Vegetable Fibres Research Articles

Review on the Integration of Phase Change Materials in Building Envelopes for Passive Latent Heat Storage

Latent heat thermal energy storage systems incorporate phase change materials (PCMs) as storage materials. The high energy density of PCMs, their ability to store at nearly constant temperature, and the diversity of available materials make latent heat storage systems particularly competitive technologies for reducing energy consumption in buildings. This work reviews recent experimental and numerical studies on the integration of PCMs in building envelopes for passive energy storage. The results of the different studies show that the use of PCMs can reduce the peak temperature and smooth the thermal load. The integration of PCMs can be done on the entire building envelope (walls, roofs, windows). Despite many advances, some aspects remain to be studied, notably the long-term stability of buildings incorporating PCMs, the issues of moisture and mass transfer, and the consideration of the actual use of the building. Based on this review, we have identified possible contributions to improve the efficiency of passive systems incorporating PCMs. Thus, fatty acids and their eutectic mixtures, combined with natural insulators, such as vegetable fibers, were chosen to make shape-stabilized PCMs composites. These composites can be integrated in buildings as a passive thermal energy storage material.

Design and thermophysical characterization of new thermal insulation panels based on cardboard waste and vegetable fibers

The primary objective of this study is to develop and characterize from cardboard waste and plant fibers new thermal insulation materials. For this purpose, we used separately four different types of agricultural by-products available in abundance in the Drâa-Tafilalet region (reed, alfa, fig branches and olive leaves) with different mass fractions of cardboard waste (20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%). An analysis of the microstructure of the different fibers was performed using SEM, FT-IR and X-ray diffraction analysis. Thermal conductivity was determined using the high insulation thermal house method. In addition, the water absorption rate was also determined. The results of SEM analysis showed that the fiber sizes are irregular with the presence of various filaments, certain impurities, as well as small cells or pores in the fibers. However, the results of the infrared and XDR measurements showed the presence of a crystalline cellulose phase. The increase in fiber content resulted in a slight increase in bulk density and thermal conductivity while the maximum rate of water absorption decreased significantly. The lowest thermal conductivity value is 0.072 W/m.K corresponding to a density of 176 kg/m3 and a maximum water absorption rate of 262% was measured for the composite composed of 40% alfa fibers and 60% cardboard waste. In addition, the optimal range of our thermal insulation located between 0.072 and 0.98 W/m.K. The measured properties have shown that our composites have good insulating properties compared to conventional insulation materials; they also have several environmental and economic advantages.

Evaluation of the Healthy Living after Cancer text message-delivered, extended contact intervention using the RE-AIM framework

BackgroundText message-delivered interventions have potential to prevent weight regain and maintain diet and physical activity behaviours through extending contact with participants following initial weight loss, lifestyle interventions. Using the RE-AIM Framework, this study evaluated the adoption, reach, implementation, effectiveness, and maintenance of an extended contact text-message intervention following the Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) program. HLaC was a 6-month, telephone-delivered intervention targeting healthy diet, physical activity and weight loss for adult cancer survivors, offered by Cancer Councils (CCs) in Australia.MethodsHLaC completers (n = 182) were offered extended contact via text messages for 6-months (HLaC+Txt). Text message content/frequency was individually tailored to participant’s preferences, ascertained through two telephone-tailoring interviews with CC staff. Adoption (HLaC+Txt uptake among eligible CCs), reach (uptake by HLaC completers) and implementation (intervention cost/length; text dose) were assessed. The effectiveness of extended contact relative to historic controls was quantified by pre-to-post HLaC+Txt changes in self-reported: weight, moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable intake, fat and fibre behaviour. Maintenance, following 6-months of noncontact for the intervention cohort, was assessed for these same variables. Semi-structured interviews with CC staff and participants contextualised outcomes.ResultsHLaC+Txt was adopted by all four CCs who had delivered HLaC. In total, 115 participants commenced HLaC+Txt, with reach ranging across CCs from 47 to 80% of eligible participants. The mean number of weeks participants received the text message intervention ranged across CCs from 18.5–22.2 weeks. Participants received (median, 25th,75th percentile) 83 (48, 119) texts, ranging across CCs from 40 to 112. The total cost of HLaC+Txt delivery was on average $AUD85.00/participant. No meaningful (p < 0.05) differences in self-reported outcomes were seen between HLaC+Txt and control cohorts. After 6-months no contact the intervention cohort had maintained weight, fruit intake, fat and fibre index scores relative to end of HLaC+Txt outcomes. Participants/CC staff perceived an important intervention component was maintaining accountability.ConclusionsWhile feasible to implement, HLaC+Txt was not effective in the short term. However, intervention effects during the non-contact period suggest the program supports longer term maintenance of weight and diet behaviour. Intervention delivery in this real-world context highlighted key considerations for future implementation.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) - ACTRN12615000882527 (registered on 24/08/2015).

