Eulaliopsis Binata Research Articles

Mechanical and Structural Characterization of Resole Resin Composites Reinforced with Sabai Grass-Derived Cellulose Fibers

Cellulose fibers were extracted from Sabai grass (Eulaliopsis binata) using mechanical and chemical treatments. The grass was ground to ~250 µm powder and bleached with hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. The bleached fibers were treated with 6% sodium hydroxide solution and incorporated into resole resin at various weight percentages to prepare the composites. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and compressive strength tests. The XRD and FTIR showed a nanometric crystallite size of 3.84 nm and effective removal of non-cellulosic compounds, respectively, leading to a compressive strength increase from 15.60 MPa to 25.26 MPa at 3 wt.-% cellulose fiber. The compressive strength improved up to 3 wt.-% cellulose fiber, which however declined upon adding more filler. SEM revealed modified surface morphology in the composites with cellulose fibers.

A study on drilling performance of fabricated sabai fiber (Eulaliopsis binata) /epoxy composite laminates

A study on drilling performance of fabricated sabai fiber (Eulaliopsis binata) /epoxy composite laminates

Investigation on the potential of Eulaliopsis binata (babiyo) as a sustainable fiber reinforcement for mortar and concrete

The production of synthetic materials emits harmful gases, driving researchers to seek eco-friendly alternatives, leading to increased demand for natural fiber-based composites in various industries. With advantages like cost-effectiveness, renewability, and biodegradability, natural fiber reinforced composites gain popularity in concrete applications. Their use in concrete has gained global acceptance for its smaller carbon footprint, reduced energy consumption, and minimized wastage. This research aims to evaluate the suitability of Eulaliopsis binata (EB) fiber in mortar and concrete applications. Mortar samples were prepared using different proportions of alkaline-treated EB fibers (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1% and 1.25% by total weight of mortar) in a cement-sand-water mixture with a 1:1:0.35 ratio. Additionally, concrete with a mix proportion of 1:2.15:3.13 (cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate) and a water-cement ratio of 0.618 was prepared. The flexural strength test was conducted using plain concrete as well as concrete with untreated and epoxy-treated EB fiber bars of varying diameters. The results revealed that EB fiber-reinforced mortar exhibited a notable increase in flexural and splitting tensile strength, with a 10.85% and 6.23% improvement compared to plain mortar at 0.75% EB fiber content, while compressive strength decreased. Similarly, concrete reinforced with untreated and epoxy-coated EB fiber bars of 14 mm diameter demonstrated 12.32% and 13.27% higher flexural strength, respectively, than that of unreinforced concrete. These results highlight the potential for affordable green concrete production, supporting sustainable infrastructure development. The EB fiber usage presents an encouraging pathway for environmentally conscious construction practices with reduced environmental impact.

Strength evaluation of alkali treated Sabai Grass (Eulaliopsis binata) fibers and its reinforced composites

This investigation aims to use Sabai grass fiber as a substitute reinforcement in epoxy-based composite systems, which is environment friendly and performs similarly to other natural fibers. Composite laminates are prepared with treated and untreated Sabai fibers reinforcement layered in different orientations using vacuum resin transfer molding method. Fabricated composite laminates have been evaluated for their mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength). The effect of varying concentrations (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9 wt.%) of NaOH treatment and fiber reinforcement angle on Sabai fiber-reinforced composite laminates on its physical and mechanical properties are experimentally evaluated. The specimen made with 5 wt.% of NaOH-treated has shown maximum tensile properties because of the higher fiber concentration in the composite laminate. The thickness of fibers gets reduced as the central voids contract after the treatment. The treated strand reinforced (0°/0°/0°/0°) composite laminate has maximum tensile (103.15 MPa) and flexural strength (143 MPa). In addition, it has a higher density (1.20 g/cm3) and less porosity contents (0.70%). The untreated reinforcement has a higher impact strength. The adhesion mechanism at the fiber matrix interface has been studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy by analyzing the fiber surface morphology after treatment and in the fractured samples. The correlation of the mechanical properties of the laminate has been discussed with consideration of interfacial adhesion mechanism, fiber pull-outs, and fiber-matrix cracking phenomenon. FTIR analyses confirm the removal of the peak at around 1735 cm−1 that belongs to the acetyl group of hemicellulose attributed to C=O stretching vibration, and the peak at 1253 cm−1 is associated with the lignin, which is in close agreement with chemical analysis.

