Effect of particle geometry on the properties of binderless particleboard manufactured from oil palm trunk

Experimental binderless composite panels were manufactured using fine particles and strands of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) trunks. Modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), dimensional stability, and surface roughness of the panels made with a target density of 0.80 g/cm³ were evaluated. Strand type samples had MOR and IB values of 24.95 and 0.95 MPa, respectively. Corresponding values for the fine particle type samples were 4.04 and 0.49 MPa. Panels made from strands met MOR requirement stated in Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). Enhanced bonding between strands observed by micrographs taken using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also supported the findings. However, the samples having fine particles had lower MOR values than minimum requirement listed in JIS. Strand type panels had 41.6% thickness swelling which is only 4.6% lower than that of the panels made from fine particles. It appears that dimensional stability of both types of panels exhibited insufficient results according to JIS. Surface roughness quality of the samples made from fine particles had average surface roughness values comparable to those of panels made in past studies. Based on initial results of this work, raw material from oil palm trunks can have some potential to be used to manufacture binderless panels without using any adhesives. This study revealed that mechanical and physical properties of such experimental panels were influenced by the particle geometry. It would be important to consider possible addition of chemical or wax in the particles to improve their dimensional stability in further studies.     

Influence of press temperature on the properties of binderless particleboard made from oil palm trunk

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the properties of binderless particleboard manufactured from oil palm trunk as a function of press temperature. Particleboard samples were manufactured with a target density of 0.80 g/cm³ using press temperatures of 160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C. The modulus of rupture, internal bond strength, water absorption and thickness swelling of the boards were determined based on Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). Thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis were employed to characterize the properties of the raw materials and the manufactured panels. The moduli of rupture of the samples were observed to increase with increasing press temperature, but they did not meet the standard values. However, the internal bond strength of the samples attained satisfactory values according to the JIS standard for all three temperature levels. Water absorption and thickness swelling of the boards decreased with increasing pressing temperature. Based on the findings in this study, increasing the pressing temperature may be considered a potential way of improving the properties of binderless particleboard.     

Properties of steam treated binderless particleboard made from oil palm trunks

The objective of this study was to evaluate both physical and mechanical properties of particleboard panels manufactured from steamed material of oil palm trunks without using any adhesives. Experimental panels from fine particles and vascular strands of oil palm were manufactured. Modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA) of the samples were tested based on Japanese Industrial Standards. Bonding quality of such binderless samples was also evaluated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Based on the findings on this work steaming of the raw material enhanced overall mechanical and physical characteristic of the samples. The highest MOR values of 8.12 MPa and 25.84 MPa were found for the samples made from fine particles and strands steamed at a temperature of 130 °C for 30 min, respectively. It appears that mechanical properties of the panels reduced when they exposed to beyond 30 min steaming time.     

Optimization of the mechanical properties of calcium phosphate/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/bovine serum albumin composites using response surface methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with the central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the mechanical properties of calcium phosphate cement/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/bovine serum albumin (CPC/MWCNTs/BSA) composites. In this study, CPC composites were reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in order to induce high mechanical properties in the CPC/MWCNTs/BSA system. The effect of various process parameters on the compressive strength of CPC/MWCNTs/BSA composites was studied using design of experiments (DOE). The process parameters studied were: wt.% of MWCNTs (0.2–0.5 wt.%), wt.% of BSA (5–15 wt.%) and type of MWCNTs (e.g. as-pristine MWCNT (MWCNT-AP), hydroxyl group functionalized MWCNT (MWCNT-OH) and carboxyl group functionalized MWCNT (MWCNT-COOH)). Based on the CCD, a quadratic model was obtained to correlate the process parameters to the compressive strength of CPC/MWCNTs/BSA composites. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the most significant factor affected on the experimental design response was identified. The predicted compressive strength after process optimization was found to agree well with the experimental value. The results revealed that at 0.5 wt.% of MWCNT-OH and 15 wt.% of BSA, the highest compressive strength of 14 MPa was obtained.     

