Showing papers on "Natural fiber published in 2000"
31 Jan 2000-Materials Science and Engineering A-structural Materials Properties Microstructure and Processing
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used differential scanning calorimetry to study the crystallization kinetics and the energy of polysilane-based and silane-constrained polysilicon composites.
Abstract: In this paper, oil palm fiber reinforced phenol formaldehyde (PF) treated, as well as untreated, composites have been taken for the study. The untreated sample (sample 1) contains oil palm fiber reinforced in the PF matrix, and the same fiber is treated with silane (sample 2) and with alkali (sample 3) to produce two types of treated fibers. These treated fibers were then reinforced in the matrix to produce two treated samples. Differential scanning calorimetry has been employed to study the crystallization kinetics and the energy of crystallization for all the samples. All the samples show the well-defined peaks of crystallization. In the case of silane-treated sample, double crystallization is observed. The crystallization data are analyzed in terms of a modified Kissinger’s equation to determine the activation energy. The activation energy and other crystallization parameters have also been determined using Matusita’s equation and are compared with the values obtained from other equations. It has also been found that various treatments have improved the thermal stability of the composites to different extents.
240 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a combination of chemical and mechanical methods was used for the extraction of bamboo fibers and the fiber population from both the techniques were characterized, and the fibers obtained from CMT and RMT were used to make unidirectional composites of polyester.
Abstract: Few investigations have been carried out with bamboo fibers despite its high strength, biodegradability, and low cost. The overall objective of this work was to investigate fiber extraction from bamboo and the use of these bamboo fibers as reinforcement in polymeric composites. A combination of chemical and mechanical methods was used for the extraction of bamboo fibers. Conventional methods of compression molding technique (CMT) and roller mill technique (RMT) were explored for the mechanical separation. Fiber population from both the techniques were characterized. Mechanical properties of the fibers also were evaluated. Bamboo fibers obtained from CMT and RMT were used to make unidirectional composites of polyester. High values of tensile strength were observed in all the composites. The predominant mode of failure for the composite was shown to be the cracking of the fiber–matrix interface. Quantitative results from this study will be useful for further and more accurate design of bamboo reinforced composite materials. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 83–92, 2000
217 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of maleic anhydride on the swelling and mechanical properties of plant fiber polymer composites has been assessed and the impact strength and Shore-D hardness have been found to be higher in maleic-anhydride-treated fiber composites than the untreated-fiber composites.
189 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the processing and mechanical properties of new thermoset nanocomposites prepared from aqueous suspensions of microcrystalline cellulose fillers and epoxy are described.
Abstract: In the present study, the processing and the mechanical properties of new thermoset nanocomposites prepared from aqueous suspensions of microcrystalline cellulose fillers and epoxy are described. The nature of cellulose fibers, which display a large aspect ratio and the ability to associate by means of H-bonds implies that the processing method chosen in this study avoids the problem of a high level of viscosity of the epoxy reactive system-whiskers mixture. The reinforcing effect of this type of natural fiber in an epoxy matrix is mainly shown from the dynamic mechanical properties in the rubbery state. This unusual reinforcement is due to (i) the strong interactions existing between the cellulose whiskers and the epoxy network and, (ii) the creation of a percolating network linked by H-bonds between cellulose fibers. The existence of such a percolation effect is evidenced from the analysis of the rubbery shear modulus of nanocomposites based on various volume fractions of whiskers with mechanical modeli...
163 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used atomic force microscopy and low-voltage high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HVHSEM) to study the properties of different types of silks, including 3-molted, 4-molting, and sex-limited Bombyx mori, Antheraea pernyi, and Anthia yamamai.
141 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of the fiber-matrix adhesion in jute fiber-reinforced polypropylene on the materials behavior under fatigue and impact loadings was investigated throughout this study.
Abstract: The influence of the fiber-matrix adhesion in jute fiber-reinforced polypropylene on the materials behavior under fatigue and impact loadings was investigated throughout this study. It was shown that a strong interface is connected with a higher dynamic modulus and reduction in stiffness degradation with increasing load cycles and applied maximum stresses. The specific damping capacity resulted in higher values for the composites with poor bonded fibers. Furthermore, the stronger fiber-matrix adhesion reduced the loss-energy by non-penetration impact tested composites with roughly 30%. Tests which were performed at different temperatures, showed higher loss energies for cold and warm test conditions compared with room temperature. Post-impact dynamic modulus after 5 impact events was roughly 40% and 30% lower for composites with poor and good fiber-matrix adhesion, respectively.