All‐in‐one Biomass‐Based Flexible Supercapacitors with High Rate Performance and High Energy Density

AbstractTaking advantage of the unique structure and properties of gramineous straw that are available across the world in a yearly scale of several hundred million tons, a strategy to design and fabricate flexible high‐performance supercapacitors (SCs) is developed, of which the key components including electrode, separator, and electrolyte are all made from the eulaliopsis binata (EB), a ubiquitous gramineous straw. This kind of all‐in‐one biomass‐based flexible supercapacitors (BFSs) is first proposed, with the cuticle‐derived fibers (EBMs) as a separator, the pith‐derived carbon sponges (EBCs) as an electrode, and the sodium salts of the extracted carboxymethyl cellulose as gel electrolyte. The EBM with uniform diameter size, developed porosity, and abundant ‐OH/‐COOH groups have good flexibility, wettability, and ionic conductivity, far exceeding those of commercial glass‐fiber separators. The EBC has a high level of N/O/S co‐doping and hierarchical porous structure, resulting in enhanced ion accessibility and supercapacitance. With these advantages, the as‐fabricated BFS has shown ultra‐high‐rate performance, high energy density, and excellent flexibility, surpassing the biomass‐derived flexible supercapacitors reported thus far. This novel approach will shed light on the value‐added utilization of biomass from the viewpoint of molecular chemical engineering and product engineering and pave the way for fabricating flexible high‐performance SCs and beyond.

Seasonal Food Preference of Cheetal (Axis axis) and Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) In Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

This study is based on two years field study by direct observation and questionnaire method in Bijrani and Jhirna zones of Corbett National Park. Cheetal (Axis axis) and Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) are found with their sympatric species Barking deer in Corbett Park. The population of Cheetal and Sambar in different vegetative areas of Corbett varies according to the availability of their favourite food (seasonal). This study reveals that Cheetal preferred new sprouting of Cynadon dactylon, green Desmostachya bipinnata, Eulaliopsis binata, Setaria species, Heteropogon species, Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum bengalensis, and Saccharum narenga in grassland. In dense shrub area, Cheetal preferred green tender leaves of Murraya koenegi, Glycosmis arbores, and fruits of Ziziphus mauritiana, Emblica officinalis, and Solanum nigrum. In Sal-mixed forest Cheetal preferred green fallen leaves of Shorea robusta, Adena cordifolia, Mallotus philippensis and leaves & fruits of Syzigium cumini, Agle marmels, Ficus racemosa, Diospyras tomentosa, flowers of Bombax ceiba (calyx), Cassia fistula etc. In the water-side area Cheetal preferred Dalbergia sissoo, S. munja, Phragmites roxburghii and Acacia catechu etc. Sambar is mostly found in dense shrub area and preferred leaves of M. koenegi, G. arbores, E. officinalis, Justicia adhatoda, Z. mauritiana. In Sal-mixed forest, Sambar preferred leaves of S. robusta, A. cordifolia, A. marmeles, Dendrocalamus strictus, and flowers of B. ceiba etc. In grassland, Sambar preferred S. munja, I. cylindrica, D. bipinnata, E. binata. In water-side Sambar preferred A. arabica, P. roxburghii, and D. sissoo on a priority basis. Sambar generally preferred course food like rough leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, soft twigs, and large grasses.

Extraction of eco-friendly biocomposites from eulaliopsis binata: Mechanical, thermal and anti-bacterial studies

When compared to synthetic fibres, natural fibres are more environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and health-promoting. Novel technologies and methods for the growth of new plant fibres are being developed to replace both old conventional natural fibres and synthetic fibres. Eulaliopsis Binata, also known as Sabai Grass, is believed to have a high lignin concentration of upto 18.5 percent and a cellulose content of up to 55 percent. Natural cellulosic fibres were isolated from Eulaliopsis Binata and examined for their properties in this work. Compositional investigations, morphological studies, tensile properties, physical properties, thermal behaviour studies, and anti-bacterial research are all performed on the fibres obtained. The properties of Eulaliopsis Binata fibres were found to be nearly identical to those of conventional fibres, indicating that they could be employed in the production of coarse fibre fabrics, bio-based materials, and automotive interiors.

