Plastic Fiber Research Articles

Development of a muon detector based on a plastic scintillator and WLS fibers to be used for muon tomography system

Muon tomography is a useful method for monitoring special nuclear materials (SNMs) such as spent nuclear fuel inside dry cask storage. Multiple Coulomb scattering of muons can be used to provide information about the 3-dimensional structure and atomic number(Z) of the inner materials. Tomography using muons is less affected by the shielding material and less harmful to health than other measurement methods.We developed a muon detector for muon tomography, which consists of a plastic scintillator, 64 long wavelength-shifting (WLS) fibers attached to the top of the plastic scintillator, and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) connected to both ends of each WLS fiber. The muon detector can acquire X and Y positions simultaneously using a position determination algorithm.The design parameters of the muon detector were optimized using DETECT2000 and Geant4 simulations, and a muon detector prototype was built based on the results. Spatial resolution measurement was performed using simulations and experiments to evaluate the feasibility of the muon detector. The experimental results were in good agreement with the simulation results. The muon detector has been confirmed for use in a muon tomography system.

Fast-Processable Non-Flammable Phthalonitrile-Modified Novolac/Carbon and Glass Fiber Composites.

Phthalonitrile resins (PN) are known for their incredible heat resistance and at the same time poor processability. Common curing cycle of the PN includes dozens hours of heating at temperatures up to 375 °C. This work was aimed at reducing processing time of phthalonitrile resin, and with this purpose, a novolac oligomer with hydroxyl groups fully substituted by phthalonitrile moieties was synthesized with a quantitative yield. Formation of the reaction byproducts was investigated depending on the synthesis conditions. The product was characterized by 1H NMR and FT-IR. Curing of the resins with the addition of different amounts of novolac phenolic as curing agent (25, 50 and 75 wt.%) was studied by rheological and DSC experiments. Based on these data, a curing program was developed for the further thermosets' investigation: hot-pressing at 220 °C and 1.7 MPa for 20 min. TGA showed the highest thermal stability of the resin with 25 wt.% of novolac (T5% = 430 °C). The post-curing program was developed by the use of DMA with different heating rates and holding for various times at 280 or 300 °C (heating rate 0.5 °C/min). Carbon and glass fiber plastic laminates were fabricated via hot-pressing of prepregs with Tg's above 300 °C. Microcracks were formed in the CFRP, but void-free GFRP were fabricated and demonstrated superior mechanical properties (ILSS up to 86 MPa; compressive strength up to 620 MPa; flexural strength up to 946 MPa). Finally, flammability tests showed that the composite was extinguished in less than 5 s after the flame source was removed, so the material can be classified as V-0 according to the UL94 ratings. For the first time, fast-curing phthalonitrile prepregs were presented. The hot-pressing cycle of 20 min with 150 min free-standing post-curing yielded composites with the unique properties. The combination of mechanical properties, scale-up suitable fast-processing and inflammability makes the presented materials prospective for applications in the electric vehicle industries, fast train construction and the aerospace industry.

Green enhancement of wood plastic composite based on agriculture wastes compatibility via fungal enzymes

This study deals with the production of natural fiber plastic composites (NFPCs) to reduce environmental pollution with agricultural and plastic waste. Where the NFPCs were prepared from waste/pure polyethylene (WPE) (pure polyethylene (50%)/recycled polyethylene (50%)) and modified sunflower waste via an eco-friendly and economic biological process. The sunflower fibers (SF) were treated via whole selective fungal isolate, namely, Rhizopus oryzae (acc no. OM912662) using two different incubation conditions; submerged (Sub), and solid-state fermentation (SSF) to enhance the fibers' compatibility with WPE. The treated and untreated fibers were added to WPE with various concentrations (10 and 20 wt%). The morphology and structure of fibers were characterised by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). Furthermore, the mechanical properties, morphology, biodegradation and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) for the prepared NFPCs were investigated. The results showed that compatibility, mechanical properties and biodegradation of NFPCs were improved by the addition of sunflower fibers treated by SSF conditions.

