Proportion Of Fibers Research Articles

Studies on sugarcane bagasse/jute fibers reinforced bio-composites for functional thermal insulation materials

The efficient use of fibers derived from natural sources is the main goal of this research project. However, the priority on natural fibers falls short of meeting the necessary strength requirements. The goal of this work is to empirically analyze composite materials made with sugarcane bagasse and jute natural fibers as reinforcement, and PVA as the matrix. The goal is to examine the various mechanical and thermal insulating properties of Bagasse fiber/jute fiber composites to determine their application in technical domains. To carry out this investigation, a series of five hybrid composites were developed, each containing 65% polyvinyl acetate and varying the blend proportion of bagasse fiber and jute fiber: 100% /0%, 70%/30%, 50%/50%, 30%/70%, and 0%/100%. Compression molding was used as the fabrication technique. These composites’ resulting mechanical characteristics followed a critical analysis by ASTM standards. Through SEM analysis, the fiber shape, internal fracture forms, and binding properties were investigated. The results of the study showed that the tensile strength of composites made of bagasse and jute fibers is 265.80 MPa, which is close to the strength (270.10 MPa) displayed by composites made of synthetic fibers. Significantly, compared to the other configurations, the composites made up of 70% jute and 30% bagasse fibers exhibit a higher thermal insulation coefficient. Furthermore, compared to the other samples, these 70/30 composites had better impact resistance and flexural strength.

Baselining physiological parameters in three muscles across three equine breeds. What can we learn from the horse?

Mapping-out baseline physiological muscle parameters with their metabolic blueprint across multiple archetype equine breeds, will contribute to better understanding their functionality, even across species. Aims: 1) to map out and compare the baseline fiber type composition, fiber type and mean fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA, mfCSA) and metabolic blueprint of three muscles in 3 different breeds 2) to study possible associations between differences in histomorphological parameters and baseline metabolism. Methods: Muscle biopsies [m. pectoralis (PM), m. vastus lateralis (VL) and m. semitendinosus (ST)] were harvested of 7 untrained Friesians, 12 Standardbred and 4 Warmblood mares. Untargeted metabolomics was performed on the VL and PM of Friesian and Warmblood horses and the VL of Standardbreds using UHPLC/MS/MS and GC/MS. Breed effect on fiber type percentage and fCSA and mfCSA was tested with Kruskal-Wallis. Breeds were compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum test, with Bonferroni correction. Spearman correlation explored the association between the metabolic blueprint and morphometric parameters. Results: The ST was least and the VL most discriminative across breeds. In Standardbreds, a significantly higher proportion of type IIA fibers was represented in PM and VL. Friesians showed a significantly higher representation of type IIX fibers in the PM. No significant differences in fCSA were present across breeds. A significantly larger mfCSA was seen in the VL of Standardbreds. Lipid and nucleotide super pathways were significantly more upregulated in Friesians, with increased activity of short and medium-chain acylcarnitines together with increased abundance of long chain and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Standardbreds showed highly active xenobiotic pathways and high activity of long and very long chain acylcarnitines. Amino acid metabolism was similar across breeds, with branched and aromatic amino acid sub-pathways being highly active in Friesians. Carbohydrate, amino acid and nucleotide super pathways and carnitine metabolism showed higher activity in Warmbloods compared to Standardbreds. Conclusion: Results show important metabolic differences between equine breeds for lipid, amino acid, nucleotide and carbohydrate metabolism and in that order. Mapping the metabolic profile together with morphometric parameters provides trainers, owners and researchers with crucial information to develop future strategies with respect to customized training and dietary regimens to reach full potential in optimal welfare.

Yield and nutritional quality of intercropped forages for organic production in a hot-summer Mediterranean oak grassland ecosystem

