Fiber Biocomposites Research Articles

Enhanced properties of collagen/chitosan biocomposite fibers by dry-jet wet spinning with a high-aspect-ratio spinneret

Enhanced properties of collagen/chitosan biocomposite fibers by dry-jet wet spinning with a high-aspect-ratio spinneret

Processability investigation on underlying mechanism of LLDPE-based rotationally moulded banana fibre biocomposites

Rotational moulding is a plastic manufacturing technique primarily used to create hollow items without stress. In the current work, the banana fibre in powder form is combined with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) at concentrations ranging from 5% to 40% by weight. Several tests, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), melt flow index (MFI), water absorption, and differential scanning calorimetry, were carried out for three samples for each percentage and the average of those samples has been considered to support the requirements of processability for rotational moulding. The significance of LLDPE and banana fibre peaks can be seen in the 5–30 wt. % range, according to FTIR. The MFI test followed by FTIR results conferred a flow-ability ranging between 3.022 and 3.5 g/10 min for 5 to 15 wt.% which is considered to be appropriate. A water absorption test was conducted from 5 to 15 wt.% for the blend, it is observed as fibre content increases water absorption increases. Based on the analysis 15 wt. % sample has been discarded noting a high absorption rate of 7 wt. %. From the thermal analysis, the crystallisation temperature of 5% and 10% LLDPE/banana blend was found to be 110.20°C and 111.08°C, making it suitable for rotomouldability. From the testing results, it can be inferred that a banana fibre concentration of 10 wt. % or less in LLDPE is the optimal range for producing a blend with better processability for rotational moulding.

Weathering of compatibilized poly(hydroxybutyrate)/agave fiber biocomposites produced by different mixing methods

ABSTRACT The continuous growth in the biopolymers market underscores the necessity to develop and characterize novel materials to replace conventional polymers. This study evaluated the effect of the processing method on the properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate)/agave fiber (PHB/AF) biocomposites with a coupling agent based on glycidyl methacrylate. The components were first blended using two methods (dry-blending and twin screw-extrusion) before being compression molded. Then, the biocomposites degradation was evaluated via accelerated weathering to determine its effect on the physico-mechanical properties. The results showed that adding AF to PHB increased the porosity (low density), but this effect was decreased by 60% for the extruded compatibilized biocomposites. Consequently, the level of degradation (loss of mechanical properties and dimensional stability) was less affected when a coupling agent was used. However, after weathering, the porosity similarly increased for both uncompatibilized biocomposites. Finally, the tensile, impact, and flexural strength were less affected by weathering when the compatibilizer was mixed via dry-blending.

Physicomechanical and erosion wear characterization of PLA/Jute fiber biocomposite

Introduction: The present study has demonstrated the effect of short jute fiber on physical, mechanical and erosion wear performance of PLA based composite. Problem Statement: An attempt has been made to develop and investigate the environment friendly and biodegradable composites based on jute fiber and PLA composite. Materials and Method: The erosion wear performance was assessed on Air-jet erosion tester. The design of experiments was prepared as per Taguchi orthogonal array L16 under for different factors of impact velocity, impingement angle, erodent size and jute fiber fraction and level of each factor was kept four. ANOVA was applied to find the best significant factor affecting erosion rate of composite. Main Results: The finding of results indicated that the density significantly increased with the addition of jute fiber and in parallel, it indicated the increment in the void content. The mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and fracture toughness of PLA based composite reinforced with 15 wt.-% jute fiber were increased by 59%, 233%, 42%, 62% and 168% respectively. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of the composite was decreased by 31% with the addition of 15 wt.-% of jute fiber. The minimum erosion wear rate was obtained for 15 wt.-% of jute fiber under impact velocity of 35 m/sec and angle of impingement of 90° and erodent size of 250 µm. Finally, ANOVA concluded that the impact velocity and jute fiber fraction played the most important role in influencing the erosion wear rate of PLA composite. Recommendation: For many construction and structural applications, jute PLA/fiber composite can be suitable due to excellent mechanical properties and low thermal conductivity.

