Fiber Extraction Research Articles

Mechanism analysis of mechanical extraction of Pleioblastus amarus fibers by saturated steam pretreatment

Currently, bamboo fibers (BFs) are commonly processed through alkali boiling softening pretreatment, which generates wastewater that poses environmental pollution risks. This process is also complex and requires significant human and material resources. In contrast, the saturated steam softening pretreatment method studied in this study is environmentally friendly and significantly simplifies the post-processing of bamboo fiber preparation. Additionally, it provides methods and parameters for the hygrothermal-mechanical extraction of bamboo fibers. In this study, three-year-old bitter bamboo (Pleioblastus amarus) growing in Zhongtai town, Yuhang district, Hangzhou city, China was selected as the raw material. Firstly, bamboo fibers were prepared by crushing and mechanical extraction after softening through alkaline boiling and saturated steam pretreatment, respectively. The yield, mechanical properties, and other indicators of the fibers were then tested and compared. Subsequently, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe and comparatively analyze the microstructural morphology of the two types of fibers. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) was performed on the functional groups of bamboo after alkali boiling and saturated steam softening to investigate changes in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Finally, the mechanism of mechanical extraction of bitter bamboo (Pleioblastus amarus) fibers by saturated steam pretreatment was further analyzed.

Proximate analysis and aerobic stability of forage mixtures composed of Cenchrus purpureus cv. Taiwan A-146 and Paspalum virgatum L. ensiled under laboratory conditions

To evaluate the quality of silage composed of Cenchrus purpureus cv. Taiwan A-146 and Paspalum virgatum L. under laboratory conditions, both forage species were harvested south of Lake Maracaibo-Venezuela. The plant material was reduced to 2.5 cm and distributed according to the treatments (T): T0: 100% C. purpureus (CPT); T1: 100% P. virgatum (PV); T2: 50% CPT + 50% PV; T3: 75% CPT + 25% PV and T4: 25% CPT + 75% PV; then, polyethylene bags were used to fill the silo, in which each mixture was placed, incorporating molasses at 6% of its weight as an additive; then, oxygen was extracted to seal the bags and they were kept in darkness for 30 days. All mixtures were subjected to proximate analysis before and after storage. A completely randomized design was chosen, using Tukey's test for multiple comparisons of means. Statistical analysis revealed that CPT and fresh PV were different (p<0.05) for the variables moisture, dry matter, crude protein and ash, but similar (p>0.05) in ethereal extract, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and nitrogen free extract. After fermentation, crude protein (CP) content increased (p<0.05) in CPT, while the other parameters increased without changes (p>0.05), except for nitrogen free extract, which reduced its post-silage concentration, although energy increased (p>0.05), since the calculated theoretical value (kcal/g) was higher in the silage but similar (p>0.05) with respect to the initial fresh forage; Aerobic stability was influenced by the proportion of CPT, because the high moisture content reduced its suitability time to be consumed. It is concluded that, theoretically, under laboratory analysis conditions, the forage species evaluated represent a feasible alternative for supplementing large ruminants, since they are medium quality pastures with a better nutritional profile when ensiled.

Effect of Combined Prebiotics from Different Sources and Microorganism Mix on Growth Performance of Milkfish, Chanos chanos Forsskal, 1775

This study was conducted to determine the effect of using synbiotics in artificial feed on growth, digestive enzyme activities, glycogen levels, hepatosomatic index, body chemical composition, nutrient retention, gastric emptying rate, and blood glucose levels of milkfish. Milkfish (4.78 ± 0.16 g) were stocked at density of 20 fish per aquarium (50 × 40 × 35 cm3) containing 48 L of water with a salinity of 20 ppt and equipped with a recirculation system. Fish were fed three times a day (7:00 AM, 12:00, and 17:00 PM) at a feeding rate of 5% for 50 days. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replicates. Synbiotics consisting of 10 mL/kg microorganism mix and 2% different sources of prebiotics (sweet potatoes, Kappaphycus alvarezii, green beans, and red onion) were added to the artificial feed. The results indicated that milkfish-fed sweet potatoes and green beans experienced significant growth improvement and enhanced feed efficiency. These prebiotic sources also positively impacted digestive enzyme activities, potentially improving nutrient utilization. Additionally, green beans exhibited the most pronounced effects on liver and muscle glycogen levels, hepatosomatic index, and energy content. Body composition data showed alterations in protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract percentages due to prebiotic sources. Green beans demonstrated the highest nutrient retention rates. Moreover, the rate of gastric emptying and blood glucose that was observed reached its peak, and the fastest peak decreased in the prebiotic treatment, which was sourced from green beans and sweet potatoes.

