Tear Strength Research Articles

Properties of Sustainable Packaging Paper Fabricated from Banana Fibers Using Banana Peel Lye As a Pulping Delignification Reagent

ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish a sustainable fabrication method for packaging paper using a Potassium-based delignification alkali; banana peel lye (BPL) to pulp banana stem fibers. This was an experimental study where Caustic soda was used as a positive control. The packaging paper was constructed using a handmade craft method described by TAPPI 2002. The packaging properties were tested according to the KEBS EAS 859:2017 standard for packaging, which outlines the minimum/maximum requirement for three properties; bursting strength, tearing resistance, and water absorbency. The results indicate that the pulping process using BPL yielded more fiber than the NaOH pulping process at 68% and 56%, respectively. The test results for the packaging paper revealed that BPL and NaOH packaging paper surpassed the minimum KEBS requirement for bursting strength and tearing resistance however it had a high water absorbency rate. The property tests statistical analysis showed that for all three tests, there was no significant difference between the packaging papers made with BPL and those made from NaOH indicating that BPL is a suitable replacement for NaOH. Further research is recommended to improve water absorption properties as well as to experiment with surface enhancement treatments such as dyeing.

A convenient swelling-permeation strategy for constructing high-performance fiber reinforced composite hydrogel

Ligaments are a unique wet biological tissue with ultrahigh tensile strength, modulus, and flexural flexibility. Developing artificial materials with similar properties is important but challenging. Herein, we present a novel swelling-permeation strategy for preparing high-performance fiber reinforced composite hydrogels capable of mimicking the ligaments. Through pre-swelling the meta-aramid fibers in good solvents to vastly boost their porosity, large amounts of pre-gel solution can permeate into the pores of fibers during the soaking process. After the polymerization of pre-gel solutions inside and around fibers, the interpenetrating networks form directly between the hydrogel matrix and meta-aramid fibers. The mechanical interlock and abundant hydrogen bond of interpenetrating networks enable the generation of strong interfacial binding between hydrogels and fibers. In consequence, the as-prepared composite hydrogel has high tear resistance (405.30 kJ/m2), tensile strength (125 MPa), and modulus (218 MPa), superior to previously reported composite hydrogels. Meanwhile, the resulting composite hydrogels have outstanding flexibility and good biocompatibility, thereby exhibiting great potential as artificial ligaments. The preparation method proposed in this paper is simple, controllable, and scalable, which opens up the possibility of large-scale production of artificial ligaments.

Development of a mechanically robust silicon-based cross-linking polymer for the sustainable marine antifouling coatings

Silicone-based fouling release coatings (FRCs) have shown great promise as an environmentally friendly antifouling technology, while inferior mechanical properties and insufficient substrate adhesion have hindered their further application. We focused on enhancing the mechanical robustness of silicone-based coating through the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding, π-π aromatic interaction and covalent bonding. The resulting silicone-based coating displayed a low surface energy of 23 mJ/m2 and improved mechanical strength and substrate adhesion, offering values up to 6.4 MPa (9.1 times higher) and 2.87 MPa (25.7 times higher), respectively. Additionally, the modified coating demonstrated a tear strength of 9.8 kN/m and mass loss only about 30 mg after enduring 10,000 wear cycles. Alkoxysilane-functionalized polyethylene glycol and quaternary ammonium salt were grafted into the cross-linking structure to make them anchored to the networks and migrated to the surface layer in seawater without releasing. The coating provided 99.1% antibacterial efficiency and effective antidiatom performance (≤ 11.2 cell/mm2). After a 12-month marine field test, the developed film showed only 20% micro bio-fouling compared to 100% fouling coverage on the PDMS surface. By combining improved mechanical properties with antifouling characteristics, this new multifunctional silicone-based FRC exhibits tremendous potential for sustainable marine antifouling coating application.

Effect of Sheet Properties of Cellulosic Polyglycidyl Methacrylate-Grafted Fibers in a Cationic Polyacrylamide/SiO2/Anionic Polyacrylamide Retention Aid System.

