Dry Fiber Research Articles

Beet pulp as soluble fiber source and dietary energy levels for growing pigs under heat stress.

The study evaluated the effects of dietary fiber and energy levels administered during two growing periods (d 0-28 and d 29-56) for pigs exposed to a high temperature. A total of 96 growing pigs were used in six treatments as: Two treatments in thermoneutral temperature (21°C-24°C) with dietary energy of 3,300 and the inclusion of high or low fiber, two treatments in heat stress (30°C-34°C) with dietary energy of 3,300 and the inclusion of high or low fiber, and two treatments in heat stress with dietary energy of 3,450 and the inclusion of high or low fiber. Among standard energy level treatments, heat-stressed pigs showed lower average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein, and crude fiber in phases 1 and 2. Moreover, higher concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) in feces were shown in pigs fed high fiber diets. There was a negative interaction between dietary fiber and energy for the fecal concentration of isobutyrate in phase 1 and valerate in phase 2. Pigs in heat stress treatments showed a higher rectal temperature, respiratory rate, hair cortisol, plasma zonulin, and fecal lipocalin-2. Among heat stress treatments, the overall ADG was increased in pigs fed high fiber. Pigs fed high dietary fiber showed a greater concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA. High fiber treatments decreased plasma zonulin. In conclusion, the inclusion of beet pulp, soluble fiber, at the level of 4% looks necessary in pigs diet during heat stress.

Guidelines for The Development of Nutrients for Serow in Captive: A Case Study of Chemical Composition and Feed Intake for Captive Serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) in Chiang Mai Night Safari

The objective of this research was to determine the chemical composition and feed intake for captive serows (Capricornis milneedwardsii) in Chiang Mai Night Safari. Nine serows (5 years old with average weight of 60.33±5 kg) with 90-day trial period were used in this study. Experimental dietary feeds were pisang awak banana, sweet corn, pangola hay, chinese water convolvulus, and maize plants. Chemical compositions were analysed by proximate analysis and Van Soest methods. Daily feed intakes were recorded to determine the dry matter intake. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the experimental design. The results showed that the sweet corn has significantly higher valuable organic matter than other feeds (P<0.001) while pangola hay shows significantly lower amounts of crude protein and lipids than other feeds (P<0.001). In addition, considering the amount of nutrient intake, serows show significantly higher feed intakes of dry matter, organic matter, and crude fiber of maize plants than other feeds (P<0.001). Therefore, the maize plants can be used as a source of energy for serows and utilize it for their livelihood growth. The maize plants also have lower cost compared to other types of feed. Therefore, the maize plants are suitable for use as a feed source to raise serows in captives for the conservation of serows in Thailand.

Optimization and Production of Aceclofenac-Loaded Microfiber Solid Dispersion by Centrifugal Spinning.

Aceclofenac-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone fiber-based amorphous solid dispersion was produced successfully by centrifugal spinning. The solution concentration and rotational speed were optimized to produce the fiber-based drug carrier system, with a determined production rate of 12.7 g/h dry solid fibers. The obtained fibers were bead-free and smooth-surfaced with an average diameter of 7.5 ± 2.5 μm. Gas chromatographic determinations revealed that ethanol, as a residual solvent, was well below the regulatory limit of 0.5%. Differential scanning calorimetric investigation and infrared spectroscopic measurements were used to track the physicochemical changes that intervene during fiber formation in the solid state. The results revealed that the rapid evaporation of the solvent was accompanied by a probable crystalline to amorphous transition of the active substance during centrifugal spinning. In vitro dissolution studies revealed an instantaneous disintegration of the fibrous structure and a rapid release of the active substance, with the microfibrous webs greatly outperforming the crystalline active substance, especially in the early time-points. This implies that centrifugal spinning offers a viable scale-up production process to prepare drug-loaded fiber-based solid dispersions.

