Francisco Cardona

Bio: Francisco Cardona is an academic researcher from University of Southern Queensland. The author has contributed to research in topics: Flexural strength & Ultimate tensile strength. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 52 publications receiving 3043 citations.

Chemical treatments on plant-based natural fibre reinforced polymer composites: An overview

Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive overview on different surface treatments applied to natural fibres for advanced composites applications. In practice, the major drawbacks of using natural fibres are their high degree of moisture absorption and poor dimensional stability. The primary objective of surface treatments on natural fibres is to maximize the bonding strength so as the stress transferability in the composites. The overall mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites are highly dependent on the morphology, aspect ratio, hydrophilic tendency and dimensional stability of the fibres used. The effects of different chemical treatments on cellulosic fibres that are used as reinforcements for thermoset and thermoplastics are studied. The chemical sources for the treatments include alkali, silane, acetylation, benzoylation, acrylation and acrylonitrile grafting, maleated coupling agents, permanganate, peroxide, isocyanate, stearic acid, sodium chlorite, triazine, fatty acid derivate (oleoyl chloride) and fungal. The significance of chemically-treated natural fibres is seen through the improvement of mechanical strength and dimensional stability of resultant composites as compared with a pristine sample.

Natural fibre-reinforced composites for bioengineering and environmental engineering applications

Abstract: Recently, the mankind has realized that unless environment is protected, he himself will be threatened by the over consumption of natural resource as well as substantial reduction of fresh air produced in the world Conservation of forests and optimal utilization of agricultural and other renewable resources like solar and wind energies, and recently, tidal energy have become important topics worldwide In such concern, the use of renewable resources such as plant and animal based fibre-reinforce polymeric composites, has been becoming an important design criterion for designing and manufacturing components for all industrial products Research on biodegradable polymeric composites, can contribute for green and safe environment to some extent In the biomedical and bioengineered field, the use of natural fibre mixed with biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers can produce joints and bone fixtures to alleviate pain for patients In this paper, a comprehensive review on different kinds of natural fibre composites will be given Their potential in future development of different kinds of engineering and domestic products will also be discussed in detail

Natural fibre-reinforced composites for bioengineering and environmental engineering

Abstract: Recently, mankind has realized that unless the environment is protected, he himself will be threatened by the over consumption of natural resources as well as substantial reduction of fresh air produced in the world Conservation of forests and optimal utilization of agricultural and other renewable resources like solar and wind energies, and recently, tidal energy have become important topics worldwide In such concern, the use of renewable resources such as plant and animal based fibre-reinforce polymeric composites, has been becoming an important design criterion for designing and manufacturing components for all industrial products Research on biodegradable polymeric composites, can contribute to a green and safe environment to some extent In the biomedical and bioengineered field, the use of natural fibre mixed with biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers can produce joints and bone fixtures to alleviate pain for patients In this paper, a comprehensive review on different kinds of natural fibre composites will be given Their potential in future development of different kinds of engineering and domestic products will also be discussed in detail

Mechanical properties of chemically-treated hemp fibre reinforced sandwich composites

Abstract: In this study, hemp fabrics were used as reinforcements with polyester resin to form composite skins while short hemp fibres with polyester as a core for making composite sandwich structures. To improve the fibre matrix adhesion properties, alkalisation, silane and acetylation treatments on the fibres surface were carried out. Examinations through fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted to investigate the physical and thermal properties of the fibres. Mechanical properties such as flexural and compressive strengths of the sandwich structures made by treated and untreated hemp fibres were studied. Based on the results obtained from the experiments, it was found that the fibre treated with alkalic solution and post-soaked by 8% NaOH exhibited better mechanical strength as compared with other treated and untreated fibre composite samples. Besides, DSC and TGA analysis showed that the thermal stability of all treated fibre was enhanced as compared with untreated samples.

American Society for Testing and Materials

Abstract: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an independent organization devoted to the development of standards.

A review of recent developments in natural fibre composites and their mechanical performance

Abstract: Recently, there has been a rapid growth in research and innovation in the natural fibre composite (NFC) area. Interest is warranted due to the advantages of these materials compared to others, such as synthetic fibre composites, including low environmental impact and low cost and support their potential across a wide range of applications. Much effort has gone into increasing their mechanical performance to extend the capabilities and applications of this group of materials. This review aims to provide an overview of the factors that affect the mechanical performance of NFCs and details achievements made with them.

Progress in Green Polymer Composites from Lignin for Multifunctional Applications: A Review

Abstract: Rising environmental concerns and depletion of petro-chemical resources has resulted in an increased interest in biorenewable polymer-based environmentally friendly materials. Among biorenewable polymers, lignin is the second most abundant and fascinating natural polymer next to cellulose. Lignin is one of the three major components found in the cell walls of natural lignocellulosic materials. Lignin is widely available as a major byproduct of a number of industries involved in retrieving the polysaccharide components of plants for industrial applications, such as in paper making, ethanol production from biomass, etc. The impressive properties of lignin, such as its high abundance, low weight, environmentally friendliness and its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and biodegradable nature, along with its CO2 neutrality and reinforcing capability, make it an ideal candidate for the development of novel polymer composite materials. Considerable efforts are now being made to effectively utilize waste lignin as one ...

A Review on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite and Its Applications

Abstract: Natural fibers are getting attention from researchers and academician to utilize in polymer composites due to their ecofriendly nature and sustainability. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive review of the foremost appropriate as well as widely used natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) and their applications. In addition, it presents summary of various surface treatments applied to natural fibers and their effect on NFPCs properties. The properties of NFPCs vary with fiber type and fiber source as well as fiber structure. The effects of various chemical treatments on the mechanical and thermal properties of natural fibers reinforcements thermosetting and thermoplastics composites were studied. A number of drawbacks of NFPCs like higher water absorption, inferior fire resistance, and lower mechanical properties limited its applications. Impacts of chemical treatment on the water absorption, tribology, viscoelastic behavior, relaxation behavior, energy absorption flames retardancy, and biodegradability properties of NFPCs were also highlighted. The applications of NFPCs in automobile and construction industry and other applications are demonstrated. It concluded that chemical treatment of the natural fiber improved adhesion between the fiber surface and the polymer matrix which ultimately enhanced physicomechanical and thermochemical properties of the NFPCs.

Critical review of recent publications on use of natural composites in infrastructure

Abstract: Compared to most synthetic fibers, natural fibers are low-cost, are easier to handle, have good specific mechanical properties, and require only around 20–40% of the production energy. Using natural materials and modern construction techniques reduces construction waste and increases energy efficiency while promoting the concept of sustainability. Several drawbacks of natural composites which would be even more pronounced in their use in infrastructure include their higher moisture absorption, inferior fire resistance, lower mechanical properties and durability, variation in quality and price, and difficulty using established manufacturing practices when compared to synthetic composites. Many researchers have been working to address these issues, with particular attention paid to the surface treatment of fibers and improving the fiber/matrix interface. Because of their positive economic and environmental outlook, as well as their ability to uniquely meet human needs worldwide, natural composites are showing a good potential for use in infrastructure applications.