Untreated Fibers Research Articles

Morphological, TGA, and FTIR on Rigid Polyurethane Composite Laminated with Untreated and Treated Bamboo Fiber Roof Insulation

The performance of roof insulation such as polyurethane decreased due to problems such as insufficient absorption and poor thermal insulation performance, especially during rainstorms. The aims of this study are to investigate the physical property and its potential reinforced material such as rigid polyurethane doped with treated and untreated bamboo fiber composite (RPU-BF) at different ratios of 0, 25, 30, 35, and 40% of bamboo fibers as an insulation material for roof applications. The bamboo fibers were treated by using silane coupling agent treatment. The rigid polyurethane composite samples were prepared and then laminated bamboo fiber to overcome the sound problem in roofs. The physical characterization was investigated by Water Contact Angle (WCA), the morphological by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Analysis. The results showed that the treated bamboo fiber had a 192.5° water contact angle as a super hydrophobic property due to the presence of the chemical bonds Si-O-Si and Si-O-C in the silane coupling agent treatment. The morphology showed that 30% ratios of RPU-BF-T30 give the smallest pore diameter size. The peak of thermal degradation temperature of untreated and treated bamboo fiber was increased from 320°C to 350 °C with a weight loss of 80% to 50%. The treated bamboo fiber exhibited peaks at 3010–3040 cm-1 were associated with stronger Si-O-Si bonding, indicating the formation of new chemical bonds between bamboo fiber and silane coupling agent due to the ester bond from the cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. Thus, there was a similar trend peak in the functional chemical group in the FTIR spectrum of the RPU-BF composite. This result shows that RPU-BF composite had the potential of the optimum ratio of bamboo fiber as an insulation material for local communities and beneficial to the bamboo industry.

Effects of high-intensity ultraviolet irradiation on the structure and mechanical properties of Sisal fibers

Abstract To explore the impact of high-intensity ultraviolet light on the structure and mechanical properties of sisal fibers, the article uses chemical methods in the sisal fiber surface silver-plated, untreated, and alkali-treated sisal fibers as a comparison, with the help of scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy on the fiber surface topography, the molecular structure of the research, determination of high-intensity ultraviolet irradiation under the mechanical tensile properties of the fiber. Exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet radiation for a brief period results in a reduction in the tensile strength, fracture elongation, and elastic modulus of untreated, alkali-treated, and chemically silver-plated sisal fibers by 95.2%, 77.7%, 55.9%, 92.8%, 76.9%, 42.1%, and 89.4%, 70.2%, 34.2%, respectively.

Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Alkali-Treated Coir Fibres Incorporated with Murraya Koenigii: A Comparative Study of Mono-Layer and Tri-Layer Biocomposites

This study examined the surface morphology and thermal behaviour of the coir fibres incorporated with murraya koenigii before and after alkaline treatment. The mechanical properties of biocomposites reinforced by the untreated fibres, treated fibres, mono-layer and tri-layer treated fibres incorporated with murraya koenigii were systematically investigated. The experimental results showed significant enhancements in tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, and impact resistance of the biocomposites reinforced by treated fibres. Notably, the alkaline treatment has produced a rougher surface on coir fibres, promoting improved mechanical interlocking between the fibres and the polyethene matrix. These effects become more significant when murraya koenigii particles are incorporated into the fibres. It was found that the tri-layer treated fibres incorporated with murraya koenigii biocomposites showed higher tensile and flexural strength, superior hardness and impact strength when compared to the mono-layer reinforcement biocomposites. At higher temperatures, the treated fibres showed better thermal stability than the untreated fibres and polyethene. Incorporating murraya koenigii particles increased the thermal resistance of the treated fibres, revealing the potential of this green synthesis approach for the development of thermally stable natural fibre composites.

Activity in the Field of Blood Coagulation Processes of Poly(Lactide)-Zinc Fiber Composite Material Obtained by Magnetron Sputtering

This article presents the biochemical properties of poly(lactide)-zinc (PLA-Zn) composites obtained by DC magnetron sputtering of zinc onto melt-blown nonwoven fabrics. The biochemical properties were determined by the evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). The antimicrobial activity of the PLA-Zn samples was additionally tested against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. A structural study of the PLA-Zn has been carried out using specific surface area and total pore volume (BET) analysis, as well as atomic absorption spectrometry with flame excitation (FAAS). PLA-Zn composites exhibited an antibacterial effect against the analyzed strains and produced inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus. Biochemical investigations revealed that the untreated PLA fibers caused the acceleration of the clotting of human blood plasma in the intrinsic pathway. However, the PLA-Zn composites demonstrated significantly different properties in this regard, the aPTT was prolonged while the PT was not altered.

