Plant Fibers Research Articles

Study of Various Properties of Chemically Treated Lignocellulosic Cissus quadrangularis Stem Fiber for Composite Reinforcement

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for natural fiber-reinforced composites has opened up the market for inexpensive, lightweight, bio-renewable, and environment-friendly plant fibers. The chemical treatments on fiber lead to the reduction of lignin and hemicellulose contents which helps in better adhesion with the matrix. The objective of this work is to do various chemical treatments on Cissus quadrangularis Stem Fiber (CQSF) and perform its characterization. The natural fibers are first extracted from the Cissus quadrangularis stem using the retting process. The fibers are then chemically treated with magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The characterization of single fibers is investigated by single-fiber tensile test, chemical composition, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscope. Characterization results show that the MgCO3-treated CQSF has improved mechanical and thermal properties. Thus, MgCO3-treated CQSF is suggested for biocomposite preparation due to its promising mechanical properties and thermal properties.

Adobe stabilization and reinforcement with treated rush fibers

Less consume energy materials have recently received increased attention as an ecological and sustainable alternative. We propose to study a building approach with raw earth (adobe) combined with plant fibers. The latter used as reinforcement in composite materials have specific competitive mechanical properties compared to those of synthetic fibers (glass, carbon, ...) and are an environmentally friendly alternative to these fibers because of their low cost, low density, biodegradability and availability. We introduce our approach to formulate an earth mortar allowing the making of blocks of adobe, intended for the construction of works such as walls, arches and domes. Adobe is stabilized and reinforced with treated rush fibers

Sustainable heat insulation composites based on Portland cement reinforced with date palm fibers

In order to ensure thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption, a new composite based on Portland cement and date palm fiber was studied in this work. Our main objective is to study the possibility of integrating and using this new material as a thermal insulation material in the exterior coatings of buildings. Several composites were prepared for different weight concentrations (from 0% to 5%) of date palm fibers. The studied materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the hot wire method was used to measure thermo-physical properties. The results show that the addition of fibers has no effect on the chemical composition of the matrix, as shown by FTIR and XRD analyzes which proves the chemical stability. The results of the TGA analysis indicate that the inclusion of date palm fibers has an effect on the thermal characteristics of the matrix. The SEM analysis shows that there is good adhesion between the Portland cement and the plant fibers used and that the date palm fibers are well incorporated into the matrix, the SEM images also showed that the inclusion of the fibers increases the porosity. In addition, the results showed that the addition of the fibers of date palm a marked decrease in thermal conductivity, which makes the material insulating. Thus, the use of fibers in cement seems to be a promising option that allows it to be applied as a thermal coating material in buildings.

A. Geredchuk, V. Pasichnyi, Yu. Matsuk, V. Kostenko DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY OF FISH CUTTED SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS WITH VEGETABLE ENRICHERS

The aim of the research is to substantiate scientifically the recipe and technology of culinary cut semi-finished products of high nutritional value based on freshwater aquaculture of Ukraine (silver carp) and sesame seeds which contain a considerable amount of plant fibers, essential amino acids, arotinoids, phytosterols, antioxidants (lignans – sesamin and sesamolin) as well as macro- and micronutrients. Generally accepted and standard methods were used to determine the physicochemical, functional and technological and organoleptic indicators of the quality of raw materials and finished products. On the basis of experimentally established chemical indicators of silver carp meat of white spring catch, the coefficients of food saturation, protein flooding, proteinwater and lipid-protein coefficient of this aquaculture were calculated. It was determined that the content of protein in the meat of silver carp was 6,5%, and fat was about 17%. Thus, the lipid and protein coefficient of silver carp meat is 0,37, which corresponds to medium-fat fish species with a delicate texture. Nutritional value of sesame seeds analysis has shown that the amount of protein in it is 46%, fat is 13,5%, dietary fiber is approximately 16,2%, which indicates the advisability of using this raw material as an enricher. It has been determined that the rational amount of sesame meal was 10% by weight of fish. Improved fish cut semi-finished products have showen the improvement of organoleptic properties, juiciness, reduction of weight loss during heat treatment, as well as a significant increase in the amount of protein (by 1,24…3,44%), dietary fiber (by 1,12…1,97% ), lipids (by 0,64… 2,32%) and mineral residue (by 0,35… 1,03%). The obtained positive results anable to recommend the developed recipe for implementation and usage in the restaurants.

