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Showing papers on "Natural fiber published in 1999"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a survey about physical and chemical treatment methods which improve the fiber matrix adhesion, their results and effects on the physical properties of composites is presented, and the influence of such treatments by taking into account fibre content on the creep, quasi-static, cyclic dynamic and impact behaviour of natural fibre reinforced plastics are discussed in detail.

4,160 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of natural fiber reinforced composites is presented in this paper with special reference to the type of fibers, matrix polymers, treatment of fibers and fiber-matrix interface.
Abstract: Natural fiber reinforced composites is an emerging area in polymer science. These natural fibers are low cost fibers with low density and high specific properties. These are biodegradable and non-abrasive. The natural fiber composites offer specific properties comparable to those of conventional fiber composites. However, in development of these composites, the incompatibility of the fibers and poor resistance to moisture often reduce the potential of natural fibers and these draw backs become critical issue. This review presents the reported work on natural fiber reinforced composites with special reference to the type of fibers, matrix polymers, treatment of fibers and fiber-matrix interface. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv in Polymer Techn 18: 351–363, 1999

2,210 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an alkaline treatment was used to enhance both the matrix fiber wetting and the chemical surface modification in order to improve the physicochemical interactions at the fiber-matrix interphase.
Abstract: The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between natural fibers and a thermoplastic matrix has been improved by the morphological and silane chemical modification of the fiber surface. An alkaline treatment was used to enhance both the matrix fiber wetting and the chemical surface modification in order to improve the physicochemical interactions at the fiber–matrix interphase. For characterization of the mechanical properties of such interphase, a modification of the micromechanical techniques commonly used in the characterization of the IFSS for circular-cross-section smooth fibers is proposed. The relationships developed for circular fibers were modified to incorporate the natural fiber perimeter instead of an equivalent fiber diameter. From the micromechanical test's results it was found that both surface modifications, preimpregnation and chemical, improves the fiber–matrix IFSS. Finally, the results obtained from the single fiber fragmentation test seem to better agree with the effective mechanical properties measured for the laminated material than those obtained with the pull out test.

735 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The mechanical properties of tossa jute fibers were improved by using NaOH treatment process to improve the mechanical properties as mentioned in this paper, which led to an increase in yarn tensile strength and modulus of ∼ 120% and 150%, respectively.
Abstract: The mechanical properties of tossa jute fibers were improved by using NaOH treatment process to improve the mechanical properties of composites materials. Shrinkage of fibers during this process has significant effects to the fiber structure, as well as to the mechanical fiber properties, such as tensile strength and modulus. Isometric NaOH-treated jute yarns (20 min at 20°C in 25% NaOH solution) lead to an increase in yarn tensile strength and modulus of ∼ 120% and 150%, respectively. These changes in mechanical properties are affected by modifying the fiber structure, basically via the crystallinity ratio, degree of polymerization, and orientation (Hermans factor). Structure–property relationships, developed for cellulosic man-made fibers, were used with a high correlation factor to describe the behavior of the jute fiber yarns. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 623–629, 1999

305 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the mechanical and thermal properties of green composites made from pineapple fibers and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) resin are investigated.
Abstract: This paper presents the mechanical and thermal properties of unidirectional, degradable, environment-friendly “green” composites made from pineapple fibers and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) resin. Tensile and flexural properties of the “green” composites with different fiber contents were measured in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Compared to those of virgin resin, the tensile and flexural strengths of “green” composites are significantly higher in the longitudinal direction while they are lower in the transverse direction. However, the mechanical properties are lower than those predicted by simple models. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs of the tensile fracture surfaces demonstrate fibers being pulled out from the matrix, the interfacial failure, fiber fibrillation, and the nonunidirectional nature of the “green” composites. The thermal behavior of the “green” composites, studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), showed that the presence of pineapple fibers does not affect the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, crystallinity, and thermal decomposition of PHBV resin.

272 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of acetylated and non-acetylated fiber on thermal degradation of blends of PP and polyolefins, specifically: PP/HDPE, PP/HPE/functionalized EPR and PP/PHE/non-functionalised EPR, was analyzed through the Horowitz-Metzger (HMM), Coats-Redfern (C-R), and Reich-Stivala (R-S) integral methods.

