Preparation Method Research Articles

A room temperature chemical process for homogeneous mixing of precursor phases for low temperature tetracalcium phoshate preparation

The aim of this study was to prepare phase pure tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) from the precursor phase mixtures homogeneous at the nano/microscale level at lower heat treatment temperatures in much shorter dwell times.Two different precursor powder mixtures were prepared by reacting CaCO3 with H3PO4 in ethanol or water. The resultant precursor powder mixtures were heat treated at temperatures in the 1200–1350 °C range for 2 and 5 h. Phase structures of the powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for the investigation of powder particle sizes and morphology. Powders synthesized by the heat treatment of both of the starting powder mixtures prepared in ethanol or water with 2 and 5 h of dwell times at 1350 °C were determined to be phase pure TTCP. SEM analysis along with the phase identification showed that the precursor powder prepared in ethanol had micron sized plates formed by aggregation of sub-micron sized thin CaHPO4 plates covering CaCO3 particles. The precursor powder prepared in water contained large aggregates of sub-micron sized CaCO3 particles whose surface was covered by precipitated nano-sized hydroxyapatite. TTCP powders were composed of large irregularly shaped particles formed by sintering of smaller equiaxed grains. Average grain and particles sizes of the TTCP powders synthesized from the precursor powder prepared in ethanol were 3.2–3.9 and 8.1–8.4 μm, respectively. Average grain and particle sizes of the TTCP powders synthesized from the precursor powder prepared in water however were measured to be 3.3–5.1 and 11.2–11.6 μm, respectively.The TTCP preparation method presented in this study provides homogeneous and well-mixed precursor powders prepared from cheap and commonly available precursors without milling and decreases the heat treatment time to 2 h at 1350 °C.

Non-Destructive Integration of Spark-Discharge Produced Gold Nanoparticles onto Laser-Scribed Graphene Electrodes for Advanced Electrochemical Sensing Applications

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated graphene materials are preferable materials in a wide range of electrochemical applications, however, the current methods for preparing them have several limitations. Herein, we have developed a green, solution-free, and non-destructive method for the in-situ generation of AuNPs on laser-scribed graphene electrodes (LSGEs), addressing the limitations of traditional preparation methods. This novel technique, contrasting with the conventional solution-based electrochemical deposition, utilizes spark discharge to modify LSGEs, demonstrating superior performance in sensors and biosensors applications. Through comprehensive characterizations (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM)), we observed significant distinctions in particle size, metal loading, stability, surface-to-volume ratio, and graphene quality between spark-discharge produced AuNPs (SP-AuNPs) and electrodeposition produced AuNPs (EC-AuNPs). The average particle sizes of the SP-AuNPs and EC-AuNPs are 10 nm and 38 nm, respectively. The SP-AuNPs modified LSGEs demonstrate exceptional electroanalytical performance in dopamine detection, with a broad detection range (0.6–90 µM) and low LOD (0.40 µM), further validated in human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y. Our findings suggest that the spark discharge method represents a significant advancement in the synthesis of metal nanoparticle enhanced LSG electrodes, with broad implications for electrochemical sensing, biosensing, and biomedical applications.

A novel micromixer based on coastal fractal for manufacturing controllable size liposome

The traditional lipid preparation methods are complex, time-consuming, and consume a large amount of reagents, increasing costs and difficulties. Although microfluidic technology is considered a promising solution, achieving controllable liposome production with a simple and inexpensive microfluidic mixing device remains an important problem. This paper presents a wall-type micro-mixer based on coastal zone fractals. Four parameters related to the geometric shape of the coastline fractal in the microchannel are used as design variables, and the mixing index is the objective function. Single-objective optimization numerical analysis of the primary wall-type fractal baffle micromixer under four Reynolds numbers conditions yields the optimal structural configuration. Visualization experiments verify the correctness and accuracy of the numerical simulation, and the optimized mixer is used to produce liposomes. The results show that the micro-mixer with the optimal double-sidewall cross arrangement enhances chaotic convection and improves mixing efficiency. At Re = 0.1 and Re = 100, the mixing efficiency reaches 99%, 50.44% higher than the reference design. By changing the relative flow rates of lipid and aqueous solutions, microfluidic blank liposomes with a particle size of 165.12 ± 11.6 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.35± are obtained. This wall-type fractal micro-mixer has broad application prospects due to its high mixing efficiency.

