Modification Of Mechanical Properties Research Articles

Research Progress of Surface Treatment Technologies on Titanium Alloys: A Mini Review

Titanium alloys are important strategic structural materials with broad application prospects in the industries of aerospace, space technology, automobiles, biomedicine, and more. Considering the different requirements for the diverse applications of titanium alloys, the modification of physicochemical properties, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility are required, including novel composite materials, novel design, novel manufacturing methods, etc. In this review, the surface treatment technologies utilized on titanium alloys are summarized and discussed. Regarding surface modification of titanium alloys, the methods of laser treatment, electron beam treatment, surface quenching, and plasma spraying are discussed, and in terms of the surface coatings on titanium alloys, thermal spraying, cold spraying, physical vapor deposition, and chemical vapor deposition are also summarized and analyzed in this work. After surface treatments, information on microstructures, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of titanium alloys are collected in detail. Some important results are summarized according to the aforementioned analysis and discussion, which will provide new thinking for the application of titanium alloys in the future.

The comparison of surface, structural, electrical and mechanical modification of Al alloy after ablation under vacuum and oxygen environments

The present study deals with comparison of surface, structural, mechanical and electrical modifications of Al-alloy 2024 after laser ablation under vacuum and oxygen. Nd: YAG laser (532 nm, 6 ns, 10 Hz) was used as irradiation source at various fluences ranging from 58.48 J/cm2 to 293.39 J/cm2 to irradiate Al-alloy 2024. Using an optical microscope, depth profilometry was used to determine the ablation depth and ablated volume of the irradiated Al-alloy 2024 target. The surface topography explored by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis confirms the formation of some common features such as melt pools, ridges, pores and cavities under both environments. The surface structures are suppressed and porous under oxygen environment as compared to vacuum. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy study confirms the oxide formation in O2 ambient environment. The structural modifications explored by XRD analysis, confirm the formation of Al2O3 phase only at the lowest laser fluence of 58.48 J/cm2 in O2. Williamson–Hall analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns was used to determine structural parameters like as crystallite size, dislocation line density and lattice strain. The modifications in electrical and mechanical properties after laser irradiation have been explored by the four-point probe method and the Vicker micro hardness testing technique respectively. A decreasing trend of electrical conductivity is obtained in both environments. However, a decrement in electrical conductivity up to 5.4 × 105 S/cm is observed under oxygen as compared with the vacuum. Surface microhardness increases monotonically in both environments as a function of laser fluence which is attributed to variations in dislocation densities and increased in laser induced ablation pressure and shock pressure.

Realizing strength–ductility synergy in a lean duplex stainless steel through enhanced TRIP effect via pulsed electric current treatment

Optimization of the strength–ductility compromise in lean duplex stainless steels (LDSSs) often involves controlling the stability of austenite by chemically adjusting it to be metastable and enabling phase transformation through a transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect during plastic deformation. This study investigated the effects of pulsed electric current (PEC) treatment on the spatial distribution of alloying elements within the microstructure and enhancement of the mechanical properties of a new type of LDSS material, NSSC2120. The results showed that PEC treatment had a significant positive impact on the mechanical properties of NSSC2120. Specifically, after applying 20 pulses of PEC treatment at a current density of 700 A/mm2 for 8 ms, the material exhibited a 27% increase in ductility and 8% increase in strength. The microstructural evolution induced by the PEC treatments was investigated using quasi-in-situ electron backscatter diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The PEC treatment facilitated the diffusion of alloying elements, which played a crucial role in triggering the TRIP effect during plastic deformation owing to the decreased stability of austenite with a lower content of austenite-stabilizing elements, thereby resulting in simultaneous improvement in both strength and ductility. Significantly, the rapid thermal process employed in the PEC treatment did not give rise to detrimental precipitates within the microstructure of the material, rendering PEC treatment a promising alternative to conventional heat treatment. The simplicity, speed, and low energy consumption associated with the PEC treatment make it an appealing choice for processing similar materials and achieving both microstructural modification and optimization of mechanical properties.

Control of Intermolecular Interactions toward the Production of Free-Standing Interfacial Polydopamine Films.