Effect of Mercerization on Mechanical Properties of <i>Grewia Optiva </i>Natural Fiber Polymer Composites

The concerns towards sustainable development have triggered the need of adopting biodegradable products in different applications. The natural fibers are being widely explored in the field of composites for various applications. Sustainable architecture is also seeking the research and development of new materials to minimize the negative environmental effect of the traditional structural materials. A bast fiber obtained from Grewia Optiva (G.O.) tree is abundantly available in the sub-Himalayan terrains and is still underutilized in the field of biocomposites. The promotion of G.O. fiber in fabrication of biocomposites may give a source of income and employment to rural hilly populations. This research work utilizes the G.O. fiber collected from the Okhalkanda block of Nainital district of Uttarakhand to develop biocomposites. The effect of mercerization on the water absorption behavior and mechanical properties has been also studied. It is found that the treatment of fibers with NaOH reduces the water absorption tendency of G.O. Natural Fiber Reinforced Biocomposites (NFRB) upto 41.05% and the mechanical properties are also improved by appreciable amount. The tensile and flexural strength obtained are 141.45 MPa and 109.84 MPa respectively for mercerized fiber reinforcement. Impact strength and mode-I fracture toughness have been recorded as 11.97 KJ/m2 and 1.85 MPa√m respectively. SEM images of fractured surfaces indicate good bonding of mercerized fibers as compared to untreated fibers with epoxy matrix. Hence the Grewia Optiva biocomposites have potential to be used in different architectural applications like wall panels, false ceilings, doors, windows, etc.

Preparation of a Novel Adhesive from Highly Fibrillated Kozo Fibre for Paper Conservation

Abstract In this study, Kozo fibres were fibrillated using the stone wet milling method and the wet atomisation method both deriving from nanocellulose production processes. Kozo fibres with a high degree of external fibrillation were obtained by using the stone mill wet grinding method. Although fibres exhibited the same structure as untreated Kozo fibres, their bonding properties improved. Applying the wet atomisation method, fibrillated Kozo fibres with different degrees of fibrillation were obtained depending on the number of treatments. Fibrillated Kozo fibres can be used in conservation as an adhesive for lining and other stabilisation treatments and may in certain cases replace starch paste, which is susceptible to microbiological damage. Only Kozo fibres and water were used in both mechanical fibrillation methods; therefore, the resulting material can be considered a safe alternative to more traditional adhesives.

Study of Mechanical and Surface Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Grafted Flax Fiber and Its Composites

ABSTRACT The modification method of grafting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, abbreviated as CNT in this paper) on the surface of flax fibers was investigated, i.e. CNT were grafted onto the surface of flax fibers by silane coupling agent under the action of ultrasonic waves to form covalent bonding. The tensile strength of CNT grafted flax fiber is 22% higher than that of untreated flax fiber monofilament. The tensile strength of FFRP composites after CNT grafting treatment increased by 14.2%; however, the tensile modulus of single fiber and composites did not show a significant increase, the interfacial shear strength of the fiber-resin is 38.3% higher than that of untreated filament. The improvement of the contact angle after grafting was investigated by observing the surface morphology, and the surface of flax filament was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Also the elemental changes of the flax single fiber surface before and after the treatment were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the tensile strength of flax single fibers, its composites, and interfacial shear strength of fiber-matrix was improved after CNT grafting treatment but the increase of modulus was not obvious.

