Fiber Mass Research Articles

Durability Assessment of 15- to 20-Year-Old GFRP Bars Extracted from Bridges in the US. II: GFRP Bar Assessment

A multilaboratory investigation into the durability of glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars extracted from eleven 15- to 20-year-old bridges in the US will be performed. Part 1 (Benzecry et al., forthcoming) of this two-paper series describes the bridges and presents data on the condition of their concrete, and Part 2 focuses on the condition of the bars. Constituent content, maximum water absorption, as-received moisture content, glass transition temperature (Tg), short bar shear (SBS) strength, and tensile strength will be evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) will be performed. The fiber mass content of all bars was close to or greater than that specified in the current ASTM E1309 (ASTM 2011a) GFRP bar standard. SEM and EDS showed only slight signs of degradation, which was predominantly near the outer radius of the bars. The loss of SBS strength was slight to moderate in bars with control data for comparison. Tensile strength, which could only be evaluated in 1 bridge, showed a reduction of only 4.2% after 17 years of service. It was concluded that GFRP bars could be considered a promising replacement for steel reinforcement in bridge decks subjected to real-time field exposure.

Finite element analysis and experiment study on the elastic properties of randomly and controllably distributed carbon fiber-reinforced hydroxyapatite composites

Randomly distributed carbon fiber-reinforced hydroxyapatite (RCF/HA) and controllably distributed carbon fiber-reinforced hydroxyapatite (CCF/HA) composites were firstly studied to design and prepare different required composite artificial bones with satisfying mechanical properties by combining experiment approach, theoretical prediction and finite element analysis (FEA). A plug-in was obtained by secondary development of ABAQUS for the FEA. A 3D representative volume element (RVE) for RCF/HA and CCF/HA can be easily generated using this tool. Stress and strain analyses of three directions of RVE were performed by ABAQUS with different fiber mass fractions and distributions. The elastic modulus of CF/HA composites were obtained. With 0.2 wt% fiber, the elastic modulus of RCF/HA and CCF/HA composites increased by 6.31% and 54.4% compared with that of HA, respectively. For CCF/HA composites, the elastic modulus increased significantly with the increasing fiber mass fraction in the E11 of the fiber. The results of experiment study and theoretical prediction were consistent with that of FEA. The maximum error between the FEA and experiment study was 2.84%, which confirmed that the RVE model was rational and accurate. The results indicated the fiber distribution can greatly affect the elastic modulus of the composites. In the future study, the controllably distributed fiber–reinforced composites would be a good choice because they can improve the mechanical properties as required. This study would endow possibility of designing and preparing the CF/HA bio-ceramics with satisfied mechanical properties by FEA and proper preparation parameter. It would also speed up application of clinical practice for CF/HA composites.

Brief descriptions of the principles of prominent methods used to study the penetration of materials into human hair and a review of examples of their use.

Consumers are attracted to the latest fashion trends and different looks. This drives the search for novel hair treatments. Some chemicals present in hair treatment products can penetrate the hair shaft. These materials can either nourish or injure the hair cortex. Different techniques have been used to investigate the mechanism of molecule penetration and the conditions under which penetration occurs. This article reviews the techniques applied for this purpose. Various microscopy techniques are used to capture clear and colourful images to determine the diffusion pathways and the exact location of the molecules under study. However, the laborious sample preparation often leads to sample destruction since cross-sectioning is often required. While various other techniques have been successfully used for investigating the penetration methods, most of these require different amounts of work to be put in for sample preparation and instrumentation. Several spectroscopic techniques have been used to study the penetration of the molecules because of the high levels of accuracy and the quick response time of these techniques. Moreover, the samples are not damaged during the investigation.

Analysis of carbon fiber reinforced with resin epoxy using FEM analysis

Application of CFRP has been increased from the past as they offer much enhanced properties with less weight as compared to traditional metal such as cast iron. This development is the new spear head of the material technology due to its incomparable potential. This paper investigate the variation in the properties of CFRP with the variation in the Fiber mass percentage. ASTM standard test specimen are utilized and test is carried out with the help of Ansys Academic software. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate equivalent stress, strain and total deformation of the composite under same load.