Influence of Growth Location and Extraction Method on the Properties of Cameroonian Musa acuminata Leaf Vein Fibers

ABSTRACT Banana plants form an abundant source of agricultural waste, which can be exploited to extract fibers. Whereas the trunk and pseudo-stem are currently exploited, leaf ribs, which are several meters long, could form a valuable source of fibers for use in structural composite materials, if their properties, reproducibility across locations, and extraction methods are well adapted. Thus, leaf ribs of the Grande Naine cultivar of Musa acuminata were collected in Cameroon in High Penja plantation in the Littoral Region, and a rural plantation in the Centre Region. Fibers were extracted using water retting, water boiling and caustic soda to assess the role of extraction on properties. The fibers had a density, appearance, chemical composition, and thermal degradation close to those of other banana fibers, an average length over 2 m, and 125–150 µm range diameters. Water boiling and soda treatment led to increased tensile properties, in the 15 GPa range for Young’s modulus and 350–400 MPa failure strength. A Weibull statistical analysis of the fiber failure revealed a slight influence of the growth location, and a major influence of the fiber extraction method, with the water boiling method showing a good balance between properties and ease of extraction.

Zero Waste Concept in Production of PLA Biocomposites Reinforced with Fibers Derived from Wild Plant (Spartium junceum L.) and Energy Crop (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby).

This research follows the principles of circular economy through the zero waste concept and cascade approach performed in two steps. Our paper focuses on the first step and explores the characteristics of developed biocomposite materials made from a biodegradable poly(lactic acid) polymer (PLA) reinforced with natural fibers isolated from the second generation of biomass (agricultural biomass and weeds). Two plants, Spartium junceum L. (SJL) and Sida hermaphrodita (SH), were applied. To enhance their mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties, their modification was performed with environmentally friendly additives-linseed oil (LO), organo-modified montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT), milled cork (MC), and zinc oxide (ZnO). The results revealed that SH fibers exhibited 38.92% higher tensile strength than SJL fibers. Composites reinforced with SH fibers modified only with LO displayed a 27.33% increase in tensile strength compared to neat PLA. The addition of LO improved the thermal stability of both biocomposites by approximately 5-7 °C. Furthermore, the inclusion of MMT filler significantly reduced the flammability, lowering the heat release rate to 30.25%, and enabling the categorization of developed biocomposite in a group of flame retardants. In the second step, all waste streams generated during the fibers extraction process are repurposed into the production of solid biofuels (pellets, briquettes) or biogas (bio)methane.

