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Jentzsch M, Albiez V, Kardamakis TC, Speck T. Analysis of the peel structure of different Citrus spp. via light microscopy, SEM and μCT with manual and automatic segmentation. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2804-2811. [PMID: 38446076 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01511d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The peels of lime, lemon, pomelo and citron are investigated at macroscopic and microscopic level. The structural composition of the peels is compared and properties such as peel thickness, proportion of flavedo, density and proportion of intercellular spaces are determined. μCT images are used to visualize vascular bundles and oil glands. SEM images provide information about the appearance of the cellular tissue in the outer flavedo and inner albedo. The proportion of intercellular spaces is quantitatively determined by manual and software-assisted analysis (ilastik). While there are macroscopic differences in the fruits, they differ only slightly in the orientation of the vascular bundles and the arrangement of the oil glands. However, in peel thickness and flavedo thickness, the fruit peels differ significantly from each other. There are no significant differences between the two analysis methods used, although the use of ilastik is preferred due to time reduction of up to 70%. The large amount of intercellular spaces in the albedo but also the denser flavedo both have a mechanical protective function to prevent damage to the fruit. In addition, the entire peel structure is mechanically reinforced by vascular bundles. This combination of penetration protection (flavedo) and energy dissipation (albedo) makes Citrus spp. peels a promising inspiration for technical material systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Jentzsch
- Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Albiez
- Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thalia C Kardamakis
- Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
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2
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Mylo MD, Poppinga S. Digital image correlation techniques for motion analysis and biomechanical characterization of plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1335445. [PMID: 38273955 PMCID: PMC10808816 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1335445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Temporally and spatially complex 3D deformation processes appear in plants in a variety of ways and are difficult to quantify in detail by classical cinematographic methods. Furthermore, many biomechanical test methods, e.g. regarding compression or tension, result in quasi-2D deformations of the tested structure, which are very time-consuming to analyze manually regarding strain fields. In materials testing, the contact-free optical 2D- or 3D-digital image correlation method (2D/3D-DIC) is common practice for similar tasks, but is still rather seldom used in the fundamental biological sciences. The present review aims to highlight the possibilities of 2D/3D-DIC for the plant sciences. The equipment, software, and preparative prerequisites are introduced in detail and advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In addition to the analysis of wood and trees, where DIC has been used since the 1990s, this is demonstrated by numerous recent approaches in the contexts of parasite-host attachment, cactus joint biomechanics, fruit peel impact resistance, and slow as well as fast movement phenomena in cones and traps of carnivorous plants. Despite some technical and preparative efforts, DIC is a very powerful tool for full-field 2D/3D displacement and strain analyses of plant structures, which is suitable for numerous in-depth research questions in the fields of plant biomechanics and morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max D. Mylo
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT – Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Microsystems Engineering – IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Poppinga
- Botanical Garden, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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Lazarus BS, Leung V, Luu RK, Wong MT, Ruiz-Pérez S, Barbosa WT, Bezerra WBA, Barbosa JDV, Meyers MA. Jackfruit: Composition, structure, and progressive collapsibility in the largest fruit on the Earth for impact resistance. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:430-446. [PMID: 37121367 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The jackfruit is the largest fruit on the Earth, reaching upwards of 35 kg and falling from heights of 25 m. To survive such high energy impacts, it has evolved a unique layered configuration with a thorny exterior and porous tubular underlayer. During compression, these layers exhibit a progressive collapse mechanism where the tubules are first to deform, followed by the thorny exterior, and finally the mesocarp layer in between. The thorns are composed of lignified bundles which run longitudinally from the base of the thorn to the tip and are embedded in softer parenchymal cells, forming a fiber reinforced composite. The mesocarp contains more lignin than any of the other layers while the core appears to contain more pectin giving rise to variations in compressive and viscoelastic properties between the layers. The surface thorns provide a compelling impact-resistant feature for bioinspiration, with a cellular structure that can withstand large deformation without failing and wavy surface features which densify during compression without fracturing. Even the conical shape of the thorns is valuable, presenting a gradually increasing surface area during axial collapse. A simplified model of this mechanism is put forward to describe the force response of these features. The thorns also distribute damage laterally during impact and deflect cracks along their interstitial valleys. These phenomena were observed in 3D printed, jackfruit-inspired designs which performed markedly better than control prints with the same mass. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Many biological materials have evolved remarkable structures that enhance their mechanical performance and serve as sources of inspiration for engineers. Plants are often overlooked in this regard yet certain botanical components, like nuts and fruit, have shown incredible potential as blueprints for improved impact resistant designs. The jackfruit is the largest fruit on Earth and generates significant falling impact energies. Here, we explore the jackfruit's structure and its mechanical capabilities for the first time. The progressive failure imparted by its multilayered design and the unique collapse mode of the surface thorns are identified as key mechanisms for improving the fruit's impact resistance. 3D printing is used to show that these structure-property benefits can be successfully transferred to engineering materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Lazarus
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, USA.
