Plant Fibers Research Articles

A round-robin study on the tensile characterization of single fibres: A multifactorial analysis and recommendations for more reliable results

In this benchmark, the tensile properties of three types of organic fibres – flax, hemp and aramid − were determined using single-fibre tensile tests performed by nine research groups. Flax and hemp were chosen due to their prevalence among European fibre plants. Aramid was selected for its synthetic nature and comparable dimensional properties. Due to the morphological complexity and variability of plant fibres, the scatter in the apparent tangent modulus and strength is more pronounced for flax and hemp compared to aramid. The primary source of scatter in the tensile properties results from human factors and experimental procedures, particularly regarding the fibre selection, the measurement of the fibre cross-sectional area and of the tensile strain. The post-processing procedure also turns out to be a key factor. Finally, recommendations and guidelines for best practices are proposed to reduce the main sources of dispersion associated with the reproducibility of single fibre tensile tests.

High-performance flexible magnetic textile fabricated using porous Juncus effusus fiber for biomechanical energy harvesting

Mechanical energy produced by human motion is ubiquitous, continuous, and usually not utilized, making it an attractive target for sustainable electricity-harvesting applications. In this study, flexible magnetic Juncus effusus (M-JE) fibers were prepared from plant-extracted three-dimensional porous Juncus effusus (JE) fibers decorated with polyurethane and magnetic particles. The M-JE fibers were woven into fabrics and used for mechanical energy harvesting through electromagnetic induction. The M-JE fabric and induction coil, attached to the human wrist and waist, yielded continuous and stable voltage (2 V) and current (3 mA) during swinging. The proposed M-JE fabric energy harvester exhibited good energy harvesting potential and was capable of quickly charging commercial capacitors to power small electronic devices. The proposed M-JE fabric exhibited good mechanical energy harvesting performance, paving the way for the use of natural plant fibers in energy-harvesting fabrics.

Research on properties and cellular structure of nano‐CaCO3/rice‐husk fiber/polypropylene three‐phase thermoplastic microcellular foaming composites

AbstractMicrocellular foamed plant fiber composites have the advantages of low density, low cost, and biodegradability, so it has great development potential in the industry. Nevertheless, the existence of cellular structures diminishes the mechanical performance of plant fiber composites. To overcome this problem, in this study, nano‐CaCO3 was used to enhance the microcellular foamed plant fiber composites, and the three‐phase thermoplastic composites, comprised of nano‐CaCO3, rice‐husk fiber, and polypropylene (PP), were fabricated using a chemical foaming injection molding technique. The study analyzed how the nano‐CaCO3 concentration affected the melt viscosity, crystallization characteristics, mechanical properties, and cellular structure of the composites. According to the findings, the mechanical characteristics of microcellular foamed three‐phase thermoplastic composites were enhanced initially and subsequently diminished as the nano‐CaCO3 content was augmented, and obtained optimal value at 2 wt% nano‐CaCO3 content. By observing the cells of microcellular foamed three‐phase thermoplastic composites in vertical and parallel melt flow directions, it was found that the nano‐CaCO3 content of 2 wt% three‐phase thermoplastic composite had the best cellular structure.Highlights The role of nano‐CaCO3 in plant fiber composite materials was explored. The relationship between the content of nano‐CaCO3 and the various properties of tri‐phasic plant fiber composite materials was demonstrated. The mechanisms by which nano‐CaCO3 enhances plant fiber composite materials were analyzed at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Methylcellulose replacement with different enzymatically treated plant fibres as a binder in the production of plant-based meat patties