Influence of inclusion of low doses of tannin blends in beef cattle dietary supplements on in vitro and in situ digestibility of nutrients in some feedstuffs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the daily supplementation with a low dosage of a blend of condensed and hydrolysable tannins on the in vitro and in situ digestibility of protein and fibrous feedstuffs. In situ ruminal incubation assays were conducted on seven protein and five roughage feedstuffs with and without tannin supplementation (1 g/kg DM intake). From these same cattle, rumen fluid was collected for in vitro incubations of the same feedstuffs. In vitro assays we evaluated the gas production (GP) up to 24 h and, sequentially, digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD), crude protein (IVCPD), fiber (IVNDFD), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). For in situ assays, the disappearance curves were modeled and then the potentially degradable (), digestion rate (), and undegradable () fractions were estimated. Of all the variables studied, only IVCPD of soybean meal showed effect (P<0.05) with the addition of dose of tannins. The supplementation of tannin affected only of the DM and CP of the cottonseed meal. The of DM and CP increased with the supplementation of the tannin blend only for Marandu (dry season), soybean and cottonseed meal. Additionally, the of the DM of corn silage was reduced. The of CP was affected by the increase of tannin supplementation for soybean and cottonseed meal. Daily supplementation with a low dose of tannin blend for grazing cattle affects for grazing cattle affects the ruminal digestibility of some of the evaluated feedstuffs, which are soybean and cottonseed meal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the daily supplementation with a low dosage of a blend of condensed and hydrolysable tannins on the in vitro and in situ digestibility of protein and fibrous feedstuffs. In situ ruminal incubation assays were conducted on seven protein and five roughage feedstuffs with and without tannin supplementation (1 g/kg DM intake). From these same cattle, rumen fluid was collected for in vitro incubations of the same feedstuffs. In vitro assays we evaluated the gas production (GP) up to 24 h and, sequentially, digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD), crude protein (IVCPD), fiber (IVNDFD), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). For in situ assays, the disappearance curves were modeled and then the potentially degradable (), digestion rate (), and undegradable () fractions were estimated. Of all the variables studied, only IVCPD of soybean meal showed effect (P<0.05) with the addition of dose of tannins. The supplementation of tannin affected only of the DM and CP of the cottonseed meal. The of DM and CP increased with the supplementation of the tannin blend only for Marandu (dry season), soybean and cottonseed meal. Additionally, the of the DM of corn silage was reduced. The of CP was affected by the increase of tannin supplementation for soybean and cottonseed meal. Daily supplementation with a low dose of tannin blend for grazing cattle affects for grazing cattle affects the ruminal digestibility of some of the evaluated feedstuffs, which are soybean and cottonseed meal.

Assessment of Nutritional Composition of Shrimps Using Different Smoking Method

The study assessed the effects of smoking on the nutrient attributes of penaeus notialis shrimps in Ghana. Terminalia ivorensis, Petersianthus macrocarpus and Albizia zygia were used as fuel woods to smoolder the shrimps. Descriptive and experimental research designs were adopted to guide the entire study. A Random sampling technique was used to select 88 second year students of the Catering and Hospitality Department at the Kumasi Technical University. Frequency and percentage were used to analyse the background information of the respondents. One way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant differences among the types of wood used. The study revealed that seven nutrients (Dry Matter, Moisture, Ash, Protein, Fibre, Fat/Oil and Carbohydrate) were found. There is a significant difference in nutritional and chemical properties of the shrimps based on the types of wood used for smoking. The study, therefore, recommended that, care must be taken not to use any wood for fuel in smoking shrimps.

A multiscale deep learning model for elastic properties of woven composites

Time-consuming and costly computational analysis expresses the need for new methods for generalizing multiscale analysis of composite materials. Combining neural networks and multiscale modeling is favorable for bypassing expensive lower-scale material modeling, and accelerating coupled multi-scale analyses (FE2). In this work, neural networks are used to replace the time-consuming micromechanical finite element analysis of unidirectional composites, representing the local material properties of yarns in woven fabric composites in a multiscale framework. Leveraging the fast multiscale data generation procedure, we presented a second neural networks model to estimate the elastic engineering coefficients of a particular weave architecture based on a broad range of dry resin and fiber properties and yarn fiber volume fraction. As an outcome, this paper provides the user with a generalized, neural network-based approach to tackle the balance of computational efficiency and accuracy in the multiscale analysis of elastic woven composites.