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a hygrothermal treatment using in-built steam from moisture of compressed fiber at high temperature has been applied on jute fiber for the evaluation of dimensional stability and vis-&-vis the mechanical and thermal properties of the fiber board made from the modified jute fibre.
Abstract: Dimensional stability of fiber board from lignocellulosic materials is a prime concern for efficient utility of the product. A number of methods have been used to improve the dimensional stability. These include the application of coating, oil, and wax treatments and chemical modification of lignocellulosic materials. A new process has been developed to minimize irreversible swelling (i.e., permanent fixation of com pressive deformation of wood fiber through a hygrothermal treatment using in -built steam from moisture of compressed fiber at high temperature). This process has been applied on jute fiber for the evaluation of dimensional stability and vis-&-vis the mechanical and thermal properties of the fiber board made from the modified jute fiber. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 1652-1661,2000
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential of acetylation of plant fibers to improve the properties of composites was studied and the chemical modification of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), coconut fiber (Coir), oil palm frond (OPF), jute, and flax using noncatalyzed acetic anhydride were investigated.
Abstract: The potential of acetylation of plant fibers to improve the properties of composites was studied. The chemical modification of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), coconut fiber (Coir), oil palm frond (OPF), jute, and flax using noncatalyzed acetic anhydride were investigated. Proof of acetylation was indicated by the increase in weight percent gain (WPG). Acetylation at a reaction temperature of 120°C had resulted in the reduction in the tensile properties (stress, modulus, and elongation at break) of EFB and Coir composites. However, at 100°C, the acetylated samples exhibited improved properties. The mechanical properties of acetylated EFB- and Coir-fiber-reinforced polyester composites was evaluated at different fiber loadings. The tensile strength and modulus were improved, but elongation at break was slightly reduced upon acetylation, particularly at high fiber loading. Impact properties were moderately increased for those composites with fiber loadings up to 45%. Acetylation exhibited a low moisture ab...
117 citations
TL;DR: In this article, high volume fraction hemp and flax fibre composites were manufactured using low viscosity epoxy and phenolic resins, and composites with a mean stiffness of 26 GPa and a mean strength of 378 MPa were produced.
Abstract: High volume fraction hemp and flax fibre composites were manufactured using low viscosity epoxy and phenolic resins. Using 80% volume fraction of flax fibres in epoxy resin, composites with a mean stiffness of 26 GPa and a mean strength of 378 MPa were produced. By reducing processing damage of the plant fibres mechanical properties could be increased by 40%. Strips of retted fibre tissue were found to be just as effective for reinforcement as fibre bundles and individual fibres. Phenolic resin and decorticated flax fibres produced very poor composites. Using 40% volume fraction of fibres the mean stiffness was 3.7 GPa and the mean strength was 27 MPa. Two fibre pre-treatments were devised to improve adhesion with resins. The first, 6 M urea was used only in natural fibre-epoxy composites where it increased the stiffness but not the strength. The second pre-treatment was a 50% PVA solution, which was cured prior to the addition of space filling resin. The PVA treatment improved the stiffness and strength of both natural fibre-epoxy composites and natural fibre-phenolic composites.
94 citations
TL;DR: The tensile stress and recovery behavior of all the four commercial varieties of Indian silk fibers, namely Mulberry, Tasar, Eri, and Muga, have been studied along with their structures as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The tensile stress–strain and recovery behavior of all the four commercial varieties of Indian silk fibers, namely Mulberry, Tasar, Eri, and Muga, have been studied along with their structures. Compared to the non-Mulberry silk fibers, Mulberry silk fiber is much finer and has crystallites of smaller size, higher molecular orientation, and a more compact overall packing of molecules. These structural differences have been shown to result in (1) the presence of a distinct yield and a yield plateau in non-Mulberry silk and their absence in Mulberry silk, and (2) relatively higher initial modulus and tenacity along with lower elongation-to-break and toughness and superior elstic recovery behavior of mulberry silk compared to non-Mulberry silk. It is also observed that fine silk fibers have a relatively more ordered and compact structure with higher orientation compared to their coarse counterparts, and this gives rise to higher initial modulus and higher strength in the finer fibers. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 2418–2429, 2000
80 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, polyester matrix composites reinforced using nonwoven coir or oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber mats were manufactured and exposed to decay fungi in unsterile soil for up to 12 months.
