THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010

Due to their abundance, high strength and stiffness, low weight and biodegradability, nano-scale cellulose fiber materials (e.g., microfibrillated cellulose and bacterial cellulose) serve as promising candidates for bio-nanocomposite production. Such new high-value materials are the subject of continuing research and are commercially interesting in terms of new products from the pulp and paper industry and the agricultural sector. Cellulose nanofibers can be extracted from various plant sources and, although the mechanical separation of plant fibers into smaller elementary constituents has typically required high energy input, chemical and/or enzymatic fiber pre-treatments have been developed to overcome this problem. A challenge associated with using nanocellulose in composites is the lack of compatibility with hydrophobic polymers and various chemical modification methods have been explored in order to address this hurdle. This review summarizes progress in nanocellulose preparation with a particular focus on microfibrillated cellulose and also discusses recent developments in bio-nanocomposite fabrication based on nanocellulose.

Microfibrillated cellulose and new nanocomposite materials: a review

Natural fibres: can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics?

In this work, natural fibres (sisal, kenaf, hemp, jute and coir) reinforced polypropylene composites were processed by compression moulding using a film stacking method. The mechanical properties of the different natural fibre composites were tested and compared. A further comparison was made with the corresponding properties of glass mat reinforced polypropylene composites from the open literature. Kenaf, hemp and sisal composites showed comparable tensile strength and modulus results but in impact properties hemp appears to out-perform kenaf. The tensile modulus, impact strength and the ultimate tensile stress of kenaf reinforced polypropylene composites were found to increase with increasing fibre weight fraction. Coir fibre composites displayed the lowest mechanical properties, but their impact strength was higher than that of jute and kenaf composites. In most cases the specific properties of the natural fibre composites were found to compare favourably with those of glass.

Natural fibres: Can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics ?

The article provides an overview of biocomposite application in the automotives via a documentation of their history, chronology and progressive steps taken to break into the production lines of a number of key auto makers. It offers a detailed analysis of the key factors that have motivated the research and subsequent adoption of biocomposites; taking a peek at the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges experienced in the process. Auto makers and parts suppliers that have been a force behind this campaign, have also been accorded a fair share in the article. Future projection of role of these materials in the industry; with the ideas well dressed in form of bio concept cars caps up the paper. Automotive refers to; passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2553–2569, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Review of the applications of biocomposites in the automotive industry

The response of natural fibre composites to ballistic impact by fragment simulating projectiles

Natural fibre-reinforced composites have recently received much attention because of their attractive properties such as lightweight, non-abrasive, combustible, non-toxic, low cost and biodegradable. This chapter examines the applications of natural fibre-reinforced composites and nanocomposites in automotive structural applications. Various applied and promising natural fibre-reinforced composites and nanocomposites including flax, hemp, kenaf, wood, pineapple, banana and sisal are presented. Key determinants to performance-specific properties of natural fibre-reinforced composites are discussed in detail. These include fibre–matrix adhesion, fibre mechanical properties, moisture, impact and fatigue, thermal stability and preparation of fibre-reinforced composites. The chapter further looks into lightweight component manufacturing techniques including their potentials and limitations. Examples of current applications are given, and future trends are outlined while addressing the main drawbacks faced by these composites to lightweight components or vehicle manufacturing.

P Wambua

Papers

Natural fibres: can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics?

Natural fibres: Can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics ?

Review of the applications of biocomposites in the automotive industry

The response of natural fibre composites to ballistic impact by fragment simulating projectiles

Natural Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites for Automotive Applications