Development of a Theoretical Model for the Shear and Compression of Cotton Fiber Mass in the Working Chamber of a Ginning Machine

Development of a Theoretical Model for the Shear and Compression of Cotton Fiber Mass in the Working Chamber of a Ginning Machine

Life Cycle Primary Energy Demand and Greenhouse Gas Emission benefits of vehicle lightweighting with recycled carbon fibre

Recycled carbon fibre (rCF) is a potential material for sustainable vehicle lightweighting but its realistic environmental impacts are still unclear. In this study, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) investigates the primary energy demand (PED) and global warming potential (GWP) of using rCF reinforced Polyamide 66 (PA66) for a side-view mirror bracket, in comparison with its conventional cast aluminium counterpart. Results indicate that using rCF+PA66 with 40wt% rCF in the US can achieve around 13% and 34% reduction in the PED/GWP of the cradle-to-gate phases and the use phase, respectively. Scenario analysis is also carried out to understand the impact of geographical setting and fibre content in rCF+PA66. It shows that replacing aluminium with 40wt% rCF+PA66 in the EU saves 31.5% and 29.7% more cradle-to-gate PED and GWP, respectively, than in the US. A higher reduction of 43.4% and 41.2% in the cradle-to-grave PED and GWP compared to aluminium can be achieved by increasing fibre mass fraction.

Analysis of glass fiber reinforced with epoxy resin using FEM

Application of GFRP has been increased from the past as they offer much enhanced properties. This development is the new spear head of the material technology due to its incomparable potential. Glass fibers are known to be as very versatile industrial material and they exhibit useful bulk as well as fiber properties whereas Epoxy resin has many industrial applications for a different range of special purposes. Reinforcing them together in different variation leads to a significant enhancement in their overall properties. This paper investigates the variation in the properties of GFRP with the variation in the fiber mass percentage. ASTM standard test specimen are utilized and test is carried out with the help of Ansys Academic software. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate equivalent stress, strain and total deformation of the composite under same load.

Mechanical possessions of jute/sisal natural fiber mixture amalgams

Over the last epochs, the use of conventional fibre as a way to strengthen polyamide has dramatically improved. Current research efforts to make use of conventional fibre jute /sisal have been developed. The goal of this paper is to explain how a new mixture of traditional fibre amalgams was invented and characterized. Strengthens the jute/sisal fibres with polyester mastic in the matrix employing a hand-designed method. Traditional fibres are obtained through manual collection and testing. Mixed amalgam was completed using jute/sisal fibres 0/50, 10/40, 25/25, 40/10, 50/0 mass segment ratios the maximum fibre mass segment was a fixed 0.5 mass segment. The flexural possessions and tensile possessions are calculated using mixture amalgam specimens. The results show that the application of jute fibre to sisal /polyester amalgams has better mechanical possessions by up to 50% of the mass segment.

On the issue of stabilizing the power of the fiber mass processing process on carding machines

On the issue of stabilizing the power of the fiber mass processing process on carding machines

Antioxidant, Nutritional, Structural, Thermal and Physico-Chemical Properties of Psyllium (Plantago Ovata) Seeds