Accelerated Zero-Stress Hydrothermal Aging of Dry E-Glass Fibers and Service Life Prediction Using Arrhenius Model

Comprehending the degradation of glass fibers is crucial for service applications involving dry and wet conditions, especially when prolonged contact with water above room temperature is present. Depending on the polymer material, both thermosetting and thermoplastic matrices can permit the ingress of moisture. Therefore, fiber reinforcements embedded in the polymer matrix may experience moisture exposure. Additionally, some structural applications use fiber devoid of any matrix (dry fibers), in which water exposure must be avoided. In all of these cases, moisture may, therefore, have a significant impact on the reinforcing elements and the rate of degradation. The present work focuses on the effects of hydrothermal aging on the mechanical durability of long E-glass fibers by immersion in water at 60 °C, 71 °C, and 82 °C. A service life forecast model was created utilizing the Arrhenius technique, and a master curve of strength variation with exposure time was created for E-glass fibers at 60 °C. Using this modeling approach, it is possible to approximate the amount of time it will take to attain a given degradation level over a specified range of temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate morphological changes in fiber surfaces due to hydrothermal exposure, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass dissolution studies were used to elucidate the mechanism of the strength loss.

Nilai Nutrisi dan Rendemen Ekstrak Metanol Pelet Katuk Depolarisasi sebagai Parameter Standar Mutu Produksi

Standardization of the quality of the depolarized katuk pellet production process as a feed additive is very important to maintain product quality. The production process requires dry katuk leaves (DKK) as raw materials which are then processed into depolarized katuk leaves (DKD), and continues in the pelleting process to become depolarized katuk pellets (PKD). Quality standard can be done by measuring the parameters of nutritional value and also the yield of methanol extract. Nutritional values were obtained from the results of proximate analysis, namely the percentage of dry matter, ash content, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, beta-N, calcium, phosphorus, and gross energy (Cal/g). Mean while, the yield of methanol extract was obtained by maceration using methanol solvent. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional value and yield of crude methanol extract of katuk leaves (DKK, DKD, PKD) which can be used as a quality assurance standard for the depolarized katuk pellet production process. In general, the nutritional value of DKD and PKD had the same value as that of DKK, except for calcium which was quite high (P<0.05) in DKD and PKD, and the percentage of crude fiber was lower (P<0.05) in PKD compared to DKK and DKD. The percentage of crude fat in pellets (PKD) was higher (P<0.05) when compared to DKK and DKD. The yield of methanol extract was very high (P<0.05) in DKK, compared to DKD and PKD. The nutritional parameters and the yield of the katuk leaf extract can be used as quality assurance standards for the depolarized katuk pellet production process.
 
 Keywords: depolarization, katuk, methanol, nutrition, pellet

FEA and experimental ultimate burst pressure analysis of type IV composite pressure vessels manufactured by robot-assisted radial braiding technique

Composite pressure vessels (CPVs) are lightweight and high-strength containers that can be used for the storage of compressed gases, including hydrogen. While hydrogen is a promising alternative energy source, storage of hydrogen comes with its significant challenges which requires a need for the efficient production of CPVs. Most commonly, CPVs are manufactured using filament winding technology. Due to the rise in the need for pressure vessels, there is a need for alternative high-throughput manufacturing techniques. Braided, in comparison to filament winding, has a high throughput and is less research manufacturing technology for CPVs. In this study, the applicability of braiding for the manufacturing of CPV is researched. Two types of 2D braids, namely the conventional and unidirectional, braiding were studied for their application in such structures, 24K and UD tanks, respectively. Dry carbon fiber (T700S – 24K) and HDPE liner were used to manufacture two different types of composite pressure vessels (CPVs), by robot-assisted radial braiding technique. After the preform of the braiding process was finished, CPVs were cured with a vacuum infusion process (VIP) by using a mold system. Produced braided CPVs were subjected to a hydrostatic burst test in order to determine their ultimate burst pressure point. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to optimize and correlate experimental burst pressure test results. Ansys ACP was utilized to design composite structures by dividing both tanks’ domes into sub-sections. Results suggest that the experimental burst pressure test of 24K and UD tanks were identified as 200 bar and 150 bar, respectively. UD vessel ruptured close to the dome, whereas the 24K fracture point was located in the center of the dome. UD braided CPV was shown to have a smaller apparent burst deformation (rupture) scale than 24K CPV. In comparison to 24K, the UD braided CPV is 5.7% lighter and requires 20.9% less carbon fiber in production. FEA results were consistent with experimental results in terms of the burst pressure point. For both 24K and UD, the fiber failure starts at the point where the cylinder section and boss system are connected under pressure, and fiber failures continue to progress steadily as the pressure increases.