Mechanical analysis of a vegetable fiber versus a polymeric fiber added in cement mixtures

Some mechanical characteristics of concrete and mortar reinforced with banana fibers (Musa Paradisiaca) were studied, compared with specimens added with polypropylene fibers, which were dosed at 0.5% and 1.5% in relation to the weight of the cement and in lengths of 2 cm and 4 cm. For the characterization of the fibers, water absorption tests were carried out, as well as micrographs in the scanning electron microscope, the fine and coarse aggregates were characterized by a granulometric analysis and density and absorption tests. To evaluate the performance of the concrete, compression tests, indirect stress and average residual stress were carried out, while for mortar only compression and bending tests were carried out. The results show that the banana fiber in low percentages and long lengths increases the resistance to the indirect tension of the concrete and to the bending in the mortar, surpassing in some cases the batches with polypropylene fibers.

Enhanced Modeling of Water Diffusion in Natural Fibers: Application to Diss Fibers

ABSTRACT Water diffusion through natural fibers represents an important aspect with regard to the integrity of biocomposites. Usually, diffusion model is defined assuming circular fiber cross-sections, while microscopic analysis findings revealed other geometries. This was found to affect the modeling of water transport through fibers and provide a gap versus experimental data. This work aims to present a numerical approach using finite element method to overcome the limits of use of analytical approaches relating to the morphological shape of vegetal fibers. The cross-section of the Diss fibers was observed by an optical microscope and simulated at an ellipsoidal shape after processing the images. Then, the average morphological parameters were determined. A numerical finite element model was implemented based on the observed geometry in order to determine the diffusion coefficient by an inverse approach compared to experimental results. The results showed that the numerical approach made it possible to raise the effect of fiber morphology, often assumed to be circular for plant fibers in analytical approaches, on the diffusion coefficient value, which was defined by a unique diffusion coefficient.

Numerical simulation of masonry walls strengthened with vegetal fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites and subjected to cyclic loads

The growing concern for the preservation of old buildings and the wide use of masonry in the construction of civil works has led to a great development of specific techniques to strengthen masonry structures. FRCM (fabric reinforced cementitious matrix) of vegetal fibres arises as a strengthening option to be considered because low cost, low density, recyclability and biodegradability brought by vegetal fibres. In this study, numerical models were used to represent masonry walls unreinforced and strengthened with FRCM (hemp, cotton and glass). The numerical model presents a new way of simulation of FRCM systems and their failure pattern. This was validated by comparison to previous experimental and analytical results. Results showed that proposed model is an effective calculation tools to reproduce the maximum shear of masonry walls strengthened with FRCM and subjected to cyclic loads, with variations between 7 and 15% with respect to the experimental and analytical. The numerical model was also useful to reproduce the walls hysteresis behavior, although showed some inability to reproduce the reversible crack opening-closing that was observed in the experimental tests.

Abrasive Machining Characteristics and Prediction Model for Sisal/Polyester Sandwich Composite

ABSTRACT This work focuses on optimization of abrasive machining parameters of the natural fiber reinforced sandwich composite, which is rarely reported in the literature. A sandwich made of vegetable fiber composite skins and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam of 80 gsm was machined for optimal conditions. The design of experiment and analysis were adopted to confirm the influence of machining parameters. The machining characters of bio-sandwich were compared with synthetic and hybrid sandwich panels to optimize the machinability of the target. The panels were manufactured through vacuum infusion bagging. The machining studies were done using the abrasive water jet cutting machine. The machining characteristics were optimized for the parameters and L18 Taguchi technique was employed in parameter optimization. Three controlled levels of machining parameters were chosen to be optimized: standoff distance (SOD), abrasive water jet pressure (JP), and nozzle traverse rate (TR). The response of kerf taper (KT), surface roughness (SR), and material removal rate (MRR) were investigated. It is observed that highest levels of these parameters gave minimum kerf taper and lowest levels produce lower surface roughness. The surface roughness and damage on the surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It Shows that flowing abrasive particle’s directional distortion noted at the foam regions due to their higher damping nature. The prediction model shows a good agreement with the experimental value.

