Novel natural plant fibers with significant features are to be explored at the moment due to their renewability, degradability, wide range acceptability, economic feasibility, and ecological standards over existing synthetic ones. Since the identification of potential plant fibers are getting much attention of scientists/researchers for the development of promising fiber reinforced composites. In the light of this, the present study identified a novel plant fiber from the peduncle of Furcraea selloa K. Koch and studied its anatomical, morphological, physico-chemical, thermal, mechanical and surface properties in order to explore its utility as a composite reinforcement. Anatomical study was satisfactory for identifying the presence and position of the fiber in the plant material. Good crystallinity (49.27%), high cellulose content (71.13%) and relatively low density (1127 kg/m3) were found as the feasible features after physico-chemical analysis. Indeed, desirable thermal stability (370°C) and tensile property (649.21 ± 16.52 MPa) of Furcraea selloa K. Koch peduncle fiber (FSPF) revealed its ability for high temperature required processing and applications. The morphological studies ensure good surface roughness and reduced microfibrillar angle (7.83° ± 0.23°), which are recommended features for good fiber- matrix addition. These promising properties are sufficient to deliberate FSPF as a new potential composite reinforcement, with good specific properties and high environmental impact. 

Suitability examination of novel cellulosic plant fiber from <i>Furcraea selloa</i> K. <i>Koch</i> peduncle for a potential polymeric composite reinforcement

Mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties of hybrid short coconut tree primary flower leaf stalk fiber/glass fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites for biomedical applications

ABSTRACT The present study focuses on the possibility of using Ageratina Adenophora (AA) fiber as reinforcement in structural polymer composite materials because of its eco-friendly nature as well as lightweight. Due to high specific strength and modulus of fiber, reinforced polymer composites tend to be a viable option replace many metallic structures. By nature, synthetic fibers become a risk for health as it leads to cancer. Suitable applications replace conventional and synthetic materials, in cases where energy conservation and very little weight is required. Ageratina Adenophora stem fiber undergoes comprehensive characterization analysis such as Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Physico-chemical analysis. The fibers were extracted from Ageratina Adenophora plant stem. Ageratina Adenophora Stem Fiber (AASF) contains high cellulose content of 65.7% and very little wax. Good thermal stability of the fiber up to 244°C was obtained from thermogravimetric analysis, which is indicated within its polymerization process temperature. The results of this investigation encourage its applications to be used in industries for manufacturing fiber reinforced composites.

Characterization Studies on New Natural Cellulosic Fiber Extracted from the Stem of Ageratina Adenophora Plant

Hybrid composites have proven endless benefits to the research communities in terms of environmental friendliness, mechanical properties, and development of new material. The present work explores the tensile, flexural, impact strengths, and water absorption properties of jute and palm leaf fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. Five types of hybrid composites were fabricated by varying jute and palm leaf fiber percentage of J100:P0, J25:P75, J50:P50, J25:P75, and J0:P100% with a constant weight ratio of polypropylene matrix. The findings showed that jute-palm leaf fiber-reinforced composite had positive effect on tensile, flexural, and impact strength. Experimental results showed that the J25:P75% (jute and palm leaf fiber) exhibited the highest tensile strength of 62.2 MPa and flexural strength of 82.26 MPa due to the optimal interfacial properties between the fibers and matrix. The impact strength of composites increased as the proportion of palm leaf fiber increased. Water absorption increased with jute fiber content, reaching a maximum of 1.26% at composite J100:P0, with lower water absorption at J0:P100% composite due to the higher moisture content of jute fiber.

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Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties of Jute/Palm Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Polypropylene Hybrid Composites

This research investigated the scope of using a fiber harvested from Mucuna atropurpurea (MAF) plant as reinforcement in fiber-reinforced plastics. An optical microscope and a pycnometer were used to calculate the diameter (289 ± 21 μm) and density (1082 ± 29 kg/m3) of the MAF. Using chemical compositional analysis, 58.74 ± 5.74 wt% cellulose and 16.31 ± 3.21 wt% hemicellulose, and 14.22 ± 3.36 wt% lignin and 0.38 ± 0.08 wt% wax components were found in the MAF. Numerous chemical stretching in the MAF were checked using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Briodo analysis (68.08 kJ/mol) showed the kinetic activation energy of the MAF. Surface morphological inspections suggested surface treatments of MAF due to contaminations and wax on the fiber surface. The statistical analysis conducted for determining the tensile properties of MAF revealed that MAF is a suitable candidate to produce fiber-reinforced plastics. Characterization of MAF-reinforced polyester composites showed that 40 mm fiber length and 30 wt% fiber enhanced tensile strength (109.51 ± 2.1 MPa), flexural strength (156.62 ± 3.1 MPa), and hardness (94 ± 4 HRRW). Fractography images of composites with fiber pull-outs in the MAF-reinforced plastics were taken for analysis. Less cavities and voids in the 30 wt% MAF-reinforced composites were found along with reduced water absorption. 