Context Forage cultivation plays a pivotal role in sustaining ruminants in resource-limited ecosystems such as the hot-summer Mediterranean agroforestry systems of the Iberian Peninsula comprising oak trees (Quercus spp.) and grassland species. Intercropping techniques can enhance forage yields and nutritional quality. Aims This study assessed the yield and nutritional quality of organic forage mixtures in an Iberian oak grassland ecosystem. Methods Six forage associations were assessed over two growing seasons: vetch (Vicia sativa L.)–triticale (Triticum × Secale), vetch–rye (Secale cereale), vetch–oat (Avena sativa), pea (Pisum sativum L.)–triticale, pea–rye, and pea–oat. The data were analysed using a multivariate procedure. Key results Differences in forage composition influenced nutritional quality but not yield. Vetch-based associations exhibited higher crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese and sulfur contents, along with lower proportions of neutral-detergent fibre and ether extract. The vetch–oat mixture emerged as the highest quality association. Interannual variations in precipitation and temperature caused differences in forage yield, with greater values observed in 2020 than in 2019. Forage associations also had significantly higher nutritional quality in 2020 (increased protein and mineral content, and decreased neutral detergent fibre and lignin). Conclusions All forages demonstrated satisfactory performance and quality, even in the drier conditions of 2019, suggesting high resilience and adaptability to hot-summer Mediterranean oak grassland ecosystems. Implications The findings of this study are relevant for organic farmers in resource-limited ecosystems. This information empowers them to select the most suitable forage species based on the specific agroclimatic conditions of each growing season.

Investigate the quality parameters of fish crockets manufactured using different proportions of Jerusalem artichoke fibre

Investigate the quality parameters of fish crockets manufactured using different proportions of Jerusalem artichoke fibre

Long-range white matter fibres and post-stroke verbal and non-verbal cognition.

Among stroke survivors, linguistic and non-linguistic impairments exhibit substantial inter-individual variability. Stroke lesion volume and location do not sufficiently explain outcomes, and the neural mechanisms underlying the severity of aphasia or non-verbal cognitive deficits remain inadequately understood. Converging evidence supports the idea that white matter is particularly susceptible to ischaemic injury, and long-range fibres are commonly associated with verbal and non-verbal function. Here, we investigated the relationship among post-stroke aphasia severity, cognition, and white matter integrity. Eighty-seven individuals in the chronic stage of stroke underwent diffusion MRI and behavioural testing, including language and cognitive measures. We used whole-brain structural connectomes from each participant to calculate the ratio of long-range fibres to short-range fibres. We found that a higher proportion of long-range fibres was associated with lower aphasia severity, more accurate picture naming, and increased performance on non-verbal semantic memory/processing and non-verbal reasoning while controlling for lesion volume, key damage areas, age, and years post stroke. Our findings corroborate the hypothesis that, after accounting for age and lesion anatomy, inter-individual differences in post-stroke aphasia severity, verbal, and non-verbal cognitive outcomes are related to the preservation of long-range white matter fibres beyond the lesion.

Influence of hybrid basalt fibre with varied length on the mechanical properties of normal and high strength concrete

Hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete combines different types of fibres or fibres of varying lengths to maximize their individual advantages, which can potentially lead to a synergistic enhancement in overall performance. The main aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of integrating a hybrid fibre system to enhance the efficiency and properties of basalt fibre-reinforced concrete. Specifically, the research focuses on evaluating the mechanical characteristics of basalt hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete across two concrete grades: normal strength M30 and high strength M60. Basalt fibres of 12 mm and 30 mm lengths are used to hybridize the concrete, with a total fibre volume fraction of 1.5%. By incorporating both short and long basalt fibres into the concrete matrix, this study aims to assess how these variations impact essential properties such as workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE). The hybrid mix, comprising 25% of 12 mm fibres and 75% of 30 mm fibres at a volume content of 1.5%, demonstrates enhanced mechanical properties across all concrete grades. The addition of basalt fibres, particularly those with higher proportions of longer fibres, results in a decrease in workability. Notably, hybridizing fibres have no discernible effect on compressive strength or MOE in both concrete grades. From the results it was observed that the flexural strength of the optimal hybrid mixes is significantly higher, surpassing conventional concrete by 39% and 54.35% for M30 and M60 grades of concrete, respectively.

Investigation for optimal hybrid concrete blended with polypropylene and steel fiber to evaluate structural performance

In recent times, there has been a significant surge in interest regarding the usage of different materials to strengthen concrete. The capacity to enhance the tensile strength of concrete has made Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete (HFRC) a subject of considerable interest. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of polypropylene and steel fibers on the strength of concrete. The variable parameters encompass varying proportions of steel and polypropylene fibers. A thorough experimental program, encompassing a total of 36 combinations, was executed with diverse HFRC mixtures. Based on past research, it is projected that fibers would perform better. One combination served as the control, while the other 35 combinations incorporated PPF in varying proportions (ranging from 0.2% to 1% of the cement’s mass) with an increment of 0.2%, along with steel fibers (ranging from 0.25% to 3% of the cement’s mass). Following this, split tensile strength tests (performed according to ASTM C 496) were carried out. Tensile testing was performed on specimens to observe the failure mode and tensile strength of the samples. The report ends by highlighting the research findings and outlining potential directions for additional study in this area. In conclusion, this study’s findings offer convincing evidence about the use of fibers in concrete.

Effect of Denim Waste Fibres on Technical Properties of Cementitious Lightweight Composite Mortars

The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of recycled denim waste fibers (DWF) for reinforcing cementitious lightweight composite mortar (CLCM). The research focused on evaluating how the addition of DWF affected various aspects of CLCMs, such as flowability, fresh and hardened unit weight, porosity, water absorption, flexural strength, compressive strength, and load-deformation characteristics. Different proportions of fibers (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 wt.% of cement) were incorporated into the CLCM. The results showed a slight decrease in both fresh and hardened unit weights compared to the reference. It was noted that the consistency of the mortars declined with the increasing addition of fibers. Additionally, the inclusion of any amount of fiber led to an enhancement in the mechanical properties of the lightweight mortars. Furthermore, the reference mortar exhibited less deformation under load, indicating its higher brittleness. Moreover, the study observed that the incorporation of DWFs had the ability to simultaneously improve both the ultimate load-bearing capacity and deformation of the mortars.

Effect of ST36 electroacupuncture on the switch of skeletal muscle fibres in mice with sciatic nerve dissociation.

Skeletal muscle is striated muscle that moves autonomously and is innervated by peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerve injury is very common in clinical treatment. However, the commonly used treatment methods often focus on the regeneration of the injured nerve but overlook the pathological changes in the injured skeletal muscle. Acupuncture, as the main treatment for denervated skeletal muscle atrophy, is used extensively in clinical practice. In the present study, a mouse model of lower limb sciatic nerve detachment was constructed and treated with electroacupuncture Stomach 36 to observe the atrophy of lower limb skeletal muscle and changes in skeletal muscle fibre types before and after electroacupuncture Stomach 36 treatment. Mice with skeletal muscle denervation showed a decrease in the proportion of IIa muscle fibres and an increase in the proportion of IIb muscle fibres, after electroacupuncture Stomach 36. The changes were reversed by specific activators of p38 MAPK, which increased IIa myofibre ratio. The results suggest that electroacupuncture Stomach 36 can reverse the change of muscle fibre type from IIb to IIa after denervation of skeletal muscle by inhibiting p38 MAPK. The results provide an important theoretical basis for the treatment of clinical peripheral nerve injury diseases with electroacupuncture, in addition to novel insights that could facilitate the study of pathological changes of denervated skeletal muscle.

A study on waste PCB fibres reinforced concrete with and without silica fume made from electronic waste

This research goal is to appraise the effect of electronic waste on concrete properties by examining the mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCB fibres, each 50 mm long, were mixed in varying proportions (1–5% by weight of cement). Silica fume (SF) was used as a 12% weight replacement for cement to conserve the properties of PCB fibre-reinforced concrete while tumbling cement consumption. Following a 28-day curing period, the fresh and hardened characteristics of PCB fibre-reinforced concrete were juxtaposed with those of conventional concrete. The experimental results led to the conclusion that 5% by weight of cement is the most effective proportion of PCB fibres to include in both PCB fibre-reinforced concrete and silica fume-modified PCB fibre-reinforced concrete. The addition of PCB fibres and silica fume significantly increased the mechanical strength of the concrete, making it suitable for high-strength concrete applications. Based on a similar investigational research design, an artificial neural network model was created, and it played a critical role in predicting the mechanical properties of the concrete. The model produced accurate results, with an R-squared (R2) value greater than 0.99.

Experimental investigation on the physical, microstructural, and mechanical properties of hemp limecrete

This paper investigates the hemp limecrete mechanical and microstructural performance of a new sustainable and environmental friendly building material. Several studies have investigated the hemp limecrete focusing on the non-structural applications. The newly developed hemp limecrete consists of high mechanical and microstructural properties. The specimens were prepared with varying lengths and proportions of hemp fibers with lime and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, thermal conductivity and microstructural analysis like SEM and EDS. The study found that the optimal fiber content for making mortars was between 2 and 4%. This conclusion was reached after analyzing the influence of fiber length and ratio on the properties of the mortars. The dry unit weight decreased when the fiber content was higher than 4%. In terms of strength, the study found that the flexural strength of the hemp limecrete improved with an increase in fiber ratio, but the compressive strength decreased. However, with 2% hemp fiber, compressive strengths of 3.48 MPa and above were obtained. The study also highlighted the good thermal insulation properties and dimensional stability of hemp limecrete. These findings have important implications for the use of hemp limecrete as a sustainable building material. The results suggest that hemp limecrete has the potential to be a viable alternative to conventional concrete in specific applications, particularly in areas where environmental sustainability is a priority.

Evaluation of Chemical and Morphological Properties of Spruce Wood Stored in the Natural Environment.

This paper focuses on the changes in chemical structure and fiber morphological properties of spruce wood during 15 months of its storage in an open forest woodshed. From the chemical composition, the extractives, cellulose, holocellulose, and lignin content were determined. The pH value was measured on the wood surface using a contact electrode. Acetic and formic acid, saccharides (glucose, xylose, galactose, arabinose and mannose), and polymerization degree (PD) of cellulose were analyzed using the HPLC method. Fiber length and width were determined using a fiber tester analyzer. After 15 months of storage the content of both cellulose (determined by the Seifert method) and lignin did not change; the quantity of hemicelluloses decreased by 13.2%, due to its easier degradation and less stability compared to cellulose; and the pH value dropped by one degree. HPLC analyses showed a total decrease in the cellulose DP of 9.2% and in saccharides of 40.2%, while the largest decreases were recorded in the quantity of arabinose, by 72%, in the quantity of galactose, by 61%, and in the quantity of xylose, by 43%. Organic acids were not detected due to their high volatility during wood storage. The total decrease in average fiber length was 38.2% and in width was 4.8%. An increase in the proportion of shorter fibers, and a decrease in the proportion of longer fibers, was recorded. It can be concluded that fundamental changes occurred in the wood, which could affect the quality of further products (e.g., chips, pulp, paper, particleboards).

Utjecaj konsocijacije kukuruza s grahom na kakvoću i prinos krme

Corn silage is a high-yielding, voluminous forage rich in energy but with insufficient protein content for ighproducing cattle. Since legumes have a low dry matter yield, low forage yield and unsatisfactory quality, they are often used in intercropping with cereals, which contributes to a higher yield and better forage quality than in pure culture. In this research, corn (Zea mays L.) and climbing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were sown in different sowing densities in order to determine the best ratio in the intercropping system of corn and beans to achieve high yield and good nutritional value of forage. A pure maize crop (75000 grains ha-1) and maize in intercropping with beans were sown: 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 37000 grains ha-1 of beans, 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 50000 grains ha-1 of beans and 75000 grains ha-1 of corn and 75000 grains ha-1 of beans. The highest yield of dry matter was determined with the highest proportion of beans (19.0 t ha-1), and the lowest yield with 75000 plants ha-1 of corn and 37000 plants ha-1 of beans (17.2 t ha-1). The intercropping of corn and beans reduced the proportion of neutral detergent fibers, which could result in an increase in the digestibility of voluminous forage. Based on the nutritional value and forage yield, we can conclude that the intercropping with the highest proportion of beans had the highest yield and the best nutritional value.

Optimizing the selection of natural fibre reinforcement and polymer matrix for plastic composite using LS-SVM technique

The manufacturing sector is paying close attention to plastic matrix composites (PMCs) reinforced with natural fibres for improving their products. Due to the fact that PMC reinforced with naturally occurring fibres is more affordable and has superior mechanical qualities. Based on the application material requirements, An important step in the production of PMC is choosing the right natural fibres for reinforcing and determining how much of each. This investigation aimed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) or soft computing based approaches are used to determine the right amount of natural fibres in PMCs to make the manufacturing process simpler. However, techniques in the literature are not concentrated on finding suitable material. Hence in this investigation, a local search with support vector machine (LS-SVM) optimization technique is proposed for the optimal selection of appropriate proportions of suitable fibres. Modelling of the Proposed LS-SVM Optimization was demonstrated. In this proposed technique around four kinds of polymers/plastics and 14 natural fibres are considered, which are optimized in various proportions. The optimization performance is evaluated based on the tensile strength, flexural yield strength and flexural yield modulus. The proposed LS-SVM Optimization was evacuated by developing solutions for medical applications (Case 1), Transportation applications (Case 2) and other notable applications (Case 3) in terms of tensile and flexural properties of the material. The maximum flexure stress in case 1, case 2, and case 3 is observed as 53 MPa, 45 MPa and 26 MPa respectively. Similarly, the maximum flexure stress in case 1, case 2, and case 3 is observed as 53 MPa, 45 MPa and 26 MPa respectively. Hence the proposed method recommended for choosing optimal decision on the choice of fiber and their quantity in the composite matrix.

