Comparison of Young’s Modulus of Continuous and Aligned Lignocellulosic Jute and Mallow Fibers Reinforced Polyester Composites Determined Both Experimentally and from Theoretical Prediction Models

Effect of Chemical Treatments on the Mechanical Properties of Jute/Polyester Composites

Natural fiber composites have been extensively studied for structural applications, with recent exploration into their potential for various uses. This study investigates the impact of chemical treatments on the properties of Brazilian jute woven fabric/polyester resin composites. Sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid were utilized to treat the jute fabrics, followed by resin transfer molding (RTM) to form the composites. Evaluation included water absorption, flexural strength, tensile strength, and short-beam strength. The alkaline treatment induced changes in the chemical composition of the fibers' surface. Chemical treatments resulted in increased flexural and short-beam strength of the composites, with no significant alterations in tensile properties. The hydrogen peroxide treatment exhibited lower water absorption, suggesting its potential as a viable option for enhancing the performance of these composites.

Assessment of Hydrothermal Treatment Effects on Coir Fibers for Incorporation into Polyurethane Matrix Biocomposites Derived from Castor Oil

The incorporation of natural lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcements in polymer composites has witnessed significant growth due to their biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and mechanical properties. This study aims to evaluate castor-oil-based polyurethane (COPU), incorporating different contents of coconut coir fibers, 5, 10, and 15 wt%. The investigation includes analysis of the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of these composites. Additionally, this study evaluates the influence of hydrothermal treatment on the fibers, conducted at 120 °C and 98 kPa for 30 min, on the biocomposites' properties. Both coir fibers (CFs) and hydrothermal-treated coir fibers (HTCFs) were subjected to comprehensive characterization, including lignocellulosic composition analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biocomposites were subjected to water absorption analysis, bending tests, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TGA. The results indicate that the 30 min hydrothermal treatment reduces the extractive content, enhancing the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix, as evidenced by SEM. Notably, the composite containing 5 wt% CF exhibits a reduced water absorption, approaching the level observed in pure COPU. The inclusion of 15 wt% HTCF results in a remarkable improvement in the composite's flexural strength (100%), elastic modulus (98%), and toughness (280%) compared to neat COPU. TGA highlights that incorporating CFs into the COPU matrix enhances the material's thermal stability, allowing it to withstand temperatures of up to 500 °C. These findings underscore the potential of CFs as a ductile, lightweight, and cost-effective reinforcement in COPU matrix biocomposites, particularly for engineering applications.

Use of Yarn and Carded Jute as Epoxy Matrix Reinforcement for the Production of Composite Materials for Application in the Wind Sector: A Preliminary Analysis for the Manufacture of Blades for Low-Intensity Winds

The development of wind turbines for regions with low wind speeds imposes a challenge to the expansion of the corresponding energy generation capacity. The present work consists of an evaluation of the potential carded jute fiber and jute yarn to be used in the construction of a wind blade for regions of low wind intensity. The fibers used were supplied by Company Textile of Castanhal (Castanhal-Para-Brazil) and used in the study without chemical treatment in the form of single-filament fibers and yarns with a surface twist of 18.5°. The composites were produced through the resin infusion technique and underwent tensile and shear tests using 120-Ohm strain gauges and a blade extensometer to obtain the Young's modulus. In the analysis of the results, the ANOVA test was applied with a 0.05 significance level, followed by Tukey's test. The results showed that long, aligned jute fibers can be a good option for laminated structures applied in composites for small wind turbine blades.

Periquiteira (Cochlospermum orinocense): A Promising Amazon Fiber for Application in Composite Materials

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have in recent decades appeared as sustainable reinforcement alternatives to replace synthetic fibers in polymer composite material applications. In this work, for the first time, the periquiteira (Cochlospermum orinocense), a lesser known NLF from the Amazon region, was analyzed for its density and, by X-ray diffraction (XRD), to calculate the crystallinity index as well as the microfibrillar angle (MFA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron analysis (SEM) and tensile strength. The apparent density found for the periquiteira fiber was 0.43 g/cm³, one of the NLF's lowest. XRD analysis indicated a crystallinity index of 70.49% and MFA of 7.32°. The TGA disclosed thermal stability up to 250 °C. The FTIR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups characteristic of NLFs. The SEM morphological analysis revealed that the periquiteira fiber presents fine bundles of fibrils and a rough surface throughout its entire length. The average strength value of the periquiteira fiber was found as 178 MPa. These preliminary results indicate that the periquiteira fiber has the potential to be used as a reinforcing agent in polymeric matrices and can generate a lightweight composite with excellent mechanical properties that can be used in various industrial sectors.