Damage evolution in flax fibre composite under creep load

This work aims to reveal the damage mechanisms and evolution in unidirectional flax fibre biocomposites when subjected to creep load. X-ray micro computed tomography and acoustic emission (AE) was used to monitor the failure progress during flexural creep tests. A correlation between the event clusters and directly observed damage modes was established based on coupons with expected failure mechanisms and then validated by computed tomography observations. The damage initiated from matrix cracking in the primary creep stage, and then fibre–matrix interface debonding combined with fibre pull-out occurred sequentially during the steady creep stage. In the tertiary creep stage, the explosive fibre fracture emerged and eventually triggered catastrophic failure. Considerably more AE events were detected during creep tests compared to those in quasi-static tests, which indicates that intensive damage is generated under creep load, and therefore causes the strength degradation. A good agreement was observed between the cumulative number of AE events and the increasing damage volume fraction over time determined by X-ray micro computed tomography during multi-step creep tests.

A simple rheological method for the experimental assessment of the fiber percolation threshold in short fiber biocomposites

The identification of the percolation threshold (Φc) in short fiber composites is a challenging problem in Composite Science. Above Φc the fibers form a continuous network that causes substantial changes in mechanical and transport properties. Besides, percolation of natural fibers in biodegradable polymer matrices allows water and other pro-degradative species to access the inner parts of the material from the external environment, accelerating biodegradation. Whether such a speeding up is desired or not, assessing Φc in composites is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, natural fibers are not conductive and exhibit highly variable shape and physical properties. This prevents the use of many experimental and theoretical approaches for the estimate of Φc. Here we propose an original rheological approach borrowed from the viscoelastic modelling of polymer nanocomposites. The method was applied to two systems made of poly(lactic acid) filled with hemp or kenaf fibers (average length <500 μm, average length-to-diameter ratio <5). The estimate of Φc (∼10.1 and 19.5 vol% for the hemp- and kenaf-based composite, respectively) required a single set of simple linear viscoelastic measurements, and the computed values were in good agreement with those obtained through time-consuming (measurement times >3 weeks) dielectric spectroscopy analyses (∼10.1 and 18.5 vol%).

Enset Fiber-Reinforced Polylactic Acid-Based Biocomposites for High-Performance Application

In recent years, there has been growing interest in using plant fibers to reinforce materials in modern manufacturing. This study focuses on the development of a novel biocomposite made from an enset fiber (EF) and polylactic acid (PLA) matrix using compression molding at a hot-pressing temperature of 170 °C and pressure of 7 MPa for 7 min. Before preparing the biocomposites, the fibers were chemically modified with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and cut into shorter fibers with a 40 mm average length in size. Then, the extent of modifications on the mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical behavior, morphology, and water absorption were investigated. The tensile, flexural, and Charpy impact tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of the samples as per ASTM standards. Moreover, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and the water absorbency of the biocomposites were investigated, and the results were graphically shown and explained. The results indicate that the biocomposite treated with 5% NaOH exhibited significant improvements in tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength compared to the untreated composite. The tensile modulus and flexural modulus of 5% NaOH-modified enset fiber biocomposite were also enhanced by 55.8% and 70.3% compared to untreated enset fiber biocomposite. The highest tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength found for the PLA composite reinforced by EF treated with 5% w/v NaOH solution were 20.16 MPa, 30.21 MPa, and 12.02 kJ/m2, respectively. In general, the modification of natural fibers improves adhesion at the interface and therefore decreases the water absorption and improves the dynamic mechanical properties of biocomposites.

Estimation of the hygro-elastic behavior of polymeric composites during moisture aging considering hygromechanical coupling

This study aims to combine, using a numerical tool, different phenomena of hygromechanical coupling in a unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite and to compare the results obtained with the cases where these couplings are considered separately. The first case of coupling considers the effect produced by the mechanical state on the diffusive behavior of the material. This was accomplished using the free volume theory, which links the trace of the matrix strain tensor to the moisture absorption capacity and the diffusion coefficient. The second case takes into account plasticization, that is, the effect of humidity on the mechanical properties of composites, without modifying the diffusion parameters. Finally, these two mechanisms are combined in a third configuration, which represents the original contribution of this present work. The results include the water content profiles, the diffusion coefficient, the transverse Young's modulus, the transverse hygroscopic expansion coefficient, as well as the induced local mechanical states. The interest of the work carried out is to pave the way for the extension to more complex materials, such as plant fiber biocomposites, in which the water absorption by the hydrophilic fibers should not be neglected anymore.

