Synthetic Fibers Research Articles

Efficacy of jute-glass hybrid laminate composite wrapping under flexural loading

The demand for sustainable engineering materials has catalyzed interest in hybrid composites that combine natural fibers like jute with synthetic fibers such as E-glass. This study investigates the flexural strength of jute/E-glass/epoxy hybrid composite laminates under different stacking sequences, employing the ANOVA method to analyze their mechanical performance. The materials, including jute fabric, E-glass fabric, and epoxy resin, were arranged in various configurations and tested for flexural strength following ASTM D790 standards. The results indicated significant variability, with the GJGJ configuration exhibiting the highest average flexural strength of 71.20 MPa, while the GJG configuration had the lowest at 26.33 MPa. The ANOVA analysis confirmed a statistically significant effect of laminate configuration on flexural strength (F = 6.41, p = 0.004). These findings underscore the critical role of laminate arrangement in enhancing the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The superior performance of the GJGJ configuration suggests that alternating layers of jute and E-glass fibers can effectively distribute stress and enhance load-bearing capacity. Conversely, suboptimal configurations like GJG demonstrated lower performance, highlighting the importance of strategic fiber arrangement. This research contributes to the development of optimized hybrid composites for various engineering applications, providing valuable insights into the interplay between natural and synthetic fibers within a composite matrix. The study's conclusions support the broader use of hybrid composites in industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace, where material sustainability and performance are paramount. Future research should explore further optimization of stacking sequences and volume fractions of fibers, as well as investigate other mechanical properties such as tensile and impact strength, to fully realize the potential of hybrid composites in advanced engineering applications

Geo-based fabrics: using earthen materials for wearables

ABSTRACT Over 50% of synthetic textiles in existence originate from polyester derived from petroleum oil. Synthetic textiles make up over 65% of global circulating textiles and the industry is known for being highly pollutant, resource wasteful, and responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions annually. One prominent solution to the industry’s negative environmental impact is to develop alternative textiles for garment and architectural fabric applications. This paper presents a novel development of earth – and bio-based wearable textiles coined as BioMud Fabric which consists entirely of bio-based materials; 65% of which is clay-rich raw soil. More specifically, the material integrates raw soil with naturally occurring bio-based plastics to create a flexible, lightweight and biodegradable fabric. The research methodology includes a mix-design analysis, using electron microscopy, and a macro-scale structural characterisation using tearing tests. The final demonstrations showcase speculative design applications which serve to expand the possibilities of the material through fashion.

A multi‐layer approach for additive manufacturing of continuous fiber composites

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) of continuous fiber reinforced polymer composites (cFRPCs) requires innovative tool‐pathing strategies that account for the anisotropic properties of the continuous fibers and ensure their continuous deposition as reinforcement along the designed structure, reducing fibers bending and cutting. Existing 3D printing slicing software, designed for isotropic materials like neat polymers, has been adapted for 3D printing of continuous fiber composites, resulting in a layer‐by‐layer approach that necessitates filament cutting after each layer deposition. This method introduces discontinuities, weakening the material and underutilizing continuous fibers strength. In this research, we propose a novel tool‐pathing strategy designed to address these challenges through (1) Ensuring fiber continuity across layers by allowing overlapping filaments and (2) Strategically positioning fiber cut points based on stress distribution, modeled using finite element analysis. A Multi‐Layer Continuous Fiber Path (ML‐CFP) approach was introduced and validated on a simple bracket structure featuring two load‐application inserts. 3D printed brackets using different tool paths were tested to failure under tension and compression after compression molding to improve interlayer adhesion. Mechanical investigations confirmed that the ML‐CFP approach enhances fiber utilization, improving tensile strength and work to fracture by up to 46% and 100% through promoting failure in fibers rather than at cut points.Highlights Introduced the multi‐layer continuous fiber path method (ML‐CFP) in AM of cFRPCs. Introduced the strategic cut point placement (SCPP) based on stress distribution. Maintaining fiber continuity and reduce fiber bending by allowing filament overlap. Mechanical testing to compare the ML‐CFP with conventional slicing methods. Enhanced tensile strength by up to 46% and work to fracture by 100%.

