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.

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.

A Mini Review on Natural Fiber Honeycomb (NFH) Sandwiched Structure Composite: Flexural Perfomance Perspective

Natural Fiber Honeycomb (NFH) sandwiched structure composite is a type of composite that uses natural fiber as the reinforcement material and honeycomb structure in the form of a sandwich panel. The demand for commercial use of natural fiber-based composites is increasing in the past few years in many industrial sectors. The increase in popularity of natural fibers is because of their particular properties, price, health benefits, and recyclability. This paper aims to analyze the data and analysis of the past research about NFH sandwiched structure composite in terms of the materials used to make the NFH, the physical and mechanical properties, and their applications. Based on the literature review conducted, there were many types of materials used to make the NFH sandwiched structure composite. Some experimental tests were planned and conducted to analyze the mechanical properties of the NFH and its potential to be used in the desired industries. However, there are not many implementations of NFH composite in the construction industry. This is due to the concern related to the issue of the structural integrity of the NFH composite. From the literature review conducted, most of the research shows a positive analysis of the mechanical properties and the potential of the developed NFH to be used for the targeted industry in the study. Therefore, it can be observed that the material used in this study has a high potential to be used in the construction industry.

The Effect of Silane Treated Sugar Cane Bagasse on Mechanical, Thermal and Crystallization Studies of Recycled Polypropylene

This article describes the results of an investigation on the influence of loading silane treated sugar cane bagasse (SB) on the morphology and properties of recycled polypropylene (rPP). The samples are prepared through melt extrusion followed by injection moulding. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that SB-rPP composites have a fairly strong interfacial interaction and a change in crystallization for the highest containing SB composite, however, some fibre pull-outs are observed as the SB content is increased. The interaction influences the thermal and mechanical properties of the samples in a complex way. There are strong indications of a stronger interfacial interaction on the highest containing SB composite, which is supposedly accountable for the increased crystallinity and melting temperature.

A Novel Biodegradable Poly (Hydroxybutanedioic Acid-co-2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid) Copolymer for Water Treatment Applications

Minimizing the formation of inorganic scale deposits in industrial water continues to be a challenge for water treatment systems. In order to meet this challenge a novel biodegradable poly (DL-malic acid-co-citric acid) copolymer, effective in providing calcium carbonate scale inhibition was developed. Synthesis and characterization of the biodegradable, water-soluble and polyester copolymer was performed. Synthesis was done by direct bulk melt condensation in the absence of a catalyst above 150°C. Characterization of the copolymer was carried out using infrared absorption spectra (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) equipment. In the present work the precipitation of calcium carbonate from relative supersaturated solutions at different weight ratios of comonomer inhibition rates have been studied. The results indicate that the copolymer is an effective calcium carbonate descaling inhibitor that suppresses the growth process against calcium mineral scale deposits.

Effects of Mechanical Fibrillation on Cellulose Reinforced Poly(Ethylene Oxide)

The objective of this work was to extract sugar bagasse cellulose nanofibres by using three different processes, namely: mechanical fibrillation, bleaching and mild acid hydrolysis. Cellulose nano-fibres with diameters in the nano range and estimated lengths of several micrometers were obtained from SB. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the removal of hemicellulose and lignin components by alkali/bleaching and acid hydrolysis. XRD results showed an increase in crystalline which resulted from the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, especially after mercerization and mild acid hydrolysis. Moreover, the extracted cellulose nanofibres were used to reinforce poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). PEO was dissolved in water and mixing with the cellulose nanofibres suspension followed by casting. The nanocomposites were characterized by using FTIR analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-Ray diffractometry and tensile tester. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was enhanced depending on the treatment of the SB fibres.

3D-printed auxetic-structured intervertebral disc implant for potential treatment of lumbar herniated disc

In this study,a novel artificial intervertebral disc implant with modified“Bucklicrystal”structure was designed and 3D printed using thermoplastic polyurethane.The new implant has a unique auxetic structure with building blocks joined“face-to-face”.The accompanied negative Poisson’s ratio enables its excellent energy absorption and stability under compression.The deformation and load distribution behavior of the implant under various loading conditions(bending,torsion,extension and flexion)has been thoroughly evaluated through finite element method.Results show that,compared to natural intervertebral disc and conventional 3D implant,our new implant exhibits more effective stress transfer and attenuation under practical loading conditions.The implant’s ability to contract laterally under compression can be potentially used to alleviate the symptoms of lumbar disc herniation.Finally,the biocompatibility of the implant was assessed in vitro and its ability to restore the physiological function of the disc segment was validated in vivo using an animal model.

Nanocomposite egg shell powder with in situ generated silver nanoparticles using inherent collagen as reducing agent

Silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)were in situ generated in poultry hen egg shell powder(ESP)by one step thermal assisted method using the inherently present collagen as a reducing agent.The nanocomposite egg shell powder(NCESP)with in situ generated silver nanoparticles was charac-terized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)and antibacterial tests.The prepared NCESP had the spherical AgNPs in the size range of 50-120 nm with most of them from 81 nm to 90 nm.Further,the average size of the AgNPs generated in the NCESP was 88 nm.The X-ray analysis indicated the presence of both AgNPs and AgO nanoparticles(AgONPs)in the NCESP.The possible mechanism of generation of AgNPs and AgONPs in the NCESP was also proposed.The thermal stability of the NCESP was found to be higher than that of the ESP.The NCESP ex-hibited excellent antibacterial activity against both the Gram negative and positive bacteria.The NCESP made from poultry waste ESP can be utilized as a low-cost antibacterial cleaning powder for house ware and also as low-cost antibacterial filler in polymer matrices to make antibacterial hybrid nanocomposites.

Barium Titanate-reinforced Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber: Synergy Effect of Carbon-based Secondary Filler

Acrylonitrile rubber(NBR)composites filled with barium titanate(BT)were prepared using an internal mixer and a two-roll mill.Also,a secondary filler,namely carbon nanotubes(CNT),was added in order to find a potential synergistic blend ratio of BT and CNT.The cure characteristics,tensile and dielectric properties(dielectric constant and dielectric loss)of the composites were determined.It was found that NBR/BT composites with CNT secondary filler,at a proper BT:CNT ratio,exhibited shorter scorch time(ts1)and cure time(tc90)together with superior tensile properties and reinforcement efficiency,relative to the one with only the primary filler.In addition,the NBR/BT-CNT composite with 80 phr BT and 1–2 phr CNT had dielectric constant of 100–500,dielectric loss of 12–100 and electrical conductivity below 10−4 S/m together with high thermal stability.Thus,with a proper BT:CNT mix and filler loading,we can produce mechanically superior rubber composites that are easy to process and low-cost,for flexible dielectric materials application.