Prediction of microbial crude protein flow from the rumen of dairy cattle by means of dietary characteristics – a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Protein supply to ruminants relies mainly on the flow of microbial crude protein (MCP) from the rumen, which is commonly assumed to primarily depend on energy supply. This study evaluated this assumption with recent data and tested if ruminally fermented organic matter (FOM) was a better predictor of MCP flow than total-tract digestible organic matter (DOM) and if more variables could improve the prediction of MCP flow. A previously published data set was extended by additional studies resulting in a data set of 139 studies including 407 treatment means, typical to Central European rations. Either DOM or FOM had to be reported and estimates of MCP were all based on gastrointestinal measurements. Dietary treatments were restricted to a maximum concentrate proportion of 0.6 and a CP concentration from 10% to 20% of dietary dry matter (DM). Treatments with more than 1% of animal by-products were excluded. Mixed models with “study” as random effect were used to test the ratios between MCP and DOM or FOM. Dietary characteristics including DM intake, OM digestibility (OMD), OM fermentability (OMF), and ruminal N balance and dietary concentrations of CP, rumen-degraded CP (RDP), rumen-undegraded CP (RUP), neutral detergent fibre, starch, and ether extract were evaluated as additional variables to improve prediction accuracy. Regression of MCP flow against DOM (n = 324) or FOM (n = 349) revealed estimates of 139 g ± 36 g and 164 g ± 40 g of MCP for each kg of DOM or FOM, respectively. The best-fitting mixed model estimating MCP/DOM [g/kg] was 312–2.75 · OMD − 0.229 · RUP + 0.290 · RDP whereas MCP/FOM [g/kg] may be calculated as 294–2.80 · OMF + 0.401 · RDP, with OMD and OMF in [%] and RDP and RUP in [g/kg DM]. Microbial CP flow [g/d] was most accurately described as 1896 + 110 · DOM − 23.7 · OMD − 0.164 · RUP + 0.153 · RDP, with DOM in [kg], OMD in [%] and RDP and RUP in [g/d]. Predictions based on DOM were at least as precise as FOM-based predictions and comparison with published models revealed that the presented models were of similar accuracy as the ones from literature.

Development and nutritional evaluation of pomegranate peel enriched bars.

Pomegranate peel powder is used as a functional ingredient in the development of nutritional bars. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is well known fruit belongs to punicaceae family having multiple health benefits, not only limited to its edible parts but also in its non-edible parts mostly the peel. Fruit wastes are rich source of nutrients, and can be used for the development of functional food products. Pomegranate peel is considered to be beneficial due to its functional and therapeutic properties as it is a source of many biological active components like polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids. Nutrient rich and ready-made foods are the demand of everyone due to their easy availability and cost effectiveness. Among the confectionary products, bars are liked by individuals of different age groups. Hence, nutritional properties of bars can be enhanced by using pomegranate peel powder. The current study was designed to develop bars enriched with pomegranate peel powder as a basic ingredient. Pomegranate peel powder is prepared and analyzed for proximate, mineral, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and anti-oxidant potential (DPPH). By using pomegranate peel powder, oats and jaggery, bars were prepared. In this research, five treatments T0 (0% pomegranate peel powder and 100% oats). T1 (5% pomegranate peel powder and 95% oats), T2 (10% pomegranate peel powder and 90% oats), T3 (15% pomegranate peel powder and 85% oats) and T4 (20% pomegranate peel powder and 80% oats) were used. The developed product is analyzed for proximate, mineral, total flavonoid contents, total phenolic content and anti-oxidant potential (DPPH). Proximate analysis of bars revealed that moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash and nitrogen free extract ranges from T0 to T4 (13.38±1.21 to 11.32±1.15, 9.56±0.92 to 8.32±1.14, 9.05±1.21 to 7.93±1.08, 5.23±0.82 to 16.89±0.64, 2.05±0.87 to 2.92±1.25 and 62.51±0.85 to 52.62±0.93 respectively. Phytochemical analysis of bars enriched with pomegranate peel powder revealed that total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of bars ranges from T0 to T4 (142.74±0.65 to 211.79±0.63 mg GAE/100g, 129.16±0.64 to 192±0.53 mg QE/100g and 41.35±0.82 to 64.57±0.69%) respectively. Mineral analysis of bars enriched with pomegranate peel powder revealed that calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium content ranged from T0 to T4 (25.42±0.63 to 31.06±0.58, 51.00±1.01 to 45.05±1.09, 59.46±1.13 to 79.15±0.28, 1.32±1.20 to 1.95±0.83 and 54.17±0.88±0.58 to 57.36±0.68 mg/100g respectively). Sensory evaluation is done for color, aroma, taste, texture overall acceptability. T3 got maximum score. Then, the data obtained were evaluated by CRD design. On the basis of results revealed that treatment T3 with 15% pomegranate peel powder was overall highly acceptable.