Additive manufacturing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites using materials extrusion process. Mechanical properties, process parameters, fracture analysis, challenges, and future prospect. A review

Additive manufacturing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites using materials extrusion process. Mechanical properties, process parameters, fracture analysis, challenges, and future prospect. A review

How regenerated cellulose fibers appear in the discourse on marine pollution with microplastic: a snowballing and network approach

Abstract Microplastics are prominent marine pollutants that have been investigated in various recent studies. While some of these studies mention regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs), as part of microplastics or in close connection, other studies consider RCFs to be biodegradable by their nature and hence neglectable in context of marine pollution. This systematic literature review on the biodegradability of RCFs was conducted to investigate how such differences can be explained. An innovative snowballing-network approach has been applied for the review to gain a better understanding of historical developments of and interconnections between according strains of literature. Starting from four different papers the review fol-lowed according references and citations.
Results indicate that a consensus is lacking across research fields on the chemical character-istics of RCFs. The inconsistent use of existing terminology by some researchers, and fail-ure to make distinctions between RCFs and synthetic fibers or plastics in the results may lead to misinterpretation regarding the impacts of RCFs in the environment.
By using more accurately the existing terms and definitions, researchers could prevent read-ers from misinterpreting research results and increase their understanding of RCFs.
Biodegradation of regenerated cellulose fibers was reviewed, and consensus is that these fibers are biodegradable in all natural environments and suitable industrial settings. Con-ducting further research on the fate of RCFs and other cellulose fibers from processed con-sumer products like textiles, as well as microfibers from textiles in general, in natural envi-ronments are recommended.

The Effect of Adding Banana Fibers on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mortar for Paving Block Applications

Paving blocks might encounter diverse environmental conditions during their lifespan. The durability of paving blocks is determined by their capacity to endure various exposure conditions. Synthetic fibers have been used in mortar and concrete to improve their properties. This research investigates the influence of including banana fiber (BF) on the physical and mechanical characteristics of mortar. Five different mortar mixes were developed, with varying amounts of BF ranging from 0 to 2% by volume. Testing included ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, flexural strength, total water absorption, and sorptivity. Specimens were cured for up to 90 days. The results indicate that using 0.5% BF resulted in an improvement in compressive and flexural strength compared to the control mix. There was an increase in total water absorption and the water absorption coefficient in the presence of fibers. There appeared to be good correlations between the compressive strength and the other properties examined.

Comparative Assessment of a Light-Curable Dental Composite Reinforced with Artificial Fibers

FRCs (Fiber-Reinforced Composites) are materials that are being used increasingly more often in dentistry as an alternative to traditional restorations made of ceramics or metals. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the strength parameters of a light-curable dental composite reinforced with one single band and two single bands of artificial fibers. The specimens for the strength tests were prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the PN-EN ISO 4049:2019-07 international standard. The test material covered specimens of composite reinforced with single (one or two) bands of fibers. The following bands of fibers were used: carbon (WGL), aramid (AMD) and hybrid carbon–aramid (WGL-AMD). The presence of one single band of aramid fibers caused a three-fold increase in deflection, with a simultaneous increase in the Young’s modulus of over 140%. The flexural strength of specimens reinforced with one single band of aramid fibers was higher by 280% than that control group specimens (KONT). To summarize the performed tests, the incorporation of carbon, aramid and hybrid carbon–aramid fibers into organic matrix has a significant impact on the values of the mechanical parameters of dental composites. The results indicate that particular attention should be paid to aramid fibers, which have rarely been used in dentistry so far.