Aggregation of the polydopamine (PDA) molecular building blocks at the air/water interface leads to obtaining large surface nanometric-thin films. This mechanism follows two possible pathways, namely, covalent or non-covalent self-assembly, which result in a different degree of structure order and, consequently, different structural properties. Control of this mechanism could be vital for applications that require true self-support PDA free-standing films, for example, electrochemical sensing or membrane technology. Here, we are considering the impact of boric acid (BA) and Cu2+ ions on the mentioned mechanism exclusively for the free-standing films from the air/water interface. We have employed and refined our own spectroscopic reflectometry method to achieve an exceptionally high real-time control over the thickness growth. It turned out that BA and Cu2+ ions significantly impact the film growth process. Reduction of the nanoparticles size and their number was examined via UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, showing a colossal reduction in the mean diameter of nanoparticles in the case of BA and a moderate reduction in the case of Cu2+. This modification is leading to significant enhancement of the process efficiency through moderation of the topological properties of the films, as revealed by atomic force microscopy. Next, applying infrared, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we presented small amounts of metal (B or Cu) in the final structure of PDA and simultaneously their vital role in the oxidation mechanism and cross-linking through covalent or non-covalent bonds. Therefore, we revealed the possibility of synthesizing films via the expected self-assembly mechanism which has hitherto been out of control. Moreover, modification of mechanical properties toward exceptionally elastic films through the BA-assisted synthesis pathway was shown by achieving Young's modulus value up to 24.1 ± 5.6 and 18.3 ± 6.4 GPa, using nanoindentation and Brillouin light scattering, respectively.

Effect of ultrasonic impact peening on stress corrosion cracking resistance of austenitic stainless-steel welds for nuclear canister applications

In nuclear applications, the utilization of austenitic-based stainless steel (ASS) components is an ideal material choice for storing spent nuclear fuels in dry storage canisters (DSC). However, due to the chloride rich environments in which they operate, failure in the form of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) frequently occurs. The following study assesses the efficacy of ultrasonic impact peening (UIP) on SCC susceptibility of gas tungsten arc welded (GTAW) stainless steel (SS) components, with an aim to control the SCC failure. The UIP induces residual compressive stresses (RCS) and a severely plastically deformed (SPD) layer containing nanograins on the surface. The superior SCC resistance of UIP'ed specimens is due to the synergistic effect of grain refinement and RCS. The underlying mechanisms for these findings were elucidated based on the modification of microstructural features and mechanical properties. These findings demonstrate that UIP is a potential technique for DSC application to mitigate the SCC susceptibility of ASS weld joints.

Multi-dimensional modification of mechanical and electrochemical properties in nickel-rich cathode

Particle fragmentation caused by structural instability during the electrochemical cycle of nickel-rich cathodes has hindered its development. Here, we synthesized Ta-doped LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 (NC90) with excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties from four perspectives. Firstly, Ta gets into the transition metal (TM) layer and forms the strongest bond with oxygen among transition metals. And the octahedral structure of TaO6 can well inhibit Li+/Ni2+ disordering and reinforce the structure by decreasing the generation of Ni2+. Secondly, the coating of LiTaO3 resists the damage of the electrolyte and suppresses the generation of micro-cracks, thus enhancing corrosion resistance. Impressively, the primary particles doped with Ta have a smaller size based on the solvothermal method, and the hardness is increased owing to the reduction of effective area. Furthermore, the generation of lithium vacancies and broadening layer spacing accelerate Li+ diffusion. The NC90–Ta1.0 displays high capacity (206.2 mAh/g at 0.5C), and the capacity retention at 1C/5C after 200 cycles reaches 86.9%. Hence, the proposed Ta-doped NC90 has terrific mechanical and electrochemical properties, which provide a viable basis for nickel-rich materials.

Effect of Bovine Milk on Implant Osseointegration: an in vivo Study.

The safety and success of an implant after surgery depend on many factors, some related to the implant's biocompatibility, properties, surface modification, design, and other factors related to surgical procedures, implant bed preparation, and drilling techniques. It is recognized that the success of implant dentistry depends on several factors that may be related to biochemical properties and modification in mechanical properties. The present study aimed to assess the effect of using bovine milk as an irrigant solution on implant osseointegration. The implant socket was prepared by drilling bone holes in 20 femurs of the rabbits at steady rotation speeds with different irrigate solutions (normal saline / commercial pasteurized bovine milk). Mechanical tests and histological investigation were performed to estimate the removal torque record and implant contact area, BIC. Findings illustrate that implant contact area (BIC) and removal torque mean values are higher in experimental compared to control with more bone apposition and maturation at 4&8 week measured periods. Osseointegration is accelerated by using bovine milk in irrigation and rinsing of implant socket.

