Plant Fibers Research Articles

Stabilization of open graded asphalt friction course mixes with plant-based natural fibers

Open-graded asphalt friction course (OGAFC) is a bituminous wearing course designed and constructed to allow rapid surface water drainage, eliminate splashes and sprays, offer enhanced skid resistance, and reduce glazing, particularly during wet weather. However, draindown is one of the challenges that is often observed with OGAFC mixes. Draindown refers to the phenomenon in which asphalt binder and mastics extricate from the mix under gravity, especially at high temperatures experienced during the production, storage, transportation, and construction phases. The occurrence of draindown have an adverse impact on the functional and structural performance of OGAFC mixes. In addition to the use of stiffer grades of binder, stabilization via fiber addition is quite often practiced to restrict draindown in OGAFC mixes. With a focus on adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and technologies.in pavement engineering, this study investigates the use of two plant-based natural fibers, namely sisal fiber (SIF) generated from the leaves of the sisal (Agave sisalana) plant and sunnhemp fiber (SHF) obtained from the bast of the sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) plant, as stabilizing additives in OGAFC mixes to combat the issue of draindown. The effectiveness of the two natural fibers in resolving the binder draindown issues of OGAFC mixtures was evaluated across a variety of domains, including fiber lengths (3, 6, 9, and 12 mm); fiber dosages (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45%); binder dosages (5.5, 6.0, and 6.5%); binder types (unmodified and polymer modified binder); and thermal conditioning time intervals (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min). A fiber length of 9 mm and fiber dosage of 0.45% exhibited optimum performance, and SHF yielded marginally better efficacy in controlling draindown than SIF. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that binder content, fiber dosage, fiber length, and time interval significantly impact draindown characteristics of OGAFC mixes.

Effect of the measurement contact scale on the thermomechanical characterization of biocomposite surfaces

This paper proposes a multiscale surface characterization of biocomposites using the nanoindentation technique to identify the functional relationship between the measurement contact scale and the thermomechanical response of each biocomposite component, typically natural plant fibers and the polymer matrix. Flax fiber reinforced polypropylene composites are considered in this investigation. The measurement contact scale in nanoindentation is monitored by the tip indenter radius that ranges from ∼ 10 nm to ∼ 400 nm using different nanoindentation devices (AFM and commercial triboindenters). The thermal contribution is considered by heating the samples during the nanoindentation experiments. Finally, the outputs from multiscale nanoindentation experiments are confronted with the thermomechanical properties reported in the literature with conventional tensile tests as a reference. The results of this paper show the fundamental importance of considering contact scale measurement when characterizing the mechanical properties of biocomposites. Indeed, flax fibers are highly affected by the geometrical contact scale of indentation, while polypropylene does not show a significant dependence on the contact scale. On the other side, flax fibers show a specific multiscale thermomechanical behavior that is related to their hygrometric properties.

Alkali treatment effects on agave Americana fiber properties

In this study we focus on the mechanical properties of alkali treated and raw agave Americana fiber. Mechanical extraction and water retting were used to obtain this fibre from the agave Americana tree. In hilly locations, agave americana plants are most common. We get it from the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Agave Americana fibres were put through mechanical, thermal, SEM, and chemical tests to compare their mechanical properties. The data obtained indicate that treated agave Americana fibre has superior qualities than raw fibre. Thermal properties and mechanical properties improve after NaOH treatment as compare to untreated fibre. The alkali treatment is a fairly simple procedure that is advised for use on plant fibres similar to the fibre from the agave americana.

A systematic investigation on the influence of the chemical treatment of natural fibres using the Fuzzy TOPSIS Method