190 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a hand operated hydraulic electrically heated press was used and the composites were cured at 100°C for 60min and post cured overnight in the oven at 80°C.

129 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of water absorption-desorption cycles on the mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced plastics was discussed, and light microscopic investigations showed that absorption-deponding of fibers led to debonding of resin from fibers as well as to cracks in the adjacent resin.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to discuss the influence of water absorption-desorption cycles on the mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced plastics. Therefore, epoxy resins with jute wovens as reinforcement with untreated and silane treated fibers were investigated. Silane treatment of fibers led to increased tensile, flexural strength, and Young's modulus of composites with up to 30%. Absorption-desorption cycles of fibers changed the fracture mechanisms of fibers without having significant effects on the tensile strength of the fibers. Light microscopic investigations showed that absorption-desorption cycles of composites led to the debonding of resin from fibers as well as to cracks in the adjacent resin. Because of these mechanisms, tensile strength and Young's modulus decrease, independent of the quality of fiber resin adhesion. For dynamic loadings, storage cycle induces damages, further bringing about a decreased dynamic modulus and an increased progress in damage with increasing load cycles during the first two environmental cycles, being constant afterwards.

103 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of filler loading, steam-explosion severity, and coating the fiber with a function-alized compatibilizer, such as maleic anhydryde polypropylene (MAPP), on the mechanical behavior of the composite was evaluated.
Abstract: Residual softwood sawdust was pretreated by a steam-explosion technique. It was used as a natural filler in polypropylene (PP)-based composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile properties of these materials were studied. The influ- ence of filler loading, steam-explosion severity, and coating the fiber with a function- alized compatibilizer, such as maleic anhydryde polypropylene (MAPP), on the mechan- ical behavior of the composite was evaluated. The results were analyzed in relation with scanning electron microscopy observations, and surface energy (dispersive and polar components) and apparent specific area measurements. Experimental data indicate a better compatibility between MAPP-coated fiber and PP with respect to the untreated one. The coating treatment of the softwood fiber was found to promote interfacial adhesion between both components, and to enhance the tensile properties of the resulting composite. This reinforcing effect was well predicted from theoretical calcu- lations based on a mean field approach (Halpin-Kardos model). The steam-explosion pretreatment severity increased the surface energy and apparent specific surface, and resulted in a loss of the fiber entirety. The sorption behavior of these composite materials was also performed. It was found that the composites absorb more water, as the filler content is higher. MAPP coating provided protection from water uptake in the interphase region. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 1962-1977, 1999

102 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, both unbleached (control) and bleached (bleached) jute slivers with various percentages of fiber loadings were used to prepare the composites and were named JPH (C) i.e., Jute Polyester Hot Curing (control), and JPH(B)i.i.d.
Abstract: The development of high performance composites from a cheap natural fiber, jute, as reinforcement is particularly significant from an economic point of view. In this work, jute fiber-unsaturated polyester(GP) composites having appreciable mechanical properties were prepared by using solution impregnation and hot curing methods. Both unbleached (control) and bleached jute slivers with various percentages of fiber loadings were used to prepare the composites and were named JPH (C) i.e., Jute Polyester Hot Curing (control), and JPH (B) i.e., Jute Polyester Hot Curing (bleached), respectively. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strain, toughness, and moduli of both the grades have been compared. Composites having 60 wt% of jute fiber yielded the best results. JPH (B) showed much better flexural properties than JPH (C), although the tensile properties of the latter were better. The inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) of the JPH (B) was found to be higher than JPH (C). The nature of fiber-resin bonding was studied from scanning electron micrographs of the specimens subjected to tensile and flexural fracture. Dynamic mechanical properties were found to be very high, superior even to those of glass fiber reinforced composites. The flexural storage modulus was found to be 12.3 GPa at 30°C and to decrease slowly with temperature. The major finding in this work is the attainment of high mechanical properties of composite specimens with 60 wt %fiber loading. On a weight and cost basis, bleached jute fibres were found to be better reinforcements than other fibers with usual surface modification by coating or grafting processes.