Phyto-management potential of naturally thriving plants on the metal contaminated overburden dump of coal mines: a study from Jharkhand, India

Quality of land once disturbed due to mining either by opencast or underground mines though it cannot be fully restored back, it can be reclaimed by phyto-management. However, its success depends on the selection of the plant species based on their remediation ability. Here, an attempt was made to select native plant species which are dominant in a mining area of Kuju and Charhi, Jharkhand, India and have good metal accumulating capacity from coal mine overburden (OB) dumps. First, vegetation community study was performed to identify the dominant herb and shrub species through quadrat method. Seven dominant plant species were selected from the OB dumps and analyzed for metal uptake. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of Cd, Ni, As, Fe, Pb, Mn, Zn and Se were calculated to understand the pattern of bioaccumulation and translocation into the various plant parts, respectively. Four plant species viz. Cynodon dactylon, Eulaliopsis binata, Croton oblongifolius, Lantana indica were found to be abundant in the area and efficient accumulators of metals from the soil. The order of uptake for the various metals in mg/kg of dry weight by the abundant plant species were Fe: 1191 > Mn: 441 > Zn: 232 > As: 12.5 > Ni: 10.91 > Pb: 8.6 > Se: 0.7 > Cd: 0.15. These species can thus be further utilized for phytoremediation of the degraded OB dumps and similar studies can help in other OB dump reclamation in other geographical and climatic regimes.

Influence of Chemical Modification on Structural, Morphological, Thermal, and Weathering Behavior of Eulaliopsis Binata Fiber and Its Composites

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, the influence of chemical treatment on the structural, morphological, thermal, and weathering behavior Eulaliopsis Binata (EB) fiber was studied. Composites were fabricated containing both untreated and chemically treated (with acetone, alkali, and benzoyl chloride) EB fibers. The mechanical characterization of the developed composites was carried out for both treated and untreated EB fiber composites to assess the effect of chemical modification on the mechanical properties. The maximum tensile and flexural strength were observed for benzoylated fiber composites. The percentage increase in the tensile and flexural strength of 30 weight fraction EB fiber composites was found to be 43.2% and 47.05% with respect to untreated fiber composites. The fractured surfaces of the specimens were studied using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to explore the fracture mechanisms of the developed composites.

Effect of Weathering on Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Eulaliopsis Binata Fiber/Epoxy Composites

Effect of Weathering on Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Eulaliopsis Binata Fiber/Epoxy Composites

Mechanical, morphological, and tribological behavior of Eulaliopsis binata fiber epoxy composites

AbstractThis study is aimed at the potential use of a new natural fiber in polymer based composites (Eulaliopsis binata fiber) as a reinforcing material whose potential for tribological applications is still an unexposed area of research. The characterization studies of the fiber has been carried out with XRD, EDS, and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Different weight percentages (10, 20, 30, and 40%) of short fiber were taken as reinforcement with epoxy polymer resin and hardener to study the tensile, flexural, and impact strength as well as the abrasive wear behavior of the developed composites. The experimental results indicate significant improvement in the mechanical and wear properties of epoxy with the incorporation of Eulaliopsis binata (EB) fiber. The composites containing 30 and 20 weight fraction of Eulaliopsis binata fiber exhibit optimum mechanical properties and abrasion resistance, respectively. The fractured and worn surfaces of the composites were studied under SEM to find out the failure mechanisms.