In-plane shear behaviour of adobe masonry wallets strengthened with textile reinforced mortar

Many people live in adobe masonry (AM) constructions in earthquake areas even if most of the existing constructions are not engineered, thus prone to seismic damage. Therefore, seismic retrofitting of existing AM structures is a critical issue. In this study, experimental results of diagonal compression tests on 21 adobe masonry wallets, before and after the installation of textile reinforced mortar (TRM) with either hemp or glass fibres, are presented. Hemp-TRM is found to be more effective than glass-TRM in improving the shear capacity of AM, showing a mean increase in shear strength and ductility of 25% and 260% in hemp-TRM-strengthened wallets and 12% and 100% in glass-TRM-strengthened wallets. The hemp textile allowed compatibility of the TRM to the masonry substrate, preventing premature debonding and local failure. Experimental results are compared to existing data on TRM systems made of vegetable fibres, evidencing a significant capacity enhancement through flax- and hemp-TRM systems.

Effect of the Varying Percentage Diss Fiber on Mechanical Behaviour of the Based Polyester Bio-Composite

Improving the mechanical and physical properties of bio-composite materials involves the incorporation of plant fibers such as Jute, Hemp, Kenaf, Ramie, Sisal, Linen, etc. The existence of Diss grass (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus) in abundance in the east of Algeria especially in Khenchela region and taking into account their mechanical resistance and their low density, which justifies their choice of use in composite materials. Tensile and hardness tests for different volume fractions (from 05% to 20%) of short fibers of Diss are performed. The increase in fiber content and their treatment improves the mechanical characteristics of the composite materials. These concentration levels are added to a Polyester resin matrix. Our work relates to the study of a composite material reinforced by a vegetable fiber of which different volume ratio of short Diss fiber are considered. The results collected are purely experimental.

Mechanical Evaluation of Vegetal Fibers Impregnated in Vacuum in the Cultivation of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

ABSTRACT The kinetics of loss of mechanical properties in fique and cotton fibers impregnated in vacuum were evaluated as substitution alternative to the polypropylene fiber in the vertical support of the pea crop. The results were compared with non-impregnated fique fibers, non-impregnated cotton and polypropylene. The impregnation of vegetable fibers was carried out at 0.2 bar at 15°C for 2 min under vacuum. The fibers studied were implemented in culture, evaluating weekly their mechanical properties for 13 weeks. The impregnated fique presented a lower mechanical loss rate compared to the fique without impregnation in tensile strength, total elongation at maximum force and Young’s modulus. The impregnated cotton had a lower mechanical loss rate compared to the non-impregnated cotton in Young’s modulus. The speeds of mechanical loss in the three properties evaluated in polypropylene are comparable with fique and impregnated cotton.

Characterization of functional fish ham produced from Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi enriched with natural antioxidant and vegetable fiber

In this study, the effect of grape pomace (GE), orange peel extract (OE), and nisin (N) with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP: 70% CO2 + 30% N2) was investigated on the quality and shelf life of ham produced from low fat Silver carp surimi (containing inulin fiber [FI] and salatrim [S]) kept in the refrigerator with T1: control (con-taining nitrite), T2: control + MAP, T3: GE 0.5%+ FI 5% +OE 0.5% +N 0.5%, T4: S 5%+ OE 0.5%+ GE 0.5% +N 0.5% + MAP, T5: FI 2.5%+ S 2.5%+ GE 0.5%+ OE 0.5%+ N 0.5%+ MAP. The texture characteristics of ham at the beginning of storage, cooking loss, chemical indices (peroxide value, pH, color index), and microbial (total count bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, mold and yeast, Clostridium botulinum) during 42 days storage in the refriger-ator (4 ± 1°C) were evaluated. The results of the tests were analyzed according to Duncan’s by SPSS software with 95% confidence. The results showed that inulin and salatrim fibers have a positive effect on the texture and cooking loss of ham and inulin had a better effect, so the value of cooking loss in treatment 3 was 1.62% and control treatment was 2.09%. Using three natural preservatives along with MAP could slow down the oxidative spoilage, microbial and color index changes in ham. These combinations also inhibited the growth of C. botulinum. In most tests examined, treatment 3 showed no significant difference with treatment 1 (ham containing nitrite) (P &gt; 0.05), so this treatment shows that natural additives (nitrite replacement) improve the quality properties of low-fat ham.