Research of quality indicators of different types of wholegrain flour

The concept of modern nutrition involves the presence of the maximum amount of nutrients, including vitamins, essential amino acids, carotenoids, natural antioxidants, minerals, phenolic and tannin compounds, organic acids, and dietary fibre, which is why the food industry is interested in developing wholegrain products based on crops such as wheat, rye, barley, triticale, buckwheat, corn, and rice. The purpose of the study is to evaluate wholegrain flour using modern production technologies and control its quality, which will lead to a new level of development in the Ukrainian food industry and ensure increased profitability of the flour milling and baking industries. Methods used in the study: theoretical – analysis, synthesis, comparison and generalisation; experimental – identification and measurement to determine the physicochemical, organic, grinding, flour-milling and baking quality indicators of wholegrain wheat flour. Characterising the experimental data of different types of wholegrain flour, it was established that the content of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre or fibres, mineral content, and easily hydrolysed carbohydrates (starch, hemicellulose) were in the range of 84.7-88.8%, 10.2-16.3%, 0.9-1.7%, 2.3-4.8%, 1.2-3.2%, and 77.5-84.2%, respectively. Indicators such as ash content and flour size directly depended on the grinding scheme and the integrity of all anatomical grain particles. The technology of wholegrain wheat flour production combines the advantages of existing milling methods with minimising the adverse effect on the qualitative and quantitative gluten content, which varied from 21% to 36% in wholegrain flour samples, and the gluten deformation index ranged from 53.8 to 81.7 units. The materials of the study are of practical significance and indicate the need for further research, since when assessing the quality indicators and examining the characteristics of wholegrain wheat flour, attention should be devoted to the further development of optimal technology for the production of bread from this raw material

THE EFFECT OF VARIATION OF TEMPERATURE ON PULL TEST OF FIBERGLASS FIBER COMPOSITE MATERIALS WITH VACUUM ASSISTED RESIN INFUSION (VARI)

To determine the effect of temperature variations on mixing fiberglass composite resin materials with the vacuum infusion method in the Tensile test. To determine the effect of the lowest and best temperature variations on mixing fiberglass composite resin materials with the vacuum infusion method on fotomikro. Variation fixed resin; polyester, fiber; fiberglass, vacuum; vacuum Infusion. Variable temperature of mixing resin 30˚C, 40˚C, and 50˚C. In this study, the vacuum infusion method was used, where the researcher made a specimen using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI) process. In the VARI process, dry fiber is placed between the fixmold and the plastic bag, then the resin is injected after the space inside the plastic bag is under low pressure and the process continues until all parts of the fiber are wetted by the resin. After the specimen is made, then a tensile test is carried out to determine the mechanical strength of the specimen being tested. Then analyze the tensile test data using the equations used and displayed in the form of graphs and tables. This study was used to determine the effect of fiberglass composites with the vacuum infusion method on the tensile strength test. results of Tensile testing of fiberglass fiber composites and temperature variations of 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C. From the table it can be seen that the specimen with the best performance is found in the specimen with a temperature variation of 50°C, where the load that can be withheld reaches 508.56 kgf. So for maximum tensile strength it produces 11.07 MPa. Then on the specimen with a temperature variation of 40°C the best performance is 361.95 kgf. So for maximum tensile strength it produces 8.46 MPa. In specimens with a temperature variation of 30°C the best performance is 251.10 kgf. So for a maximum tensile strength of 5.67 Mpa. The average yield strength shows the results of the Tensile test of each variation, totaling 9 specimens. For the highest yield strength, a value of 9.67 MPa was obtained at a temperature variation of 50°C and for the lowest yield strength, a value of 4.13 MPa was obtained at a temperature variation of 30°C. Tensile test specimens have results where the highest yield strength or yield strength is obtained by specimens with a temperature variation of 50°C and as the stress increases, the yield strength value increases, and for the tensile strength of the material or tensile strength which has the highest value in the test, the specimens with 50°C temperature variation. Thus, the effect of temperature treatment is significant on the increase in tensile strength, but if the temperature is 30°C it will decrease the tensile strength, as at 30°C it produces an average tensile strength of 4.62 MPa. The results of the microphoto test show that at a temperature variation of 50°C there are a few voids while the 30°C variation has too many voids. Micro photo testing aims to determine the content in the composite.