| | - Victor Leung
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Rachel K Luu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Matthew T Wong
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Samuel Ruiz-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Willams T Barbosa
- Department of Materials, University Center SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Wendell B Almeida Bezerra
- Department of Materials Science, Military Institute of Engineering-IME, Rio de Janeiro 22290270, Brazil
| | | | - Marc A Meyers
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, USA; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, USA; Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, USA
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Abd-Al Ftah RO, Tayeh BA, Abdelsamie K, Hafez RDA. Assessment on structural and mechanical properties of reinforcement concrete beams prepared with luffa cylindrical fibre. CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 2022; 17:e01283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Montroni D, Di Giosia M, Calvaresi M, Falini G. Supramolecular Binding with Lectins: A New Route for Non-Covalent Functionalization of Polysaccharide Matrices. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175633. [PMID: 36080399 PMCID: PMC9457544 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemical functionalization of polysaccharides to obtain functional materials has been of great interest in the last decades. This traditional synthetic approach has drawbacks, such as changing the crystallinity of the material or altering its morphology or texture. These modifications are crucial when a biogenic matrix is exploited for its hierarchical structure. In this work, the use of lectins and carbohydrate-binding proteins as supramolecular linkers for polysaccharide functionalization is proposed. As proof of concept, a deproteinized squid pen, a hierarchically-organized β-chitin matrix, was functionalized using a dye (FITC) labeled lectin; the lectin used was the wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). It has been observed that the binding of this functionalized protein homogenously introduces a new property (fluorescence) into the β-chitin matrix without altering its crystallographic and hierarchical structure. The supramolecular functionalization of polysaccharides with protein/lectin molecules opens up new routes for the chemical modification of polysaccharides. This novel approach can be of interest in various scientific fields, overcoming the synthetic limits that have hitherto hindered the technological exploitation of polysaccharides-based materials.
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Zhang Z, Olah A, Baer E. Mechanical compressive behavior of pomelo peel and multilayer polymeric film/foam systems. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2022; 17:056004. [PMID: 35767980 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac7d29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The study of natural cellular materials offers valuable insights into the superior properties and functions underlying their unique structure and benefits the design and fabrication of advanced biomimetic materials. In this study, we present a systematic investigation of the mechanical behavior of fresh and oven-dried pomelo peels. Density measurements revealed the gradient structure of the pomelo peel, which contributed to its mechanical properties. Step-by-step drying revealed two types of water in the peel. Both uniaxial compression and low-strain hysteresis tests were conducted, and the results showed that fresh pomelo peel exhibits soft elastomer-like behavior, while dried pomelo peel behaves more like conventional synthetic polymer foam. Compared to fresh pomelo peel, dried peel samples showed higher compressive modulus and energy loss in 6, 8 and 10% strain hysteresis tests. The rehydration process was studied using hysteresis tests at three different strains. In addition, multilayer gradient EO/EO and LDPE/LDPE film/foams with 16 alternating layers were produced using the microlayer coextrusion technique. The morphology and mechanical properties were examined and indicated great potential for biomimicking the structure and properties of pomelo peel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyou Zhang
- Center for Layered Polymeric Systems (CLiPS) and Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7202, United States of America
| | - Anderw Olah
- Center for Layered Polymeric Systems (CLiPS) and Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7202, United States of America
| | - Eric Baer
- Center for Layered Polymeric Systems (CLiPS) and Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7202, United States of America
