Overview of Jute Fibre as Thermoplastic Matrix Polymer Reinforcement

Recent decades have seen a substantial increase in interest in research on natural fibres that is aligned with sustainable development goals(SDGs).Due to their renewable resources and biodegradability,natural fiberreinforced composites have been investigated as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials to reduce the usage of hazardous waste and environmental pollution.Among the natural fibre,jute fibre obtained from a bast plant has an increasing trend in the application,especially as a reinforcement material.Numerous research works have been performed on jute fibre with regard to reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composites.Nevertheless,current demands on sustainable materials have required new developments in thermoplastic composites.In this paper,the author reviews jute plants as reinforcement materials for thermoplastic matrix polymers.This review provides an overview of the sustainability of jute plants as reinforcement material for thermoplastic matrix polymers.The overview on jute based thermoplastic composites focused on the thermal behavior and mechanical properties.Apart from physical,chemical,and mechanical properties,the study also covers the current and perspectives for future research challenges faced by the researchers on jute fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites.

Optical Fibre Communication Feature Analysis and Small Sample Fault Diagnosis Based on VMD-FE and Fuzzy Clustering

To solve the problems of a few optical fibre line fault samples and the inefficiency of manual communication optical fibre fault diagnosis,this paper proposes a communication optical fibre fault diagnosis model based on variational modal decomposition(VMD),fuzzy entropy(FE)and fuzzy clustering(FC).Firstly,based on the OTDR curve data collected in the field,VMD is used to extract the different modal components(IMF)of the original signal and calculate the fuzzy entropy(FE)values of different components to characterize the subtle differences between them.The fuzzy entropy of each curve is used as the feature vector,which in turn constructs the communication optical fibre feature vector matrix,and the fuzzy clustering algorithm is used to achieve fault diagnosis of faulty optical fibre.The VMD-FE combination can extract subtle differences in features,and the fuzzy clustering algorithm does not require sample training.The experimental results show that the model in this paper has high accuracy and is relevant to the maintenance of communication optical fibre when compared with existing feature extraction models and traditional machine learning models.

BTMA’s advanced fibre focus at Techtextil 2024

New fibres continue to be developed for a wide range of technical textile applications.Currently,they include fibres based on organic or recycled feedstocks to meet sustainability targets and others with new functional properties for advanced high performance applications.Many of them were showcased at the forthcoming Techtextil 2024 exhibition which takes place in Frankfurt,Germany,from April 23-26.The development of specific multifilaments,monofilaments and nonwovens for niche fibre applications–over 70 to date–is very much the specialist field of BTMA member Fibre Extrusion Technologies(FET),along with designing the bespoke fibre extrusion and spunbond and meltblown nonwoven systems to successfully produce them.

Preparation of pitch precursor with excellent spinnability for general-purpose carbon fibre using coal tar pitch as raw material

Tetrahydrofuran(THF) extract of coal tar pitch(CTP) was used instead of blending CTP with pretreated pyrolysis fuel oil to prepare an isotropic pitch precursor with excellent spinnability for general-purpose carbon fibre through bromination-dehydrobromination. The feasibility and effectiveness of synthesising an isotropic pitch precursor derived from THF-soluble(CTP-THFs) is demonstrated in this study.The results show that CTP-THFs contains more light components than CTP;CTP-THFs and CTP monomer proportions were 62.52% and 45.32%, respectively. However, based on comparisons of CTP-THFsBr0 and CTPBr0 characterisations, CTP-THFs exhibits better polycondensation than CTP. Bromination-dehydrobro mination promotes polycondensation of pitch precursors, leading to greater carbon aromaticity in CTP-THFsBr5, CTP-THFsBr10, and CTP-THFsBr15 than that in CTP-THFsBr0 and CTPBr0. CTP-THFsBr5 and CTP-THFsBr10 have excellent spinnability even with softening points as high as 230 ℃. The pericondensed carbon and carbon aromaticity of CTP-THFsBr5 and CTP-THFsBr10 are high owing to the higher degree of polycondensation;however, they still possess a more linear molecular structure. The as-prepared carbon fibre exhibits homogeneity and uniformity, and the mechanical performance is comparable with that of commercial general-purpose carbon fibre products.