The influence of the catalyst preparation methods on performance of Mn/Na2WO4/SiO2 in oxidative coupling of methane

The influence of the catalyst preparation methods on performance of Mn/Na2WO4/SiO2 in oxidative coupling of methane

Liquid crystal phase behavior of oxalated cellulose nanocrystal and optical films with controllable structural color induced by centripetal force

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a sustainable bio-nanomaterial. The distinctive left-handed polarization properties render cellulose nanocrystal a promising candidate for optical film. Due to eco-friendliness, reliability, mildness and simplicity, the oxalate hydrolysis method stands out among various preparation methods for CNC. This study delved into the liquid crystal phase behavior of oxalated cellulose nanocrystal derived from pulp, and discovered the influences of CNC concentration and pH on suspension stability and phase transition, and evaluated its optical properties. The results demonstrated that oxalated CNC presented two different liquid crystal phases, the nematic phase and the cholesteric phase. The stability mechanism of CNC suspension and the regulatory principle of the liquid crystal phase transition were revealed. A novel CNC film-forming technology, the multilayer spin-coating technique, was developed for cellulose nanocrystal optical films. Driven by centrifugal force, cellulose nanocrystals were induced to self-assembly and formed the optical film with circular dichroism and structural color. This simple and efficient film-forming technology promised rapid processing (1 h) and controllable film structure and optical properties compared to traditional technologies. This work provided a theoretical understanding and practical prospects for integrating oxalated cellulose nanocrystal into sustainable advanced optical film materials.

Foamed ceramic based γ-Al₂O₃ coated catalysts with different preparation methods for ethyl nicotinate hydrogenation reaction

This study investigated the catalytic hydrogenation of ethyl nicotinate using Pd/Al2O3-SiO2 foam ceramic catalysts prepared via sol-gel impregnation (SI), sol-gel precipitation (SP), precipitation-impregnation (PI), and co-precipitation (CP). We aimed to evaluate the performance and stability of these catalysts as coatings on foam ceramic surfaces in a high-pressure hydrogen reactor at 403 K and 5 MPa. Various physicochemical characterization methods were employed to correlate catalytic performance with physicochemical properties. Results indicated that sol-gel prepared supports had higher specific surface areas, more acidic sites, and better metal-carrier interactions compared to the precipitation method. SEM analyses revealed flatter and smoother coatings from the sol-gel method, while TEM showed uniform Pd distribution with impregnation. Ultimately, the SI method provided the best catalytic performance with a conversion of 86.77%. The conversion of the substrate remained above 80% after five cycles.

Cellulose-based water-in-salt ZnBr2 hydrogels with multiple functions for energy storage devices

A new simple preparation method for water-in-salt-type cellulose hydrogels filled with ZnBr2 is reported. The ZnBr2 hydrogel electrolyte can be applied to zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors and Zn-Br interfacial batteries. The water-in-salt ZnBr2 hydrogel serves as a stable electrolyte for good electrochemical performance in zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors without redox reactions and can participate in the charging/discharging process of the Zn‒Br interfacial battery through the redox reaction of halogen anions. The assembled zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor exhibits a specific capacitance of 241.8 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1. Furthermore, after a 10000-cycle-long charging/discharging test at 5 A g-1, the coulombic efficiency is found at nearly 100%. The interfacial battery reaches the highest energy efficiency of 66% at a current density of 3 mA cm-2 at 0–1.8 V and displays a good cycle life with an 88% average coulombic efficiency at 3 mA cm-2. This work expands the application of hydrogels and provides new possibilities for optimizing the high performance of electrolytes.

