Showing papers on "Natural fiber published in 1997"

Oil palm fibers: Morphology, chemical composition, surface modification, and mechanical properties

Abstract: Oil palm fiber is an important lignocellulosic raw material for the preparation of cost-effective and environment-friendly composite materials. The morphology and properties of these fibers have been analyzed. The properties of two important types of fibers, the oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber and the oil palm mesocarp fiber (fruit fiber) have been described. The surface topology of the fibers has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. Thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis were used to determine the thermal stability of the fibers. Fiber surface modifications by alkali treatment, acetylation, and silane treatment were tried. The modified surfaces were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical constituents of the fibers were estimated according to ASTM standards. Mechanical performance of the fibers was also investigated. Microfibrillar angle of the fibers was theoretically predicted. The theoretical strength of the fibers was also calculated and compared with the experimental results. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 821–835, 1997

The influence of fiber-surface treatment on the mechanical properties of jute-polypropylene composites

Abstract: This article concerns the effectiveness of MAH-PP copolymers (graft copolymer of PP and maleic anhydride) as coupling agents in jute-polypropylene composites. The fiber treatment time and the MAH-PP concentration influenced the mechanical properties of the composites. Flexural strength of the composites with MAH-PP treated fibers was higher than that of unmodified fibers, and increased with fiber loading. The cyclic-dynamic values at an increasing load indicated that the coupling agent reduces the progress of damage. Dynamic strength (dynamic failure stress at load increasing test) of the MAH-PP modified composites is therefore raised by about 40%. SEM investigations confirm that the increase in properties is caused by improved fiber-matrix adhesion. There was less inclination for fibers to pull out of the matrix.

Mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber‐reinforced polyester composites

Abstract: Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) which is rich in cellulose, relatively inexpen- sive, and abundantly available has the potential for polymer reinforcement. The present study investigated the tensile, flexural, and impact behavior of PALF-reinforced polyes- ter composites as a function of fiber loading, fiber length, and fiber surface modification. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composites were found to increase with fiber content in accordance with the rule of mixtures. The elongation at break of the composites exhibits an increase by the introduction of fiber. The mechanical proper- ties are optimum at a fiber length of 30 mm. The flexural stiffness and flexural strength of the composites with a 30% fiber weight fraction are 2.76 GPa and 80.2 MPa, respec- tively. The specific flexural stiffness of the composite is about 2.3 times greater than that of neat polyester resin. The work of fracture (impact strength) of the composite with 30% fiber content was found to be 24 kJ m 02 . Significant improvement in the tensile strength was observed for composites with silane A172-treated fibers. Scanning electron microscopic studies were carried out to understand the fiber-matrix adhesion, fiber breakage, and failure topography. The PALF polyester composites possess superior mechanical properties compared to other cellulose-based natural fiber composites. q 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 1739-1748, 1997

Preparation and properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with wheat and flax straw fibres: Part II Analysis of composite microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract: The microstructure and mechanical properties of polypropylene composites containing flax and wheat straw fibres are discussed. Particular emphasis has been given to determining the nature and consequences of fibre damage induced during melt-processing operations, fibre orientation occurring in mouldings, and possible interfacial adhesion between the matrix and fibres. Compared to unfilled polypropylene, addition of flax and wheat straw caused a significant increase in tensile modulus, particularly, in the case of flax fibres, which also gave higher tensile yield strength and Charpy toughness, despite a lack of interfacial bonding. Tensile strength was increased further through inclusion of 5% by weight of maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene, which was shown to promote adhesion between fibres and matrix.

Preparation and properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with wheat and flax straw fibres: Part I Fibre characterization

Abstract: The microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of flax and wheat straw fibres have been examined with a view to using these natural fibres as reinforcing additives for thermoplastics. In this regard, the fibres were characterized prior to incorporation into the polymer, using a range of techniques, including SEM, image analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and micro-mechanical tensile testing, at room and elevated temperatures. The thermal and mechanical properties obtained have been discussed in relation to the measured composition and structural form of the fibres.

