Correlation of Microstructure of Leaf Sheath Epidermis and Nutrient Composition of Palm Plants with the Damage Degree of Red Palm Fiber Elephant

[ Objective] Correlation of microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition of palm plants with the damage degree of red palm fiber elephant in four kinds of plants in Nanning were analyzed in order to control the occurrence and damage of this insect in Nanning. [Method] Taken 4 kinds of Palmae plants in Nanning including Ravenea fivulafis, Washingtonia filifera, Phoenix canafiensis, Roystonea regia （HBK.）O. F. Cook as materials, damage situation of the red palm fiber elephant was investigated, microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition of palm plants were analyzed and determined. [ Result] The results showed that there was direct correlation between the microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition with the physical resistance of palm plant against red palm fiber elephant. The extend of damage from red palm fiber elephant had negatively relation with the thickness of corneum and leaf epidermis. The damage degree caused by red palm fiber elephant increased with the content of crude protein, crude ash and nitrogen free extract increasing, also increased with the content of rude fiber decreasing. [Condusion] The damage degree of red palm fiber elephant had a relationship with microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition of palm plants.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Sugar Palm Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites:Effect of Silane Treatment and Fiber Loading

The aim of the present study was to develop sugar palm fiber(SPF)reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)composites and to investigate the effects of fiber surface modification by 2%silane treatment and fiber loading(0,10,20,30,40 and 50 wt%)on the mechanical and thermal properties of the obtained composites.Surface treatment was employed to improve the fiber-matrix interface,which was expected to boost the mechanical strength of the composites,in terms of tensile,flexural and impact properties.Thermal properties were also investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA)and dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA)to assess the thermal stability of the developed composites.Furthermore,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)was used to study the tensile fracture samples of composites with a view towards evaluating the effects of fiber surface treatments on the fiber/matrix interfacial bonding.The findings of this study reveal that the silane treatment has determined good bonding and linkage of the cellulose fiber to the TPU matrix,hence contributing to enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of the composites.The composite formulation with 40 wt%sugar palm fiber loading showed optimum values such as 17.22 MPa for tensile,13.96 MPa for flexural,and 15.47 kJ/m^2 for impact strength.Moreover,the formulations with higher fiber content exhibited satisfactory values of storage modulus and thermal degradation,while their good interfacial adhesion was evidenced by SEM images.

Function of Palm Fiber in Stabilization of Alluvial Clayey Soil in Yangtze River Estuary

Palm fiber is one of the favorable materials used in stabilization of soft soil in geotechnical engineering projects in recent years due to its nature of sustainability,no harm to the environment,biodegradability,availability and costeffectiveness in the context of widespread appeal from the world for returning to nature and protecting the earth our homestead.This paper is aimed at exploring the mechanical performance of Shanghai clayey soil reinforced with palm fiber.The unconfined compressive tests are carried out on samples treated with palm fibers of different lengths and contents,and the unconfined compressive strength(UCS),ductility rate(DR),secant modulus(SM),energy absorption capacity(EAC)and failure pattern(FP)of the reinforced and unreinforced samples have been analyzed with regard to their relationship with palm fiber contents and lengths.Then multiple regression,grey correlation and general correlation relationship analysis are applied to the resultant test data so as to obtain the mathematical and statistical equation of related soil indexes.It has been concluded from the analysis that the unconfined compressive strength,ductility and energy absorption capacity of reinforced soil will increase with the increase in content and length of palm fiber,which are maximized when palm fiber content and length are 0.4%and 15 mm,respectively.On the contrary,the secant modulus of reinforced soil decreases considerably with content and length of palm fiber as a whole.Additionally,the failure pattern also changes from brittle to ductile gradually with the content and length of palm fiber.The data provided by the analysis of reinforced soil can be referred to and used for the related geotechnical engineering in the future.And the mathematical model obtained from the statistical regression is significantly meaningful because it can be used to predict the soil performance without the need for doing the additional tests,with saving in cost and time.What’s more,the application of palm fiber to soft soil is completely in accordance to the concept of sustainable development and environment protection.