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Functional Anatomy, Impact Behavior and Energy Dissipation of the Peel of Citrus × limon: A Comparison of Citrus × limon and Citrus maxima. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11070991. [PMID: 35406971 PMCID: PMC9002614 DOI: 10.3390/plants11070991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study analyzes the impact behavior of lemon peel (Citrus × limon) and investigates its functional morphology compared with the anatomy of pomelo peel (Citrusmaxima). Both fruit peels consist mainly of parenchyma structured by a density gradient. In order to characterize the lemon peel, both energy dissipation and transmitted force are determined by conducting drop weight tests at different impact strengths (0.15–0.74 J). Fresh and freeze-dried samples were used to investigate the influence on the mechanics of peel tissue’s water content. The samples of lemon peel dissipate significantly more kinetic energy in the freeze-dried state than in the fresh state. Fresh lemon samples experience a higher impulse than freeze-dried samples at the same momentum. Drop weight tests results show that fresh lemon samples have a significantly longer impact duration and lower transmitted force than freeze-dried samples. With higher impact energy (0.74 J) the impact behavior becomes more plastic, and a greater fraction of the kinetic energy is dissipated. Lemon peel has pronounced energy dissipation properties, even though the peel is relatively thin and lemon fruits are comparably light. The cell arrangement of citrus peel tissue can serve as a model for bio-inspired, functional graded materials in technical foams with high energy dissipation.
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Lin J, Yu H, Wang H, Li T, Lou C. Bionic micro‐interface lattice foam‐core composites: Manufacturing techniques, compression resistance, bursting strength, low‐velocity impact, and dynamic cushion efficacy. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jia‐Horng Lin
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy‐Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering Tiangong University Tianjin China
- Ocean College of Minjiang University Fuzhou China
- School of Chinese Medicine China Medical University Taichung Taiwan
- Laboratory of Fiber Application and Manufacturing, Department of Fiber and Composite Materials Feng Chia University Taichung Taiwan
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy‐Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering Tiangong University Tianjin China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Tianjin Fire Research Institute of MEM Tianjin China
| | - Ting‐Ting Li
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy‐Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering Tiangong University Tianjin China
- Tianjin and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Advanced Textile Composite Materials Tiangong University Tianjin China
| | - Ching‐Wen Lou
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy‐Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering Tiangong University Tianjin China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Novel Functional Textile Fibers and Materials Minjiang University Fuzhou China
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering Asia University Taichung Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital China Medical University Taichung Taiwan
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Mahato N, Sharma K, Sinha M, Baral ER, Koteswararao R, Dhyani A, Hwan Cho M, Cho S. Bio-sorbents, industrially important chemicals and novel materials from citrus processing waste as a sustainable and renewable bioresource: A review. J Adv Res 2020; 23:61-82. [PMID: 32082624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Citrus waste includes peels, pulp and membrane residue and seeds, constituting approximately 40-60% of the whole fruit. This amount exceeds ~110-120 million tons annually worldwide. Recent investigations have been focused on developing newer techniques to explore various applications of the chemicals obtained from the citrus wastes. The organic acids obtained from citrus waste can be utilized in developing biodegradable polymers and functional materials for food processing, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The peel microstructures have been investigated to create bio-inspired materials. The peel residue can be processed to produce fibers and fabrics, 3D printed materials, carbon nanodots for bio-imaging, energy storage materials and nanostructured materials for various applications so as to leave no waste at all. The article reviews recent advances in scientific investigations to produce valuable products from citrus wastes and possibilities of innovating future materials and promote zero remaining waste for a cleaner environment for future generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelima Mahato
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Kavita Sharma
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry, Idaho State University, Pocatello 83209, ID, USA
| | - Mukty Sinha
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Palej, Gandhinagar 382 355, India
| | - Ek Raj Baral
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Rakoti Koteswararao
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Palej, Gandhinagar 382 355, India
| | - Archana Dhyani
- Department of Physics, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Moo Hwan Cho
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghun Cho