100 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the correlation between morphological modifications and the adsorption abilities of cotton cellulose fibers using several methods: the analysis of microscope images of fibers by image processing and analysis of the electrokinetic surface properties which express the adorption behavior of fibers.
Abstract: The adsorption abilities of cotton cellulose fibers are very often modified by alkaline treatments in form of alkaline purification or mercerization using high concentration of NaOH. We tried to determine the correlation between morphological modifications and the adsorption abilities of cotton fibers using several methods: the analysis of microscope images of fibers by image processing and the analysis of the electrokinetic surface properties which express the adsorption behavior of fibers. The longitudinal images and cross-sections of native and modified cotton fibers were analyzed and the parameters: form factor, wall thickness, cross-section area, fiber diameter, lumen area were calculated using image processing. The adsorption behavior of native and NaOH modified polymers was investigated by the determination of electrokinetic properties. The zeta potential (ζ) was calculated from streaming potential measurements as a function of pH and surfactant concentration in the liquid phase. The results indicate that only a correct combination between the morphological modifications and electrokinetic behavior of fibers leads to a desirable adsorption mechanism which causes a specific adsorption of components of the liquid phase.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the variation of the ultimate stress and the elastic modulus of four natural fiber-resin matrix composites was evaluated as a function of the aging of these composites in distilled water.
Abstract: The variation of the ultimate stress and the elastic modulus of four different natural fiber-resin matrix composites was evaluated as a function of the aging of these composites in distilled water. Their diffusion coefficients and the maximum water content were also determined by fitting the experimental data to the Fickian model for diffusion. The composites analyzed were the common jute- and sisal-polyester matrix as well as jute- and sisal-epoxy resin matrix. The overall mechanical behavior observed could be qualitatively explained by the topographic aspects generated at the fracture surfaces. The jute-epoxy composite showed the best properties over all the immersion times analyzed. A strong fiber-matrix interface was developed for this composite and is partially responsible for its better behavior. The experimental data also show that the sisal fibers are more affected by water than jute fibers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the interfacial properties of polyester/vegetable fiber composites were analyzed by flexural testing and compressive/tensile (σ) and shear (T) stresses were determined for each composite in function of the span-to-depth ratio (λ).
Abstract: In this work the interfacial properties of polyester/vegetable fiber composites were analyzed by flexural testing The compressive/tensile (σ) and shear (T) stresses were determined for each composite in function of the span-to-depth ratio (λ) The general behavior of the composites was similar to that of composites reinforced with DuPont Kevlar fiber, ie, a maximum σ stress value is obtained Flexural test validity for determining the Young's and shear moduli, E 11 and G 12 , was ascertained The Youngs modulus agreed with that expected from the rule of mixtures for the composites with lowest fiber content Short beam tests were performed on the composites The shear stress value was improved by means of the matrix modification Moisture sorption experiments and dynamic mechanical analysis were also performed on the natural fiber composites in the first Fickian step Water sorption at 50% RH and 90% RH can be satisfactorily described by using a diffusional model Water diffusion on parallelepiped samples shows a positive deviation from the Fickian behavior Fiber capillary flow occurs through the fiber and the debonded matrix/fiber interphase during the initial Fickian step

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of processing, such as compression molding and calendering, on the mechanical properties of the materials was investigated, and composites showed higher elastic modulus and lower strength than the matrix components.
Abstract: Composites were prepared by mixing thermoplastic biodegradable polymers with sea algae fibers. Tensile mechanical properties were analyzed as a function of fiber concentration. The effect of processing, such as compression molding and calendering, on the mechanical properties of the materials was investigated. Composites showed higher elastic modulus and lower strength than the matrix components. Fiber damaging, characterized by a reduction of both length and diameter, was observed in the composites. Films, prepared by calendering operations, showed anisotropic properties due to fiber alignment. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 583–592, 1999

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, dew-, water-, and enzyme-retted fibers for differences in fineness, strength, caustic weight loss, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fibre cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, lipid, ash, and nine minerals were compared.
Abstract: Assessments of dew-, water-, and enzyme-retted fibers for differences in fineness, strength, caustic weight loss, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, lipid, ash, and nine minerals were compared in this study. Distinct differences in retted-fiber samples were observed in all the parameters tested. The samples also were analyzed by derivative thermogravimetry, which revealed that weight losses in two decomposition bands of 240–400°C and 400–520°C correlated with the fiber fineness and the caustic weight-loss measurements of the samples. The variations in quality of the fiber samples were mainly due to differences in the proportion of residual noncellulosic polysaccharides, lipid, lignin, and certain minerals. The key parameters for determining fiber quality are fiber fineness, strength, ash, caustic weight loss, and the derivative thermogravimetry weight-loss parameters. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 139–143, 1999