Exploring isolated lignin material from oil palm biomass waste in green composites

Lignin obtained from oil palm biomass empty fruit bunches (EFB) fibers, has been used as curing agent in green epoxy composites. Epoxy–lignin composites, with varying lignin content (15%, 20%, 25% and 30%), reinforced with EFB fiber were prepared. The effect of EFB-based lignin on the mechanical, thermal and morphology properties of the composites were investigated and compared with the composites cured with isophorone diamine curing agent. The improved thermal stability and the observed microstructure of the fractured surface of the composites were attributed to good fiber–matrix interaction, induced by the curing agent. The epoxy composites cured with 25% lignin content proved to be a better matrix and gave optimum value compared with other formulations which was confirmed by its mechanical, thermal and morphological properties.     

Microstructural image analysis and structure–electrical conductivity relationship of single- and multiple-filler conductive composites

The electrical conductivity of polypropylene/graphite (PP/G) composites and polypropylene/graphite/carbon black (PP/G/CB) was investigated in this paper. The conductivity experimental data of PP/G composites was correlated to theoretical models, which exist in the literature, and the results showed higher values of the exponent t compared to the expected typical values. Moreover, these analytical models were unable to describe the electrical behaviour for multiple-filler conductive composites such as PP/G/CB composites. A 2D computer simulation to numerically compute the electrical conductivity based on digital image analysis was found to be somewhat useful to describe the mechanism of conduction in PP/G/CB composites and to determine the critical factors in developing high electrically conductive composites.     

Effect of weathering on physical,mechanical and morphological properties of chemically modified wood materials

Physical, mechanical and morphological properties of chemically modified Acaciamangium and Acacia hybrid woods were investigated after weathering. The wood blocks prepared from Acaciamangium and Acacia hybrid, were treated with both propionic anhydride and succinic anhydride. Outdoor (natural) weathering was carried out for 1 year, by exposing the samples to external environmental conditions. Chemical modification enhanced the weathering resistance of Acacia spp. to discoloration, weight loss and mechanical properties. Also, succinic anhydride was better in protecting wood than propionic anhydride modification. Fast growing Acaciamangium and Acacia hybrid may be promising for the use of outdoors following propionic anhydride and succinic anhydride chemical treatments.     

The hydriding–dehydriding characteristics of La0.6Y0.4Ni4.8Mn0.2 and their influences in the surface strain on small-scale, thin-wall and vertical containers

The hydriding–dehydriding characteristics of La_0.6Y_0.4Ni_4.8Mn_0.2 are studied, and the surface strain on small-scale, thin-wall and vertical containers is analyzed. According to the tests on 20–58.7 vol% schemes, prominent strain appears in both the hoop and the longitudinal directions. The surface strain increases with cycle numbers and packing fractions, while declines from the bottom to the top. The strain increments are linear with cycle numbers, and the absorption strain increments grow with atomic ratios. The alloy separates into agglomerated and loosened states after cycling. The optimal alloy packing scheme and hydrogen charge amount for the directly filled containers are proposed.     

Characterization of a novel natural cellulose fabric from Manicaria saccifera palm as possible reinforcement of composite materials

Identifying novel natural fibers/fabrics with proper properties as reinforcement material is a new challenge in the field of bio-composites. Hence, the aim of this paper is to study the possibility of using a natural fabric extracted from Manicaria saccifera palm as a novel reinforcement in composites. This fabric was extensively characterized by chemical composition analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, morphological studies (SEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and physical /mechanical properties studies. From SEM analysis it was identified globular protrusions spread uniformly over the fiber which could help the mechanical interlock with the resin. As well, Manicaria fabric showed good thermal stability, low density, low moisture content and good tensile properties. Further, their properties are comparable to most natural cellulose fabrics and some synthetic fabrics, such as fiber glass fabrics. Manciaria saccifera fabric showed to be a suitable candidate as natural reinforcement material for the development of bio- composite.     

Development and material properties of new hybrid plywood from oil palm biomass

Shortage of wood as a raw material has forced wood-based industries to find alternative local raw materials. Currently, oil palm biomass is undergoing research and development (R & D) and appears to be the most viable alternative. This work examines the conversion of oil palm trunk (OPT) and oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) into new plywood and analyses its properties. We prepared five-ply veneer hybrid plywood (alternating layers of oil palm trunk veneer and empty fruit bunch mat) with different spread levels (300 g/m² and 500 g/m²) of resins (phenol formaldehyde and urea formaldehyde). We then studied the mechanical and physical properties of the plywood. The results show that hybridisation of EFB with OPT improves some properties of plywood, such as bending strength, screw withdrawal and shear strength. The thermal properties of the plywood panels were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The panels glued with phenol formaldehyde with a spread level of 500 g/m² showed better thermal stability than the other panels. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the fibre matrix bonding and surface morphology of the plywood at different glue spread levels of the resins. The fibre–matrix bonding showed good improvement for the hybrid panel glued with 500 g/m² phenol formaldehyde.     