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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Ha NS, Lu G, Shu D, Yu TX. Mechanical properties and energy absorption characteristics of tropical fruit durian (Durio zibethinus). J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 104:103603. [PMID: 31929094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The paper presents for the first time the material properties and energy absorption capacity of durian shells with an attempt to use as an alternative sustainable material and mimic their structural characteristics to design a bio-inspired structure for protective packaging applications. A series of quasi-static compression tests were carried out to determine Young's modulus and bioyield stress of the durian shells as well as their energy absorption capacity. The mesocarp layers and thorns are interesting parts for investigating their energy absorption characteristics because they play an important role in protecting the flesh of durians during their drop impact onto the ground. The mesocarp layers of the shell were subjected to axial and lateral compression while the thorn specimens were compressed under axial loading with an increasing number of thorns. The results showed that the densification strain, plateau stress and specific energy absorption of the mesocarp layer under lateral loading is higher than that under axial loading. Furthermore, the compression tests on the thorns demonstrated that an increase in the number of thorns helped to absorb more energy and the specific energy absorption of the thorns was nearly two times higher than that of the mesocarp layer under the axial loading. In addition, the cyclic loading of the thorns showed that the extent of reversibility of deformation in the thorns decreases from 32% at the first cycle to around 10% at the 9th-cycle. Finally, the microstructure of the thorn and mesocarp layer was investigated to explain the experimental observation. The results indicated that the spherical shape associated with the thorns and mesocarp materials displayed an excellent energy absorption efficiency that can be mimicked to design an effective bio-inspired absorber for packing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc San Ha
- Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Guoxing Lu
- Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
| | - DongWei Shu
- School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore
| | - T X Yu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Li TT, Huo J, Liu X, Wang H, Shiu BC, Lou CW, Lin JH. Characteristics, Compression, and Buffering Performance of Pomelo-Like Hierarchical Capsules Containing Shear Thickening Fluid. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11071138. [PMID: 31277277 PMCID: PMC6680803 DOI: 10.3390/polym11071138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a double-walled and pomelo-like hierarchical shear thickening fluid (STF) is successfully encapsulated using the simple and environment-friendly calcium alginate encapsulation technique by instilling STF into sodium alginate (SA) and crosslinking by calcium chloride solution. The encapsulated STF has a pomelo-like structure with a shell thickness of 2.9 μm and core pores with a size of 21.43 μm. The effect of the size of STF capsules (2.10, 1.89, 1.86, 1.83, 1.73, and 1.63 mm) is explored in terms of thermal stability, swelling capacity, mechanical property, and release performance. The buffering performance of different sizes of STF-containing capsules is also investigated. The pomelo-like STF capsules can withstand a processing temperature of 250 °C. With a decrease in particle size, the compression strain energy slowly increases first and then rapidly enhances. The kinetic release of pomelo-like STF capsules conforms to Fickian diffusion. STF-containing capsules with a diameter of 1.83 mm present the greatest thermal stability, the highest STF amount, the maximum swelling coefficient, and the fastest kinetic diffusion. STF-containing capsules also have an improved buffering performance in PU foam. This capsule has the best comprehensive performance and can adapt to diversified applications, such as personnel armor and other protective sports equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Li
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Novel Functional Fibers and Materials, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Junli Huo
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China.
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Bing-Chiuan Shiu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Ocean College, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Ching-Wen Lou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Novel Functional Fibers and Materials, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Ocean College, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
- College of Textile and Clothing, Qingdao University, Shandong 266071, China.
| | - Jia-Horng Lin
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Novel Functional Fibers and Materials, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Ocean College, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
- College of Textile and Clothing, Qingdao University, Shandong 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Fiber Application and Manufacturing, Department of Fiber and Composite Materials, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan.