Abstract: Polyester matrix composites reinforced using nonwoven coir or oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber mats were manufactured. Fibers were used unmodified, chemically modified by acetylation, or treated with silane or titanate coupling agents. Composite test pieces were exposed to decay fungi in unsterile soil for up to 12 months, along with samples made of unreinforced, or glass fiber reinforced, resin. Water exposure tests were also performed. The effect of such exposure on the mass loss, tensile and flexural properties of the samples was evaluated. Mechanical properties deteriorated as a result of exposure. However, acetylation of fibers, or treatment with silane coupling agent was found to afford a significant degree of protection. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1322–1330, 2000
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of the incorporation of different types of fibers on the crystallization kinetics and thermodynamics of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Abstract: The effects of the incorporation of different types of fibers on the crystallization kinetics and thermodynamics of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are investigated. The study is mainly performed by thermal analysis, both in isothermal and constant cooling rate conditions, utilizing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystallization kinetics of the studied composites is successfully described by the Avrami model. Moreover, the effects of different kind of fibers are studied comparing the values of kinetics parameters such as the Avrami exponent, n, the kinetic constant of the crystallization rate, K n and the half-time of crystallization, T 1/2 . The results of the investigation show that the fibers behave as effective nucleant agents for the crystallization of polypropylene. In fact, a dramatic decrease of the half-time of crystallization, T 1/2 , as well as a sensible increase of the overall crystallization rate, K n , are observed in the presence of all the fibers analyzed. These effects are more marked in the presence of aramid fibers. The Avrami model is successfully applied to describe the crystallization kinetics of the composites. The kinetic curves obtained under non-isothermal conditions confirm the results obtained under isothermal conditions and demonstrate the nucleating action of the fibers on the PP crystallization. Furthermore, the spherulite growth and the transcrystallinity on the surface of the fibers are investigated by optical polarizing microscopy. It is observed that transcrystallinity takes place in all kind of fibers studied, but also in this case, aramid fibers are the most effective in promoting transcrystallinity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the properties of a unidirectional composite material displaying a thermoset matrix: epoxy resin reinforced with flax fibers were analyzed and the effective modulus of a sample of flax-fibers representative of a given production process was determined.
Abstract: For many years additives of organic origin have been combined with thermoplastic polymers in order to modify their properties: wood flour and fibers including jute, sisal and flax. These natural fibers are particularly interesting owing to their low cost. Polypropylene reinforced with flax and wheat straw fibers was particularly studied [1]. Fiber damage is induced during melt processing operations, addition of fibers caused however a significant increase in mechanical properties. In these processing operations fibers act essentially as fillers. Investigations were conducted in order to analyse properties of a unidirectional composite material displaying a thermoset matrix: epoxy resin reinforced with flax fibers. It appears first necessary to determine precisely mechanical properties of the fibers. These properties depend in fact on defects and dispersion in geometry of fibers. Mechanical properties of the unidirectional composite was then determined. Results are described below. The fibers have a polygonal cross-sectional geometry. They also contain many defects along their length, running transversely across the fibers [2]. These defects may occur when the fiber cells unite [3], but could also result from mechanical damage of the fiber walls. Flax fibers are also subjected to mechanical and chemical treatment before their introduction into polymeric matrix. Influences of these treatments on mechanical properties of fibers have also to be taken into account. If the cross-section is assumed as circular, the fibers diameter is not constant. The diameter changes also along the length of the fiber. It was then necessary to determine mechanical properties of fibers versus their diameters and versus the different treatments. A wide range of modulus values is proposed from 30 000 MPa to 110 000 MPa [2] and it is thereby difficult to predict elastic properties of flax fibers reinforced composite materials. Investigations were conducted in order to determine the effective modulus of a sample of flax-fibers representative of a given production process. Fibers diameters were measured by microscopy.
TL;DR: In this article, a threaded high temperature fastener was used to enhance the friction and wear coefficients at temperatures above 1500°C, and the device for the fLXation of the material samples in the hot region was made of C-SiC parts.
