Luffa Fiber Research Articles

Application of porous luffa fiber as a natural internal curing material in high-strength mortar

This study explores the potential of renewable plant fibers as internal curing (IC) materials, analyzing their potential in high-strength mortar (HSM) applications. Experiments involving the incorporation of different volumetric ratios of luffa fiber into concrete assessed impacts on autogenous shrinkage (AS), mechanical properties, and microstructure. The research found that the addition of luffa fibers extended both the setting times of the mixture, and after final setting, continued the hydration reaction by releasing internally stored water. Compared to the control group, luffa fibers significantly reduced AS by up to 56.87%, primarily due to their high-water absorption capacity (211%), which mitigates the internal capillary pressures during the cement hydration process. Moreover, the inclusion of luffa fibers significantly affected the concrete's mechanical properties: a 1% luffa addition enhanced the compressive strength at 28 days by 7.6% over the control; concrete with 2% luffa fiber exhibited the highest flexural strength at 28 days, showing a 9.4% increase over the control. Microstructural analysis revealed that luffa fiber not only promoted continued hydration but also increased the content of hydration products and enhanced the compactness of the cementitious matrix. Overall, luffa fibers effectively reduce HSM’s AS and enhance its mechanical properties and microstructure, showing potential to improve concrete performance.

Fabrication and Testing Methods for Assessing Mechanical Properties of Luffa Fiber and Marine Shells Reinforced with Epoxy

Fabrication and Testing Methods for Assessing Mechanical Properties of Luffa Fiber and Marine Shells Reinforced with Epoxy

Sound absorption characteristics of 3‐dimensional printed biodegradable structure backed with luffa fiber

AbstractIn this work, an investigation has been carried out on the sound absorption properties of the microperforated composites prepared by filling natural luffa fiber and synthetic luffa fiber. These composite structures are created by 3‐dimensional printing of polylactic acid, which exhibits excellent biodegradability. After preparing the structure, the micro‐perforation is done at the top of the composite with the help of a heated cylindrical drill. During the printing process, the infill density (printing parameter) and type of luffa fiber (natural and synthetic) have been varied to find out its effect on acoustic properties. Finally, a comparative study is carried out among natural luffa fiber and without using natural luffa fiber. The results showed excellent sound absorption of luffa filled structure compared to an unfilled structure. Out of three different infilled densities, the density of 5 % revealed a maximum amount of absorption, suggesting the potential applications of these structures in the field of sound absorption.

Natural and environmentally friendly rhamnolipid functionalized luffa fibers for adsorptive removal of pharmaceutical contaminant: Batch and fixed-bed column studies

This study aims to explore the potential of utilizing rhamnolipid functionalized luffa fibers as an environmentally sustainable solution for removing pharmaceutical contaminants from water. The efficiency of the developed adsorbent for removing acetaminophen has been investigated in batch and fixed bed column modes. The adsorbent has been characterized via FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses which revealed the rhamnolipid nanomicelles formation with bi-pyramidal morphology and the presence of functional groups on the surface of the adsorbent. The optimum conditions have been reported (pH: 5.0, adsorbent dosage 2 g/L, initial acetaminophen concentration: 20 mg/L, and contact time: 80 min). The highest adsorption capacity for acetaminophen was 37.03 mg/g at the optimized conditions. Fixed-bed column experiments examined flow rate and initial acetaminophen concentration effects, with the Thomas model assessing column performance. This research investigates the potential of RL-LF for effective water remediation, offering insights into practical applications and optimization strategies.

Influence of Banana Fiber on Mechanical Properties of Luffa Nanoparticles Epoxy Composite

The rapid growing in technology as opened way for the utilization of eco-friendly resources, particularly the use of natural fiber for the creation of polymer composites. In the present work, banana fibers and the luffa were extracted from luffa plant and banana stem by manual stripping into strands. 60 nm luffa fiber was obtained after milling in a planetary ball milling machine and pre-impregnated into epoxy resin matrix. 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt.% short banana fiber were blended with the matrix for the production of composites using hand lay-up method. The hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the produced composites were evaluated. The hardness, tensile and flexural strengths (47.5 – 52.6 Hv, 12.75 – 14.81 MPa and 143.93 – 165.83 MPa) of the produced composites were observed to increase with increasing short banana fiber content from 2 wt.% - 15 wt.% and decreased at 20 wt.%. Properties of the produced composites can be satisfactorily used in synergy as raw materials for composites manufacturing to widen its applications. Keywords: Polymer Composites, Nanoparticle Luffa fiber, Short Banana fiber, Epoxy Resin Aims Research Journal Reference Format: Babatunde I. A., Adetola S. O. & Mudashiru L. O. (2024): Influence of Banana Fiber on Mechanical Properties of Luffa Nanoparticles Epoxy Composite. Advances in Multidisciplinary and Scientific Research Journal Vol. 10. No. 2. Pp 107-116 www.isteams.net/aimsjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/V10N2P9