Unprecedented extraction and characterisation of Yucca elephantipes silver star plant fibre–An exploratory investigation

Unprecedented extraction and characterisation of Yucca elephantipes silver star plant fibre–An exploratory investigation

Production Technology of Ecological High Performance Fibre Composite Construction Materials

Eco materials derived from natural plant fibres and mineral binders are an alternative solution for modern ecological construction. This research is devoted to developing production technology for ecological high-performance fibre composite materials based on hemp shives and magnesium binder. The proposed composite wall structures consist of outer envelope layers made from dense hemp composite and middle insulation layer made from a lightweight hemp composite. The article describes the process of manufacturing a hemp composite boadr and the process of creating a three-layer structure of the outer wall. Used mix compositions are based on previously elaborated mix compositions based on magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) binder and hemp shives. This study presents the case study of testing samples from hemp composite boards produced in actual industrial conditions. During an experiment, 20% magnesium oxide was replaced as an alternative binder, such as metakaolin and fly ash. The purpose of modifying the compositions of the composite is to increase the water resistance of the material and improvement of the hydraulic properties of the material, as it was previously found that this material is hygroscopic concerning the high humidity of the ambient air.

Assimilation of arabinogalactan side chains with novel 3-O-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-α-L-arabinofuranosidase in Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum.

Aim: Dietary plant fibers affect gut microbiota composition; however, the underlying microbial degradation pathways are not fully understood. We previously discovered 3-O-α-D-galactosyl-α-L-arabinofuranosidase (GAfase), a glycoside hydrolase family 39 enzyme involved in the assimilation of side chains of arabinogalactan protein (AGP), from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (B. longum) JCM7052. Although GAfase homologs are not highly prevalent in the Bifidobacterium genus, several Bifidobacterium strains possess the homologs. To explore the differences in substrate specificity among the homologs, a homolog of B. longum GAfase in Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum MCC10289 (MCC10289_0425) was characterized. Methods: Gum arabic, larch, wheat AGP, and sugar beet arabinan were used to determine the substrate specificity of the MCC10289_0425 protein. An amino acid replacement was introduced into GAfase to identify a critical residue that governs the differentiation of substrate specificity. The growth of several Bifidobacterium strains on β-L-arabinopyranosyl disaccharide and larch AGP was examined. Results: MCC10289_0425 was identified to be an unprecedented 3-O-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-α-L-arabinofuranosidase (AAfase) with low GAfase activity. A single amino acid replacement (Asn119 to Tyr) at the catalytic site converted GAfase into AAfase. AAfase releases sugar source from AGP, thereby allowing B. pseudocatenulatum growth. Conclusion: Bifidobacteria have evolved several homologous enzymes with overlapping but distinct substrate specificities depending on the species. They have acquired different fitness abilities to respond to diverse plant polysaccharide structures.

Influence of Some Plant Fibers on the Mechanical Performance of Composite Materials

Influence of Some Plant Fibers on the Mechanical Performance of Composite Materials

Dynamic deflection behaviour of plant fibre reinforced laminated composite plate structure using simulation model

In this work, a finite element model has been developed for the transient deflection analysis of plant fibre reinforced laminated composite flat panel using commercial finite element software platform. The plate model has been discretised using eight noded SHELL 281 serendipity element in ANSYS parametric design language (APDL) platform and the responses in time domain are obtained using Newmark time integration algorithm. The accuracy and performance of the present simulation model have been checked via reference literature. Further, the model is extended to analyse the influence of geometrical parameters and support condition on time dependent responses of plant fibre reinforced composite plate structure.

