Waste Fibers Research Articles

Effects of Waste Fibers from Calamus Rotang on the Physical and Mechanical Characterizations of Compressed Earth Blocks Manufactured with the Elastic Soil of Western Region of Cameroon

Objective: In order to promote local materials in Cameroon, rattan waste is used to reinforce compressed earth blocks (CEB). The main objective of this work is to study the effect of rattan waste on the physical and mechanical properties of CEB. Methods: The raw materials, namely the soil sample and rattan waste fibers, are collected in the western region of Cameroon, more precisely in Bangangté. In the laboratory, the soil samples were analyzed; the analyses include the granulometric analysis, the Atterberg limits, and the Proctor test. Different percentages of rattan waste contents were substituted in place of sand, that is, 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. These different samples were characterized in the laboratory through different tests, mechanical and physical. Results: The better mechanical characteristics are obtained for blocks reinforced with 2% rattan waste, with 0.70MPa in three-point bending and 3.04MPa in compression, respectively. Thus, the presence of rattan wastes has a positive effect on the mechanical behavior of the composite by increasing its ductility compared to that of the control block. Conclusion: The mechanical properties of the compressed soil block (CSB) improve with the incorporation of rattan wastes, which are optimal for a content of 2%. However, they increase the porosity of the material and thus its sensitivity to water, on the contrary to the control CSB.

Behavior of waste tire rubber composites reinforced with waste fibers

Behavior of waste tire rubber composites reinforced with waste fibers

Potential Use of Silk Waste in Sustainable Thermoplastic Composite Material Applications: A Review

Global warming and climate change demand rapid and swift action in terms of reducing resource consumption, gas emissions, and waste generation. The textile industry is responsible for a large share of global pollution; therefore, to define a route to tackle part of the issue, a literature review on the current state of research in the field of recycling silk waste was conducted. The methods used to recover, process, and characterize silk waste fibers were summarized. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible applications of recycled silk waste in the field of composite materials for load bearing applications. In this sense, some prominent studies in the field of silk-based composites were reported, favoring thermoplastic materials for sustainability reasons. Studies on nonwoven silk waste fabrics were covered as well, finding an abundance of results but no applications as a reinforcement for composite materials. In a circular economy approach, we believe that the combination of nonwoven silk waste fabrics, thermoplastic polymers, and possibly hybridization with other fibers from sustainable sources could be beneficial and could lead to green and high-performance products. The aim of this work was to summarize the information available so far and help define a route in that direction.

Utilization of Palm Broom Cutting Waste in Making Briquettes as a Potential Alternative Energy Source

The development of the industry continues to grow and produce products that continue to have useful functions. Production in the manufacture of goods has important industrial problems that must be managed. In the process of producing coconut brooms, there is coconut fiber waste from cutting, where the waste if left alone will become garbage and be thrown away. In the study using quantitative descriptive research methodology, namely by explaining how to make briquettes from coconut broom waste and then calculating the benefits that can be obtained from the waste if used as charcoal briquettes. Coconut broom waste will be used as briquettes that have economic value and can be used as potential economic value for the surrounding community. This study is a continuation of previous studies. This study has a novelty located in the raw material from coconut broom waste where waste that is usually thrown away and becomes unused waste, in this study we utilize it into a material that has economic value, namely made into briquettes. Furthermore, after the briquettes are made, the briquettes will be analyzed by looking at the Economic Feasibility Analysis, namely how much capital is needed and how much profit can be obtained, in this study the profit that can be obtained is IDR. 43,000.00 if we sell 10 packs for IDR. 10,000.00/pack.

Enhancing Composite Performance: Hydrothermally Treated Wood Reinforcement in Recycled Polypropylene

The low thermal stability of cellulose presents unique technological challenges to the formulation of wood and plastic composites that are compatible and processable. For this, hydrothermal modification is a well-established technology for improving dimensional stability and durability of wood's components, in addition to providing better interaction with the polymer. This study produced polymer composites in which hydrothermally treated wood waste fibers (WT) reinforce a recycled polypropylene (RPP) matrix. Wood waste fibers were selected by grain size and distribution, treated hydrothermally, and characterized by SEM, ATR-FTIR, and water sorption. Composites were produced varying the reaction time of treatment hydrothermal (from 30 to 180 minutes), granulometric size (from 425 to 1400 μm) and percentage of WT (from 10 to 20%), following a 2³ full-factorial experimental design, by extrusion with internal recirculation and the mechanical test specimens were modulated by injection. Tensile, flexion, IZOD impact and water sorption tests were statistically analyzed. Reaction time was the most statistically significant factor. Composites of wood waste fibers treated for 30 min and containing 20% of WT presented better mechanical properties than expected. However, the preservation of the lamellar fibers during the reaction time allowed for better adherence to the polymer, and the insertion of a greater quantity of fibers in the material provided greater rigidity in the composite. In general, the results obtained gives properties of stability and resistance to damage of composites containing hydrothermally treated wood fibers.

