A Review on Development of Natural Fibre Composites for Construction Applications

This paper is a review of the past researcher of feasibility of the usage of natural fibre composites in various civil engineering applications and also the advantages and limitations of natural fibres reinforced composites. As the world is gathering attention towards the renewable resources for environmental purposes, studies of natural fibre have been increasing further due to the application of natural fibre throughout various industries such as aerospace, automobiles and construction sectors. This paper is started with brief information regarding the natural fibre composite materials, the natural fibre composite for structural and infrastructure applications, its advantages and also its limitations. With their unique and wide range of variability, natural fibre composites could emerge as a new alternative engineering material that can substitute the use of synthetic fibre composites.

Conceptual Design of Glass/Renewable Natural Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composite Motorcycle Side Cover

This paper presents the development process relating to the conceptual design of glass/renewable natural fibrereinforced polymer hybrid composite motorcycle side cover.Motorcycle side cover is a component frequently made from plastic or steel that functions on covering the motorcycle parts,components and systems such as frame,battery,electrical systems and mechanical systems.Function Analysis Systems Techniques(FAST)is used to identify the functions of motorcycle side cover.The right-side cover of motorcycle model SYM E-Bonus 110 has been physically studied to identify the competitive benchmarking criteria.The functions and competitive benchmarking criteria are then compiled and integrated with the environmental requirements to identify the Product Design Specifications(PDS).The coir fibre has been selected from six identified dominant renewable natural fibre used for automotive component through integration of Ranking Method and Quality Based Selection(QBS).Then the polypropylene matrix is selected after shortlisting the existing thermoplastic that is used with coir fibre and has high suitability for injection moulding manufacturing.The polypropylene matrix is then evaluated using Weighted Evaluation Matrix(WEM)by comparing to benchmark material which is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene(ABS).After that,the conceptual design development of glass/renewable coir fibre-reinforced polypropylene motorcycle side cover is carried out using an integrated Theory of Inventive Problem Solving(TRIZ)and Morphological Chart,followed by final conceptual design selection using integration of Pugh Scoring Method and QBS.The conceptual design development intended on improving the biodegradability to reduce pollution to the environment.However,the usage of glass/coir fibre-reinforced polypropylene hybrid composite may increase the weight due to higher density.Four innovative design concepts have been developed and the selected final concept design has the most minimum number of ribs and minimum thickness with the same ratio of glass fibre and natural fibre composition.

A Mini Review on Testing Methods for Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre Honeycomb Sandwich Structure and Fractography Analysis

This paper is a review of the past research of mechanical testing methods for natural fibre honeycomb sandwich structure as well as failure modes analysis at a microscopic level by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). As the world is garnering attention towards renewable resources for environmental purposes, studies of natural fibre have been increasing as well as the application of natural fibre throughout various industries such as aerospace, automobiles, and construction sectors. This paper is started with brief information regarding the honeycomb sandwich structure, introduction to natural fibre, its applications as well as the factors affecting the performances of the structure. Next, the mechanical testing methods are listed out as well as the expected outcomes obtained from the respective testing. The mechanical properties are also identified by conducting lab tests according to the ASTM standard for sandwich and core structures. The microstructure of the deformed samples is then examined under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) by using different magnifications to study the failure mechanisms of the samples. The images obtained from the SEM test are analyzed by using fractography which will show the failure modes of the samples. This article is based on past research conducted by professional on the related topic.

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.

Concurrent Material Selection of Natural Fibre Filament for Fused Deposition Modeling Using Integration of Analytic Hierarchy Process/Analytic Network Process

The employment of natural fibres in fused deposition modeling has raised much attention from researchers in finding a suitable formulation for the natural fibre composite filaments.Moreover,selection of suitable natural fibres for fused deposition modeling should be performed before the development of the composites.It could not be performed without identifying selection criteria that comprehend both materials and fused deposition modeling process requirements.Therefore,in this study,integration of the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)/Analytic Network Process(ANP)has been introduced in selecting the natural fibres based in different clusters of selection concurrently.The selection process has been performed based on the interdependency among the selection criteria.Pairwise comparison matrices are constructed based on AHP’s hierarchical model and super matrices are constructed based on the ANP’s network model.As a result,flax fibre has ranked at the top of the selection by scored 19.5%from the overall evaluation.Flax fibre has excellent material properties and been found in various natural fibre composite applications.Further investigation is needed to study the compatibility of this fibre to be reinforced with a thermoplastic polymer matrix to develop a resultant natural fibre composite filament for fused deposition modeling.