The Effect of Adding Waste Plastic Fibers on The Concrete Properties And Shear Strength of Rc Beams: A Review

Plastic waste has been significantly increasing globally. Manufacturing procedures, service sectors, and municipal solid waste all produce a lot of waste plastic items. Concern over the environment and how to dispose of the generated waste has increased due to the rise in plastic waste. Additionally, the use of PET in concrete manufacturing should minimize concerns with plastic waste management and carbon dioxide emissions re-cycling plastic waste, thus replacing the need to dispose of it in a landfill, which has a limited capacity. One alternative is to develop "green concrete" by using plastic waste as a recycled ingredient in concrete buildings. However, before any structure is constructed out of concrete that contains plastic, it is important to know how the use of PET in concrete affects the concrete properties and structural behavior. Especially the shear strength of concrete beams, which is one of the fundamental problems in civil engineering. Therefore, this study serves as an overview of experiments that substituted polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for concrete as a volume ratio additive. It provides information on the mix design and behavior of concrete when PET is utilized

Новый подход к технологии изготовления длинномерных полых изделий из волокнистых полимерных композиционных материалов

The analysis of the main types of mandrels, which are used for the manufacturing the hollow products from fibrous polymer composite materials (FPCM) by winding on a mandrel, has been carried out. The problem of the technology of manufacturing the long-length hollow products from FPCM by winding on a non-separable mandrel is considered. A new approach to the technology of manufacturing long-length products from FPCM on a non-separable reusable mandrel. The mandrel is made in the form of a steel seamless cold-formed pipe of ordinary accuracy and without special treatment of the contact surface is proposed and tested. It is shown, that the application of the developed technology gives the possibility to improve the quality and economic efficiency of products of this type. On the basis of the proposed technology, an experimental batch of long pipes made of CMU-4L carbon fiber plastic with a length of 3200 mm and an outer and inner diameter of 42 and 32 mm, respectively, was manufactured and tested. The proposed approach could be used for the manufacturing both the hollow long-length rods from FPCM and the hollow semi-circular elements, that are molded also on a non-separable mandrel of ordinary accuracy.

Properties of Sustainable Self- compacting Concrete Containing Treated and Modified Waste Plastic Fibers

This study aims to improve different properties of sustainable self-compacting concrete SCC containing treated and modified polyethylene terephthalate PET fibers. For this purpose, gamma ray surface treatment and geometric modification were utilized for the used PET fibers. Concrete fresh properties include slump flow, T500mm, L-box and sieve segregation while mechanical properties include compressive, split tensile strength, flexural strength, static modulus of elasticity and impact strength. Further, physical properties and related durability properties comprise dry density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, porosity and water absorption. The results obtained demonstrated that the treatment and the modification used for the PET fibers slightly reduced the fresh properties of produced sustainable SCC (slump flow, T500 mm, L-Box and sieve segregation). However, they were within the limits of the SCC specification as reported in EFNERC guidelines. Further, concrete hardened properties in terms of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, impact strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, decrease in the dry density, decrease in porosity and water absorption increased significantly.

Flexural Behavior of Portland Cement Mortars Reinforced with Hybrid Blends of Recycled Waste Fibers

Laboratory tests were performed for evaluating the flexural performance of Portland cement mortars reinforced with recycled fibers. The objective was to find the best blend of unsorted recycled post-consumer tire steel fibers (RTSF), and recycled plastic fibers (RPF) for enhancing the flexural behavior and ductility of cement-based composites. Ten mortar mixes containing various blends of RTSF and RPF were cast and tested under a displacement-controlled four-point bending ASTM test. Test results indicate that the mortar mixes reinforced with recycled fibers satisfied the ASTM flow requirements and achieved a flexural response and toughness comparable to the response of similar mixes, containing manufactured steel fibers (MSF) only, at the same fiber dosage. Among the recycled fiber blends investigated, the mix containing 0.5% RTSF and 0.5% RPF (on volume basis) exhibited relatively superior flexural characteristics compared to the mixes reinforced with the same dosage of MSF only. Moreover, the positive synergetic effect of fiber blends on the post-cracking strength and flexural toughness was pronounced at 0.5% RTSF and 0.5% RPF (on volume basis). Hence, as an echo-friendly material, recycled fiber blends of RTSF and RPF could be recommended for enhancing the flexural performance of cement-based composites at a lesser cost.

Evaluation of the bonding properties between low-value plastic fibers treated with microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation and cement mortar

Plastic fiber reinforced cementitious materials offer the potential to increase the reusability of plastic waste and create lower-CO2 cementitious composites. However, the bonding properties of many plastic types with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) are largely unknown. This work employs single fiber pullout (SFPO) tests to quantify the interfacial bonding properties of polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene embedded in OPC mortar. The interfacial bonding properties were compared for fibers either treated with microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) or left untreated. SFPO tests revealed that plastic type had a large influence over bonding properties. Specifically, the fiber surface energy, as estimated from water contact angle measurements, was found to be the driving factor of bond strength. ABS had the highest surface energy and demonstrated the strongest bonding out of all plastic types studied. However, MICP treatment of fibers did not increase the interfacial bond strength for any of the plastics studied. The thick and inconsistent coverage of biomineral over the fiber surface from MICP is likely attributed to preventing an increase in bond strength. These results contribute to the design and application of plastic-reinforced mortars by comparing bonding properties for a range of typically low-value, unrecycled plastic types.