Producing Spinnable Regenerated Cellulosic Fibers from Palm Fibers for Use in the Textile Industry

The textile industry is considered a major industry worldwide, and some countries use available domestic raw materials for textile manufacturing, being one of many other economic resources. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of States paying great attention to the cultivation of palm trees due to their great importance, which are an indispensable traditional food for a large portion of the population. However, huge quantities of palm’s by-products, especially palm fibers, are constantly wasted, although they can be effectively used to produce textiles of particular end uses such as ropes. This study, therefore, sought to explore the potential of extracting cellulose from palm fibers for use in the textile industry. The study has utilized the experimental approach by applying alkaline to palm fibers so as to extract inherent cellulose. It has also applied mechanical processing to turn cellulose into fibers. Fibers’ physical properties (color, diameter, length), chemical properties (ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation of fibers before and after treatment) were all studied. The study has proved that the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of regenerated cellulose fibers extracted from palm fibers are similar to those of other natural fibers such as bamboo and linen, and thus can be used in the textile industry. The study also compared different types of palm trees to determine the one that contains the largest concentration of cellulose. However, it was found that sugar palm fibers contain the highest cellulose concentration of 44% and therefore, it was selected for the application of the study’s theory. The study recommends making use of palm fiber in manufacturing textiles for particular end uses such as ropes, fillings and filters, as well as applying the theory of the study to other plants that have not yet been manipulated.

Characterization of the Thermo-Microstructural Analysis of Raffia Palm Fibers Proposed for Roofing Sheet Production

Raffia fibres are made from fibrous branches and leaves of Raffia palm. The membrane on the underside of each individual frond leaf is taken off to create a long thin fiber. They are usually waste materials which cause a great environmental degradation. The characterization of Raffia palm fibers/ particles was investigated through X-ray diffractometer (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Scanning electron mi croscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) and Atomic force microscope (AFM). The various results obtained are equivalent to those of other agro-waste materials generally used in roofing sheets composites production. Hence, this work shows that Raffia palm fibers/particles can be a useful material for cement mortar composites production which can be used for production of roofing sheets.

Fabrication and Optical Characterization of Palm Fiber Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Based Composites: Band Gap Studies

The composite materials are replacing the conventional materials, owing to their excellent properties. The developments of new materials are on the anvil and are thriving day by day. Natural fiber composites such as palm fiber (PF) polymer composites became more enchanting because of their high specific strength, low weight and biodegradability. Mixing of natural fiber like PF with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer is finding increased applications. In this work, PF reinforced ABS composites PF-ABS was fabricated by Injection Moulding Machine. The effect of UV-Visible radiation on PF-ABS composites was studied by means of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy in the wavelength 200 - 1000 nm at room temperature. The present investigation shows that the addition of palm fiber modifies the absorption property of the materials. The absorption ability is maximal for 10% PF-ABS composites while minimal for 20% PF-ABS composites in the visible region of the spectrum. Optical constant like direct band gap energy, Urbach energy and Steepness parameter were determined using absorbance data. The values of direct energy band gap, Urbach energy as well as Steepness parameter were found to be in the range 2.6 - 3.9 eV, 0.40 - 0.85 eV and 0.03 - 0.06, respectively. It was observed that the value of direct band gap energy as well as Urbach energy is higher while the value of Steepness parameter is lower for PF-ABS composites with 10% palm fiber.

Structure and mechanical properties of windmill palm fiber with different delignification treatments

The removal of lignin from natural cellulose fibers is a crucial step in preparing high-performance materials,such as compressed high-toughness composites.This process can eliminate non-cellulosic impurities,create abundant compressible pores,and expose a greater number of active functional groups.In this study,biomass waste windmill palm fiber was used as the raw mate-rial to prepare holocellulose fibers through various chemical treatments.The structure,chemical composition,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis,X-ray diffraction analysis,ther-mal properties,and mechanical properties,particularly fatigue performance,were studied.The sodium chlorite treated fiber had the highest crystallinity index(61.3%)and the most complete appearance structure.The sodium sulfite treated fiber had the highest tensile strength(227.34±52.27)MPa.Hydroxide peroxide treatment removed most of the lignin and hemicellulose,increas-ing the cellulose content to 68.83%±0.65%.However,all the chemical treatments decreased the thermal property of the fibers.