Abstract: In order to enhance the investigation of friction and wear coefficients at temperatures above 1500°C, the device for the fLXation of the material samples in the hot region was made ofC-SiC parts including a threaded high temperature fastener. Future development of the threaded high temperature fasteners primarily will consider improvement of its oxidation resistance and the decrease of the thread friction to enhance its overall usability apart from space applications. Interest is sought in the exploitation and commercialisation of this technology in other application areas and contact should be made with Eric Whale in the first instance.
TL;DR: In this paper, the interaction between silkworm silk fiber and a resin matrix was investigated by means of the Microbond Test and the mean interfacial shear strength was determined as 15±2 MPa.
Abstract: The interaction between silkworm silk fibre and a resin matrix was investigated by means of the Microbond Test. Cured resin droplets were sheared from silk fibres by the knife-edged jaws of a microvice. The mean interfacial shear strength was determined as 15±2 MPa . Coupled with the high tensile strength of silk, and its high extensibility relative to that of synthetic polymer or glass fibres, this interfacial shear strength could be exploited in tough composites. Practical limitations of using the Microbond Test with natural silk fibres are discussed. These limitations include the low load bearing capacity of the fibres (due to their small average diameter), as well as the intrinsic variability in the cross-sectional geometry and tensile properties of natural silk.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used streaming potential measurements to characterize the water-uptake behavior and the velocity constant of jute fibers with different modified jute fiber types and found that the peak of negative ζ-potential values is a function of the degree of surface coverage of additional components, such as fats, waxes or grafted polymers.
Abstract: ζ-potential measurements using the streaming potential method were performed on several differently modified jute fibers. The time dependence of the ζ-potential measured in 1 × 10−3 M KCl solution offers the possibility to characterize the water-uptake behavior and the velocity constant of this process for almost all the jute fibers investigated. All the jute fibers contain, as expected, dissociable acidic surface functional groups as could be verified by measuring the pH dependence of the ζ-potential. Remarkably a peak (increase in the negative ζ-potential values) was detected while measuring the ζ–pH dependency. The origin of this peak is still questionable; however, it could be observed that this peak is a function of the degree of surface coverage of additional components, such as fats, waxes or grafted polymers, i.e. the accessibility of ether functions in the jute fiber surface.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors have analyzed flammability of polypropylene (PP)/cellulose composites with long flax fibers obtained by compressing and showed that thermal decomposition and combustion of the mentioned samples occur in a different way.
Abstract: Biodegradability and interesting physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/cellulose composites are the essential motive for undertaking fundamental studies of various properties of such materials. An addition of lignocellulosic particles to polymers results in a change in properties of the product obtained which is a resultant of properties of lignocellulosic material and those of polymer and depends on the proportion of both materials. It is also reflected in the flammability characteristics of the composites. In this study we have analyzed flammability of PP composites with long flax fibers obtained by compressing. The amounts of natural fibers were 12.5%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The thickness of the investigated samples was 5 mm. The samples were tested in accordance with ISO 5660 (Cone Calorimeter) at heat flux of 35 kW/m2. Heat release rate (HRR) and mass loss rate (MLR) curves show that thermal decomposition and combustion of the mentioned samples occur in a different way. When fl...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used aspen fiber and polypropylene to construct a composite with and without the addition of a compatibilizer (maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene, MAPP).
Abstract: Natural fiber/thermoplastic composites were made using aspen fiber and polypropylene. Several different levels of aspen fiber (30 to 60% by weight) were used with and without the addition of a compatibilizer (maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, MAPP). These composites were tested for strength properties, exposed to boiling and cyclic liquid water and oven drying tests, and evaluated in an accelerated weathering test for 2000 hours. As the level of fiber increases without MAPP, flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength and tensile modulus increases but notched and unnotched impact strength decrease as compared to pure polypropylene. The presence of MAPP has a very large positive effect on flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength and tensile modulus as compared to composites made without MAPP. As the level of fiber increased in the composites, the rate and extent of thickness swelling and moisture sorption increased as compared to pure polypropylene. The presence of MAP...
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of fiber volume fraction-Vf-in flexural properties and density of composites has been studied, and the flexural strength and modulus properties were analyzed with an efficiency criterion, which relates strength and stiffness with density.