Influence of palm fiber on strength and crack characteristics of red clay

Red clay is widespread in southern China, exhibiting undesirable properties of softening upon contact with water and cracking after losing water. Using red clay as roadbed filler frequently results in a series of geotechnical hazards such as foundation settlement and slope instability. Consequently, it is necessary to improve the engineering properties of red clay. Using natural plant fibers offers improved environmental sustainability and greater economic advantages compared to traditional methods involving lime and cement. In this study, palm fibers were used to improve the properties of red clay. The aim was to quantitatively analyze the influence of palm fiber content and length on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of red clay, study the capacity of palm fibers to inhibit soil desiccation cracking, and explore the underlying mechanisms by conducting UCS and desiccation tests. The results show that the UCS and residual strength of red clay can be significantly enhanced by palm fiber, and the soil damage form will be changed from brittle damage to ductile damage. Particularly noteworthy, the content of 0.45% palm fiber with a length of 20 mm increased the UCS by 43.4%. Palm fiber also effectively inhibited soil desiccation cracking, the content of 0.3% palm fiber with a length of 20 mm reduced the crack ratio by 54.4%. This study presents a novel approach for improving red clay, offering valuable insights for the use of palm fiber-improved red clay in road construction and slope protection projects.

Клинический случай Диоспиробезоара, осложненного острой кишечной непроходимостью

INTRODUCTION: Bezoars are foreign bodies formed in the digestive tract as a result of ingestion of some indigestible substances: plant fibers, hair and animal dander, chemical compounds. They are mainly found in animals. But although this is an extremely rare pathology of humans, it can be complicated with such threatening conditions as acute intestinal obstruction, decubitus ulcers of the digestive tract, gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation with the development of peritonitis. Bezoars are the cause of acute intestinal obstruction in only 2–4% of cases, but mortality, according to the literature, can reach 30%. Difficulties in the clinical diagnosis of bezoar disease lie in the absence of specific symptoms: it manifests itself as an abdominal syndrome, like a rather wide range of various diseases. Therefore, the importance of informing physicians of various profiles both about the factors provoking the formation of bezoars and about the methods of their diagnosis and treatment is undeniable. The article presents a case report of an 86-year-old female patient with acute intestinal obstruction caused by diospyrobezoar. CONCLUSION: The clinical interest of the presented case lies in its highly illustrative character. We could observe a combination of all predisposing factors for the formation of diospyrobezoar, compare the effectiveness of various methods of instrumental diagnostics and apply the optimal tactics of surgical intervention.

Stone Tools from Prehistoric Mining Sites in North Tyrol, Austria: Typology – Terminology – Material Properties

Mining archaeological field prospections and excavations conducted by the Research Center HiMAT at the University of Innsbruck yielded proof of extensive copper ore mining from the late Middle Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age (1300 - 700 BC) in the mining regions of Kitzbühel-Jochberg and Schwaz-Brixlegg in Northern Tyrol. This paper deals with stone tools collected at prehistoric mining sites and focusses on their typology, material properties and the problem of terminology. Petrographic analyses show a conscious selection of special stone materials for different applications. Typically, hard and tough metamorphic rocks collected from river gravel banks or glacial deposits of alpine valleys were used as raw materials for tool production. In general, well-rounded pebbles and boulders of amphibolite, garnet-amphibolite and eclogite were the preferred rock type used for percussion tools. According to the archaeological evidence, such stone tools were mostly used in the ore beneficiation process (crushing, to some extend also grinding) and have only rarely been found in connection with underground mining activities. For further beneficiation processes (grinding), other properties of the stone material such as abrasive capacity were required. In this context, boulders of orthogneiss/gneiss were the favoured rock material for netherstones (anvil stones and lower grindstones) and upper grindstones. The investigation of hafting modifications visible on stone tools shows that several hafting methods can be discussed, and that cords from plant fibres as well as straps of animal skin/leather could have been used for this purpose. Analysis of traces of wear provide information on the former function of the stone tools as well as on their practical application.