Effects of Surface Modification on the Mechanical Properties and Water Absorbtion of Raphia farinifera (Raphia Fibre)

The effect of surface modification on the mechanical properties and water absorption of Raphia farinifera (raphia fibre) were examined. The fibre was treated with 2% benzoyl peroxide in acetone, 10% potassium hydroxide, 25% hydrogen peroxide and 1% potassium permanganate in one hour. The mechanical properties; tensile strength, load at break, modulus and water absorption properties were investigated and results compared with control (untreated fibre). The results of the mechanical properties showed that the tensile strength of the fibre (Raphia farinifera) improved from 50.1142MPa for the untreated fibre to 132.3482MPa for potassium hydroxide treatment and 146.0181MPa for hydrogen peroxide treatment. Benzoyl peroxide treatment showed superior load at break value (25.5617N) over the untreated fibre (14.7847N). The results of water absorption showed that the treatment of the fibre reduced the hydrophilic nature of this fibre. However, benzoyl peroxide treatment showed highest reduction in water absorption capacity of the fibre followed by potassium hydroxide treatment.

The Effect of Ultrasonication and Delignification Treatment on the Sugar Released Value of Wood

The objective of these research was to study the impact of ultrasonication and delignification pretreatments in several wood species on their easiness for enzymatic hydrolysis, having the potential to be developed as the feedstocks for bioethanol production. Four different wood species from three botanical gardens in Indonesia have been selected, i.e., Gymnostoma sumatranum, Firmiana malayana, Pterocarpus indicus, and Alstonia scholaris, due to their higher sugar released values than a fast-grown tree, Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria), when all were directly enzymatically hydrolyzed without pretreatment. The sugar released values after ultrasonication and enzymatic hydrolysis were between 3 – 5.5 mg/100 mg wood meal. When delignification pretreatment was performed, the sugar released values were higher than those with ultrasonication, ranging between 4 – 10.2 mg/100 mg wood meal. All the sugar released values after pretreatment were higher than those without pretreatment. Gymnostoma sumatranum was selected as the most potential wood species in this study due to its consistency among the species producing highest sugar released across different treatments. The SEM results showed that there was no significant changes in the morphological structure of the untreated fiber before and after enzymatic saccharification since it still had a complex structure due to the high lignin content. However, after the delignification treatment, the surface morphology of the fiber showed a decrease in the number of pits of the fiber, the surface residual of pits were reduced, parallel lines were more clearly visible, and the fiber structure was damaged with more small holes presented. The surface morphology of the fiber from the wood powder having delignification pretreatment supports the sugar released values which shows that the these values were higher than other treatments due to more recalcitrant substances were degraded, making it was easier for enzymes to break down cellulose. After ultrasonication, the SEM result showed less disrupted cell wall compared to after delignification which confirmed the higher sugar released data with delignification.

Characterization of Treated and Untreated Pineapple Leaf Fiber for Engineering Applications

Characterization of Treated and Untreated Pineapple Leaf Fiber for Engineering Applications

Enhancing microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) sand consolidation with alkali-treated jute fibers

Recent research has focused on reinforcing sand consolidated through microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) with alkali-treated fibers to enhance its mechanical properties and mitigate brittleness. This research investigated how modified fiber affected the microstructure and properties of MICP solid sand. The fiber content (0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5%), pretreatment concentration (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20%), pretreatment time (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h), and pretreatment temperature (25, 35, 45, and 55 °C) required for the experiment were determined by MICP testing. The interactions between fiber, sand, and calcium carbonate(CaCO3) were analyzed by calcium carbonate content(CaCO3(%)), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The specimen without added fiber had a UCS of 2.13 MPa, the UCS of the added fiber sample was 2.8 MPa, which was 31.46% more than that of the specimen without added fiber, and the UCS of the specimen with added alkali-treated fiber was 3.62 MPa, which was 70% more than that of the specimen without added fiber and 28.57% more than that of the added untreated fiber. The optimum content of jute fibers was 0.5%, and the optimum concentration of alkali treatment of jute fibers was 10% for one hour.