Characteristic of Fresh and Harden Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibre Reinforced Alkali Activated Composite

Fibre can enhance the mechanical properties of cement-based composites,but fibre also degrades their workability.However,the quantitative effects of fiber content and length-diameter ratio on alkali-activated materials are still unclear.Various aspect ratio,volume fraction of polyvinyl alcohol fibre(PVAF),and various water-binder ratio were employed to prepare a total of 26 groups of fibre reinforced alkali-activated composite(FRAAC).The influence of PVAF fibre factor(product of fiber volume fraction and length-diameter ratio)on flowability,compactness,strength,and crack fractal dimension of FRAAC was researched.The influence of water-binder ratio on the plastic viscosity of FRAAC was more significant than that on the yield stress.When fibre factor was lower than critical value of 150,the influence of fibres could be overlooked.The reason was that the space between fibres was distant,so the flowability of FRAAC was not impacted by PVAF.At this time,fibres were challenging to restrict the cracks in matrix and increase their mechanical properties.When fibre factor was higher than critical value 150 and lower than density packing value 450,the flexural strength,compressive strength and crack fractal dimension of FRAAC were considerably enhanced,and the FRAAC could still flow easily under dead weight.When fibre factor were above 450,noteworthy fibre balling considerably decreased the flowability,leading to poor solidity and reduced compressive strength.Hence,the ideal content of PVAF in alkali activated composite is between 150/(l/d)and 450/(l/d).

Are yarn quality prediction tools useful in the breeding of high yielding and better fibre quality cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)?

Results The population had large variations for lint yield,fibre properties,predicted yarn properties,and composite fibre quality values.Lint yield with all fibre quality traits was not correlated.When the selection was conducted first to keep those with improved fibre quality,and followed for high yields,a large proportion in the resultant populations was the same between selections based on Cottonspec predicted yarn quality and HVI-measured fibre properties.They both exceeded the selection based on FQI and Background The approach of directly testing yarn quality to define fibre quality breeding objectives and progress the selection is attractive but difficult when considering the need for time and labour.The question remains whether yarn prediction tools from textile research can serve as an alternative.In this study,using a dataset from three seasons of field testing recombinant inbred line population,Cottonspec,a software developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO)for predicting ring spun yarn quality from fibre properties measured by High Volume Instrument(HVI),was used to select improved fibre quality and lint yield in the population.The population was derived from an advanced generation inter-crossing of four CSIRO conventional commercial varieties.The Cottonspec program was able to provide an integrated index of the fibre qualities affecting yarn properties.That was compared with selection based on HVI-measured fibre properties,and two composite fibre quality variables,namely,fibre quality index(FQI),and premium and discount(PD)points.The latter represents the net points of fibre length,strength,and micronaire based on the Premiums and Discounts Schedule used in the market while modified by the inclusion of elongation.PD points.Conclusions The population contained elite segregants with improved yield and fibre properties,and Cottonspec predicted yarn quality is useful to effectively capture these elites.There is a need to further develop yarn quality prediction tools through collaborative efforts with textile mills,to draw better connectedness between fibre and yarn quality.This connection will support the entire cotton value chain research and evolution.

Aerodynamic shape and drag scaling law of a flexible fibre in a flowing medium

The study of a flexible body immersed in a flowing medium is one of the best way to find its aerodynamic shape.This Letter revisited the problem that was first studied by Alben et al.(Nature 420,479–481,2002).To determine the aerodynamic shape of the fibre,a simpler approach is proposed.A universal drag scaling law is obtained and the universality of the Alben-Shelley-Zhang scaling law is confirmed by using dimensional analysis.A complete Maple code is provided for finding aerodynamic shape of the fibre in the flowing medium.

Assessing genetic variation in Gossypium barbadense L.germplasm based on fibre characters

Background Gossypium barbadense L.has specific fibre in terms of its length,strength,and fineness,and known as extra-long staple(ELS) cotton,Sea–Island cotton,or Egyptian cotton.Narrow genetic base with less genetic variability is observed in G.barbadense germplasm.Hence,this study was aimed to evaluate the genetic variability present in 108 germplasm accessions of G.barbadense and to identify the superior genotypes based on the fibre traits.Results We evaluated 108 accessions for five fibre quality traits along with three checks in augmented block design.All fibre traits showed significant differences among genotypes,indicating that there is genetic potential for improvement.Fibre strength and micronaire(MIC) showed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation.High heritability combined with high genetic advance as percentage of mean(GAM) was recorded for fibre length,strength,and micronaire.Fibre strength and fibre length were significantly correlated with each other,while both showed negative correlation with micronaire.Principal component analysis and Biplot analysis showed that uniformity index discriminated all the genotypes in higher level,while fibre length and strength were medium in discrimination power.Biplot revealed genotypes DB 16,EC959191,GSB 39,ARBB 20,5746U,EA 203,and EA 201 were genetically diverse.Hierarchal cluster analysis based on unweighted paired group method using arithmetic average(UPGMA) grouped the genotypes into four clusters,with each cluster consisting of 4,18,48,and 38 genotypes,respectively.Conclusion Among the genotypes,34 for fibre length(> 35 mm),18 for fibre strength(> 40.4 g·tex^(-1)) and 66 for micronaire(3.7-4.2,A grade) were identified as potential accessions based on their superiority.The superior fibre genotypes identified in this study are potential lines for the ELS cotton breeding program.

