Showing papers on "Natural fiber published in 2015"
TL;DR: A comprehensive review of the most appropriate and widely used natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) and their applications is presented in this paper. But, the results of the review are limited due to the high water absorption, inferior fire resistance, and lower mechanical properties of NFPCs.
Abstract: Natural fibers are getting attention from researchers and academician to utilize in polymer composites due to their ecofriendly nature and sustainability. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive review of the foremost appropriate as well as widely used natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) and their applications. In addition, it presents summary of various surface treatments applied to natural fibers and their effect on NFPCs properties. The properties of NFPCs vary with fiber type and fiber source as well as fiber structure. The effects of various chemical treatments on the mechanical and thermal properties of natural fibers reinforcements thermosetting and thermoplastics composites were studied. A number of drawbacks of NFPCs like higher water absorption, inferior fire resistance, and lower mechanical properties limited its applications. Impacts of chemical treatment on the water absorption, tribology, viscoelastic behavior, relaxation behavior, energy absorption flames retardancy, and biodegradability properties of NFPCs were also highlighted. The applications of NFPCs in automobile and construction industry and other applications are demonstrated. It concluded that chemical treatment of the natural fiber improved adhesion between the fiber surface and the polymer matrix which ultimately enhanced physicomechanical and thermochemical properties of the NFPCs.
1,022 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the properties and application of natural fiber composites in automobile industries are discussed, and a comparison of material indices for beam and panel structures are made to investigate the possibility of using natural fiber composite instead of conventional and non-conventional materials.
Abstract: In this study, the properties and application of natural fiber composites in automobile industries are discussed. Natural fibers are replacing the synthetic fibers in the various parts of automobiles due to their lightweight, low-cost, and environmental aspects. For centuries, natural fibers have been used for making baskets, clothing, and ropes. Now the trend is changing and natural fibers such as: jute, hemp, flax, and sisal fibers are making their ways especially into the components of automobiles. Comparisons of material indices for beam and panel structures were made to investigate the possibility of using natural fiber composites instead of conventional and non-conventional materials.
437 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the degradation mechanisms of natural fiber in the alkaline and mineral-rich environment of cement matrix are investigated by designing a contrast test to embed sisal fibers in pure and metakaolin modified cement matrices.
237 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential of utilizing natural fibers as fillers for ICPs as well as conductive polymer composites to form natural fibers-conducting polymer composite materials have wide potentials in the modern industries.
180 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the properties of natural fiber based composite building materials that are applicable for hot and humid climatic regions were investigated, and it was shown that increasing the percentage replacement of natural fibers tends to reduce the density, compressive strength and flexural strength of the materials.
165 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive experimental research on the mechanical performance of natural fibers for the strengthening of masonry constructions is presented, where the fibers with better performance were tested together with three different matrices (two of organic nature) in order to produce composites.
Abstract: The growing concerns regarding the environmental impact generated by the use of inorganic materials in different fields of application increased the interest towards products based on materials with low environmental impact. In recent years, researchers have turned their attention towards the development of materials obtained from renewable sources, easily recoverable or biodegradable at the end of use. In the field of civil structures, a few attempts have been done to replace the most common composites (e.g. carbon and glass fibers) by materials less harmful to the environment, as natural fibers. This work presents a comprehensive experimental research on the mechanical performance of natural fibers for the strengthening of masonry constructions. Flax, hemp, jute, sisal and coir fibers have been investigated both from physical and mechanical points of view. The fibers with better performance were tested together with three different matrices (two of organic nature) in order to produce composites. These experimental results represent a useful database for understanding the potentialities of natural fibers as strengthening systems.
142 citations
TL;DR: Natural fibres are a kind of renewable resources, which have been renewed by nature and human ingenuity for thousands of years as discussed by the authors, and they are also carbon neutral; they absorb the equal amount of carbon dioxide they produce.
Abstract: Natural fibres will take a major role in the emerging “green” economy based on energy efficiency, the use of renewable materials in polymer products, industrial processes that reduce carbon emissions and recyclable materials that minimize waste. Natural fibres are a kind of renewable resources, which have been renewed by nature and human ingenuity for thousands of years. They are also carbon neutral; they absorb the equal amount of carbon dioxide they produce. These fibers are completely renewable, environmental friendly, high specific strength, non-abrasive, low cost, and bio-degradability. Due to these characteristics, natural fibers have recently become attractive to researchers and scientists as an alternative method for fibers reinforced composites. This review paper summarized the history of natural fibers and its applications. Also, this paper focused on different properties of natural fibers (such as hemp, jute, bamboo and sisal) and its applications which were used to substitute glass fiber.
135 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of several treatments on the sisal fiber properties and bonding strength with a cement-based matrix free of calcium hydroxide was investigated by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
129 citations
TL;DR: It is found that an alkali treatment may increase the effective surface area, which is in turn available for superior bonding with the matrix, and contributes to a better thermal stability for bamboo fibers.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of surface treatment on the morphology and thermo-mechanical properties of bamboo fibers. The fibers are subjected to an alkali treatment using 4 wt % sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 1 h. Mechanical measurements show that the present concentration has an insignificant effect on the fiber tensile strength. In addition, systematic experimental results characterizing the morphological aspects and thermal properties of the bamboo fibers are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. It is found that an alkali treatment may increase the effective surface area, which is in turn available for superior bonding with the matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis reveals that the alkali treatment leads to a gradual removal of binding materials, such as hemicellulose and lignin from the bamboo fiber. A comparison of the curve of thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry for the treated and untreated samples is presented to demonstrate that the presence of treatment contributes to a better thermal stability for bamboo fibers.
103 citations
TL;DR: A detailed investigation of physical, mechanical and thermal properties of jute and bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy resin unidirectional void free composites was carried out in this article, where the composites were prepared by using vacuum technique.
102 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an air-laying-bonding with 10-20% polypropylene/polyethylene sheath-core composite fibers (ES) was used to construct cattail fiber assemblies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the natural fiber reinforced biodegradable polymer composites were prepared with short sisal fiber as reinforcement in poly lactic acid (PLA) matrix, which was treated with 10% NaOH follow-up.
Abstract: The natural fiber reinforced biodegradable polymer composites were prepared with short sisal fiber as reinforcement in poly lactic acid (PLA) matrix. The sisal fiber is treated with 10% NaOH follow...
05 Nov 2015
TL;DR: Safely Design, Test, and Construct Products Made of Natural Fiber Composites Natural fibers and their composites carry distinct advantages over industrial fibers as mentioned in this paper, including renewability and availability of raw materials, and lower energy consumption.
Abstract: Safely Design, Test, and Construct Products Made of Natural Fiber CompositesNatural fibers and their composites carry distinct advantages over industrial fibers. Some advantages-including renewability and availability of raw materials, and lower energy consumption-could help safeguard environmental resources and eventually replace synthetic composi
TL;DR: In this paper, the valorization of wastes from Posidonia oceanica (PO) has been carried out in order to obtain a fully biobased composite material in combination with a bi-obased polyethylene obtained from sugar cane as matrix.
Abstract: In the present study the valorization of wastes from Posidonia oceanica (PO) has been carried out in order to obtain a fully biobased composite material in combination with a biobased polyethylene obtained from sugar cane as matrix. Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fractured surfaces from impact tests has revealed a homogenous distribution of particles of PO, as a consequence, good balanced properties have been obtained for composites with PO contents in the 5–40 wt%. Thermal properties of composites have been studied through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravymetric analysis (TGA); the obtained results show an improvement on the thermal degradation. With regard to thermomechanical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results have shown a much enhanced storage modulus (G′) as the Posidonia oceanica content increases. Tensile tests have shown a remarkable increase in stiffness with tensile modulus values about 60% higher for composites with 40 wt% with regard to unfilled material. In a similar way, the flexural modulus is more than twice with regard the unloaded polyethylene. Shore D hardness confirms this improvement on mechanical properties and Charpy impact test shows values very similar to sample without PO, so that the intrinsic high impact energy absorption of HDPE is maintained in HDPE-PO composites. The water uptake test determines that the water absorption percent does not exceed 8%, which is relatively low for a high immersion time (5 months), which guarantees a dimensional stability in lifetime for these composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1378–1385, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
TL;DR: In this article, a sound-absorbing composite material made of wood fiber and polyester fiber was produced using polyester foam technology and wood-based composite technology, which yielded superior sound absorption property with the airflow resistivity of 1.98'×'105'Pas/m2.