Electrical properties of natural‐fiber‐reinforced low density polyethylene composites: A comparison with carbon black and glass‐fiber‐filled low density polyethylene composites

Abstract: The electrical properties of sisal fiber-low density polyethylene (LDPE) and coir fiber-LDPE composites have been studied. The dielectric constant progressively increases with increase of fiber loading and decreases with increase of frequency in the case of all composites. The dielectric constant of sisal-LDPE composites has been studied as a function of fiber length. Volume resistivity values decrease with fiber content. The increase of dielectric constant with fiber loading is more predominant at low frequencies in both the sisal fiber-LDPE and coir fiber-LDPE composites. The results of the natural-fiber-filled composites were compared to those of the carbon and glass-fiber-filled LDPE composites. The dielectric constant of carbon-black-loaded LDPE composites increases with carbon content, and the increase is sharper at high carbon content. This is associated with the network formation of carbon black in LDPE matrix. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Effect of water absorption on dimensional stability and impact energy of jute fibre reinforced polypropylene

Abstract: Abstracts are not published in this journal

Influence of Short Glass Fiber Addition on the Mechanical Properties of Sisal Reinforced Low Density Polyethylene Composites

Abstract: This paper presents the evaluation of enhancement in the mechanical properties of short sisal fiber reinforced polyethylene composites by the incorporation of short glass fiber as an intimate mix w...

Effects of static axial strain on the tensile properties and failure mechanisms of self-assembled collagen fibers

Abstract: Collagen fibers form the structural units of connective tissue throughout the body, transmitting force, maintaining shape, and providing a scaffold for cells. Our laboratory has studied collagen self-assembly since the 1970s. In this study, collagen fibers were self-assembled from molecular collagen solutions and then stretched to enhance alignment. Fibers were tested in uniaxial tension to study the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. Results reported suggest that axial orientation of collagen fibrils can be achieved by stretching uncrosslinked collagen fibers. Stretching by about 30% not only results in decreased diameter and increased tensile strength but also leads to unusual failure mechanisms that inhibit crack propagation across the fiber. It is proposed that stretching serves to generate oriented fibrillar substructure in self-assembled collagen fibers. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 63: 1429–1440, 1997

Development and characterization of a H D E-sand-natural fiber composite

Abstract: A composite material consisting of HOPE, sand and short henequen fibers has been developed and characterized. It is shown that it is possible to incorporate as high as 50% filler contents to the thermoplastic resin. A central composite design (Box- Hunter) was utilized to optimize the mechanical properties of the composite materials. The independent variables under study were: (i) sand content; (ii) henequen content and (iii) processing temperature. The selected response variables were the tensile and flexural properties of the composite. The tensile strength of the HOPE-sand composite does not seem to be affected by the processing temperature, for any filler content, but the tensile modulus shows similar behavior for filler contents greater than 15% The flexural strength shows a maximum at filler content of 30% w/w while the flexural modulus increase linearly. The flexural properties are not affected appreciably by the processing temperature. For the HOPE·-henequen composite, the processing temperature does seem to adversely effect the tensile strength but not the tensile modulus. The flexural properties are slightly increased by the processing temperature. It is shown that fiber···matrix adhesion does play an important role in the fmal properties of the composite. The HOPE·-sand-henequen composite shows a more complicated behavior. An increase in filler content decreases the tensile strength. Similar behavior was found with an increase in the processing temperature. The processing temperature seems to have a more pronounced effect on the tensile modulus. At low temperatures the modulus behavior is governed by the sand content, while at higher temperatures, such behavior is governed by the fiber content. The flexural properties are also affected by the processing temperature, At low temperatures and sand contents below 30% w/w, the flexural strength increases with fiber content and at higher sand contents an opposite behavior is observed. At higher processing temperatures the behavior is the same as for lower temperatures, but the flexural properties are slightly decreased. It is also shown that adhesion between fiber and matrix plays an important role Oil the final mechanical properties. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd

Development and characterization of a HDPE-sand-natural fiber composite

Abstract: A composite material consisting of HDPE, sand and short henequen fibers has been developed and characterized. It is shown that it is possible to incorporate as high as 50% w/w filler contents to the thermoplastic resin. A central composite design (Box-Hunter) was utilized to optimize the mechanical properties of the composite materials. The independent variables under study were: (i) sand content; (ii) henequen content and (iii) processing temperature. The selected response variables were the tensile and flexural properties of the composite. The tensile strength of the HDPE-sand composite does not seem to be affected by the processing temperature, for any filler content, but the tensile modulus shows similar behavior for filler contents greater than 15% w/w. The flexural strength shows a maximum at filler content of 30% w/w while the flexural modulus increase linearly. The flexural properties are not affected appreciably by the processing temperature. For the HDPE henequen composite, the processing temperature does seem to adversely effect the tensile strength but not the tensile modulus. The flexural properties are slightly increased by the processing temperature. It is shown that fiber-matrix adhesion does play an important role in the final properties of the composite. The HDPE-sand-henequen composite shows a more complicated behavior. An increase in filler content decreases the tensile strength. Similar behavior was found with an increase in the processing temperature. The processing temperature seems to have a more pronounced effect on the tensile modulus. At low temperatures the modulus behavior is governed by the sand content, while at higher temperatures, such behavior is governed by the fiber content. The flexural properties are also affected by the processing temperature. At low temperatures and sand contents below 30% w/w, the flexural strength increases with fiber content and at higher sand contents an opposite behavior is observed. At higher processing temperatures the behavior is the same as for lower temperatures, but the flexural properties are slightly decreased. It is also shown that adhesion between fiber and matrix plays an important role on the final mechanical properties.

Effect of fiber treatment on the mechanical properties of LDPE-henequen cellulosic fiber composites

Abstract: The degree of mechanical reinforcement that could be obtained by the introduction of henequen cellulosic fibers in a low-density polyethylene, LDPE, matrix was assessed experimentally. Composite materials of LDPE-henequen cellulosic fibers were prepared by mechanical mixing. The concentration of randomly oriented fibers in the composite ranged between 0 and 30% by volume. The tensile strength of these composite materials increased up to 50% compared to that of LDPE. There is also a noticeable increase in Young's modulus for the composite materials that compares favorably with that of LDPE. As expected, the addition of the fibers decreases the ultimate strain values for the composite materials. The thermal behavior of the LDPE-henequen cellulosic fibers materials, studied by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, showed that the presence of the fibers does not affect the thermal behavior of the LDPE matrix; thus, the interaction between fiber and matrix is probably not very intimate. Preimpregnation of the cellulosic fibers in a LDPE-xylene solution and the use of a silane coupling agent results in a small increment in the mechanical properties of the composites, which is attributed to an improvement in the interface between the fibers and the matrix. The shear properties of the composites also increased with increasing fiber content and fiber surface treatment. It was also noted that the fiber surface treatment improves fiber dispersion in the matrix.

Vehicle trim panel with natural fiber layers

Abstract: An improved material for forming vehicle trim panels includes natural fibers formed reinforcing mats. The natural fibers replaced the prior known use of glass fibers. Prior art glass fibers may sometimes cause skin irritation, and the natural fiber eliminates this problem. The fibrous mats are preferably placed on both sides of the central foam layer, and a decorative layer is placed outwardly on one of the fibrous mats. Various naturally occurring fibrous materials such as hemp may be utilized.