Utilization of
 
 Mucuna atropurpurea
 
 stem fiber as a reinforcement in fiber reinforced plastics

The research work is focused toward determining the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites made by reinforcing untreated and alkali-treated short palmyra palm leaf stalk fibers ...

Investigation of Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Short Palmyra Palm Leaf Stalk Fiber (PPLSF) Reinforced Polymer Composites

ABSTRACT The tensile strength of fibers extracted by retting from Acacia Caesia bark was measured and their fracture morphology was examined, with the idea to propose their potential use as the reinforcement in polymer composites. Four categories of fibers were investigated, namely untreated and treated with a concentration of 5, 10 and 15% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 24 hours at ambient temperature. The increase of alkali concentration resulted in a gradual reduction of hemicellulose, wax, and moisture, which on the other side increased the fiber density. Single fiber tensile tests were performed according to ASTM D3822 standard. The fracture surfaces of the fibers were observed using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tensile tests revealed that the 10% NaOH treatment sample showed the highest performance, namely an average tensile strength of 16.2 (±5.63) N with an ultimate elongation of 4.6 (± 1.0)%. SEM evidenced the different possible morphologies of Acacia Caesia bark fiber fractures, including sliding and tearing, splitting and torsion of fibrils.

Tensile Properties and Fracture Morphology of Acacia Caesia Bark Fibers Treated with Different Alkali Concentrations

The contribution of natural lignocellulosic fibers to the reduction in wear damage in polymer resins is of interest, especially when two of these fibers can combine their respective effects. Wear properties of hybrid kenaf/banana epoxy composites have been investigated using three different total amount of fibers, 20, 30 and 40 wt.%, at loading forces up to 30 N and to sliding distances of up to 75 m. This demonstrated that the introduction of the highest level of fibers proved the most suitable for consistency of results and containment of wear with increasing load, as was also found from the morphological evaluation of wear degradation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, tensile, flexural and impact properties of as-received and post-water-saturation hybrid composites were examined. The tests revealed a limited reduction in tensile and flexural strength, not exceeding 10% of the initial values, which were very high compared to similar materials, almost reaching 140 MPa for tensile strength and exceeding 170 MPa for flexural strength. In contrast, a higher standard deviation of values was found for impact strength, although the decrease in average values was only slightly above 10%. The results suggest the availability of these hybrids for wear-resisting applications in high-moisture environments, and the even more limited water absorption conferred by banana fibers added to kenaf ones.

/pdf/wear-properties-and-post-moisture-absorption-mechanical-1okeuvii.pdf

Wear Properties and Post-Moisture Absorption Mechanical Behavior of Kenaf/Banana-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the determination of the mechanical characteristics of composites under static and dynamic conditions. The composites are prepared by reinforcing with 3 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm short-treated coconut tree primary flower leaf stalk fiber (CPFLSF) in the polymer matrix. The 3 mm untreated CPFLSF composite (3UTCPFLSFC) reveals the lowest tensile, flexural, and impact properties, whereas 7 mm Alkali-Treated CPFLSF Composite (7ATCPFLSFC) indicate the maximum tensile strength of 34.31 MPa, tensile modulus of 1.81 GPa, flexural strength of 58.43 MPa, flexural modulus of 3.23 GPa, and impact strength of 8.25 kJ/m2. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals that the 7ATCPFLSFC had enhanced loss and storage modulus compared to untreated and other alkali-treated CPFLSF composites. The maximum decomposition is obtained for 7ATCPFLSFC in the region of 550°C temperature with a residual mass of 18% compared to other compositions. From the water absorption test, it was observed that, when increasing the soaking time of the composites, water intake properties gradually increased in the composite. However, the 7ATCPFLSFC absorbed water, compared to the other composites. A scanning electron microscope confirms better bonding in the composite, fracture of fiber, pull-out, fiber shearing, and tearing in the treated and untreated composites. HIGHLIGHTS OF RESEARCH This research work reduces the environmental impact of the processing and use of natural fibers. Achieve the same performance in light load applications; the content of natural fiber should be higher than that of glass fiber. This requires a reduction in resin content, leading to a significant reduction in the environmental pollution caused by the polymer. The low density of natural fibers improves efficiency. Therefore, less pollutants are emitted while driving in automotive applications. At the end of the life of natural fibers, their burning produces energy and carbon. However, the use of fertilizers for the growth of natural fibers can result in higher nitrate and phosphate emissions. This is very dangerous for local water resources

https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2023.2166645

Shanmugam Dharmalingam

Papers

Investigation of Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Short Palmyra Palm Leaf Stalk Fiber (PPLSF) Reinforced Polymer Composites

Tensile Properties and Fracture Morphology of Acacia Caesia Bark Fibers Treated with Different Alkali Concentrations

Wear Properties and Post-Moisture Absorption Mechanical Behavior of Kenaf/Banana-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Investigation of Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Coconut Tree Primary Flower Leaf Stalk Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites