Bundle Strength Research Articles

Tensile properties of SiC/SiC obtained from epoxy‐encapsulated minicomposites

AbstractThe current study investigates the tensile behavior of SiC/SiC minicomposites, focusing on the efficacy of epoxy encapsulation in extracting the intrinsic fiber bundle response. Three minicomposite types were examined: two with Hi‐Nicalon Type‐S fibers and one with Tyranno ZMI fibers. Tensile tests were performed on minicomposites and fiber tows, both bare and epoxy‐encapsulated, whereas interface properties were measured via fiber push‐in tests. The results demonstrate that epoxy encapsulation partially mitigates non‐uniform loading in minicomposites with discontinuous matrices. Theoretical limits on fiber bundle strength, estimated using micromechanical models based on weakest‐link statistics and shear lag theory, are similar to measured encapsulated tow strengths when failure occurs within the elastic regime of the epoxy. In some cases, microstructural defects such as fiber–fiber contacts and debonded coatings play important roles in limiting composite strengths relative to theoretical values. Although encapsulation does not always directly improve properties, it provides useful context for evaluating composite performance and exposing microstructural limitations unaccounted for in idealized models.

Thermomechanical Properties of Ramie Fiber/Degradable Epoxy Resin Composites and Their Performance on Cylinder Inner Lining.

Type IV gas cylinders are widely used in the field of vehicles due to their advantages such as light weight, cleanliness, and low cost. Ramie fiber/degradable epoxy resin composites (RFRDE) provide new ideas for the material selection of Type IV gas cylinders due to their advantages of low carbon emissions, low environmental pollution, and renewable resource utilization. However, the poor interfacial bonding strength and moisture resistance between polyethylene plastics and RFRDE have limited their application areas. This study tested the mechanical properties of ramie fibers at different heat treatment temperatures, and studied the thermal mechanical properties of RFRDE through differential scanning calorimeter and curing kinetics methods. At 180 °C, the tensile strength of fiber bundles decreased by 34% compared to untreated fibers. As the highest curing temperature decreases, the tensile strength of RFRDE increases but the curing degree decreases. At the highest curing temperature of 100 °C, the tensile strength of RFRDE is 296 MPa. The effect of the corona discharge and flexible adhesive on the surface modification of polyethylene was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. These results provide guidance for the development of natural fiber/degradable epoxy resin composite materials.

Fracture failure analysis of plastic fiber based on thermodynamic strength theory and experiment

In order to analyze the mechanical behavior of plastic fiber bundle, a theoretical model considering elastic and plastic behavior of single fiber is established. Based on uniaxial tensile tests of polythene single fiber, elastoplastic mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus and plastic modulus, are obtained. Moreover, distributions of yield strength and breaking strength of single fiber are determined. The stress–strain curve of polythene fiber bundle is predicted by theoretical model. The correctness of this theoretical model is verified by uniaxial tensile test of polythene fiber bundle. All experimental data points are within the range predicted by theoretical model. Some key parameters which regulate mechanical behavior of single fiber are investigated theoretically. Results show that Weibull parameters of yield strength and breaking strength of single fiber have great effect on mechanical performance of fiber bundle. The concentration of distribution area of breaking strength can improve the overall fracture strength of fiber bundle. Results and conclusions in this investigation can extend and perfect fiber bundle model in terms of plastic behavior.

Understanding fiber preform effects on tensile strengths of SiC/SiC composites prepared by chemical vapor infiltration based on a unified fiber bundle bending view

SiC/SiC composites are internationally recognized as viable thermal structural materials. Grasping the strength and the complex failure mechanisms is fundamental to comprehend their mechanical behaviors. Three types of SiC fibers and four weaving architectures were employed to fabricate eight types of preform, and the SiC/SiC composites were prepared by the chemical vapor infiltration. The microstructures were analysed by Computed Tomography imaging combined with intelligent recognition, mainly the weaving architectures and pores. Cracks in multi-layered SiC matrix exhibit periodic characteristics during propagation, enabling the theoretical in-situ strength of the fiber bundle SiC/SiC units. An empirical strength formula was established, which considered factors such as fiber bending, fiber orientation, proportion of fibers in longitudinal direction, and porosity. The deviation of the predicted strength from the actual value ranged from 0.78 % to 29.51 %. A unified fiber bundle bending view to understanding fiber preform effects on tensile strengths of SiC/SiC was introduced.