Material Selection of a Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites using an Analytical Approach

Material selection has become a critical part of design for engineers,due to availability of diverse choice of materials that have similar properties and meet the product design specification.Implementation of statistical analysis alone makes it difficult to identify the ideal composition of the final composite.An integrated approach between statistical model and micromechanical model is desired.In this paper,resultant natural fibre and polymer matrix from previous study is used to estimate the mechanical properties such as density,Young’s modulus and tensile strength.Four levels of fibre loading are used to compare the optimum natural fibre reinforced polymer composite(NFRPC).The result from this analytical approach revealed that kenaf/polystyrene(PS)with 40%fibre loading is the ideal composite in automotive component application.It was found that the ideal composite score is 1.156 g/cm^(3),24.2 GPa and 413.4 MPa for density,Young’s modulus and tensile strength,respectively.A suggestion to increase the properties on Young’s modulus are also presented.This work proves that the statistical model is well incorporated with the analytical approach to choose the correct composite to use in automotive application.

Cement Bonded Particle Boards with Different Types of Natural Fibres—Using Carbon Dioxide Injection for Increased Initial Bonding

The effect of CO2 injection on initial strength increase and hardening of cement-fibre mix in a cement bonded particle board (CBPB) production was evaluated. Different cement contents, formation pressure and types of fibres were considered. The initial strength increase with CO2 injection is so much faster than this caused by conventional hydration that the produced samples do not need additional curing before they can be stored. Similar strength and stiffness values as in conventional products on the market are gained with lower cement content for similar types of fibres. Visual inspection of board surfaces aged for 13 years in a harsh exterior environment as well as comparison of strength and stiffness values for these boards when new and after ageing, gives a very satisfying result. The combined effect of the above discussed gains results in markedly increased productivity at lower cost and lower environmental impacts than is possible in traditional CBPB production.

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.

Adsorption behaviour of Eu(Ⅲ) on natural bamboo fibres: effects of pH, humic acid, contact time, and temperature

To study the adsorption properties of organic functional groups in plant fibres and identify a highly efficient and affordable adsorbent for radioactive wastewater treatment,natural bamboo fibre(NBF)samples were prepared,and the adsorption properties of Eu(Ⅲ)on NBFs were studied under given experimental conditions.The effects of the pH,solid-to-liquid ratio,background ions,humic acid,contact time,and temperature on the adsorption behaviour of Eu(Ⅲ)on NBFs were investigated.Adsorption was greatly influenced by pH,and the adsorption curves presented two inflection points at pH≈7 and pH≈11.Moreover,while the ionic strength presented a negative effect at pH<7,the high ionic strength favoured adsorption at pH>7.During adsorption on NBFs,the–OH,C–H,O–H,C–O,and C=O were the main adsorption groups.Hydrolysis occurring on the NBF surface caused the adsorption process to become increasingly difficult at pH>7.The maximum adsorption capacity of NBFs was 147.6 mg/g at 308 K,and the adsorption could be described using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.The adsorption of Eu(Ⅲ)on NBFs was a spontaneous and endothermic process according to the thermodynamic parameters of the process,and the adsorption thermodynamics could be well described using the Freundlich adsorption model.Therefore,NBFs were determined to be an efficient,inexpensive,and easily disposable sewage treatment material.

