Plant-derived Fibers Research Articles

Energy Absorption Capacity of Soil Reinforced with Processed Plant-Derived Fibers: Experimental Research and Predictive Models

Energy Absorption Capacity of Soil Reinforced with Processed Plant-Derived Fibers: Experimental Research and Predictive Models

Natural Fibers Composites: Origin, Importance, Consumption Pattern, and Challenges

This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted world of natural fiber applications within the domain of composite materials. Natural fibers are meticulously examined in detail, considering their diverse origins, which encompass plant-derived fibers (cellulose-based), animal-derived fibers (protein-based), and even mineral-derived variations. This review conducts a profound analysis, not only scrutinizing their chemical compositions, intricate structures, and inherent physical properties but also highlighting their wide-ranging applications across various industries. The investigation extends to composites utilizing mineral or polymer matrices, delving into their synergistic interplay and the resulting material properties. Furthermore, this review does not limit itself to the intrinsic attributes of natural fibers but ventures into the realm of innovative enhancements. The exploration encompasses the augmentation of composites through the integration of natural fibers, including the incorporation of nano-fillers, offering a compelling avenue for further research and technological development. In conclusion, this review synthesizes a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role of natural fibers in the realm of composite materials. It brings together insights from their diverse origins, intrinsic properties, and practical applications across sectors. As the final curtain is drawn, the discourse transcends the present to outline the trajectories of future work in the dynamic arena of natural fiber composites, shedding light on emerging trends that promise to shape the course of scientific and industrial advancements.

Carbon Neutrality Potential of Textile Products Made from Plant-Derived Fibers

During the growth of biomass, there are two carbon storage paths for plant-derived fibers. One path is to assimilate carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and temporarily store it in textile plants. Besides, the carbon can be captured and stored in soil. The carbon storage capacity of textile products made from plant-derived fibers such as cotton, flax, hemp, kenaf and bamboo fiber, etc., is a non-negligible part of greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and reporting. However, there is a lack of systematic methods to evaluate carbon storage and the delayed emission effect of plant-derived fibers. In this study, the carbon storage and emission times of 100% hemp T-shirt, 100% hemp slipcover, and 100% hemp fiber handicraft were evaluated by using the soil organic carbon method, dry weight biomass method, and modeling method. The results revealed that the CO2 storage of 1 kg hemp fiber is 1.833 kg. Meanwhile, the delayed emission effects of carbon temporarily stored in the 3 kinds of hemp fiber products are 3.83%, 19.68%, and 41.12% at different lifespans (i.e., 5, 25, or 50 years), in which case the landfill option for hemp fiber products may be preferable from carbon storage effect perspective. The results suggest that plant-derived fibers have a positive impact on climate change due to CO2 storage, and that the carbon storage effect improves with the continued lifespan of the product. By quantifying carbon storage and the delayed emission effect of plant-derived fibers, it is beneficial to understand the potential for reducing carbon emissions, which in turn helps to promote and develop more environmentally friendly and low-carbon production processes and products.

Application of plant-derived fibers in soil reinforcement on experimental, numerical, and case study scales: a review

Application of plant-derived fibers in soil reinforcement on experimental, numerical, and case study scales: a review

In-soil degradation of polymer materials waste – A survey of different approaches in relation with environmental impact

Vegetal fibers from different sources, including wood fibers and plant-derived fibers, together with polymer plastics per se (natural, synthetic, and their blends), as well as their combinations as composite materials may generate significant amounts of wastes. These will undergo degradation process under exposure to different environmental factors including microorganisms, climatic changes – e.g. droughts, oxygen, temperature, soil dynamics, UV radiation, etc. This survey offers a concise review of degradation under environmental conditions, mainly after in-soil exposure, of waste made of polymer materials and natural fibers. It also describes the most common methods for evaluation of bioconversion and degradation, as well as the structural properties after degradation (e.g. macroscopic investigation; weight loss; spectrometry – UV, FTIR, NMR; X-ray diffraction for crystalline changes; SEM microscopy; and thermal stability).