Textured Polyester Fiber in Three-Dimensional (3D) Carpet Structure Application: Experimental Characterizations under Compression-Bending-Abrasion-Rubbing Loading.

In this article, textured polyester fiber was used as pile yarn in three-dimensional woven carpet structures. The properties of developed polyester carpets under various mechanical loading were studied. A statistical method was used to analyze the experimental data. Regression models were proposed to explain the relationships between carpet pile height and density. The study showed that the bending rigidity and curvature of dry and wet polyester pile fiber carpets were influenced by pile height and pile density (indirectly weft density) in that the downward concave large bending curvature was obtained from very dense carpet structures. In addition, the average dry bending rigidity of the carpet was over eight times higher than the average wet bending rigidity of the carpet. The thickness loss (%) and resilience (%) for each recovery period of various polyester carpets were proportional depending on the pile density. It was broadly decreased when the pile density was increased due to the compression load carrying capacity per polyester fiber knot, which was higher in carpets having dense knots compared to sparse knots per area. On the other hand, the polyester pile density and height largely affected the carpet mass losses (%) of all textured polyester carpets under an abrasion load. The number of strokes received after completely fractured polyester pile yarns during a rubbing test were increased when the pile heights for each pile density were increased. Findings from the study can be useful for polyester carpet designers and three-dimensional dry or impregnate polyester fiber-based preform designers in particularly complex shape molding part manufacturing.

The diversity and quality of forages and their potency as herbal anthelmintic for swamp buffalo in Brebes District, Central Java.

Swamp buffaloes play an important role in the rural economy of Indonesia. They consume various forages during their grazing time, including those with anti-parasitic potential. However, the information about the type and quality of forages and their potential as a natural anthelmintic for swamp buffalo is very limited. This study aimed to identify the diversity, quality, and anthelmintic potency of forages consumed by swamp buffaloes reared in Bantarkawung Subdistrict, Brebes District, Central Java Province, Indonesia. Samples of forages were obtained during three observation periods of the study, with a 12-week interval between each period. Forage diversity was evaluated by identifying its consumption by swamp buffaloes during their grazing activity in the field and feeding time in their shed. The quality of forages was analyzed using proximate analysis to measure their dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CFat), and ash contents. This is followed by the calculation of their total digestible nutrient based on the proximate analysis results. Botanical composition analysis was then conducted to measure the predominance of forages consumed by the livestock during their grazing activity. Literature reviews were carried out to explore forage's anthelmintic activity. The results showed that swamp buffaloes consume nine species of forage in the shed and 47 in the grazing area, including nine legumes, 18 grass, and 20 others. Swamp buffaloes consumed forages of lower quality, which contained high CF contents and varying levels of other nutrients below their daily nutritional needs. The grazing activity allowed swamp buffaloes to consume a higher variety of forages with better nutritional quality, thereby enabling them to meet their nutritional needs. Legumes and other forages served as the major protein sources, providing CP of 20.03% DM and 11.53% DM, and CF levels of 17.01% DM and 20.35% DM, respectively. The results also showed that the consumption of these forages increased during the rainy season. The predominant species of legumes consumed were Leucaena leucocephala and Acacia spp., while Alternanthera sessilis and Merremia umbellata were the predominant species of other forages. A total of 13 of the 47 species could potentially be used as natural anthelmintic due to their secondary metabolites, namely, tannin, flavonoid, saponin, terpenoid, diterpenoid, and mimosine. These compounds exert anthelmintic effects by inhibiting egg-hatching and larval development, as well as damaging the surface structure of both larvae and adult worms, ultimately leading to the death of the parasites. Overall, swamp buffaloes consumed more variety of forages during grazing compared to when they were kept in sheds. While the low-variety and low-quality forages provisioned for swamp buffaloes in their shed resulted in a low nutrient intake below their daily requirement. Furthermore, daily grazing activities allowed swamp buffaloes to fulfill and supplement their need by consuming a variety of grasses, legumes, and other forages in their respective grazing areas. Some of these forages also have the potential to become natural anthelmintic because they contain secondary metabolites, such as tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, diterpenoids, and mimosine.