Surface Modification of Viscose Fabric with Silane Coupling Agents ‐ An Aspect of Comfort Properties

AbstractThe surface of viscose fabric was successfully functionalized with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and 3‐methacryloxypropyl‐trimethoxysilane (MPS) in order to optimize its physicochemical characteristics and textile performances. The functionalization was optimized with silane monomer concentrations of 600 and 300 %, ethanol‐water ratios of 60 : 40 and 80 : 20, pH 3.5 and 5, and reaction time of 90 and 60 min at 30 °C, for MPS and APS, respectively. The modified viscose fabric was characterized by FTIR, TGA, DTG, SEM, and EDX. The FTIR spectra of the MPS and APS‐modified fabrics showed additional peaks at 825 cm−1 for Si−CH2 group and 1208 cm−1 Si−O−CH3, respectively, indicating the incorporation of silane coupling agents. The degradation temperatures of MPS and APS‐modified fibres were 342 °C and 328 °C, respectively, while the value for untreated viscose fibre was 319 °C. The elemental percentage of silicone on viscose fibre after modification was 2.6 and 4.2 for MPS and APS respectively. The silane‐modified viscose fibre shown enhanced tensile strength, water repellency, thermal stability, wrinkle recovery, and improved colour fastness quality. These improvements were due to the flexibility of Si−O bond and the fibre matrix interfacial strength properties. Hence, the modification somewhat enhances the physico‐chemical characteristics of viscose fibre.

Characterization of novel natural cellulose fiber from Ficus macrocarpa bark for lightweight structural composite application and its effect on chemical treatment

This study investigates Ficus Macrocarpa tree bark fibers (FMB) as a sustainable alternative reinforcement for polymer composites. The Industrial Revolution marked the evolution of polymer composites with synthetic material reinforcement, leading to environmental concerns. Natural fibers have recently gained prominence as efficient alternatives for polymer composites. Despite numerous natural fibers being considered, ensuring a sustainable raw material source remains crucial. In this study, fibers were extracted from FMB and subjected to alkali treatment to evaluate their impact on physical, chemical, and thermal properties. Initially, the extracted fibers measured 253.80 ± 15 μm in diameter, reduced to 223.27 ± 12 μm post-alkali treatment. Chemical analysis showed an increase in cellulose content to 59.7 wt%, a 23.34 % improvement over untreated fibers (48.4 wt%). The crystalline index for untreated and treated fibers measured 80.20 % and 84.75 %, respectively, with no noticeable changes in the cellulose phase. Additionally, the crystalline size increased to 3.21 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced stability of treated fibers up to 378.87 °C, while the kinetic activation energy remained constant at 64.76 kJ/mol for both the treated and the untreated fibers. The alkali treatment further improved surface roughness to 39.26, confirmed by scanning electron microscopic images. These findings highlight the potential of cellulose fibers from Ficus Macrocarpa bark as a sustainable and environmentally friendly replacement for synthetic fibers in polymer composites. The enhanced physical properties and excellent thermal stability make them a promising choice for eco-conscious materials.

An analysis of ramie fiber (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) treated with low temperature plasma using a mathematical model

This research aims to characterize low-temperature plasma-treated ramie fibers (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud), create a mathematical model, and analyze them using image processing. The effects of low-temperature plasma treatment on ramie fibers were investigated using 30 kV output powers, 4-min treatment times, and a 4 cm electrode distance. SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to investigate various aspects of the ramie fiber’s chemical properties and surface topography. This study used a statistical approach to analyze the SEM images. The statistical analysis was used to investigate the surface roughness using the SEM images. FT-IR analysis discovered that fibers that were exposed for four minutes differed from untreated fibers. According to the findings, plasma treatment caused: (1) ramie fiber became more hydrophilic, as indicated by the presence of hydrophilic functional groups such as hydroxyl (O–H), carboxyl (O–C), and carbonyl (C=O) in FT-IR with a deeper T%, (2) ramie fiber mass reduction was accompanied by an increase in surface roughness via SEM testing and image processing, and (3) plasma-treated fiber had a coefficient of mass variation (CV) of 0.7211 higher than untreated fiber. The novelty of this study is the use of image processing in SEM to observe surface roughness and its relationship to the chemical structure of ramie fibers observed with FT-IR. Another novelty of this research is the mathematical model of the interaction of plasma species with the ramie fibers on the plane electrode for the first time.