- Department of Fashion Design, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
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Wang H, Li TT, Wu L, Lou CW, Lin JH. Multifunctional, Polyurethane-Based Foam Composites Reinforced by a Fabric Structure: Preparation, Mechanical, Acoustic, and EMI Shielding Properties. MATERIALS 2018; 11:ma11112085. [PMID: 30366369 PMCID: PMC6266620 DOI: 10.3390/ma11112085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study proposes multifunctional, fabric-reinforced composites (MFRCs) based on a bionic design, which are prepared by two-step foaming and a combination of different fabric constructs. MFRCs are evaluated in terms of sound absorption, compression resistance, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), and drop impact, thereby examining the effects of fabric structures. The test results indicate that the enhanced composites have superiority functions when combined with carbon fabric in the upper layer and spacer fabric in the lower layer. They have maximum compression resistance, which is 116.9 kPa at a strain of 60%, and their compression strength is increased by 135.9% compared with the control specimen. As a result of the fabric structure on the cell morphology, the maximum resonance peak shifts toward high frequency when using spacer fabric as the intermediate layer. The average sound absorption coefficient is above 0.7 at 1000–4000 Hz. The reinforced composites possessed EMI SE of 50 dB at 2 GHz; an attenuation rate of 99.999% was obtained, suggesting a good practical application value. Furthermore, the cushioning effect of the MFRCs improved significantly, and the maximum dynamic contact force during the impact process was reduced by 57.28% compared with composites without any fabric structure. The resulting MFRCs are expected to be used as sound absorbent security walls, machinery equipment, and packaging for commercial EMI shielding applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Wang
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textiles, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China.
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textiles, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Tianjin and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Advanced Textile Composite Materials, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China.
| | - Liwei Wu
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textiles, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China.
| | - Ching-Wen Lou
- Innovation Platform of Intelligent and Energy-Saving Textiles, School of Textiles, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Ocean College, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
- College of Textile and Clothing, Qingdao University, Shandong 266071, China.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Jia-Horng Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Ocean College, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
- College of Textile and Clothing, Qingdao University, Shandong 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Fiber Application and Manufacturing, Department of Fiber and Composite Materials, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan.
- Department of Fashion Design, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
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Flores-Johnson EA, Carrillo JG, Zhai C, Gamboa RA, Gan Y, Shen L. Microstructure and mechanical properties of hard Acrocomia mexicana fruit shell. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9668. [PMID: 29941916 PMCID: PMC6018112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fruit and nut shells can exhibit high hardness and toughness. In the peninsula of Yucatan, Mexico, the fruit of the Cocoyol palm tree (Acrocomia mexicana) is well known to be very difficult to break. Its hardness has been documented since the 1500 s, and is even mentioned in the popular Maya legend The Dwarf of Uxmal. However, until now, no scientific studies quantifying the mechanical performance of the Cocoyol endocarp has been found in the literature to prove or disprove that this fruit shell is indeed "very hard". Here we report the mechanical properties, microstructure and hardness of this material. The mechanical measurements showed compressive strength values of up to ~150 and ~250 MPa under quasi-static and high strain rate loading conditions, respectively, and microhardness of up to ~0.36 GPa. Our findings reveal a complex hierarchical structure showing that the Cocoyol shell is a functionally graded material with distinctive layers along the radial directions. These findings demonstrate that structure-property relationships make this material hard and tough. The mechanical results and the microstructure presented herein encourage designing new types of bioinspired superior synthetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Flores-Johnson
- CONACYT - Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43, No. 130, Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida, 97205, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - J G Carrillo
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43, No. 130, Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida, 97205, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - C Zhai
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - R A Gamboa
- Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Motul, Carretera Mérida-Motul, Tablaje Catastral 383, Motul de Carrillo Puerto, 97430, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Y Gan
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - L Shen