Abstract: A sound-absorbing composite material made of wood fiber and polyester fiber was produced using polyester foam technology and wood-based composite technology. This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties and the effects of the airflow resistivity of the materials and the depth of the cavities behind on sound-absorbing performance of the composite material. The results showed that the composite of best physical and mechanical properties and sound absorption was made with a 150°C hot-pressing temperature, 10 min hot-press time, 3 : 1 the ratio of wood fiber to polyester fiber, foaming agent content of 8%, and the nominal density of 0.2 g/cm3; the composite material yielded superior sound absorption property with the airflow resistivity of 1.98 × 105 Pas/m2; the acoustic absorption peak moved to lower frequencies when length of the cavities was increased.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of natural fiber types on tribological behavior during profile milling process was investigated using three types of short natural fibers (bamboo, sisal and miscanthus) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites.
TL;DR: Many composite products are made of thermosetting polymers reinforced with synthetic fibers as mentioned in this paper, and despite the high mechanical properties associated with these fibers they are heavy and expensive compare to other materials.
Abstract: Many composite products are made of thermosetting polymers reinforced with synthetic fibers. Despite the high mechanical properties associated with these fibers they are heavy and expensive compare...
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of alkaline treatment of flax fiber as well as addition of 1% acrylic resin to vinyl ester on mechanical properties and long-term creep behavior was investigated.
Abstract: In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the usage of natural fiber reinforced composites in more advanced structural applications. As a result, the need for improving their mechanical properties, as well as service life modeling and predictions have arisen. In this study effect of alkaline treatment of flax fiber as well as addition of 1% acrylic resin to vinyl ester on mechanical properties and long-term creep behavior of flax/vinyl ester composites was investigated. To perform the alkaline treatment, fibers were immersed into 1500 mL of 10 g/L sodium hydroxide/ethanol solution at 78 °C for 2 h. Findings revealed that alkaline treatment was successful in increasing interlaminar shear, tensile and flexural strength of the composite but decreased the tensile and flexural modulus by 10%. Addition of acrylic resin to the vinyl ester resin improved all mechanical properties except the flexural modulus which was decreased by 5%. In order to evaluate the long-term behavior, creep compliance master curves were generated using the time-temperature superposition principle. Results suggests that fiber and matrix treatments delay the creep response and slows the process of creep in flax/vinyl ester composites in the steady state region, respectively.
TL;DR: In this paper, three different cellulosic materials were used to reinforce polyamide 6 (PA6) at three loading levels (2.5, 5 and 10% by weight): (1) microcrystalline cellulose, (2) spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and (3) spraydried CNCs) using laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis.
Abstract: The utilization of cellulose in reinforcing engineering thermoplastics through melt compounding processes is an argumentative topic in the natural fiber research community. Three different cellulosic materials were used to reinforce polyamide 6 (PA6) at three loading levels (2.5, 5 and 10 % by weight): (1) microcrystalline cellulose, (2) spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and (3) spray-dried cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The particle size, morphology, and thermostability of cellulose were determined using laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. Compounding of cellulose with PA6 was conducted using a batch mixer at 232 °C and testing samples were produced using an injection molder at 270 °C. Slight mass loss of cellulose was observed at 232 °C while serious thermal degradation occurred at 270 °C. No serious thermal degradation of cellulose was observed in the composites because the cellulose materials were exposed to injection molding processing temperatures for a short time period. The mechanical testing results indicated that tensile modulus and strength of the composites were improved by adding cellulose while cellulose had negligible effect on the flexural properties. Impact strength decreased significantly by adding cellulose because of the poor distribution of cellulose particles throughout the matrix using the batch mixing process. Optimized mixing with improved distribution of cellulose are necessary to explore the potential reinforcing effect of cellulose, especially CNF and CNC in PA6. The SEM micrographs showed that there were no agglomerations among the cellulose particles, indicating that spray-dried cellulose materials could be suitable reinforcements in polymer-based composites.
TL;DR: In this paper, the static mechanical and modal analysis by free vibration response of hybrid natural fiber reinforced polymer composites was performed, where the composites were compression molded using recently identified short Sansevieria cylindrica fibers and coconut sheath mats in a polyester matrix.