Mechanical properties of hemp fiber‐reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic polymer composites: A comprehensive review

AbstractHemp fibers have mechanical characteristics similar to those of synthetic fibers, which makes them an attractive material for producing environmentally friendly composites. Hemp fibers have excellent mechanical properties and a unique hydrophilicity, requiring for extra attention in composite formulations. Hemp fibers are a very versatile vegetable fiber that is frequently utilized in structural composites. In addition, hemp has shown potential in a variety of other fields, including as sports goods, building, and lighter materials. The present article aims to give a comprehensive summary of the status of sophisticated studies in hemp fiber reinforced composites at present time. The most important research on thermoset and thermoplastic materials reinforced with hemp fiber is compiled and discussed in this publication. This document also provides an overview of the primary attributes of hemp fibers, talks about how to develop these attributes chemically, explains how to create and describe hemp fiber composites, and identifies areas that need more research. In summary, this study ends with several important recommendations and future approaches that draw attention to the issues that require further investigation and potential industrialization of composites.Highlights Advances in hemp fiber extraction and chemical treatments. Performance traits of hemp‐reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composites. Tribological, and moisture absorption properties of hemp fiber composites. SEM analysis revealing composite structural characteristics. Future applications and sustainability of hemp fiber in polymers.

Comparison of different technologies for dietary fiber extraction from cold-pressed corn germ meal: Changes in structural characteristics, physicochemical properties and adsorption capacity

Comparison of different technologies for dietary fiber extraction from cold-pressed corn germ meal: Changes in structural characteristics, physicochemical properties and adsorption capacity

Comparative study of fibers extracted from the stems and roots of the Cameroonian pennissetum purpureum for their applications in compressed earth brick reinforcement and textile engineering

This work focuses on the extraction and experimental characterization of pennisetum purpureum fibers extracted from stems and roots, harvested in the Batié Kingdom, in the West Region of Cameroon. After extracting fibers using the boiling water technique, they are chemically treated to improve their properties and performance and to facilitate their incorporation into various composite materials. For the physical characterizations, it is measured: the absolute and apparent densities, the linear mass, the water absorption rate, and the diameter via the microscope. The mean values of the diameters and the measure of their frequency distributions are calculated, followed by the statistical analysis using the maximum entropy principle, in order to find the most probable diameter necessary for technological applications. For the mechanical properties, only the tensile tests are performed, with the determination of the young modulus of both the stems and roots. The results thus obtained showed that the fibers of the stems have an absolute density of (1.35 g/cm3), a linear mass of (54.6 tex), an apparent density of (0.45 g/cm3), a water content of (12.73%), an absorption rate of (142.46%), a porosity of (65.91%), a mean diameter of (7 mm), an elastic modulus of (3.98 GPa), a tensile strength of value of (1186.59 MPa) and an elongation of 16.17%, while the root fibers have an absolute density of (1.34 g/cm3), a linear mass (16.76 tex), an apparent density of (0.37845 g/cm3), a water content of (12.25%), an absorption rate of (193.16%), a porosity of (71.92%), a diameter of (4 mm), an elastic modulus of (1.55 GPa), a tensile strength of a value of (1960.35 MPa) and an elongation of 60.6%. Thus, the fibers of the stems have good mechanical properties, which make them an appropriate material in several applications, such as the reinforcement of composite materials.