Microalgal-based macro-hollow loofah fiber bio-composite for methylene blue removal: A promising step for a green adsorbent

This study looked into how well the macro-hollow loofah fiber with and without the bio-attaching with green microalga (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii OR242521) was applied methylene blue elimination from water. Based on the results, the biosorption capacity of loofah sponge for methylene blue significantly increased with the increase of contact time, weight of microalgal biofilm, and methylene blue concentration. The maximum biosorption capacity was achieved after 120 min, after 0.042 mgg−1 biofilm weight, and MB concentration of 140 mgL−1. Furthermore, methylene blue's biosorption capacity was strongly affected by pH, reaching its maximum at pH 7. The biosorption capacity of the bio-attached loofah sponge was much higher than that of the loofah sponge, revealing that the microalgae bio-attachment enhanced the biosorption capacity of the loofah sponge. At the end of the MB biosorption process, the used bio-attached loofah sponge can still be utilized once more for the same purpose after the desorption of MB but with a lower biosorption capacity. Furthermore, the loofah sponge could also be applied as a bio-sorbent after domestic use. According to this study, the loofah sponge with or without algal biofilm attachment could be applied as a low-cost efficient bio-sorbent for methylene blue removal from water. However, the loofah sponge's ability for biosorption was dramatically increased by the bio-attachment of microalgae, making it a more potent bio-sorbent. Likewise, this study offers insights into the variables influencing the biosorption capacity of loofah sponges and bio-attached loofah sponges, which could be beneficial for enhancing the biosorption processes.

A comprehensive study on the effect of hybridization and stacking sequence in fabricating cotton-blended jute and pineapple leaf fibre biocomposites

Developing biocomposites by hybridization, which is the combination of two or more materials, can be a potential solution for improving material recyclability and sustainability. This study focuses on creating a hybrid biocomposite reinforced with cotton-blended pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) fabric (174 GSM) and jute fibre fabric (265 GSM) which are thrown away by textile factories. The mechanical, moisture absorption, and vibration characteristics of four stacking sequences of hybrid composites and two unhybridized composites were analyzed. Results indicated that hybridization improved tensile and flexural characteristics compared to pineapple leaf fibre reinforced polymer (PFRP) composites. The jute fibre reinforced polymer (JFRP) composite exhibited the maximum tensile strength of 35.16 MPa, while the hybrid composites achieved a maximum of 32.16 MPa. Among the hybrid composites, jute layers on the outer plies (4P5J-2) demonstrated the maximum tensile modulus of 1.315 GPa. Additionally, the hybrid composite with three layers of jute plies between alternating layers of jute-pineapple plies showed the highest elongation at 15.94%. Among the hybrids, alternate stacking of jute/PALF plies (4P5J-1) gave a maximum flexural strength of 44.36 MPa, which is similar to JFRP (44.91 MPa) and a 78.57% increase in flexural modulus compared to PFRP composite, despite having the lowest tensile strength. Although the JFRP composite exhibited the highest impact strength, the hybrids still outperformed the PFRP composites. With hybridization, moisture absorption decreased, with a maximum of 29.50% compared to the JFRP composite. Furthermore, due to the spiral-like orientation of the yarns, stacking PALF plies on the outside can cause critical damping. Therefore, it is shown in this paper that both hybridization and stacking sequence can significantly influence composite performance. These findings also implies the utilization of textile industry's natural fibres to develop hybrid composites for automotive applications, like brake and accelerator pedals, for a greener future and effective waste material utilization.

Modelling and optimization of the absorption rate of date palm fiber reinforced composite using response surface methodology

The aim of this work to explore the absorption behavior of bio composites reinforced with date palm fibers. RSM and ANOVA were utilized to evaluate the impact and interdependence of input variables (Time: from 24 h to 672 h, Fiber content: 15 %, 20 %, and 25 %, and types of water: seawater, distilled water, and rainwater) on the output variables (Mass of CDPF) during a water absorption process that lasted more than 670 h at 23 °C. The findings revealed that the bio composites with the above-mentioned filler content absorbed more water as the amount of fibers increased, with absorption rates of 14.03 %, 19.39 %, 30.94 % for seawater, 15.42 %, 20.64 %, and 36.08 % for distilled water, and 16.37 %, 21.98 %, and 42.10 % for rainwater, respectively. Additionally, the study measured the diffusion coefficient of bio composites, which had a minimum value of about 2.11 × 10−6mm2/s and a maximum value of about 3.99 × 10−6mm2/s. The results of RSM model analysis showed that this model is accurate and reliable. Where the values of R2 and adjusted R2 coefficients for the Mass of CDPF were 99.63 % and 99.61 %, respectively, indicating an ideal match between experimental and predicted values. These findings provide valuable information for engineers interested in incorporating date palm fiber bio composites during development and implementation.