Structure of an Alkaline Pectate Lyase and Rational Engineering with Improved Thermo-Alkaline Stability for Efficient Ramie Degumming.

Alkaline pectate lyases have biotechnological applications in plant fiber processing, such as ramie degumming. Previously, we characterized an alkaline pectate lyase from Bacillus clausii S10, named BacPelA, which showed potential for enzymatic ramie degumming because of its high cleavage activity toward methylated pectins in alkaline conditions. However, BacPelA displayed poor thermo-alkaline stability. Here, we report the 1.78 Å resolution crystal structure of BacPelA in apo form. The enzyme has the characteristic right-handed β-helix fold of members of the polysaccharide lyase 1 family and shows overall structural similarity to them, but it displays some differences in the details of the secondary structure and Ca2+-binding site. On the basis of the structure, 10 sites located in flexible regions and showing high B-factor and positive ΔTm values were selected for mutation, aiming to improve the thermo-alkaline stability of the enzyme. Following site-directed saturation mutagenesis and screening, mutants A238C, R150G, and R216H showed an increase in the T5015 value at pH 10.0 of 3.0 °C, 6.5 °C, and 7.0 °C, respectively, compared with the wild-type enzyme, interestingly accompanied by a 24.5%, 46.6%, and 61.9% increase in activity. The combined mutant R150G/R216H/A238C showed an 8.5 °C increase in the T5015 value at pH 10.0, and an 86.1% increase in the specific activity at 60 °C, with approximately doubled catalytic efficiency, compared with the wild-type enzyme. Moreover, this mutant retained 86.2% activity after incubation in ramie degumming conditions (4 h, 60 °C, pH 10.0), compared with only 3.4% for wild-type BacPelA. The combined mutant increased the weight loss of ramie fibers in degumming by 30.2% compared with wild-type BacPelA. This work provides a thermo-alkaline stable, highly active pectate lyase with great potential for application in the textile industry, and also illustrates an effective strategy for rational design and improvement of pectate lyases.

Experimental Investigation of the Performance of Corn Straw Fiber Cement-Stabilized Macadam.

Recently, the application of plant fibers to improve the cementitious mix performance has attracted interest in the field of road materials owing to advantages of environmental protection and cost-effectiveness. As a planting crop, corn exhibits the advantages of being a more abundant resource with a wider distribution than those of other plant fibers. In this study, the effect of corn straw fiber on the properties of cement-stabilized macadam (5% cement) was investigated with the fiber length and content as variables. The test results revealed that the addition of a small amount of fiber marginally affects the compression density of cement-stabilized macadam. At a fiber length of 10 mm and a fiber content of 1%, the maximum increase in the compressive strength was 18.8%, and the maximum increase in the splitting strength was 35.4%. Moreover, at a fiber length of 15 mm and a fiber content of 1%, the shrinkage coefficient was reduced by 29%, and the crack resistance of cement-stabilized macadam was enhanced. In addition, the dry-wet cycle durability of cement-stabilized macadam was improved.