Multi-scale analysis of ultimate bearing capacity in composite hull joints: failure mechanism and numerical simulation

ABSTRACT Progressive failure analysis method is the main method to analyse the ultimate bearing capacity and failure mode of composite structures. Multi-scale method can effectively reduce the dependence of damage mode and stiffness degradation analysis on material parameters. Based on the multi-scale method, from micro-scale to mesoscale and then to macro-scale, the equivalent modulus and equivalent strength of fibre bundles, single-layer laminates and multi-directional laminates were predicted respectively, and the prediction method of ultimate bearing capacity of large-scale composite structures from material level to structure level was constructed. The mechanical properties of standard composite materials and the ultimate bearing capacity of full-scale composite joints were tested respectively, and the ultimate bearing capacity and failure mode of L-joints were predicted by numerical method. The results show that the numerical simulation method based on multi-scale can accurately predict the ultimate bearing capacity and failure mode of large-scale joints of the hull.

A novel sensor-based digital instrument for assessment of quality of fibre extracted from banana pseudostem

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) farming generates huge quantities of biomass, all of which goes to waste due to the non-availability of suitable technology for its commercial application. The potential solution to this issue could be the conversion of pseudo-stems into valuable assets by converting them into fibres for various textile and non-textile applications. The specific characteristics of banana pseudo-stem fibre i.e. high absorptivity, breathability and biodegradability made it sustainable as well as suitable for the development of diversified products and blending with other natural fibres. However, non-uniformity in availability, obscurity of its intended uses and lack of knowledge for assessment of fibre quality posed a biggest hurdle to reach the fibre into the textile markets. Hence, a novel sensor-based digital instrument for assessing the quality parameters i.e. bundle strength and fineness along with overall grade of banana pseudo-stem fibre is presented in this research article. The developed instrument mainly consists of a fibre bundle strength measurement unit, fineness measuring unit and visual interface cum data acquisition unit. Test results indicated that bundle strength and fineness measured by developed instrument varied from 20.92 g/tex to 28.31 g/tex and 5.63 tex to 6.41 tex respectively. Furthermore, a good correlation between the measured and actual outputs of bundle strength (One-Way ANOVA, F28,2 = 3.914, P = 0.224), fineness (One-Way ANOVA, F51,2 = 4.730, P = 0.190) and overall quality of fibre (Independent sample T-Test, F34,1 = 0.95, P = 0.190). Was observed at 5 % level of significance. The present study also introduced a grading system for quality assessment of banana fibre based on the well-established and well-recognized grading system of jute fibre developed by Indian Standard (IS: 271 2020). The developed instrument is easy to build as well as easy to use and have an approximate cost of $1800.00. The combination of developed instrument and grading system is an accurate, feasible and time-ordered technique for the assessment of the overall quality of the banana fibre and well suited for the actual conditions.

Effects of temperature and low strain rate on tensile performance of aramid fiber bundle

AbstractIn this research, the effects of ultimate strain rate and environmental temperature on the mechanical performance of the aramid fiber bundles were experimentally investigated. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to detect the tensile failure mechanism of the aramid fiber bundle. The results indicated that the tensile strength, failure strain, elastic modulus, and toughness of the aramid fiber bundle were sensitive to the strain rate, which was represented as the typical bilinear monotonic relationships. In contrast, the impact of environmental temperature on the four parameters of aramid fiber bundle was more complex. The ultimate strength, failure strain and toughness of aramid fiber bundle increased with the temperature changing from −60 to 30°C, but rapidly decreased from 30 to 90°C. Finally, the dispersion of the mechanical performance was quantitatively analyzed based on the scale and shape parameters obtained from Weibull model.Highlights Tensile tests for aramid fiber bundle under different strain rates and temperatures were conducted. Strain rate and temperature effects on tensile properties of fiber bundle were quantified. Tensile failure mechanism of fiber bundle was analyzed. Dispersion of the mechanical performance was quantitatively analyzed.