Architectural Glass under Climatic Actions and Fire: Review of State of the Art, Open Problems and Future Perspectives

A critical issue in the design of structural glass elements in buildings is represented by the evaluation of thermally induced stresses and strains. For both climatic actions and fire, thermal stresses represent one of the main causes of premature failure, due to the high sensitivity of glass to temperature gradients. Thermal loads pose a severe safety risk for glass, due to their uneven distribution but also the lack of knowledge on the modification of mechanical properties with temperature. In design practice, approximate tools are used to describe temperature fields in glazing, which do not adequately estimate the thermally induced stresses. Additionally, the existing standards prescribe different methods for the calculation of both the temperature field and the consequent stress, usually based on strong simplifying assumptions, and there is a lack of uniformly defined procedures. Here, an accurate review of the state of the art on glass elements exposed to thermal actions, from both the scientific and the regulatory perspectives, is presented. Reference is made first to the evaluation of the thermal actions, and further to the proper assessment of both the temperature distribution and the consequent thermal stress. The paper also emphasizes open problems and future perspectives related to these topics, to evidence areas of research that should be strengthened and possible future enhancements to the current design and assessment methodologies, which should also be introduced in a regulatory framework.

Modification of shrinkage and mechanical properties of concrete by the addition of ladle furnace slag (LFS)

The decrease in humidity in a concrete element due to a difference in relative humidity between the surrounding environment and the element itself causes a volumetric deformation, which leads to a decrease in volume. This phenomenon, called shrinkage, can lead to the appearance of cracks in the concrete, which in turn can cause a decrease in the strength and durability of the structural element. One strategy to reduce shrinkage could be the addition of Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS) during concrete production, as this type of slag has expansive properties due to the presence of free lime and magnesia. LFS is a by-product of the steel industry, so its use in concrete production also has a beneficial effect on the environment by removing waste from the production chain. As the addition of LFS leads to a variation in the mechanical properties of concrete apart from a decrease in shrinkage, it is convenient to accurately evaluate the modification of all these properties when adding different proportions of LFS. The final aim is to define the optimum amount of LFS that can be added to reduce shrinkage while maintaining the mechanical properties of the concrete above the required limits. To do so, this research work evaluates the modification of shrinkage up to 90 days from concrete production, as well as the variation of two key mechanical properties, compressive strength and flexural strength, at two different curing ages, 28 and 90 days, when LFS in proportion of 5%, 10% and 20% is added to the concrete mix as cement addition. A reference mix was designed with a slump of about 70 mm and the other three mixes were defined by replacing the fine aggregate with LFS in the proportions referred and adjusting the water content to reach a slump equal to 80 ± 15 mm. The results showed a decrease in shrinkage when LFS was added to the concrete mix, although the water content of the concrete mix also played a key role. It was also found a modification of the compressive strength and flexural strength, which was related to the proportion of LFS added. Finally, it was also noted that the strength increased quicker when a lower proportion of slag was used.

Mechanical Property Modification of “Living” Networks via PET‐RAFT Photopolymerization

Abstract“Living” polymer networks have the ability to grow in size and mass after initial polymerization through the insertion of new monomers. In this work, a one‐pot method is used to prepare “living” polymer networks and modify their mechanical properties via the photo‐electron/energy transfer reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (PET‐RAFT) photopolymerization method. The “living” networks are made from company‐bought constituents (N,N‐dimethylacrylamide [DMAm] monomer and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate [PEGDA] 700 crosslinker) so that no synthesis is involved. The study uses two different RAFT agents: asymmetric 2‐(n‐butyltrithiocarbonate) propionic acid (BTPA) and symmetric S,S‐dibenzyl trithiocarbonate (DBTTC). The study then modifies these parent networks with three monomers (acrylamide [AAm], DMAm, and methyl acrylate [MA]) by recommencing the PET‐RAFT process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are conducted on the “living” networks to investigate the effects of monomer insertion after photo‐growth. The networks are also subjected to compression testing, where the daughter networks display modified mechanical properties dependent on both the choice of monomer and RAFT agent symmetry.