Effect of natural antioxidants and vegetable fiber on quality properties of fish sausage produced from Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

In this study, production of low-fat, nitrite-free sausage based on Silver carp surimi was performed. In order to replace oils, inulin fiber (IF) was used; natural preservatives such as grape pomace extract (GE) and nisin (NI) were used as nitrite replacements with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP: 70% CO2 + 30% N2). For this purpose; five treatments including, T1: control, T2: control + MAP, T3: IF 5% + MAP, T4: IF5% + GE0.5% + MAP, and T5: IF5% + GE0.5% + NI 0.5% + MAP, were prepared. The physicochemical and texture properties of sausage at the beginning of storage and chemicals (Peroxide value, pH, and color index) and microbial index (Total count and psychrotrophic bacteria) during 42 days’ storage in the refrigerator (4 ± 1°C) were evaluated. The results showed that the use of natural preservatives had no effect on the physicochemical properties of the sausage (P &gt; 0.05), but the FI had a positive effect on the texture characteristics (the firmness increased and elasticity decreased), increased moisture and ash, and reduced the fat content of sausages (P &lt; 0.05). All in all, the best results among the treatment containing natural preservative was T5, in all microbial and chemical tests there was no significant difference with T1 (P &gt; 0.05). All in all, a functional product with properties such as fiber and natural antioxidants, low fat and nitrite-free can be produced.

Design synthesis and performance of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud with higher stability

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different factors on mud performance, find the best conditions and synthesize a new type of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud with higher stability. The anti-collapse mechanism of drilling polymer mud was also suggested.Design/methodology/approachExploring the influence of different molecular weight thickeners, filtrate reducers, soda ash addition and film-forming components on the mud performance, so as to obtain the best ratio of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud.FindingsThe results show that the use of vegetable glue, sulfonate copolymer and vegetable fiber powder can synthesize a high-viscosity, high-stability, collapse-resistant mud. When the mass ratio of vegetable fiber powder: vegetable glue: sulfonate copolymer is 40:1:2, the mud viscosity is 21.2 s, the fluid loss in 30 min is only 12.5 mL, and the mud film thickness is 1.5 mm, which is one ideal anti-collapse polymer mud.Originality/valueCompared with ordinary polymer mud and bentonite mud, this anti-collapse polymer mud not only uses vegetable glue instead of traditional tackifiers but also effectively uses vegetable fiber powder produced from waste wood, which is environmentally friendly and highly stable specialty. It can effectively improve the safety and quality of construction during drilling in water-sensitive geology.

53 Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn: Belgium

53 Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn: Belgium

53 Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn: Germany

53 Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn: Germany

53 Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn: Italy

53 Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn: Italy

Individual- and household-level factors associated with fruit, vegetable, and dietary fiber adequacy among Native American adults in 6 reservation communities

This study utilized baseline data collected in 2017 from the OPREVENT2 trial, which included 540 Native Americans in six Midwest and Southwest reservation communities. The objective was to identify correlates of fruit, vegetable, and dietary fiber adequacy among participants 18–75 years old who self-identified as the main food purchaser or preparer in their household. Mean daily servings of fruits and vegetables and grams of dietary fiber were quantified based on a 30-day semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.Participants consumed an average of 0.5 (±0.4) cup-equivalent servings of fruit, 2.5 (±1.8) cup-equivalent servings of vegetables, and 15.5 (±8.9) grams of fiber per day. <2% of the study population met the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for fruit consumption, while 12 and 42% met recommendations for dietary fiber and vegetable consumption, respectively.Females had a prevalence ratio 1.4 times greater than males for adequate intakes of vegetables (p = 0.008) and over 6 times greater for dietary fiber (p < 0.001). Participants over the age of 30 were about twice as likely to meet dietary fiber recommendations (p = 0.031) compared to those 30 years and younger. Participants receiving food assistance from the USDA’s Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) were nearly twice as likely as non-FDPIR recipients to meet recommendations for dietary fiber (p = 0.008).These findings can help guide the development of targeted interventions to improve diet quality; however, further work is needed to understand and address underlying reasons for low fruit consumption in these rural reservation communities.