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Kampowski T, Demandt S, Poppinga S, Speck T. Kinematical, Structural and Mechanical Adaptations to Desiccation in Poikilohydric Ramonda myconi (Gesneriaceae). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1701. [PMID: 30515187 PMCID: PMC6256057 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Resurrection plants have fascinated scientists since centuries as they can fully recover from cellular water contents below 10%, concomitantly showing remarkable leaf folding motions. While physiological adaptations have been meticulously investigated, the understanding of structural and mechanical adaptations of this phenomenon is scarce. Using imaging and bending techniques during dehydration-rehydration experiments, morphological, anatomical, and biomechanical properties of desiccation-tolerant Ramonda myconi are examined, and selected structural adaptations are compared to those of homoiohydrous Monophyllaea horsfieldii (both Gesneriaceae). At low water availability, intact and cut-off R. myconi leaves undergo considerable morphological alterations, which are fully and repeatedly reversible upon rehydration. Furthermore, their petioles show a triphasic mechanical behavior having a turgor-based structural stability at high (Phase 1), a flexible mechanically state at intermediate (Phase 2) and a material-based stability at low water contents (Phase 3). Lastly, manipulation experiments with cut-off plant parts revealed that both the shape alterations of individual structures, as well as, the general leaf kinematics largely rely on passive swelling and shrinking processes. Taken together, R. myconi possesses structural and mechanical adaptations to desiccation (in addition to physiological adaptations), which may mainly be passively driven by its water status influenced by the water fluctuations in its surroundings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kampowski
- Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg (PBG), Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tim Kampowski
| | - Sven Demandt
- Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg (PBG), Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Simon Poppinga
- Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg (PBG), Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg (PBG), Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Syurik J, Schwaiger R, Sudera P, Weyand S, Johnsen S, Wiegand G, Hölscher H. Bio-inspired micro-to-nanoporous polymers with tunable stiffness. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 8:906-914. [PMID: 28503401 PMCID: PMC5405679 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.8.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Inspired by structural hierarchies and the related excellent mechanical properties of biological materials, we created a smoothly graded micro- to nanoporous structure from a thermoplastic polymer. Results: The viscoelastic properties for the different pore sizes were investigated in the glassy regime by dynamic flat-punch indentation. Interestingly, the storage modulus was observed to increase with increasing pore-area fraction. Conclusion: This outcome appears counterintuitive at first sight, but can be rationalized by an increase of the pore wall thickness as determined by our quantitative analysis of the pore structure. Therefore, our approach represents a non-chemical way to tune the elastic properties and their local variation for a broad range of polymers by adjusting the pore size gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Syurik
- Institute for Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ruth Schwaiger
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Prerna Sudera
- Institute for Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Stephan Weyand
- Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Siegbert Johnsen
- Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Wiegand
- Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Hölscher
- Institute for Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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16
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Graupner N, Labonte D, Humburg H, Buzkan T, Dörgens A, Kelterer W, Müssig J. Functional gradients in the pericarp of the green coconut inspire asymmetric fibre-composites with improved impact strength, and preserved flexural and tensile properties. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2017; 12:026009. [PMID: 28245197 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aa5262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Here we investigate the mechanical properties and structural design of the pericarp of the green coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). The pericarp showed excellent impact characteristics, and mechanical tests of its individual components revealed gradients in stiffness, strength and elongation at break from the outer to the inner layer of the pericarp. In order to understand more about the potential effect of such gradients on 'bulk' material properties, we designed simple, graded, cellulose fibre-reinforced polylactide (PLA) composites by stacking layers reinforced with fibres of different mechanical properties. Tensile properties of the graded composites were largely determined by the 'weakest' fibre, irrespective of the fibre distribution. However, a graded design led to pronounced asymmetric bending and impact properties. Bio-inspired, asymmetrically graded composites showed a flexural strength and modulus comparable to that of the strongest reference samples, but the elongation at maximum load was dependent on the specimen orientation. The impact strength of the graded composites showed a similar orientation-dependence, and peak values exceeded the impact strength of a non-graded reference composite containing identical fibre fractions by up to a factor of three. In combination, our results show that an asymmetric, systematic variation of fibre properties can successfully combine desirable properties of different fibre types, suggesting new routes for the development of high-performance composites, and improving our understanding of the structure-function relationship of the coconut pericarp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Graupner
- HSB-City University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Biomimetics-The Biological Materials Group, Bremen, Germany
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17