Modeling Date Palm Trunk Fibers (DPTF) Packed Bed Adsorption Performances for Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Wastewater

In this study,the potential of a low-cost bio-adsorbent,taken directly from Date Palm Trunk Fibers(DPTF)agricultural wastes,for cadmium ions removal from wastewaters is examined.The performances of this adsorbent are evaluated by building breakthrough curves at different bed heights and flow rates while keeping other parameters,such as the initial feed concentration,pH,and particle size,constant.The results indicate that the maximum cadmium adsorption capacity of DTPF can be obtained from the Thomas model as 51.5 mg/g with the most extended mass transfer zone of 83 min at the lowest flow rate at 5 ml/min.The saturation concentrations(NO)and the rate constant(kab)obtained from the BDST(bed depth service time)model are 7022.16 mg/l and 0.0536 l/mg.min,respectively.Using the Yon-Nelsen Model,it is found that operating at a lower flow rate leads to a larger value of the elapsed needed time to reach a 50%breakthrough.The Wolborska model indicates that the bed capacity increases with decreasing the flow rate,and the adsorbent can achieve a greater external mass transfer kinetic coefficient(2.271/min)at a higher flow rate.

Mechanical characteristics of oil palm fiber reinforced thermoplastics as filament for fused deposition modeling(FDM)

Fibers are increasingly in demand for a wide range of polymer composite materials.This study^purpose was the development of oil palm fiber(OPF)mixed with the thermoplastic material acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS)as a composite filament for fused deposition modeling(FDM).The mechanical properties of this composite filament were then analyzed.OPF is a fiber extracted from empty fruit bunches,which has proved to be an excellent raw material for biocomposites.The cellulose content of OPF is 43%-65%,and the lignin content is 13%-25%.The composite lilament consists of OPF(5%,mass fraction)in the ABS matrix.The fabrication procedure included alkalinizing,drying,and crushing the OPF to develop the composite.The OPF/ABS materials were prepared and completely blended to acquire a mix of 250 g of the material for the composition.Next,the FLD25 filament extrusion machine was used to form the OPF/ABS composite into a wire.This composite filament then was used in an FDM-based 3D printer to print the specimens.Finally,the printed specimens were tested for mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength.The results show that the presence of OPF had increased the tensile strength and modulus elasticity by approximately 1.9%and 1.05%,respectively.However,the flexural strength of the OPF/ABS composite had decreased by 90.6%compared with the virgin ABS.Lastly,the most significant outcome of the OPF/ABS composite was its suitability for printing using the FDM method.

The Effect of the Process on Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid-Date Palm Leaf Fibers Composite Films Produced By Extrusion Blowing

Biocomposite films prepared with melt compounding and film blowing have become a new trend in plastic research to deliver more eco-friendly packages.Polylactic acid(PLA)was melt compounded with minimally processed date palm leaf fiber(DPLF)and converted into films by blown film extrusion.The compounding was done in order to enhance the film mechanical properties in one hand,and to decrease the film production cost in the other hand.In this present study,a reference PLA film and films with 1%,2%,and 5%of DPLF(weight%)were produced with different process parameters.The spatial variations in films thickness and lay flat width indicate that the addition of DPLF up to 2%enhances the bubble stability for the tested process parameters.However,the composite with 5%DPLF shows nearly the same processability window as the neat PLA.The structural and mechanical characterizations of films suggest a reinforcing effect of the PLA matrix up to 2%of fiber(with an optimum at 1%).Larger DPLF loading leads to depressed and more anisotropic mechanical properties,related to an increased density of defects at the fiber-PLA fragile interface and to a DPLF-induced enhanced PLA thermal degradation and amorphous phase orientation.