Effects of Silica Fume and Micro Silica on the Properties of Mortars Containing Waste PVC Plastic Fibers

Investigations on the usability of waste plastics as a new generation of construction materials have become one of the main concerns of researchers and engineers in recent decades. Waste plastics can be used either as aggregate replacement or as fiber reinforcement to enhance the properties of cementitious mixtures. This study focuses on the properties of waste PVC fiber-reinforced mortars containing silica fume and micro silica. Plastic fibers were added to the mortar mixes by volume fractions of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. Cement was replaced by micro silica and silica fume by 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of cement, respectively. In total, 28 different groups of mortars were produced. The results showed an enhanced ductility and deformation behavior of mortars upon the addition of waste PVC plastic fibers. It can be seen that fibers restricted crack propagation and maintained integrity, hence improving the ductility of the mortars. On the other hand, the addition of fibers led to a reduction in the physical and mechanical properties of the mortar samples. The compressive strength of the mortar samples decreased gradually by increasing the fiber content. Cement replacement by silica fume improved mechanical and microstructural properties of the mortars. The results also demonstrated that silica fume significantly decreased the porosity and water absorption capacity of mortar samples.

A Review on Study of Properties of Pervious Concrete Mixed with The Plastic (Pet) Fibre

A Review on Study of Properties of Pervious Concrete Mixed with The Plastic (Pet) Fibre

Thermophysical Properties Mapping of Composites by Lock-in Thermography: Applications on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics

We propose a versatile method for measuring the thermophysical properties of composites by means of lock-in thermography (LIT) technique. The method is based on analyzing the thermal response distribution induced by periodic laser heating, which enables simultaneous high-spatial-resolution mapping of the effective out-of-plane thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity over the surface of the material. We validate the method using a reference material and demonstrate its capability in visualizing the effective properties of laminated carbon fiber reinforced plastic and carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic with discontinuous fibers. The results showed that the LIT-based approach has high reproducibility and sensitivity, which allows observing the effect of fiber orientations on the effective properties. The proposed method will be useful for thermal research in composites, defect detection, and for investigating component geometric arrangement effects on the thermophysical properties.

The Mechanical Properties of Ferrocement Mortar with Waste Plastic Fibers at Elevated Temperatures

The main aim of the current research was to investigate the behavior of ferrocement mortar reinforced with waste plastic fibers at elevated temperatures. The use of PET residues in ferrocement mortar at normal temperatures could be a viable option. However, the utilization of PET-containing ferrocement mortar in high-temperature applications requires more research. In this study, one reference mix was made along with 3 other mixes containing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) fiber by volumetric ratios of 0.5, 0.75, and 1%. Compressive and flexural strength tests were performed on the samples before and after being exposed to elevated temperatures. Each batch of ferrocement mortar samples was heated to the requisite temperature for roughly 60 minutes, then was progressively cooled to room temperature before being tested. The compressive and flexural strengths of some samples were evaluated at room temperature (25°C). Other samples were evaluated after being exposed to high temperatures in an electric furnace (100°C, 200°C, 400°C, and 600°C). Both compressive and flexural strengths were found to be significantly reduced after being exposed to a temperature greater than 400°C. Results proved that the addition of 0.75% PET was determined as the optimum percentage that enhanced the mechanical properties of the produced ferrocement mortar at 25°C. At 200°C, the ferrocement mortar samples retained their original color. As a result of the combustion of PET fibers, black spots formed on the top surfaces of the tested specimens that were heated to 400°C.

Development of Optical Tomography System Based on Fan-Beam Lasers

The sensor configuration and the sensitivity matrix are two key factors for the optical tomography system. In this work, these two factors are investigated to develop an optical tomography system. First, different sensor configurations are investigated, and their reconstruction performance is estimated. The regular configuration with 25 laser emitters and 25 detectors is selected due to its high reconstruction accuracy and simple structure. Meanwhile, the influence of the pixel grid on the reconstruction performance is also considered. Simulation results indicate that the pixel grid of <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$50\times50$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is appropriate when the diameter of the region of interest (ROI) is 100 mm, while a denser grid will deteriorate the performance. A practical tomography system is developed based on the <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$25\times25$ </tex-math></inline-formula> configuration with fan-beam laser diodes and plastic fibers as light detectors. The reconstruction experiments are implemented based on the suggested <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$50\times50$ </tex-math></inline-formula> pixel grid. Experimental results verify that the effectiveness of the developed system and different distributions can be clearly reconstructed.