Solid particle erosive wear behaviour of Eulaliopsis binata fiber reinforced epoxy composite

In the present work, Eulaliopsis binata, a natural fiber collected from the eastern part of India is taken as a reinforcement with epoxy resin to develop a new class of polymer composite material, which has been unexplored till date for tribological applications in the composite industry. Different characterization studies of the fiber such as SEM, EDS, XRD are carried out to astern its potential to be used as a fiber in composite. Short Eulaliopsis binata fiber of different weight percent (10, 20, 30, and 40) is incorporated in neat epoxy and polymer composites are fabricated using the hand lay-up method. Solid particle erosion behavior of the fabricated composites is studied with four different impact velocities (48, 72, 82, 116 m/s) and impinging angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 90°). Improved erosion wear resistance is exhibited by the composites after the addition of Eulaliopsis binata fiber to neat epoxy. In addition, the inclusion of fiber altered the erosion behavior of neat epoxy from brittle to semi ductile nature. The impact velocity of the erodent particles also shows significant effect on the erosion behavior of the developed composites. The eroded surfaces of the worn samples are analyzed with SEM to ascertain the failure mechanism of the developed composites.

Determination of crystallinity of Chinese handmade papers by means of X-ray diffraction

AbstractThe crystallinity indices (CrI) of Chinese handmade papers were investigated using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Four Chinese handmade papers, Yingchun, Zhuma, Yuanshu and Longxucao papers were used as model substrates of mulberry bark, ramie, bamboo and Eulaliopsis binata papers, respectively. Two forms of the paper samples, paper sheets and their comminuted powders, were used in this study. The results showed that their XRD patterns belong to the cellulose-I type and Iβ dominates the cellulose microstructure of these paper samples. Moreover, it was found that the microstructures and CrIs of cellulose of these papers were changed by the grinding treatment. This work suggested that the sheet form of the handmade papers is suitable to determine CrI by XRD, despite the contribution of non-cellulosic components in the papers. The order of CrIs for these paper sheet samples was Yingchun, Zhuma, Longxucao and Yuanshu papers. Besides CrIs, differences in cross-sectional areas of the crystalline zone of cellulose can be used for comparing different types of handmade papers. It was also found that the CrIs and crystallite size of paper cellulose varied between the sheet samples and the powder samples, illustrating that the pulverisation has a negative influence on the microstructure of the handmade papers.

Additions to the Grasses (Poaceae) of Telangana from Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C. E. Hubb. and Pogonatherum crinitum (Thunb.) Kunth are reported for the first time from Telangana state. Detailed description, photo plates, and relevant notes are provided to facilitate identification.

Study of mechanical behaviour of eulaliopsis binata fiber reinforced polymer composite

Abstract In this investigation a new unexplored potential non-wood natural fiber, eulaliopsis binata (short fiber) is taken as reinforcement with epoxy as matrix material to examine the potential of the fiber as a reinforcement material. The incorporation of short eulaliopsis binata (sabai) fiber with different weight percentage (5,10,20,30,40) contributed towards enhancement of the mechanical properties of the composite. The modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, impact strength, hardness was found to be optimum for the composite with 30% weight fraction of fiber. The addition of fiber beyond 30% fiber fraction leads to fiber agglomeration, poor bonding at fiber matrix interface causing deterioration of mechanical strengths of the composite. The SEM analysis reveals fiber pullout, fiber-matrix debonding, micro crack propagation is found to be some of the primitive causes for the failure of composite under study.

Production of dissolving pulp from Eulaliopsis binata with the concept of integrated biorefinery

In this work, the grass material of Eulaliopsis binata (EB) was used for the production of dissolving pulp with the concept of integrated biorefinery. Sequential treatments were conducted via dilute acid-assisted pre-hydrolysis with the hemicellulose removal rate of 89.5%, ammonium sulfite (AS) treatment and KOH treatment with the delignification rate of 91.7%, as well as bleaching for the further purification of pulp. Results showed that, after the sequential treatments, the resultant pulp had 92.1% of α-cellulose, a degree of polymerization of 544, and 53.8% reactivity, which met the quality requirement of dissolving pulp for viscose production. In addition, the obtained pre-hydrolysis liquor with a high concentration of xylose and low concentration of inhibitors could be subjected to bioethanol fermentation, and the spent liquor derived from AS and KOH treatments could be used to produce fertilizer. Therefore, the entire process for the manufacture of EB dissolving pulp could be economic and sustainable.

Rice straw fermentation by Schizophyllum commune ARC-11 to produce high level of xylanase for its application in pre-bleaching.