Classification and properties of Bambusa blumeana fiber

This study extracted Bambusa blumeana fiber using alkaline boiling and then applied double-roll pressing in order to develop it, explore the applications of its various parts, and improve its utilization potential. The results showed that the outer bamboo fibers are finer and straighter than the inner and middle fibers, and the fracture mode of the bamboo fibers is brittle. From the inside to the outside, the tensile strength of the fiber bundle gradually increases from the top to the bottom. Moreover, the tensile strength of the outside bamboo fiber is twice that of the inside, reaching a maximum of 982 MPa. The surface of the interior bamboo fiber is relatively smooth and can be used in textile and decorative fields. Compared with internal and central bamboo fiber, the outer fiber has higher thermal stability and higher crystallinity, which makes it more advantageous in the process of strengthening composite materials. Studying the structures of fibers from different parts of Bambusa blumeana can provide substantial scientific support for the differential applications of bamboo fibers.

Retting with efficient microbial consortium helps in improving jute fibre quality and profitability: a study in Eastern India

Aim: To determine the effect of application of microbial consortium for faster retting of jute (Corchorus spp.) over conventional retting without microbial consortium on jute fibre recovery and fibre quality improvement. Methodology: Large scale retting trials of jute were conducted in five important jute growing districts of West Bengal, India for four consecutive years with and without microbial consortium. After completion of jute retting, fibre was extracted manually, processed and dry fibre weight was recorded. Jute fibre samples were collected and analysed for fibre quality parameters. The fibre strength was estimated using electronic fibre bundle strength tester, fibre fineness by air flow method and root content is measured as the length of fibre up to which root is present out of the total length of the fibre and is expressed as percent length. Results: Application of microbial consortium reduced the retting duration and root content in jute fibre in all the locations irrespective of years. The jute fibre recovery increased by 9.64 to 10.97% and 9.73 to 10.63% with microbial consortium over without microbial consortium respectively in different locations and different years under study. The maximum jute fibre yield with (33.17 q ha-1) and without microbial consortium (29.89 q ha-1) was recorded in Murshidabad district. Nadia district recorded significantly higher fibre strength of 24.92 g tex-1 and lowest retting duration of 11.92 days with microbial consortium among all the locations. Interpretation: The application of microbial consortium improved the fibre recovery and fibre quality leading to the increase in net income by ₹15624 to ₹18017 ha-1 of jute farmers. Hence, the application of microbial consortium for jute retting can be used extensively by the jute farming community in jute growing states of India for faster retting of jute along with quality fibre production, higher net income and doubling farmers’ income. Key words: Corchorus spp., Fibre quality, Jute retting, Microbial consortiu

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ СУЧАСНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ДОСЛІДЖЕННІ МЕХАНІЧНИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ТЕКСТИЛЬНИХ НИТОК

This work is devoted to the study of mechanical characteristics of textile fabrics in the process of their manufacture and processing, which is characterized by a phenomenon of heterogeneity (heterogeneity of properties in longitudinal and transverse directions). This phenomenon is due to the heterogeneity of physical, temperature, concentration, hydrodynamic, rheological and other factors. This heterogeneity increases with increasing the number of threads. Modern methods of studies of the influence of transverse uneven properties on the processes of deformation and destruction of a bundle of textile threads are generally time consuming, and they do not give quantitative information the influence of its components on the mechanical characteristics of products. Therefore, the implementation of studies regarding the study of the degree of influence of the transverse heterogeneity of the mechanical properties of textile threads on the peculiarities of the mechanics of their deformation and destruction, while with the development of forecasting methods are relevant and useful for the production of products. The authors of the article have developed a method of studying the strength of textile threads, which is characterized by the transverse heterogeneity of indicators of mechanical properties using mathematical modeling, which allows, without conducting labor intensive experimental studies, to predict its loss. The classification of indicators of mechanical properties by the degree of influence of their cross variations on the value of a break loading of a bundle of textile threads with developed prediction models developed respectively. The method of statistical imitation of tensile test was used, methods of mathematical analysis were used for the case of tightening of a bundle of textile threads. The developed mathematical model allows you to describe the influence of different variations on the break load and to classify different transverse variations of properties by the degree of influence on the characteristics of the strength of the thread bundle. The relationship between the strength realization coefficient and different transverse variations of mechanical properties is established, which made it possible to quantify the effect of heterogeneity of mechanical properties on the strength of textile filaments.