Anthropogenic pollutants in Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the NW Mediterranean Sea: Uptake assessment and potential impact on health

Anthropogenic pollution is considered one of the main threats to the marine environment, and there is an imperious need to assess its potential impact on ecologically and economically relevant species. This study characterises plastic ingestion and tissue levels of potentially toxic metallic elements in Nephrops norvegicus and their simultaneous levels in abiotic compartments from three locations of the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea). A multidisciplinary assessment of the health condition of N. norvegicus through condition indices, enzymatic biomarkers and histological techniques is provided, and its relationship with anthropogenic pollutant levels explored. Plastic fibres were commonly found in stomachs of N. norvegicus (85% of the individuals), with higher abundances (13 ± 21 fibres · ind−1) in specimens captured close to Barcelona. The presence of long synthetic fibres in near-bottom waters, as well as the mirroring trends in abundance among locations for water and ingested plastics, suggest that uptake from water may be occurring potentially through suspension feeding. The spatial variability in the levels of metallic elements in N. norvegicus was poorly correlated to the variability in sediments. In any case, present levels in abdominal muscle are considered safe for human consumption. Levels of ingested plastics only showed significant, yet weak, correlations with glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities. However, no other health parameter analysed showed any trend potentially associated to anthropogenic pollutant levels. Neither the condition indices nor the histopathological assessment evidenced any signs of pathologic conditions affecting N. norvegicus. Thus, it was concluded that presently there is no evidence of a negative impact of the studied pollutants on the health condition of N. norvegicus in the studied grounds.

A Review on Flexural Properties of Wood-Plastic Composites.

Wood–plastic composite (WPC) is a kind of composite material that is made of plastic and wood fiber or wood powder. Because it is mothproof, is resistant to corrosion, and has plasticity, among other advantages, it has been researched and used increasingly in building materials. The flexural property of WPC is an important subject in evaluating its mechanical properties. In this paper, wood–plastic raw materials and processing technology are introduced; the internal and external factors of WPC which affect the flexural properties are analyzed; the different ways of enhancing the bending capacity, including the surface pretreatment, addition of different modifiers (compatibility agent and coupling agent) etc. are summarized; and the methods of operation and strengthening effect are analyzed. This work provides a reference for further research in related fields.

Designing bended pipes under internal pressure

There are major benefits, e.g. in the aerospace sector, for lightweight mobile applications, because of integral lightweight design and construction. Integral lightweight design avoids parting points, as they increase the weight and at the same time could cause defects. Pipe technology is a potential application for this issue. For the design of bended pipes, there are various conventional but only few FEM-based approximation methods that consider fiber plastic composites. This optimization was carried out, especially for high-pressure components with an expected burst pressure of approx. 1,050 bar (approx. 15,200 psi), consisting of liner and multi-layer laminate. Three different optimization methods with adapted material parameters were compared. The net theory was used first. Furthermore, the Tsai–Wu failure criterion was considered. The inter-fiber-failure-criterion of Cuntze has been used for straight pipes. Subsequently, variations in terms of curvature angles, curvature radii, and pipe size for various laminates has been shown in theoretical investigations. The result section provides the inverse reserve factor and an outlook on the expected weight for various fiber combinations.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADJUSTABLE DYNAMIC HAND SPLINT

Introduction: Radial nerve injury is comparatively a common occurrence. Recovery, however, depends on the level of injury. Medication, rest and surgery are among treatment regime, although, Orthotic splints are frequently used in its management to compensate for failure of motor power. The aim of this study was to modify existing design and fabricate an adjustable Dynamic Hand Splint utilizing locally sourced materials for the management of radial nerve palsy. Materials and Mathods: Autodesk Revit software and the cast of a patient were used for both the schematic designs and to obtain the measurements for the device. The cast was transferred to the lamination jig were it was moulded with EVA foam (ethylene vinyl acetate) under heat from electric oven, epoxy resin was also applied all over the EVA foam and the plastic lamination, fibre glass and stockinet was done. The final product was able to fit optimally on patients with varying circumferences and could be used for both the left and right sides of the upper extremities. Discussion: The mean of maximum active flexion was 98.70 this is within the range of standard maximum flexion and gives an idea of the quantity of rehabilitative force our device generates when the patient pushes the spring and its efficiency. Conclusion: The splint was used on 5 subjects, the angle of extension in degrees obtained at normal wrist when at rest and measured with a goniometer range from 300 to 350 with mean of 32.60 while the maximum Active Flexion range from 950 with a maximum finger flexion of 1000.