As increasing fiber hydrophobicity can significantly improve the paper dewatering process, we found that replacing SBKP and HBKP with 0.5% superhydrophobic CPGMA can significantly improve the dewatering of paper sheets. Therefore, it can be concluded that if CPGMA has little effect on paper properties, it will have potential industrial value in the papermaking industry. Consequently, it is necessary to further study the effect of the CPGMAs@CPAM/SiO2/APAM system on paper properties. To evaluate the application potential of the system in the papermaking industry, we investigated the effects of CPGMAs, which replaced the fibers in the stocks, on the paper properties in the CPAM/SiO2/APAM system. The findings demonstrate that as the CPGMA replacement increased, the paper's tensile strength, bursting strength, tear resistance, and folding endurance all declined. The trend can be segmented into two phases: a rapid decrease for substitution amounts below 0.5% and a gradual decline for substitution amounts exceeding 0.5%. When replaced with a small amount of CPGMAs, there was a negligible effect on these properties. Second, the paper air permeability increased with the CPGMA substitution amount in the stock. Furthermore, the trend of paper air permeability can be divided into two stages-a rapid stage with a substitution amount of <0.5% and a slow stage with a substitution amount of >0.5%. A small amount of CPGMAs could distinctly improve the paper's air permeability. Third, CPGMAs, which replaced fibers in the stock, minutely affected the paper formation. A small amount of CPGMAs substantially boosted the efficacy of the process of paper manufacture and certain characteristics of the paper, and it had a negligible impact on the strength of paper. The CPGMAs@CPAM/SiO2/APAM technology has the potential to improve the retention and filtration performance of CPAM/SiO2/APAM.

Effect of silane coupling agent grafted glycidyl methacrylate on hollow microsphere/natural rubber composites

AbstractTo improve the interfacial bonding between hollow microspheres (RiM01) and natural rubber (NR), the silane coupling agents γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) and γ‐methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) are used in this study as intermediate reaction platforms for the modification of (RiM01) with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), respectively. In the process, GMA reacts with KH550 and KH570 through epoxy group ring‐opening and free radical polymerization, respectively. Different NR/RiM01@GMA composites are prepared by a mechanical blending method. The results show that the addition of GMA improves the interfacial bonding between RiM01 and NR, and enhances the vulcanization rate and cross‐linking degree of the rubber composites. When KH550 is used as the reaction platform, the tensile strength of the rubber composites increases by 24% compared to composites with unmodified RiM01, while when KH570 is used, the tensile strength increases by 18%. Additionally, the tear strength and abrasion resistance of the rubber composites increase by 13% and 15%, respectively, when KH570 is used as the reaction platform. At the same time, the filler‐matrix interaction is strongest when KH570 is used as the reaction platform, and the rubber composites exhibit the lowest rolling resistance and the best resistance to heat and oxygen aging.Highlight Modification of hollow microspheres by grafting GMA with KH550 and KH570, respectively. Improvement of rubber composite properties after modification GMA improves the interfacial bonding between hollow microspheres and rubber.

Mechanochemical Recycling of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Scraps for Quantitative Replacement of Polyol Using Wedge-Block-Reinforced Extruder.

Recycling flexible polyurethane foam (F-PUF) scraps is difficult due to the material's high cross-linking structure. In this work, a wedge-block-reinforced extruder with a considerable enhanced shear extrusion and stretching area between the rotating screw and the stationary wedge blocks was utilized to recycle F-PUF scraps into powder containing surface-active hydroxyl groups. The powder was then utilized for the quantitative replacement of polyol in the foaming process. Characterizations showed that the continuous shear extrusion and stretching during the extrusion process reduced the volume mean diameter (VMD) of the F-PUF powder obtained by extruding it three times at room temperature to reach 54 μm. The -OH number (OHN) of the powder prepared by extruding it three times reached 19.51 mgKOH/g due to the mechanochemical effect of the powdering method. The F-PUF containing recycled powder used to quantitively replace 10 wt.% polyol was similar in microstructure and chemical structure to the original F-PUF, with a compression set of 2%, indentation load deflection of 21.3 lbf, resilience of 43.4%, air permeability of 815.7 L/m2·s, tensile strength of 73.0 Kpa, and tear strength of 2.3 N/cm, indicating that the recycling method has potential for industrial applications.