Plasma Treatment of Natural Jute Fibre by RIE 80 plus Plasma Tool

Plasma treatment can be used to modify the structure of natural fibre like jute for a variety of applications. Environmentally friendly jute fibre was treated with argon and oxygen plasma. The treated samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） and optical microscope. The macromolecular and microstructural changes in cellulose confirmed the change by plasma treatment. The XRD results confirmed that the crystal size and the crystallinity of the plasma treated fibre increased. Argon plasma treated fibre had a smooth and compact surface, compared to oxygen plasma treated fibre. The maximum stain （i.e. stress） concentrated in the oxygen plasma treated fibre. Optical micrographs showed the oxygen plasma treated fibre tended to rupture due to higher strain （i.e., stress） compared to fibre with argon plasma treatment. FTIR results also provided the evidence of change in the chemical constituents with plasma treatment.

Green Composite Material Made from Typha latifolia Fibres Bonded with an Epoxidized Linseed Oil/Tall Oil-Based Polyamide Binder System

Here,we report the mechanical and water sorption properties of a green composite based on Typha latifolia fibres.The composite was prepared either completely binder-less or bonded with 10%(w/w)of a bio-based resin which was a mixture of an epoxidized linseed oil and a tall-oil based polyamide.The flexural modulus of elasticity,the flexural strength and the water absorption of hot pressed Typha panels were measured and the influence of pressing time and panel density on these properties was investigated.The cure kinetics of the biobased resin was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)in combination with the iso-conversional kinetic analysis method of Vyazovkin to derive the curing conditions required for achieving completely cured resin.For the binderless Typha panels the best technological properties were achieved for panels with high density.By adding 10%of the binder resin the flexural strength and especially the water absorption were improved significantly.

Manufacturing Process Selection of “Green” Oil Palm Natural Fiber Reinforced Polyurethane Composites Using Hybrid TEA Criteria Requirement and AHP Method for Automotive Crash Box

In this study,the best manufacturing process will be selected to build an automotive crash box using green oil palm natural fibre-reinforced polyurethane composite materials.This paper introduces an approach consist of technical aspects(T),the economic point of view(E)and availability(A),and it’s also called as TEA requirement.This approach was developed with the goal of assisting the design engineer in the selection of the best manufacturing process during the design phase at the criteria selection stage.In this study,the TEA requirement will integrate with the analytical hierarchy process(AHP)to assist decision makers or manufacturing engineers in determining the most appropriate manufacturing process to be employed in the manufacture of a composite automotive crash box(ACB)at the early stage of the product development process.It is obvious that a major challenge in the manufacturing selection process is lack of information regarding manufacturing of ACB using natural fibre composite(NFC).There have been no previous studies that examined ranking manufacturability processes in terms of their suitability.Therefore,the TEA-AHP hybrid method was introduced to provide unprejudiced criteria-ranking selection prior to evaluation of pairwise comparisons.At the end of this study,the pulforming process was selected as the best manufacturing process for fabrication of the ACB structural component.

Properties of Natural Rubber Biocomposities Filled with Alkaline Modified Oat Straw

Novel elastomer biocomposites based on straw fibers (raw or chemically modified) as reinforcing elements ofnatural rubber (NR) were reported and studied. Oat straw fibres with different average lengths were used.Lignocellulose materials were incorporated into the elastomer, before and after chemical surface modificationinvolving sodium hydroxide. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and microscopy techniques wereemployed for characterization of fillers. The kinetics of rubber mixtures, as well as rheometric properties ofcompounds were determined. The cross-linking density was executed on the basis of equilibrium solventswellingmeasurements applying the modified Flory–Rehner equation. The morphology of biocompositessamples was analyzed by a scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical characteristic: the values of hardness,tensile strength and attenuation coefficient were also determined. The physical and chemical investigations haveproved the reinforcing effect of treated oat straw on natural rubber vulcanizates.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Recycled Mixed Waste Polymers Reinforced with Reclaimed Newsprint Fibres