Sustainable characterization of brake pads using raw/silane‐treated Mimosa pudica fibers for automobile applications

AbstractThe demand for bio‐fiber composites has increased globally due to the environmental impact of non‐sustainable materials. In this context, Natural fibers are becoming increasingly popular in various applications due to their sustainability. This study explores silane‐treated Mimosa pudica (MP) fibers obtained from the relevant plant that were treated with silane and utilized to strengthen composites used in brake friction development. Five different formulations for brake friction composites were developed using silane‐treated and untreated MP fibers combined with inert filler synthetic barites and maintaining other ingredients in constant amounts. The brake pads were then evaluated for physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties, and their tribological performance was assessed using the chase test, following SAE J661‐2021. The test results revealed that the silane‐treated fibers had a higher cellulose content of 57.2%, while the untreated fibers had a cellulose content of 48.7%. The Rockwell hardness‐K scale value was higher for brake pads made with 5 wt% silane‐treated fibers, with a value of 95. The wear loss was lower for brake pads made with 10 wt% silane‐treated MP fibers‐based brake pads than other composites. Scanning Electron Microscope analyzed the worn surface features of the brake pads used in the Chase test.Highlights Mimosa pudica fibers were utilized as reinforcement in brake pads Silane‐treated Mimosa pudica fibers showed higher cellulose content and improved thermal stability Silane‐treated Mimosa pudica fibers‐based brake pads showed optimal μ and lower wear rate.

Preparation and characterization of hybrid PLA biocomposites reinforced by wood and silane treated basalt fibers or compatibilized by maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP)

AbstractIn this study, basalt and/or beech wood fibers were treated with vinyltrimethoxysilane or compatibilized by maleic anhydride‐ grafted polypropylene (MAPP) to produce hybrid polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. Twin‐screw extruder was used to produce biocomposites, following by a hot press to form samples. Physical and mechanical properties of composites that were produced from both treated and untreated fibers were compared. Chemical, morphological, and thermal analysis of biocomposites were analyzed with TGA, FTIR and SEM, respectively. The results showed that silane treated basalt/wood fiber reinforced PLA (PBWS) and silane treated basalt reinforced PLA (PBS) have significantly better flexural strength than neat PLA. Besides, basalt reinforced bio‐composites except PBW3 and PBWM variations have significantly superior impact strength than neat PLA. Utilization of compatibilizers also reduced thickness swelling and water uptake features of biocomposites. All the above experimental data showed that the utilization of silane compatibilizer has better impact on properties than MAPP for such wood/basalt hybrid composite.Highlights Hybrid biocomposites with wood and basalt fibers by using coupling agents were prepared for the first time. Hybridization of organic and inorganic fibers gave promising results. Silane and maleic anhydride compatibilization improves physical properties. Vinyltrimethoxy silane grafted basalt fiber improves flexural strength significantly. Silanization of wood or basalt fibers enhances significantly the impact strength.

Sustainable 3D printing with alkali-treated hemp fiber-reinforced polycarbonate composites

The study investigated the properties of alkali-treated hemp fiber-reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites that can be formed by 3D printers for architectural applications. To determine the optimum alkali treatment to be applied to the fibers, the properties of the samples treated with 5% and 7% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at both ambient temperature (AT) and 120 °C (HT) were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was determined that the alkali treatment that gave the optimum result was 5% HT. Composite specimens with fiber/matrix ratios of 10/90, 20/80, and 30/70 were prepared in filament form to be printed in a 3D printer as alkali-treated and untreated. These composites were characterized by conducting tensile strength, FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), TGA, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Tensile strength results revealed the highest mechanical performance for 5% NaOH alkali-treated and 10 wt.% hemp fiber-reinforced PC composites. DSC results showed that slight changes occurred in the glass transition temperature values. Furthermore, SEM analysis showed that 5% NaOH-treated hemp fibers have better interfacial bonding with the PC matrix than untreated fibers. As a result, more natural and sustainable materials have been obtained for architectural applications without significantly decreasing in PC properties.

Study of Extraction, Treatment and Characterization of Pineapple Leaves Fibers as Potential Utility in Textile Industry