Opportunities to reduce environmental burden by recycling fabric waste in a woollen fabric company

PurposeWool fiber is accepted as one of the natural and renewable sources and has been used in the apparel and textile industry since ancient times. However, wool fiber has the highest global warming potential value among conventional fibres due to its high land use and high methane gas generation. This study aimed to recycle the wool fabric wastes and also to create a mini eco-collection by using the produced yarns.Design/methodology/approachThis manuscript aimed to evaluate the fabric wastes of a woolen fabric producer company. Fabric wastes were opened with two different opening systems and fiber properties were determined. First, conventional ring yarns were produced in the company’s own spinning mill by mixing the opened fibres with the long fiber wastes of the company. In addition, opening wastes were mixed with different fibres (polyester, long wool waste, and Tencel fibres) between 25% and 70% in the short-staple yarn spinning mill and used in the production of conventional ring and OE-rotor yarns. Most of the yarns contained waste fibres at 50%. Recycled and virgin yarns were used as a weft and warp yarn and a total of 270 woven fabric samples were obtained and fabric properties were examined. Also, a fabric collection was created. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was made for one of the selected yarns.FindingsAt the end of the study, it was determined that it was possible to produce yarn and fabric samples from fiber blends containing high waste fiber ratios beyond 50%. All the woven fabric samples produced from conventional ring and OE-rotor yarns gave higher breaking, tearing and stitch slip strength values in the weft and warp direction than limit quality values of the company. In addition, abrasion resistance and WIRA steam stability properties of the fabric samples were also sufficient. Environmental analysis of the recycling of the wastes showed a possible decrease of about 9940034.3 kg CO2e per year in the global warming potential. In addition, fiber raw material expenses reduced yarn production cost about 50% in case of opened fabric waste usage. However, due to insufficient pilling resistance results, it was decided to evaluate the woven fabrics for the product groups such as shawls and blankets, where pilling resistance is less sought.Originality/valueThe original aspects of the article can be summarized under two headings. First, there are limited studies on the evaluation of wool wastes compared to cotton and polyester fibres and the number of samples examined was limited. However, this study was quite comprehensive in terms of opening type (rag and tearing), spinning systems (long and short spinning processes), fiber blends (waste 100% and blends with polyester, long wool waste and Tencel fibres) and yarn counts (coarser and finer). Recycled and virgin yarns were used as a weft and warp yarn and a total of 270 woven fabric samples were obtained using different colour combinations and weave types. All processes from fabric waste to product production were followed and evaluated. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost analysis was also done. The second unique aspect is that the problem of a real wool company was handled by taking the waste of the woolen company and a collection was created for the customer group of the company. Production was made under real production conditions. Therefore, this study will provide important findings to the research field about recycling, sustainability etc.

Study of Alkaline Protease in Dehairing Process and Chestnut as Vegetable Tanning Agent

Abstract Leather industry is one of essential industry in Indonesia, However, the production of leather products produce load of pollutions. This study aims to analyze and focuses on the addition of alkaline protease in the dehairing process and chestnut as a vegetable tanning agent in goat skin in an attempt to minimize the usage of chemicals that were detrimental to the environment despite generating good leather quality. In this study, 10 pieces of raw goat skin were used and processed from soaking to basic dyeing process. The analysis of data used One-Way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) to discover the differences between treatments. Treatments were divided into 4 categories that were : P0: a control treatment (0% alkaline protease+ 3% H2S and 6% limes + 25% mimosa), P1: 1% alkaline protease with 2% H2S and 5% limes + 25% chestnut, P2: 1% alkaline protease with 1% H2S and 4% limes + 30% chestnut, P3: 2% alkaline protease with 1% H2S and 4% limes + 25% chestnut and P4: 2% alkaline protease with 1% H2S and 4% limes + 30% chestnut. The examination tested was the morphological observation by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, and shrinkage temperature. The SEM study indicates the addition of alkaline protease softens the goat skin, nevertheless, there is a non-significant difference between treatments (P&gt;0.05) on tensile strength and elongation strength, however, there is a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) on tear strength and shrinkage temperature. The conclusion is treatment P4 (2% alkaline protease with 1% H2S and 4% limes + 30% chestnut) generates the best result.