Unveiling the amalgamation of growing substrates and cultivars for low-cost plantlet multiplication in banana

The cultivated bananas (Musa spp.) have a complex reproductive physiology which favours the vegetative methods of propagation, particularly sucker or tissue culture, as the commercial methods. Propagation of banana through macro-propagation technique can be employed to produce quality planting materials using less inputs. With this background, a scientifically designed investigation was carried out for optimizing composition of growing substrate for low-cost planting material production in banana. This study investigates the efficacy of macro-propagation techniques using different growing substrates and bio-fertilizers for two banana cultivars: ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ and ‘Alpan, AAB’. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) with eight different combinations of growing substrate with five replications. Results showed significant differences in the emergence of primary, secondary and tertiary buds, as well as root development. The treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma consistently outperformed others in terms of days taken primary (21.45), secondary (46.91) & tertiary bud emergence (58.99), and maximum number of primary (4.21), secondary (7.16) & tertiary shoots (19.91). Same growing media also recorded minimum days taken for root emergence (17.61 days), maximum number of roots per shoot (161.10), primary roots (24.89), secondary roots (46.32), tertiary roots (89.90) & highest root length (21.88 cm). The cultivar ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ exhibited superior performance across most parameters compared to ‘Alpan, AAB’. Overall, the treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma found to be a cost-effective and efficient method for producing high-quality banana planting materials, enhancing banana production and sustainability.

Development of Clutch Design Using Waste Wood bark, Nuts and Coconut Fiber

Currently, we often encounter household waste and workshop waste, such as wood shavings, peanut shells and coconut fiber waste. Many studies have raised the topic of composite processing of each of them, but the potential of composite boards from a mixture of the three is not yet known. This study on the processing techniques for the combination of the three materials is needed so that the potential of the material can be explored more. The board was studied for its processing techniques using an experimental approach and qualitative methods. The form of the experiment in the form of physical and mechanical tests was carried out on the composite board, to then conduct further studies on the development of composite board products into women's fashion products in the form of bags through the preliminary design, development and finishing product methods. The results of this study were obtained composite materials of wood powder, peanut shell powder and coconut fiber having a board density of 0.8 gr/cm3 and MOR 2.06 kg/cm2, which means that the density of the particle board has a very low flexural strength and is not suitable for construction boards, but can be used as a material for making women's clutches. With the Preliminary Design, Design Development, and Final Design methods for composite board materials, an elegant clutch design was produced by displaying the distinctiveness of Indonesian culture, Kalimantan motif tumpar embroidery.

Silica Adsorption from Boiler Effluent Using Activated Charcoal Derived from Palm Oil Fibre Waste with H3PO4 Activator

Most waste from palm oil processing can be repurposed, such as using palm fibre waste to create activated charcoal. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of activated charcoal, produced by activating palm fibre with H₃PO₄, in removing silica from boiler output water. The production process involved pyrolysis at 200ºC for 2.5 hours. A completely randomized design was employed to test the effects of different H₃PO₄ concentration (with 1 to 2 M) and reaction times (30, 60, and 90 min). Results revealed that the moisture content of the activated charcoal ranged from 1.96% to 2.42%, ash content from 9.82% to 21.63%, and iodine adsorption from 366.43 to 457.87 mg/g. The highest silica adsorption capacity (3.5 g/g) was achieved with 2 M H₃PO₄ for 90 min. This indicates that palm fibre-derived activated charcoal is effective for silica removal, highlighting it is potential for enhancing environmental sustainability in industrial sector.