Chemical treatment (hazardous waste) is the conversion of hazardous waste into non-toxic gases, to change or change the chemical characteristics of waste Treatment methods are used, for example in water By decreasing solubility. OracidityNeutralization or pH adjustment (neutralization or precipitation), oxidation and reduction, hydrolysis and Photosynthesis, chemical oxidation (ozonation, (electrolytic oxidation, hydrogen peroxide) and chemical removal (alkali metaldichlorine, alkali)chemical treatment processes Various (commonly used) including metallization/ soCommonly Activated Chemical Treatment Processes: Chemical Precipitation, neutralization absorption, disinfection (chlorine, ozone, UV light) and ion exchange. from plant kingdomCommon natural fibres obtained are Cotton, Flax, Jute, Bamboo, Sisal and Jute, Natural fibres. The main component Natural fibres. The main component Popular as angora and mohair We get fibres, plant fibres include seed hairs such as cotten; Flax andstem (or bast) fibres like jute, leaf fibres like sisal; and coconut-like husks fibres. Animal fibres also include secretions such as wool, hair, and silk. Research significance: In this paper, various chemical properties of in natural fibre-reinforced composites Use natural fibres Changes have been reviewed. Alkali, Silane, Acetylation, Benzoylation, Acrylation, malate coupling agents, isocyanates, Permanganate and other chemical treatments are discussed. to the fibre surface Chemical treatment of fibre between polymer matrixAimed at improving adhesion. Water absorption of composites decreases and their mechanical Properties are improved. Method: Fuzzy TOPSIS (Order by Similarities for Ideal Solution technique for prioritization) similar options. Further It also automates the process and selection Ambiguity, uncertainty in the process Can also be used to relieve Technology in general Used to solve decision problems. This is for all alternatives in the technique problem Based on inter-comparison. Alternative: Cotton, Jute, Flax, Hemp, Ramie and Sisal. Evaluation parameters: Density, Elongation, Tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Result: Chemical Treatments of Natural Fibre in Sisal is got the first rank whereas is the Hemp is having the Lowest rank.Conclusion: Chemical Treatments of Natural Fibre in Sisal is got the first rank whereas is the Hemp is having the Lowest rank.

CHEMO-MECHANICAL EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SAYOTE (SECHIUM EDULE) FIBERS AT VARYING FIBER MATURITY

"Cellulosic plant fibers are good reinforcing materials for composites because they are cheap, light weight, and exhibit good mechanical properties. The isolation of the crystalline portion exposes the stable hydrogen bond network that can form intermolecular bonding with other matrices, such as starch, polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan, among others. Sundried and undried sayote (Sechium edule) vines, of varying degrees of maturity, were subjected to uniform chemomechanical extraction procedures to obtain crystalline fibers. The chemo-mechanically extracted fibers were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DSC thermograms revealed that the sun-dried and mature sample exhibited the narrowest endotherm, indicating the presence of fewer amorphous structures. FTIR spectra showed that the numbers of functional groups present in the fiber samples decreased with increasing degree of maturity. SEM micrographs reveal that the mature portion of the sayote vine had more fibrous and orderly features, compared to the samples extracted from the younger and intermediate portions. Further, chemo-mechanical extraction and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of fibers from mature, sun-dried sayote vines also revealed a relative crystallinity index of the extracted fiber of 65%. The fiber yield from the mature portion of the vine was 9%. Sayote (Sechium edule) vine can be a promising source of crystalline fibers for composite fabrication."

Effect of surface treatment on the technological properties of coconut fiber-reinforced plant polyurethane composites.

Polymeric composites reinforced with plant fibers have numerous advantages, such as low cost, high raw material availability and good physical, mechanical and thermal properties. Thus, in recent years, they have been studied as thermal insulation substitutes for synthetic polymers in buildings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technological properties of castor oil-based polyurethane composites reinforced with coconut fibers treated with hot water, alkaline solutions of NaOH and Ca(OH)2 and corona discharge and without surface treatment as materials for the thermal insulation of buildings. The composites were produced by the hand lay-up method followed by compression; 10% by weight coconut fibers were used to replace the synthetic polymer. Specimens were produced, and physical, mechanical, thermal and microstructural tests were performed. The results showed that the polymer had a thermal conductivity of 0.016 W/(mK), while the composites produced with fibers treated with NaOH had a thermal conductivity of 0.028 W/(mK); therefore, these polymers are considered insulating materials (k = 0.01 to 1.0 W/(mK)). Thus, the composites produced with coconut fibers can be considered as lighter, less expensive and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers.

Alkaline Degradation of Plant Fiber Reinforcements in Geopolymer: A Review.

