Sisal Fiber Research Articles

In-situ growth of Al/Ni layered double hydroxide onto polyaniline-wrapped sisal fibers for highly efficient removal of pharmaceutical Ketoprofen and Ibuprofen contaminants: Batch and fixed-bed column studies

The present study focuses on the in-situ growth of Al/Ni layered double hydroxide onto polyaniline/sisal fibers (SF/PANI/LDH). The main purpose is investigating the effectiveness of this composite material in removing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory artificial pharmaceutical contaminants (ketoprofen (KTP) and ibuprofen (IBP)). The present investigation involves conducting batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Various analytical techniques, namely SEM, FTIR, and XRD, were conducted to analyze prepared adsorbent features. These analyses indicated that Al/Ni layered double hydroxide was successfully coated on the polyaniline-wrapped sisal fibers. The batch study was mainly focused on assessing influencing parameters (solution pH, adsorbent dosage, pollutant concentration, and time), equilibrium curves, kinetic behavior, and the determination of thermodynamic parameters. In particular, the findings illustrate that adsorption results were well correlated to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Temkin isotherm models, in which the maximum adsorption capacities for IBP and KTP were measured to be about 86.03 and 38.68 mg/g, respectively. The adsorbent showed having an acceptable efficiency even after six cycles of regeneration, where adsorption capacity decreased <15 % compared to primary adsorbent. In addition, the fixed-bed column study was conducted, and the results revealed that the service volume reduced with the increase in the flow rate.

Fabrication of sisal fiber carbon paper-polyaniline composite as binder-free electrodes for supercapacitor

Free-standing composite papers of SFCP@PANI were prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline on the surface of sisal fiber carbon paper (SFCP). The SFCP@PANI papers can be directly built into electrodes without the need for any binders or conductive agents. SFCP@PANI-2 exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in the three-electrode system and the coin-type symmetric supercapacitor (SSC), which indicates that it may be a promising electrode material for supercapacitor.

Experimental investigations on mechanical properties of sisal and coir fiber reinforced hybrid bio composites

Nowadays, natural fibres have emerged as a new category of material, gradually displacing synthetic fibres in a variety of contexts. Synthetic fibres have the potential to lower the price of hybrid composites while enhancing their use with natural fibres. Coir and sisal fibres were used to create the hybrid composites in this investigation. Epoxy LY556 and Hardener HY951 were used in a hand lay-up process to create composites with alternating stacks of coir and sisal fibres. The produced composites were tested in accordance with the ASTM standards for tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, compression strength, water absorption, and biodegradability. The mechanical characteristics of composites were shown to be significantly influenced by the orientation of the fibres through experimentation. When compared to their angle-ply and cross-ply equivalents, unidirectional hybrid composites prove to be the superior material. Flexural and impact characteristics of hybrid composites are greatly affected by the hand lay-up method, whereas tensile strength and water absorption % are unaffected. These hybrid composites have shown promise as a lightweight load-bearing structural material, and this is something that should be noted.

Fracture toughness analysis of a woven sisal-glass fiber hybrid composite

This experimental work’s goal was to investigate the mode-I fracture toughness behavior of a hybrid composite material made of woven sisal and glass fibers under mode-I loading circumstances to gauge the material’s resistance to fracture behavior. The sisal plant was painstakingly stripped of its fibers. For the sisal fiber surface treatment, 5% NaOH was utilized. Next, treated fibers were weaved by hand to create the woven sisal fiber. Using the hand lay-up technique and the ASTM D5045-99 standard, compact tension specimens were created. The findings indicated that, under mode I loading circumstances, the mode I fracture toughness value of a specimen with a thickness of 5 mm has a (KIC) of 18.34 MPa. m. By determining a material’s resistance to fracture under mode I stress conditions—a condition that is employed in a variety of engineering applications—it is a valuable parameter for developing and establishing preconditions for engineering applications. The manufactured hybrid specimens’ performance and applications for various engineering materials for construction (such as tables, ceilings, and partitions), lightweight vehicle parts (like boards), and replacing synthetic materials with natural fibers in engineering applications were demonstrated by the results of the fracture toughness test.