Isolation and chemical characterization of lignocellulosic fiber from Pueraria montana using Box-Behnken design for weed management

The huge demand for natural fibers necessitates the search for non-traditional bioresources including invasive species which are deteriorating the ecosystem and biodiversity. The study aims to utilize Pueraria montana weed for the extraction of lignocellulosic fiber using both traditional (water retting) and chemical extraction methods to determine the better extraction method. Chemically extracted fiber showed 17.09 g/tex bundle strength whereas water-extracted fiber showed 11.7 g/tex bundle strength. Therefore, chemical extraction method was chosen for fiber isolation by optimization of reaction conditions using Box Behnken Design. Based on the design, optimal conditions obtained were 1 % w/v NaOH, 0.75 % v/v H2O2, and 3 days retting time. Solid-state NMR illustrated the breakdown of hemicellulose linkages at 25.89 ppm. FTIR revealed the disappearance of C=O groups of hemicellulose at 1742 cm−1. TGA demonstrated thermal stability of chemically treated fiber up to 220 °C and activation energy of 60.122 KJ/mol. XRD evidenced that chemically extracted fiber has a crystallinity index of 71.1 % and a crystal size of 2 nm. Thus P. montana weed holds potential for the isolation of natural fiber as its chemical composition and properties are comparable to commercial lignocellulosic fibers. The study exemplifies the transformation of weed to a bioresource of natural fibers.

Extraction, physicochemical and structural characterisation of palm grass leaf fibres for sustainable and cleaner production of textile and allied cellulosic applications

Natural fibres are in great demand as a clean and green material as reinforcement in sustainable and environment-friendly biodegradable composites. The study aimed to extract palm grass leaf fibres through water retting, a cleaner and greener approach compared with the use of 5–10% NaOH. The physicochemical characterisation was done by SEM, optical microscopy, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, bundle strength, moisture content and standard biochemical tests for cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash. New natural fibres extracted from Curculigo capitulata by water retting showed a smooth surface of uniaxial fibres under SEM and optical microscope compared to eroded surfaces of chemically extracted fibres. Both the fibres extracted by water retting and with 5% NaOH showed nearly similar crystallinity index (84–85%) and size (2.44nm), whereas the former contained 64% cellulose with bundle strength 154MPa compared to 72% and 219.11MPa with the latter. While using 10% (NaOH) showed cellulose 82.29 ± 0.63%, crystallinity index 87.43%, and bundle strength 256.46 ± 15.81MPa. Approximately similar lignin content (20.30 ± 0.91–21.66 ± 1.18%) and mass degradation (%) were obtained in water-retted and 5%–7.5% NaOH extracted fibres. FT-IR spectra showed the characteristic bands at 3421cm−1 for O–H stretching and 2917cm−1 for alkyl C–H stretching in cellulose; at 1630cm1 for CC stretching in lignin. All the extracted fibres showed industrial potential similar to successful natural fibres for fine rope, yarn, handmade paper, and fabrics aiming for a circular bioeconomy.