Thymus vulgaris-assisted growth of nickel nanoparticles onto Luffa fibers: A robust and recyclable catalyst for the reduction of organic pollutants

A green and efficient synthetic pathway was developed to prepare nickel@Luffa nanocomposite. Thymus vulgaris extract was used to functionalize the surface of Luffa fibers with hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amide groups, which assisted in the adsorption of nickel ions. The scanning electron microscope images revealed that nickel nanoparticles grew as aggregates of semi-spherical particles and randomly dispersed on the Luffa fibers. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the nickel@Luffa nanocomposite showed the diffraction pattern of a face-centered cubic Ni crystal. XPS spectrum indicated the formation of metallic Ni at the Luffa surface. The prepared nickel@Luffa was used to catalyze the degradation of 4-nitrophenol, methyl orange, bromophenol blue and a mixture of both. The reaction rate constant for nickel@Luffa nanocomposite was calculated as 15.47 × 10−3 s−1 at pH = 10 and even after ten cycles its conversion was about 90%. The nickel nanoparticles could be recycled/reused for ten catalytic cycles with adequate catalytic activity. Such synthetic pathways encourage the application of renewable natural resources to fabricate separable/recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for many important reactions. The proposed nanocomposite is industrially applicable and environmentally-benign, fulfilling the requirements for the sustainable development.

Effect of alumina fillers on physical and mechanical properties of luffa/groundnut shell natural fiber reinforced polymer composites

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with hybrid luffa waste and groundnut shell waste natural fibers and to evaluate the effect of different filler loadings of alumina on the mechanical behavior of the hybrid composites. The luffa fibers were made to undergo mercerization in 10% NaOH solution. All the treated fibers and the alumina fillers were characterized using X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The study used three different filler loadings of alumina (Al2O3) (5%, 10%, and 15% by volume) and three different fractions of treated luffa‐waste groundnut shell hybrid fibers (10%, 30%, and 50% by volume). The composites were fabricated using the hand layup technique, and the prepared test specimens were subjected to mechanical and physical properties testing as per ASTM standards. The experimental findings indicated that the inclusion of Al2O3 filler improved the physical and mechanical characteristics of the natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites. The results showed that the composites with 30 vol. % fibers (1:1 luffa fiber: groundnut shell fiber) and 10 vol. % Al2O3 content showed enhanced tensile, flexural, shear, and impact strength and hardness. Besides, a good synergy between the alumina fillers, natural fibers, and the polymer matrix was observed in the surface morphology of the composite specimen. The developed composites can be used in low and medium‐load‐bearing structural and non‐structural applications.Highlights Development of hybrid polymer composites with luffa and novel groundnut shell fibers Hybridization of alumina ceramic particles with natural fiber hybrid composites Assessment of physical and mechanical properties of the polymer composites

Experimental and numerical investigation on the elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere‐reinforced epoxy hybrid composite

AbstractEstimating the elastic characteristics of natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites such as luffa fiber reinforced with epoxy is challenging. The structure of luffa cylindrica is complex, like a three‐dimensional natural fibrous mat, netting‐like structure. The multiscale modeling of such structures is the challenge to be addressed. The prime objective of this work is to determine the specific elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere‐reinforced epoxy (LCE) composite, considering the effect of filler volume fractions. Furthermore, multiscale modeling techniques, such as representative volume elements (RVEs) of finite element techniques with chopped, unidirectional, plain, and twill weaving fiber arrangements, were employed. The longitudinal modulus, transverse modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio were predicted through these modeling approaches. However, experimental and analytical methodologies, including the rule of mixture and Halpin–Tsai, were considered to validate the finite element analysis results. The elastic characteristics of LCE composite were therefore shown to be enhanced by increasing filler volume fraction. However, the cenosphere's 20% volume fraction has the highest elastic properties as determined by analytical, experimental, and computational models. Analytical and finite element simulation results were compared with the experimental results, and based on the findings, the most suitable (unidirectional, chopped, plain, and twill weaving) RVE was identified for finite element modeling of LCE composite for the evaluation of elastic properties. Results from practical approaches and the RVE twill weaving model showed good agreement, with less than 1% error, compared to the other analytical and finite element methods.Highlights NFCs are gaining ground in polymer composites. Overcoming challenges in modeling of luffa fiber inside epoxy matrix. The study uses multiscale modeling with diverse fiber arrangements. Experimental and analytical methods used to confirm FEA results. Increased cenosphere volume fraction boosts LCE composite properties.