Removing Pollutants from Wastewater Using an Advanced Method

Purpose: Preparation of Nano cellulose from cotton lint and pear peels instead of throwing it as waste and cause damage to environment and Comparison between the efficiency of the product of Nano cellulose prepared from cotton lint and NC prepared from pear peels through the characterization of both type of NC by using technique Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) . finally Applying Murexide dye from the aqueous solution to the surface of both types of extracted Nano cellulose from cotton lint and pear peels for industrial Methodology: Agricultural wastes is the: cotton lint collected from Diyala, Iraq. Linter is an important by product of the textile industry and pear peels collected from Local market of Iraq as raw material to synthesis of Nano cellulose compound Extraction of cellulose from the cotton lint in several steps as follows: A: Purification step B: Grinding step preparation NC product: The product has been prepared by acid hydrolysis. Results and Discussion: In the present study, nanocellulose was successfully isolated from various plant fiber sources (cotton lint and pear peels) using acid hydrolysis . The results indicate that the FE-SEM formation of cellulose nano particles followed this method. However, the best results under sonication conditions used are coming from treatment of 30% acid hydrolysis sonicated for 120 min. Nanocellulose for cotton lint is more efficient than nanocellulose for pear peels in removing murexide dye from the aqueous solution, because percentage of the removal of murexide dye from the aqueous solution by NC of cotton lint is higher than the percentage of the removal of murexide dye from the aqueous solution by pear peels. Therefore, nanocellulose for cotton lint will be more efficient in removing pollutants from water.

Insights into thermal stability and interface bond performance of sisal fiber in ultra-high performance concrete under different curing conditions

It is well known that plant fibers suffer serious alkali hydrolysis and mineralization in ordinary cement mortar or concrete, resulting in significant degradation of interface bond and mechanical performance. The stability of plant fibers in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is seldom reported until now. In this paper, the degradation of sisal fiber in UHPC under steam curing (90 °C) or standard curing (20 °C, RH ≥ 95.0%) conditions were investigated, and the interfacial bonding between sisal fiber and UHPC was also studied. On the other hand, the mechanical properties of UHPC under two curing conditions were carried out. The experimental results indicated that the bonding between sisal fiber and matrix under steam curing conditions was lower than that under standard curing conditions, which was caused by the thermal contraction of sisal fiber at high temperatures. For sisal fibers in UHPC with two curing conditions, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffractometer results revealed that some amorphous substances underwent alkali hydrolyzation and no significant damage occurred on cellulose. The backscattering scanning electron microscope images also showed that the mineralization of sisal fibers in UHPC was very slight. Therefore, the degradation of sisal fiber in UHPC was limited during the curing period and the long-term performance should be further studied.

A Review of some Characteristics of a Composite Hybrid Socket for Prosthetics Derived from Plant Fibers

According to the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health), a prosthetic is a device used to restore or replace the function of a missing limb as a result of a rare genetic defect, dangerous incident, surgical trauma, or disease that limits the amputee's ability to participate in daily life. Prosthetic limb sockets were formerly made out of a wide variety of materials before the development of thermoplastics and composites. Plant fibers are favored due to their low density. Both their strength and rigidity are remarkably high considering their low weight and inexpensiveness. Plant fiber is one of the most popular ways to give polymer composites more strength because of its low production costs and stretchability. Following a brief introduction to the many types of natural fibers (both plant and animal), this article provides a comprehensive assessment of the literature from the past decade that focuses on the mechanical characteristics of plant materials. Reinforced polymers are made with fibers. This literature study will focus on the mechanical properties and behavior of plant fibers used to create sockets for prosthetic limbs. If an article is written about the overall features of composites made with fibers made from the plant, it is expected to be of great use to the research community in the field of composites.

Tissue specific expression of bacterial cellulose synthase (Bcs) genes improves cotton fiber length and strength