Research on damage evolution mechanisms under compressive and tensile tests of plain weave SiCf/SiC composites using in situ X-ray CT

Abstract To investigate the damage evolution and failure mechanisms of fiber-reinforced composite materials under complex conditions, this study conducted in situ X-ray computed tomography (CT) compression and tensile tests on plain weave two-dimensional woven SiC/SiC composite materials. The obtained CT in situ image data captured the behavior of materials during loading and after failure. Using the image reconstruction of CT data, the actual microstructure and damage evolution of the material under six consecutive loading levels were accurately revealed. Three-dimensional visualization models of the composite material were established using image processing software to analyze the damage evolution under compression and tension, and the failure mechanisms were compared. The results showed that the compression and tension failure mechanisms of SiC/SiC composite materials were similar, with the transverse cracking of the matrix being the first mode of damage, followed by delamination between layers and longitudinal matrix cracking of fiber bundles. Specifically, in terms of compression failure, the strength of the fiber bundle itself has a greater influence, and fiber fracture is the main cause of ultimate material failure. On the other hand, the primary cause of tensile failure is the presence of porosity defects generated during material fabrication. Consequently, the tensile material fails earlier and can withstand lower loads.

Sustainable yarns and fabrics from tri-blends of banana, cotton and tencel fibres for textile applications

Millions of tons of banana pseudo-stem are readily available annually, making it a sustainable resource for banana fiber. Banana fibres possess inherent mechanical strength and anti-microbial properties, accompanied by stiffness and a harsh feel that undermine their full utilization in textiles. An effort was made in this study to create eco-friendly yarns and fabrics by combining banana fiber reclaimed from banana agro-waste with cotton and regenerated cellulosic (Tencel) fiber in varying blend ratios. The negative influence attached to banana fibre due to its chemical softening was overcome by boiling it in distilled water. The softened banana fibres were evaluated based on feel, strength, and weight loss. Three blend ratios, i.e., 10%, 20%, and 30% of banana fibre by weight, were selected to produce Banana: Cotton: Tencel blended yarns. Yarn characterizations revealed excellent mechanical properties as compared to the benchmark Cotton: Tencel 50:50 yarns. The yarn bundle strength and single yarn strength obtained in the case of 20% banana fibre blended yarn were approximately 11% and 8.62% higher than the Cotton: Tencel 50:50 blended yarns and 22.90% better in the yarn quality index analysis, respectively. Fabrics were formed using the said yarns on an industrial loom. Banana fibre blended fabrics exhibited a 6.61% higher tear strength, 18.8% more air permeability, 20% more elongation, and 12% higher tensile strength as compared to the Cotton: Tencel blended fabrics. The provided findings in this study propose that following this design approach during textile manufacturing will lead to more environmental and economic gains with high performance.

Correlation of 20 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Weight and Wool Traits in Alpine Merino Sheep.

SNPs associated with important traits of fine-wool sheep that were previously obtained through genome-wide association analysis screening were verified and analyzed. A total of 20 SNPs related to birth weight, bundle strength, cleaning rate, and fiber diameter were screened using whole-genome resequencing, and the SNPshot assay was used to detect and analyze polymorphisms. This study found that, among the 20 SNPs associated with important traits in Alpine Merino sheep, 8 were monomorphic and 12 were polymorphic, of which 6 showed moderate polymorphisms and 6 showed low polymorphisms. The heterozygosity of the 12 polymorphic loci ranged from 0.10 to 0.49, the effective number of alleles ranged from 1.11 to 1.98, and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.09 to 0.37. The chi-square test showed that only RHPN2:g.42678119T>G and RALYL:g.90030866A>G were in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (p < 0.05); the other loci were in equilibrium (p > 0.05). These SNPs associated with important traits in Alpine Merino sheep provide a theoretical basis for genomic selection and molecular design breeding.