This study investigates the mechanical,thermal and morphological properties of rHDPE(Recycled High Density Polyethylene)and a mixture of rPE HD/LD(High and Low Density Polyethylene),both reinforced with rNP(Reclaimed Newsprint Paper)fibres.To enhance the composite properties,the addition of highly grafted maleic anhydride polyethylene wax,as CA(Coupling Agent),and semi crystalline copolymer of propylene and ethylene,as IM(Impact Modifier),was included into the material formulation by a twin-screw extruder.Mechanical and morphological properties were studied on tensile test specimens,prepared by injection moulding,by tensile testing machine and SEM(Scanning Electron Microscope),respectively.Thermal properties,i.e.melting and crystallization behaviour,were investigated by DSC(Differential Scanning Calorimetry).Mechanical analysis showed that the addition of rNP in both composites increased the young modulus and significantly decreased the elongation at break.The DSC results revealed that the addition of the rNP in the rHDPE matrix led to a substantial decrease of crystallinity,which consequently affects the tensile strength of the composite(17 MPa)in contrast to the neat rHDPE(25 MPa).On the contrary,fibre addition in rPE HD/LD matrix had no specific impact on the crystallinity index,but did contribute to the increased tensile strength(26 MPa)when compared with neat rPE HD/LD(16 MPa).SEM photomicrographs of the impact fracture surfaces demonstrated a solid adhesion bond between the natural fibres and the rPE HD/LD matrix.Reclaimed newsprint fibres can thus be considered as a perspective alternative to the inorganic fillers in the rPE HD/LD composite.

Electrical conductivity of the graphene nanoplatelets coated natural and synthetic fibres using electrophoretic deposition technique

Herein,electrically conductive natural and synthetic yarns through electrophoretic deposition(EPD)technique were fabricated.A parametric study on the conductivity enhancement of the yarns is carried out by Taguchi method.Using this method,the desirable conditions are determined by studying the effects of important parameters on the electrical conductivity of the yarns in the EPD coating process.Based on the L18 design of experiments table,the preferred combination of factors to obtain the highest electrical conductivity of the yarns is found by Taguchi analysis.In addition,the Pareto ANOVA analysis is conducted to identify the major contributing factors on the electrical conductivity of the yarns.Characterisation techniques,such as scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)in attenuated total reflectance(ATR)mode,and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)are utilised for better understanding the microstructure and physical properties.When powered by only 3 V,the maximum temperature of a Joule heated conductive sample based on natural fibre yarns reached 102°C in less than 25 s.

Degradability evaluation for natural material fibre used on fish aggregation devices(FADs)in tuna purse seine fishery

Purse seiners deploy large amounts of drifting fish aggregation devices(FADs)in all tropical oceans to catch tunas.These FADs are constructed with porous synthetic fibre netting,which are responsible for incidental mortality of sea turtles and sharks through entanglement,and can engage in ghost fishing if they are lost and abandoned.The use of natural or biodegradable materials to build FADs can effectively mitigate marine pollution and bycatch issues,and as such they are currently promoted by fisheries management organizations.This study evaluated the degradability of ropes made of common natural fibres;cotton rope(3-strand,96-thread,twisted,S-lay),jute rope(3-strand,13-thread,twisted,Z-lay)and sisal rope(3-strand,8-thread,twisted,Z-lay).Degradability was evaluated by measuring the breaking strength(cN/dtex)and retention ratio of rupture elongation.Results showed that jute rope and sisal rope experienced rapid reduction of strength which over the first month soaking in the sea fell by 66.8%and 46.9%,respectively.Cotton rope exhibited the most inert degradation behavior,with breaking strength maintained at half of the initial value at 10 months.The retention ratio of rupture elongation for jute ropes and sisal ropes fluctuated considerably in the following months after deployment,compared to the relatively stable change for cotton rope.Results suggested that among these congeners,cotton rope would be most preferable component for Bio-FADs with a 10-month minimum durability that matches the required lifetime of FAD fishing strategies.