Fiber growing inside the cotton bolls is a highly demandable product and its quality is key to the success of the textile industry. Despite the various efforts to improve cotton fiber staple length Pakistan has to import millions of bales to sustain its industrial needs. To improve cotton fiber quality Bacterial cellulose synthase (Bcs) genes (acsA, acsB) were expressed in a local cotton variety CEMB-00. In silico studies revealed a number of conserved domains both in the cotton-derived and bacterial cellulose synthases which are essential for the cellulose synthesis. Transformation efficiency of 1.27% was achieved by using Agrobacterium shoot apex cut method of transformation. The quantitative mRNA expression analysis of the Bcs genes in transgenic cotton fiber was found to be many folds higher during secondary cell wall synthesis stage (35 DPA) than the expression during elongation phase (10 DPA). Average fiber length of the transgenic cotton plant lines S-00–07, S-00–11, S-00–16 and S-00–23 was calculated to be 13.02% higher than that of the non-transgenic control plants. Likewise, the average fiber strength was found to be 20.92% higher with an enhanced cellulose content of 22.45%. The mutated indigenous cellulose synthase genes of cotton generated through application of CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in 6.03% and 12.10% decrease in fiber length and strength respectively. Furthermore, mature cotton fibers of transgenic cotton plants were found to have increased number of twists with smooth surface as compared to non-transgenic control when analyzed under scanning electron microscope. XRD analysis of cotton fibers revealed less cellulose crystallinity index in transgenic cotton fibers as compared to control fibers due to deposition of more amorphous cellulose in transgenic fibers as a result of Bcs gene expression. This study paved the way towards unraveling the fact that Bcs genes influence cellulose synthase activity and this enzyme helps in determining the fate of cotton fiber length and strength.

БИОУДОБРЕНИЯ ПРОТИВ ВИЛТА ХЛОПЧАТНИКА

The article provides information about the biofertilizer preparation "Fulfohumat "Ivan Ovsinsky"® and the results of its use against cotton wilt. When processing cotton with a preparation with a norm of 500 ml per hectare in the conditions of takyrovid soils of the southern regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Kashkadarya region), the incidence of cotton fusarium wilt decreases by 1.6 times, the efficiency is 83.9%, the number of dried plants decreases by 2.9 times, the weight of raw one box increases by 5.6%, the weight of 1000 seeds by 0.33% and fiber length by 1.5%. The yarn spinning coefficient has increased from a medium degree (130-140) to a high degree (140-149) or from a low degree (120-129) to a very high degree (150). The micronair of cotton fiber in treated plants has become softer — from 0.04 to 0.46 degrees. After treatment with the drug, the fibers in sick plants were lengthened by 0.016–0.018 inches, and in healthy plants the fiber length was shortened by 0.009 inches.

Peripheral Amino Acid Appearance Is Lower Following Plant Protein Fibre Products, Compared to Whey Protein and Fibre Ingestion, in Healthy Older Adults despite Optimised Amino Acid Profile.

Plant-based proteins are generally characterised by lower Indispensable Amino Acid (IAA) content, digestibility, and anabolic properties, compared to animal-based proteins. However, they are environmentally friendlier, and wider consumption is advocated. Older adults have higher dietary protein needs to prevent sarcopenia, a disease marked by an accelerated loss of muscle mass and function. Given the lower environmental footprint of plant-based proteins and the importance of optimising dietary protein quality among older adults, this paper aims to assess the net peripheral Amino Acid (AA) appearance after ingestion of three different plant protein and fibre (PPF) products, compared to whey protein with added fibre (WPF), in healthy older adults. In a randomised, single-blind, crossover design, nine healthy men and women aged ≥65 years consumed four test meals balanced in AA according to the FAO reference protein for humans, matched for leucine, to optimally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults. A fasted blood sample was drawn at each visit before consuming the test meal, followed by postprandial arterialise blood sampling every 30 min for 3 h. The test meal was composed of a soup containing either WPF or PPF 1-3. The PPF blends comprised pea proteins with varying additional rice, pumpkin, soy, oat, and/or almond protein. PPF product ingestion resulted in a lower maximal increase of postprandial leucine concentration and the sum of branched-chain AA (BCAA) and IAA concentrations, compared to WPF, with no effect on their incremental area under the curve. Plasma methionine and cysteine, and to a lesser extent threonine, appearance were limited after consuming the PPF products, but not WPF. Despite equal leucine doses, the WPF induced greater postprandial insulin concentrations than the PPF products. In conclusion, the postprandial appearance of AA is highly dependent on the protein source in older adults, despite providing equivalent IAA levels and dietary fibre. Coupled with lower insulin concentrations, this could imply less anabolic potential. Further investigation is required to understand the applicability of plant-based proteins in healthy older adults.