Abstract: Vegetable fibers like cotton, sisal, and sugar cane bagasse have been used as reinforcement in a polymeric matrix. Because of its low cost and affinity with lignocellulosic fibers, a phenol-formaldehyde resin —resol— was selected as the matrix. Composites were prepared by compression molding. The influence of fiber volume fraction-Vf-in flexural properties and density of composites has been studied. Cotton and sugar cane bagasse composites present a Vf value at which flexural strength and modulus are maxima. However, sisal composites show a continuous rise in flexural strength and modulus as fiber volume fraction increases, up to 76%, which is the highest concentration studied. Composites made with raw cotton show the highest values of strength and stiffness. The actual density of composites is always lower than theoretical density, due to the presence of voids. Scanning Electron Microscopy reveals a good adhesion between fiber and matrix in the composites. In addition, the flexural properties were analyzed with an efficiency criterion, which relates strength and stiffness with density, and the values obtained were compared with those corresponding to typical structural materials. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1832–1840, 2000
TL;DR: In this article, the minimum particle size of silk powder obtained from fibers irradiated at 1, 000 kGy in oxygen was less than 10 μm and the soluble fraction was about 60% of fibroin powder for 1,000 kGy irradiation in oxygen.
Abstract: Silk fine powder was prepared directly from silk fibers irradiated with an accelerated electron beam (EB). Irradiated silk fibers were well pulverized only by physical crushing using a ball mill without any chemical pretreatment. Silk fibroin fibers were irradiated at ambient temperature in the dose range of 250–1 000 kGy. Although unirradiated silk fibers were not pulverized at all, irradiated fibers were easily pulverized and showed a high conversion efficiency from fiber to powder at high irradiation doses. The presence of oxygen in the irradiation atmosphere enhanced pulverization of the silk fibers. The electron microscopic observation showed that the minimum particle size of silk powder obtained from fibers irradiated at 1 000 kGy in oxygen was less than 10 μm. It was found that fibroin powder obtained in this work dissolved remarkably in water, thought unirradiated fibroin fibers were insoluble even in hot water. The soluble fraction was about 60% of fibroin powder for 1 000 kGy irradiation in oxygen.
TL;DR: In this paper, the transverse perforation impact behavior of flax mat-reinforced polypropylene composites with additional discontinuous cellulose (LyocelliTM, L) and discontinuous glass (G) fiber mat was investigated at a constant reinforcement content (50 wt%).
Abstract: The transverse perforation impact behavior of flax mat-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites with additional discontinuous cellulose (LyocelliTM, L) and discontinuous glass (G) fiber mat was investigated at a constant reinforcement content (50 wt.%). The resistance to perforation impact of the PP/flax composite was strongly improved by the hybridization with L and G fibers. Enhanced resistance to perforation impact of the hybridized composites was also reflected in the Charpy impact strength values. This improvement was attributed to an enhanced strength, which affected the overall failure behavior as well. The failure mode was inspected in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a styrene-butadiene latex was prepared in the absence of an emulsifier using a redox initiator Fe(NO3)3/H2O2.
Abstract: Styrene–butadiene latexes were prepared in the absence of an emulsifier using a redox initiator Fe(NO3)3/H2O2. Their positive charge was supplied by comonomer N,N-diethyl aminoethyl methacrylate. At a given styrene–butadiene ratio (60/40) the particle size depends on the concentration of the comonomer and initiator. The latexes are stabilized by electrostatic repulsion, and remain positively charged and stable up to pH 8. At a higher pH, they acquire a negative charge and restabilize. The positively charged particles deposit readily on negatively charged fibers dispersed in water, thus covering the fiber surface. Upon dewatering and drying, the particles coalesce, and the fibers become covered by a polymeric film, which improves the interfiber bonding and, consequently, the mechanical properties of the fiber assembly. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 1677–1682, 2000
TL;DR: In this article, the aging of HDPE/cellulosic fiber composite exposed to drastic weather and the percentages of cellulosic fibers are responsible for some changes in the crystallinity of component matrix (HDPE).