Abstract: This work reports on the static mechanical and modal analysis by free vibration response of hybrid natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Modal analysis may predict the failure of structures prone to dynamic loading conditions. The composites were compression molded using recently identified short Sansevieria cylindrica fibers and coconut sheath mats in a polyester matrix. The study focused on the effect of the stacking sequence and fiber chemical treatment (alkali and silane) on the composite properties. Hybridization of coconut sheath and Sansevieria cylindrica fiber significantly enhanced all properties compared to single-fiber composites. For all composites (pure or hybrid), the increase in mechanical strength and natural frequency was noticed after chemical treatment. The trend in mechanical strength followed: untreated < alkali treated < silane treated. Interestingly, regarding vibrational behavior, coconut sheath/Sansevieria cylindrica/coconut sheath offered superior natural frequency in all ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the morphology of Sansevieria trifasciata fibers using Scanning Electron Microscope and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR); thermal properties using TGA and Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) analyses; mechanical behavior through tensile tests of the fiber obtained from Butaleja in Eastern Uganda.
Abstract: Sansevieria trifasciata is a common perennial plant which freely grows and widely found in homes, parks, and woodlands. In this research, we studied the morphology using Scanning Electron Microscope and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR); thermal properties using Thermogravimetric (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) analyses; mechanical behavior through tensile tests of Sansevieria trifasciata fiber (STF) obtained from Butaleja in Eastern Uganda. Findings show that the fiber has an irregular cross-sectional shape with lumens in the center, the fiber diameter was between 80 and 120 μm. TGA tests showed that the fiber is stable below 200°C with maximum cellulose decomposition temperature of 315°C. DSC showed that the fiber’s crystallization temperature was 310.5°C and lignin decomposition temperature of 372.7°C. The surface functional groups were majorly of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin in direct correlation with research elsewhere on natural fibers.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors obtained environmentally friendly natural fibre composites from high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) foil and either finely ground sunflower husk or pistachio shells, which both possess physico-mechanical characteristics similar to wood-polymer composite.
Abstract: The purpose of this work was to obtain environmentally friendly natural fibre composites (NFC) from high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) foil and either finely ground sunflower husk or pistachio shells, which both possess physico-mechanical characteristics similar to wood-polymer composite. The composites were prepared from waste materials without the use of additives. It was found that 66% of the sunflower husk grains were from 180 to 850 μm in size, and 88% of the pistachio shell particles were less than 63 μm in size. With the use of a rolling mixer, six mixtures were produced with filler shares amounting to 5, 15 and 30 wt.% of sunflower husk and 15, 35 and 55% of pistachio shell, from which dumbbell-shaped samples were formed via injection processing. The produced materials were analysed for their mechanical properties (impact strength, hardness, tensile strength, Young’s modulus and DMA). The morphologies and chemical composition of the filler as well as the morphological properties of the composites (...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the design of natural fiber composites and analysis of multiaxial stresses in relation to yield limit stresses of composites loaded off the fibers axis.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the design of natural fiber composites and analysis of multiaxial stresses in relation to yield limit stresses of composites loaded off the fibers axis. ASTM D638-10 standard for tensile test was used to design and compose composites of plantain fiber reinforced polyester (PFRP). While the rule of mixtures was used in the evaluation of properties of composites in the fiber direction the evaluation of properties perpendicular or transverse to the fiber direction was done based on the value of the orthogonal stresses evaluated using ANSYS finite element software, the application of the Brintrup equation and Halpin–Tai equation. The yield strength for the plantain empty fruit bunch fiber reinforced polyester resin (PEFBFRP) was estimated as 33.69 MPa while the yield strength of plantain pseudo stem fiber reinforced polyester resin (PPSFRP) was estimated as 29.24 MPa. Above all, the PEFBFRP with average light absorbance peak of 45.47 was found to have better mechanical properties than the PPSFRP with average light absorbance peak of 45.77.
01 Jan 2015
TL;DR: In this article, the properties of rice straw and rice husk fibers, fiber surface treatments and the use of coupling agents for the integration of fibers into a polymer matrix, the processing of thermoset and thermoplastic composites reinforced by rice straw, and the physical and mechanical properties of such composites are described.