Plant fibers (PFs), such as hemp, Coir, and straw, are abundant in resources, low in price, light weight, biodegradable, have good adhesion to the matrix, and have a broad prospect as reinforcements. However, the degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix is one of the main factors that affects the durability of these composites. PFs have good compatibility with cement and the geopolymer matrix. They can induce gel growth of cement-based materials and have a good toughening effect. The water absorption of the hollow structure of the PF can accelerate the degradation of the fiber on the one hand and serve as the inner curing fiber for the continuous hydration of the base material on the other. PF is easily deteriorated in the alkaline matrix, which has a negative effect on composites. The classification and properties of PFs, the bonding mechanism of the interface between PF reinforcements and the matrix, the water absorption of PF, and its compatibility with the matrix were summarized. The degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix and solution, drying and wetting cycle conditions, and high-temperature conditions were reviewed. Finally, some paths to improve the alkaline degradation of PF reinforcement in the alkaline matrix were proposed.

Experimental investigation of properties and aging behavior of pineapple and sisal leaf hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract Using plant leaf fibers as reinforcements in thermo-plastic resins to produce affordable and lightweight composites is the subject of growing interest in research. Although these fibers have several advantages over synthetic fibers, mechanical characteristics of composites such as moisture absorption, poor wettability, and insufficient adhesion between the matrix and the fiber cause disadvantages. To overcome these issues, in this experimental study, two leaf-based plant fibers are hybridized and the composites have been fabricated by hand lay-up process. The composites were subjected to several tests. The results showed that the hybridization of sisal and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) increases the mechanical strength of the composite by a maximum tensile strength of 3.59 kN, a little lower flexural strength than the individual fiber, and a noticeably higher compressive strength. The results further showed that the decreased affinities for moisture content and the aged composites seem to be prone to be hydrophilic. Findings of the experiments reveal that the hybridization of sisal and PALF has a significant influence on the properties of the composites. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs of fractured surfaces have been examined, and the findings have effectively been investigated.

Sisal-Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Flame-Retardant Composites: Preparation and Properties.

Natural-fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites with a series of advantages including light weight, chemical durability, renewable resources, low in cost, etc., are being widely used in many fields such as the automotive industry, packaging, and construction. However, the flammability of plant fiber and the PP matrix restricts the application range, security, and use of these composites. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the flame retardants of such composites. In this paper, sisal-fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP/SF) flame-retardant composites were prepared using the two-step melt blending method. The flame retardant used was an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) composed of silane-coated ammonium polyphosphate (Si-APP) and pentaerythritol (PER). The influence of different blending processes on the flammability and mechanical properties of the composites was analyzed. The findings suggested that PP/SF flame-retardant composites prepared via different blending processes showed different flame-retardant properties. The (PP/SF)/IFR composite prepared by PP/SF secondary blending with IFR showed excellent flame-retardant performance, with a limited oxygen index of about 28.3% and passing the UL-94 V-0 rating (3.2 mm) in the vertical combustion test. Compared with the (PP/IFR) /SF composite prepared by a matrix primarily blended with IFR and then secondly blended with SF, the peak heat release rate (pk HRR) and total heat release (THR) of the (PP/SF)/IFR composite decreased by 11.3% and 13.7%, respectively. In contrast, the tensile strength of the (PP/SF)/IFR system was 5.3% lower than that of the (PP/IFR)/SF system; however, the overall mechanical (tensile, flexural, and notched impact) properties of the composites prepared using three different mixing processes were similar.

Elucidation of Non-Intentionally Added Substances from Plant Fiber/Plastic Composites by UPLC-QTOF/MS.

Plant fiber/plastic composites (PPCs) have been widely used in food contact materials (FCMs) for many benefits, such as their claimed better environmental footprint compared to conventional plastics. However, their safety is still not fully understood and must be comprehensively evaluated. Non-volatiles extracted from six PPCs with different plant fibers and polymer matrices were characterized by employing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in combination with various spectral libraries and manual elucidation, taking into account spectral similarity and characteristic product ions. A total of 115 compounds were tentatively identified, 50 of which were oligomers or their derivatives from the sample with polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as the polymer matrix, and some of them were Cramer rules class III substances based on the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC). Seven reaction products between PLA and PBAT monomers, as well as four derivatives of melamine, were elucidated and well detailed for the first time. In addition, bisphenol S was detected in all samples even though its origin remains to be further explored. Isoprothiolane, as an insecticide and fungicide used to control a range of rice pests, was identified in the sample with rice husk as fillers, experimentally confirming the presence of agrochemicals in samples containing plant fibers.