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the properties of cellulose fiber and PMMA- or PBA-grafted cellulose fibers are investigated as a function of the initiator (ceric-ammonium nitrate) concentration and the amount of grafted polymer onto cellulose fibre.
Abstract: The properties of cellulose fiber and PMMA- or PBA-grafted cellulose fibers are investigated as a function of the initiator (ceric-ammonium nitrate) concentration and the amount of grafted polymer onto cellulose fiber. The molecular weight of cellulose decreases while the crystallinity increases with an increment of initiator concentration because of the partial degradation of the amorphous zone of the fibers exposed to the oxidation by the initiator. This results in a reduction of the elastic modulus and tensile strength at high initiator concentrations. Degradation of cellulose is partially inhibited during the grafting process and, therefore, the effect of initiator on the mechanical properties is less notorious in the grafted cellulose fiber. The grafting of PMMA or PBA on the fiber results in lower mechanical properties than those of the ungrafted cellulose fiber. The reduction of the elastic modulus is independent of the amount of grafted PMMA or PBA, but the tensile strength decreases with the PBA content on the PBA-grafted fiber. Either the grafted or the ungrafted cellulose fibers improve the mechanical properties of plasticized PVC composites, and the best results are obtained for PMMA-grafted cellulose fibers because of the better fiber–matrix adhesion. The Halpin–Tsai equation seems to better agree with the experimental data when there is a good fiber–matrix adhesion. In contrast, for poor fiber–matrix adhesion the experimental data has a better agreement with the parallel arrangement equation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors showed that more bio-fibers could be incorporated in hybrid composites which would give the same range of properties as the composites with higher loading of glass fibers.
Abstract: Polypropylene hybrid composites were made using coconut and glass fibers as reinforcing agents in the polypropylene matrix. The incorporation of both fibers into the PP matrix has resulted in the reduction of flex-ural, tensile, and impact strengths and elongation at break. The reduction has been attributed to the increased incompatibility between the fibers and the PP matrix, and the irregularity in fiber size, especially for biofibers as shown by scanning electron micrographs. Both the flexural and tensile moduli have been improved with the increasing level of fiber loading. Most of the properties tested for Composites with high glass fibers/low biofiber loading are comparable with the ones with low glass fiber/high biofiber loading. The results show that more biofibers could be incorporated in hybrid composites which would give the same range of properties as the composites with higher loading of glass fibers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A quantitative study on the α-β transition of Merino wool upon stretching has been carried out by wide angle X-ray diffraction using Merino Wool fibre bundles as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A quantitative study on α-β transition of Merino wool upon stretching has been carried out by wide angle X-ray diffraction using Merino wool fibre bundles. Technical factors affecting this determination, such as subtraction of air scattering and the measurement of crystallinity are considered. The degree of crystallinity has been found to be around 18% and 14% for native Lincoln and Merino wool, respectively, lower than that reported in the literature. Possible reasons for this lower value are discussed. However, the total crystallinity remained almost constant for wool samples stretched to 0, 18, 33, 49 and 66%, supporting the concept of a direct α-β transition.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The interaction and adhesion between the fiber and matrix has a significant effect in determining the mechanical and physical behavior of fiber composites and the effect of the interface and interphase depends on several factors such as chemical composition (functional groups), molecular structure characteristics (branching, molecular weight distribution, cross-linking), and details of its physical state (above or below Tg, nature and degree of crystallinity) Natural fibers have complex and varying chemical structures that have uneven surface topographies.
Abstract: The interaction and adhesion between the fiber and matrix has a significant effect in determining the mechanical and physical behavior of fiber composites The effect of the interface and interphase depends on several factors such as chemical composition (functional groups), molecular structure characteristics (branching, molecular weight distribution, cross-linking), and details of its physical state (above or below Tg, nature and degree of crystallinity) Natural fibers have complex and varying chemical structures that have uneven surface topographies This creates difficulties in using single fiber composite testing to accurately evaluate the interfacial shear strengths, except for comparisons A review of our interphase related research in natural fiber composites is presented When using coupling agents it is well known that the tensile and flexural strengths increase dramatically in natural fiber reinforced composites However, in the case of modulus, the results are more complex For two ethylene-propylene impact copolymers, the uncoupled systems had much higher Young's moduli than the coupled systems The dynamic storage moduli of the uncoupled impact polymers were higher than the coupled composites at temperatures up to about 50°C At higher temperatures the presence of the coupling agent resulted in higher storage moduli Transcrystallinity may play an important role in this phenomenon Creep and other long-term properties are also affected by the quality of the interphase, although the level of improvement decreases with an increase in the molecular weight of the matrix polymer Coupling agents reduced the rate of water absorption and the moduli were less affected in blends with a higher concentration of coupling agents

