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Tengsuthiwat J, Raghunathan V, Ayyappan V, Techawinyutham L, Srisuk R, Yorseng K, Mavinkere Rangappa S, Siengchin S. Lignocellulose sustainable composites from agro-waste Asparagus bean stem fiber for polymer casting applications: Effect of fiber treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134884. [PMID: 39168200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
In the past decades, lignocellulose fibers have attracted significant attention due to their low density, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability. Consequently, researchers are intensifying their efforts to explore the potential of lignocellulosic fibers as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers in polymer composites. Among various natural fibers identified as potential reinforcements, agro-waste from the Asparagus Bean stem (ABS) which has been discarded as landfill after harvest has emerged as a promising source of lignocellulose fibers for promoting sustainability. This study investigates the reinforcement suitability of ABSF in polymer matrices. A water-retting process was used for extraction, followed by treatment with a 5 % alkali solution. Cellulose content was enhanced to 65 wt%, and fiber density increased to 1.13 g/cm3 after chemical treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated improved thermal stability of the treated fibers up to 247 °C. Morphological analysis showed increased surface roughness and impurity removal. To evaluate the reinforcing effect of the chemical treatment, epoxy composites with 10 wt% reinforcement were developed. The mechanical properties of these composites improved significantly, with more than 1.1 times when used alkali-treated ABSF as reinforcement. Flexural properties were substantially enhanced, with flexural strength increasing from 90.53 MPa to 122.71 MPa and flexural modulus from 2.41 GPa to 2.95 GPa due to better fiber-matrix interaction and removal of weak, amorphous constituents. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate that ABSF is a viable alternative raw material for composite reinforcement, suitable for developing lightweight structural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiratti Tengsuthiwat
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, College of Industrial Technology (CIT), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand
| | - Vijay Raghunathan
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vinod Ayyappan
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Laongdaw Techawinyutham
- Department of Production and Robotics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand
| | - Rapeeporn Srisuk
- Department of Production and Robotics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand
| | - Krittirash Yorseng
- Department of Teacher Training in Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technical Education, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand
| | - Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suchart Siengchin
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand.
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Ramesh M, Ravikanth D, Selvan MT, Sahayaraj AF, Saravanakumar A. Extraction and characterization of Bougainvillea glabra fibers: A study on chemical, physical, mechanical and morphological properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133787. [PMID: 38992535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Bougainvillea glabra fibers (BGFs) present a promising avenue for sustainable material development owing to their abundance and favorable properties. This study entails a thorough investigation into the composition, physical characteristics, mechanical behavior, structural properties, thermal stability, and hydrothermal absorption behavior of BGFs. Chemical analysis reveals the predominant presence of cellulose (68.92 %), accompanied by notable proportions of hemicellulose (12.64 %), lignin (9.56 %), wax (3.72 %), moisture (11.78 %), and ash (1.75 %). Physical measurements ascertain a mean fiber diameter of approximately 232.63 ± 8.59 μm, while tensile testing demonstrates exceptional strength, with stress values ranging from 120 ± 18.26 MPa to a maximum of 770 ± 23.19 MPa at varying strains. X-ray diffraction (XRD) elucidates a crystalline index (CI) of 68.17 % and a crystallite size (CS) of 9.42 nm, indicative of a well-defined crystalline structure within the fibers. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the presence of characteristic functional groups associated with cellulose, hemicellulose, wax, and water content. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) delineates distinct thermal degradation stages, with onset temperatures ranging from 102.76 °C for water loss to 567.55 °C for ash formation. Furthermore, hydrothermal absorption behavior exhibits temperature and time-dependent trends, with absorption percentages ranging from 15.26 % to 32.19 % at temperatures between 30 °C and 108 °C and varying exposure durations. These comprehensive findings provide essential insights into the properties and potential applications of BGFs in diverse fields such as bio-composites, textiles, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ramesh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641402, India
| | - D Ravikanth
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KSRM College of Engineering, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 516003, India
| | - M Tamil Selvan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641105, India
| | - A Felix Sahayaraj
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641402, India.