Utilization of Disposable Mask Waste and Coconut Fiber as an Acoustic Composite Material

Utilization of Disposable Mask Waste and Coconut Fiber as an Acoustic Composite Material

Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag SIFCON for Sustainable Construction Using Recycled Glass and Tire-Derived Waste Steel Fibers

This paper presents the outcomes of a study in which continuous steel fibers, recovered from scrap tires of vehicles, were used to prepare alkali-activated slag-based slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete (SIFCON). In this experimental study, the steel fibers used were 250 mm long, with varying fiber contents of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. The alkali-activated SIFCONs were produced by activating ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) with a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) solutions. Mixtures with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were also cast for comparison purposes. The feasibility of utilizing finely ground waste glass as a silicate source for chemical activator solution in alkali-activated SIFCONs was also investigated. In this context, two different molar concentrations of NaOH, namely 8 M and 14 M, were employed during production. As activators, one series of mixtures utilized sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions, while the other series replaced sodium silicate with finely ground waste glass. As a result, three different waste materials were utilized in concrete. 30 different mixtures were cast and examined in the experimental study. Load–deflection curves were obtained in three-point bending test and mechanical properties of the mixtures such as compressive, splitting and flexural strengths, fracture energy, and toughness were determined. The flexural strength and toughness increased with the use of waste steel fibers. The continuous waste fibers derived from discarded tires yielded results comparable to commercially available fibers, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing mechanical properties. Depending on mix design, the alkali-activated SIFCON attained flexural strength exceeding 75 MPa and compressive strength surpassing 100 MPa. These results suggest that concretes incorporating a variety of waste materials can be effectively combined. This innovative approach bridges an existing gap in the literature by combining alkali activation, waste glass, and waste steel fibers, ultimately yielding a sustainable composite that outperforms normal concretes in terms of mechanical properties while promoting environmental sustainability. Test results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain concrete with comparable mechanical properties while primarily composed of by-products and waste materials. This approach marks a substantial step in achieving high-performance concrete that relies solely on waste or by-products.Graphical

Assessing the Conformity of Mycelium Biocomposites for Ecological Insulation Solutions.

In this study, different combinations of mycelium biocomposites (MBs) were developed using primary substrates sourced from the local agricultural, wood processing, and paper industries. The physicomechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and fire behavior were evaluated. The highest bending strength was achieved in composites containing waste fibers and birch sanding dust, with a strength competitive with that of synthetic polymers like EPS and XPS, as well as some commercial building materials. The lowest thermal conductivity was observed in hemp-based MB, with a lambda coefficient of 40 m·W·m-1·K-1, making these composites competitive with non-mycelium insulation materials, including synthetic polymers such as EPS and XPS. Additionally, MB exhibited superior fire resistance compared to various synthetic foams and composite materials. They showed lower peak heat release rates (134-243 k·W·m-2) and total smoke release (7-281 m2·m-2) than synthetic polymers, and lower total heat release (6-62 k·W·m-2) compared to certain wood composites. Overall, the mechanical and thermal properties, along with the fire performance of MB, support their potential as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based and traditional composite materials in the building industry.

Biocomposites Based on Mould Biomass and Waste Fibres for the Production of Agrotextiles: Technology Development, Material Characterization, and Agricultural Application.

This study explores the potential use of mould biomass and waste fibres for the production of agrotextiles. First, 20 mould strains were screened for efficient mycelium growth, with optimized conditions of temperature, sources of carbon and nitrogen in the medium, and type of culture (submerged or surface). A method was developed for creating a biocomposite based on the mould mycelium, reinforced with commercial bleached softwood kraft (BSK) pulp and fibre additives (cotton, hemp). The best properties, including mechanical, water permeability, and air permeability, were shown by the biocomposites containing 10-20% Cladosporium cladosporioides mycelium grown in surface or submerged cultures, milled with BSK pulp, cotton, and hemp (10-20%). The mould mycelium was refined with cellulosic fibrous material, formed, pressed, and dried, resulting in a biomaterial with good mechanical parameters, low water permeability, and high air permeability. The biocomposite was fully biodegradable in soil after 10 days in field conditions. The use of the biocomposite as a crop cover shortened the germination time and increased the percentage of germinated onion, but had no effect on parsley seeds. This study shows the potential of using mould mycelium for the production of biomaterial with good properties for applications in horticulture.