The present investigation was carried out to characterize four different types of psyllium seeds including one landrace for their nutritional, structural, antioxidant profile and biological active compounds. DSC analysis showed the highest peak temperature (TP) of 107.57 ºC in RI-89 and end set temperature (TE) of 130.2 ºC for HI-5 cultivar. FT-IR analysis displayed strong absorption bands at frequencies 960, 1380, 1740, 2280 and 3280cm-1. SEM micrographs of each cultivar showed compact and irregular mass of fiber at various magnifications. Protein, fat, ash and total carbohydrate content of psyllium seed flour were recorded up to 13.33, 0.38, 5.0 and 77.88 %, respectively. Ethanol was found to be a suitable solvent than methanol to extract the phytonutrients from psyllium seed flour. DPPH free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of methanolic and ethanolic extract varied between 31 to 39 % and 38.9 to 43 %, respectively. However, ABTS-FRSA varied between 31.7 to 32.9 % and 33.2 to 34.3 %, for methanolic and ethanolic extract, respectively. Total flavonoids and total phenolic content was recorded up to 2.92 mg RE/g and 4.37 mg GAE/g, in ethanolic extract. The reducing power (RP) and Metal chelating activity (MCA) also varied significantly (p≤0.05) among the cultivars. The MCA ranged from 33.20 to 34.81 % in methanolic extracts and 34.62 to 36.07 % in ethanolic extracts. The lowest absorbance for reducing power was found in methanolic extract of landrace (0.16), whereas, the highest was found in ethanolic extract of RI-89 (0.37). Physico-chemical properties including oil and water absorption capacity of both seed and flour did not vary significantly among the cultivars, whereas significant difference was observed in seed hydration capacity among cultivars evaluated. Among the physical properties, L/W ratio ranged from 1.80 to 199, whereas porosity and angle of repose were of 59.2 to 67.7 % and 23.20 to 27.02º, respectively. Static coefficient of friction was found less using steel (0.484 to 0.667) as a test surface compared to wood (0.679 to 0.744) and plastic (0.536 to 0.560). Bulk density, true density and porosity of various psyllium seed cultivars varied between 0.57 to 0.63 g/cm3 and 1.50 to 1.77 g/cm3 and 58.2 to 67.7%, respectively. Geometric mean diameter (Dg), Arithmetic mean diameter (Da) and surface area of seeds (A) varied from 1.49 to 1.60 mm and 1.68 to 1.79 mm and 5.91 to 6.78 mm2, respectively.

RESEARCH OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD-FIBER MATERIALS

This paper presents the results of experimental studies of the physical and mechanical properties of wood-fiber boards of the wet production method when regulating the design and technological parameters of the grinding process. This allowed us to determine the influence of the working clearance between the grinding discs and the concentration of fibre mass with the subject to of quality change wood fiber after defibrator using the developed construction of the disc fibrillation action on the physico-mechanical properties of boards. As a result of the experiment, regression models were obtained that adequately describe the studied grinding process and allow predicting the values of physical and mechanical properties of the finished product depending on the established parameters process. A comparative analysis of the size and quality characteristics of the fiber semi-finished product and its fractional composition when using a developed construction the disc of refiner fibrillation action and a traditional design used in industry is carried out. The preferential efficiency of the grinding process under the fibrillating effect the disc of refiner in comparison with the traditional construction disc of refiner is established. As a result, there is a significant improvement in the quality indicators of the fiber semi-finished product and its composition due to the formation and predominance in the total mass of long and thin, respectively, flexible fibrillated fibers with high tile-forming properties, which allows to increase the strength properties of the product (by 20–25%), without using binding resins.

DEPENDENCE OF STRENGTH OF FIBERBOARDS FROM TERMS OF PREPARATION OF WOOD FIBER SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS

Despite the reduced demand for fiber boards, research related to their manufacture is relevant, since the production of wood-based materials significantly contributes to solving the problem of the integrated use of wood raw materials.
 The paper presents the results of experimental studies reflecting the dependence of the strength characteristics of dry and wet wood fiber boards on the structural and technological parameters of grinding plants of various modifications. The experiments were carried out in laboratory facilities and in the production environment on existing industrial equipment. Based on the results of processing multifactor experiments implemented in a second-order B plan, a mathematical description was obtained of the dependence of the tensile strength during static bending of solid wood fiber boards of the dry and wet production method on the gap between the grinding disks, wear of the segments and the concentration of wood fiber mass. The obtained regression models are adequate to the process and can be applied in practice to predict the strength characteristics of fiberboards depending on the parameters of the grinding process.
 As a result of the analysis of the calculated and graphical dependences obtained on the basis of studies in the production environment on the existing equipment, it is possible to determine what parameters on the grinding equipment must be set in order to obtain the necessary physical and mechanical properties of the fiberboard.

Quantification of different microplastic fibres discharged from textiles in machine wash and tumble drying

Microplastic fibres released in synthetic cloth washing have been shown to be a source of microplastics into the environment. The annual emission of polyester fibres from household washing machines has earlier been estimated to be 150,000 kg in a country with a population of 5.5 × 106 (Finland). The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify the emissions of synthetic textile fibres discharged from five sequential machine washes (fibre number and length) and tumble dryings (fibre mass) and (2) to determine the collection efficiency of two commercial fibre traps. The synthetic fabrics were five types of polyester textiles, one polyamide and one polyacryl. The number of fibres released from the test fabrics in the first wash varied in the range from 1.0 × 105 to 6.3 × 106 kg−1. The fibre lengths showed that the fleece fabrics released, on average, longer fibres than the technical sports t-shirts. The mass of fibres ranged from 10 to 1700 mg/kg w/w in the first drying. Fibre emissions showed a decreasing trend both in sequential washes and dryings. The ratio of the fibre emissions in machine wash to tumble drying varied between the fabrics: the ratio was larger than one to polyester and polyamide technical t-shirts whereas it was much lower to the other tested textiles. GuppyFriend washing bag and Cora Ball trapped 39% and 10% of the polyester fibres discharged in washings, respectively.

Hybrid Short Glass Fibre Composites Reinforced with Silica Micro-particles

This work investigates epoxy composites reinforced by randomly oriented, short glass fibres and silica microparticles. A full-factorial experiment evaluates the effects of glass fibre mass fraction (15 and 20 wt%) and length (5 and 10 mm), and the mass fraction of silica microparticles (5 and 10 wt%) on the apparent density and porosity, as well as the compressive and tensile strength and modulus of the hybrid composites. Hybrid epoxy composites present significantly higher tensile strength (9%) and modulus (57%), as well as compressive strength (up to 15%) relative to pure epoxy.

Composites of Semi-Rigid Polyurethane Foams with Keratin Fibers Derived from Poultry Feathers and Flame Retardant Additives.

Semi-rigid composites of polyurethane foams (SRPUF) modified with the addition of keratin flour from poultry feathers and flame retardant additives were manufactured. Ten percent by mass of keratin fibers was added to the foams as well as halogen-free flame retardant additives such as Fyrol PNX, expandable graphite, metal oxides, in amounts such that their total mass did not exceed 15%. Thermal and mechanical properties were tested. Water absorption, dimensional stability, apparent density and flammability of produced foams were determined. It was found that the use of keratin fibers and flame retardant additives changes the foam synthesis process, changes their structure and properties as well as their combustion process. The addition of the filler made of keratin fibers significantly limits the amount of smoke generated during foam burning. The most favorable reduction of heat and smoke release rate was observed for foams with the addition of 10% keratin fibers and 10% expandable graphite. Systems of reducing combustibility of polyurethane foams using keratin fillers are a new solution on a global scale.

Study of the rheological properties of meat-vegetable minces

To adjust the nutritive and biological value of food products, it is advisable to combine meat and vegetable raw materials. The paper presents the results of study of the rheological and microstructural parameters of combined meat-vegetable minces. The mince includes beef trimming, hemp protein and flaxseed flour. The study results showed the minimum values of shear stress and viscosity of the mince system and increased indicators of total and plastic deformation in the samples of minced meat containing linseed flour in an amount of 10–15%. Samples of the meat-vegetable mince that contained 15% of hemp protein and not more than 5% of flax flour exhibited high stability of the meat system. Microstructural studies of combined minced meat revealed the presence of friable vegetable mass, starch grains and fragments of hemp and flax fiber. Samples with a predominance of hemp protein showed a denser and more uniform structure. Thus, the rheological properties of meat-vegetable mince systems depend significantly on the type and amount of vegetable materials introduced.

Elucidating the Sound Absorption Characteristics of Foxtail Millet (Setariaitalica) Husk.

The current study deals with the analysis of sound absorption characteristics of foxtail millet husk powder. Noise is one the most persistent pollutants which has to be dealt seriously. Foxtail millet is a small seeded cereal cultivated across the world and its husk is less explored for its utilization in polymer composites. The husk is the outer protective covering of the seed, rich in silica and lingo-cellulose content making it suitable for sound insulation. The acoustic characterization is done for treated foxtail millet husk powder and polypropylene composite panels. The physical parameters like fiber mass content, density, and thickness of the composite panel were varied and their influence over sound absorption was mapped. The influence of porosity, airflow resistance, and tortuosity was also studied. The experimental result shows that 30-mm thick foxtail millet husk powder composite panel with 40% fiber mass content, 320 kg/m3 density showed promising sound absorption for sound frequency range above 1000 Hz. We achieved noise reduction coefficient (NRC) value of 0.54. In view to improve the performance of the panel in low-frequency range, we studied the efficiency of incorporating air gap and rigid backing material to the designed panel. We used foxtail millet husk powder panel of density 850 kg/m3 as rigid backing material with varying air gap thickness. Thus the composite of 320 kg/m3 density, 30-mm thick when provided with 35-mm air gap and backing material improved the composite’s performance in sound frequency range 250 Hz to 1000 Hz. The overall sound absorption performance was improved and the NRC value and average sound absorption coefficient (SAC) were increased to 0.7 and 0.63 respectively comparable with the commercial acoustic panels made out of the synthetic fibers. We have calculated the sound absorption coefficient values using Delany and Bezlay model (D&B model) and Johnson–Champoux–Allard model (JCA model) and compared them with the measured sound absorption values.