Tailored twisted CNT bundle with improved inter-tube slipping performances

The exceptional mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have encouraged the development of high-performance synthetic fibers in composite materials. To understand the effect of twisting on the mechanical and slipping performances of CNT bundles, molecular dynamics simulation is applied to investigate the tensile performances, failure modes, and pull-out responses of twisted CNT bundles. A molecular model comprising nineteen parallel aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is twisted into bundles at angles of 0°, 10°, and 20°, and further tensile and pull-out simulations are performed. The tensile simulation indicates that compared with the non-twisted CNT bundle showing a tensile strength of about 82 GPa with obvious inter-tube slipping, the 10°-twisted bundle exhibits a tensile strength of approximately 70 GPa with SWCNTs fracture as the main failure mode, which indicates that twisting improves the inter-tube slipping performance without causing excessive strength reduction. Comparatively, when the twisting angle is 20°, no inter-tube slipping is observed and the tensile strength of the CNT bundle is measured to be 55 GPa, which decreases by approximately 32.9 %. The pull-out simulations further reveal that the pull-out forces increase as the twisting angle increases and the weakened bundle strength of twisted bundle is attributed to the repulsive van der Waals forces caused by the reduced distances between inter-tubes. Essentially, twisting is unfavorable for the overall mechanical strength while torsional densification mitigates the inter-tube slipping, which indicates that a trade-off need to be achieved. This paper provides insights into the tensile and slipping performances of twisted CNT bundles and forms a basis for enhancing the assembled CNTs bundle as the next-generation reinforcing phase in composite materials.

Phosphorus-induced improvement of photosynthate synthesis and transport in the leaf subtending to cotton boll provided sufficient sucrose for fiber thickening during the crucial period and improved fiber bundle strength

ContextCotton fiber is an important natural textile raw material, and its quality directly affects spinning performance. Phosphorus (P) deficiency reduces fiber quality, particularly fiber strength. Fiber strength formation relies on sucrose supplied by the leaf subtending to cotton boll (LSCB), and low P may affect it by regulating sucrose supply and utilization in LSCB and fiber. ObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate how P regulates the formation of fiber bundle strength through essential carbohydrate metabolic pathways. MethodsA three-year experiment on Lu 54 (low-P sensitive) and Yuzaomian 9110 (low-P tolerant) was carried out to study the influence of P on sucrose synthesis and export in LSCB, sucrose absorption and utilization in fiber under 0 (Deficient P), 100 (Critical P), and 200 (Excessive P) kg P2O5 ha−1 in soil with 16.9 mg kg−1 available P. ResultsP application significantly increased fiber bundle strength (8.9 %−14.6 %), primarily attributed to the enhanced sucrose supply and utilization in LSCB and fiber during the crucial period for fiber bundle strength formation (17–24 days post anthesis). During this period, P application promoted the sucrose synthesis in LSCB by improving the net photosynthetic rate (9.0 %−16.8 %), and sucrose phosphate synthase (6.3 %−12.4 %) and sucrose synthase (10.0 %−17.4 %) activities. Concomitantly, P application up-regulated the expressions of sucrose transporter genes in LSCB and fiber, promoting sucrose transport and increasing the sucrose content (28.1 %−54.0 %) in fiber. Furthermore, P application markedly enhanced the sucrose utilization in fiber by increasing sucrose synthase (9.7 %−19.2 %) and invertase (14.0 %−35.7 %) activities, improving cellulose content (6.7 %−11.5 %) and fiber bundle strength. Lu 54 exhibited a greater sensitivity to P in the carbohydrate metabolism of LSCB and fiber than Yuzaomian 9110, making its cellulose content and fiber bundle strength increase more. Incremental effects of unit P on the above measurements attenuated markedly with P rates. The critical P content in LSCB (LPC) required for effective fiber bundle strength formation was 0.40 % for Lu 54 versus 0.36 % for Yuzaomain 9110, on the basis of the content of sucrose (the key substrate) in LSCB and fiber. ConclusionP application increased cotton fiber bundle strength mainly by enhancing sucrose synthesis in LSCB, sucrose transport between LSCB and fiber, and sucrose utilization in fiber during the crucial period. ImplicationThis report revealed the crucial carbohydrate metabolic path by which P regulated the fiber bundle strength formation and quantified its LPC demand during the crucial period, providing theoretical support for P diagnosis and regulation in cotton cultivation.