Materials Selection of Thermoplastic Matrices of Natural Fibre Composites for Cyclist Helmet Using an Integration of DMAIC Approach in Six Sigma Method Together with Grey Relational Analysis Approach

Natural fibre reinforced polymer composite(NFRPC)materials are gaining popularity in the modern world due to their eco-friendliness,lightweight nature,life-cycle superiority,biodegradability,low cost,and noble mechanical properties.Due to the wide variety of materials available that have comparable attributes and satisfy the requirements of the product design specification,material selection has become a crucial component of design for engineers.This paper discusses the study’s findings in choosing the suitable thermoplastic matrices of Natural Fibre Composites for Cyclist Helmet utilising the DMAIC,and GRA approaches.The results are based on integrating two decision methods implemented utilising two distinct decision-making approaches:qualitative and quantitative.This study suggested thermoplastic polyethylene as a particularly ideal matrix in composite cyclist helmets during the selection process for the best thermoplastic matrices material using the 6σtechnique,with the decision based on the highest performance,the lightest weight,and the most environmentally friendly criteria.The DMAIC and GRA approach significantly influenced the material selection process by offering different tools for each phase.In the future study,selection technique may have been more exhaustive if more information from other factors had been added.

Experimental Study and Failure Criterion Analysis of Rubber Fibre Reinforced Concrete under Biaxial Compression-Compression

In order to examine the biaxial compression-compression properties of rubber fibre reinforced concrete(RFRC),an experimental study on RFRC under different lateral compressive stresses was carried out by considering different rubber replacement rates and polypropylene fibre contents.The failure modes and mechanical property parameters of different RFRC working conditions were obtained from the experiment to explore the effects of rubber replacement rate and polypropylene fibre content on the biaxial compression-compression properties of RFRC.The following conclusions were drawn.Under the influence of lateral compressive stress,the biaxial compression-compression failure mode gradually developed from a columnar pattern to a flaky pattern,suggesting that the incorporation of rubber and polypropylene fibres into the concrete resulted in a significant change in the development of cracks.For different rubber replacement rates and polypropylene fibre contents,the vertical compressive stress exhibited the same developing trend under the influence of lateral compressive stress.Specifically,the lateral compressive stress imposed the minimum effect on the vertical compressive stress when the rubber replacement rate and polypropylene fibre content were 20%and 0.4%,respectively,and imposed the maximum effect when the rubber replacement rate and polypropylene fibre content were 20%and 0%,respectively.With the increase of rubber replacement rate,the vertical peak stress was significantly reduced,which implies that an appropriate amount of polypropylene fibres can increase the vertical peak stress to a certain extent.Then,the biaxial compression-compression mechanism of RFRC was analysed from the microscopic level by using scanning electron microscope(SEM).Meanwhile,based on Kupfer’s biaxial compression-compression failure criterion and the octahedral stress space,a biaxial compression-compression failure criterion for RFRC was proposed,which was proven to have good applicability.The research results of this study provide important theoretical basis for the engineering application and development of RFRC.

Effect of Fibre Size on Mechanical Properties and Surface Roughness of PLA Composites by Using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

Naturalfibre as a reinforcing agent has been widely used in many industrial applications.Nevertheless,several factors need to be considered,such as the size and weight percentage of thefibre used in binding.Using fused deposition modelling(FDM),this factor was investigated by varying the size of naturalfibre as the responding variable with afixed weight percentage of kenaffibre.The process of modifying the naturalfibre in terms of size might increase the dispersion of kenaffibre in the polymer matrix and increase the adhesion bonding between thefibre and matrix of composites,subsequently improving the interfacial bonding between these two phases.In this paper,the effect offibre size was evaluated by performing the mechanical test,Scanning Electron Micrograph(SEM)to observe the morphology of the composites,and also by surface analysis.The surface roughness was visualised using a 3D profilometer and thefigure was illustrated as colour shading in the image.The composite withfibre size≤100μm displayed better tensile andflexural strength,compared to other sizes.In conclusion,by reducing the size of thefibre,the composites could develop high strength performance for industrial applications.