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Zhao S, Wang Y, Wang L, Jin Y. Preparation, characterization and catalytic application of hierarchically porous LaFeO3 from a pomelo peel template. Inorg Chem Front 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6qi00600k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hierarchically porous LaFeO3 perovskites are synthesized through a facile process by using pomelo peel as a biotemplate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
- Ningbo University
- Ningbo
- People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
- Ningbo University
- Ningbo
- People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
- Ningbo University
- Ningbo
- People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Jin
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
- Ningbo University
- Ningbo
- People's Republic of China
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18
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Kamps T, Gralow M, Schlick G, Reinhart G. Systematic Biomimetic Part Design for Additive Manufacturing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2017.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Bührig-Polaczek A, Fleck C, Speck T, Schüler P, Fischer SF, Caliaro M, Thielen M. Biomimetic cellular metals-using hierarchical structuring for energy absorption. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2016; 11:045002. [PMID: 27433857 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/11/4/045002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Fruit walls as well as nut and seed shells typically perform a multitude of functions. One of the biologically most important functions consists in the direct or indirect protection of the seeds from mechanical damage or other negative environmental influences. This qualifies such biological structures as role models for the development of new materials and components that protect commodities and/or persons from damage caused for example by impacts due to rough handling or crashes. We were able to show how the mechanical properties of metal foam based components can be improved by altering their structure on various hierarchical levels inspired by features and principles important for the impact and/or puncture resistance of the biological role models, rather than by tuning the properties of the bulk material. For this various investigation methods have been established which combine mechanical testing with different imaging methods, as well as with in situ and ex situ mechanical testing methods. Different structural hierarchies especially important for the mechanical deformation and failure behaviour of the biological role models, pomelo fruit (Citrus maxima) and Macadamia integrifolia, were identified. They were abstracted and transferred into corresponding structural principles and thus hierarchically structured bio-inspired metal foams have been designed. A production route for metal based bio-inspired structures by investment casting was successfully established. This allows the production of complex and reliable structures, by implementing and combining different hierarchical structural elements found in the biological concept generators, such as strut design and integration of fibres, as well as by minimising casting defects. To evaluate the structural effects, similar investigation methods and mechanical tests were applied to both the biological role models and the metallic foams. As a result an even deeper quantitative understanding of the form-structure-function relationship of the biological concept generators as well as the bio-inspired metal foams was achieved, on deeper hierarchical levels and overarching different levels.
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20
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Wang D, Zhang H, Guo J, Cheng B, Cao Y, Lu S, Zhao N, Xu J. Biomimetic Gradient Polymers with Enhanced Damping Capacities. Macromol Rapid Commun 2016; 37:655-61. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201500637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
| | - Jing Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
| | - Beichen Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
| | - Shengjun Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
| | - Jian Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences; Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry; Institute of Chemistry; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhongguancun North First Street 2 Beijing 100190 China
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21
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Abstract
For development of eco-friendly packaging foam from pomelo peel, physical and mechanical properties of the pomelo peel and effects of pomelo varieties, namely Kao-Nampueng, Thong-Dee, and Kao-Pan, on their properties were investigated. It was found that the pomelo variety showed somewhat significant effect on physical and mechanical of pomelo peel properties. Because of its thick peel with high moisture content (75-80%) and water activity (0.90-0.98), the peel weight accounted for almost half of the total fruit weight. Cell structure and pore size of the peel were examined using the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The result showed an open cell foam structure with pore size of approximately 151±31 µm. The pore size was more open and large towards the outer surface. Uniaxial compression tests on pomelo peel samples with and without flavedo showed good reproducible stress-strain curves despite its biological variation. Young’s moduli of both samples were calculated to be 200-300 kPa and 110-210 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the most important property of packaging foam is the ability to absorb energy during impact which can be characterised through the measurement of the onset strain of densification. It was found that the strain values at the maximum energy absorption efficiency (εcd) of peel samples with and without flavedo for all studied pomelo varieties were comparable and were approximately in the range of 60-65%. These preliminary results indicate very promising mechanical properties of pomelo peel as eco-friendly packaging foam although further modifications are required to improve their physical and shelf-stability properties.