Characteristics of high-density fibreboard produced with the use of rice starch as a binder

Characteristics of high-density fibreboard produced with the use of rice starch as a binder. The adhesives used as binders in the boards are not biodegradable, and their formaldehyde is toxic. Nowadays it is very important to take care of the environment. There are a lot of biodegradable products that as well as the current board binders can meet good mechanical and physical properties and at the same time not harm the environment. Therefore in this project, the study aimed to investigate the possibility of producing dry-formed fibreboards usingrice starch as a binder. The research involved the production of boards with a mass proportion of rice starch 0%, 10%, 12%, 15%, and 20% (when referred to as totally dry wood fibre mass) and to study of their selected physical and mechanical properties. The results proved that rice starch can be used as a binding agent if we choose the right amount of starch so that it can improve some mechanical and physical properties. Very good properties came out for the determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength and for screw withdrawal resistance with a high rice binder content, but on the other hand for internal bonds, the high rice content reduced the properties. For some studies, rice flour improved properties but not enough to comply with standards as was the case with the swelling of the thickness.

The influence of loading speed on the bending strength of beech (Fagus sp.) and birch (Betula sp.) wood

The influence of loading speed on the bending strength of beech (Fagus sp.) and birch (Betula sp.) wood The subject of this paper was to investigate the effect of loading speeds from 20 mmˑmin-1 to 200 mmˑmin-1 on the flexural strength and deformation of beech (Fagus sp.) and birch (Betula sp.) wood with moisture content close to the absolutely dry state and fibre saturation point. A GOM Aramis measuring system, operating with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology, was used in the study to record the displacement and deformation of the elements in real time. The results obtained for flexural strength, flexural modulus and the amount of deformation observed showed a relationship between material properties and loading rate. At higher moisture content, the bending strength and modulus of elasticity decreased with increasing deflexion. The highest bending strength and modulus of elasticity were achieved by the tested wood species at a loading rate of 200 mmˑmin-1. Beech wood, compared to birch wood, showed higher bending strength and modulus of elasticity. Images obtained by means of DIC revealed, at moisture contents close to the dry state, a symmetrical distribution of compressive and tensile stresses relative to the neutral axis of the sample cross-section. At higher moisture contents, there was a significant asymmetry between the compressive and tensile stresses and an apparent shift of the neutral axis towards the tensile surface.

Short Jute Fiber Preform Reinforced Polypropylene Thermoplastic Composite: Experimental Investigation and Its Theoretical Stiffness Prediction.

Natural-based lignocellulose fibrous materials can be used as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based fibers such as glass fibers, in lightweight fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites for marine, automotive, aerospace, or other advanced applications. However, one of the main challenges in using natural fiber-based thermoplastic composites is the low mechanical performance of composite structures. This can be improved significantly through the development of an optimized novel fiber architecture with enhanced fiber packing properties, following a low-cost production process. In this context, this study demonstrates a less energy-consuming and cheaper manufacturing process, for developing highly individualized short jute fiber-based dry fiber preform architecture, with an improved fiber packing property. Short jute fibers were chemically treated with alkali and PVA sizing treatments in the processing of new fiber preform architectures, and they were used in manufacturing of ultimate short jute fiber/polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic composites. The newly developed short fiber thermoplastic composites showed a significant improvement in mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) compared to any other natural fiber architecture-based (woven, knitted, nonwoven, unidirectional, etc.) composites found in the literature. Due to the use of new fiber architecture, the developed composites' fiber content was observed to increase. In addition, the compatibility of jute fibers with the polypropylene matrix was strengthened with the application of chemical treatments on highly individualized jute fibers. These reasons were responsible for the enhancement of mechanical properties of developed composites. Micromechanics of the fibers in composites were evaluated using the modified rule of the mixture and Halpin-Tsai equations for stiffness prediction of the composites in order to develop a theoretical understanding of newly developed composites' mechanics. It is thought that the improved mechanical performance of short jute fiber/PP thermoplastic composites can extend the use of these composites in many load-demanding applications, wherein normally synthetic fiber composites are used.