Study on tearing strength of woven sisal fabrics for tents and polymer composite applications

ABSTRACT The use of plant fibers as a reinforcement in composites has increased daily owing to their favorable environmental considerations. Fabric properties play a significant role in alignment during composites processing, enhancing the composite properties. However, the fabric structures are formed by warp and weft yarns. These yarns are subjected to axial and shear loads, respectively. However, very limited work has been carried out on the study involving the tearing strength of the fabric. So it is necessary to study the effect of the tearing load of fabrics before converting them into composites. This paper focuses on the tearing strength of the sisal woven fabrics in both warp and weft directions. Two plain and one weftrib fabrics are prepared using sisal fibers, and their physical properties were characterized as per textile testing standards. Tear strength has been determined by Elmendorf Tear and Single Rip Tear Method by varying crosshead speeds. The result shows that woven patterns and number yarns significantly impact tearing strength. In the case of the weft rib pattern, the warp direction exhibits the highest tearing strength compared to the weft direction. Also, in the case of weftrib fabrics, the weft direction indicates better-tearing strength than another woven pattern.

Recently explored natural cellulosic plant fibers 2018–2022: A potential raw material resource for lightweight composites

Recently explored natural cellulosic plant fibers 2018–2022: A potential raw material resource for lightweight composites

Biodegradation Study of Polymer Composites Reinforced by Areca catechu fibers (Areca catechu L.) and Snake plant fibers (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

Natural fiber components are used for composite materials because they provide strength to the fibers. Composite materials commonly used are thermoset polymers, one of which is epoxy resin. Biodegradation aims to determine the rate of change in the mass of the specimen after 40 days of burial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the volume fraction of the combination of areca catechu fibers and snake plant fibers on biodegradation properties. The method used in this research is the soil burial test, which is to determine the rate of polymer biodegradation in the soil. The best results in the biodegradation property test obtained the highest mass value of 30% variation obtained after burial for 40 days amounting to 13,417 grams, with the biodegradation test obtained a comparison before and after burial the mass value obtained did not experience a significant increase, this is because the composite material have no pores. or holes for the entry of microorganisms into the soil.

Study on mechanical properties and damage characteristics of rice straw fiber-reinforced cemented tailings backfill based on energy evolution.

Low-cost and underutilized plant fibers can affect the mechanical behavior of cementitious materials such as cemented tailings backfill (CTB). This paper attempts to explore the mechanical properties and damage evolution characteristics of rice straw fiber (RFS)-reinforced CTB (RSFCTB) from the perspective of energy. A series of mechanical and microscopic tests were carried out on CTB and RSFCTB samples. On this basis, the energy evolution law and of the filling body under different stress paths were analyzed. Meanwhile, a damage variable based on dissipation energy was established, and the damage evolution process of the filling body was discussed. The results show that uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of filling body first grew and then dropped with the enhancement of RSF content, and indirect tensile strength (ITS) was positively correlated with RSF content. Scanning electron microscope showed that RSF was encapsulated by hydration products, which promoted the bridging effect of RSF. The bridging effect of RSF improved the integrity of RSFCTB after compression failure and resulted in bending and asymmetric tensile cracks after tensile failure. The energy storage limit and dissipation energy of the filling body under different stress paths were enhanced due to the incorporation of RSF. The damage curve based on dissipation energy showed three stages of slow, steady, and fast damage under compressive loading. The damage curve of RSFCTB was located below CTB depending on the crack arresting effect of RSF. Moreover, the damage curve under tensile load shows three stages: slow, stable damage, and sudden increase in damage. The damage value of RSFCTB at the mutation point was increased, and the ability of RSFCTB to resist tensile damage was enhanced. The energy evolution and acoustic emission parameters were combined, and their development trends were similar, which proved that it was reasonable to characterize the damage of filling body based on the dissipated energy.

Effects of Ambient Temperature and Humidity on Natural Deposition Characteristics of Airborne Biomass Particles.