Impact of the K and Fe insertion methods in KFeCeZr catalysts on the CO2 hydrogenation to C2/C3 olefins at room pressure

Light olefins, traditionally sourced from petroleum, are currently being investigated through alternative routes, such as CO2 hydrogenation, aligning with CCUS policies. Alkali-promoted Fe-based catalysts have shown promise in coupling reverse water–gas shift and Fischer-Tropsch processes to produce light olefins from CO2 directly. The in-situ generated Fe5C2 phase is commonly associated with the high activity of these catalysts. However, the preparation methods employed can lead to distinct catalyst properties, which considerably impact the performance during the reaction. Here, we investigate different strategies to introduce K and Fe in the KFeCeZr system and correlate catalyst properties with catalytic activity during CO2 hydrogenation at ambient pressure. The catalyst prepared by one-pot precipitation of Fe, Ce, and Zr followed by K impregnation showed the most promising results in terms of conversion and productivity of light olefins. The effective incorporation of Fe in the CeZrOx structure during synthesis was essential for maintaining the high dispersion of metallic Fe particles after reduction, improving reactant chemisorption. Under reaction conditions, this catalyst showed the most remarkable propensity to form iron carbides (FexCy), mainly composed of Fe5C2 phase. In general, this work highlights the impact that the construction steps of a multifunctional catalyst have on the physicochemical properties and, consequently, on the catalytic activity.

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) frass as a novel culinary ‘tea’ application in gastronomy: aroma profile, volatile compounds, and consumer acceptance.

Tea is a popular beverage consumed all around the world. Its origins can be traced back to China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. A subcategory of tea is referred to as ‘insect tea’; it is produced using the excrement (frass) of insects that consume plants. This study explored the utilisation of silkworm frass, a by-product of silk production, as a novel beverage in the culinary field. It explored optimal preparation methods, and measured physicochemical properties, volatile aroma compounds, the sensory aroma profile, and consumer acceptance. Silkworm frass was collected and roasted at 160 °C for 0, 30, 40, and 50 minutes. The analysis revealed notable differences in the samples' water activity, moisture content, colour, and pH: Moisture content and water activity decreased, preventing spoilage of the samples, while pH increased, and the colour intensified. The volatile aroma analysis revealed 65 compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, phenols, pyrazines, and hydrocarbons. These compounds exhibited significant variations in concentration depending on the duration of roasting. Sensory evaluation presented distinct attributes associated with each sample, such as earthy and roasted aromas in all samples, and specific aromas of brown herbal aftertaste and tobacco leaves in the 50-min sample, roasted grain aromas in the 40-min sample, and stronger notes of fresh hay for both the 30-min and 50 min sample. The hedonic sensory test revealed that the duration of roasting did not influence consumer preferences in terms of the attributes of taste, aroma, colour, texture, and overall acceptance. The novel ‘tea’ demonstrates potential in the gastronomy industry due to its aroma profile and positive consumer acceptance. It is a promising example of an upcycled culinary product that utilizes by-products from silk farms.

Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of urogenital disorders in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Southeastern Morocco: An Ethnobotanical Survey

This study presents an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of urogenital disorders in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, located in southeastern Morocco. The survey involved 200 herbalists and medicinal plant vendors across three provinces: Errachidia, Tinghir, and Zagora. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using metrics such as use value (UV), frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and family importance value (FIV). The study identified 80 species belonging to 44 plant families. The most represented families were Asteraceae (8 species), Lamiaceae (7 species), Apiaceae (7 species), and Fabaceae (6 species). The species most frequently cited treating urogenital disorders included Petroselinum sativum Hoff. (RFC = 0.018), Arenaria rubra L. (RFC = 0.016), Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lank. (RFC = 0.016), Zea mays (RFC = 0.013), Artemisia herba-alba (RFC = 0.013), and Ammi visnaga (RFC = 0.011). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (35%). The primary preparation methods of these remedies were decoction (53.75%) and infusion (30%), with oral administration being the preferred route (95%). The findings of this study provide a valuable resource for researchers and practioners of traditional medicine, highlighting the importance of Morocco's medicinal flora. This ethnobotanical knowledge not only supports the conservation of national pharmacopoeia but also offers a promising foundation for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, particularly for the treatment of urogenital disorders. Future research could further investigate the bioactive compounds present in the identified species, potentially leading to innovative treatments for urogenital health issues.