Biotechnology management in the Amazon and the production of polypropylene / Brazil Nut Shell fiber biocomposite

Biotechnology management in the Amazon and the production of polypropylene / Brazil Nut Shell fiber biocomposite

Recent Developments of Natural Fibres: Natural Fibre Biocomposites, Treatments, and Characterizations

Natural fibres are highly desirable in composites as they are renewable, biodegradable, and cost-effective. They are also abundant in nature with many different types available all over the world. However, despite their advantages, key challenges such as poor fibre-matrix interfacial bonding and moisture absorption limit their widespread adoption in more sophisticated applications. This article provides an overview of natural fibres, including classifications, types, properties, advantages, and disadvantages, with a subsequent review of recent studies, focusing on fibre-matrix selection, treatment methods, and characterization to better understand the current situation. It is apparent from these studies that water absorption is a significant challenge due to the inherent hydrophilic nature of natural fibres as even after treatments like mercerization and silane were applied, substantial amounts of absorption were observed. The effects of powder fillers also vary, with beneficial effects up to a certain proportion, beyond which they became detrimental.

Fabrication and characterization of bio composite fiber boards from areca leaf sheaths

Fabrication and characterization of bio composite fiber boards from areca leaf sheaths

Effect of Cymbopogan citratus Fibre on Physical and Impact Properties of Thermoplastic Cassava Starch/Palm Wax Composites.

Cymbopogan citratus fibre (CCF) is an agricultural waste plant derived from a natural cellulosic source of fibre that can be used in various bio-material applications. This paper beneficially prepared thermoplastic cassava starch/palm wax blends incorporated with Cymbopogan citratus fibre (TCPS/PW/CCF) bio-composites at different CCF concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 wt%. In contrast, palm wax loading remained constant at 5 wt% concentration using the hot moulding compression method. TCPS/PW/CCF bio-composites were characterised in the present paper via their physical and impact properties. The addition of CCF significantly improved impact strength by 50.65% until 50 wt% CCF loading. Furthermore, it was observed that the inclusion of CCF resulted in a little decrement in biocomposite solubility compared to neat TPCS/PW biocomposite from 28.68% to 16.76%. Water absorption showed higher water resistance in the composites incorporating 60 wt.% fibre loading. The TPCS/PW/CCF biocomposites with different fibre contents had 11.04-5.65% moisture content, which was lower than the control biocomposite. The thickness of all samples decreased gradually with increasing fibre content. Overall, these findings provide evidence that CCF waste can be utilised as a high-quality filler in biocomposites due to its diverse characteristics, including improving the properties of biocomposites and strengthening their structural integrity.

Viscoelastic properties of alkaline treated walnut shell/rice straw fiber/epoxy biocomposite

The increasing demand for an eco-friendly environment has led to the recent development of polymer matrix/green plant fiber composites. In this present study, the viscoelastic performance of walnut/rice straw fiber/epoxy biocomposites was examined using a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in three-point bending mode at a constant frequency (1 Hz) and temperature (25 oC to 240 °C). The surface morphology of the developed composites was analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The epoxy resin was incorporated with walnut/rice straw fiber in five proportions (2-10 wt%) using the hand lay-up technique. The hybrids of rice straw fiber/walnut shell ash particulates were added in equal ratios. The DMA results showed that epoxy/6wt% walnut/rice straw fiber biocomposite recorded the maximum storage modulus (&gt; 8 × 103 MPa) with low loss modulus and damping factor. This indicates excellent stiffness and high energy storage capacity resulting from excellent interfacial bonding of molecules of epoxy, walnut shell particulates, and rice straw fiber. The epoxy/rice straw fiber biocomposite showed a high rate of molecular mobility, leading to high heat dissipation and damping capacity. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the developed composites ranges from 70 oC to 130 oC, indicating the working temperature of the materials to be below 70 oC. The tan-δ curves indicate that walnut/rice straw fiber/epoxy biocomposites are heterogeneous materials with separate viscoelastic phases and glass transition temperatures, resulting from the addition of walnut shell particulates and rice straw fiber. These reinforcers are finally noted as critical factors affecting the extent of macromolecular mobility within walnut/rice straw fiber/epoxy biocomposites.