Novel composites utilizing raw wool and polyester resin

Abstract: Considerable research has been conducted with natural fibres as a source of reinforcement for organic matrices. These fibres have included wood pulp, sisal, hemp and numerous other plants [1–3]. However, little attention has been given to natural animal fibres such as wool and hair. Traditionally, wool fibres have been spun into multilayer fibres in the form of threads, which are then knitted into cloth and utilized for the manufacture of garments. As a composite, wool fibres have been combined with polyester fibres and spun into multistrand yarn as threads, again for use in garments. The major engineering application of these composites has been for thermal insulation for the human body. In general, the mechanical properties were not considered relevant for cloth applications. This study seeks to investigate the mechanical properties of a new form of wool–polyester composite, i.e. the reinforcement of raw wool fibres (before spinning into thread or yarn) with a polyester resin matrix for use in structural applications not associated with clothes. Raw wool is one of the major export commodities of a number of countries, including Australia. It is one of the oldest naturally renewable fibres in use. It is epidermal in origin and grown naturally on the bodies of sheep. The wool is obtained by shearing the fleece from the sheep, and then graded, washed and combed to remove any extraneous matter such as grease, dirt, moisture and vegetable matter. The fibres are generally entangled and crimped. In this study, the wool fibres were supplied by the CSIRO Division of Wool Technology. The fibre was classified as fine, clean carded wool, i.e. washed and combed with all foreign matter removed. The composite matrix was prepared from polyester resin with 1% hardener (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide). Samples of composite sheets were prepared in the laboratory from skeins of wool laid alternatively with layers of resin mixture, and placed in a rectangular mould. This was repeated until the required fractions of wool and resin were achieved. The top of the mould was sealed and hydraulic pressure of 1.2 MPa was applied for a period of 24 h. The pressure was then reduced to 0.6 MPa, the sample sheet was removed and excess solid resin trimmed. The composite so obtained was cured in air. This process was repeated for sample sheets containing wool by mass of 40, 30, 20 and 10 g and a ‘‘control’’ sheet of polyester resin. All test pieces had the wool aligned in the longitudinal direction except for the 40 g (55% mass fraction) transverse samples. Wool composite samples were prepared for a range of fibre fraction by wool mass content corresponding to mass fractions of 21, 40, 52 and 55%. Specimens were cut from the prepared sample sheets for use in three test procedures: flexural (36 test pieces), tensile (36 test pieces) and Izod impact with 48 test pieces. All specimens were conditioned for 24 h at 22 2 8C at a relative humidity of 52 5%. An Instron hydraulic testing machine (model 1114) was used for both the flexural and tensile testing. Automatic data collection was employed to allow further processing of the test data. Flexural test pieces were cut into rectangular shapes measuring approximately 150 mm 3 15 mm (of various thickness, approximately 26 mm) using a rotary saw. Three-point bending tests with a span of 50 mm were conducted. The flexural strength (modulus of rupture) was calculated as 3Pl=2bd2 where P is maximum load, b is test piece width, d is test piece thickness and l is test piece span length. Impact test specimens were cut into rectangular shapes using a rotary saw and notched with a milling machine cutter. Tests and sample dimensions followed the conditions outlined in AS1146 [4]. Impact testing was conducted using a Material Forge model TM 52004 impact tester (an Izod type test). The results from the mechanical tests are given in Table I. These results indicated that there is little influence on the tensile stress or modulus of elasticity with increasing fraction of wool content. However, when the fibres were laid in a transverse position to the tensile load the tensile stress was approximately one half of that for the parallel loading case with the 55% wool fibre test pieces. Moreover, the modulus of elasticity of the transverse samples was similar to that of the parallel fibre samples. The variation of flexural strength with increasing fibre content is shown in Fig. 1. Flexural strength results are also shown for a control sample with 0% fibres, and transverse aligned fibres with 55 wt % wool fibre. The maximum value of flexural strength was at the

Opened, wet processed, intermediate natural fiber product suitable for formation into end use fiber products with long-lasting antimicrobial properties, and method

Abstract: An opened, wet processed, intermediate natural fiber product suitable for formation into end use fiber products, which includes an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent applied to the fibers during wet processing.

Nonwoven fabric and its production

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a water-absorbing nonwoven fabric improved in effect preventing falling off of fiber due to abrasion and washing by subjecting a nonwoven web comprising a splittable type conjugate staple fiber and a water- absorbing short fiber to high pressure liquid flow treatment and heat-melting treatment. SOLUTION: A splittable bicomponent-based conjugate staple fiber formed of a fiber-forming low melting point polymer such as polyethylene and a fiber- forming high-melting point polymer such as polyethlene terephthalate which is incompatible to the low melting point polymer and having a melting point higher by 30-180°C than that of the low melting point polymer is blended with 30-70 wt.% staple fiber having water soluble property, e.g. natural fiber such as cotton or regenerated fiber and the mixture is subjected to treatment with a carding machine to form a nonwoven web. High pressure liquid flow is jetted to the nonwoven web to split the splittable type conjugate staple fiber into ultrafine staple fiber having ≤0.8 denier single fiber fineness and the resultant ultrasonic short fiber is treated at a temperature at which at least low-melting point polymer is melted and softened and intersections of the constitutional fibers are thermally fused to provide the objective nonwoven fabric. COPYRIGHT: (C)1998,JPO

Surface layer of wool. II. Dityrosine in wool

Abstract: Values for dityrosine concentration were determined in wool and its morphological components, the cortex and cuticle. Dityrosine was found to be located in the tyrosine-rich proteins of wool, cortex, and cuticle. Within the cuticle it was shown to be present in the intercellular cement and the A-layer. Within the cortex it was shown to occur in the intermicrofibrillar matrix where the tyrosine-rich proteins are located. Dityrosine was not an artifact of acid hydrolysis but a natural part of the wool. An investigation of the in vitro formation of dityrosine in wool fibers showed that the concentration of dityrosine increased in the wool fibers upon oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or by UV irradiation. It is suggested dityrosine may be involved in the yellowing of bleached wool fibers. Fluorescence studies showed that wool fibers had a natural blue fluorescence when excited at 365 nm. Dityrosine was unlikely to be responsible for this fluorescence. Upon oxidation of wool fibers the intensity of fluorescence was enhanced, due to the oxidation of disulfide bonds to cysteic acid.