Mechanical Characterization of Sustainable Concrete Incorporating Bentonite Powder and Sisal Fibre

The production of cement releases huge amount of greenhouse emissions. Various alternative materials for cement replacement are suggested by the researchers. However, these materials are not available in all places. Hence, the exploration of substitute materials for cement remains a contemporary focal point in research. In this work, an endeavor has been taken to know the effect of bentonite as a substitute for cement on the behavior of concrete. Further, sisal fibers are added in this concrete to enhance the overall concrete characteristics. The concrete of the M30 grade is employed and the cement has been replaced with bentonite by weight of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. The workability, strength, and durability for acid curing were assessed and compared to regular concrete. There is a 10.81%, 14.17%, and 12.02% enhancement in the compressive strength by the inclusion of 30% of bentonite as a replacement for cement. The inclusion of 30% bentonite as a replacement for cement exhibits optimum enhancement in strength and durability. Further, the inclusion of sisal fibers and bentonite enhances the tensile strength of the concrete. The test results suggest that the inclusion of bentonite as a substitute for cement increases the concrete characteristics.

Effect of sisal and coconut fibers on the strength performance of recycled aggregate concrete using copper slag

Effect of sisal and coconut fibers on the strength performance of recycled aggregate concrete using copper slag

Investigation of the Effect of Sisal Fibers on Rheological Properties of Cement Paste

Investigation of the Effect of Sisal Fibers on Rheological Properties of Cement Paste

Mechanical properties of a hybrid waste tyre, sisal and polyester resin composite fibre board

Millions of used or worn-out tyres are disposed of by many countries annually. These tyres can be put to good use when recycled. Used tyres are among the most problematic and challenging sources of solid waste, especially in landfills. Therefore, the use of waste tyres for composite materials having desired performance properties can be used as a means of disposing of the tyres. Fibrous material-reinforced composites with enhanced physical and mechanical performance and incorporating sisal fibres were produced using waste tyre material, sisal, and polyester resin. The physical and mechanical properties of hybrid composite board panels, including flexural strength, compression strength, tensile strength, and water absorption, were determined according to ASTM Standards. The rubber tyre particles used in the study had a size of 1.00 mm, and the sisal used had an average length of 6mm. A systematic experimental design was formulated and worked accordingly in the fabrication of the composite. The hybrid composite produced has adequate mechanical properties to perform as a substitute for solid wood in several applications such as tabletops, general purpose, load-bearing boards, ceiling boards, furniture, door panels and partitioning boards.

Additive construction using enhanced earthen-based composites: Improvement of the mechanical strength and water durability using chitosan and agave fibers

3D printing has emerged as a revolutionary technology with potential applications in the construction industry. However, the prevalent use of ordinary cement in most 3D printing formulations results in significant greenhouse gas emissions during 3D printing construction. In contrast, earthen-based composites are an eco-friendly alternative for building materials. However, as a construction material, earth presents poor mechanical strength and low durability against water erosion. This study aims to obtain earthen-based composites with suitable mechanical and durability properties to investigate their extrudability and buildability in tests. It also explores the effects of incorporating short sisal fibers (l/d ratio = 138.7) and chitosan (DD = 91%, Mw = 598 kDa) to improve strength and water durability in earthen-based composites for 3D printing purposes. Chitosan is a natural macromolecule derived from a waste product from the food industry, whereas sisal fibers are obtained from the Agave sisalana plant. The change in compressive strength was analyzed through uniaxial compression. Water durability was evaluated by measuring the water contact angle, total and capillary water absorption, and accelerated erosion tests. The results indicate that the use of 3.0% (w/v) aqueous solution of chitosan and 1.0% (w/w) of sisal fibers have an important effect on the hardening and water durability properties of earthen-based composites. This study suggests that these materials could serve as natural additives to enhance the mechanical properties and water durability of new eco-friendly construction materials for 3D printing. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that appropriate formulations with natural and eco-friendly additives can lead to stabilized earthen-based composites with suitable printing, mechanical and durability properties for 3D printing applications in construction materials.

Chemical‐treated sisal fiber reinforcement in red mud composites: Advancing mechanical strength and environmental sustainability