Histological analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle in preschool and school age children with cerebral palsy compared with age-matched typically developing children.

Inconsistent alterations in skeletal muscle histology have been reported in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and whether alterations are present in young children and differ from older children is not yet known. This study aimed to define histological alterations in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) of ambulant CP (gross-motor classification system, GMFCS I-III) stratified in two age groups (preschool children, PS: 2-5 and school age children, SA: 6-9-yr old) compared with age-matched typically developing (TD) children. We hypothesized that alterations in muscle microscopic properties are already present in PS-CP and are GMFCS level specific. Ultrasound guided percutaneous microbiopsies were collected in 46 CP (24-PS) and 45 TD (13-PS) children. Sections were stained to determine fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA) and proportion, capillary, and satellite cell amount. Average absolute and normalized fCSA were similar in CP and TD, but a greater percentage of smaller fibers was found in CP. Coefficient of variation (CV) was significantly larger in PS-CP-GMFCS I-II and for type I fiber. In SA-CP, all fiber types contributed to the higher CV. Type IIx proportion was higher and type I was lower in PS-CP-GMFCS-III and for all SA-CP. Reduced capillary-to-fiber ratio was present in PS-CP-GMFCS II-III and in all SA-CP. Capillary fiber density was lower in SA-CP. Capillary domain was enhanced in all CP, but capillary spatial distribution was maintained as was satellite cell content. We concluded that MG histological alterations are already present in very young CP but are only partly specific for GMFCS level and age.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Inconsistent histological alterations have been reported in children with cerebral palsy (CP) but whether they are present in very young and ambulant CP children and differ from those reported in old CP children is not known. This study highlighted for the first time that enhanced muscle fiber size variability and loss of capillaries are already present in very young CP children, even in the most ambulant ones, and these alterations seem to extend with age.

The effect of breed and body weight at slaughter on histochemical muscle fiber characteristics and meat quality of longissimus lumborum and semitendinosus lamb muscles

Abstract. The skeletal muscles of mammals are composed of fibers of different morphological, metabolic and functional characteristics. The properties of muscle fibers may be determined genetically as well as by environmental factors such as the age of the animals, their physical activity, the level of nutrition, or the selection intensity. The present study was conducted to determine the influence of genotype (Polish Lowland vs. Polish Heath) and body weight at slaughter (23–25 kg vs. 35–40 kg) of lambs on histological characteristics of muscle fibers in musculus longissimus lumborum (LL) and musculus semitendinosus (ST) skeletal muscles and their impact on chosen meat quality features. Three types of muscle fibers were identified: slow-twitch oxidative (STO), fast-twitch oxidative (FTO) and fast-twitch glycolytic (FTG). Differences in the diameters of individual fiber types between the LL and ST muscles have been found in both investigated genotypes. The diameters of the analyzed types of fibers were usually larger in the ST muscle compared to the LL muscle. The lambs of the more primitive Polish Heath breed were characterized by a smaller diameter of all fiber types, especially in the LL muscle. The higher proportion of STO fibers and the lower proportion of FTO fibers have been found in the LL muscle of Polish Heath lambs in the group with lower body weight. The breed of lambs, muscle type and slaughter body weight had an impact on some meat quality characteristics, especially color, intramuscular fat content and expressed juice.

Thermal Insulation Properties and Simulation Analysis of Foam Concrete Regulated by Mechanical and Chemical Foaming.

To address, mitigate, or prevent thermal environmental issues arising from the heat dissipation of high-temperature surrounding rocks in deep hot tunnels, a research proposal is put forward based on previous studies and the team's initial experiments. The proposal involves using mechanical and chemical foaming to enhance the thermal insulation properties of foamed concrete, and this will be tested through engineering verification. Different proportions of cementitious materials, latex powder, polypropylene fiber, and self-made composite foam materials were designed using an orthogonal approach for testing the macroperformance and microstructure of foamed concrete. The pore structure of foamed concrete was quantitatively analyzed by Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software, and a fitting expression was established between thermal conductivity and the number of pores (1-2 mm). Characteristics of heat transfer inside the foam concrete were simulated and analyzed using COMSOL software, and the transmission path of heat streamline was found to be ″concave-convex form″, illustrating the blocking effect of foam concrete on heat. A thermal insulation engineering model was created using Fluent software to investigate the effects of thermal insulation layer thickness, water gushing heat release, seasonal factors, and other working conditions on the airflow temperature in the roadway before and after the application of foam concrete. The simulation results demonstrate that foam concrete can effectively reduce the airflow temperature in the roadway and weaken the surrounding rock heat dissipation. Additionally, it is found that the decreasing rate of heat dissipation of surrounding rock increases with the increase of insulation layer thickness, proving the engineering applicability of foam concrete for roadway insulation. The research results provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for heat damage control of deep mining roadway.