Role of zirconia filler on friction and dry sliding wear behaviour of bismaleimide nanocomposites

This paper discusses the friction and dry sliding wear behaviour of nano-zirconia (nano-ZrO₂) filled bismleimide (BMI) composites. Nano-ZrO₂ filled BMI composites, containing 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 wt.% were prepared using high shear mixer. The influence of these particles on the microhardness, friction and dry sliding wear behaviour were measured with microhardness tester and pin-on-disc wear apparatus. The experimental results indicated that the frictional coefficient and specific wear rate of BMI can be reduced at rather low concentration of nano-ZrO₂. The lowest specific wear rate of 4 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm was observed for 5 wt.% nano-ZrO₂ filled composite which is decreased by 78% as compared to the neat BMI. The incorporation of nano-ZrO₂ particles leads to an increased hardness of BMI and wear performance of the composites shows good correlation with the hardness up to 5 wt.% of filler loading. The results have been supplemented with scanning electron micrographs to help understand the possible wear mechanisms.     

Comparison of the microstructures in continuous-cooled and quench-tempered pre-hardened mould steels

The increased demand for plastic mould steels in pre-hardened condition has drawn the attention to this specific type of steel. As a result, more investigations are performed to understand microstructure and properties. In this work, the microstructures of two pre-hardened plastic mould steels, one quench-tempered (Uddeholm Impax HH) and the other continuously cooled (Uddeholm Nimax), are studied in delivery condition by means of different microscopy techniques and are linked to their production procedure. The results show that the quench-tempered material contains large amounts of M₃C carbides formed within the martensite plates as well as at the lath- and prior austenite grain boundaries. A few coarser Cr-rich M₇C₃ carbides have also been found. In comparison, the microstructure of the continuously cooled material consists of mainly bainite with much lower density and finer cementite particles. The hardness is with ∼40 HRC more or less constant over the cross section of both materials.     

Properties of laminated panels made from compressed oil palm trunk

This study evaluated physical and mechanical properties of laminated panels made from compressed oil palm trunk (OPT). The OPT were steamed at 130 °C before being compressed and laminated using polyvinyl acetate adhesive at 250 g/m² and 500 g/m² spread rates. The modulus of rupture and compression strength values of laminated panels made from compressed OPT was greater than those of laminated panels made from uncompressed OPT. Surface roughness, water absorption, and thickness swelling of laminated panels made from compressed OPT significantly improved. The findings in this study indicated that compressing of OPT would be considered as an alternative to produce value-added material with enhanced properties.     

Effect of γ precipitates on the cavitation behavior of wrought AZ31 magnesium alloy

In the present work, the influence of γ eutectic phase on the cavitation behavior of wrought AZ31 magnesium alloy has been studied through applying a set of low strain rate hot tensile tests. The tensile tests were executed in two temperature range of 300–425 °C and 450–500 °C; i.e. somewhat below and higher eutectic melting temperature of γ precipitates (∼437 °C). The hot compression characteristics of the experimental alloy were also considered to assist explaining the related deformation mechanisms. The results indicated that a large amount of cavities originates from the γ second phases, specially located on grain boundaries. A sharp transition was realized from higher (>3%) to lower cavity area fraction (<0.02%) between 450 °C and 500 °C. The latter was attributed to the effect of γ liquid phase on stress relaxation through accommodating the grain boundary sliding phenomena. In addition, the current work explores the room temperature mechanical properties of tensile deformed specimens using shear punch testing method.     

Formability,fracture and void coalescence analysis of a cryorolled Al–Mg–Si alloy

This paper deals with the combined analysis of the forming and the fracture limit diagrams and the void coalescence for AA 6061 sheets that were rolled up to a 50% reduction at two different temperatures, viz. room temperature and cryogenic temperature. Rolled sheets were examined for their microstructure, tensile properties, formability, and void coalescence. The tensile properties and the formability of the sheet metals were correlated with the fractography features and a void-parameter analysis. The cryorolled (CR) samples exhibited better mechanical properties than the room temperature rolled (RTR) samples. Lower values of ‘n’ were observed for both of the rolled conditions than for the base material due to the large dislocation densities in the rolled sheets. Further, the void sizes were observed higher in the CR sample than in the RTR samples. It is believed that the heterogeneous slip in the CR condition contributed to a higher necking percentage and larger void sizes.     