AbstractThe use of industrial waste red mud in polymer composites promotes environmental sustainability by mitigating the environmental impacts associated with landfill disposal. Previous research by the authors on red mud sisal fiber composites resulted in increased strength; it is expected that the strength can be increased further through fiber treatment. As a result, the current study sought to examine the effects of chemical‐treated sisal fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of red mud composites. Alkaline treatment and silane treatment were both used as chemical treatment methods. Red mud was added in three different weight percentages, and composites were built using the compression molding method and tested for hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. The findings indicate that the strength of the composite increases with the incorporation of treated fibers, silane‐treated 30% red mud composites showed a maximum hardness of around 92 shore D. The tensile strength of the composites containing 20% red mud and treated with silane was the highest, reaching ca. 63 MPa. This significant increase in strength was attributed to the formation of strong interfacial bonding between the red mud, fiber, and matrix. Furthermore, the silane‐treated 20 wt% red mud composites have the highest flexural strength (ca. 244 MPa) and impact strength (ca. 26 J/m). However, increasing the red mud content above 20 wt% resulted in decreased tensile, flexural, and impact strength due to poor bond development, and red mud agglomeration. The findings of this study are beneficial for the design and development of composites based on red mud, as well as for promoting sustainable waste management practices.Highlights Red mud composites achieve superior mechanical strength. Chemical treatment enhances sisal fiber reinforcement. Sustainable waste management promoted through composite utilization. Strong interfacial bonding improves composite performance.

Integrated Performance Evaluation of Aerogel-Based Fibre-Enhanced Thermal Renders Applied on Building Walls.

In this work, aerogel renders were enhanced with fibres for use in new building walls, emphasising a Mediterranean climate. The main novelty of the study relies on an integrated evaluation of the aerogel-based fibre-enhanced thermal renders from environmental, energy and economic approaches. Therefore, optimum insulation thicknesses, life cycle savings, payback periods, abiotic depletion potential from fossil fuels (ADP-ff) and global warming potential (GWP) impacts were quantified as a function of the energy consumption. The cost optimisation of aerogel-based renders enabled a reduction from 2477.4 to 1021.7 EUR∙m-3 for the reference formulation, and the sisal-optimised render led to the best-integrated performance. A higher DD* (degree-days equivalent) led to higher optimum thicknesses (the Azores required 0.02 m and 0.01 m and Bragança 0.06 m and 0.03 m for cost-optimised and non-optimised thermal renders with sisal fibre, respectively). The optimum thickness related to the ADP-ff and GWP impacts was higher, 0.04 m for the Azores and 0.09 m for Bragança. A steeper decrease in the annual energy consumption occurred for thermal renders up to 0.02 m in the Azores and 0.04 m in Bragança. Aerogel-based fibre-enhanced thermal renders had benefits, mainly from 600 DD* onwards.

Degradation kinetics of epoxidized soybean oil composites filled with sisal fiber

AbstractEpoxidized soybean oil (ESO) composites were cured with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) and 2,4,6‐tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (DEH 35) as a catalyst, sisal fibers were added at 10% and 30% of percent per weight. Composites curing was monitored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whereas the thermal stability and the degradation kinetics were investigated using thermogravimetry (TG). ESO/MTHPA/DEH35/S10 and ESO/MTHPA/DEH35/S30 composites displayed curing temperatures approximately 100°C lower related to ESO/MTHPA/DEH35, as well as higher degree of conversion. Sisal addition improved the thermal stability, shifting the weight loss shifting the weight loss onset to higher temperature (from 82 to 120°C). Thermal degradation energy was determined using Friedman, Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose and Ozawa‐Flynn‐Wall models. Sisal significantly increased , especially in the intermediate phase (α = 0.2 and 0.8). The degradation kinetics was investigated by TG, and the degradation mechanisms modeled using Kamal‐Sourour, Sestack‐Berggren, and 1st order (F1), showed excellent fit, with R2 &gt; 0.99. Acquired results demonstrate that sisal fiber addition benefited the curing process and increased the thermal stability of ESO composites.

Permeability and Cracking of Compacted Clay Liner Improved by Nano-SiO2 and Sisal Fiber

The landfill liner is the last line of defense to protect the soil from damage, but it is difficult to satisfy both impermeability and crack resistance requirements with conventionally compacted clay. This paper proposes a new composite material to enhance the anti-seepage and anti-cracking properties of clay as a solution to this problem. In this Study, the effects of two single amendment materials, Nano-SiO2 (6 dopings) and sisal fiber (SF) (4 dopings), and a composite amendment material (Nano-SiO2+SF), on the permeability and cracking resistance of the improved clay were investigated by infiltration tests and dry-wet cycle tests, respectively. The nuclear magnetic resonance test (NMR) test reveals the microscopic pore changes of soil and explore the reinforcement mechanism. The findings of penetration experiments demonstrate that Nano-SiO2 and SF, both single and composite components, can increase the modified clay's impermeability. The optimum content of Nano-SiO2 is 3%, and its permeability coefficient is 5.09 × 10−8 cm·s−1, which is two orders of magnitude lesser than that of virgin soil. The results of three dry and wet cycle tests showed that the overall trend of fracture length and cracking factor (CIF) increased with the increase of the number of de-wetting. After the third de-wetting of the modified clay, 0.75% Nano-SiO2 + 0.3% SF is the optimal dose, which reduces the fissure length by 19.94 times and CIF by 27.25 times compared with the three de-wetting of the plain clay. As a whole, the data demonstrates that the composite Nano-SiO2 and SF are able to make up for the shortcomings of each component. It can simultaneously improve the anti-seepage and anti-cracking properties of the enhanced clay. The test results provide a certain benchmark for the impermeability and anti-cracking of landfill liners.

