required to produce quality part from composite filament with increase fiber content from 2.5 to 7.5 wt%. Composite filament with 10 wt% fiber loading failed to be printed due to premature thermal degradation and the slightly higher melt viscosity that tend to clog the printer nozzle.

Morphology and mechanical properties of coconut shell powder-filled untreated cornhusk fibre-unsaturated polyester composites

The development of the best properties of corn husk fibre (CHF) as a reinforcing material from coconut shell powder–polyester composite is an extremely interesting subject. This research focuses on characterising the mechanical properties and morphology of polyester/coconut shell powder composites filled with CHF. The variations of coconut shell powder (CSP) contents are 5% and 10%, and the corn husk fibre contents are 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% (vol%). The mixture is blended and poured into a composite mould using the hot press technique. The tensile and flexural strengths of the mixture were investigated, and the fracture surface of the composite was also analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tensile strength of polyester/5 vol % CSP decreased dramatically from 22.459 MPa to 16.955 MPa. However, flexural strength increased from 24.233 MPa to 45.844 MPa when the corn husk fibre (CHF) content increased. Further, all polyester–10% of CSP composites have higher flexural strength values than the polyester–5% of CSP counterparts. Conversely, the tensile strength properties decrease at 10%–15% CHF content and then increase at 20%–30% CHF contents. This outcome is due to the tighter and stronger interfacial bonding between CHF–CSP–polyester and the decreasing number of fibres–pull-outs. Fractured morphology with SEM shows poor interfacial bonding between CHF–CSP–polyester and fibre pullout on composites.

Finite Element Analysis Study on Lattice Structure Fabricated Using Corn Husk Fibre Reinforced Recycled Polystyrene Composite

This research investigated the lattice structure fabricated using corn husk fibre reinforced recycled polystyrene composite using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The material’s properties of this composite material were obtained from previous study. Then, the lattice structure of lattice structure was created using Creo® software and the FEA simulation was done by ANSYS software. In this study, the lattice structures were created using triangular prism and hexagonal prism. The analysis was divided into two conditions: 1) lattice structure with different prism shape and similar surface area, 2) lattice structure with varies of strut thickness and 3) lattice structure with different prism shape and similar lattice parameter. The results show the lattice structure with triangular prism have more structural integrity than hexagonal prism. Then, lattice structure with triangular prism can be built with lesser material but stronger and stiffer than lattice structure with hexagonal prism.

Manufacturing of Thermal and Acoustic Insulation From (Polymer Blend/Recycled Natural Fibers)

These works study the characterization of thermal and acoustic insulation behavior of Polymer Blend/Recycled Natural Fibers. Acoustic insulation is an important property in design criterion in buildings and used to avoid the damage caused by the sounds of the explosion of rockets and bombs. This work is done through reinforcing 80% epoxy resin EP with 20% polycarbonate PC with two different recycled natural fiber RNF (hemp fiber H.F., cornhusk fiber C.H.F) at various weight fractions of (2,4,6) %, the samples, were formed by hand lay-up then the acoustic and thermal insulation tests carried out. The results show that altering both kinds of RNF can improve acoustic insulation. Also, it could be noticed that sound insulation efficiency can improve with increasing RNF weight fraction. Finally, the optimum results got at 6% hemp composite that shows better acoustic insulation than cornhusk composites. The thermal conductivity improved by increasing the fiber weight fraction. The maximum value of thermal conductivity for composite samples with (H.F., C.H.F) fibers at (6% wt) equal to (0.71609W/m. Kº) and (0.73686W/m. Kº), respectively. The composite samples with C.H.F. fibers have slightly higher thermal conductivity value than composite samples with H.F.

Potential of corn husk fiber for reinforcing cemented soil with high water content

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of corn husk fiber on properties of cemented soil with high water content. Five laboratory experiments including bleeding, flow, unconfined compression, splitting tension, and short term durability tests are conducted. The results reveal that fiber inclusion makes a contribution to the reduction of bleeding ratio and flow value. Besides, at cement content of 40 kg/m3, tensile strength and compressive strength of cemented specimens increase from 79% to 330% and from 26% to 119% when adding fiber from 3 to 15 kg/m3, respectively. The effect of fiber on tensile strength and compressive strength decreases with the increase in cement content. However, at each cement level, the enlargement of fiber content results in the reduction of loss of post-peak stress. Second tensile strength appears due to fiber inclusion and improves when fiber content increases. Under drying and wetting cycles, specimens with fiber inclusion show trivial damage, meanwhile, the cracks appear and propagate for specimens without fiber inclusion.

Properties of corn husk fibre reinforced epoxy composites fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin infusion

Corn husk is a non-fruit part of the corn and an agricultural waste. This research focuses on fabricating composite material from the corn husk fibre by using a vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) technique. The corn husk fibre was extracted using water retting method and treated with alkali and bleaching treatments using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Then, those fibres were made into nonwoven fibre mat using water laid method. The fibre mat was infused with epoxy resin to make a composite. The mechanical result has shown that the composite with 20% of fibre has higher tensile strength and modulus compared to neat epoxy. Both treatments have removed the non-cellulose content, such as hemicellulose and lignin. Moreover, the treatments also promoted better interfacial adhesion between fibre and matrix. Thus, the NaOH treated and H2O2 treated composites showed approximately 56% and 82%, respectively, higher tensile strength than untreated composite. Both treated composites were also stiffer and exhibited lower water absorption compared to untreated composite.