Texturised vegetable protein (TVP) is a sustainable and economical base for plant-based meat patties but requires binders to create an emulsified gel and hold the patty structure together. This study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory attributes of TVP patties incorporated with three different enzymatically-treated plant fibres i.e., pea (EPF), citrus (ECF) or apple (EAF) as a binder compared to positive control (methylcellulose, MC) and negative control (no binder, NC). All the patties with plant fibres had similar water-holding capacity compared to the MC. EAF exhibited the least fluid release and uniform surface, while ECF demonstrated the least cooking loss and shrinkage, uniform surface, hard texture, better cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness compared to other samples. All the plant fibre-incorporated patties scored similarly for taste, texture, juiciness and overall acceptability compared to the positive control. The agglomerative hierarchical clustering revealed that the EPF had similar characteristics to the MC but the principal component analysis indicated that citrus fibre was a superior binder to pea fibre, therefore it could be used to replace methylcellulose for plant-based meat patties. Future research should explore more variations in plant-based binders to optimise the performance and sensory attributes of different types of texturised vegetable protein-based meat analogues.

Cellulose Fiber based self-supporting paper cathode with multi-scale network structure for high performance lithium-sulfur battery

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are gaining attention as a potential energy storage option due to their impressive theoretical specific capacity. However, the main challenges hindering its implementation include the expansion in volume of sulfur and lithium sulfide during the conversion process of charge-discharge, the limited conductivity of the active material, and specifically, the phenomenon known as shuttle effect caused by lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). The development of high-performance LSBs have led to the need for self-supporting cathode materials that can efficiently accommodate volume expansion, build up efficient conductive pathways, and suppress shuttle effects. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was synthesized in situ on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), resulting in the formation of CNF@PEDOT. Subsequently, CNF@PEDOT was combined with plant fibers (PFs) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to fabricate a self-supporting cathode featuring a multi-scale network structure denoted as CNF@PEDOT/MWCNT/PF/S. The PFs serve as the primary backbone network, CNF@PEDOT to form the secondary conductive network, and MWCNTs act as tertiary conducting networks. In fact, the design of multi-level conductive network effectively improves the conductivity of the material, and PEDOT can further adsorb and catalyze LiPSs. The incorporation of PFs significantly enhanced the mechanical robustness of the cathode and augmented its electrolyte permeability. The self-supporting CNF@PEDOT/MWCNT/PF/S cathode exhibits an initial capacity of 1204.6 mA h g−1 when loaded with 2.4 mg cm−2 of sulfur at a rate of 0.2 C. Notably, it maintains an initial discharge specific capacity of 712.9 mA h g−1 even when the sulfur load is increased to 4.3 mg cm−2. This study presents a comprehensive framework for the development of self-supporting cathodes in LSBs.

Micromechanics stiffness upscaling of plant fiber-reinforced composites

Fiber-reinforced green composites made from natural plant fibers are an increasingly popular sustainable alternative to conventional high-performance composite materials. Given the variety of natural fibers themselves, and the even larger variety of possible composites with specific fiber dosage, fiber orientation distribution, fiber length distribution, and fiber–matrix bond characteristics, micromechanics-based modeling is essential for characterizing the macroscopic response of these composites. Herein, an analytical multiscale micromechanics model for elastic homogenization is developed, capable of capturing the variety. The model features (i) a nanoscopic representation of the natural fibers to predict the fiber stiffness from the universal stiffness of the fiber constituents, mainly cellulose, (ii) a spring-interface model to quantify the compliance of the fiber–matrix bond, and (iii) the ability to model any (and any combination of) orientation distribution and aspect ratio distribution. Validation is performed by comparing the predicted stiffness to experimental results for as many as 73 composites available in the literature. Extensive sensitivity analyses quantify the composite stiffening upon increasing fiber volume fraction, fiber alignment, fiber length, and fiber–matrix interface stiffness, respectively.