Sisal fiber and groundnut shell particulate reinforced hybrid epoxy composites: A study on mechanical and tribological properties

Sisal fiber and groundnut shell particulate reinforced hybrid epoxy composites: A study on mechanical and tribological properties

Studies on Properties of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete

Abstract: To evaluate the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (M30) with sisal fibers. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixes are produced by replacing the cement with Fly ash and with addition of sisal fiber of 0, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% and length of fibers considered are 5mm, 10mm, and 20mm to the SCC concrete. Sulphonated naphthalene Formaldehyde condensates-based SP is used as water reducing agent. Compressive strength of SCC mix has to be determined at 7, 14 and 28 days. Flexural strength of SCC mix has to be determined at 14 and 28 days. Impact strength of SCC mix has to be determined at 28 days.

Tensile creep behavior and structures of sisal fiber reinforced styrene butadiene thermoplastic elastomer/polystyrene composites

Styrene butadiene thermoplastic elastomer (SBS)/polystyrene (PS)/sisal fiber (SF) composites were prepared by melt-blending method. The tensile creep behavior of SBS/PS/SF composites was studied and fitted by four viscoelastic models including Findley, Burger, generalized Kelvin-Voigt and Maxwell models. The effects of content and surface properties of SF treated by alkali and silane coupling agent on the creep behavior, structures and thermal properties of the composites under the action of tensile stress were investigated. The results indicated that the generalized Kelvin-Voigt model and generalized Maxwell model could best fit the tensile creep behavior of SBS/PS/SF composites. The creep resistance and thermal stability of the composites improved with the increases of SF content and tensile stress. The interfacial properties of fiber and matrix were enhanced after SF treated by silane, which would be beneficial to the improvements of the creep resistance and thermal stability. The glass transition temperature of the composite increased with the increase of SF content, but decreased after the action of the tensile stress.

Application of Silica-Aerogel-Fibre-Based Thermal Renders for Retrofits in Building Walls: A Comparative Assessment with Benchmark Solutions.

The current climate change context raises the demand for reducing energy and environmental impacts while keeping an economic balance and building users' comfort. Thermal insulation solutions are potential allies in ensuring the adequacy of existing buildings for challenging sustainability requirements. In this scenario, silica-aerogel-fibre-based thermal renders are innovative solutions for which integrated approaches still lack information, and they should be compared with benchmark multilayer solutions, such as those based on expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), mineral wool (MW), and insulated corkboard (ICB), to evidence their prospective economic, environmental, and energy benefits. This paper quantifies the optimum insulation thicknesses, life cycle savings, payback periods, and environmental impacts of innovative thermal renders compared to conventional thermal insulation materials when applied as a retrofit in existing facade walls. The results show that cost-optimised thermal renders with sisal fibres led to the best overall performance. Higher heating needs led to higher optimum render thicknesses and life cycle savings. With a 0.02 m thickness, aerogel-fibre-based thermal renders outperformed other materials in terms of heating-degree days (HDD) from 1000 °C·day onwards; they can save approximately EUR 60∙m-2, 1000 MJ∙m-2, and 100 kg CO2 eq∙m-2 while presenting a U-value 13% lower throughout their 30-year lifetime when compared with the second-best multilayer solution with XPS.

Durability and Accelerated Ageing of Natural Fibers in Concrete as a Sustainable Construction Material.

