Effect of Silver Nanopowder on Mechanical, Thermal and Antimicrobial Properties of Kenaf/HDPE Composites

The influence of ionic liquid pretreatment on the physicomechanical properties of polymer biocomposites: A mini-review

Increasing concern for the environment has led researchers to pay more attention to the fabrication of polymer biocomposites for many different applications. Polymer biocomposites have generally been fabricated utilizing synthetic or natural polymers with natural fillers. Recently, ionic liquids have been used for the pretreatment of natural fillers prior to the fabrication of polymer biocomposites. In this mini-review, four types of ionic liquids used for the pretreatment of natural filler are classified, specifically chloride-, diethyl phosphate-, acetate-, and bistriflimide-based ionic liquids. In addition, the pretreatment processes of natural fillers with ionic liquids are described in this review. Furthermore, the influence of ionic liquid pretreatment on the physicomechanical properties of polymer biocomposites is succinctly reviewed. Besides, the information presented in this review contributes to a clearer understanding of the process of ionic liquid pretreatment and the vital physicomechanical properties of polymer biocomposites. In summary, most ionic liquid pretreatments can improve almost all physicomechanical properties of polymer biocomposites.

Jamil SNA. Polybutylene succinate (PBS)/natural fiber green composites: melt blending processes and tensile properties

An increase in the environmental consciousness at present has enhanced the awareness of researchers in utilizing biodegradable materials for the production of environmentally friendly products. Currently, biodegradable polymers, for example, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, etc., can be utilized as matrices to produce green composites. Meanwhile, natural fibers have been used as fillers for green composites as they are biodegradable and renewable. In this brief review, the physicochemical properties of selected biodegradable polymer, specifically polybutylene succinate, are demonstrated. Moreover, examples of natural fibers that are usually used to produce green composites are also shown. Additionally, practical methods employed for the preparation of green composites were exposed. The tensile properties of green composites, such as the tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break at different loadings of natural fibers, are also briefly reviewed. The information obtained in this review provides detailed differences in the preparation methods of green composites. In addition, this brief review supplies a clearer comprehension of the tensile properties of green composites for the usage of semistructural and packaging applications.

Bamboo-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymer Composites: A Review of Properties, Fabrication, and Potential Applications

Natural-fiber-reinforced composites, especially bamboo, are an alternative material to compete with conventional materials. Their environmentally friendly, renewable, low-cost, low-density, non-toxic, and fully biodegradable properties are concerning for researchers because of their advantages over synthetic polymers. This comprehensive review presents the results of work on bamboo fiber composites with special reference to bamboo types, thermoplastic and thermoset polymers matrices, hybrid composites, and their applications. In addition, several studies prove that these properties are very good and efficient in various applications. However, in the development of composite technology, bamboo fiber has certain constraints, especially in moisture conditions. Moisture is one of the factors that reduces the potential of bamboo fiber and makes it a critical issue in the manufacturing industry. Therefore, various efforts have been made to ensure that these properties are not affected by moisture by treating the surface fibers using chemical treatments.