Can waste textiles be completely transformed into fibres?

The advancement and novel technologies in materials science have been steadily growing toward adopting ethical practices.To reduce the stress on the environment the producers integrate novel materials to extend traditional functionality.They develop modern fibers that are eco-friendly,light,resilient,mechanically flexible,and easy to process.Moreover,novel fabrics are acquiring unique properties such as sensory capabilities,electrical conductivity,and data transmission.Cloths with characteristics such as hydrophobic cotton,plant-based textiles,antimicrobial fabrics,and shape memory polymers show versatility in textile innovations.Overall,these textile innovations provide sustainable alternatives,which are commercially viable and suitable for large-scale production.

Recent research in mechanical properties of geopolymer-based ultrahigh-performance concrete:A review

Due to the growing need for sustainable and ultra-high-strength construction materials,scientists have created an innovative ultra-high-performance concrete called Geopolymer based ultra-highperformance concrete(GUHPC).Besides,in the last few decades,there have been a lot of explosions and ballistic attacks around the world,which have killed many civilians and fighters in border areas.In this context,this article reviews the fresh state and mechanical properties of GUHPC.Firstly,the ingredients of GUHPC and fresh properties such as setting time and flowability are briefly covered.Secondly,the review of compressive strength,flexure strength,tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of fibrous GUHPC.Thirdly,the blast and projectile impact resistance performance was reviewed.Finally,the microstructural characteristics were reviewed using the scanning electron microscope and X-ray Powder Diffraction.The review outcome reveals that the mechanical properties were increased when 30%silica fume was added to a higher dose of steel fibre to improve the microstructure of GUHPC.It is hypothesized that the brittleness of GUHPC was mitigated by adding 1.5%steel fibre reinforcement,which played a role in the decrease of contact explosion cratering and spalling.Removing the need for cement in GUHPC was a key factor in the review,indicating a promising potential for lowering carbon emissions.However,GUHPC research is still in its early stages,so more study is required before its full potential can be utilized.

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE BENDING FATIGUE OF MODIFIED PPTA FIBRE

PPTA fibres have high axial tensile strength,but the transverse links at the macromolecularlevel of the fibres are low.The high orientation and crystallization of the PPTA fibres leads to alow resistance to bending fatigue.A comparative study on fatigue behaviour of PPTA fibres and modified PPTA fibres weremade by rotating fibre over a pin.The resistant properties of the PPTA fibre to the bending fa-tigue are low,but can be improved by modification.The morphological differences of the deformation processes of the PPTA fibres and modi-fied PPTA fibres as they are tensioned in a monofilament from after being knotted are shown.The properties of resistance to bending fatigue of the different PPTA fibres can be evaluatedby comparing the morphologies of the tensile broken ends of these fibres after knotting.

行业

1月16日,国家标准化管理委员会下达360项国家标准外文版计划的通知。其中《茶叶滤纸》国家标准外文版计划项目获批立项。1月31日,由中国制浆造纸研究院牵头起草的ISO 9184-1:2023 Paper,board and pulps—Fibre furnish analysis一Part 1:General method《纸、纸板和纸浆纤维组成分析第1部分:通用方法》国际标准正式发布。

Polar bear-inspired thermal material:The next generation of ultra-thin insulation

Chinese scientists have published a paper in the journal Science,describing their invention of a fibre-woven garment that imitates polar bear fur.The garment is as warm as a down jacket,despite being only one-fifth as thick.The scientists used polar bear fur as a starting point in their search for a solution to address the weaknesses and processing challenges of traditional aerogels.This advancement in aerogel technology,particularly for textiles,overcomes the limitations of conventional aerogels.It maintains its heat-absorbing properties even after being stretched,washed,and dyed.

Materials Change Our Lives

As we explore the future of the textile industry,innovations in fibres and materials are becoming a key focus.These advancements not only enhance the performance and texture of textiles,but also have great potential for environmental protection and sustainability.In the following articles,we will examine the unique appeal of new fibres and materials under the theme'Materials Change Our Lives'and how they are reshaping the textile industry.Discover the stories behind high-tech fibre breakthroughs and environmentally friendly materials,and their impact on the future of the textile industry.Let us explore the endless possibilities of textiles,experience the innovative fibres and materials that are changing our lives,and embrace a bright future.