Effect of quantitative feed restriction and sex class on sheep skin quality.

The aim was to evaluate the quality of the sheep skin of different sex classes submitted to different levels of feed restriction. Sheep without defined racial pattern of different sex classes (15 non-castrated males, 15 castrated males and 15 females), with initial body weight of 18.1 ± 0.4kg and mean age of 90days were distributed in a factorial 3 × 3, with three sex classes and 3 levels of feed restriction (ad libitum intake and restricted intake at 70 and 80%), with 5 repetitions. After slaughter, the skins were collected for physical-mechanical tests. The effect of the sex classes x levels of dietary restriction interaction was observed for transverse thickness and longitudinal rupture elongation (p < 0.05). Animals fed ad libitum had greater longitudinal transverse thickness (p < 0.05). Animals fed ad libitum and 70% feed restriction showed greater transverse elongation at break (p < 0.05). As for the difference between sex classes in the transverse thickness variable for tearing strength, the interaction sex classes x levels of feed restriction for transverse thickness, longitudinal thickness, transverse tearing strength and longitudinal tearing strength occurred (p < 0.05). Feed restriction reduces the physical quality of the skin of sheep of different sex classes, and the use of castrated male sheep in positive energy balance is recommended to obtain leather with greater thickness, longitudinal rupture elongation and transverse tear strength.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ХИМИЧЕСКОГО СОСТАВА ОПЛАВОВ НА МЕХАНИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА БИМЕТАЛЛА CU-AL, ПОЛУЧЕННОГО СВАРКОЙ ВЗРЫВОМ ВБЛИЗИ НИЖНЕЙ ГРАНИЦЫ СВАРИВАЕМОСТИ

In this work, using scanning electron microscopy, the joint zone of Cu-Al bimetal obtained by explosion welding near the lower limit of weldability was studied. Micro-X-ray spectral energy dispersive elemental analysis (EDS) of melts in the joint zone was carried out. It was revealed that the melts have a finely dispersed two-phase microstructure corresponding to the eutectic (Al) + θ. It was found that with an increase in the energy of plastic deformation W2 from 0.12 to 0.24 MJ/m2, the linear content of melts increases from 15 to 57%, and the ratio of Al/Cu elements changes from 80/20 to 50/50 At.%. In this case, the mechanical tear strength of bimetal layers with kinematic parameters corresponding to the intersection of the lower limit of weldability increases abruptly from zero to an equal strength value of 89 MPa.

Wearable skin integrated flexible PVA‐nickel nanocomposite patch for temperature sensor

AbstractThe study focuses on developing a noninvasive, flexible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐nickel (Ni) nanocomposite thin film as a passive skin‐integrated patch sensor for wearable temperature monitoring, marking a significant advancement in the field of wearable sensors. This flexible PVA‐Ni nanocomposite thin film serves as a temperature‐sensitive material, offering several advantages over commercially available active‐type sensors. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) images show that Ni nanoparticles (NPs) are broadly dispersed throughout the PVA matrix, indicating the effectiveness of the conductive patch in detecting temperature variations. A PVA‐Ni nanocomposite patch with a thickness of 0.08 mm demonstrated superior flexibility, breathability, and lower tearing strength compared to a pure PVA patch. The film also exhibited excellent repeatability in bending tests, maintaining performance after 120 bending and unloading cycles, suggesting its durability for long‐term use as a wearable sensor. Furthermore, the fabricated sensors function as thermistors, with conductivity increasing linearly with temperature. The performance of these temperature sensors was compared, revealing a highest temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and thermal index of −1.08%/°C and 1271 K, respectively. The sensors showed high temperature sensitivity between room temperature and 50°C, outperforming typical commercial platinum temperature sensors. The stability and response time of the PVA‐Ni nanocomposite film were evaluated by adhering the patch to a human wrist and capturing thermal images using a FLIR thermal imaging camera. The observed maximum temperature difference of approximately 1.9–2.1°C highlights the patch's sensitivity in detecting temperature changes. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the conductive film were tested to assess its biocompatibility, confirming its potential for applications in energy storage, thermal management, and early breast cancer detection.