Value-Added Use of Invasive Plant-Derived Fibers as PHBV Fillers for Biocomposite Development.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising biobased, biodegradable thermoplastic with limited industrial applications due to its brittleness and high cost. To improve these properties, lignocellulosic fibers from two invasive plants (Phalaris arundinacea and Lonicera japonica) were used as PHBV reinforcing agents. Alkali treatment of the fibers improved the PHBV–fiber interfacial bond by up to 300%. The morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the treated fibers were characterized, as well as their size, loading, and type, to understand their impact on performance of the biocomposites. The new biocomposites had improved thermal stability, restricted crystallization, reduced rigidity, and reduced cost compared with PHBV. Additionally, these novel biocomposites performed similarly to conventional plastics such as polypropylene, suggesting their potential as bio-alternatives for industrial applications such as semirigid packaging and lightweight auto body panels.

Biocomposites of Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Poly(lactic acid) Modified with Natural Fillers (Part I).

The study aimed to prepare sustainable and degradable elastic blends of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) that were reinforced with flax fiber (FF) and montmorillonite (MMT), simultaneously filling the gap in the literature regarding the PLA-containing polymer blends filled with natural additives. The performed study reveals that FF incorporation into ENR/PLA blend may cause a significant improvement in tensile strength from (10 ± 1) MPa for the reference material to (19 ± 2) MPa for the fibers-filled blend. Additionally, it was found that MMT employment in the role of the filler might contribute to ENR/PLA plasticization and considerably promote the blend elongation up to 600%. This proves the successful creation of the unique and eco-friendly PLA-containing polymer blend exhibiting high elasticity. Moreover, thanks to the performed accelerated thermo-oxidative and ultraviolet (UV) aging, it was established that MMT incorporation may delay the degradation of ENR/PLA blends under the abovementioned conditions. Additionally, mold tests revealed that plant-derived fiber addition might highly enhance the ENR/PLA blend’s biodeterioration potential enabling faster and more efficient growth of microorganisms. Therefore, materials presented in this research may become competitive and eco-friendly alternatives to commonly utilized petro-based polymeric products.

Composites from renewable and sustainable resources: Challenges and innovations.

Interest in constructing composite materials from biosourced, recycled materials; waste resources; and their combinations is growing. Biocomposites have attracted the attention of automakers for the design of lightweight parts. Hybrid biocomposites made of petrochemical-based and bioresourced materials have led to technological advances in manufacturing. Greener biocomposites from plant-derived fiber and crop-derived plastics with higher biobased content are continuously being developed. Biodegradable composites have shown potential for major uses in sustainable packaging. Recycled plastic materials originally destined for landfills can be redirected and repurposed for blending in composite applications, thus leading to reduced dependence on virgin petro-based materials. Studies on compatibility of recycled and waste materials with other components in composite structure for improved interface and better mechanical performance pose major scientific challenges. This research holds the promise of advancing a key global sustainability goal.

A proof-of-concept study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BTI320 on post-prandial hyperglycaemia in Chinese subjects with pre-diabetes

BackgroundGalactomannan(s) are plant-derived fiber shown to reduce post-prandial blood glucose by delaying intestinal absorption of carbohydrates and slowing down gastric emptying. We examined glucose-lowering effects of BTI320, a propriety fractionated mannan(s) administered as a chewable tablet before meal in a proof-of-concept study in Chinese subjects with prediabetes.MethodsSixty Chinese adults aged 18–70 years with either impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or glycated haemoglobin 5.7–6.4% (39-46 mmol/mol), were randomly assigned in 2:2:1 ratio to either BTI320 8 g (high dose), BTI320 4 g (low dose) or matching-placebo three times daily before meal for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in fructosamine in subjects treated with BTI320 compared with placebo from baseline to week 4. Indices of glycaemic variability based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and standard meal tolerance test were explored in secondary analyses.ResultsOf 60 subjects randomized, 3 subjects discontinued study treatment prematurely. In intention-to-treat analysis, no significant differences in change in serum fructosamine between low or high dose BTI320 and placebo were observed. Using random effect models, adjusted for variability by meals, treatment with low dose BTI320 was associated with reduction in 1-h (p < 0.01), 2-h (p = 0.01) and 3-h (p = 0.02) post-prandial incremental glucose area-under-curve and post-meal maximum glucose (p = 0.03) compared with placebo. Subjects receiving low dose BTI320 had greater body weight reduction than placebo group.ConclusionsBTI320 did not change fructosamine levels compared with placebo. BTI320 reduced glycaemic variability based on CGM indices.Trial registrationThe study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov, reference number NCT02358668 (9 February 2015).