Thermal Performance Analysis of Plaster Reinforced with Raffia Vinifera Particles for Use as Insulating Materials in Building

The present study focuses on the formulation of new composite consisting of plaster and raffia vinifera particle (RVP) with the purpose to reducing energy consumption. The aim of this study is to test this new compound as an insulating eco-material in building in a tropical climate. The composites samples were developed by mixing plaster with raffia vinifera particles (RVP) using three different sizes (1.6 mm, 2.5 mm and 4 mm). The effects of four different RVP incorporations rates (i.e., 0wt%, 5wt%;10wt%;15wt%) on physical, thermal, mechanicals properties of the composites were investigated. In addition, the use of the raffia vinifera particles and plaster based composite material as building envelopes thermal insulation material is studied by the habitable cell thermal behavior instrumentation. The results indicate that the incorporation of raffia vinifera particle leads to improve the new composite physical, mechanical and thermal properties. And the parametric analysis reveals that the sampling rate and the size of raffia vinifera particles are the most decisive factor to impact these properties, and to decreases in the thermal conductivity which leads to an improvement to the thermal resistance and energy savings. The best improvement of plaster composite was obtained at the raffia vinifera particles size between 2.5 and 4.0 mm loading of 5wt% (C95P5R) with a good ratio of thermo-physical-mechanical properties. Additionally, the habitable cell experimental thermal behavior, with the new raffia vinifera particles and plaster-based composite as thermal insulating material for building walls, gives an average damping of 4°C and 5.8°C in the insulated house interior environment respectively for cold and hot cases compared to the outside environment and the uninsulated house interior environment. The current study highlights that this mixture gives the new composite thermal insulation properties applicable in the eco-construction of habitats in tropical environments.

Growth, Development and Yield of Kenaf as Affected by Planting Dates and N Fertilization

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) consists of various beneficial components like stalks, seeds, leaves, fibers, oils, proteins, allelopathic chemicals, and fiber strands, among other things. Despite the numerous uses of the crop, there is little or no information on optimum agronomic practices such as planting date and N fertilization of the crop in the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana where the crop is widely cultivated by smallholder farmers. Field experiments were therefore carried out in 2020 and repeated during the 2021 cropping season in the study area. The objective of the study was to determine appropriate planting date and N fertilization for increased kenaf productivity. In each year, the treatments consisted of 3 × 5 factorial combinations of three planting dates (1st July, 7th July and 14th July) and five levels of N (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg/ha) replicated three times. The design of the experiment was a split-plot with the N fertilizer as the main plot and the planting date assigned to sub plot. The results showed that, planting kenaf in early (1st) July or N fertilization at the rate of 60 kg/ha increased plant density, stem height, stem diameter, dry bast and core yields in both cropping seasons.

Effects of melatonin implantation on cashmere yield,fibre characteristics,duration of cashmere growth as well as growth and reproductive performance of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats

Background： Exogenous melatonin could induce cashmere growth. However, induced growth of cashmere fleece by melatonin implants cannot be combined with the typical growth, resulting in earlier shedding followed by another cycle of cashmere growth. To address this issue, we examine the effects on the cashmere yield, fibre characteristics, and the growth and reproductive performance of cashmere goats of planned administration of melatonin. Methods： Eighteen half-sib, female goats were assigned to two treatments （n = 9） including a control and a treatment where melatonin （2 mg/kg BW） was implanted at the end of April and end of June. Cashmere growth and shedding were observed for approximately ] year following implantation. Fibre samples were collected monthly to determine cumulative cashmere length. Initiation and cessation dates for cashmere growth as well as the rate of cashmere growth were calculated. Cashmere yield, weight gain of dam, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were also recorded. Results： Melatonin implantation increased cashmere yield by 34.5 % （control 553.7 g vs. melatonin 745.0 g; P〈 0.01）, cashmere length by 21.3 % （control 95.2 mm vs. melatonin 115.4 mm; P 〈 0.01）, and decreased fibre diameter by 4.4 % （control 14.6 pm vs. melatonin 14.0 IJm; P 〈 0.03）. In melatonin-treated goats, the average initiation date was earlier than in control goats （May 18, 2013 vs. July 2, 20]3; P〈 0.01） but there was a similar cessation date （March 22, 2014 vs. March 27, 2014）. Consequently, the duration of cashmere growth was longer in melatonin-treated goats than in control goats （307 vs.270 days; P 〈 0.01）. The final BW, average daily gain, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were not influenced by melatonin implantation. Conclusions： These data indicate that melatonin implantation （2 mg/kg BW） on two occasions （late April and June） increased cashmere yield by combining the induced growth of cashmere fleece with the typical growth and decreased the fibre diameter without changing dam growth rate or reproductive performance.