Penambahan Inokulum yang Berbeda pada Ampas Tebu Fermentasi Terhadap Kualitas Nutrisi

Sugarcane bagasse is an agricultural waste that could be processed into ruminant alternative feed. Sugarcane bagasse processing was very necessary to improve the nutritional as animal feed using fermentation application which was one way to increase the nutritional of sugarcane bagasse using cow feces inoculum and EM-4 (Effective Microorganism-4). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect nutritional quality of fermented sugarcane bagasse using different types of inoculum. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications that are ; P0: sugarcane bagasse without inoculum addition (control), P1: sugarcane bagasse + 5% cattle feces, P2: sugarcane bagasse + EM-4 10%, P3: sugarcane bagasse + 5% cattle feces + E-4 10%. The parameters measured include dry content, crude protein, crude fiber, and crude fat. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that a mixture of 5% cow feces and 10% EM-4 had a very significant effect (P <0.01) to increase crude protein ​​and significantly (P <0.05) to reduce crude fiber. The conclusion of this research was the addition of 5% cow feces inoculum and 10% EM-4 (P3 treatment) was the best treatment because it increased crude protein content and decreased crude fiber

Nutritional Value of Coconut Pulp (Cocos nuciferaL.) Fermented Using Aspergillus niger At Different Times as a Poultry Feed

This study was carried out to determine the nutritional value of coconut pulp (Cocos nucifera l.) with different fermentation times using Aspergillus niger as a poultry feed ingredient. The work was conducted at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Musi Rawas University, from January to April 2019 and proximate analysis was carried out at the Nutrition Laboratory of the Faculty of Animal Science, Jambi University. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments during fermentation (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days of fermentation with codes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L6. The observed variables were dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), and crude fat (CFat). The results show that 6 days of fermentation reduced BK and increased CP in fermented coconut pulp to 90.71% and 7.41%. The L5 treatment reduced SCF and CFat content to 8.75% and 11.21%. The best fermentation time of coconut pulp with Aspergillus niger was on day 6.

Approaching Self-Bonded Medium Density Fiberboards Made by Mixing Steam Exploded Arundo donax L. and Wood Fibers: A Comparison with pMDI-Bonded Fiberboards on the Primary Properties of the Boards.

This study presents an unexplored method to produce formaldehyde-free MDF. Steam exploded Arundo donax L. (STEX-AD) and untreated wood fibers (WF) were mixed at different mixing rates (0/100, 50/50, and 100/0, respectively) and two series of boards were manufactured, with 4 wt% of pMDI, based on dry fibers, and self-bonded. The mechanical and physical performance of the boards was analyzed as a function of the adhesive content and the density. The mechanical performance and dimensional stability were determined by following European standards. The material formulation and the density of the boards had a significant effect on both mechanical and physical properties. The boards made solely of STEX-AD were comparable to those made with pMDI, while the panels made of WF without adhesive were those that performed the worst. The STEX-AD showed the ability to reduce the TS for both pMDI-bonded and self-bonded boards, although leading to a high WA and a higher short-term absorption for the latter. The results presented show the feasibility of using STEX-AD in the manufacturing of self-bonded MDF and the improvement of dimensional stability. Nonetheless, further studies are needed especially to address the enhancement of the internal bond (IB).

Novel epoxy/cyclic olefin copolymer/carbon structural composites with electro‐activated self‐healing properties

AbstractMultifunctional self‐healing composites have great potential in several applications, i.e., from automotive to aerospace. This study examines the self‐healing behavior of carbon fiber reinforced composites by depositing jet‐spun cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) meshes on dry carbon fiber plies before lamination with epoxy resin (EP). Three different laminates were prepared, including neat EP/CF and two composites with 4 wt.% and 8 wt.% of COC in the form of a jet‐spun network as a healing agent. The introduction of COC mesh reduced flexural stress by 26% and interlaminar shear strength by 50%. Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GI) was evaluated and specimens were mended at 110°C by resistive heating generated by an electrical current flowing within the samples. The laminates containing 8 wt% COC reported a healing efficiency, evaluated as the ratio between the GI and as the ratio of the maximum load (PMAX) of virgin and healed samples, of 9.4% and 33.7%, respectively. Fractography analysis highlighted the poor adhesion between the COC mesh and EP matrix, and several COC microfibers were trapped inside the epoxy matrix, hindering their diffusion inside the crack zone, which limited the healing capability of the prepared laminates.