Factors influencing fiber-fiber friction in the case of bleached flax

Abstract: Regression analysis and multiple correlation methods have been applied in the mathematical modelling of the influence exercised by some parameters of chemical bleaching treatments on flax fibers upon the surface characteristics, as expressed by the fiber - fiber friction coefficient.

Changes in dyeability and morphology of cotton fiber subjected to cellulase treatment

Abstract: Unprocessed and mercerized cotton fibers were treated with commercial crude cellulase. The changes in the dyeability and structural features of the fiber due to cellulase treatment were studied. The dyeability was examined in terms of uptake of three reactive dyes and the apparent affinity of Congo Red to cotton fiber. The dyeability of the unprocessed fiber was assumed to be influenced by some impurities present in it. This fiber probably resembled polynosic fiber in molecular aggregate at a certain stage of hydrolysis. Mercerized cotton showed a similar pattern in dyeability as weight loss increased, regardless of dye species. Enzyme more easily penetrated the mercerized fiber than the unprocessed fiber. Cellulase treatment influenced the X-ray crystalline reflection pattern for the mercerized fiber but nominally influenced that for unprocessed fiber. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that cellulase treatment caused swelling of the fibrils. They also revealed that the disordered regions between the fibrils in the secondary walls were removed at low weight loss for the unprocessed fiber. The mercerized fiber at high weight loss had large cracks oblique to the fiber axis and showed no individual fibrils in the secondary wall. The primary wall was removed in the initial stage of hydrolysis for both the unprocessed and mercerized fibers. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 155–164, 1997

Woven cloth for bath

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve characteristics such as foaming, foam breaking, rinsing, and drying, and provide volume and stimulative performances without causing dripping in the case of using liquid soap by weaving into a specific texture by using a synthetic fiber spun yarn as a warp SOLUTION: A synthetic fiber spun yarn such as acrylic spun yarn, polyester spun yarn, etc, is used as a warp 1 and one or two or more kinds selected from synthetic fiber, synthetic fiber crimp yarn, synthetic fiber wooly yarn, synthetic fiber spun yarn, and natural fiber such as cotton, hemp, and wool are used as a weft 2 The warp 1 and the weft 2 are woven into a woven texture expressing recess/projection such as honeycomb weaving and sponge weaving so as to be used for a dirt scrubbing cloth, a towel, etc

Biodegradable nonwoven fabric and its production

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a biodegradable nonwoven fabric controllable in biodegradability, excellent in formation, mechanical properties, and both the cooling effect and spinnability of the delivered filament yarns comprising the nonwoven fabric, also having thermoadhesive function, and, according to need, capable of presenting water absorbing ability. SOLUTION: This nonwoven fabric comprises filament yarns each of which is made up of high-melting component 1 and low-melting component 2 each made from a biodegradable aliphatic polyester and so designed that, in the cross section, the high- melting component 1 and the low-melting component 2 alternately occupy each specified range circumferentially around the center, and both the components are respectively divided into segments with equal area. This biodegradable nonwoven fabric is obtained by melt spinning into alternately arranged type conjugated continuous fibers 3 where both the high-melting and low-melting components 1, 2 lie continuous in the fiber axial direction and exposed on the fiber surface followed by drafting and thinning the fibers into a continuous fiber nonwoven web which is then either partially thermofused into a unit, or, laminated with a natural fiber nonwoven web followed by conducting an ultrasonic fusing treatment to partially thermofuse both the nonwoven webs into a unit.