Evaluation of Hot Pressing Processing by Physical Properties of Ecofriendly Composites Reinforced by Eucalyptus Sawdust and Chamotte Residues

The particleboard industry consumes large amounts of raw material, and this type of product consumption has been increasing over the last few years. The research for alternative raw materials becomes interesting, since most of the resources come from planted forests. In addition, the investigation of new raw materials must take into account environmentally correct solutions, such as the use of alternative natural fibers, use of agro-industrial residues, and resins of vegetable origin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of panels manufactured by hot pressing using eucalyptus sawdust, chamotte, and polyurethane resin based on castor oil as raw materials. Eight formulations were designed with variations of 0, 5, 10, and 15% of chamotte, and two variations of resin with 10% and 15% of volumetric fraction. Tests of gravimetric density, X-ray densitometry, moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out. Through the results it can be noticed that the incorporation of chamotte in the manufacture of the panels increased the water absorption and the swelling in thickness, around 100% and the use of 15% of resin decreased, more than 50%, the values of these properties. X-ray densitometry analyzes showed that the addition of chamotte alters the density profile of the panel. In addition, the panels manufactured with 15% resin were classified as P7, the most demanding type on EN 312:2010 standard.

Evaluation of Composites Reinforced by Processed and Unprocessed Coconut Husk Powder

Engineering activities aim to satisfy the demands of society. Not only should the economic and technological aspects be considered, but also the socio-environmental impact. In this sense, the development of composites with the incorporation of waste has been highlighted, aiming not only for better and/or cheaper materials, but also optimizing the use of natural resources. To obtain better results using industrial agro waste, we need to treat this waste to incorporate engineered composites and obtain the optimal results for each application desired. The objective of this work is to compare the effect of processing coconut husk particulates on the mechanical and thermal behavior of epoxy matrix composites, since we will need a smooth composite in the near future to be applied by brushes and sprayers with a high quality surface finish. This processing was carried out in a ball mill for 24 h. The matrix was a Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA)/triethylenetetramine (TETA) epoxy system. The tests that were performed were resistance to impact and compression, as well as the linear expansion test. Through this work, it can be observed that the processing of coconut husk powder was beneficial, allowing not only positive improvements to the properties of the composite, but also a better workability and wettability of the particulates, which was attributed to the change in the average size and shape of particulates. That means that the composites with processed coconut husk powders have improved impact strength (46 up to 51%) and compressive strength (88 up to 334%), in comparison with unprocessed particles.

Physical Properties of Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Filled with Alumina Trihydrate and Calcium Carbonate

Gutters made of glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) are usually produced with a three-millimetre thickness. The fillers are mixed into unsaturated polyester (UP) resin, which is intended to make the composite material more affordable. This study aims to examine the effects of the addition of alumina trihydrate (ATH), calcium carbonate (CC), and a mixture of ATH and CC of 15 and 30 parts per hundredweight of resins (PHR) on the material properties of the three-millimetre-thick three-layered GFRP composites. The properties observed included physical properties, namely, specific gravity and water absorption, chemical properties such as burning rate, and mechanical properties such as hardness, flexural strength, and toughness. The effects of the fillers on the voids and interfacial bond between the reinforcing fibre and matrix were analysed using the flexural fracture observation through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the addition of fillers into the UP resin led to an increase in the density, hardness, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and toughness but a decrease in water absorption and burning rate in a horizontal position. This information can be helpful for manufacturers of gutters made of GFRP in selecting the appropriate constituent materials while considering the technical and economic properties.