Carbon Footprint in Vegeburger Production Technology Using a Prototype Forming and Breading Device

The aim of the research was to develop a laboratory test stand for forming vegeburgers and to determine the carbon footprint of vegeburger production technology with the addition of frozen vegetable outgrades. This vegetable material is waste from frozen food production. During the research, unique recipes for vegeburgers fabricated of vegetable outgrades, potatoes, fiber, potato flour, salt and spices were also developed. The physicochemical properties, texture and color of vegeburgers were determined. The CO2 to kWh conversion factor, with a value of 0.765 kg CO2∙kWh−1 was used to calculate the carbon footprint. Vegeburgers obtained during the study were characterized by protein content ranging from 2.05 to 2.29 g 100 g−1, carbohydrate content from 7.27 to 10.36 g 100 g−1, fiber content ranging from 3.97 to 4.92 g 100 g−1 and fat content was at the level of 0.20–0.24 g 100 g−1. The amount of sodium did not exceed 1 g 100 g−1. The amount of disqualifying nutrients (fat, trans fat, saturated fat and cholesterol) was significantly lower compared to similar products on the market. The conducted analyses showed that the highest CO2 emission occurred during the blanching process. The proportion of this process for small productions (2.0 kg) ranged from 62% to 68%. The process of vegeburger formation had the second largest percentage in emissions and accounts for 22% to 24% for small productions (2.0 kg). The total carbon footprint was 1.09–1.13 kg CO2/kg of product, respectively, i.e., about 0.10–0.12 kg CO2 per one vegeburger. The research demonstrated that the process of producing vegeburgers from vegetable outgrades is a low-emission process compared with other agri-food technologies. Considering the above, this study allows for improvement of the management of waste from frozen food production, and is also the basis for the development of low-emission agri-food technologies.

Parkinson\u2019s disease patients\u2019 short chain fatty acids production capacity after in vitro fecal fiber fermentation

Animal models indicate that butyrate might reduce motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Some dietary fibers are butyrogenic, but in Parkinson’s disease patients their butyrate stimulating capacity is unknown. Therefore, we investigated different fiber supplements’ effects on short-chain fatty acid production, along with potential underlying mechanisms, in Parkinson’s patients and age-matched healthy controls. Finally, it was investigated if this butyrate production could be confirmed by using fiber-rich vegetables. Different fibers (n = 40) were evaluated by in vitro fermentation experiments with fecal samples of Parkinson’s patients (n = 24) and age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 39). Short-chain fatty acid production was analyzed by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Clostridium coccoides and C. leptum were quantified through 16S-rRNA gene-targeted group-specific qPCR. Factors influencing short-chain fatty acid production were investigated using linear mixed models. After fiber fermentation, butyrate concentration varied between 25.6 ± 16.5 µmol/g and 203.8 ± 91.9 µmol/g for Parkinson’s patients and between 52.7 ± 13.0 µmol/g and 229.5 ± 42.8 µmol/g for controls. Inulin had the largest effect, while xanthan gum had the lowest production. Similar to fiber supplements, inulin-rich vegetables, but also fungal β-glucans, stimulated butyrate production most of all vegetable fibers. Parkinson’s disease diagnosis limited short-chain fatty acid production and was negatively associated with butyrate producers. Butyrate kinetics during 48 h fermentation demonstrated a time lag effect in Parkinson’s patients, especially in fructo-oligosaccharide fermentation. Butyrate production can be stimulated in Parkinson’s patients, however, remains reduced compared to healthy controls. This is a first step in investigating dietary fiber’s potential to increase short-chain fatty acids in Parkinson’s disease.

Inorganic flame retardants’ efficacy of Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide in the combustion rate of intermediate Calamagrostis from Ecuador’ Moorlands

In this research, intermediate calamagrostis vegetal fiber (FIC) combined samples were carried out in combination with polyester resin (RP), Aluminum Hydroxide (HA) and Magnesium Hydroxide (MH). The aim of this study is to determine inorganic flame-retardant effectiveness in the intermediate calamagrostis’ combustion rate reduction from Ecuador’s moorlands and possible forest fires’ control of this endemic plant species. The flammability index was obtained following the ISO 3795 standard; In addition, the contamination degree: Carbon Monoxide (CO) was determined, following the standard EPA 40 CFR, method 60 Annex A. The composite material was evaluated in a horizontal flammability chamber. Furthermore, the experimental design considered seven tests, one control and two flame retardants’ types. Aluminium Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide accounted for three different concentrations at 3%, 6% and 9% percent each one. Thus, these flame retardants’ effectiveness was greater for Aluminium Hydroxides at all the proposed concentrations, while for Magnesium Hydroxide; its effectiveness was positive for a concentration of 9% only. The study determines that the best combination of materials are: 70% FIC, 21% PR, 9% HA, resulting in a combustion rate of 190.98 mm / min and self-extinguishing capacity. Finally, an average decrease of 50% in the generation of CO and the amount of smoke was determined.