Preparation and characterization of woven jute fabric layered composite by using bamboo fiber reinforced polymers as resin matrix

In the present study, a novel hybrid composite product has been prepared by using plain woven jute fabric as one component and short bamboo fiber reinforced thermoplastic (BPC) as the second component. BPC was prepared using a co-rotating twin screw extruder and the same was used as a resin matrix for preparing hybrid jute fabric composite (JFC) via layering method. In this work, the effect of polymer type i.e., polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), coupling agent (CA) and bamboo fiber content (10%, 30%, and 50%) in the BPC on physical, mechanical, water absorption and thermal properties of JFC has been investigated. The properties of BPC bonded JFC were compared with similarly produced composites using neat polymers. Mechanical properties and water absorption behavior in BPC bonded JFC were significantly improved with increased proportion of bamboo fibers in BPC, more specifically up to 30% fiber reinforcement. Also, the properties in fabricated composite were significantly higher in samples added with CA. Experimental results showed that flexural strength in 3L/JFC prepared with 30%-BPC was increased by 35% and 50%, as compared to similarly produced composite from neat PP and HDPE, respectively. Similarly, compared to neat PP and HDPE based JFC, the flexural modulus of 3L/JFC prepared with 30%-BPC was increased by 79% and 120%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic images showed the evidence of physical bonding between BPC matrix and jute fabric in the form of mechanical interlocking. In general, the properties of BPC bonded hybrid JFC were significantly higher than those of similar composites made from pure polymers.

Experimental Study On Mechanical Behaviour Of Human Hair Reinforced Concrete

Fibre-reinforced concrete offers a practical and cost-effective solution for addressing micro-cracks and similar structural weaknesses in concrete. Traditional concrete is inherently weak in tension, necessitating measures to enhance its performance in this regard. One unconventional yet promising option for reinforcement is human hair due to its impressive tensile strength. Human hair fibres (HF) are readily available, affordable, and do not degrade quickly, which can contribute to environmental concerns. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating human hair fibres into plain cement concrete, with a focus on enhancing compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and crack prevention while promoting economic and eco-friendly concrete practices.
 Prior to incorporating human hair fibres into the concrete mix, a meticulous cleaning process involving acetone is carried out. Experimental assessments were conducted on concrete beams, cubes, and cylinders, utilizing various proportions of human hair fibres (0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight of cement). The findings reveal that the introduction of human hair fibres as reinforcement leads to a noteworthy enhancement in concrete performance. Specifically, with a 2% inclusion of human hair fibres, we observed a 3.29% upsurge in compressive strength, a 10.87% increase in tensile strength, and a 12.69% improvement in flexural strength in comparison to traditional concrete.

Evaluation of Wood Anatomical Properties from 18 Tree Species in the Subtropical Region of China

The subtropical region of China possesses abundant broad-leaf tree species resources; however, the anatomical properties and microstructure of the wood are still unclear, which restricts the processing and utilization of wood. In this study, 14 broad-leaf trees and four coniferous trees were selected. Wood anatomical indices and wood microanatomy were used to evaluate the wood properties using a comprehensive index method. The results have shown that Dalbergia assamica exhibited the highest wood basic density among the 14 broad-leaved tree species, accompanied by a significant fiber proportion and vessel lumen diameter but a small vessel proportion and a high number of wood rays. Conversely, Parakmeria lotungensis and Michelia chapensis had relatively low wood basic densities, rendering them less suitable as valuable broad-leaved wood sources. Altingia chinensis, Castanopsis kawakamii, and the remaining 11 tree species exhibited medium-level wood basic densities. The 14 broad-leaved tree species had medium-length fibers. Phoebe bournei, Dalbergia assamica, and Castanopsis kawakamii demonstrated relatively high fiber proportion. Altingia chinensis, Dalbergia assamica, and Castanopsis kawakamii exhibited a large number of wood rays, making their wood more susceptible to cracking, whereas other broad-leaved tree species possessed fewer wood rays. The findings have provided a scientific basis for the exploration of precious broad-leaved tree resources and wood use.