Diffusion bonding of AZ91 using a silver interlayer

Diffusion bonding of AZ91 alloy with a silver interlayer was carried out at 480 °C for different times under 1 MPa in a vacuum of 2 × 10⁻³ Pa. Shear test was applied to measure the shear strengths of the joints in the room temperature. The shear strength values of all bonded samples were found around 65–70 MPa. SEM–EDS studies indicated that the melting occurred along the interface of bonded samples as a result of transfer of atoms between the interlayer and the matrix during bonding. XRD results confirmed that the interlayer dissolved in the interface of joints. Investigations of the fracture surfaces showed that a good bonding was obtained by plastic deformation.     

Study on the synergistic effect of carbon fiber and graphite and nanoparticle on the friction and wear behavior of polyimide composites

In this paper, the effect of short carbon fiber (SCF), graphite (Gr) and nano-Si₃N₄ on the friction and wear behavior of polyimide (PI) composites were studied using a block-on-ring arrangement. Experimental results revealed that single incorporation of SCF and Gr can improve the friction-reducing and anti-wear abilities of the PI composites significantly. However, nano-Si₃N₄ deteriorated the wear resistance of the PI composite drastically as single filler. A synergistic effect was found for the combination of nano-Si₃N₄ and SCF and Gr, which lead to the best tribological properties. It also can be found that the filled PI composites exhibited better tribological properties under higher PV product (the product of load and sliding speed). Moreover, the filled PI composites showed better tribological properties under oil lubrication and worse tribological properties under water lubrication compared with that under dry sliding condition.     

Preparation of nanocomposite materials from mercaptoacetate-modified platinum nanoparticles and a layered nickel hydroxyacetate salt

Nanocomposites were prepared by a very simple route from preformed platinum particles and a nickel layered hydroxide salt (LHS), these compounds being first synthesized separately by the polyol process. The nanoparticles were treated with mercaptoacetate before being brought into contact with the lamellar compound. XPS and IR spectroscopies give clear evidence for interactions between the platinum nanoparticles and the mercaptoacetate species. XRD, TEM and magnetic characterizations show that the structure of the nickel hydroxide layers is retained and that some of the LHS sheets contain incorporated nanoparticles.     

Synthesis and effect of polyphosphazenes on the thermal,mechanical and morphological properties of poly(etherimide)/thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer blend

Effect of functionalized polyphosphazene as compatibilizer in melt-compounded polyetherimide (PEI)/liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) blend has been investigated in details. DMTA study showed the variation in glass transition temperature (T_g) in presence of polyphosphazene having different funtionalization. Superior thermal stability of polyphosphazene aided composites is exhibited from thermo-gravimetric analysis. From dielectric measurements it was clear that polyphosphazene-aided PEI/LCP blend can act as low dielectric material as well as high dielectric material depending on the nature of pendant group used. Scanning electronic microscopic observation revealed that the addition of small amount of polyphosphazene results in a decrease in average disperse domain sizes of LCP phase leading to improved filler-matrix adhesion.     

Ablation of carbon-based materials: Multiscale roughness modelling

Because of their unique ablative properties, many carbon-based heterogeneous materials are used as components for thermal protection of systems used at extreme temperatures, such as atmospheric re-entry shields and rocket nozzles. Among other issues, the design of such systems relies critically on the knowledge of surface roughness evolution. This paper gives a synthetic view of an approach of ablation, either by oxidation or by sublimation, which is started from the material point of view. First, the morphology is studied: various features and scales of roughness are presented, and a classification is proposed. Second, a modelling strategy is built. It is based on the competition between bulk and heterogeneous transfer, with possible reactivity contrasts between the material constituents. Numerical results at various scales are given. Some predicted morphologies are in correct agreement with the experimental observations. A parameter variation study shows that the morphological features are dictated by the reactivity contrast of the material components, and by diffusion/reaction competitions. This allows to identify physico-chemical parameters from the roughness geometry, as in an inverse method. The approach is validated quantitatively in the case of the oxidation of a 3D C/C composite.