| | - A Saravanakumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641105, India
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Kavitha SA, Priya RK, Arunachalam KP, Avudaiappan S, Saavedra Flores EI, Blanco D. Experimental investigation on strengthening of Zea mays root fibres for biodegradable composite materials using potassium permanganate treatment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12754. [PMID: 38830936 PMCID: PMC11148049 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans are the only species who generate waste materials that cannot be broken down by natural processes. The ideal solution to this waste problem would be to employ only compostable materials. Biodegradable materials play a key role in creating a safer and greener world. Biodegradability is the gift that keeps on giving, in the sense of creating an Earth worth living. The future is thus best served by green energy, sustainability, and renewable resources. To realize such goals, waste should be considered as a valuable resource. In this context, Zea mays (Zm) root fibres, which are normally considered as agricultural waste, can be used as reinforcing substances in polymer matrices to produce structural composite materials. Before being used in composites, such fibres must be analysed for their physical properties. Chemical treatments can be employed to improve the structural quality of fibres, and the changes due to such modification can be analysed. Therefore, the current work examines the effect of permanganate treatment on the surface properties of Zm fibres. The raw and potassium permanganate-treated samples were assayed for various properties. Physical analysis of the fibre samples yielded details concerning the physical aspects of the fibres. The thermal conductivity and moisture absorption behaviour of the samples were analysed. Chemical analysis was employed to characterize the composition of both treated and untreated samples. p-XRD was employed to examine the crystalline nature of the Zm fibres. Numerous functional groups present in each sample were analysed by FTIR. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine the thermal stability of Zm fibres. Elemental analysis (CHNS and EDS) was used to determine the elemental concentrations of both raw and treated samples. The surface alterations of Zm fibres brought on by treatment were described using SEM analysis. The characteristics of Zm roots and the changes in quality due to treatment were reviewed, and there were noticeable effects due to the treatment. Both samples would have applications in various fields, and each could be used as a potential reinforcing material in the production of efficient bio-composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Anne Kavitha
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, 627012, India
| | - Retnam Krishna Priya
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, 627012, India.
| | - Krishna Prakash Arunachalam
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Construccion, Facultad de Ciencias de la Construccion y Ordenamiento Territorial, Universidad Tecnologica Metropolitana, Dieciocho 161, Santiago, Chile
| | - Siva Avudaiappan
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Construccion, Facultad de Ciencias de la Construccion y Ordenamiento Territorial, Universidad Tecnologica Metropolitana, Dieciocho 161, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Erick I Saavedra Flores
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Obras Civiles, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Av. Ecuador 3659, Estación Central, 9170022, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Blanco
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Construccion, Facultad de Ciencias de la Construccion y Ordenamiento Territorial, Universidad Tecnologica Metropolitana, Dieciocho 161, Santiago, Chile
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Gomes AS, Fiadeiro PT, Vieira AC, Vieira JC. Viability Study of Serra da Estrela Dog Wool to Produce Green Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:718. [PMID: 38475401 DOI: 10.3390/polym16050718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The environmental emergency has alerted consumers and industries to choose products derived from renewable sources over petroleum derivatives. Natural fibers of plant origin for reinforcing composite materials dominate the field of research aiming to replace synthetic fibers. The field of application of green dog wool composite materials needs to be reinforced and proven, as the industry is looking for more sustainable solutions and on the other hand this type of raw material (pet grooming waste) tends to grow. Hence, in the present work, the feasibility of applying natural fibers of dog origin (mainly composed by keratin) in green composites was studied. The green composites were developed using chemically treated dog wool of the breed Serra da Estrela (with NaOH and PVA) as reinforcement and a green epoxy resin as a matrix. The chemical treatments aimed to improve adhesion between fibers and matrix. The fibers' composition was determined using X-ray Diffraction (X-RD). Their morphology was determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The wettability of the fiber was also evaluated qualitatively by analyzing drops of resin placed on the fibers treated with the different treatments. The mechanical properties of the composites were also studied through mechanical tensile, flexural, and relaxation tests. Overall, the best results were obtained for the dog wool fibers without treatment. The tensile and flexural strength of this biocomposite were 11 MPa and 26.8 MPa, respectively, while the tensile and flexural elastic modulus were 555 MPa and 1100 MPa, respectively. It was also possible to verify that the PVA treatment caused degradation of the fiber, resulting in a decrease in mechanical tensile strength of approximately 42.7%, 59.7% in flexural strength and approximately 59% of the stress after 120 min of relaxation when compared to fiber made from untreated dog wool. On the other hand, the NaOH treatment worked as a fiber wash process, removing waxes and fats naturally present on the fiber surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Soledade Gomes
- Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies Research Unit (FibEnTech-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês D'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Paulo Torrão Fiadeiro
- Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies Research Unit (FibEnTech-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês D'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André Costa Vieira
- Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies (C-MAST-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês D'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Costa Vieira
- Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies Research Unit (FibEnTech-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês D'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