In English

Currently, there is increased interest in growing hemp as well as in large-scale hemp products. The main research focuses on the use of seeds and fibres. At the same time, the remaining hurd is proposed to be used for mulching, making insulation and bedding for animals. Due to the cellulose’s high content in its composition with a relatively low content of inorganic components, it can be a promising raw material for obtaining microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Therefore, our work aimed to obtain MCC from hemp husks, establish its physicochemical characteristics and compare them with the indicators of MCC previously obtained from another flax culture. Air-dry hemp hurd, waste after the fibre extraction from technical hemp, was used for the research. It has the following characteristics: humidity of 8 %, the proportion of organic components to dry weight of 97.3 % (cellulose – 48.4, hemicellulose – 25.8, lignin – 20.9 % mass) and inorganic components – 2.7 %. To obtain microcrystalline cellulose, the hemp hurd was subjected to organo-solvent cooking. The structure and morphology of the MCC were studied using methods such as XRD, XRF, FTIR-ATR, low-temperature nitrogen sorption-desorption, AFM, TGA, and DSC. It was found that by the organo-solvent cooking method, it is possible to obtain MCC with a yield of 83.2 %. The resulting product was a white, tasteless, and odourless substance with 96.9 % organic components (including 98.5 % cellulose and 1.5 % lignin) and 3.1 % inorganic components (including 91.4 % SiO2). The XRD method confirmed the presence of a crystalline component in the obtained MCC due to the availability of the intensity of the peak reflex in the region 2θ = 22–23° which corresponds to the plane 002 of the crystal lattice of natural cellulose I. Based on these data, the crystallinity index was calculated – 0.88. The FTIR spectrum of the sample shows typical functional groups corresponding to MCC. There are two distinct mass loss steps in thermograms (TGA). It was found that the obtained samples had a specific surface area of 2.6 m2/g and a pore diameter of 3.6 nm, which indicates an MCC's non-porous structure. The AFM method shows that the particles are distributed throughout the scan, while there are no clusters of particles and their agglomerates, the height of which elements varies from 5.0 to 11.1 nm. Surface roughness Ra = 1.3–1.4 nm.

Efficient Separation of Poplar Lignin Using a New Carboxylic Acid-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents - Choline Chloride/Malonic Acid.

Separation of lignin by pretreatment is an important step in biomass refining. This study investigated how a novel dicarboxylic acid-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) - choline chloride (ChCl)/malonic acid (MA) - affected the process of separating lignin from poplar. At 140 °C for 3.0 h, with a ChCl: MA molar ratio of 1: 3.5, the ideal pretreatment conditions were met, and 91.8 % lignin was obtained. Even after five DES reuses, the consistent and effective separation efficiency of 77.9 % remains unchanged. The hydrolysate contained 92.4 % of the recovered lignin, with a purity of 94.6 %. Moreover, the regenerated lignin obtained through the new DES pretreatment exhibited a high phenolic hydroxyl content of 1.9 mmol g-1 and a low polydispersity index of 1.4. The results showed efficient and selective separation of lignin using the new binary carboxylic acid-based DES pretreatment was achieved. This research offers a novel approach to effectively separate wood fiber biomass and extract valuable lignin.

Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction and Physicochemical Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Soy Sauce Residue

There are millions of tons of fresh soy sauce residue (SSR) by-products created by China’s soy sauce industry every year. Most of the SSR is directly discarded; this not only wastes resources, but also pollutes the environment. As it is rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial to human health, skimmed SSR was used as a raw material to obtain soluble dietary fiber (SDF) in this study. Firstly, the process of ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction of SDF was optimized through single factor experiments and a response surface test. The extraction rate of the SDF from SSR reached 76.8 ± 0.8% under the optimum extracting conditions of a cellulase/hemicellulase (w/w) 1/1 mixture, an enzyme addition amount of 5.7%, a material–liquid ratio (w/v) of 1/20 g/mL, and a reaction time of 30 min. Then, the physicochemical properties of the SDF extracted using enzymatic and chemical methods were compared; we found that the SDF obtained through ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction had a much better appearance and physicochemical properties than that extracted by acid or alkali, with a lighter color, higher extraction rate, higher water-holding capacity, higher oil-holding capacity, higher swelling capacity, and solubility. The microstructure was more uniform and porous. This study will provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the recycling and utilization of SSR, which is beneficial for improving its economic value.