Abstract: Rice straw and rice husk fiber are underutilized agricultural residues with potential for use in reinforced polymer composites that would save existing wood and petroleum resources. With some brief description of rice plants and their cultivation, harvesting and milling, this chapter discusses methods of testing the properties of rice straw and rice husk fibers, fiber surface treatments and the use of coupling agents for the integration of fibers into a polymer matrix, the processing of thermoset and thermoplastic composites reinforced by rice straw and rice husk fibers, and the physical and mechanical properties of such composites. Differences in properties between rice straw composites and rice husk composites respectively are described. It is also noted that much research on coupling agents remains to be done.
TL;DR: In this paper, the acoustic properties of natural fiber reinforced composites were investigated and the influence of the fiber treatments on the soundproof characteristics of these composites was investigated and compared with that of the most usual lightweight soundproof solutions.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of water absorption on the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced epoxy composites were studied by immersing specimens in a de-ionized water bath at 25 °C and 90 °C for different time durations.
Abstract: Flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites were subjected to water immersion tests in order to study the effects of water absorption on the mechanical properties. Epoxy composites specimens containing 0, 1, 5 and 10% fiber weight were prepared. Water absorption tests were conducted by immersing specimens in a de-ionized water bath at 25 °C and 90 °C for different time durations. The tensile and flexural properties of water immersed specimens subjected to both aging conditions were evaluated and compared alongside dry composite specimens. The percentage of moisture uptake increased as the fiber volume fraction increased due to the high cellulose content. The tensile and flexural properties of reinforced epoxy specimens were found to decrease with increase in percentage moisture uptake. Moisture induced degradation of composite samples was significant at elevated temperature. Keyword: natural fiber, mechanical properties, epoxy composites.
TL;DR: In this article, the role of microbiological retting on the morphological, chemical and physical-mechanical properties of derived ramie fibers for application in biocomposites was evaluated.
01 Jan 2015
TL;DR: In this article, a review article is taken as natural fiber reinforcement for development of composites, where the natural reinforcements have less side effect and abduantly available, Lot of researches reviewed with natural reinforcements for various applications in the form of sheets, boards etc.
Abstract: FRP's have huge applications in the field of Automobile, Aerospace, Military applications, Building and Construction Industries (ceiling, paneling and partition boards) Etc. These applications are due to its low weight and high mechanical properties. Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite have a very dominant role in variety of applications for their high specific strength and modulus. Lot of work is carried by various researches with different reinforcements. The reinforcement used in various applications are Fibers of Glass, Carbon, Aramid, Asbestos and Kevlar fibers. Since the natural reinforcements have less side effect and abduantly available, Lot of researches reviewed with natural reinforcements for various applications in the form of sheets, boards etc. Due to the limitations of synthetic fibers as reinforcement the use of FRP composite increased the interest of researches. The mechanical properties of a natural fiber reinforced composite depend on parameters like fiber strength, fiber length, chemical treatment and orientation in addition to fiber-matrix interfacial bond strength. Here this review article is taken as natural fiber reinforcement for development of composites.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of fiber mixing and montmorillonite on their physico-mechanical and biodegradable properties were subsequently investigated, which revealed that MMT strongly improved the adhesion and compatibility between the fiber and polymer matrix, while adding MMT had the reverse effect on the same properties of the composites.
Abstract: Combining two kinds of fibers is a potential way to improve the essential properties of natural fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer composites. Biocomposites produced from natural resources are experiencing an increase in interest due to their high demand in the market for manufacturing, in addition to environmental and sustainability issues. In this study, natural fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer nanocomposites were prepared from coir fiber, wood fiber, polypropylene, and montmorillonite nanoclay using a hot press technique. The effects of fiber mixing and montmorillonite on their physico-mechanical and biodegradable properties were subsequently investigated. Before being used, both the wood and the coir fibers were alkali-treated to reduce their hydrophilicity. The mechanical properties of the fabricated composites were measured using a universal tensile testing machine and found to be enhanced after fiber mixing and nanoclay incorporation. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that the characteristic peaks of the composites shifted after fiber mixing. A new peak around 470 cm-1 was observed in the case of the nanocomposites, which confirmed the interaction between the fiber, polymer, and montmorillonite (MMT). Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that MMT strongly improved the adhesion and compatibility between the fiber and polymer matrix. The combining of fibers improved the biodegradability and water absorption properties, while MMT addition had the reverse effect on the same properties of the composites.
TL;DR: In this article, a numerical approach for modeling the microscopic and macroscopic thermal behaviors of cement composites filled with multiple natural fibers coated with thin homogeneous interphase layers is presented.