Extraction, treatment and characterization of pineapple leaves fibres was achieved. The study revealed that water retting is the best way to extract fibers as it is easily controlable which reduces the chance of reducing the strength of fibres. Also,it was observed that dried pineapple leaves fibres take longer time to ret compare to fresh leaves.The fibers were treated using NaOH for scouring while bleaching was carried out using H2O2. The treatment of fibers was conducted to get rid of fat, wax and other impurities as well as undesired colors bonded to fibers that could not be removed through water retting. The best scouring concentration of NaOH was found to be 1.25 % while the best bleaching concentration of H2O2 was found to be 10 %. More so, FTIR was carried out for both treated and untreated fibers and it was shown that wax, fat and other impurities can be removed by fibres’ scouring and bleaching. This was further confirmed by the use of Soxhlet to extract ethanol-benzene extract from both treated and untreated fibres, where untreated fibres showed a considerable weight loss while the treated fibers did not show any weight loss. Thereafter, mercerization was carried out and it was found out that the best mercerization concentration for pineapple leaves fibres is NaOH is 10%. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis of pineapple leaves fibers revealed that the fibers have, ethanol-benzene extractives of 2.6 %, pectin content of 1.53%, Lignin content of 12%, cellulose content of 79% and ash content of 2.15 %. The fibers showed a water, oil and vapor absorption of 82%,32 % and 29% respectively. Also, the thermal analysis showed that the degradation temperature is 400 0C while the fibers started to display thermal instability at 350 0C. Moreover, SEM and XRD analysis showed that the treatment of fibres participated in removal of wax and oil as well as other gummy materials, which also is in line with FTIR results obtained. Keywords: Extraction, Pineapple Leaves Fibers, Scouring, Bleaching, Mercerization, Characterization, Textile

Extraction, Treatment and Characterization of Banana Pseudo-Stem Fibers as Potential Utility in Textile Industry

Extraction, treatment and characterization of banana pseudo stem fibres was achieved. The study revealed that water retting is the best way to extract fibers, however the gummy materials bending fibres together must be weakened by boiling the fibres rich material prior to retting where the fibres were able to be extracted at 14th day of retting. The fibers were treated using NaOH for scouring while bleaching was carried out using H2O2. The treatment of fibers was conducted to get rid of fat, wax and other impurities as well as undesired colors bonded to fibers that could not be removed through water retting. The best scouring concentration of NaOH was found to be 17.5 % while the best bleaching concentration of H2O2 was found to be 2 %. More so, FTIR was carried out for both treated and untreated fibers and it was shown that wax, fat and other impurities can be removed by fibres’ scouring and bleaching. This was further confirmed by the use of Soxhlet to extract ethanol-benzene extract from both treated and untreated fibres, where untreated fibres showed a considerable weight loss while the treated fibers did not show any weight loss. Thereafter, mercerization was carried out and it was found out that the best mercerization concentration of NaOH is 15%. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis of the banana pseudo-stem fibers revealed that the fibers have, ethanol-benzene extractives of 4.2 %, pectin content of 3.07%, Lignin content of 18%, cellulose content of 68.3% and ash content of 4.2 %. The fibers showed a water, oil and vapor absorption of 71%,59 % and 8% respectively. Also, the thermal analysis showed that the degradation temperature is 370 0C while the fibers started to display thermal instability at 290 0C. Moreover, SEM and XRD analysis showed that the treatment of fibres participated in removal of wax and oil as well as other gummy materials, which also is in line with FTIR results obtained. Keywords: Extraction, Banana Pseudo-stem Fibers, Scouring, Bleaching, Mercerization, Characterization, Textile

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE CHLORIDE-ION PERMEABILITY OF BAMBOO-FIBER-REINFORCED CONCRETE

This study investigated the chloride-ion permeability of C30 concrete by adding bamboo fibers with different treatments (untreated, treated with calcium hydroxide solution and treated with sodium hydroxide solution) and different dosages. Three testing methods, namely the electric-flux method, AC test method and the RCM method, were used to characterize the concrete. Parameters such as electric-flux value, AC resistivity and chloride-ion diffusion coefficient were obtained. Results showed that the surface impurities of the bamboo fibers treated with calcium hydroxide solution were removed and the thermal stability of the bamboo fibers was improved, which can effectively enhance the chloride-ion permeability of concrete. Compared to untreated bamboo fibers, the improvement rate was between 14 % and 17 %. Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline solution, which can easily disrupt the structure of bamboo fibers and reduce the resistance of concrete to chloride-ion penetration. The best chloride-ion permeability was achieved when the bamboo fiber content reached 2 %. The electric-flux method, AC test method, and the RCM method were mutually validated with good correlation. It is recommended to choose a suitable and simple method for testing. Bamboo-fiber concrete lays a solid foundation for the future transformation of the civil-engineering industry.