Preparation and heat-insulating properties of hollow mullite fibers achieved via template impregnation method to replicate the structure of metaplexis fibers

Mullite fibers possess low thermal conductivity, excellent high-temperature stability, and thermal shock resistance, making them extensively utilized in high-temperature heat-insulating components. However, the majority of current mullite fibers have solid structures, limiting the potential for further enhancement of their heat-insulating properties. Metaplexis fiber, a plant fiber with a hollow structure, effectively obstructs heat transfer, and therefore exhibits excellent heat-insulating properties. In this study, we employed metaplexis fibers as templates to fabricate mullite fibers with hollow structures. First, a precursor solution was prepared using Al(NO3)3·9H2O and ethyl orthosilicate as the solute and anhydrous ethanol as the solvent. The metaplexis fibers were immersed in the solution, removed, and dried to obtain precursor fibers. Finally, the precursor fibers were heated to the target temperature to obtain hollow mullite fibers. The investigation focused on the impact of preparation parameters such as sintering temperature, precursor solution concentration, and aluminum–silicon molar ratio on the morphologies, phases, pore-size distributions, and thermal conductivities of the resulting hollow mullite fibers. The results demonstrated that the prepared mullite fibers inherited the hollow structure of metaplexis fibers, with the cavity diameter in the range of 3–6 μm and porosity of 91 %. Compared to traditional solid mullite fibers, the thermal insulation performance was improved by more than 59 %. These findings highlight the significant potential of hollow ceramic fibers for the development of heat-insulating materials. Using the unique characteristics of their hollow structure, these fibers offer improved heat-insulating properties compared to their solid counterparts.

Exploring agro-morphological and fiber traits diversity in cotton (G. barbadense L.)

Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) is a leading fiber and oilseed crop globally, but genetic diversity among breeding materials is often limited. This study analyzed genetic variability in 14 cotton genotypes from Egypt and other countries, including both cultivated varieties and wild types, using agro-morphological traits and genomic SSR markers. Field experiments were conducted over two seasons to evaluate 12 key traits related to plant growth, yield components, and fiber quality. Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. The Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. Data showed wide variation for the morphological traits, with Egyptian genotypes generally exhibiting higher means for vegetative growth and yield parameters. The top-performing genotypes for yield were Giza 96, Giza 94, and Big Black Boll genotypes, while Giza 96, Giza 92, and Giza 70 ranked highest for fiber length, strength, and fineness. In contrast, molecular profiles were highly polymorphic across all genotypes, including 82.5% polymorphic bands out of 212. Polymorphism information content was high for the SSR markers, ranging from 0.76 to 0.86. Genetic similarity coefficients based on the SSR data varied extensively from 0.58 to 0.91, and cluster analysis separated genotypes into two major groups according to geographical origin. The cotton genotypes displayed high diversity in morphology and genetics, indicating sufficient variability in the germplasm. The combined use of physical traits and molecular markers gave a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity and relationships between Egyptian and global cotton varieties. The SSR markers effectively profiled the genotypes and can help select ideal parents for enhancing cotton through hybridization and marker-assisted breeding.

A lava-inspired design strategy based on combustion characteristics of PFRP for excellent flame retardancy via dual action mechanism at wide temperature range

Although plant fiber reinforced composite (PFRP) with environmental-friendly and biodegradable matches with society development requirements and carbon neutral strategy, the inherent flammability limits application in the engineering field, especially in rail transit and aerospace with strict fire standards. In this work, based on combustion behaviors of PFRP, the flame-retardant strategy inspired by the characteristics of volcanic lava in nature which could flow along rock crevices or valleys and form dense ceramic protective layer with outstanding heat insulation on the surface after cooling is designed. Compared with neat PFRP, the LOI of the PFRP/APP@PTNi20-GP10 (7.7 wt% FR contents) reaches 35.8 %, and UL-94 achieves V-0, showing excellent self-extinguishing performance. Meanwhile, the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke release (TSR) and CO production (COP) decrease by 70.1 % and 51.7 %, 60.3 % and 65.5 % respectively. More importantly, the char layer formed after the combustion process retains excellent strength and compactness, which provides better protection for the undecomposed composite. Furthermore, the release of toxic volatiles including aromatic compounds, esters and carbonyl compounds in gas-phase pyrolysis products decrease significantly. The mechanism of lava-inspired flame-retardant system can be attributed to the dual action mechanism where different components play corresponding flame-retardant role under wide temperature range. And it is noted that the designed strategy endows PFRP with excellent fire resistance without deteriorating mechanical properties. This work provides a novel design idea for realizing the flame retardancy of PFRP and broadens the application field of PFRP.