This paper presents an experimental study on the influence of alkaline environments on natural fibers of plant and mineral origin in concretes. The durability of concrete-based composite materials is influenced by the properties of the reinforcing fiber, and the serviceability of concrete is dependent on its durability. The aim of the present study is to investigate the strength, weight loss %, and surface degradation of jute, sugarcane, coconut, sisal, as well as basalt fibers through an accelerated aging method when used as reinforcements in concrete. The samples were immersed in an alkaline environment of sodium and calcium hydroxide at two different levels of pH for one week. Further, the fibers were immersed in NaOH and Ca(OH)2 solutions of 1 M, 2 M, 4 M, and 6 M concentrations for 48 h in order to investigate the gradual effect of an alkaline environment on the mechanical properties of the fiber. It was concluded that the weight loss % was greatest for jute fibers when used in concrete composite, while there was no significant effect on the basalt fiber samples. The strength of jute fiber in the concrete sample was also most severely affected by the aging process, compared to other fibers. The strength of basalt fibers in a concrete composite was least affected by the aging process. In some cases, the sisal fiber sample showed an increase in fiber tenacity after the aging process due to fibrillation, which might have increased the interfacial area. The fiber microstructure before and after the aging was evaluated through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analyses of different fibers were carried out to investigate surface degradation. The fiber pull-out strength was found to be the greatest for basalt fiber, followed by jute and sisal. This is indicative of the excellent adhesion of such fibers with cement in a concrete composite. In these cases, the use of sisal fiber results in defibrillation and increased specific surface area. Sugarcane and coconut fibers ruptured due to their inherent weakness and provided only a small increment in the mechanical performance of the concrete. Basalt fiber-reinforced concrete offered the greatest compressive strength, followed by jute and sisal. These observations provide crucial information regarding the durability and aging of natural fiber-reinforced concrete.

Development and Characterization of Epoxy/Banana Pseudo-Stem Nanocellulose (BPNC) Composites as Anti-Corrosion Coatings on Mild Steel

In the Philippines, bananas are one of the most exported agricultural products, with up to 6 million metric tons of annual harvest. Because of this, harvesting bananas generates waste like banana pseudo-stems. Banana pseudo-stems offer a good source of nanocellulose, and it was found that these have very similar chemical compositions to jute and sisal fibers, which are the most common sources of cellulose today. This only indicates that banana pseudo-stems could be utilized for different industrial and engineering applications. Epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings have attracted attention in industrial and engineering applications. Epoxy/banana pseudo-stem nanocellulose (Epoxy/BPNC) composites as anti-corrosive fillers were prepared by incorporating BPNC into the epoxy matrix to improve the anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coatings on mild steel surfaces. Their anti-corrosion properties were explored by the Tafel polarization technique under immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solutions as corrosive medium. According to the results, it can be observed that epoxy/BPNC composite coatings significantly improve the anti-corrosion performance on mild steel surfaces with a 1.5 wt.% BPNC loading ratio as the optimized concentration. Furthermore, it can be seen that the optimized concentration of the BPNC loading ratio (1.5 wt.%) has a lower corrosion rate (CR = 2.7109 x 10-6 mm/year) compared to that of the bare mild steel (CR = 6.11190 x 10-2 mm/year). Additionally, the SEM results showed that the presence of BPNC in the epoxy matrix has a significant protective effect compared to pure epoxy alone.

Mechanical analysis of sisal fiber/bio-epoxy/fly-ash reinforced hybrid composites

This research investigates the mechanical characteristics of a novel hybrid composite material, which combines bio-epoxy reinforced with sisal fiber and integrated with fly ash nano-fillers. The study focuses on exploiting the environmentally friendly attributes of natural fiber composites and reducing reliance on synthetic materials. In this study, sisal fiber serves as the reinforcement, and a bio-epoxy matrix is utilized to create the composite. To further enhance its properties, fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, is incorporated as a nano-filler. The experimental findings reveal significant improvements in the mechanical properties of the composite due to the inclusion of fly ash nano-fillers. The tensile strength shows a notable enhancement of up to 6.3%, flexural strength experiences an impressive increase of 68%, impact strength demonstrates a remarkable boost of 28%, and scratch hardness elevates by 17% which were all achieved at 20% fiber weight fraction and 5% fly ash weight fraction. The considerable potential of this hybrid sisal fiber reinforced bio-epoxy composite, integrated with fly ash nano-fillers, as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic composites is evident from these results. Such enhancements make the composite suitable for a wide range of engineering applications, including the manufacturing of automotive components, construction materials, and consumer goods. By adopting this bio-composite, industries can actively contribute to sustainable practices while maintaining optimal performance in their products. This research offers valuable insights into a promising solution for eco-conscious engineering applications, with both quantitative and qualitative evidence demonstrating the achievement of superior mechanical properties in this innovative hybrid material.