Environmental Friendly Lightweight Material from Natural Fibers of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Indonesia is the most producer of crude palm oil (CPO) worldwide with production more that 25 million tons in 2013. Through increasing production of CPO the wastes generated are growing up as well. The empty fruit bunch of oil palm (EFB) is one of the solid waste (biomass) which is generated at the palm oil mill. Its amount is equivalent to the CPO production, but only about 50% of its weight are good fibers for further usage as industrial raw material. The EFB fiber consists an interesting honey comb/lightweight structure. By mixing the EFB natural fiber with bio binding agent based on potato the environmental friendly materials (biocomposites) can be produced which are 100% biodegadrable. The biocomposites with 2 mm thickness have strengthness about 7 GPa according to the 3 points bending test standard of DIN 53 457. After coating process the environmental friendly lightweight materials with density less than 0.4 g/cm3 will be ready to be implemented for different technical applications.

棕榈木棉热压复合材料吸声性能及影响因素研究

为达到部分替换黄麻吸声材料的目的,研究了棕榈木棉纤维毡/聚3-羟基丁酸-戊酸酯(PHBV)热压复合材料的吸声性能及影响因素。分析了棕榈纤维、木棉纤维、PHBV质量比,纤维毡面密度,棕榈纤维线密度,吸声复合材料厚度对该热压复合材料低频(200 Hz~1600 Hz)吸声系数平均值的影响。结果表明:采用2块纤维毡且棕榈、木棉、PHBV的质量比为10∶30∶60,纤维毡面密度分别为185 g/m^(2)、145 g/m^(2),木棉纤维线密度为0.25 tex,棕榈纤维线密度为0.60 tex,热压复合材料厚度为4 mm时,所制备吸声材料的低频吸声系数平均值达0.42,可以作为吸声材料投入实际生产。

Impact of Four Fiber Sources and the Strategy of Feeding on the Nutritional Quality of Rabbit Meat (Oryctogalagus cuniculis)

This study was conducted to valorize four sources of fiber (Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera and palm nut fibers) in animal production. The experiments were carried out on 128 rabbits divided into 4 batches of 32 animals, reared for 8 weeks under the same conditions. Each batch was subdivided into two subgroups, one fed with a complete diet (a diet containing one of the fiber sources and served all day) and the other with the same diet separated from the fiber source (served at 9 a.m. and supplemented with the fiber source at 4 p.m.). Eight (8) experimental rations were, respectively, tested on the subgroups: complete feed Gliricidia sepium (CFG);supplemented feed Gliricidia sepium (SFG);complete feed Leucaena leucocephala (CFL);supplemented feed Leucaena leucocephala (SFL);complete feed Moringa oleifera (CFM);supplemented feed Moringa oleifera (SFM);complete feed palm nut fiber (CFF);supplemented feed palm nut fiber (SFF). In each subgroup, 4 rabbits were slaughtered at 15 weeks of age for a total of 32 rabbits. Physico-chemical parameters were evaluated on the feed and the meat. Data were analyzed using SAS 2013 software. Fiber content was similar (p > 0.05) for complete feeds. Fat content was high (p < 0.001) for the palm nuts fiber (27.34%) and the CFF feed (11.36%). Feeding rabbits with G. sepium leaves or palm nut fiber continuously increased the fat content of the meat in contrast to sequential feeding. Meat quality was also better when the fiber source was used in the feed of the rabbits in the evening.