Natural and synthetic fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete subjected to standard fire temperature

The increasing scarcity of natural materials and rising construction costs have prompted the need for alternative materials that can match the performance of conventional aggregates. This study explores the use of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) as a sustainable alternative, supplemented with natural and synthetic fibers to overcome the inherent strength limitations caused by the residual cement paste on the aggregate surface. To enhance the mechanical and thermal stability of RAC, steel, polypropylene, and coconut fibers were incorporated. The rheological, hardened, and post-fire properties of fiber-reinforced RAC were thoroughly investigated. After 28 days, the porosity of RAC with fiber reinforcement was observed to be less than 2 %. The concrete was also exposed to elevated temperatures as per ISO 834 guidelines to assess its thermal performance. Key parameters such as mass loss, crack width, porosity, and strength degradation were analyzed. Image analysis was used to track surface modifications and measure surface porosity after heating. Among the fiber types, steel fiber reinforced concrete exhibited superior mechanical and thermal performance, followed by coconut fiber reinforced concrete, making coconut fibers a viable natural alternative to synthetic fibers. RAC without fibers displayed the highest porosity (20 % and 32 %) after exposure to 821 °C and 1029 °C, respectively. Strength degradation ranged from 40 to 50 % after heating to 821 °C, increasing to 74–80 % at 1029 °C, irrespective of fiber type. This research highlights the potential of fiber-reinforced RAC for structural applications, offering a sustainable solution with comparable strength and durability to conventional concrete.

Influence of synthetic fibres on the bond performance of glass fibres reinforced polymers concrete: an experimental investigation and regression-based analysis

Influence of synthetic fibres on the bond performance of glass fibres reinforced polymers concrete: an experimental investigation and regression-based analysis

An overview of the effects of water and moisture absorption on the performance of hemp fiber and its composites

AbstractResearchers compare natural hemp fibers with synthetic fibers because of their distinct physical and mechanical properties, which have been well established over time. Hemp fibers are a versatile type of plant fiber commonly used in structural composites and have shown promise in various applications which include packaging, construction, and automotive parts. However, designing hemp‐based composite components presents challenges due to factors related to the plant's origin, growth conditions, age, stem position, separation methods, and the irregularity of fiber cross‐sections. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of research on the performance of hemp fibers and their composites concerning moisture and water absorption. It reviews and analyzes important research on the water and moisture absorption properties of hemp fibers. The article also explains the critical properties of hemp fibers, the various factors affecting these properties, the role of hemp fibers in reinforcement composites, and how relative humidity and swelling characteristics impact hemp fiber composite components. Additionally, it highlights potential areas for future research.Highlights Effects of moisture on hemp fiber's structural properties. Mechanisms of water and moisture absorption in hemp fibers. Impact of moisture on hemp fiber reinforced composites. Key factors in selecting matrices for hemp fiber composites. Future prospects for hemp fiber composites in various applications.

Effect of kaolin ratio on wear, water absorption, acidic resistance, and mechanical properties of thermoset composites

Natural fiber reinforced composites are easy to decompose in nature compared to synthetic fiber reinforced composites. However, due to environmental effects, natural fibers cannot maintain their properties for a long time. This situation has led researchers to search for natural but non-degradable materials. Kaolin is one of the most abundant minerals in nature and is an easy material to obtain. This study investigated the use of kaolin as a potential natural additive for polymer composites. In this direction, different proportions by weight of kaolin were added to two different polymer matrices (polyester and polyvinylester) materials. Mechanical tests were performed on the samples, and a series of tests were carried out to understand the acid resistance, wear resistance and water absorption properties of the samples. Also, SEM images of the fracture surface, wear surface, and surface exposed to the acidic solutions were taken and examined. According to test results, kaolin improved compression strength while reducing tensile and flexural strength. However, serious improvements have been achieved by nearly 45% and 115% in the tensile modulus and nearly 84% and 218% in the flexural modulus of polyester and polyvinylester composites, respectively. Also, kaolin improved acid resistance and wear properties and reduced the water absorption rate of the composites.