Mechanical Properties of Luffa Fiber Reinforced Recycled Polymer Composite

Environmental issues over the eventual fate of post-consumer polymers can be dealt with in two separate ways which is recycling or using biodegradable polymers. However, it is evident that recycling polymers from post-consumer polymers can decrease the mechanical properties over time. Hence, to strengthen the recycled polymers, integrating fibers, such as luffa, into the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) matrix, was carried out to produce a fiber reinforced recycled polymer (FRrP) composite. The tensile testing of the FRrP composite shows that the 10% fiber volume fraction (FVF) composite exhibits a higher tensile strength of 3.9% than the neat recycled HDPE (RHDPE). In terms of Young’s Modulus, the 5% FVF of FRrP is shown to have a higher value than the neat RHDPE by 54%. The low density of luffa fibers also contributes to the composites lightweight character. The impact testing shows that the FRrP enhances the impact properties when compared to the neat RHDPE. The peak load, perforation energy, and the total energy absorbed by the FRrP indicate an increasing trend when luffa, of up to 15% FVF, is added as the reinforcement. Thus, the addition of luffa as reinforcement in RHDPE shows significant potential as a high-performance, sustainable, and environmentally friendly material, such as automotive parts and protective gear.

Examining the bending test properties of bio-composites strengthened with fibers through a combination of experimental and modeling approaches

This study explores the relationship between natural fiber filling density (10%, 15%, 25%) and its impact on the bending properties of polymer compounds reinforced with Diss, Sisal and Luffa fibers. Using advanced techniques like fiber analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), the research reveals that a 25% filling density results in the highest stress values (25.61 MPa, 22.21 MPa and 20.88 MPa) for Diss, Sisal and Luffa compounds, respectively, fostering robust bonds in Diss-reinforced polymers. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model demonstrates superior predictive capability with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99 for stress and displacement, outperforming Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) underscores the impact of sample section parameters and fiber rate on stress, establishing the significance of type parameters and fiber rate on displacement. This integration of ANN and RSM represents a paradigm shift in predicting bending mechanical properties, advancing our understanding of composite materials for innovative applications.

Surface modification of Luffa and Maize fibers by using alkali medium

Agricultural biomass is a well-known renewable resource that has a high rate of recycling. Two of them are luffa sponge and corn husk/maize fibers. Luffa sponge may be effectively used to reinforce lightweight composite constructions because of its polypore structure. For this race, maize fiber is also appropriate. Surface modifications for both of the fibers are needed for increasing mechanical strength with higher interfacial bonding with the matrix materials of composite manufacturing. This investigation involved treating both materials with 5 g/L, 10 g/L, and 15 g/L of NaOH in order to describe the alterations occurring on their physio-chemical characteristics. The therapy lasted 60 min and was administered at 90 °C. Following that, acetic acid was used to neutralize the samples. The ASTM D1445 technique was used to measure the bundle fibers' breaking force and elongation, and the ASTM D570 procedures were used in order to determine the water absorption variation % in the treated samples. The FTIR test and SEM examination revealed the contaminants that were eliminated from the surface of Luffa and Maize fibers. The test findings demonstrated improved modification behaviors for the 15 g m/L treated fibers, which had an elongation percentage of 3.02% and an equivalent breaking force of 5.12 kg for the Luffa fiber and 5.72 kg for the maize fiber. Natural contaminants were eliminated as a result of variations in functional group intensity shown in the FTIR pictures. However, SEM pictures showed that the surface smoothed out for samples treated with 15 g per liter of NaOH, which may be the cause of the fiber's brittle interlocking with the matrix components. Moreover, water absorbency rose by over 300% compared to the untreated fibers. In summary, samples treated with 10 g/L NaOH might serve as superior reinforced materials of composite for both types of fibers.