减载伸长路径下棕榈纤维加筋砂力学响应

为探究棕榈纤维对石英砂力学性能的增强作用,采用减载三轴伸长试验方法测试了饱和状态下棕榈纤维加筋石英砂的剪切力学性能,计算了棕榈纤维加筋石英砂在不同纤维长度和掺量下的应力-应变曲线、初始弹性模量和割线模量,基于摩尔库伦准则分析了棕榈纤维加筋石英砂剪切强度随纤维配比的变化规律,通过对比素砂和加筋砂在剪切过程中的体积应变及孔隙得出了棕榈纤维对石英砂力学性能的增强作用。结果表明:纤维加筋会增强石英砂在伸长破坏中的应力应变强度,对石英砂峰值应力和残余应力提升效果最佳的纤维掺量和长度为0.9%和12 mm;棕榈纤维加筋石英砂的初始弹性模量和峰值割线模量均随有效围压的增大而增大,整体刚度与有效围压呈正相关关系;纤维对石英砂剪切强度的增强效果只能在低围压状态时显现;在石英砂中添加棕榈纤维减小了石英砂的临界孔隙比及剪胀性。研究结果有助于促进纤维加筋砂的工程应用并提供相应理论参考。

棕榈纤维加筋土抗剪强度特性及机理研究

为改善客土喷播后边坡浅层土体强度较低的问题,对棕榈纤维加筋土开展不固结不排水(Unconsolidated Undrained, UU)三轴试验,研究棕榈纤维加筋土在纤维掺量为0.35%、0.55%、0.75%、0.95%,纤维长度为5 mm、10 mm、20 mm、30 mm下不同加筋条件组合对土体抗剪强度特性的影响及其加筋机理.试验结果表明:在粉质黏土中掺入棕榈纤维可以显著提高土体的强度和抗变形能力.极限主应力差在纤维掺量为0.75%、纤维长度为20 mm时达到峰值,较素土提高172.9%;纤维掺量和长度等因素对黏聚力提升显著,较素土提升149.6%.对内摩擦角影响较小,在3°以内变化;对棕榈纤维进行SEM扫描电镜下观察后发现,棕榈纤维表面的沟槽可以增大纤维与土颗粒间的界面摩擦力和咬合作用,从而可以改善土体抗剪强度指标.

棕榈纤维加筋黏土的强度试验与本构模型

棕榈树在我国南方广泛种植,剥皮所得棕榈纤维具有一定的抗拉强度和较好的耐久性,近年来利用棕榈纤维加筋黏土在岩土工程中逐渐得到应用。为了研究棕榈纤维加筋黏土单轴应力状态下的力学性能、破坏形式及本构关系,选取长度分别为6、12、18 mm的棕榈纤维,按照纤维含量分别为0.2%、0.4%、0.6%、0.8%掺入黏土中,开展棕榈纤维加筋黏土的无侧限抗压强度试验。结果表明:黏土中掺加棕榈纤维后强度增加明显,在12 mm的筋材长度和0.8%的纤维含量组合下加筋效果最优,与素土相比,加筋后强度提高27%;加筋后的黏土破坏韧性好,残余强度高,并且破坏的过程比较缓慢,其原因为纤维在土体中形成了三维土网结构,限制了土颗粒的滑移,增强土体整体性,从而使得土体具有较好的延性;引入混凝土单轴受压应力-应变模型,分析棕榈纤维加筋黏土的无侧限抗压强度试验,将试验数据与模型曲线进行拟合,发现模型结果与试验结果具有良好的一致性。研究成果对棕榈纤维加筋土在岩土工程中的应用具有重要借鉴作用。

利用棕榈丝纤维和棕榈仁粕栽培茶树菇配方试验

[目的]研究能提高茶树菇产量的配方,丰富栽培茶树菇的原辅材料。[方法]利用棕榈丝纤维和棕榈仁粕混合配方栽培茶树菇,设3个不同配比,并以杂木屑配方作为对照,对比4个配方间产量的差异。[结果]棕榈丝纤维和棕榈仁粕可以显著提高茶树菇的产量,其中添加棕榈配方的茶树菇平均单袋产量可达277.7 g,比杂木屑配方的产量(178.9 g)提高了55.2%左右。但是菌丝的生长速度随着加入棕榈原材料量的增加而减缓,特别是棕榈仁粕,当其量达一定值时,茶树菇菌丝生长缓慢甚至无法满袋,且无法正常出菇。[结论]在实际生产中,可在杂木屑配方中适当添加棕榈丝纤维或者棕榈仁粕,以提高茶树菇产量。