Effect of radiation-induced graft polymerization onto pineapple nonwoven fabric reinforced polymer composite

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are gaining attention for their environmental benefits, such as biodegradability and reduced carbon footprint, as well as the potential of the natural fibers to replace or partially substitute synthetic fibers in various applications. However, challenges, such as poor interfacial adhesion and moisture absorption, limit the effectiveness of natural fibers, such as pineapple nonwoven fabric (PNWF) as reinforcement materials in polymer composites. To address these challenges, this study aims to enhance the properties of PNWF through glycidyl methacrylate grafting via radiation-induced graft polymerization. A 22 factorial design was employed to assess the effects of absorbed dosage and monomer concentration on the properties of the grafted PNWF. Infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses confirmed successful grafting. The grafted PNWF exhibited improved thermal stability and mechanical properties. The resulting composites showed significant enhancements in tensile and flexural strength, specifically, with tensile strength increase ranging from 23.32 to 34.49 MPa and flexural strength from 39.14 to 54.59 MPa. Additionally, the tensile modulus ranged from 0.77 to 1.29 GPa, while the flexural modulus varied from 1.17 to 2.06 GPa. These findings highlight the potential of PNWF grafted with polyglycidyl methacrylate (PNWF-g-PGMA) as an effective reinforcement material for various applications.

Mitigating Microfiber Pollution in Laundry Wastewater: Insights from a Filtration System Case Study in Galle, Sri Lanka

Synthetic fibers are widely used in daily life due to their durability, elasticity, low cost, and ease of use. The textile industry is the primary source of synthetic microfibers, as these materials are mostly used in production processes. Globally, plastic pollution has been identified as a major environmental threat in this era, since plastics are not degradable but break down into smaller particles such as mesoplastics, microplastics, and microfibers. Synthetic microfiber pollution is a significant issue in aquatic ecosystems, including oceans and rivers, with laundry wastewater being a major source. This problem is particularly pressing in cities like Galle, Sri Lanka, where numerous tourist hotels are located. Despite the urgency, there has been a lack of scientific and systematic analysis to fully understand the extent of the issue. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the generation of microfibers from laundry activities at a selected hotel and evaluating the efficiency of a laundry wastewater filtration system. This study focused on a fully automatic front-loading washing machine (23 kg capacity) with a load of 12 kg of polyester–cotton blend serviettes (black and red). Samples (1 L each) were taken from both treated and untreated wastewater during four wash cycles, with a total of 100 L of water used for the process. The samples were filtered through a 100 μm sieve and catalytic wet oxidation along with density separation were employed to extract the microfibers, which were then collected on a membrane filter paper (0.45 μm). Microfibers were observed and analyzed for shapes, colors and sizes under a stereo microscope. Results revealed that untreated laundry wastewater contained 10,028.7 ± 1420.8 microfibers per liter (n = 4), while treated wastewater samples recorded 191.5 ± 109.4 microfibers per liter (n = 4). Most of the microfibers observed were black and white/transparent colors. Further analysis revealed that 1 kg of polyester–cotton blend fabric can generate 336,833 microfibers per wash, which was reduced to 6367 microfibers after treatment. The filtration unit recorded an impressive efficiency of 98.09%, indicating a remarkably high capacity for removing microfibers from wastewater. These findings highlight the potential of such filtration techniques to significantly reduce microfiber emissions from laundry wastewater, presenting a promising approach to mitigating environmental pollution from microfibers.

Eggshell bio-derived hydroxyapatite particle-wool/polyester staple fibers hybrid reinforced epoxy bio-composites for biomedical services