Alkali-treated and silanated luffa fiber reinforced poly(butylene succinate) composites: A study of mechanical and water absorption characterization

As a degradable polymer material, polybutylene succinate (PBS) has the disadvantages of high cost, slow crystallization rate, and low strength modulus. Reinforcing modification with plant fibers is a popular method. A unique three-dimensional network structure was found in luffa fiber (LF). Compared to other plant fibers, this fiber has excellent mechanical strength due to its unique three-dimensional structure. Its structure allows it to maintain the integrity of the reinforcement phase in the polymer aggregate, overcoming the dispersion and defects of short fiber reinforcement. Herein, the LF was treated with alkali treatment and silanated with three coupling agents and pre-impregnation methods to improve interfacial properties with the PBS matrix. Then it was laminated with polybutylene succinate to prepare a PBS/LF composite board with three layers of LF. The performance of the composite material using the KH550 coupling agent was improved the most. The tensile strength and modulus of the material were increased by 24.9% and 82.9%, respectively, the flexural strength and modulus were increased by 21.7% and 18.5%, and the impact strength was increased by 12.5%. The water absorption weight gain rate is also the lowest, about 3.5%. For the LF-reinforced PBS, the preparation method is simple, and the reinforcement effect is better, that the cost was effectively reduced, and the application field of the PBS green material was expanded. A new possibility for the development of green degradable polymer composites was provided.

Investigation of mechanical properties of luffa fibre reinforced natural rubber composites: Implications of process parameters

Natural fiber-reinforced composite materials are highly beneficial due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and the compression molding process is frequently used to prepare natural fiber composites. The primary objective of the present work is to optimize the process parameters of the compression molding method to prepare luffa fiber-reinforced natural rubber composite and investigate the influence of process parameters on mechanical properties. Pre-processing parameters, specifically oven-dry temperature and time, processing parameters such as soaking temperature, time, and compression pressure, and post-processing parameters, such as oven-dry temperature and time, were considered to optimize. Natural rubber in its latex phase is utilized as a matrix material, and luffa fiber is used as reinforcement. The Plackett-Burman screening design technique was employed to identify the impact of different processing parameters on the mechanical properties of the luffa fiber-reinforced natural rubber (LNR) composite, and based on Taguchi's design of experiments, several process parameters were utilized to create L27 orthogonal array and the mentioned composites prepared accordingly. The ASTM standard is followed while testing the composite samples to determine their density, shore A hardness, and tensile strength. The density of the composite is unaffected by the process parameters; however, the shore A hardness of the composite is significantly affected. All the processing parameters most significantly impacted the tensile strength of LNR composites. The optimized process parameters for preparing LNR composite are the pre-oven temperature of 65 °C and time of 150min, the soaking temperature of 75 °C and time of 5min, compression pressure of 1.5 MPa, and the post-oven dry temperature of 55 °C and time of 45min. LNR composite can absorb energy due to its rubber matrix, making it useful for high-impact applications.

Influence of Luffa fibers thermomechanical treatment and ceramic roof tile waste on performance of cementitious composites

The performance of vegetable fibers and the insertion use of different residues in as substitution for cement are important crucial factors to be evaluated to assess in composites. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the efficiency of thermomechanically treated vegetable fibers and the replacement of 40% of the cement mass with ceramic roof tile waste (CRW) in fiber-cement composites. Thermomechanical treatment of Luffa cylindrical fibers (LC) at 160 °C resulted in reduced absorption in composites with added ceramic roof tile waste (CRW-160) after 1 year of aging. This indicated improved mechanical performance and durability compared to composites with natural fibers. In the CRW-160 matrix, no cracks were observed, and the fibers exhibited greater pullout. The results of aged composites (CRW-160) demonstrated superior performance compared to matrices with only cement and LC fibers, as well as composites with a 40% cement replacement by CRW. This suggests that the combined use of thermomechanically treated LC fibers and partial cement replacement with CRW can enhance composite durability, reduce cement usage, and increase the utilization of discarded waste.

Application of response surface and artificial neural network optimization approaches for exploring methylene blue adsorption using luffa fiber treated with sodium chlorite

Wastewater often laden with colored impurities, presents a substantial environmental contamination risk, necessitating the exploration of effective pollutant removal methods. Clay particles have emerged as promising adsorbents for this purpose. This study delves into the intricacies of methylene blue removal in a dilute environment, utilizing pre-treated luffa fiber with sodium chlorite to eliminate the reactive pigment from aqueous solutions. The adsorption optimization is achieved by applying both response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) architecture. The investigation focuses on four key parameters—sodium chlorite concentration, activation time, temperature, and their combined impact on methylene blue adsorption. Descriptive statistics discern optimal operational conditions for efficiently extracting methylene blue from sewage water solutions. Notably, the ANN models exhibit exceptional optimization accuracy, yielding a remarkable adsorption capacity of 133.58 mg/g. This surpasses the experimental (124.36 mg/g) and RSM (126.97 mg/g) values, indicating a 6.90 % improvement over experimental results and a 4.94 % increase over RSM outcomes. These findings underscore the high efficiency of the adsorption process, positioning it as a promising method for effectively removing ionic anthocyanin contaminants in sewage water treatment.