Evaluation of fatigue strength of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) with various types of hybrid matrices

Polymer composite materials (PCM) have found wide application in various industries due to the ability to create low-weight products with specified operational properties. During operation, composite products are exposed to static and cyclic loads, climatic and many other factors. Evaluation of the fatigue strength of composite materials and the influence of various additives and modifiers on it is an urgent scientific and practical task. The article describes the technology of obtaining PCM with various types of hybrid matrices formed by the main binder material and the material representing an independent "liquid" phase in the composite structure. Based on the analysis of the kinetics of curing, anaerobic polymer material (Loctite 638), silicone elastomer (Unisil-9628) and synthetic wax were selected as the materials of the components of the "liquid" phase. Fatigue strength assessment tests were carried out by applying cyclically varying tension-compression loads to the samples. The load during cyclic tests was 70% of the static tensile strength of the samples. The residual strength was evaluated by testing the tensile strength of the samples until complete destruction after cyclic loading. The results of fatigue strength tests of carbon fiber plastics with various types of hybrid matrices (formed by various components of the "liquid" phase) are presented. The analysis of the results showed that the use of an anaerobic polymer material as a component of the "liquid" phase of the hybrid matrix makes it possible to increase both the initial static strength of the material (by ~ 1%) and the residual strength after cyclic loading (by ~ 11%) compared with these indicators obtained during the testing of control samples. After performing cyclic loading, carbon fiber plastics with anaerobic polymer material and silicone elastomer have an increase in residual strength compared to previously performed static tensile tests by ~ 8% and ~13%, respectively. The use of an anaerobic polymer material and silicone elastomer as a component of the "liquid" phase makes it possible to increase the modulus of elasticity of carbon fiber plastics after cyclic loading by ~ 13% and 5%, respectively, compared with the results of preliminary static tests.

Effects of reinforcing granular columns with fibres generated from plastic bottle waste

Ordinary and reinforced granular columns were both tested in a laboratory to study the effect of internal reinforcement using plastic fibres that were generated through the recycling of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate bottles. A series of vertical compression tests was undertaken to understand the impact of varying the moisture content of the silt bed and the fibre concentration. The prepared samples were vertically loaded up to a maximum compression of 50 mm, and the load–vertical deformation characteristics were electronically recorded. Post-testing, the deformation behaviour of the column was physically modelled using a paste of plaster of Paris to obtain the maximum bulging diameter. In general, reinforcing the granular columns enhanced the load-carrying capacity, although the degree of improvement was dependent on the testing conditions. For experiments conducted on the softer silt beds, an increase in fibre content resulted in higher loading strengths. The largest enhancement was recorded in the test with wetter silt and with a fibre concentration of 0.1%. This was equivalent to 3.5 times that which was recorded when an ordinary granular column was installed. In terms of lateral deformation, the smallest bulge was obtained in the test with the wetter silt and a fibre content of 0.025%.

A Review on Properties of Heavy Weight Concrete

With revolutionary advancements in technology, it is inevitable to not to develop the quality of concrete as it now a basic requirement for infrastructure. The objective of this review is to highlight the main aspects of Heavy Weight Concrete which covers the general concept of radiation physics being used in HWC, advancements in HWC technology, applications of HWC, cost optimization of HWC and future challenges. Recent researches have shown the requisite for Heavy Weight Concrete as it can efficiently absorb attenuate the radiation thus it is being used in nuclear facilities, medical facilities and now it is even being used in modern warfare. According to the past studies it is found that HWC can be used for shielding from high level radiations such as alpha-rays, beta-rays, X-rays and gamma-rays. Some of the rays propagated form radioactive material can be halted easily but some rays possess ultra-penetration ability and can penetrate through living being near them which results in destructive ionization of biological cells of a living being. This comprehensive review reaches out to the several critical areas such as future uses of HWC, cost optimization in HWC can be done by adding industrial residue of steel, glass, plastic fibers and other natural materials that can be used in HWC and increasing atomic mass for producing high quality radiation attenuation concrete.