Ground flaxseed increased nitric oxide levels in adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized comparative effectiveness study of supplemental flaxseed and psyllium fiber

Despite reported benefits of flaxseeds and psyllium, to our knowledge no studies have compared their effectiveness in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). While both psyllium and flaxseeds are plant-derived fibers, flaxseeds contain additional compounds associated with cardiovascular health including alpha linolenic acid, phytoestrogen lignans, vitamin E and carotenoids. The objectives were to determine primarily whether flaxseeds were more effective than psyllium at improving weight and cardiovascular health (glucose, lipids and blood pressure) and secondarily inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with T2D. We hypothesized, when matched for fiber mass content, daily supplementation with ground flaxseeds (28 g/d) would be more effective than ground psyllium fiber (9 g/d) for improving adiposity and glycemic regulation, serum lipids, blood pressure and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in participants with T2D. In this comparative effectiveness parallel-design study, adults (18-75y) with T2D were randomized to consume either supplement for 8 weeks with anthropometrics and blood samples collected at baseline and week 8. Flaxseed and psyllium reduced waist circumference (−2.8 ± 2.0 and −1.2 ± 2.4 cm, respectively; p = 0.002 within groups) and oxidized lipoproteins (−2.8 ± 4.2 and −0.1 ± 1.5 nM/L, respectively; p = 0.037 within groups) without affecting body mass, lipids, or blood pressure. Flaxseeds alone increased nitric oxide (+2.4 ± 3.3 vs −0.9 ± 2.7 nM/L; p = 0.044 between groups) suggesting flaxseeds may offer additional vasoprotection. Thus, fiber supplementation is an effective means to reduce waist circumference and oxidative stress in individuals with T2D. In addition, this study was the first to show that flaxseeds increase nitric oxide bioavailability in the vasculature of subjects with T2D.

Green Modification of Surface Characteristics of Cellulosic Materials at the Molecular or Nano Scale: A Review

Many current and potential uses of cellulosic materials depend critically on the character of their surfaces. This review of the scientific literature considers both well-established and emerging strategies to change the outermost surfaces of cellulosic fibers or films not only in terms of chemical composition, but also in terms of outcomes such as wettability, friction, and adhesion. A key goal of surface modification has been to improve the performance of cellulosic fibers in the manufacture of composites through chemistries such as esterification that are enabled by the high density of hydroxyl groups at typical cellulosic surfaces. A wide variety of grafting methods, some developed recently, can be used with plant-derived fibers. The costs and environmental consequences of such treatments must be carefully weighed against the potential to achieve similar performances by approaches that use more sustainable methods and materials and involve less energy and processing steps. There is potential to change the practical performances of many cellulosic materials by heating, by enzymatic treatments, by use of surface-active agents, or by adsorption of polyelectrolytes. The lignin, hemicelluloses, and extractives naturally present in plant-based materials also can be expected to play critical roles in emerging strategies to modify the surfaces characteristics of cellulosic fibers with a minimum of adverse environmental impacts.

Application of Insoluble Fibers in the Fining of Wine Phenolics

The application of animal-derived proteins as wine fining agents has been subject to increased regulation in recent years. As an alternative to protein-based fining agents, insoluble plant-derived fibers have the capacity to adsorb red wine tannins. Changes in red wine tannin were analyzed following application of fibers derived from apple and grape and protein-based fining agents. Other changes in wine composition, namely, color, monomeric phenolics, metals, and turbidity, were also determined. Wine tannin was maximally reduced by application of an apple pomace fiber and a grape pomace fiber (G4), removing 42 and 38%, respectively. Potassium caseinate maximally removed 19% of wine tannin, although applied at a lower dose. Fibers reduced anthocyanins, total phenolics, and wine color density, but changes in wine hue were minor. Proteins and apple fiber selectively removed high molecular mass phenolics, whereas grape fibers removed those of both high and low molecular mass. The results show that insoluble fibers may be considered as alternative fining agents for red wines.