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the mechanical properties of flax fibers were optimized by using the NaOH treatment process to improve the properties of composite materials, which had a significant effect on the structure and properties of the fibers and the composites based on them.
Abstract: The mechanical characteristics of flax fibers were optimized by using the NaOH treatment process to improve the properties of composite materials. Shrinkage of the fibers during this treatment had a significant effect on the structure and, as a result, on the mechanical properties of the fibers and the composites based on them. Due to the higher mechanical strength and stiffness of flax fibers after NaOH treatment under isometric conditions, the strength and stiffness of composites in general increase. Further, NaOH treatment leads to a rougher surface morphology, as shown, e.g., for jute fibers, compared with the surface of untreated fibers without improved fiber/matrix adhesion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the impact behavior of natural fiber-reinforced epoxy foams has been investigated and the effects of different types of fibers, fiber content and void content were discussed.
Abstract: This paper deals with the impact behavior of natural fiber-reinforced epoxy foams. The effects of different types of fibers, fiber content and void content were discussed. It was found that the wov...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a composting test on laboratory scale at 28°C and 98% relative humidity was developed to determine the weight loss of polyester amide (PEA) films as well as cotton and flax fiber reinforced composites with different thickness (40-2000 μm).
Abstract: In this paper, a composting test on laboratory scale at 28°C and 98% relative humidity was developed to determine the weight loss of polyester amide (PEA) films as well as cotton and flax fiber reinforced composites with different thickness (40-2000 μm). The surface of the samples and the microorganisms were photographically documented. The aim of this research is to determine the degree and rate of biodegradability of PEA and its composites with natural fibers in dependence on the thickness of the samples.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the efficacy of vacuum ultraviolet irradiation for oxidizing the surface of cellulose fibers was compared to that of the conventional wet and dry processes, and the results showed that the ultraviolet radiation was more effective than the conventional dry and wet processes.
Abstract: The efficacy of vacuum ultraviolet irradiation for oxidizing the surface of cellulose fibers was compared to that of the conventional wet and dry processes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The use of compatibilizers is crucial in composites of apolar polymer matrix such as PP, and fibrous, polar reinforcement such as viscose, flax, hemp and similar fibers as discussed by the authors.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of the stannic acid treatment on the structure of silk fibers was investigated by using the wide-angle X-ray diffraction prior to characterization of the microvoids.
Abstract: To investigate the volume, size, and number of microvoids in mulberry and tussah silk fibers, stannic acid gel was used as a contrasting medium to the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The influence of the stannic acid treatment on the structure of silk fibers was first investigated by using the wide-angle X-ray diffraction prior to characterization of the microvoids. The changes in crystallite size and degree of orientation with increasing stannic acid gel fraction in fibers are investigated, and it was found that the stannic acid treatment does not cause serious changes in crystallite size and degree of orientation. The changes in crystallinity indices were observed when the volume fractions of stannic acid gel in the fibers exceeded about 10%. Thus, it was confirmed that the structure of silk fibers was retained in the region of the stannic acid gel fraction less than 10%. SAXS measurements revealed that the number and the fraction of the microvoids are larger, while the sizes of the microvoids are smaller, for the mulberry silk fibers compared with the tussah silk fibers. The fraction macrovoids, however, is considered to be larger for the tussah silk fibers. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 363–367, 1999