Abstract: The ageing of HDPE/cellulosic fiber composite exposed to drastic weather and the percentages of cellulosic fibers are responsible for some changes in the crystallinity of component matrix (HDPE). Two types of samples have been evaluated during different periods of time (up to 90 days). One in which cellulosic fibers have not been treated and another in which fibers have been given a treatment with a coupling agent, silane type, which favours the fiber adhesion to the matrix. Two instrumental analysis techniques have been used to determine the crystallinity changes of HDPE: Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
TL;DR: In this paper, scanning electron microscopy has been used to study these interactions and show that over the temperature range 250-450 °C, charred residues from wool-containing samples coated with intumescent and without Intumescent exhibit significant changes in wool fibre morphology.
Abstract: Thermal analytical studies of synthesized mixtures of powdered wool, wool/flame retardant viscose blended fibre/intumescent combinations and intumescent-coated fabrics have shown previously that while enhanced volatilization occurs during char formation below 400°C, the chars formed show higher-than-expected oxidative resistance up to temperatures beyond 700°C. In this paper, scanning electron microscopy has been used to study these interactions and show that over the temperature range 250-450 °C, charred residues from wool-containing samples coated with intumescent and without intumescent exhibit significant changes in wool fibre morphology. Wool fibres first appear first to swell and then develop an axial defect. Further swelling occurs to yield a swollen 'pod-like' morphology at higher temperatures, and splitting of the cuticle along the axial defect allows the largely liquid degraded wool keratin interior to escape and wet neighbouring surfaces. The presence of intumescent flame retardant appeared to inhibit the rupture of the wool cuticular membrane, possibly via enhanced crosslinking of the keratinous protein accompanied by enhanced volatile formation in the 250-350°C region. The subsequent rupture stage (>350°C) enables the intumescent to act upon the emerging liquefied pyrolysing keratin core of the fibres, providing a second high volatilization stage to accompany complex char formation with adjacent cellulosic fibres.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to evaluate the use of cellulose fibers in open-graded friction courses (OGFCs) and found that cellulose fiber performed as well as mineral fibers in OGFC mixes.
Abstract: Open-graded friction courses (OGFCs) are special-purpose mixes used to improve friction, minimize hydroplaning, reduce splash and spray, improve night visibility, and lower pavement noise levels. OGFCs typically utilize a gap grading for aggregates and a low percentage of filler. The asphalt content for OGFCs is generally slightly higher than that for dense-graded mixes. The combination of uniform grading, low filler, and normal OGFC asphalt content can lead to the draining of asphalt binder from a mix (typically called draindown) during transportation and laydown procedures. States that use OGFC typically utilize fibers to help prevent draindown. Generally, these states have specified mineral fibers over organic fibers because of concern that organic fibers (cellulose) would absorb water and lead to moisture problems in the field. A study was conducted to evaluate the use of cellulose fibers in OGFC mixes. The study entailed both a field phase and a laboratory phase. Field work entailed conducting a visual distress survey of six experimental OGFC pavements placed in Georgia during 1992. These pavements contained six different combinations of binder polymer and additives. Laboratory work entailed preparing OGFC mixes with both cellulose and mineral fibers and performing numerous moisture sensitivity tests. Results indicated that cellulose fibers performed as well as mineral fibers in OGFC mixes.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the chemical, thermal and thermomechanical characterization of curaua fiber, which is of major interest in several applications, and the large temperature range to which the fibers are submitted.
Abstract: This paper describes the chemical, thermal and thermomechanical characterization of curaua fiber. The research of the thermal and thermomechanical properties of natural fibers is of major interest, considering their increasing utilization in several applications, and the large temperature range to which the fibers are submitted.
TL;DR: In this article, the molecular mobility information for distinct types of sugar cane fibers, as well as two different mixtures (one of the mixtures contains equal amounts of waste fibers and the other has a random distribution of these waste fibers) and their composites with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) were obtained from those techniques.
TL;DR: In this article, flax fibers with different moisture content were used as reinforcement in polypropylene matrix with maleic anhydride grafted Polypropylene coupling agent, and three point bending and Izod impact strength were investigated as a function of moisture content of the fiber, and amount of applied coupling agent.
Abstract: Flax fibers with different moisture content were used as reinforcement in polypropylene matrix with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene coupling agent. Mechanical properties-three point bending and Izod impact strength-were investigated as a function of moisture content of the fiber, and amount of applied coupling agent. By decreasing the moisture content of the fiber all the investigated properties can be improved. Using PPgMA as coupling agent the three point bending characteristics (flexural strength, flexural modulus, and ultimate bending stress) were better, while the impact strength decreased.