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Schutz GF, de Ávila Gonçalves S, Alves RMV, Vieira RP. A review of starch-based biocomposites reinforced with plant fibers. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129916. [PMID: 38311134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Renewable and biodegradable resources have gained increasing attention as promising alternatives to synthetic plastics. Among the diverse raw materials employed in bioplastics production, starch emerges as an attractive, low-cost, and largely available source. However, the inherent properties of starch-based materials often limit their utility across various applications, necessitating strategic modifications to enhance their performance. A common approach to boost these materials involves incorporating natural fillers into biopolymer matrices. Incorporating natural fibers within starch matrices enables the development of biocomposites with improved properties while retaining their renewable and biodegradable characteristics. This review briefly addresses fundamental aspects of starch structure, obtention, and processing, as well as the main pre-treatments of natural fibers and processing methods currently applied to produce starch-based composites. It also highlights the most recent advances in this field, elucidates the effect of the incorporation of fibers on the biocomposite properties, and discusses the critical parameters affecting the synergic combination between starch and fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Frey Schutz
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Sayeny de Ávila Gonçalves
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Vercelino Alves
- Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos (ITAL), Centro de Tecnologia de Embalagem (CETEA), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roniérik Pioli Vieira
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Statnik ES, Cvjetinovic J, Ignatyev SD, Wassouf L, Salimon AI, Korsunsky AM. Hair-Reinforced Elastomer Matrix Composites: Formulation, Mechanical Testing, and Advanced Microstructural Characterization. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4448. [PMID: 38006172 PMCID: PMC10675470 DOI: 10.3390/polym15224448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Epoxy matrix composites reinforced with high-performance fibers, such as carbon, Kevlar, and glass, exhibit excellent specific stiffness and strength in many mechanical applications. However, these composites are disappointingly non-recyclable and are usually disposed of in landfill sites, with no realistic prospect for biodegradation in a reasonable time. In contrast, moldable composites with carbonized elastomeric matrices developed in the last decades possess attractive mechanical properties in final net-shape products and can also be incinerated or recycled. Many carbon and inorganic fillers have recently been evaluated to adjust the properties of carbonized elastomeric composites. Renewable organic fillers, such as human or animal hair, offer an attractive fibrous material with substantial potential for reinforcing composites with elastomeric matrices. Samples of unidirectional fiber composites (with hair volume fractions up to 7%) and quasi-isotropic short fiber composites (with hair volume fractions up to 20%) of human hair-reinforced nitrile butadiene rubbers (HH-NBRs) were produced in the peroxide-cured and carbonized states. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and photoacoustic microscopy. Mechanical tests were performed under tension using a miniature universal testing machine. The expected effect of fiber reinforcement on the overall mechanical performance was demonstrated for both cured and carbonized composites. Considerable enhancement of the elastic modulus (up to ten times), ultimate tensile strength (up to three times), and damage tolerance was achieved. The evidence of satisfactory interfacial bonding between hair and rubber was confirmed via SEM imaging of fracture surfaces. The suitability of photoacoustic microscopy was assessed for 3D reconstructions of the fiber sub-system's spatial distribution and non-destructive testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Loujain Wassouf
- Department of Physical Chemistry, NUST MISIS, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexander M. Korsunsky
- «LUCh» Lab, NUST MISIS, 119049 Moscow, Russia
- Trinity College, University of Oxford, Broad St., Oxford OX1 3BH, UK
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Bhunia AK, Mondal D, Parui SM, Mondal AK. Characterization of a new natural novel lignocellulose fiber resource from the stem of Cyperus platystylis R.Br. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9699. [PMID: 37322033 PMCID: PMC10272156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35888-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study deals with the characterization of a natural fiber which is extracted from the stem of an unexplored plant of Cyperus platystylis R.Br. (CPS) with an aim to establish it as a potent alternative fiber for the plant fiber-based industries. CPS fiber has been investigated for its physical, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics. The presence of different functional groups in CPS fiber i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin which was ensured by Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometer analysis. X-ray diffraction and chemical constituent analysis revealed high cellulose content and crystallinity i.e., 66.1% and 41.12% respectively, which is comparatively moderate in the case of CPS fiber. Scherrer's equation has been used to determine crystallite size i.e., 2.28 nm. The mean length and diameter of the CPS fiber were 382.0 and 23.36 μm, respectively. The maximum tensile strength was obtained at 657 ± 58.8 MPa for 50 mm fiber and young's modulus 88.76 ± 30.42 MPa for 50 mm fiber. The required energy to break has been recorded at 346.16 J. Thermal analysis revealed that CPS fibers have thermal stability up to 279 °C. The unique Cyperus platystylis stem fibers could therefore be a suitable reinforcement material for the bio-composites used in semi-structural applications since they have higher functional qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Kumar Bhunia
- Plant Taxonomy, Biosystematics and Molecular Taxonomy Laboratory, UGC-DRS-SAP-II and DBT-BOOST WB Supported Department, Department of Botany and Forestry, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, 721102, West Bengal, India
| | - Dheeman Mondal
- Plant Taxonomy, Biosystematics and Molecular Taxonomy Laboratory, UGC-DRS-SAP-II and DBT-BOOST WB Supported Department, Department of Botany and Forestry, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, 721102, West Bengal, India
| | - Sanjukta Mondal Parui
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Lady Brabourne College, P1/2, Suhrawardy Avenue, Kolkata, 700017, West Bengal, India
| | - Amal Kumar Mondal
- Plant Taxonomy, Biosystematics and Molecular Taxonomy Laboratory, UGC-DRS-SAP-II and DBT-BOOST WB Supported Department, Department of Botany and Forestry, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, 721102, West Bengal, India.
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