Cattail- luffa fibre reinforced and rice stubble ash filled composites for acoustic applications

Cattail- luffa fibre reinforced and rice stubble ash filled composites for acoustic applications

Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Resin with Luffa Fiber Reinforcements: A Volumetric Analysis

Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Resin with Luffa Fiber Reinforcements: A Volumetric Analysis

Tensile Properties Characterisation of Hybrid Luffa/GCW Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite

Extensive research has been conducted on fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, which have demonstrated superior mechanical properties compared to their individual components. In order to add on to current research trends, the use of ground coffee waste (GCW) and Luffa fibers reinforced polyethylene (PE) composites were fabricated to produce a hybrid natural FRP composite. Tensile testing of the composite indicates that the optimum fiber volume to be between 15% and 35%, as the tensile strength exhibited 9.32 MPa and 8.75 MPa, respectively. Similarly, the tensile modulus of the fabricated composite peaked at 25% with 238 MPa, then declined to 173 MPa at 35%. This indicates that the fibers effectively reinforce the polymer matrix, but once the composite reaches its optimal fiber volume, a decrease in both tensile strength and tensile modulus is observed. The reduction in tensile properties can be attributed to an uneven distribution of load-bearing capacity throughout the composite, as the fibers are no longer able to fully support the matrix once the optimal fiber volume is reached. The specific tensile strength and specific tensile modulus also shows that with the inclusion of Luffa fiber and GCW microfiber contributed to a lighter weight composite. In a nutshell, the hybrid composite fabricated using 25% fiber volume exhibited a tensile strength almost similar to its neat matrix counterpart, though has a noteworthy value in terms of its tensile modulus. The hybrid composite can be as strong in terms of tensile strength, but far more significant in its rigidity, in comparison to the neat polyethylene laminate. Therefore, it showed that the hybrid natural Luffa/GCW FRP has the potential in the engineering industry, such as lightweight furniture, household appliances, automotive parts, and other composite engineering applications.

Acoustic and thermal performance of luffa fiber panels for sustainable building applications

Sound-absorbing and thermal-insulating materials have a noteworthy role in the performance of buildings. In recent years, there has been a significant focus on utilizing natural fibers as construction materials for thermal insulation and sound absorption purposes. In this study, luffa, an abundant and eco-friendly natural fiber, was explored as a sustainable material with potential high acoustic and thermal performance due to its intrinsic hollow and sponge-like structure. The experiments were designed using the response surface method based on central composite design (RSM-CCD) to find the best combination of input variables including thickness, density, and binder content for optimal performance. The sound absorption average (SAA) and effective thermal conductivity (Keff) values of the panels ranged from 0.16-0.68, and 0.033–0.054 W/(mK), respectively. It was found that both the SAA and Keff are significantly influenced by thickness and density, while binder content does not have a significant effect. The optimal condition for fabricating luffa panels was found to be a thickness of 40 mm, density of 225 kg/m3, and binder content of 7.5 %. Furthermore, the acoustic characteristics of the optimized panels were examined in a conference hall using the Odeon software. The acoustic absorption properties of panels were also predicted using the Johnson–Champoux–Allard and Attenborough models.

Comparing the Effect of Mercerisation, Acetylation and Oxidation on the Tensile Properties of Luffa Cylindrica Fibers

Treatment of natural fibers is an important way of improving their properties for specific applications. Luffa cylindrica is an excellent low-cost fiber for reinforced composite applications. This study aimed to investigate the influence of mercerisation, acetylation and oxidation pre-treatment on the tensile properties of Luffa fibres. It was observed that the stress-strain relationship for Luffa fiber is linear in the elastic region, with the untreated fiber withstanding the highest value of force in this phase. This proportional relationship was also consistently observed at the elastic region for all treatment types employed. The tensile strength of the untreated fibers was 7.083 MPa. There was an improvement in the tensile strength with acetylation (7.541 MPa) and a reduction due to oxidation (5.11 MPa) and mercerisation (5.517 MPa). We observed that the stress and strain within and outside the elastic region differed across treatment types and elastic regimes. Therefore, the study highlights the importance of considering the specific application when selecting the appropriate Luffa fibre treatment method.