This study assessed the impact of hybrid reinforcement from natural and synthetic materials on the wear and mechanical properties of epoxy-based composite materials needed for biomedical applications. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized from eggshells using the hydrothermal method, while wool fiber was obtained from cow hair. The hybrid reinforced composites were developed by blending hydroxyapatite particles and the fibers by hand layup method in an open mold production process, with specified amounts of 3–15 wt % reinforcement. The characterized properties included tensile and flexural strengths, impact energy, wear resistance, and hardness. A scanning electron microscopy study was conducted to analyze the adhesion between the matrix and reinforcements at the interface, providing valuable insights into the overall integrity of the composites. The results showed a significant increase in the properties of the hybrid reinforced composites when compared with the pristine sample. In particular, the 6 wt% reinforced composite enhanced 61.14 % in tensile strength and 160.79 % enhanced 61.14 % in tensile strength and 160.79 % in flexural strength. Thus, the study shows that substituting synthetic fibers with hybrid organic-based reinforcement offers a viable approach for developing sustainable materials with improved mechanical properties suitable for biomedical applications.

Are Microfibers a Threat to Marine Invertebrates? A Sea Urchin Toxicity Assessment.

The rise of "fast fashion" has driven up the production of low-cost, short-lived clothing, significantly increasing global textile fiber production and, consequently, exacerbating environmental pollution. This study investigated the ecotoxicological effects of different types of anthropogenic microfibers-cotton, polyester, and mixed fibers (50% cotton: 50% polyester)-on marine organisms, specifically sea urchin embryos. All tested fibers exhibited toxicity, with cotton fibers causing notable effects on embryonic development even at environmentally relevant concentrations. The research also simulated a scenario where microfibers were immersed in seawater for 30 days to assess changes in toxicity over time. The results showed that the toxicity of microfibers increased with both concentration and exposure duration, with polyester being the most toxic among the fibers tested. Although synthetic fibers have been the primary focus of previous research, this study highlights that natural fibers like cotton, which are often overlooked, can also be toxic due to the presence of harmful additives. These natural fibers, despite decomposing faster than synthetic ones, can persist in aquatic environments for extended periods. The findings underline the critical need for further research on both natural and synthetic microfibers to understand their environmental impact and potential threats to marine ecosystems and sea urchin populations.

Impact of dietary exposure to polyester microfibers on hematology, serology and histology in a mouse model

Synthetic fabrics, especially polyester, are a primary source of microplastic fibers (MFs), but there is limited data on their accumulation and dose related health impact in living organisms. This study examined the effects of ingested polyester microfibers (PE-MFs) on hematology, histopathology, and serum biochemistry in albino mice. Mice were given varying doses of PE-MFs (100, 200, 400 and 800 μg/d/mice) for a duration of thirty-five days and a notable decreases in certain hematological parameters such as RBCs, Hb, and platelets, and increases in MCV and MCH was noted at (p < 0.05) thereby indicating possible inflammatory response within the body resulting from ingestion of these MFs. Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase) and histopathological changes in the liver and gastrointestinal tract also exhibited significant variations, with higher levels seen in the group receiving the highest dose of PE-MFs (800 μg/d/mice). In summary, increased exposure to PE-MFs led to a dose-related impact and notable alterations in histopathological, hematological, and serum biomarkers in albino mice. This study highlights the potential hazards associated with dietary exposure to PE-MFs in mammals and emphasizes the need for further research in this field.

Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites for Marine Applications: A Review

Highly efficient fiber-reinforced composites find extensive application in diverse industries. Yet, conventional fiber-reinforced composites have significant environmental impacts during both manufacturing and disposal. Environmentally friendly fiber-reinforced composites have garnered significant attention within the framework of sustainable development. Utilizing natural fibers in place of synthetic fibers and progressively decreasing the use of synthetic fibers are the main approaches to achieving a balance between economic progress and environmental quality. Attention is increasingly being drawn to natural fiber-reinforced biocomposites that exhibit outstanding environmental performance, exceptional physical and mechanical capabilities, and biological features. The lightweight and high-strength characteristics of these biocomposites enable them to significantly decrease the weight of structures, making them increasingly popular in many industries. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of hybrid fiber-reinforced biocomposites in marine applications, specifically examining their mechanical characteristics, resistance to seawater, and ability to absorb moisture, all while advocating for sustainable material methodologies. To achieve this objective, the paper delineates the distinction between synthetic and natural fibers, examines the benefits of hybrid fiber-reinforced biocomposite materials, and addresses the obstacles and effective approaches in their production and application in seawater. Considering the review analysis, it can be inferred that the use of fiber-reinforced biocomposites in maritime applications shows significant potential and has abundant untapped growth prospects in the future years.