Fusion of Biotechnology and Craftsmanship: Bacterial Treatment to Improve Bashofu Fiber Extraction

ABSTRACT Bashofu is a traditional Okinawan textile made from thin banana fibers. The raw materials derived from banana leaf sheaths are composed of plant fibers and unwanted constituents such as the plant cuticle layer. The unwanted constituents are hand-scraped by the traditional way that follows boiling the raw materials in a mild alkali solution. However, even after this mild degumming, the plant cuticle layer of current materials can still be too hard to be hand-scraped from the fibers. For smooth fiber separation, the unwanted constituents should be specifically degraded before hand-scraping. Fatty acid polyesters are the main components of plant cuticle layer and are not present in fibers. We attempted to specifically degrade the materials by Stenotrophomonas sp. with the ability to degrade Tween-20, as a result, the treated materials became softer and thinner with uniform thickness. Such changes in the morphology of the material allowed the plant cuticle layer to be easily separated from the banana fibers during hand-scraping, and the cross section of the extracted fibers was not affected by this bacterial treatment. This treatment would be used as a minimal improvement of the traditional Bashofu making in the future and would reduce the hard work for elderly artisans.

Precision Fertilization Strategies for Maximizing Jute Yield in Alluvial Soils of Seemanchal Region of Bihar

This research explores precision fertilization techniques to enhance jute production in Katihar district, Bihar, crucial for small farming households in the Seemanchal region, aiming to replace indiscriminate nitrogen application with the Soil Test Targeted Yield (ST-TY) method, crucial for the economic and environmental value of jute, known as the "golden fiber." Over two years (2019-2020) in the Seemanchal region's Katihar district, an experiment compared Soil Test Targeted Yield (ST-TY) method with traditional practices, revealing minimal impact on soil properties but significant decreases in available nitrogen and phosphorus levels raising concern over nutrient management. Notably, achieving a targeted fiber yield of 32.52 qha-1 through specific fertilizer applications (83:35:19 N:P:K kg/ha) with organic matter consistently outperformed other methods. The method resulted in superior plant growth (385 cm) and fiber production (32.52 q ha-1), yielding the highest net income (96884 Rs ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.44), showcasing its economic viability. This underscores the importance of tailored fertilizer strategies and organic materials for enhancing jute cultivation, suggesting broader adoption potential in Seemanchal and beyond.

Effect of Fiber and Insect Powder Addition on Selected Organoleptic and Nutritional Characteristics of Gluten-Free Bread

A wide range of gluten-free bakery products are already available on the market. However, they often have a low proportion of fiber and inferior sensory properties when compared to classic baked goods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the addition of different types of fiber and insect powder on selected organoleptic and nutritional properties of gluten-free pieces of bread and to reformulate a recipe for gluten-free bread. Twenty experimental samples were prepared with different types and percentages of fiber, either alone or in combination. Sensory analysis, instrumental texture analysis, and chemical analyses, including predicted glycemic index, were carried out. A total of 16 of the 24 fiber-enriched samples received an average or slightly above-average rating. The samples containing the fiber mixture without insect powder and the sample containing 9% flaxseed performed best in the overall evaluation. The combination of different types of plant fibers simultaneously with the incorporation of insect powder in a low concentration appears to be advantageous, both from the viewpoint of sensory acceptability and also from the viewpoint of the potential for increasing the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. This study lists the sensorially acceptable range of fiber concentrations, which can be a guide for the bakery industry.

Assessment of properties of bamboo fiber and EPDM reinforced polypropylene microcellular foam composites

Plant fiber reinforced composite has broad industrial application prospects, and has the trend of gradually replacing traditional materials, but there are also problems such as not obvious advantages of lightweight and poor toughness. In this paper, alkali modified bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene (BF/PP) composite was prepared by supercritical foam injection molding. The effect of fiber content on the formability of BF/PP composite was studied. Furthermore, the strength and toughness of BF/PP composites were balanced by blending Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) elastomers with different content under the optimal fiber content of 20 %. The physical and mechanical properties of BF/PP composites were studied. The results showed that the addition of bamboo fiber improved the structure of the cell and significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the composite. The addition of elastomer EPDM effectively alleviates the problem of poor toughness and brittle fracture of bamboo fiber composites. The foam material density decreased by about 15 %, the addition of bamboo fiber brought the maximum 57.37 % tensile strength and 79.96 % flexural strength improvement to the polypropylene matrix. When the EPDM content was 10 %, the foaming effect of the material was the best, and the impact toughness increased by 34.42 % compared with pure polypropylene. This study expands the application prospect of the bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene microcellular foam materials.

Production and Characterization of Nanocellulose from Maguey (Agave cantala) Fiber.

Plant fibers have been studied as sources of nanocellulose due to their sustainable features. This study investigated the effects of acid hydrolysis parameters, reaction temperature, and acid concentration on nanocellulose yield from maguey (Agave cantala) fiber. Nanocellulose was produced from the fibers via the removal of non-cellulosic components through alkali treatment and bleaching, followed by strong acid hydrolysis for 45 min using sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The temperature during acid hydrolysis was 30, 40, 50, and 60 °C, and the H2SO4 concentration was 40, 50, and 60 wt. % H2SO4. Results showed that 53.56% of raw maguey fibers were isolated as cellulose, that is, 89.45% was α-cellulose. The highest nanocellulose yield of 81.58 ± 0.36% was achieved from acid hydrolysis at 50 °C using 50 wt. % H2SO4, producing nanocellulose measuring 8-75 nm in diameter and 72-866 nm in length, as confirmed via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the chemical transformation of fibers throughout the nanocellulose production process. The zeta potential analysis showed that the nanocellulose had excellent colloidal stability with a highly negative surface charge of -37.3 mV. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis validated the crystallinity of nanocellulose with a crystallinity index of 74.80%. Lastly, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the inflection point attributed to the cellulose degradation of the produced nanocellulose is 311.41 °C.

227 Comparative analysis of rumen bacterial communities from bison heifers fed two forage-based diets of different quality

Abstract Bison have a demonstrated ability to thrive on low-quality forage, an attribute that distinguishes them from their domestic ruminant counterparts. This could be attributed to the capability of their rumen symbiotic microorganisms in extracting more nutrients out of plant biomass. To gain further insight into the role of the bison microbiome in this beneficial adaptation, the primary objective of this study was to determine the diversity and composition of ruminal bacteria in bison fed poor versus good quality forage-based diets. Ruminal content was collected by stomach tubing from 25 bison heifers fed good quality forage (GQG) during the summer (last week of June 2023) at the McGinley Ranch (Gordon, Nebraska, USA). The same individuals were then transitioned to low quality hay (PQG) in pen confinement for approximately 4 to 5 wk before resampling. Data generated from Illumina MiSeq (2×300) sequencing of PCR amplicons targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene were analyzed using a combination of custom Perl scripts, and publicly available software (Mothur v.1.40, RDP classifier and NCBI Blast). Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed a clear distinction in bacterial composition between the two types of forages (Figure 1). Further analysis of species-level operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was performed, and a total of 78,808 OTUs were identified across all samples. From the 20 most highly represented OTUs, the respective abundance of twelve OTUs showed significant differences between the two forage types (Kruskal-Wallis’s sum-rank test; P < 0.05). For example, OTUs SD_Bb-00014 (µGQG = 1.06% vs µPQG = 0.19%), and SD_Bb-00049 (µGQG = 0.98% vs µPQG = 0.08%) showed significant decreases in abundance when animals switched to PQG. Conversely, OTUs SD_Bb-00071 (µGQG = 0.2% vs µPQG = 2.71%), SD_Bb-00049 (µGQG = 0.68% vs µPQG = 1.67%) and OTUs SD_Bb-00148 (µGQG = 0.19% vs µPQG = 1.40%) exhibited a significant increase in abundance in response to the forage transition. Notably, only one of the assessed OTUs, SD_Bb-00071, showed high sequence identity to its closest valid relative, Fibrobacter succinogenes (98.41%). In contrast, most of the other highly represented OTUs were found to be very dissimilar to known species, suggesting that they might represent novel or currently uncharacterized bacterial species (Table 1). Together, these results demonstrate the significant impact of variations in nutritional value and forage quality on the composition of rumen bacterial communities in the North American bison. Poor forage quality appeared to favor bacterial species such as Fibrobacter succinogenes, known for its cellulolytic capabilities, presumably because of its greater efficiency in breaking down more resistant plant cell walls. Its ability and that of other abundant OTUs to efficiently convert plant fibers into assimilable nutrients is likely critical in allowing bison to perform better on poor-quality forage compared with domesticated ruminants.

Nutritional Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the land-grant university for the State of Illinois, was founded in 1865, and education in nutrition was recorded as early as 1874. Herein, the contributions of the UIUC to research and graduate training in the field of nutrition are highlighted. Over the past 150 years, faculty members from many academic units have provided foundational nutrition research, including identifying the last essential amino acid, threonine, and establishing chemically defined amino acid diets for chicks, rats, dogs, and cats that led to establishing amino acid requirements for these species. Research on the adverse health effects of trans fatty acids supported their removal from the food system. UIUC has led in the area of functional foods for health, including plant bioactives, soy, and fiber. More recently, UIUC faculty have evaluated the interactions between dietary components and neurocognitive, microbiome, and health outcomes, including cancer. In 2020, the cross-campus Personalized Nutrition Initiative was launched to coordinate interdisciplinary research. The Division of Nutritional Sciences was established in 1968 as one of the country’s first interdisciplinary graduate training programs. The Division of Nutritional Sciences program has conferred over 580 degrees and has implemented innovations in graduate education, many supported by federal training grants and endowed awards and programs.

Effects of probiotic on growth and production of brown midrib sorghum mutant line (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in ultisol

This study aims to observe the efficiency of probiotic inoculants on growth, soil fertility, and production of brown midrib (BMR) sorghum mutant lines. The experimental using a Randomized Block Design of four treatments and four blocks, P0: manure + (N, K, 0% P) + probiotic; P1: manure + (N, K, 50% P) + probiotic; P2: manure + (N, K, 75% P) + probiotic; P3: manure + (N, K, 100% P) without a probiotic (control). The dose of cow manure fertilizer is 10 tons/ha, and the doses of N, P, and K fertilizers are 120 kg/ha, 90 kg/ha, and 60 kg/ha, respectively, from urea, triple superphosphate (TSP), and potassium chloride (KCl). Parameters observed were plant morphology, biomass production, nutrient and fiber fraction content, and soil fertility. The treatment had no significant effect (P>0.05) on stem diameter, leaf length, and width, soil pH, fresh and DM production, the number of leaves, plant height, stem:leaf: panicle ratio, colony PSB, soil P-available, fiber and nutrient fractions of sorghum whole plant. The conclusion is that applying probiotics with lower phosphate fertilizer in sorghum cultivation produces growth, forage production, nutrition and fiber fraction content, and P-available and colony PSB, like 100% P fertilizer application. Probiotic bacteria could be applied as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and reduce the application of P fertilizer on BMR sorghum in ultisol.

