Recycling and recovery routes of plastic solid waste (PSW): A review

In recent years, natural fibers reinforced composites have received much attention because of their lightweight, nonabrasive, combustible, nontoxic, low cost and biodegradable properties. Among the various natural fibers; flax, bamboo, sisal, hemp, ramie, jute, and wood fibers are of particular interest. A lot of research work has been performed all over the world on the use of natural fibers as a reinforcing material for the preparation of various types of composites. However, lack of good interfacial adhesion, low melting point, and poor resistance towards moisture make the use of natural fiber reinforced composites less attractive. Pretreatments of the natural fiber can clean the fiber surface, chemically modify the surface, stop the moisture absorption process, and increase the surface roughness. Among the various pretreatment techniques, graft copolymerization and plasma treatment are the best methods for surface modification of natural fibers. Graft copolymers of natural fibers with vinyl monomers provide better adhesion between matrix and fiber. In the present article, the use of pretreated natural fibers in polymer matrix-based composites has been reviewed. Effect of surface modification of natural fibers on the properties of fibers and fiber reinforced polymer composites has also been discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Pretreatments of Natural Fibers and their Application as Reinforcing Material in Polymer Composites—A Review

Plastic waste is currently generated at a rate approaching 400 Mt year–1. The amount of plastics accumulating in the environment is growing rapidly, yet our understanding of its persistence is very...

Degradation Rates of Plastics in the Environment

A critical review of the literature on the various aspects of natural fibers and biocomposites with a particular reference to chemical modifications is presented in this paper. A notable disadvantage of natural fibers is their polarity which makes it incompatible with hydrophobic matrix. This incompatibility results in poor interfacial bonding between the fibers and the matrix. This in turn leads to impaired mechanical properties of the composites. This defect can be remedied by chemical modification of fibers so as to make it less hydrophilic. This paper reviews the latest trends in chemical modifications and characterizations of natural fibers. The structure and properties of natural fibers have been discussed. Common chemical modifications and their mechanisms have also been elaborated. The importance of chemical modifications and the resultant enhancement in the properties of the composites have also been reviewed. Recent investigations dealing with chemical modifications of natural fiber-reinforced composites have also been cited. POLYM. COMPOS., 29:187‐

Recent Developments in Chemical Modification and Characterization of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites

This paper gives a comprehensive review about the most recent progress in synthesis, characterization, fundamental understanding, and the performance of graphene and graphene oxide sponges. Practical applications are considered including use in composite materials, as the electrode materials for electrochemical sensors, as absorbers for both gases and liquids, and as electrode materials for devices involved in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Several advantages of both graphene and graphene oxide sponges such as three dimensional graphene networks, high surface area, high electro/thermo conductivities, high chemical/electrochemical stability, high flexibility and elasticity, and extremely high surface hydrophobicity are emphasized. To facilitate further research and development, the technical challenges are discussed, and several future research directions are also suggested in this paper.

A review of graphene and graphene oxide sponge: material synthesis and applications to energy and the environment

Experimental investigation of various vegetable fibers as sorbent materials for oil spills.

Continuing the studies on the Brazilian lignocellulosic fibers, this paper presents chemical, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of curaua fibers, one of the unique fibers of the country. Stress–strain curves as a function of diameter of the fiber and static mechanical properties as functions of diameter, length of the fiber and as function of strain rate are determined for the first time. It was found that the tensile strength (TS) and Young’s modulus (YM) decrease while % strain at break remained constant as fiber diameter increases; decrease of TS and % strain at break and increase in YM as test length increased and an increase in TS and YM but without any change in % strain at break with increase of strain rate. Density, crystallinity, identification of chemical groups and degradation temperatures of these constituents of the fibers have been determined using pycnometer, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV and DTA/DSC instruments respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis was also carried out, which revealed increase in modulus as the water present in the fiber is removed. All the results are discussed in terms of morphological observations including fractography.

Studies on lignocellulosic fibers of Brazil. Part II: Morphology and properties of Brazilian coconut fibers

A comprehensive characterization of chemically treated Brazilian sponge-gourds (Luffa cylindrica)

Pull-out and other evaluations in sisal-reinforced polyester biocomposites

Sponge-gourds, the fruit of Luffa cylindrica, are widely used throughout the world. Despite that, there is lack of scientific data concerning thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of these fibers. Sponge-gourds biocomposites are a novel use of these fibers, but a better understanding of their surface characteristics is necessary to maximize their potential use. In this work, different chemical treatments were conducted on the fibers with aqueous solutions of NaOH 2%, or methacrylamide (1‐3%) at distinct treatment times. L. cylindrica was characterized via chemical analysis and analytic techniques such as FTIR, XPS/ESCA, X-Ray, TGA and SEM. Methacrylamide 3% treatment for all times (60, 120 or 180 min) severely damaged the fibers. NaOH, on the other hand, showed the same beneficial effect regarding enhancement of surface area and thermal stability together with similar levels of lignin and hemicellulose extraction, without causing exaggerated harm to fiber integrity. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thais H. D. Sydenstricker

Papers

Experimental investigation of various vegetable fibers as sorbent materials for oil spills.

Studies on lignocellulosic fibers of Brazil. Part II: Morphology and properties of Brazilian coconut fibers

A comprehensive characterization of chemically treated Brazilian sponge-gourds (Luffa cylindrica)

Pull-out and other evaluations in sisal-reinforced polyester biocomposites

Material Characterisation A comprehensive characterization of chemically treated Brazilian sponge-gourds (Luffa cylindrica)