Influence of Retanning Agents on Physical Characteristics of Snow-White Glove Leather from Goat Skin

The quality of leather is subject to various elements, such as the specific raw material used, and the processing techniques implemented throughout the production process. Goatskin, renowned for its exceptional softness and durability, is frequently employed in the production of gloves owing to its desired attributes, notably its capacity to produce snow-white gloves. Retanning is an essential step in the leather manufacturing process as it significantly improves the characteristics of the leather. Through an investigation into the impacts of distinct retanning agents on goatskin leather gloves, this research endeavor seeks to offer significant knowledge regarding the most effective retanning procedures that can augment the tactile attributes of snow- white leather gloves. In this study, formaldehyde, alum, chromium, and chromium alum were employed as retanning agents. The retanned leathers were assessed by physical parameters, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), then compared to a commercially available snow-white leather glove. The physical characteristics of chrome alum retanned leather showed a high degree of softness (6.60±0.02 mm), good tear strength (1.530±117 N/cm), and tensile strength (1.500±100 N/cm 2 ). The principal component analysis (PCA) also supported that the properties of chrome alum retanned snow-white glove leather closely resemble commercial leather and the result from this study suggested that all factors notably impact the skin&amp;#39;s physical quality, except for thickness. Additionally, the FTIR analysis reveals similar functional groups from the different retanned leathers indicated by comparable peaks and stretching patterns. Therefore, chrome-alum could be a well alternative retanning agent for the production of snow-white glove leather.

Improvement of thermal stability, flame retardancy, hydrophobicity, tear and wear performance of polyester fabrics with graphene nanoplatelet coating

AbstractIn this study, graphene nanoplatelets were applied to polyester fabrics using the knife‐coating method at different concentrations (50, 100, and 150 g/kg). SEM, DSC, and TGA/DTG analyses were performed. The influence of graphene coating on hydrophobicity and surface roughness was examined by water contact angle (WCA) measurement and root mean square roughness, respectively. Abrasion resistance and tear strength tests were also performed. The effect of graphene used as a filler on the flammability of polyester fabric was evaluated for the first time according to the BS 5852 standard. No significant weight loss (only in the range of 0.4%–1.5%) was observed in the graphene‐coated samples even after 100,000 cycles. While the WCA value was 0 for the uncoated fabric, the blind coating and maximum graphene‐coated sample measured 86° and 95°, respectively. The coating process reduced the roughness of the base fabric, and the decrease continued with the increasing graphene ratio. The tear strength values that were 45.5 N in the warp and 53.6 N in the weft direction in the blind coating, increased to 52.2 and 59.1 N, respectively, at the maximum graphene concentration. Graphene coating enhanced thermal stability, increased hydrophobicity, and improved flame retardancy in the test using a smoldering cigarette.

The effect of 1,3-(bis citraconimidomethyl)Benzene on the reversion of cured ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber using semi-efficient vulcanisation (SEV) system and a nano zinc oxide as an activator

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the anti-reversion agent, 3-(bis citraconimidomethyl) Benzene, Perkalink 900, on the properties, with a focus on reversion tendencies, of carbon black-filled ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber compounds cured using a semi-efficient vulcanization (SEV) sulfur curing system with various accelerators. The research highlights that the presence of Perkalink 900 significantly prolongs the optimum cure times for all rubber compounds, reducing ∆torques, especially in fast-curing systems. Crosslink density (CLD) exhibits minimal sensitivity to Perkalink 900, which effectively prevents reversion, even reaching zero in certain compounds. Reversion extent varies with the chosen curing system, and the concentration of Perkalink 900 plays a key role in its control. Perkalink 900 enhances Shore A hardness, indicating a denser and stiffer rubber, while tear strength and elongation at break improve. Tensile strength remains stable or slightly increases, and the modulus response varies based on the curing agent and Perkalink 900 loading. ATR-FTIR spectra confirm Perkalink 900 presence, with peak intensities correlating with its concentration. Additionally, a new Alder-ene reaction mechanism between EPDM and Perkalink 900 is proposed. Overall, the study establishes Perkalink 900 as an effective anti-reversion agent, proving its potential to significantly enhance rubber compound properties. Future investigations could focus on optimizing Perkalink 900 concentrations for specific applications and exploring its interactions with diverse rubber types and curing systems.

Sustainable multi-functional additives: Zinc soaps from vegetable oil and fatty acids in natural rubber compounds

Zinc soaps derived from various vegetable oils and fatty acids were synthesized, and the product with the highest yield was chosen for compounding with silica-filled natural rubber (NR). Specifically, zinc soaps of coconut oil and palm oil, with yields of 72% and 73%, respectively, were prepared through precipitation and metathesis methods. Additionally, zinc soaps from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and stearic acid, both with a yield of 70%, were synthesized using modified fusion and precipitation methods, respectively. Subsequently, these zinc soaps were incorporated into silica-filled NR compounds and compared with the commercial dispersing aid, Ultra flow 700 s. The results indicated that the zinc soaps played a significant role in plasticizing and lubricating the rubber compounds, as evidenced by reductions in Mooney viscosity, Mooney relaxation rate, and minimum torque (ML). Furthermore, the zinc soaps influenced curing properties by accelerating the cure process, as reflected in decreased cure time (tc90) and increased cure rate and torque difference compared to compounds without processing aid. Moreover, NR compounded with zinc soap exhibited superior mechanical properties, including higher tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, and hardness.

Natural rubber composites reinforced with sodium sulfate waste from pigment industry: A circular economy approach for solid waste management

The massive industrial waste discharged into the environment adversely affects the ecological system. Traditional methods like landfilling or other disposal methods can no longer be adequate to handle them, and their reutilization is consequently gaining popularity. Most chemical industries generate a large amount of sodium sulfate waste (SSW), contaminating air and water. Hence, its reutilization in natural rubber (NR) as a reinforcing filler is explored. SSW generated in Ultramarine and Pigments Ltd., Chennai, India, was procured and characterized. The fabricated NR-SSW composite's cure, mechanical, and sorption features have been investigated. NR composite with 7.5 phr (parts per hundred of rubber) SSW showed a 9 %, 14 % and 29 % increase in tensile strength, tear strength, and modulus at 300 % elongation, respectively, and a remarkable decrease in abrasion loss and higher abrasion resistance index (ARI) as compared to NR-Neat. All these properties decreased beyond 7.5 phr SSW addition, proving its better adhesion on NR up to 7.5 phr loading. The experimental tensile strength showed a good correlation with Turcsányi-Pukànszky-Tüdõs (T-P-T) model, confirming the better matrix-filler interaction up to 7.5 phr SSW loading. Sorption studies proved the better barrier properties of NR-SSW7.5 composite compared to NR-Neat. Various kinetic parameters were studied, and a suitable transportation method was suggested. NR-SSW7.5 composite, having remarkable mechanical and barrier properties, finds application in various rubber products manufacture. The reutilization of SSW as an efficient filler in NR is an innovative attempt from a circular economy perspective, as it reduces production costs and environmental pollution.

Jute fibre reinforced biodegradable composites using starch as a biological macromolecule: Fabrication and performance evaluation

The aim of this study is to develop environment friendly packaging and life style materials for replacing conventionally explored hazardous synthetic materials. The study carried out by using raw jute fibre reinforced thermoplastic corn starch (TPCS) is to develop biodegradable flexible composite materials. Flexible composites are prepared by maintaining with different fibre content (30 %, 40 % and 50 wt%). A thin coating of polyurethane based formulation is applied on one side of the developed composite to make it water resistant. Composite samples are examined in terms of their tensile properties, tear resistance, folding endurance, water absorbency, capillary action etc. The results show that flexible composites, having 50 % fibre content have tensile strength of 12.8 MPa and 12 MPa at cross and machine direction respectively compared to 3.1 MPa for the TPCS film. The Water drop test on the coated side of the developed material concluded that there is no water penetration even after 60 min of wetting. The interaction between two hydrophilic components is established with FTIR analysis. The XRD analysis was carried out to find the crystallinity of TPCS, Jute fibre and composite samples. Surface morphology and fibre/matrix interaction is observed by SEM. The detail chemical mechanism involved of fibre matrix interaction also been postulated. The scientific finding shows that the developed flexible material can be suitable for making packaging and life style items.

Comparative evaluation of tannin from banana bunch and stem syrup for leather processing

Utilization of vegetable tannins in leather processing is one of the convenient solutions to protect the environment pollution. Herein, the banana bunch and syrup of banana stem are utilized to prepare an ecofriendly tanning agent. The yield of banana bunch extraction efficiency is found 69.80 %. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of condensed type tanning component owing to the bearing of different polyphenolic groups. The content of tannins in extracted banana bunch and stem syrup is 3.13 % and 2.6 %, respectively. The phenolic content in the banana bunch extract is determined to be 1332.37 mg GAE/100g of dried weight and in syrup was 873.92 mg GAE/100g of dried weight. This makes it possible to be used as vegetable tanners. The extracted bunch and syrup are applied to re-tan leather and compared with conventionally used vegetable tanning agent (quebracho) in parallel. Tensile strength, tear strength and elongation percentage for the extracted banana bunch and syrup are obtained at 23.84 N/mm2, 68.26 N/mm, 47.07 %, and 22.97 N/mm2, 68.38 N/mm, 40.70 %, respectively. The softness is found 1.41 for the extracted bunch and 2.01 for the syrup. The grain crack load, distension at grain crack, strength at ball burst, distension at ball burst are 246.86 N, 13.24 mm, 530.77 N, 24.54 mm for banana stem syrup and 338.77 N, 13.42 mm, 460.65 N, 29.08 mm for bunch extract, respectively. The shrinkage temperatures recorded for banana bunch extract, syrup and Quebracho (control trial) tannins tanned leather samples are 76.5 °C, 75 °C and 84 °C subsequently. The flexing endurance of the bunch extract and syrup revealed acceptable values that are less than 4. Moreover, the bunch extract tanned leather shows greater thermal stability and for syrup it is similar with the quebracho tanned leather. All the results are satisfactory compared to the control trial. Finally, tanned leather is evaluated to assess the possibility of the newly developed tannin which proves its efficiency as a potential source of tanning material for the leather industry.

Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates filled with untreated pyrolytic tire char

AbstractUntreated pyrolytic tire char was used in natural rubber (STR20) composites as single filler at loadings of 30–70 phr and co‐filler with carbon black (N330) at a total loading of 50 phr. The results were compared with rubbers filled with N330 and crumb rubber at 30 phr. The effects of fillers on cure characteristic, crosslink density, filler dispersion in natural rubber vulcanizates and their mechanical properties were investigated. The slight reversions were seen for the cure characteristics of 70 phr‐char‐filled and all co‐filler samples because the sulfur amount in the char together with the added sulfur could shift the vulcanization system from EV to SEV, whereas plateau cure curves were seen for the rest. While the highest tensile strength of char‐filled sample was obtained at 50 phr loading, whose tensile strength was about 88% of the N330 sample at 30 phr, 70‐phr‐char filled sample was superior in surface hardness, abrasion resistance and tear strength to N330 sample at 30 phr. For rubber with co‐fillers, the mechanical properties depended on the mass ratio of N330 to pyrolytic tire char. Therefore, it is possible to use untreated char as reinforcing filler for suitable applications according to their properties.

Improvement of Mechanical And Light Transmittance Properties of Foam Coated Curtain Fabrics

In foam coating, the main factors are the foam density of the coating material and the compatibility among foam structure, the coating material and the fabric surface. In this study, the results of breaking strength, breaking elongation, tear strength and light transmittance testing were compared according to the fabric structure, coating recipes, foam density and the coat layer viscosity statistically. The high yarn density of warp threads per unit length in polyester woven fabric leads to an increase in tensile strength. The best results in tensile strength and elongation at break experiments were obtained at coating recipe 4. As a result, the minimum light transmittance value was 1.0347 and the maximum light transmittance value was 1.12 by using coating recipe 4, respectively. Consequently, the low filler content, soft binder ratio and foam density had a positive effect on the mechanical and light transmittance properties of foam coated fabrics.