Effect of alkali treatment on physical and mechanical properties of Cattail and Kenaf fibres

NaOH treatment is widely used for natural fibre extraction. However, the different treatment conditions produce fibres with other characteristics. The present work aims to study the effect of alkali treatment conditions on Kenaf bast and Cattail stem fibres’ properties. Two conditions at two different levels were selected. They are soaking time (2 and 4 hours) and alkali treatment temperature (80 and 120°C). Untreated Kenaf and Cattail fibres were used as control samples. The NaOH process occurred due to the decline in the fineness of Cattail and Kenaf fibres. SEM micrographs of treated fibres showed a clear surface with rectangular pits for Cattail fibres and dissociation of the technical fibre. Best tensile strength obtained for Kenaf fibres for 80°C and under 4 hours. However, a temperature of 120°C and a duration of 4 hours confirmed the best results in terms of lignin removal, proved by IR spectra. Also, X-ray diffractograms suggested that the crystallinity index increases with the highest conditions. The properties of Kenaf bast fibres are found to be superior to Cattail fibres. Characteristic ranges of Cattail and Kenaf fibres after alkaline treatment can be resumed respectively as the diameter of (205–496) and (66–162 μm), the linear density of (31–48) and (14–22 tex), tenacity of (6–8) and (13–17 cN/tex), elongation of (2.6–3.3) and (3–6.2%), lignin ratio of (20.7–23.7) and (15.13–22.6%), alpha-cellulose of (50.2–55.6) and (53–59%), and crystallinity of (43.9–58.6) and (55.4–66.3%). Findings showed that Kenaf bast fibres are found to be great resistant and thinner than Cattail fibres and compared to other fibres.

Frog Fibres: What Muscle Architecture Can Tell Us About Anuran Locomotor Function.

Muscle fibre architecture is an important aspect of anatomy to consider when estimating muscle properties. How fibre architecture varies across species specialising in different locomotor functions is not well understood in anurans, due to difficulties associated with fibre extraction in small animals using traditional methods. This paper presents the first digital analysis of fibre architecture in frogs using an automated fibre-tracking algorithm and contrast-enhanced µCT scans. We find differences in hindlimb muscle fibre architecture between frogs specialising in different locomotor modes, as well as examples of many-to-one mapping of form to function. The trade-off between fibre length and muscle physiological cross-sectional area, and therefore contractile speed, range of motion and muscle force output, differs significantly between jumpers and swimmers, but not walker-hoppers. Where species place on this functional spectrum of fibre architecture largely depends on the muscle being examined. There is also some evidence that fibre length may be adjusted to increase contractile speed without undertaking the metabolically expensive process of growing and maintaining larger muscles. Finally, we make a detailed outline of the remaining gaps in our understanding of anuran fibre architecture that can now be addressed with this valuable digital method in future research.

Ultrasonic assisted deep eutectic solvent-based green extraction of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from tomato pomace: A comparative study with conventional extraction methods

Ultrasonic assisted deep eutectic solvent-based green extraction of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from tomato pomace: A comparative study with conventional extraction methods

Effect of water retting on the physical and mechanical properties of lignocellulosic fiber from Mariscus ligularis plant.

The effect of water retting on the physical, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and chemical characteristics of retted Mariscus ligularis fibers (RMLF) compared to non-retted MLF has been studied. Removing pectin and non-cellulosic substances decreased the diameter from 243.6μm to 183.01μm, with a very low density of 245.30kg/cm3. Atomic force microscopy analysis reveals a clean and relatively smooth surface topography. The cellulose content increased from 58.32% to 75.3%, signifying a 29% increase. Ash and moisture contents reduced from 11.47% to 1.86% and 14.46% to 7.75%, respectively. The lignin, wax, and pectin levels reduced slightly, but the crystallinity index (CI) increased by 34.43% to 97.1%. The thermal stability of RMLF increased from 258°C to 290.89°C. RMLF's Young's modulus, tensile strength, and microfibril angle (MFA) were measured to be 3.9-5.21±0.0768GPa, 96-168±3.594MPa, and 12.55-20.91°, respectively. The Weibull distribution confirms strain, tensile strength, and Young's modulus of RMLF. Energy dispersive spectroscopy reveals carbon and oxygen as major peaks, enhancing RMLF's properties and making it a superior composite reinforcement material. These findings demonstrate that the fiber extraction method directly affects the quality attributes of ML fibers.

