Use Of Plant Fibers Research Articles

Investigation of the internal structure of hemp fibres using optical coherence tomography and Focused Ion Beam transverse cutting

The use of plant fibres in composite applications requires an efficient characterisation of their mechanical properties and thus an accurate description of their internal structure. The review of literature points out that there is still a lack of data on the organisation and structure of bast fibres. In this study, we propose to investigate the internal structure of hemp fibres using two experimental techniques: Focused Ion Beam (FIB) microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results indicate that OCT, a non-destructive and non-invasive technique, is a powerful technique to quickly and easily describe the internal structure of fibres and also to discriminate single fibres from bundle of fibres. In this paper, we also show that among technical hemp fibres and for a same range of external diameters (of about 20–30 μm), two types of internal structures can be observed: (i) elementary fibres with a thick wall and a small lumen and (ii) bundle of small fibres with an external diameter of a few microns. According to data of literature, these two structures were identified as being respectively primary fibres and bundle of secondary fibres. This result is of great importance for the mechanical characterization of the bast hemp fibres. Indeed, this means that during the test campaigns, the batch of isolated fibres is undoubtedly composed of both single primary fibres and bundle of secondary fibres. It certainly participates to the high scattering in results.

Potential Use of Plant Fibres and their Composites for Biomedical Applications

Potential Use of Plant Fibres and their Composites for Biomedical Applications

Mechanical properties of carrot fiber - epoxy composite

Interest has largely centered on the use of plant fibers to reinforce plastics, because these fibers are abundant and cheap. Carrot fibers (Curran) have been extracted from carrot, left over from carrot juice manufacture. The fibers of two sizes fine (50

Mechanical properties of carrot fiber - epoxy composite

Interest has largely centered on the use of plant fibers to reinforce plastics, because these fibers are abundant and cheap. Carrot fibers (Curran) have been extracted from carrot, left over from carrot juice manufacture. The fibers of two sizes fine (50

Influence of fiber surface treatment and length on physico-chemical properties of short random banana fiber-reinforced castor oil polyurethane composites

The growing global concern in relation to the environment and the preservation of non-renewable natural resources has attracted researchers in different areas seeking to develop new eco-friendly materials and products based on sustainability principles. In this context, the use of plant fibers and polyurethane derived from castor oil in polymeric composites has been shown to be a good alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the fiber volume fraction, fiber length and alkaline treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of short random banana fiber reinforced polyurethane derived from castor oil. The banana fibers were chemically modified through contact with 10 wt.% sodium hydroxide solutions for 1 h and characterized through Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength and density measurements. Through the FTIR spectra and SEM micrographs, modifications in the chemical structure and morphology of the treated fibers were observed compared with untreated fibers. Polymeric composites with different fiber volume fractions and lengths were prepared through the hand lay-up process followed by compression molding at room temperature. The composites were analyzed by SEM, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), FTIR spectrometry, tensile strength and pull-out tests. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus increased with increasing fiber volume fraction and length for the untreated and treated banana fiber polyurethane composites. On the other hand, the treated banana fiber composites displayed higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus values than the untreated fiber composites, due to the stronger interfacial interactions between the treated fibers and the polyurethane matrix. These effects occurred due to the morphological and chemical changes in the treated fiber surfaces which promote better adhesion between the fibers and the polyurethane matrix.

Formazione e sostenibilitŕ: didattica partecipata e aree protette, arte dell'intreccio e ecodesign

- The intent of this paper is to present the results and the proceedings of an interdisciplinary research about connections between training and sustainability in the field of eco-design applied in the traditional use of plant fibers. The research has begun three years ago and has taken the form of a pilot project entitled Design Zingaro - a participating experience of planning and training. Creations of Land Art and Design with plant materials. It was realized in an inclusive process of dialogue, trough participation of many university students, artists, naturalists, forest staff and master weaver of traditional know-how of local craft. The educational activity was designed in partnership with all the stakeholders. The action of coordination has revealed vital for the involvement of both participants linked to University and external ones (artists, naturalists, forest staff and master weaver). From the methodological point of view, the process of training and planning has to be analyzed, through an ecological approach to epistemology and by a systemic view. The analysis has to be focused on relationships that enabled the conduct of the process. The main nodal relationships form the basis to build up a reticular and systemic model, able to describe the complexity of our process. There are many thematic issues covered by the research. They are all closely interlinked with each other: 1. the report of the observer with the process under study 2. arrangements and approaches of participing planning and training 3. institutional cooperation 4. the handing down of traditional know how of interlacement with plant fibers 5. fieldwork and residential workshops Abstracts 187 6. design production and artistic outcomes 7. the realization of a quality label for sustainable products 8. public events, promotion and diffusion 9. mass media and international forum.

Effect of fiber treatments on mechanical properties of coir or oil palm fiber reinforced polyester composites

The use of plant fibers as a reinforcement in polyester matrices requires the issue of compatibility between the two phases to be addressed. Because plant fibers present hydrophilic surfaces and polyesters are generally hydrophobic, poor fiber–matrix dispersion and wetting of the fibers by the matrix may result. As a consequence, the mechanical properties of the composite are severely reduced. This study considers the effect of fiber treatment by chemical modification of the fibers (acetylation) or the use of silane or titanate coupling agents on the mechanical properties of coir or oil palm reinforced polyester composites. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 1685–1697, 2000