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22
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Thielen M, Speck T, Seidel R. Impact behaviour of freeze-dried and fresh pomelo (Citrus maxima) peel: influence of the hydration state. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:140322. [PMID: 26543566 PMCID: PMC4632530 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Pomelos (Citrus maxima) are known for their thick peel which-inter alia-serves as energy dissipator when fruits impact on the ground after being shed. It protects the fruit from splitting open and thus enables the contained seeds to stay germinable and to potentially be dispersed by animal vectors. The main part of the peel consists of a parenchymatous tissue that can be interpreted from a materials point of view as open pored foam whose struts are pressurized and filled with liquid. In order to investigate the influence of the water content on the energy dissipation capacity, drop weight tests were conducted with fresh and with freeze-dried peel samples. Based on the coefficient of restitution it was found that freeze-drying markedly reduces the relative energy dissipation capacity of the peel. Measuring the transmitted force during impact furthermore indicated a transition from a uniform collapse of the foam-like tissue to a progressive collapse due to water extraction. Representing the peel by a Maxwell model illustrates that freeze-drying not only drastically reduces the damping function of the dashpots but also stiffens the springs of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Thielen
- Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, Freiburg 79104, Germany
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23
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Trujillo-de Santiago G, Portales-Cabrera CG, Portillo-Lara R, Araiz-Hernández D, Del Barone MC, García-López E, Rojas-de Gante C, de los Angeles De Santiago-Miramontes M, Segoviano-Ramírez JC, García-Lara S, Rodríguez-González CÁ, Alvarez MM, Di Maio E, Iannace S. Supercritical CO2 foaming of thermoplastic materials derived from maize: proof-of-concept use in mammalian cell culture applications. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122489. [PMID: 25859853 PMCID: PMC4393026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foams are high porosity and low density materials. In nature, they are a common architecture. Some of their relevant technological applications include heat and sound insulation, lightweight materials, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Foams derived from natural polymers are particularly attractive for tissue culture due to their biodegradability and bio-compatibility. Here, the foaming potential of an extensive list of materials was assayed, including slabs elaborated from whole flour, the starch component only, or the protein fraction only of maize seeds. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We used supercritical CO2 to produce foams from thermoplasticized maize derived materials. Polyethylene-glycol, sorbitol/glycerol, or urea/formamide were used as plasticizers. We report expansion ratios, porosities, average pore sizes, pore morphologies, and pore size distributions for these materials. High porosity foams were obtained from zein thermoplasticized with polyethylene glycol, and from starch thermoplasticized with urea/formamide. Zein foams had a higher porosity than starch foams (88% and 85%, respectively) and a narrower and more evenly distributed pore size. Starch foams exhibited a wider span of pore sizes and a larger average pore size than zein (208.84 vs. 55.43 μm2, respectively). Proof-of-concept cell culture experiments confirmed that mouse fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and two different prostate cancer cell lines (22RV1, DU145) attached to and proliferated on zein foams. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We conducted screening and proof-of-concept experiments on the fabrication of foams from cereal-based bioplastics. We propose that a key indicator of foamability is the strain at break of the materials to be foamed (as calculated from stress vs. strain rate curves). Zein foams exhibit attractive properties (average pore size, pore size distribution, and porosity) for cell culture applications; we were able to establish and sustain mammalian cell cultures on zein foams for extended time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
- Harvard-MIT Helath Sciences and Technology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Roberto Portillo-Lara
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Diana Araiz-Hernández
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Maria Cristina Del Barone
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Erika García-López
- Centro de Innovación en Diseño y Tecnología, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | | | | | - Silverio García-Lara
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | - Mario Moisés Alvarez
- Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
- Harvard-MIT Helath Sciences and Technology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ernesto Di Maio
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Iannace
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
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Chen Q, Shi Q, Gorb SN, Li Z. A multiscale study on the structural and mechanical properties of the luffa sponge from Luffa cylindrica plant. J Biomech 2014; 47:1332-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mazzolai B, Beccai L, Mattoli V. Plants as model in biomimetics and biorobotics: new perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2014; 2:2. [PMID: 25152878 PMCID: PMC4126448 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2014.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Especially in robotics, rarely plants have been considered as a model of inspiration for designing and developing new technology. This is probably due to their radically different operational principles compared to animals and the difficulty to study their movements and features. Owing to the sessile nature of their lifestyle, plants have evolved the capability to respond to a wide range of signals and efficiently adapt to changing environmental conditions. Plants in fact are able to show considerable plasticity in their morphology and physiology in response to variability within their environment. This results in movements that are characterized by energy efficiency and high density. Plant materials are optimized to reduce energy consumption during motion and these capabilities offer a plethora of solutions in the artificial world, exploiting approaches that are muscle-free and thus not necessarily animal-like. Plant roots then are excellent natural diggers, and their characteristics such as adaptive growth, low energy consumption movements, and the capability of penetrating soil at any angle are interesting from an engineering perspective. A few examples are described to lay the perspectives of plants in the artificial world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Lucia Beccai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
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