A STUDY OF RESIDUAL STRENGTH OF SISAL TEXTILE REINFORCED VINYL ESTER

In this study, the residual strength of sisal textile reinforced vinyl ester resin is studied using specimens with a central hole. Two kinds of chemicals, silane and permanganate, are used to treat sisal fibre surfaces. The effects of fibre surface treatments on the residual strength of sisal fibre reinforced composites with different central hole sizes are analysed. Optical microscopy （OM） surveys provide sound evidence for the relationship between residual strength properties and fracture morphologies of sisal textile reinforced vinyl ester. Several theoretical models used to predict the residual strength of laminated composites are briefly reviewed. Point stress criterion （PSC） and average stress criterion （ASC） models are used to analyze the mechanical properties of sisal textile reinforced polymers with a central hole in this research. Material constant, characteristic length （d0 or lc）, is obtained and used to analyze the mechanical behavior of the composites. The residual strength of the composites predicted by PSC and ASC models is in good agreement with the experimental results..

Effects of Surface Treatments on Tensile, Thermal and Fibre-matrix Bond Strength of Coir and Pineapple Leaf Fibres with Poly Lactic Acid

Coir Fibres （CF） and Pineapple Leaf Fibres （PALF） are valuable natural fibres which are abundantly available in Malaysia as agricultural wastes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of alkali （6%）, silane （2%）, and calcium hydroxide （6%） on tensile, morphological, thermal, and structural properties of CF and PALF to improve their interfacial bonding with Polylactic Acid （PLA） matrix. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to observe the effectiveness of the chemical treat- ments in the removal of impurities. Alkali treated fibres yield the lowest fibre diameter and the highest Interfacial Stress Strength （IFSS）. Thermogravimetric Analysis （TGA） shows improved thermal stability in silane treated CF and alkali treated PALF. It is assumed that fibre treatments can help to develop biodegradable CF and PALF reinforced PLA biocomposites for industrial applications.

Thermally insulating robust carbon composite foams with high EMI shielding from natural cotton

Thermally insulating and fire-resistant carbon composite foams are prepared by consolidating natural cotton fibre dispersed in aqueous sucrose solution by filter-pressing followed by drying and carbonization.The compressive strength(5 kPa to 1.4 MPa)and thermal conductivity(0.069 to 0.185 W m^(-1)K^(-1))depend on the foam density(0.06 to 0.31 g cm^(-3))which is modulated by varying the sucrose solutions concentration(100 to 700 g L^(-1)).Partially flexible to the rigid transition of the carbon composite foams occurs at sucrose concentration above 200 g L^(-1).The tubular carbon fibre formed from cotton is welded at their contact points by the amorphous carbon produced from sucrose leading to partial flexibility at low sucrose concentration and advancement of fibre-to-fibre bonding area at higher sucrose concentration results in rigid foam.The porosity in the inter-fibre space and lumen of the carbonized cotton fibre contributes to the low thermal conductivity.The carbon composite foams prepared at a sucrose solution concentration of 500 g L^(-1) and above are amenable to machining using conventional machines and tools.The rigid carbon foams show EMI shielding effectiveness and specific shielding effectiveness in the ranges of 21.5 to 38.9 d B and 108-138 dB cm^(3) g^(-1),respectively.

Application of dynamic image analysis to the optical characterisation of fibrous bulk material

Dynamic image analysis provides an automated evaluation method to determine the size and shape of multiple particles. This method represents a common application for ordinary bulk material. The latest draft of ISO 13322–2:2021 describes the state of the art, but lacks instructions for handling fibrous bulk material. Interlocking fibres complicate the measurement conditions and require a disentanglement of fibrous samples during a pre-dispersion step. A further error source includes the fibre orientation inside the measurement zone of the device. If the thresholding algorithm fails to differentiate between the fibre projection area and the background, a subsequent image optimisation solves the problem. This article addresses the mentioned problems by analysing cotton cellulose and polyacrylonitrile fibres. Besides the execution of a pre-dispersion step, the experiments compare the discrepancies between dry and wet dispersion. Here, the software packages PAQXOS and ImageJ perform the image evaluation. In this case, the wet dispersion setup with a subsequent image evaluation by ImageJ provides comprehensible results.