The Analysis of Fibre Properties of Water Retted Sansevieria trifasciata with Sodium Hydroxide

In the last decade, natural fibres have been in high demand because of their strength, high efficiency, and biodegradability easy availability for nature and improved textile properties than synthetic fibre. So, the increasing preference towards natural and green textile products rather than synthetic products has increased the attraction of tourists to the local as well as outside markets. Therefore, the present paper focused on the analysis of sodium hydroxide on the fibre properties of water-retted S. trifasciata (snake plant) fibres. The extraction of fibres from snake plant leaves was conducted by using water water-retted method. Three different time periods were selected i.e. 10, 15 and 20 days for water retting. After water retting, the selected fibres were treated with an alkali i.e. NaOH. The optimum conditions for alkali were chemical concentration, material to liquor, time durations, treatment temperature and pH for standardization of the process of alkali treatment. The effect of sodium hydroxide was analyzed on fibre properties such as fibre yield, fineness, bundle strength, and elongation at the break. As a result, a gradual fibre yield was to be increased to decrease after being treated with alkali (NaOH). The alkali-treated fibres fibre yield, fineness and bundle strength was recorded (0.84±0.02 g), (23.51±0.39 denier) and (47.97±0.13 g/tex). Elongation of the alkali-treated fibres was 5.02±0.007 per cent. The resulting fibre properties were found suitable for other textile products such as apparel, reinforcement material composite etc.

Potential of Agave angustifolia marginata for composite and textile applications – A new source of natural fibre

This study explored the properties of Agave angustifolia marginata leaves derived lignocellulose fibres, including their strength, flexibility, and durability, as well as their potential applications in composite and textile manufacturing. Commercial natural fibre standards used for quality assessment of the extracted fibre. According to National Standard 08–1113–1989, the fibre length was measured to be 60–90 cm. According to IS 271 (2003), bundle strength, colour, fineness, and bulk density were 20.46 g tex −1, 47.8%, 2.28 tex, and 0.413 g cc −1, respectively, and the textile grade was estimated. Results indicated that these are viable alternatives to a few textile fibres and can be easily blended with W-3 to W-6 jute fibres. On the other hand, for better interfacial strength of composite, a simple chemical treatment was performed on the fibres (2% NaOH solution for 4 h). A liquid digital density metre showed 980.4 kg m−3 and 1385 kg m−3 densities for raw and alkali-treated fibres according ASTM D792–20, respectively. ASTM D3379–75 tensile testing of fibres showcased superior Alkali-treated fibre characteristics. The Sieko TG/DTA instrument thermograms' revealed the thermal stability of raw fibre (240° C) and alkali-treated fibre (275° C). For a better understanding of the results, morphological investigations were also carried out. Alkali-treated fibres performed better than raw fibres, suggesting they could be employed as ecologically friendly reinforcement in polymeric composites.

Improving the performance of alkali-activated slag mortar with electro/chemically treated carbon fiber textile

Alkali-activated slag is a widely used low-carbon binder. Incorporation of textile can mitigate the brittle weakness of alkali-activated composites. The bonding between fibers and matrix is critical for the performance of textile reinforced mortar. This paper is focused on the effect of different treatment methods on the bonding properties of carbon fiber in alkali-activated slag. The interfacial shear strength of fiber bundles in matrix was determined by the pull-out test. The flexural strength of the reinforced mortar was evaluated by a repeated bending. A scanning electron microscopy test was performed to characterize the interfacial properties of the fiber bundles. The results show that the interfacial shear strength of carbon fibers in matrix is improved by the electroplating with calcium silica slurry (CSS), impregnation in different solutions, and plasma treatments. An electroplating in CSS has the best improvement in the bonding strength with an increase by 620%. The CSS treatment increases the maximum flexural strength of CFT reinforced mortar with 22.5% and 30% at 7 and 28 d respectively, and it significantly inhibits the crack growth under the cyclic loading. This effect becomes more significant after a longer curing age. The electroplating treatment eliminates the cracks in the interface of fiber yarns. Slag reacts with the plated portlandite to strengthen the bonding between mortar and fiber bundles, so it has a better inhibiting effect on the crack growth after a longer curing.