Use of Impact Treatment for Structural Modification and Improvement of Mechanical Properties of CuAl7 Bronze Obtained by Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM)

Use of Impact Treatment for Structural Modification and Improvement of Mechanical Properties of CuAl7 Bronze Obtained by Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM)

Heat treatment of poplar plywood: modifications in physical, mechanical and durability properties

Plywood made of poplar are limited to indoor usages since poplar exhibits a rather low natural durability. Recently, wood heat treatments have been applied to improve properties such as decay susceptibility and dimensional stability. This study examines the potential of exposing poplar plywood to heat treatment to extend the potential of applications of this engineered wood product to outdoor end uses, and new markets accordingly. Plywood panels were glued with two different adhesive formulations based on the same melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resin to compare their respective ability to resist to the heat treatment. These different plywoods were thermally modified in saturated steam conditions at 215 °C for 2 hours following the ThermoWood® process, up to reach 14% in mass loss. The durability improvement brought by the heat treatment was assessed in order to evaluate any possible outdoor uses for such plywood. After all the conducted analyses, the potential to use heat treated poplar plywoods in humid interior and protected exterior service conditions was confirmed.

Triplet Fusion Upconversion for Photocuring 3D-Printed Particle-Reinforced Composite Networks.

High energy photons (λ<400nm) are frequently used to initiate free radical polymerizations to form polymer networks, but are only effective for transparent objects. This phenomenon poses a major challenge to additive manufacturing of particle-reinforced composite networks since deep light penetration of short-wavelength photons limits the homogeneous modification of physicochemical and mechanical properties. Herein, the unconventional, yet versatile, multiexciton process of triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) is employed for curing opaque hydrogel composites created by direct-ink-write (DIW) 3D printing. TTA-UC converts low energy red light (λmax =660nm) for deep penetration into higher-energy blue light to initiate free radical polymerizations within opaque objects. As proof-of-principle, hydrogels containing up to 15wt.% TiO2 filler particles and doped with TTA-UC chromophores are readily cured with red light, while composites without the chromophores and TiO2 loadings as little as 1-2wt.% remain uncured. Importantly, this method has wide potential to modify the chemical and mechanical properties of complex DIW 3D-printed composite polymer networks.

Modification of structural, mechanical, corrosion and biocompatibility properties of Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 metallic glass by minor Ga and Sn additions

Ti40Zr10Cu32Pd14Ga4 and Ti40Zr10Cu32Pd14Sn4 (in at%) bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) with different geometries (wedges, rods, ribbons and discs) were prepared by suction casting, melt spinning and splat quenching, respectively. For comparison, the reference Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 BMG was cast as a rod with 2 mm diameter and in wedge-shaped form. High-energy X-ray diffraction measurements yielded a critical casting thickness of 2.4, 2.1 and at least 4 mm for the reference, Ga-containing, and Sn-containing BMGs, respectively. The extension of the supercooled liquid region of about 50 K, measured for the glassy rods and ribbons by differential scanning calorimetry, is larger than that of only 20 K found for the splat-quenched discs. As to the alloys’ mechanical properties, the Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 glassy rods deform plastically in compression up to a strain of 3.8% and possess a Young’s modulus of 78 GPa. The Sn- and Ga- containing BMG rods reach respectively a plastic strain of 6.1% and 4.7%, and a Young’s modulus of 72 and 63 GPa. Corrosion tests were performed by electrochemical experiments, and the highest pitting resistance was observed for Ti40Zr10Cu32Pd14Sn4 (pitting overpotential ηpit = 446 mV) compared to Ti40Zr10Cu32Pd14Ga4 (379 mV) and Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 (183 mV). The results of live/dead assay and cell viability revealed excellent biocompatibility for the Ga-containing BMGs.

Effect of Modified Magnesium Oxide on the Properties of Magnesium Phosphate Cement under a Negative Temperature Environment.

As a rapid repair material, magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) can be used under various environmental temperature conditions, but different temperatures significantly impact its strength and working performance. In this study, based on the surface modification of magnesium oxide, the working and mechanical properties of samples were investigated at an ambient temperature of -5 °C, and the hydration properties and microstructure of MPC were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), mercury-in-pressure (MIP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the modified magnesium oxide at a negative temperature prolongs the setting time of MPC from 10 min to more than 30 min, and fluidity can still be maintained or increased after half an hour. From 1 d to 28 d, the compressive strength growth rate of the reference group was 257.0% compared to 723.8% for the 10 wt% water-glass-modified MgO sample. K-struvite transformed from a blocky growth to a needle-like growth with the modified sample filling the pores and cracks inside the matrix. Compared with the unmodified sample, MPC's porosity decreased from 9.62% to 9.23% for 10 wt% water-glass-modified MgO. Therefore, the surface modification of magnesium oxide not only prolonged the setting time but also further benefited mechanical performance, which provides the prerequisites for MPC construction in negative-temperature environments.