A Standardized Mouse Model for Wound Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly drug-resistant pathogen known to impair wound healing and provoke inflammatory responses, potentially leading to immune dysregulation. This study aimed to systematically investigate the immune response mechanisms mediated by cytokines following P. aeruginosa infection through the development of a standardized wound model. Kunming mice were selected as experimental subjects and given 8 mm diameter lesions on their backs and inoculated with standard strains PAO1 and PA14. The key parameters assessed included changes in body weight, wound redness and swelling, bacterial dynamics, protein content in wound tissues, immune responses, and pathological alterations. The results demonstrated that pathogen invasion significantly inhibited wound healing, with healing rates in the infected groups (87.5 ± 6.3% and 77.1 ± 3.6%) being notably lower than those in the uninfected control group. P. aeruginosa persisted in the wounds for up to 12 days, with bacterial loads decreasing from 8 log to 2 log. Additionally, there was a marked reduction in the protein content of the wound tissue and an increase in the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and TNF-α. The thickness of granulation tissue and the number of neovessels were significantly lower compared to the uninfected control group. This study establishes a standardized paradigm for creating a mouse model of P. aeruginosa infection in wounds, emphasizing the importance of appropriate mouse strains, uniform wound preparation methods, and moderate inoculation doses for reliable and accurate experimental results. These elements will facilitate the assessment of changes across six key indicators post-infection, providing a foundational data set and technical support for future mechanistic investigations of P. aeruginosa infection and the development of targeted antimicrobial strategies.

Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐Hexafluoropropylene) Composites With Carbon Based Nanofillers for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

ABSTRACTIn the current work, a series of flexible polymer matrix composites (PMCs) based on poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) as the polymer matrix and carbon nanofillers, namely single‐walled nanotubes (SWCNT) or carbon blacks (CB), were fabricated via a facile preparation method of blending and solution casting. The electrical conductivity, morphology, dielectric constant, mechanics, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of the composite films were adjusted by varying the carbon type (CB = Ketjenblack, Vulcan, or SWCNT = Tuball) and amount (0.1–15 wt%). The influence of the conductive nanofillers on the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and microwave absorbing properties in the X‐band frequency range (8–12 GHz) were investigated. By increasing the carbon content, the EMI shielding properties of the composite films were improved due to an increase in the magnitude of the electromagnetic properties. As the loading of these carbon fillers approach the percolation threshold, the dielectric constant of the composite can dramatically increase because of the construction of a microcapacitor network. However, these nanofillers/polymer composites generally have high dielectric loss near the percolation threshold due to the direct connection between carbon nanofillers. The PVDF‐HFP/Tuball composite particularly contributed low dielectric loss to the electromagnetic (EM) wave, resulting in excellent microwave absorption properties with a SE per unit thickness of 337.5 dB/mm and 2.5× less weight compared with conventional aluminum with the same SE, demonstrating the promise of using these materials as practical EMI shields.

Chemistry and Biological Activity of Thieno[3,4-b]quinoline, Thieno[3,4-c] quinolone, Thieno[3,2-g]quinoline and Thieno[2,3-g]quinoline Derivatives: A Review (Part IX)

Abstract: Over the previous decades, thieno-quinoline derivatives have acquired great interest due to their synthetic and biological applications. These reports have been disclosed on Thienoquinoline synthesis such as thieno[3,4-b]quinoline; thieno[3,4-c]quinolone; thieno [3,2-g]quinoline; thieno[2,3- g] quinoline; spiro-thieno[2,3-g]quinoline; benzo[b]thiophen-iso- quinoline derivatives, and therefore in the existent review, we provided an inclusive update on the synthesis of thienoquinolines. Characterization of the preparation methods and reactivity is categorized based on their types of reactions as addition, alkylation, chlorination, acylation, oxidation, reduction, cyclization and cyclo-condensation. Hence, this study will help the researchers to obtain knowledge from the last literature research to conquer their resolve problems in designing new compounds and processes.