Modelling and Optimization of Banana/Plantain Fiber Extraction Systems through Dimensional Analysis

This study presents a comprehensive parametric modelling approach for a locally produced plantain and banana fiber extractor, utilizing the Buckingham Pi theorem to analyze the complex interactions among various operational parameters. Plantain and banana fibers are increasingly recognized for their diverse industrial applications, including textiles, paper, packaging, and food supplements. The mechanical extraction of these fibers is prevalent, necessitating a well-designed process that conserves the natural properties of the fibers while maximizing cost-effectiveness. This research aims to optimize the design and operational parameters of the extractor to enhance its extraction capacity and overall efficiency. Employing the Buckingham Pi theorem, the study constructs dimensionless Pi terms from key parameters impacting the extractor's performance. The analysis reveals a coefficient of correlation (R²) of 0.9923 for extraction efficiency and 0.9867 for extraction capacity, indicating a strong predictive capability of the developed model. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the performance of the plantain and banana fiber extractor, ultimately contributing to more efficient and sustainable fiber extraction processes. This model serves as a critical tool for designers and manufacturers aiming to improve the economic viability of fiber extraction systems.

Mechano-chemical extraction and characterization of tannic acid-functionalized bamboo fibers from vacuum-pressure impregnation (VPI) treated and untreated sources to enhance mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminated composites

ABSTRACT This study highlights significant advancements in the mechanical properties of bamboo fibers through mechano-chemical extraction and characterization methods, focusing on untreated, vacuum-pressure impregnation (VPI), and tannic acid-treated fibers for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Notably, VPI treatment increased fiber extraction efficiency in chimono bamboo from 78% to 82.96%, while asamica bamboo exhibited a decline from 58% to 35.04%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed enhanced crystallinity, with TVPI-CBFs displaying sharper peaks at 2θ = 22.6° (002) and 16° (101), indicative of improved structural alignment. Thermal stability, assessed via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), revealed delayed degradation in VPI-CBFs, with TVPI-CBFs demonstrating superior thermal resistance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra identified a new peak at 1742 cm−1 in TVPI-CBFs, confirming effective interaction with tannic acid. Mechanical testing showed a peak tensile strength of 270 ± 5.1 MPa at 1 wt% fiber content in TVPI-CBFC, underscoring the significant improvements achieved. Fracture surface analysis indicated enhanced interfacial bonding between fibers and the matrix, essential for durability and load transfer. The study addresses the critical need for sustainable, high-performance materials in industrial applications, offering a viable alternative to conventional composites through tailored bamboo-fiber treatments, thus advancing sustainable construction and manufacturing solutions.

Determination of significant factors for sugarcane fiber extraction as potential dielectric composite material

This study aims to determine the significant factors involved in the extraction of sugarcane fiber as a potential dielectric composite material. The factors include sugarcane waste weight (0.5 and 2.5 g), ratio of sugarcane waste to distilled water (1:15 and 1:20), boiling time (30 and 50 min), and cutting length (5 and 10 cm). The factors were analyzed using the Design-Expert software through a two-level factorial analysis to determine the significant factor. The extracted fiber was analyzed for cellulose content using a Kurschner-Hanack method, and the permittivity value was determined through an Agilent vector network analyzer (VNA). The results show that the ratio of sugarcane waste to distilled water and boiling time were the two most significant factors contributing to the cellulose content and permittivity value of the extracted fiber. The best conditions for sugarcane extraction were obtained at 2.5 g sugarcane waste, 1:20 ratio of sugarcane waste to distilled water, 50 min boiling time, and cutting length of 10 cm, resulting in 47.25% cellulose and 3.12 permittivity value. The findings of this study suggest that sugarcane waste could be a potent material for dielectric composite with a suitable application as a microwave absorber.