Effect of various fibers and rice husk ash on the workability of self-compacting concrete

AbstractThe study aims to investigate and find natural fiber as concrete reinforcement using the self-compacting concrete method. Methods of adding fiber and self-compacting concrete methods are exciting because these two methods have different characteristics and advantages. Therefore, the performance of the fresh-state flow capability of the self-compacting concrete method, which contains various fibers, was observed. Coconut fiber, pineapple leaf fiber, ijuk sugar palm fiber, and artificial polypropylene fiber were used with varying compositions of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7% by mass of binder. The results show that coconut and pineapple fiber concrete met the European Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete standards. The coconut and pineapple fiber concrete performed admirably in all tests.

Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic/Aerobic Conditions for Treating Dye-Rich Synthetic and Real Textile Wastewater Using a Soda Lake Derived Alkaliphilic Microbial Consortia

Textile industry wastewater (WW) has intense color, high chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, and salinity, making it challenging for conventional treatment. Soda lakes, with high alkalinity and salinity, host diverse microbes capable of textile dye degradation. This study evaluated anaerobic/aerobic reactors using alkaliphilic microbial consortia from Lake Chitu, an Ethiopian soda lake, for treating synthetic and real textile WW. The experimental setup consisted of a first-stage anaerobic reactor followed by a second-stage aerobic reactor, operating continuously with a predetermined flow rate and hydraulic residence time. After evaluating synthetic WW, real textile WW was collected in two batches (rounds I and II). The treatment setup removed 99% of the dye color for synthetic WW, 98% for round I, and 96% for round II. COD removal was 87% for synthetic WW, 86% for round I, and 93.37% for round II. TKN removal reached 90% for synthetic WW, 91% for round I, and 96% for round II at a steady state. Residual COD and TKN values met the final effluent discharge standards. GC–MS and IR analyses revealed that dyes were broken down into intermediate organic compounds under anaerobic conditions and further degraded into smaller molecules under aerobic conditions. This integrated reactor approach effectively removes dyes and enhances COD and TKN removal. The study’s novelty lies in evaluating both synthetic and real textile WW using integrated reactors under alkaline conditions in a continuous process, inoculating alkaliphilic consortia, without pre-enrichment or external nutrient addition to real WW. The study provides insights into the effectiveness of alkaliphilic microbial consortia derived from soda lakes for treating textile WW using integrated reactor conditions. Reactor microbiome characterization is needed to further explore microbial diversity and community structure.

Formation of core–shell structures and viscous fingering in cellulose beads regenerated from [DBNH][OAc]/DMSO

AbstractSuperbase Ionic Liquids (SBILs) are efficient direct-dissolution solvents for cellulose and have found applications such as manufacturing of man-made textile fibers. In this study cellulose beads were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in a mixture of SBIL 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-enium acetate with dimethyl sulfoxide, [DBNH][OAc]/DMSO, by drop-wise regeneration using water as an antisolvent. This resulted in cellulose regeneration by spinodal decomposition phase separation. The cross-sections of freeze-dried beads were thoroughly investigated using SEM, revealing a complex internal bead structure. Special attention was paid to structures resulting from the inwards moving regeneration front, where the solvent and antisolvent interdiffuse in opposite directions. The phase boundary at the regeneration front showed evidence of Saffman–Taylor instability, i.e., viscous fingering. Altering the diffusion environment surrounding the bead during regeneration resulted in nested layers of cores and shells. The number and placement of the core–shell separations was regulated by the number of transfers between two antisolvent baths and the duration of alternating periods of fast and slow interdiffusion of water and [DBNH][OAc]/DMSO through the bead perimeter. Graphical abstract