Experimental investigations on wear properties of Palm kernel reinforced composites for brake pad applications

The use of asbestos material is being avoided to manufacture the brake pads as it is harmful and toxic in nature. Further it leads to various health issues like asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancers. These brake pads can be replaced by natural fibers like Palm kernel (0-50%), Nile roses (0-15%) and Wheat (0-10%) with additives like aluminum oxide (5%-20%) and graphite powder (10%-35%). Phenolic resin of 35% is utilized as a binder. Particulated Nile roses are used to increase the friction coefficient and wheat powder is used to reduce the wear rate. Aluminum oxide and graphite are abrasive in nature. This helps to make brake pads with high friction co-efficient and less wear rate with low noise pollution. The wear of the proposed composites have been investigated at different speeds. Various tests like wear on pin-ondisc apparatus, hardness on the Rockwell hardness apparatus and oil absorption test have been conducted. Phenolic resin produces good bonding nature to fiber. Thus, Fibers found to have performed palatably among all commercial brake pads. The objective of the research indicates that Palm kernal shell could be a conceivable alternative for asbestos in friction coating materials.

棕榈丝栽培玉木耳的配方筛选

为了解决扩大玉木耳栽培中存在的原材料紧缺难题,以棕榈丝、玉米芯为主料开展了玉木耳栽培基质配方筛选的研究。研究结果表明:含棕榈丝配方(SY1~SY4)的菌丝长速较杂木屑配方(CK)的快0.040~0.125cm/d,盖面时间较CK快1.0~2.0d,满袋时间较CK快6.0~14.0d,以配方SY4的长速最快,达0.462cm/d,其次是SY3为0.455cm/d,分别比长速最慢的CK快0.125和0.118 cm/d;用棕榈丝栽培玉木耳的产量高、质量好,以棕榈丝含量为65%的配方(SY3)产量最高,鲜耳和干耳产量分别为315.92和27.55 g/袋,分别比CK增加28.38%和33.74%,其转化率达82.06%,比CK增加28.38%;棕榈丝代料栽培的玉木耳重金属指标和农残含量均符合检测标准。因此,棕榈丝可作为玉木耳代料栽培的原料,配方SY3(棕榈丝65%、玉米芯23%、麸皮10%、红糖1%、过磷酸钙0.5%、石灰0.5%)为最佳配方。

山棕-乳胶床垫力学性能及翻身过程中的体压分布

为探究山棕-乳胶床垫在静态及翻身过程中的人-床界面体压分布,对山棕、乳胶进行了抗压缩测试,比较分析各试件的应力-应变曲线,探讨山棕、乳胶的力学性能。同时,利用Tactilus实时压力分布测量系统,测量12名参试者在山棕-乳胶床垫3种睡姿下、4个部位静态及翻身过程中的体压分布。利用峰值压力、平均压力、人-床接触面积评估乳胶的减压性能。结果表明:山棕作为横观各向同性材料,其割线弹性模量约为44.06 kPa。乳胶作为一种可压缩的超弹性材料,Ogden本构模型在整个压缩应变历程下能很好地描述其力学行为,其决定系数R 2约为0.969。人体静息状态下,3种睡姿下的肩部和臀部的峰值压力最大为21.86和25.81 kPa。在0°仰卧向30°卷曲侧卧翻身过程中,人体平衡主要靠肩部、臀部、大腿维持,接触面积减小,易发生倾覆,为保持身体稳定需不断调整姿态,导致人-床界面压力波动变化。乳胶弹性模量小、质地柔软等特点使人体表面紧密贴合床垫,有效增加人-床接触面积,对肩部、臀部峰值压力有21.72%~32.50%、18.95%~28.10%的减压效果。通过对山棕、乳胶的力学性能和组合床垫动静态体压分布研究,得到乳胶的本构模型和减压性能,为后续床垫设计提供了理论参考。