Sustainable biopolymer soil stabilisation: the effect of microscale chemical characteristics on macroscale mechanical properties

Sustainable biopolymer additives offer a promising soil stabilisation methodology, with a strong potential to be tuned to soil’s specific nature, allowing the tailoring of mechanical properties for a range of geotechnical applications. However, the biopolymer chemical characteristics driving soil mechanical property modifications have yet to be fully established. Within this study we employ a cross-scale approach, utilising the differing galactose:mannose (G:M) ratios of various Galactomannan biopolymers (Guar Gum G:M 1:2, Locust Bean Gum G:M 1:4, Cassia Gum G:M 1:5) to investigate the effect of microscale chemical functionality upon macroscale soil mechanical properties. Molecular weight effects are also investigated, utilising Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC). Soil systems comprising of SiO2 (100%) (SiO2) and a Mine Tailing (MT) exemplar composed of SiO2 (90%) + Fe2O3 (10%) (SiO2 + Fe) are investigated. The critical importance of biopolymer additive chemical functionality for the resultant soil mechanical properties, is demonstrated..For Galactomannan G:M 1:5 stabilised soils the ‘high-affinity, high-strength’, mannose-Fe interactions at the microscale (confirmed by mineral binding characterisation) are attributed to the 297% increase in the SiO2 + Fe systems Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), relative to SiO2 only. Conversely for SiO2 Galactomannan-stabilised soils, when increasing the G:M ratio from 1:2 to 1:5, a 85% reduction in UCS is observed, attributed to mannose’s inability to interact with SiO2. UCS variations of up to a factor of 12 were observed across the biopolymer–soil mixes studied, in line with theoretically and experimentally expected values, due to the differences in the G:M ratios. The limited impact of molecular weight upon soil strength properties is also shown in CMC-stabilised soils. When considering a soil’s stiffness and energy absorbance, the importance of biopolymer–biopolymer interaction strength and quantity is discussed, further deciphering biopolymer characteristics driving soil property modifications. This study highlights the importance of biopolymer chemistry for biopolymer stabilisation studies, illustrating the use of simple low-cost, accessible chemistry-based instrumental tools and outlining key design principles for the tailoring of biopolymer–soil composites for specific geotechnical applications.Graphical abstract

Computational investigation to explore the effects of metals (Mg, Ca, Sr) doping on phase transition, electronic band structure and their repercussions on optical, elastic and mechanical properties of BaThO3

The effect of metals (Mg, Ca, Sr) doping concentration on phase transition, electronic band structure, and their repercussions on the optical, elastic, and mechanical properties of BaThO3 is presented. At 1.40% doping of Mg, Ca, and Sr-atom, the structure of BaThO3 remains cubic. However, it changes from cubic to a pseudo-cubic tetragonal phase at doping concentrations of 4.22% and 7.04%. A systematic substantial shrinking of the band gap is observed in all cases of doping, and its nature remains direct on the G-symmetry point. The reduction in the band gap is explained by the total density of states (TDOS), partial density of states (PDOS), and elemental partial density of states (EPDOS) in the line of phase transformation. The optical response of a doped compound shows a red shift in the absorption edge, whereas the refractive index increases from 2.067–2.227 with Mg-doping and slightly decreases with Ca and Sr doping. For cubic and tetragonal symmetry, the computed elastic constants follow the mechanical stability criteria for each doping concentration, except at 7.04%Ca doping. Furthermore, the bulk modulus shear modulus Young’s modulus Poisson’s ratio, and anisotropic factor are estimated by utilizing elastic parameters. The value is also determined to assess the ductile/brittle character of pure and doped compounds. Moreover, at 4.22%Ca, 7.04%Ca, and 4.22%Mg doping, non- homogeneity is observed due to negative stiffness and very high values of Poisson’s ratio. The modification in structural, electronic, optical, elastic, and mechanical properties with Ca, Mg, and Sr-doping would make them an appropriate candidate for better optimization in UV filters due to the existence of their absorption spectra in the UV region.