Experimental investigation on granulation characteristics and waste heat recovery of molten slag in gas quenching dry granulation technique

The gas quenching dry slag granulation technique is one of the most promising slag treatment methods due to realize efficient waste heat recovery as well as high value-added resource utilization. To better understand the granulation characteristics and to achieve high waste heat recovery efficiency in the gas quenching granulation technique, high temperature experiments were performed with different airflow velocity and different molten slag mass flow rate. Particle average diameter, particle size distributions, and fiber mass fraction were in-depth studied for the granulation characteristics. The results indicated that the average diameter decreased with increasing airflow velocity and with decreasing the mass flow rate. The dimensionless diameter empirical formula was presented according to the experimental data. The particle size distributions were mainly concentrated in 1–3 mm. The fiber mass fraction decreased with increasing airflow velocity, but it increased when the airflow velocity exceeds 550 m·s−1 at lower mass flow rate. The higher waste heat recovery rate can be obtained with smaller particle diameter and lower fiber mass fraction. The maximum of waste heat recovery rate can reach 59.55% with the airflow velocity of 550 m·s−1 at the mass flow rates of 4.2 kg·s−1, which is the most ideal working condition.

The effect of polyurethane binder and glass fiber reinforcement on physical and mechanical properties of mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) leaves waste biocomposite

In this work, the effect of polyurethane binder and glass fiber as reinforcement on the physical and mechanical properties of mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) leaves waste as biocomposite was investigated. Mahogany leaves waste has been successfully synthesized into a strong and lightweight biocomposite material by using a polyurethane binder and glass fiber as reinforcement. The mass content of polyurethane was varied between 0.25?1.50 g to obtain the optimum conditions. The contents of glass fiber added were between 0.1?0.5 g for biocomposite reinforcement. The addition of polyurethane and glass fiber mass fraction on biocomposite from mahogany leaves waste affected the physical and mechanical properties. The optimum ratio of mahogany leaves waste and polyurethane binder to produce biocomposite showed a compressive strength of 41.59 MPa, a density of 1.060 g/cm3, water absorption of 6.98%, and a thickness development of 7.27%. The addition of glass fiber material was proven to increase the compressive strength of biocomposites to 57.68 MPa. The addition of glass fiber to biocomposites also succeeded in improving physical properties. The testing of glass fiber reinforced biocomposites resulted in a density of 1.140 g/cm3, water absorption of 5.42%, and thickness development of 8.18%.

The influence of additives from conifer foliage flouron quality of fiberboard

In the context of the development of the timber industry in Russian Federation the issue of wastes generated in the process of logging is critical. An assessment of the ways of use of logging waste showed that woodfoliage could be used as raw material in the logging industry for the production of granular fuel. In the woodbiorefinery it is used for the manufacture of chlorophyll-carotene paste, sodium chlorophyllin, spruce extract. In agro-industrial production coniferous-vitamin flour is made from wood foliage. Today, fiberboards (Fibreboards) are widely used in house constructions as structural, finishing and insulation materials. The present investigation was performed with the purpose to study the effect of the addition of logging wastes such as flour from coniferous needles on the physical and mechanical parameters of a fiberboard. As a result,the mechanisms of the influence of the percentage of flour in the total amount of wood fiber mass and particle sizes on the physical and mechanical parameters of fiberboard has been revealed. Statistical-mathematical equations and graphical dependencies are obtained that allow the predictionof mechanical properties, density, water absorption and swelling of wood-fiber boards at a given content of ground needles and the size of its particles.