Fibras vegetais utilizadas na pesca artesanal na microrregião do Salgado, Pará

As espécies vegetais fibrosas ocupam papel de destaque no cotidiano das comunidades tradicionais amazônicas ao lado das espécies medicinais, alimentícias e madeireiras. Na microrregião do Salgado do estado do Pará - constituída pelos municípios de Colares, Curuçá, Magalhães Barata, Maracanã, Marapanim, Salinópolis, Santarém Novo, São Caetano de Odivelas, São João de Pirabas e Vigia - as fibras vegetais são usadas em cestaria, trançados, fixadoras em substituição ao prego, adornos e vestuário. Para a elaboração do presente trabalho, os dados foram obtidos entre artesãos e pescadores artesanais da microrregião do Salgado do estado do Pará, com cerca de 150 entrevistas semiestruturadas. Foram registradas 17 espécies, distribuídas em oito famílias e 17 gêneros utilizados na preparação de implementos de pesca artesanal, cujas matérias prima são provenientes de diversas partes da planta, onde as talas são da haste caulinar de Marantaceae e estipe de Arecaceae, os cipós são raízes de Araceae e Cyclanthaceae e os caules de Bignoniaceae e Dilleniaceae, enquanto que as palhas são folhas e pinas de Arecaceae. A família mais representativa com relação ao número de espécies e o fornecimento de matéria prima utilizada foi Arecaceae com 8 spp., seguida de Dilleniaceae e Araceae com 2 spp., Bignoniaceae, Bombacaceae, Cyclanthaceae, Marantaceae e Poaceae com 1 sp. cada. O trabalho visa contribuir para o conhecimento das espécies vegetais fibrosas, quanto a sua morfologia, origem e manuseio da matéria prima, os produtos confeccionados e seus usos, além do registro dos aspectos culturais da utilização de espécies vegetais fibrosas no cotidiano da atividade pesqueira artesanal daquela microrregião.

Failure of cholesterol-lowering by psyllium

Despite reported benefits of flaxseeds and psyllium, to our knowledge no studies have compared their effectiveness in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). While both psyllium and flaxseeds are plant-derived fibers, flaxseeds contain additional compounds associated with cardiovascular health including alpha linolenic acid, phytoestrogen lignans, vitamin E and carotenoids. The objectives were to determine primarily whether flaxseeds were more effective than psyllium at improving weight and cardiovascular health (glucose, lipids and blood pressure) and secondarily inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with T2D. We hypothesized, when matched for fiber mass content, daily supplementation with ground flaxseeds (28 g/d) would be more effective than ground psyllium fiber (9 g/d) for improving adiposity and glycemic regulation, serum lipids, blood pressure and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in participants with T2D. In this comparative effectiveness parallel-design study, adults (18-75y) with T2D were randomized to consume either supplement for 8 weeks with anthropometrics and blood samples collected at baseline and week 8. Flaxseed and psyllium reduced waist circumference (−2.8 ± 2.0 and −1.2 ± 2.4 cm, respectively; p = 0.002 within groups) and oxidized lipoproteins (−2.8 ± 4.2 and −0.1 ± 1.5 nM/L, respectively; p = 0.037 within groups) without affecting body mass, lipids, or blood pressure. Flaxseeds alone increased nitric oxide (+2.4 ± 3.3 vs −0.9 ± 2.7 nM/L; p = 0.044 between groups) suggesting flaxseeds may offer additional vasoprotection. Thus, fiber supplementation is an effective means to reduce waist circumference and oxidative stress in individuals with T2D. In addition, this study was the first to show that flaxseeds increase nitric oxide bioavailability in the vasculature of subjects with T2D.