Efficient removal of low concentrations of copper and lead ions in water using chitosan-condensed tannin composite microspheres

Condensed tannin was solidified onto chitosan microspheres to prepare chitosan-tannin (CT) composite microspheres with a simple preparation method to study its performance in adsorbing copper (Cu2+) and lead ions (Pb2+) in aqueous media. The study investigated the influence of the mass ratio of tannin and chitosan, pH value, adsorption time, and initial concentrations of Cu2+ and Pb2+ on the adsorption capacity of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions. Additionally, the study examined the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of Cu2+ and Pb2+ on CT composite microspheres. The adsorption process aligns more closely with the fitting results of the Langmuir model. The maximum capacity for saturated monolayer adsorption of CT composite microspheres for Cu2+ and Pb2+ was 37.6 and 52.9 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption process of CT composite microspheres for Cu2+ and Pb2+ was primarily driven by single-layer chemical adsorption. In addition, metal ions adsorbed onto CT composite microspheres can be released by treating them with a dilute solution of strong acid. Furthermore, the CT composite microspheres exhibited impressive removal efficiencies of 82 % and 95 % for Cu2+ and Pb2+ respectively, even at low concentrations of 2 mg/L. The CT composite microspheres have the ability to easily separate the adsorbed Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions.

A Study on a New Method for Simultaneous Internal Curing and hydrophobic in Concrete

The high hydrophilicity and permeability of concrete caused by many pores and hydroxyl groups produced by cement hydration are the main factors leading to dry shrinkage, cracking, and poor corrosion resistance of concrete. Giving concrete internal curing and hydrophobicity is an effective measure to solve the above problems. In this paper, a new idea and preparation method for an organic combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials are proposed to improve the service life of concrete structures. Furthermore, the combined effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic amphoteric materials (HAM) on the mechanical properties, internal curing properties, and hydrophobic properties of concrete were comprehensively investigated. In addition, the physical and chemical action mechanisms were analyzed in conjunction with microscopic tests. The results indicated that HAM rapidly released water within 3-7 days before concrete curing, and then slowly released water accompanied by the release of hydrophobic materials, gradually from hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties; The addition of HAM did not reduce the mechanical properties of concrete, which solved the problem of low compressive strength of integral hydrophobic concrete; The addition of HAM reduced the drying shrinkage of concrete by 154.12%, increased the contact angle to 96°, and decreased the water absorption rate by 36%, allowing the concrete to achieve better internal curing and a hydrophobic effect. The preparation of this material can open up a new way to solve the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties required by concrete at the same time, and fill the gap that concrete can not balance hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.

Reports of tropane alkaloid poisonings and analytical techniques for their determination in food crops and products from 2013 to 2023.

Food safety is crucial to attaining food security and sustainability. Unsafe foods for human and animal consumption lead to product recalls and rejection, negatively impacting the global economy and trade. Similarly, climate change can adversely affect the availability of safe and nutritious food at the table. The changing climatic conditions and global food trade and transport can make the movement of toxic plants possible, resulting in food crops being increasingly invaded by some species of plants that produce toxic secondary metabolites, such as tropane alkaloids (TAs).Datura stramoniumfrom the Solanaceae plant family is an invasive and virulent plant that produces high amounts of two TAs, atropine and scopolamine. Various food poisoning events following accidental or deliberate ingestion of foods contaminated by atropine and scopolamine from seeds ofD. stramoniumhave been recorded in different locations globally. Due to these incidents, regulatory agencies require the development of plant toxin detection methods that can be used in the food chain as early as possible. This systematic review thus focuses on the TA determination techniques in food and feeds published between 2013 and 2023. A particular focus was given to the sample preparation methods, the improvements of each technique claimed, and data to support the performance of each method, especially the ability to measure at or below the maximum level. The review concludes with other technological advancements, including rapid spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and colorimetric methods, as well as the possibility of coupling with smartphones for use in on-farm detection and the challenges in applying them.

Comparative Study of Lycopene-Loaded Niosomes Prepared by Microfluidic and Thin-Film Hydration Techniques for UVB Protection and Anti-Hyperpigmentation Activity.