Advancing sustainable infrastructure: Leveraging forestry waste fibers to enhance crack resistance and durability in repair mortar

Advancing sustainable infrastructure: Leveraging forestry waste fibers to enhance crack resistance and durability in repair mortar

Integrating fiber with new cement trends to create a greener future for sustainable concrete

The need for innovation in the construction sector is increasingly pressing, propelled by rising environmental issues and the ongoing quest for structural efficiency. This study investigates the transformational potential of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), analyzing its ability to improve mechanical performance and promote environmental sustainability. By using diverse fibers, including natural, synthetic, and industrial waste fibers, FRC enhances qualities like as tensile strength, fracture resistance, and durability while promoting more sustainable building techniques. This research carefully explores current improvements in the processing and handling of various fibers and assesses their effects when integrated into concrete. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of recovered industrial by-products, including slag, fly ash, and recycled plastics, in conjunction with natural fibers such as bamboo, kenaf, and flax. These materials are recognized for both augmenting the structural integrity of concrete and substantially decreasing the carbon footprint of construction by lowering dependence on virgin resources and encouraging the recycling of industrial waste. Experimental investigations and life cycle evaluations were performed to measure the improvements in performance and sustainability provided by FRC. The study results indicate that FRC has enhanced durability and performance attributes, making it a suitable choice for both structural and non-structural applications. Moreover, the incorporation of sustainable fibers has shown a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with international sustainability objectives. Nonetheless, the implementation of FRC encounters obstacles pertaining to the inconsistency of fiber characteristics, economic viability, and industrial scalability. Confronting these obstacles via continuous research and interdisciplinary cooperation is essential for the widespread adoption and use of FRC in the construction sector. This study emphasizes the significance of new materials, such as fiber-reinforced concrete, in promoting sustainable building methods, illustrating its potential to profoundly influence the future of construction regarding environmental responsibility and structural efficacy.

Thermal and hygrometric performances, and mold growth resistance, of novel bio-stitched insulating fiberboards made from date and Washingtonia palm surface fibers

This paper evaluates the performance of a novel bio-stitched, lightweight insulating fiberboards made from Phoenix dactylifera L. and Washingtonia filifera palm fiber waste. These materials are binder-free, rendering them fully biodegradable. In this study, measurements are made of water sorption and its impact on density and thermal conductivity. Both materials exhibited insulating properties, with thermal conductivity values ranging from 0.043 to 0.063 W.m−1.K−1 depending on density. The bio-stitched fiberboards achieved their lowest thermal conductivity at an optimum density of 85–105 kg.m−3. The results indicate also that the thermal conductivity and density of bio-stitched fiberboards increase significantly with volumetric water content. However, even at saturation, they retain competitive thermal insulation properties. The residual fibers used were subjected to different natural weathering durations. Three types of fiber were therefore evaluated: one fresh, one moderately weathered and the other extremely weathered, in an attempt to compare the hygrothermal properties of the elaborated fiberboards as a function of fiber conditioning. It was found that Washingtonia palm surface fiberboards have higher water absorption compared to weathered date palm surface fiberboards. In addition, mold growth was evaluated by exposing the fiberboards to severe relative humidity conditions, i.e., 74 % RH, 77 % RH, 86 % RH, and 94 % RH at 29ºC. It was observed that the proliferation of mold was slow, particularly on weathered fiberboards, while it remained moderate on the surface of fresh Washingtonia palm surface fiberboards.

SUGARCANE BAGASSE AS AN ALTERNATIVE MATERIAL FOR THE REUSE OF SCARIFIED PAVEMENT MATERIAL

The increasing amount of sugarcane fibrous waste presents environmental problems. The reconstruction of existing highways due to modern globalization results in a larger volume of scarified pavement materials that are often discarded as waste. This study attempts to evaluate the geotechnical characteristics of reclaimed pavement materials that can be stabilized with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). Finding an economical and sustainable way of reusing reclaimed pavement soils instead of using verging laterite soil for road construction could potentially unlock a new dimension. The preliminary results show that sugarcane bagasse ash can potentially improve the reclaimed soil’s strength characteristics, with an increased proportion of sugarcane bagasse ash, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) was found to increase by more than 350% and 100% respectively. The overall geotechnical characteristics are significantly improved by increasing the amount of sugarcane bagasse ash, which make reclaimed soil a potential suitor in relaying and repair maintenance of pavements.

STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF CEMENT STABILIZED CLAY SOIL WITH EPS FOOD PACK WASTE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of EPS on geotechnical properties of soil through laboratory test and ANOVA analysis. These tests have been conducted on natural and stabilized soils in accordance with procedure outlined in BS1377 (1990). Four fibre contents (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) of the dry soil weight and three fibre size (random size, 20 mm x 2mm size and 20 mm x 5 mm) were used. The tests conducted included particle distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, the standard compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS). The laboratory result classifies the soil as A-7-6 (17) according to American Association of States Highway and Transport Officials (AASHTO) classification system and Clay soil of Low plasticity (CL) in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The Specific gravity decreases from 2.7 to 2.1. MDD results also shows a decrease with increase of EPS waste fibre from 1.46Mg/m3 to 1.32Mg/m3 for British Light compaction and from 1.61Mg/m3 to 1.47Mg/m3 for British Heavy. The CBR result shows an improvement from 5.33% to a maximum value of 10.5% at 1% EPS waste fibre for unsoaked CBR and from 2.86% to a maximum of 7.73% at 0.5% EPS waste fibre for soaked CBR. The UCS result shows an improvement at 28 days from 2410 kN/m2 of Natural soil to a maximum of 5593kN/m2 at 0.5% EPS waste fibre. Based on the laboratory experimental result it was suggested that the EPS waste fibre of 0.5% dosage can be...

Performance evaluation of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixtures with textile waste fibres

The research evaluates the performance of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixtures using residual cotton fibres from the Peruvian textile industry to address the environmental pollution caused by this sector. A reference SMA20 mixture was established with 0.30 % commercial fibre and 6 % asphalt. Subsequently, this fibre was replaced by textile fibre in the same proportions. It was found that 0.20 % textile fibre optimally met the volumetric requirements and binder drainage tests. Performance tests showed that the textile fibre achieved a TSR of 95 %, compared to 82 % for the commercial fibre, and a rutting resistance of 2.82 mm compared to 2.46 mm for the commercial fibre. Additionally, the textile fibre demonstrated a better dynamic modulus at high temperatures. In conclusion, residual Peruvian cotton fibres can efficiently replace commercial fibres in SMA20 mixtures, with 0.20 % being the optimal amount, thus promoting sustainable material reuse.

Axial compressive and long-term shrinkage behaviors of self-compacting recycled concrete reinforced with recycled glass fiber

Self-compacting recycled concrete (SCC) has properties of significant shrinkage deformation and early cracking, which limits its wide application in civil engineering applications. Waste fiber addition offers an effective solution to these challenges. This research focuses on waste glass fiber and explored the impact of various parameters on the performance of recycled glass fiber-reinforced self-compacting recycled aggregate concrete (RGF-SCRC). Incorporating waste glass fiber effectively inhibits the long-term shrinkage rate of RGF-SCRC and improves its axial compressive strength, with the improvement of 2.2∼15.3 % in axial compressive strength and a reduction of 17.9∼66.5 % in the long-term shrinkage rate. However, excessive fiber addition shows an negatively effect on the performance of RGF-SCRC. The optimum addition was concluded as 7.5 kg/m³. On the other hand, the waste alkali-resistant glass fiber showed a higher improvement than waste glass fiber. Moreover, microstructure analysis reveals that the waste fibers could be uniformly dispersed within the investigated specimen, effectively bridging gaps and significantly enhancing the concrete’s strength and toughness. Furthermore, the number of large pores and overall porosity were reduced, resulting in greater compactness, improved axial compressive strength, and reduced long-term shrinkage of RGF-SCRC. After 180 days of curing, the porosity of the specimens significantly decreased when compared to the 28 day curing specimens. Based on experimental results, the axial compression stress-strain relationship and long-term shrinkage curves of RGF-SCRC were fitted and modified, and proposed an axial compression constitutive relationship and a long-term shrinkage theoretical analysis model which are applicable to RGF-SCRC. The models' correctness was verified by comparing them with experimental results. These research outcomes offer valuable insights for the future practical implementation of RGF-SCRC.

Melt Spinnability Comparison of Mechanically and Chemically Recycled Polyamide 6 for Plastic Waste Reuse.

With the increasing volume of synthetic fiber waste, interest in plastic reuse technologies has grown. To address this issue, physical and chemical recycling techniques for polyamide, a major component of textile waste, have been developed. This study investigates the remelting and reforming properties of four types of pristine and recycled polyamide 6, focusing on how the microstructural arrangement of recycled polyamides affects polymer fiber formation. DSC and FT-IR were used to determine the thermal properties and chemical composition of the reformed thin films. Differences in the elongation behavior of molten fibers during the spinning process were also observed, and the morphology of the resulting fibers was examined via SEM. Birefringence analysis revealed that the uniformity of the molecular structure greatly influenced differences in the re-fiberization process, suggesting that chemically recycled polyamide is the most suitable material for re-fiberization with its high structural similarity to pristine polyamide.