Rice straw is valuable resource that has been used as substrate for cost effective production of xylanase under solid-state fermentation by a newly isolated white rot fungi, S. commune ARC-11. Out of eleven carbon sources tested, rice straw was found most effective for the induction of xylanase that produced 4288.3 IU/gds of xylanase by S. commune ARC-11. Maximum xylanase production (6721.9 IU/gds) was observed on 8th day of incubation at temperature (30 °C), initial pH (7.0) and initial moisture content (70.0%). The supplementation of ammonium sulphate (0.08% N, as available nitrogen) enhanced the xylanase production up to 8591.4 IU/gds. The xylanase production by S. commune ARC-11 was further improved by the addition of 0.10%, (w/v) of Tween-20 as surfactant. The maximum xylanase activities were found at pH 5.0 and temperature 55 °C with a longer stability (180 min) at temperature 45, 50 and 55 °C. This xylanase preparation was also evaluated for the pre-bleaching of ethanol-soda pulp from Eulaliopsis binata. An enzyme dosage of 10 IU/g of xylanase resulted maximum decrease in kappa number (14.51%) with a maximum improvement 2.9% in ISO brightness compared to control.

Community structure of the herbaceous vegetation in some tourist spots of Doon valley (Uttarakhand), India

The present study was carried out in three tourist spots viz., Maldevta, Lachhiwala and Sahastradhara of Doon Valley. Each study site was sub-divided in three subsites namely Control Site (CS), Moderately Disturbed Site (MDS) and Highly Disturbed Site (HDS). The tourist activities has declined the native species diversity and promoted the introduction of exotic species. It was observed that moderately disturbed sites and highly disturbed sites were dominated by species like Boerhaavia diffusa, Parthenium hysterophorous, Ageratum conyzoides, and Portula capilosa. In control sites, the dominance of native species like Artemesia nilagirica, Eulaliopsis binata, Eragro stistenella, Cynodon dactylon was observed. Tropical America and Tropical South American plants have contributed to 45% and 2% of the total invasive diversity respectively. Asteraceae with 13 species is the most dominant family of the site.

Thermogravimetric analyses revealed the bioenergy potential of Eulaliopsis binata

The present study was focused on the thermal degradation of Eulaliopsis binata biomass produced on a salt-affected soil without any fertilizer or pesticide applications. The plant biomass was subjected to thermal degradation experiments at three heating rates, 10, 30 and 50 K min−1. The kinetic analyses were performed through isoconversional models of Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, followed by the calculation of thermodynamic parameters of activation. The high heating value was calculated as 15.10 MJ mol−1. The activation energy values of the grass were shown to be ranging from 118 through 240 kJ mol−1. Energy difference of enthalpies of activation between the reagent and the activated complex was in accordance with activation energies. Pre-exponential factors indicated the reaction to follow first-order kinetics. Gibbs free energy for the grass was measured to be ranging from 171 to 174 kJ mol−1. Our data have shown that E. binata biomass offers remarkable potential as a low-cost biomass for bioenergy.

Changes in the Microstructure and Components of Eulaliopsis binata Treated by Continuous Screw Extrusion Steam Explosion

Eulaliopsis binata (EB) was pretreated by continuous screw extrusion steam explosion (SESE), with the aim of converting EB into useful materials on an industrial scale. The three main chemical components were characterized by component analysis using the Van Soest fiber detergent system, ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrophotometry, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy. Changes in the contents of detergent soluble species in the Van Soest process revealed the partial degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose, and the partial removal of lignin. GPC indicated that the molecular weight of lignin decreased from 4194 to 3710 g/mol over the first three SESE pretreatment cycles, but then increased to 4592 g/mol following the fourth SESE pretreatment cycle. UV absorption and 13C-NMR results indicated the partial removal of lignin and the depolymerization and repolymerization of lignin during SESE pretreatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the epidermis and parenchyma of EB were almost completely desquamated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the crystallinity of EB initially increased and then subsequently decreased slightly, with increasing number of SESE pretreatment cycles. The varying physicochemical properties of EB resulting from different numbers of pretreatment cycles may find use in more diverse applications.