Platelike form and molded form and their manufacture

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide high moisture permeability, high strength and good appearance and prevent burrs from developing in a coconut fiber by fixing securely vegetable natural fibers to each other with a curable resin and reinforcing forms with unwoven fabric, woven fabric or knitted fabric made up of a mixture of synthetic fiber and natural fiber. SOLUTION: The plate-like form 1 is made up of a fiber mat 2 which is coconut fiber mixed with vegetable natural fiber such as hemp fiber or bamboo fiber and unwoven fabric 3 laminated on the fiber mat 2. When a windbreak layer is formed of the plate-like form 1, a heat insulating layer can be stably maintained by the high strength-of the plate-like form 1 and the structural part near the windbreak layer can be reinforced. The coconut fiber is of a thick diameter, so that the fiber mat 2 formed of the coconut fiber has an extremely high moisture permeability because a gap is formed between the fibers. The unwoven fabric is also air-permeable and highly moisture-permeable. Consequently, the plate-like form 1 obtained by using the materials as described shows various strengths and different moisture permeability levels depending upon the quantity of curable resin, the usage of the fiber mat 2 and the unwoven fabric 3, and compressibility at the time of compression molding.

Sealing washer special for engine of motorcycle and production technology of same

Abstract: A special sealing gasket for motorcycle motor is composed of asbestos fiber 25-40%, natural and synthetic fiber 15-25%, silicate filler 15-25%, emulsoid 10-15% and accessory ingredient 4-7% The natural fiber is plant fiber, synthetic fiber is selected from artificial fiber, glass fiber or carbon fiber, emulsoid is selected from butyronitrile, butylbenzene or neoprene or natural emulsoid Processing technology include: edge milling, selecting and impurity removing, blending, scooping up, drying and vulcanizing This process can lower the density of the sealing gasket, raise its compressibility and reduce its cost etc

Effect of modifying additions on the physicomechanical properties of composites based on polyethylene and wastes from linen yarn production

Abstract: This article examines the feasibility of using coupling agents to alleviate the shortcomings characteristics of materials that contain natural fibers: low water resistance and a high degree of heterogeneity. A determination is made of the effect of additions of polyisocyanate and stearic acid on the fluidity of the melts and the strainstrength properties and water resistance of polyethylene composites containing mixtures of wastes from linen yarn production. It is shown that an addition of stearic acid significantly improves the dispersion of fibers in the composites, which in turn leads to a reduction in melt fluidity and an increase in elastic modulus in the high-filler-content region compared to composites that do not have additions of stearic acid. Additions of polyisocyanate appreciably increase the strength and water resistance of the given composites.

Synthetic fiber dyed with natural dye

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a synthetic fiber dyeable to a color similar to natural fiber with a common natural dye and giving a natural placid color of a natural dye. SOLUTION: This dyed synthetic fiber is produced by fixing a natural protein to the surface of a synthetic fiber and dyeing the natural protein with a natural dye. The synthetic fiber is preferably a polyester fiber and the natural protein is preferably insolubilized by crosslinking or fixed with a binder. The natural protein is preferably mordanted with a mordant, preferably a metal compound mordant.

Pretreatment agent for transfer printing natural fibre cloth, and art for the printing thereof

Abstract: The pretreatment agent for transfer printing of natural fiber fabric is composed of 4-20 wt.% of benzene dicarboxylic acid esters, 0-15 wt.% of polyethylene glycol, 0.05-1.0 wt.% of non-ionic surfactant and water the balance. Natural fiber fabrics can be made of cotton, hemp, wool or silk or their blended fabrics with synthetic fibers. Coloured product after transfer printing is nearly same as polyester fabrics, the precision of the decorative pattern is superior than that of the conventional printing method. Dyeing firmness conforms with the international standard. It is not toxic to human body and has no pollution to the environment.

Laminated sheet and its manufacture

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To impart fire retardancy and strength required for adhesion or the like by high frequency or ultrasonic wave by sequentially laminating a face layer composed of a thermoplastic resin, an expanded body layer composed of a thermoplastic resin, a base fabric composed of a fiber selected from natural fiber and cellulose fiber, and an adhering resin layer. SOLUTION: A laminated sheet is formed by sequentially laminating a face layer composed of a thermoplastic resin, an expanded body layer composed of a thermoplastic resin, a base fabric composed of one or more fibers selected from natural fiber and cellulose fiber, and an adhering resin layer. An elastic material excellent in designing effect and feeling of touching, for example an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer, is preferably used for the face layer. A form of the base fabric is preferably a woven fabric, wherein a natural fabric such as a cotton, a kapok cotton, a hemp or the like, or a cellulose fiber such as a viscose rayon, an acetate or the like is preferable. A polypropylene, a polyethylene, a polystyrene, a urethane resin or the like is preferable for the expanded body.