Niosomes are employed for their improved physical properties and stability and as a controlled delivery system. However, their large-scale production and different preparation methods affect their physical properties. The microfluidic method represents a novel approach to the preparation of niosomes that enables precise control and decreases the preparation time and steps compared to alternative methods. The UVB protection and anti-hyperpigmentation activities of lycopene-loaded niosomes prepared by microfluidic (MF) and novel conventional thin-film hydration (THF) methods were compared. Extract powders from tomatoes (T), carrots (C), and mixed red vegetables (MR) were utilized to prepare lycopene-rich extract-entrapped niosomes. The resulting niosome formulations were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, FT-IR spectra, entrapment efficiency, lycopene-release profile, permeation, and stability. The lycopene extract-niosome formulations were evaluated for their potential to provide UVB protection to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and for their anti-melanogenesis effects on B16F10 melanoma cells. The results indicated that niosomes prepared by the MF method exhibited high uniformity and homogeneity (reflected by a low PDI value) and maintained smaller sizes when processed through a chip utilizing a hydrodynamic flow-focusing (HFF) platform compared to THF niosomes. The release kinetics of all lycopene-niosome formulations followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The FT-IR spectra indicated that lycopene was incorporated into the niosome bilaminar membrane. Moreover, niosomes obtained from MF demonstrated enhanced stability during heating-cooling cycles, along with high UVB protection and anti-melanogenesis effects. Therefore, these developed niosome preparation methods could be effectively applied to topical products.

A microphase-separated structure of polystyrene-b-polyisoprene-b-polystyrene triblock copolymers prepared via shear-press and injection molding methods during uniaxial deformation

The influence of the preparation method on the initial structure and deformation behavior of polystyrene (PS) - polyisoprene (PI) - PS (SIS) triblock copolymer elastomers was investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Shear pressing (SP) and injection molding (IM) were used as the preparation methods. The samples exhibited a microphase-separated structure, in which the PS cylinders were packed in a hexagonal lattice for the entire sample. SP-SIS possessed a higher degree of microphase separation (DMPS) and an ordering of a microphase-separated structure (OMPSS), and lower degree of the PS cylinder orientation (DCO) than IM-SIS. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed along the parallel (//) and perpendicular (–|) directions to the PS cylinder orientation combining in situ SAXS/WAXD measurements. Young’s modulus and tensile strength of IM-SIS were lager and smaller than those of SP-SIS. A change in the PS cylinder orientation, which occurs for –| stretching, of IM-SIS occurred at larger strain than SP-SIS, indicating that the orientation of highly ordered PS cylinders are difficult to be changed due to their larger domains. It was found that the DCO relates to Young's modulus, yielding, and change in the PS cylinder orientation, while the OMPSS and DMPS relate to tensile strength.

Two-Dimensional (2D) Conductive Metal-Organic Framework Thin Films: The Preparation and Applications in Electrochemistry.

Two-dimensional conductive MOF thin films have attracted attention due to their rich pore structure and unique electrical properties, and their applications in many fields, including batteries, sensing, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, etc. This paper discusses several preparation methods for 2D conductive MOF thin films. And the applications of 2D conductive MOF thin films are summarized. In addition, the current challenges in the preparation of 2D conductive MOF thin films and the great potential in practical applications are discussed.

A Brief Review of Hemp Fiber Length Measurement Techniques

Accurate fiber length measurement is essential for the processing and quality management of textile products. This article reviews the current methods used to measure fiber length, including manual, photoelectric, capacitive, and optical techniques. Existing sample preparation processes for natural fiber characterization have been primarily developed for cotton and wool fibers. However, hemp fibers present unique challenges due to their greater length variability, high strength, and low elongation, making some traditional sample preparation methods less effective. Image processing offers a promising approach for scalable and precise measurement of hemp fiber length. Nevertheless, current image processing techniques are limited by the inability to effectively handle overlapping fibers, which increases both the time and cost of testing. Continued research into developing more advanced segmentation algorithms could lead to more widely adopted commercial methods for fiber measurement.