Effects of Alkalization on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Biologically Degummed Okra Bast and Corn Husk Fibers

ABSTRACT In this study, biologically degummed okra bast and corn husk fibers were subjected to alkalization processes. Alkalization treatments resulted in decrease of linear density of the biologically degummed fibers. Increment in alkali concentration resulted in an initial increase then a successive decrease in all tensile indicators: initial modulus, breaking tenacity and breaking elongation. 3 g/L NaOH-treated fibers showed the best tensile characteristics for both okra bast and corn husk fibers. The IR spectra analysis suggested elimination of extracellulosic materials upon alkaline treatment. The ranges for properties of the produced okra bast and corn husk fibers can be summarized in consecutive order as linear density of 9.7–12.3 and 20.0–24.3 tex; initial modulus between 1257-1897 and 156.4–354.6 cN/tex; breaking tenacity range in 28.0–46.8 and 6.37–15.2 cN/tex; and elongation in the range 2.0–2.5% and 8.7–19.9%. The properties of obtained okra bast fibers are found to be superior to corn husk fibers and comparable to that of conventional bast fibers.

The effect of water immersion and fibre content on properties of corn husk fibres reinforced thermoset polyester composite

This work presents an experimental investigation into the effect of cornhusk fibre (CHF) content upon the mechanical properties, water absorption behaviour, and swellability of CHF/polyester (PE) composites used in water environments. The CHF/PE was prepared at different volume fractions using hot compression (~175 °C). To investigate the rate of water absorption and swellability behaviours, composites were immersed in water for varying durations. The mechanical properties of composites (i.e. tensile, bending and compression strengths) immersed in water were carefully evaluated. The results indicate that the composites with an increased CHF content and a longer immersion time are prone to lower mechanical properties. The large amount of water absorbed by the composite reduces the bonding interface between CHF and PE, which is responsible for the damage. Moreover, the amount of water absorbed and the swellability increase with a corresponding increase in the CHF content. The lowest water absorption (2.39%) was detected in 20% CHF and 80% PE composite immersed for 6 days. The findings gathered in this research endorse CHF/polyester thermoset composites as a viable alternative for construction applications.

STUDI ANALISIS KOEFISIEN ABSORBSI PAPAN AKUSTIK PADA KETEBALAN BERVARIASI BERBAHAN DASAR LIMBAH KULIT JAGUNG DAN SABUT KELAPA (SOLUSI ALTERNATIF RAMAH LINGKUNGAN)

This study aims to detemine the effect of thickness on the absorption coefficient of acoustic boards from corn waste and coconut fiber with polyester resin adhesive. The procedure used is used in the research carried out by making acoustic boards with two types of samples, which are fine chopped materials and materials that have been roughly cut with a thickness of 0.7 cm, 1.0 cm and 1.5 cm and measure the coefficient absorption of the thickness of the acoustic material board. The frequency value used is 200 Hz, 250 Hz, 500Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and also 4000 Hz. Based on the results of research conducted, it is found that the absorption coefficient value of straight-line coefficient, where the thicker a material, the smaller the coefficient of absorption. Sound absorption coefficient is good, namely at all thicknesses with a frequency of 200 Hz, 250 Hz and 500 Hz both from fine counts and rough counts. This shows that acoustic boards made of corn husk and coconut fiber can be used as sound absorbers because they have been included in the requirements of the ISO 11654 standard.

Influence of Filler Loading and in Situ Salicylic Acid Treatment on Corn Husk Fiber Filled Poly(Hydroxybutyrate-Co-Valerate)

The effect of filler loading and in situ salicylic acid treatment on the mechanical properties and morphology of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate)/corn husk fiber (PHBV/CHF) biocomposites was studied. Both untreated and salicylic acid treated PHBV/CHF biocomposites were prepared by using heated two roll mill followed by compression moulding. It was found that the addition of CHF to PHBV biocomposites increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus while the elongation at break decreased. Salicylic acid treated PHBV/CHF biocomposite display superior tensile strength and Young’s modulus than untreated PHBV/CHF biocomposite due to the enhanced filler–matrix interaction. The better interfacial adhesion between CHF and PHBV matrix was confirmed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis.

Acoustical behaviour of natural fibres-based composite boards as sound-absorbing materials

The studies on acoustical behaviour of composite boards made from five different types of natural fibres (bagasse, bamboo, banana, coir and corn husk) have been carried out for their utilization as sound-absorbing materials. The composite boards of all five types of fibres were prepared in three different density range (low, medium and high). The ranges of low, medium and high density boards varied from 280 to 300 kg/m3, 320 to 350 kg/m3 and 400 to 450 kg/m3, respectively. The porosity, which was calculated based on bulk board density and fibre density, was found to vary from 50 to 79% depending upon the types of fibres and density of board. The damping coefficient (tan δ) was determined using dynamic mechanical analyzer and found maximum (0.09) in banana and corn husk fibre boards having density 280–297 kg/m3). The variation of sound absorption coefficient of fibre boards with frequency (up to 4 kHz) was measured. The noise reduction coefficient (NRC), which was calculated as an average of sound absorption coefficient values at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz, was found to decrease with the increase in board densities for all the five types of boards. The maximum NRC value of 0.40 was found for banana fibre boards having density of 280 kg/m3 and therefore found comparatively more suitable as sound absorbing material.