Effect of infill pattern on the mechanical properties of polydopamine‐coated polylactic acid orthopedic bone plates developed by fused filament fabrication

AbstractDistal fractures are the most commonly experienced type of fractures that require fixation of bone plates for healing of fractured bones. Poly Lactic Acid (PLA)‐based bone plates are porous and light in weight. However, they lack mechanical properties that limit their application in biomedical field. Polydopamine coating has been witnessed to undergo covalent interactions, enhancing the mechanical properties of the substrate. The present study is based on the fabrication of PLA‐based bone plates using Fused Filament Fabrication with varying infill patterns. The infill patterns in the study include octet, cubic, grid, concentric, lines, and gyroid. Thereafter, polydopamine coating was deposited on these bone plates using direct immersion coating method. In the study, the effect of infill pattern on coating deposition and modification of mechanical properties has been studied. The microscopic images of fractured bone plates were captured. It was concluded that polydopamine coating was successful in improving mechanical properties for all infill patterns. The findings suggested that a concentric pattern should be used for applications that require both high mechanical strength and maximum elongation at break because elongation at break is higher for concentric patterns than gyroid patterns. Also, for applications requiring only high mechanical strength, a gyroid pattern should be used.

Production of Roof Board Insulation Using Agricultural Wastes Towards Sustainable Building Material

Malaysia, like most other developing countries, is facing an increase in the generation of waste and accompanying problems with the disposal of this waste. A large number of biomass wastes were generated due to increased activity in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors, which led to producing environmental hazards and waste management issues. On the other situation, the energy consumption to cool the indoor building environment is high due to the building being exposed directly to solar radiation throughout the daytime, which increases the temperature outside and inside the building. Most of the low-medium cost housing schemes were constructed using metal roof covering without providing a roof insulation layer which causes a rising in indoor temperature and creates uncomfortable surroundings. Moreover, existing materials for roof insulation in the market use inorganic synthetic materials that could harm human health. The study aims to investigate the potential use of agricultural wastes for the production of roof board insulation material that can provide economic value added to agricultural waste, reduce the environmental issue and provide eco-friendly, sustainable building material. In this study, these agricultural wastes are combined in different proportions of 50% individual fibres, such as sugarcane bagasse with coconut husk, empty fruit bunch with mesocarp fibre, coconut husk with empty fruit bunch, and sugarcane bagasse with mesocarp fibre. The sample was fabricated using the hot-press machine and went through various physical and mechanical testing, which involved thickness of swelling, modulus of rupture, and thermal conductivity. The finding showed that the mixed fibre of empty fruit bunch and mesocarp fibre achieved all the criteria such as density (427 &lt;500kg/m3); thickness of swelling (19&lt; 20%); modulus of rupture (514&lt;800psi), thermal conductivity (0.0856&lt;0.25 W/m.K) met with the standard requirement in every laboratory test conducted. The outcome of this study suggests that empty fruit bunch and mesocarp fibre are the potential materials for the production of roof board thermal insulation. However, modification of physical and mechanical properties of waste fibre is required to achieve superior performance and is ready to be provided in the market. This study is aligned with the government initiative for the growth of green building materials for sustainable development in the construction industry.

Physicochemical Characterization of a Cellulosic Film Modified with Two Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids

Changes in the physicochemical characteristics of a regenerated cellulose (RC) film due to a surface modification with room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) are determined. Two ILs (1-butyl-3-metylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and tricaprylmethylammonium chloride) were selected, and film surface modification was performed by a dip-coating process (1 h) in the corresponding IL. The surface characterization of the RC/IL films was carried out by XPS at various take-off angles (from 15° to 75°), while the modification of mechanical properties was established by tensile analysis, obtaining a significant increase for the Young modulus of both RC/IL films when compared with the RC-support. Optical characteristics of the RC/IL films were determined by transmittance and reflectance measurements for wavelengths covering visible and near-infrared regions, while impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements allow us to estimate the electrical changes in the RC/IL films. These results show the high transmittance of both RC/IL films (&gt;90%) with slight differences depending on the IL in both optical regions, while the IS data analysis indicated a conductivity reduction and dielectric constant increase in the dielectric constant for both eco-friendly RC/IL films.