Investigation of recovery behavior on 3D-printed continuous plant fiber-reinforced composites

The mechanical properties and accuracy of 3D-printed composites can be significantly affected by printing parameters. This work discovered a noteworthy recovery phenomenon during 3D printing of continuous flax fiber-reinforced composites (CFFRCs). The yarn count and printing speed are the critical factors that influence the recovery behavior, which, in turn, affects the thickness, the fiber volume fraction, and the void content of CFFRCs, ultimately impacting the mechanical properties. Smaller yarn counts have a greater effect on the recovery behavior of CFFRCs. Increasing the printing speed from 5 mm/s to 15 mm/s leads to the loss of tensile properties and flexural modulus in CFFRCs up to 30 % and 58 %, respectively. The recovery mechanism of the CFFRCs is further elucidated with the observation of temperature distribution during the printing process. This indicates that recovery is more likely to occur in the compressed yarn with a twisted structure when the deposited thermoplastic matrix exceeds the glass transition temperature. The results and findings have the potential to enhance the process optimization of 3D-printed continuous plant fiber composite parts, ensuring high mechanical properties and dimensional precision.

Synthesis and characterization of chicken feather derived rachis fiber-bamboo particulate hybrid reinforced epoxy composites for sustainable structural applications

Purpose This paper aims to reduce waste management and generate wealth by investigating the novelty of combining chicken feather fiber and bamboo particles to produce hybrid biocomposites. This is part of responsible production and sustainability techniques for sustainable development goals. This study aims to broaden animal and plant fiber utilization in the sustainable production of epoxy resins for engineering applications. Design/methodology/approach This research used two reinforcing materials [chicken feather fiber (CFF) and bamboo particles (BP)] to reinforce epoxy resin. The BPs were kept constant at 6 Wt.%, while the CFF was varied within 3–15 Wt.% in the composites to make CFF-BP polymer-reinforced composite (CFF-BP PRC). The mechanical experiment showed a 21% reduction in densities, making the CFF-BP PRC an excellent choice for lightweight applications. Findings It was discovered that fabricated composites with 10 mm CFF length had improved properties compared with the 15 mm CFF length and pristine samples, which confirmed that short fibers are better at enhancing randomly dispersed fibers in the epoxy matrix. However, the ballistic properties of both samples matched. There is a 40% increase in tensile strength and a 54% increase in flexural strength of the CFF-BP PRC compared to the pristine sample. Originality/value According to the literature review, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a novel study of chicken fiber and bamboo particles in reinforcing epoxy composite.

Analytical Study of Polychrome Clay Sculptures in the Five-Dragon Taoist Palace of Wudang, China

During the Ming Dynasty, the Five-Dragon Palace functioned as a royal Taoist temple set atop one of China’s holiest Taoist mountains, Wudang Mountain. Two tower polychrome sculptures with exquisite craftsmanship have remained over the centuries. In this study, the painting materials and the techniques used to construct these sculptures were analyzed through multiple characterization methods, including optical microscope (OM) observations, micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM−EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μ−FTIR), and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py−GC/MS). The results revealed that the pigments used in these sculptures included red pigments, which were composed of mercury (II) sulfide (cinnabar or vermillion), minium (Pb3O4), and hematite (Fe2O3); green pigments, which included atacamite and botallackite (Cu2Cl(OH)3), and blue pigments, which comprised smalt (CoO·nSiO2) and azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2). The white base layer was composed of quartz and mica minerals combined with gypsum or plant fiber, and the gold foil was adhered to the surface using heated tung oil. In addition, a special multi−layer technique was applied, with red under the golden gilding, white under the blue layer, and gray and black under the green layer. Drying oil was used as a binder for lead-containing pigments. This study offers substantial proof of reliable techniques to use in the continuing conservation of these sculptures, and it also serves as a foundation to determine if they can be dated to the late Ming or early Qing Dynasty (17th century).