Water Uptake of HDPE Reinforced with Washingtonia Fibre Biocomposites: Mathematical Modelling using Artificial Neural Network, Response Surface Methodology and Genetic Algorithm

ABSTRACT To research the mechanisms of diffusion and water uptake kinetics biocomposites, various HDPE materials reinforced by varying quantities of Washingtonia filifera (WF) fibres (10 to 30 wt%) were submerged at room temperature in distilled water. To optimise the immersion time and WF fibre content in HDPE/WF biocomposite water uptake, an artificial neural network, the response surface methodology and the genetic algorithm were employed. In this research, the CCD model of RSM was utilised to carry out test design, modelling, and optimisation. It was found that the way water absorbs liquids follows the Fickian diffusion mode. The outcomes demonstrate that the incorporation of WF fibres into the HDPE matrix decreased the diffusivity. The ANOVA determined the relative significance of each variable and demonstrated the model’s validity by demonstrating a high correlation between the observed data. Moreover, the results showed that the ANN models have training, test and validation correlation coefficients for water absorption prediction of 0.9955, 0.9915 and 0.9999, respectively. RSM-GA revealed that a 10% fibre content and a one-hour immersion duration produced the lowest levels of absorption. Additionally, a model that is very suitable for predicting biocomposites water uptake and is applicable to a variety of industrial applications is developed.

Evaluation of characterisation efficiency of natural fibre-reinforced polylactic acid biocomposites for 3D printing applications

Now, the technology of 3D printing is commonly utilised in various sections of study. The current study fabricated Polylactic Acid (PLA)/various pure and hybrid Natural Fibre (NF) biocomposites via a melt extrusion process. All-natural fibres (NF) were chemically obtained from locally grown plants and utilised as strengthening fillers. The combined utilisation of the natural fibres enhanced tensile strength, Young's modulus and strain at the break of the PLA-natural fibres biocomposites compared to the neat PLA. The impact of the hybrid and pure natural fibres/PLA as 3D printing processing on overall properties was assessed by mechanical characterisation utilising tensile, modulus, strain at break, and impact tests. Major glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature of PLA-NF biocomposites were found by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and high degradation temperatures were observed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Dynamical behaviour was evaluated by Dynamic-Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and thermomechanical analysis considered the dimensional stability by using Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA). From the DMA findings, the storage modulus and loss modulus exhibited a slight reduction for hybrid printed biocomposites than that of pure printed biocomposites. The Tg from DSC results showed higher values for hybrid printed biocomposites. The results of TMA also showed a regular reduction in the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) was observed with hybrid 3D-printed PLA biocomposite compared to the pure 3D-printed PLA biocomposites. The overall findings verify the effectiveness of these novel 3D printed biocomposites from mechanical, thermal, and physical in terms of biomedical purposes as they are characterised by great stiffness, tensile characterisations, and dimensional permanence.

Natural fiber biocomposites via 4D printing technologies: a review of possibilities for agricultural bio-mulching and related sustainable applications

Natural fiber biocomposites via 4D printing technologies: a review of possibilities for agricultural bio-mulching and related sustainable applications

Tailoring lightweight, mechanical and thermal performance of PLA/recycled HDPE biocomposite foams reinforced with kenaf fibre

With an increase in environmental issues regarding industrial wastes, recent researches are shifted toward green environmentally material using natural biomass, polymer and composite. In this work, the foamed reinforced poly(lactic) acid/recycled high-density polyethylene (PLA/rHDPE)/kenaf fibre biocomposites were prepared by extrusion and compression molding technique for the synergism of lightweight and performance. To reduce density of kenaf fibre biocomposite foam, without over sacrificing the performance, the determination of PLA/rHDPE blend formulation as matrix and azodicarbonamide (ADC) loadings was assessed based on morphology, mechanical and thermal properties. A fixed kenaf fibre loading of 30 wt% was incorporated in the composite system. Results revealed that (90/10) and (70/30) (wt/wt) % compatibilized blends of PLA/rHDPE showed an improvement in flexural properties up to 54 – 1549% as compared to the neat PLA and rHDPE. The (70/30) (wt/wt) % based kenaf biocomposites exhibited a notable density reduction at 5 phr of ADC up to 7% as compared to (90/10) (wt/wt)% based biocomposites. The early formulation was appeared as a preferable blending composition for having homogenous porous structured PLA/rHDPE/kenaf fibre biocomposites foams with reduced density and improved mechanical strength. These foamed composites have a high potential to replace traditional foamed materials used in construction interior applications.