In the production process of biomass energy with crop straw as the raw material, the indoor dust environment created by smashed plant fiber can affect the health of workers and lead to the risk of fire and explosions. The physical properties of biomass vary with the ambient air conditions, resulting in different deposition processes for airborne biomass particles. In this study, the deposition of biomass particles in different environments in an experimental chamber was examined by independently controlling the internal temperature and relative humidity. The results show that in the ambient temperature range of 20~40 °C and at a relative humidity of 25~65%, the water absorption rates of the biomass particles were 15.4~24.7%. The deposition rates of the airborne biomass particles with different sizes were 0.9~2.9 h-1, which positively correlated with the particle sizes in the same ambient conditions. The increase in ambient temperature and relative humidity promoted the deposition of biomass particles with diameters over 0.5 μm. For the particles with diameters below 0.5 μm, the deposition rates were nonlinearly related to the ambient temperature and relative humidity and were greater at lower temperatures. The significance levels of the factors influencing the particle deposition were particle size > ambient temperature > ambient relative humidity. For the biomass particles below 0.5 μm, the influence of the relative humidity on the deposition was much weaker than that of the temperature.

Characterization of new natural cellulosic fibers from Cyperus compactus Retz. (Cyperaceae) Plant

The characteristic features of new lignocellulosic fibers has been explored and found in this work. Characterization of Cyperus compactus Retz. plant (CCP) fiber is done using different analytical tools viz. FTIR, TGA, XRD, SRA, and SEM. The extracted fiber from Cyperus compactus stem has greater cellulose content (67.9%), better tensile strength (943±51.2 MPa) and the fiber has shown stability in higher temperature up to 227°C. XRD technique and FTIR analysis ensured the semicrystalline nature of CCP fiber. SEM was exercised to ascertain the surface characteristics of CCP fibers. It is evident that the stem fibers of Cyperus compactus Retz. have a wide variety of industrial uses as crude materials.

Extraction and characterization of novel biomass–based cellulosic plant fiber from Ficus benjamina L. stem for a potential polymeric composite reinforcement

Extraction and characterization of novel biomass–based cellulosic plant fiber from Ficus benjamina L. stem for a potential polymeric composite reinforcement

Multiscale micromechanics modeling of plant fibers: upscaling of stiffness and elastic limits from cellulose nanofibrils to technical fibers

The mechanical properties of natural fibers, as used to produce sustainable biocomposites, vary significantly—both among different plant species and also within a single species. All plants, however, share a common microstructural fingerprint. They are built up by only a handful of constituents, most importantly cellulose. Through continuum micromechanics multiscale modeling, the mechanical behavior of cellulose nanofibrils is herein upscaled to the technical fiber level, considering 26 different commonly used plants. Model-predicted stiffness and elastic limit bounds, respectively, frame published experimental ones. This validates the model and corroborates that plant-specific physicochemical properties, such as microfibril angle and cellulose content, govern the mechanical fiber performance.

Influence of the use of corn straw fibers to connect the interfacial transition zone with the mechanical properties of cemented coal gangue backfill

Cemented coal gangue backfill (CCGB) is a cement-based mixture containing coarse aggregates and is used to fill the goaves of underground coal mines. However, CCGB currently faces contradiction between its mechanical properties and material costs. Based on the technical idea of strengthening the weakest link of the mechanical properties (i.e., interface transition zone (ITZ)), a plant fiber reinforcement method for CCGB aimed at the ITZ was proposed. Moreover, using this method, aqueous-treated and alkaline-treated corn straw fibers, accounting for 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % of the mass of the coarse aggregate, were added to the CCGB. The effects of corn straw fibers on the uniaxial compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, shear strength, and drying shrinkage of CCGB were studied. The failure response characteristics of the specimen in the process of uniaxial compression were monitored using digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) technology. The failure criterion of CCGB mixed with corn straw fiber was established based on the Mohr–Coulomb shear strength theory. The results demonstrated that adding 1 %–2 % corn straw fiber improved the mechanical properties of CCGB at an early age (before 28 days), but it was necessary to control the increase in drying shrinkage. The effect of alkaline treatment on corn straw fiber was better than that of aqueous treatment. This study will benefit the green development and resource utilization of solid biomass waste.

Evaluation of characteristic features of untreated and alkali-treated cellulosic plant fibers from Mucuna atropurpurea for polymer composite reinforcement

Evaluation of characteristic features of untreated and alkali-treated cellulosic plant fibers from Mucuna atropurpurea for polymer composite reinforcement