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the thermal behavior of wool, untreated and chlorinated to various extents, was investigated and the kinetic parameters of the water loss and pyrolysis processes were computed and, based on their values, the way chlorination treatment affects wool fibre is discussed.
Abstract: The thermal behaviour of wool, untreated and chlorinated to various extents, was investigated. The kinetic parameters of the water loss and pyrolysis processes were computed and, based on their values, the way chlorination treatment affects wool fibre is discussed. As it appears, the chlorination process affects the fibre only superficially and not its internal chemical composition, as the values of the kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition of wool fibre do not seem to be influenced at all by the treatment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A process for the manufacture of highly inorganically filled starch based fiber reinforced foam composites for food-packaging use is described in this paper, where the composite substrate is foamed by steam at temperatures between 160° and 220°C in a single 15 to 200 seconds step within heated molds.
Abstract: A process for the manufacture of highly inorganically filled starch based fiber reinforced foam composites for food-packaging use is described. Starch, obtained from potato, corn, or other sources, is used as binder to form net shape foam composite substrates under hydrothermal conditions. The starch content is 25 to 60 wt. % of the product. Ground calcium carbonate is the principal inorganic material, being 25 to 60 wt. % of the product. The composite substrate is foamed by steam at temperatures between 160° and 220°C in a single 15 to 200 seconds step within heated molds. The organic-inorganic composite is reinforced with 5 to 20 wt. % wood or plant fiber. The substrate is rendered functional with food and beverages by thin overlay coatings that provide moisture barrier properties and additional mechanical flexibility. The product is used to package dry and wet foods and meets required food packaging standards. The substrate biodegrades rapidly in the presence of sufficient moisture or microbes. An environmental life-cycle model and an economic model are described as the additional forces to a materials model for research, development and commercialization. The primary goal of this development is to provide disposable packaging materials from renewable resources that are low in cost, low in environmental impact, and meet commercial performance requirements.

Patent
01 Feb 1999
TL;DR: In this article, the problem of obtaining a thermoplastic composition useful for a container for photographic material excellent in dimensional stability, properties of the waste, without smelling and free from giving any effect on photographic performance by including natural fiber at least half of in the ratio is addressed.
Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a thermoplastic composition useful for a container for photographic material excellent in dimensional stability, properties of the waste, without smelling and free from giving any effect on photographic performance by including natural fiber at least half of in the ratio. SOLUTION: This composition includes >=50 wt.% (A) non-wood fiber as the natural fiber. Fiber of kenaf having an average fiber length of 0.3-3 mm (especially pulp processed with a hemicellulase enzyme) is preferred as the non-wood fiber. The preferable water content of the component A is <=5%. This composition preferably includes (B) a thermoplastic resin besides the component A. The composition is obtained by kneading a mixture including the component A and B using a Banbury mixer at 70-150 deg.C. The subject thermoplastic resin free from smell, excellent in dimensional stability without giving effect on the photographic properties is provided.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the swelling phenomenon in terms of absorption of water and steam was studied and it was found that the steam penetrates more within a smaller period of time than the water at ambient temperature.
Abstract: The polymer composites of HDPE and banana, hemp, and agave fibers (50 : 50, w/w) were prepared separately with and without treatment of maleic anhydride. The swelling phenomenon in terms of absorption of water and steam was studied and it was found that the steam penetrates more within a smaller period of time than the water at ambient temperature. The maleic anhydride treatment on these fibers showed the ester-ification of fibers, and because of that, the absorption (swelling) of steam and water is less than the untreated respective fibers composites.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of processed cellulose fibers (natural) on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability properties of portland cement concrete and its subsequent use in the paving industry are studied.
Abstract: Processed cellulose fibers provide a desirable balance between mechanical, physical, and durability characteristics when placed in a cement matrix. The effect of processed cellulose fibers (natural) on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability properties of portland cement concrete and its subsequent use in the paving industry are studied. The mechanical and durability properties of three concrete mixtures [the standard Department of Transportation (DOT) mixtures for pavement construction and full-depth patch repair] with and without processed cellulose fibers were studied. The test results are very promising. There is a 10 percent improvement in compressive strength and a 40 percent improvement in impact strength of cellulose fiber concrete when compared with plain cement concrete mixtures. The average cellulose fiber concrete's flexural strength after 24 hours was 3 MPa and the average 28-day flexural strength was 5 MPa. The inclusion of fibers shows a marginal improvement in fracture toughnes...