Effectiveness of Alkali and Sodium Bicarbonate Treatments on Sugar Palm Fiber: Mechanical,Thermal, and Chemical Investigations

ABSTRACT

Sugar palm fiber (SPF) as one of the attractive natural fibers to reinforce matrix is gaining attention. This is largely due to its similar properties when compared with other established natural fibers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a treatment chemical for SPF in comparison with established alkaline treatment. Both treated and untreated fibers were characterized and it was found that the treated fiber shows an increase in crystallinity, thermal stability, and surface’s roughness when compared with the untreated. Among the two different treatments, SPF treated with alkali has an initial decomposition temperature of 255.47°C, while sodium bicarbonate treated and untreated fibers have 250.19°C and 246.76°C, respectively. In both cases, the thermal stability of the fiber was improved. Also, as revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the crystallinity index of SPF treated with alkali and sodium bicarbonate increased by 18.43% and 13.60%, respectively, when compared with untreated fiber. In conclusion, the investigation proved that treatment with the sodium bicarbonate has a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of SPF and the chemical could be an alternative chemical for treating other cellulose fibers.     

碎浆过程对OCC纤维及其成纸性能的影响

研究了碎浆过程中OCC纤维的物理化学性能及其成纸性能的变化。研究结果表明：随着碎解时间的增加,OCC纤维逐渐疏解成单根纤维,同时纤维也产生了一定程度的切断现象,纤维平均长度下降了4.35%;纤维表面出现不同程度的细纤维化;细小纤维重均含量增加了8.5%;保水值呈现增加趋势,最大提高了14.3%;碎浆处理对纤维结晶现象的影响不大。纸页抗张指数和撕裂指数分别提高了12%和22.2%。在碎浆过程中没有新的化学基团的产生,随着碎浆时间的增加纤维素分子间的氢键作用有所减弱。     

Alkali treatment on nettle fibers

This work deals with alkali treatment on nettle fibers. The first part of this work examines structure and properties of alkali-treated nettle fibers, while the second part reports on optimization of alkali treatment to improve tensile properties of nettle fibers. In this part, the alkali-treated nettle fibers were examined for their chemical, structural, physical, and mechanical characteristics and compared to untreated fibers. The alkali treatment appeared to remove lignin from the fiber, thereby resulting in increase in its crystallinity, improvement in its appearance, and decrease in its width and linear density. The untreated fiber was quite strong but less flexible and less extensible. A mild alkali treatment resulted in increase in tensile strength and elongation at break, without much changing initial modulus. On the other hand, a severe alkali treatment resulted in reduction in fiber strength as well as initial modulus without much change in elongation at break.     

Physicochemical Properties of New Cellulosic Fibers from Azadirachta indica Plant

This research study was aimed at examining newly identified natural fiber from the bark of Azadirachta indica (AI). The various properties were analyzed and compared with other available bark fibers. The chemical composition of Azadirachta indica fibers (AIFs), high cellulose (68.42 wt.%) content, and low lignin (13.58 wt.%) were discovered. The lower density of 740 kg/m³, and crystallinity index of 65.04% properties were identified. The maximum peak temperature obtained was 321.2 °C in Differential thermogravimetry (DTG) curve. Taken together, all the properties of AIFs indicated that they could be suitable to make green composites for various types of applications.     

Evaluation of Structural,Tensile and Thermal Properties of Banana Fibers

Recognizing the importance of properties of the plant fibers for their use in polymeric composites and nonavailability of data on tensile, thermal, and other properties of banana fibers of Karnataka (India), a study was undertaken with the objective of determining some of these properties. This article presents determination of structural aspects of the fibers by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques; obtaining stress-strain curves and tensile properties by tensile testing; finally, thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. FTIR spectrum of banana fibers showed aromatic character, while XRD results indicated the fiber to have mainly the cellulose I structure and crystallinity index of 52%. Thermal-degradation details of fiber samples were revealed by thermal studies. Stress-strain curves of banana fibers suggested their brittle nature with moderate values of tensile strength, but low percentage elongation. Weibull analysis of obtained tensile strength values revealed variation of “characteristic strength” values from 3800 MPa at 99% reliability to 22,700 MPa with 0.01% reliability. Morphology studies revealed the number of defects along the length of the fiber, while fractured surface exhibited flat surface with intracellular fractures clearly indicating brittle nature of the fiber.     

Physicochemical properties of new cellulosic fiber extracted from Carica papaya bark

This article presents the characteristics of Carica papaya fibers (CPFs) extracted from the bark of the perennial papaya plant. Detailed chemical compositions of CPFs such as cellulose, lignin, ash, moisture, and wax contents were established and determined by using standard methods. Further, chemical groups, crystalline structure, surface roughness, and thermal stability of CPFs were examined using Fourier transform infrared analysis, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The physico-chemical properties of CPFs, crystallinity index (56.34%), cellulose content (38.71 wt. %), hemicellulose (11.8%), and density (943 kg/m³) were compared to those properties of other natural fibers. The results suggest that the biodegradable CPFs can be used as a potential reinforcemnet in the polymer matrix composite structure.     

Coir Fiber–Process and Opportunities

Abstract

Growing environmental awareness throughout the world has triggered a paradigm shift towards designing materials compatible with the environment. Coira lignocelluosic natural fiberhas emerging importance as an engineering material due to its high tensile strength and elongation properties. The advantages of natural lignocellulosic fibers include acceptable specific strength properties, low cost, low density and biodegradability. This work is intended to present an overview of the main results presented in literature on this topic, focusing the attention on the fiber properties in terms of physical and chemical structure. Some aspects related to the traditional uses of coir fibers are also presented. Coir, as an ecofriendly fiber, has tremendous potential in India as well as the rest of the World for mattresses, fabric and other novel applications. Research and development efforts have been underway to find new use areas for coir.     

Characterization of a New Lignocellulosic Fiber from Brazil: Imperata brasiliensis (Brazilian Satintail) as an Alternative Source for Nanocellulose Extraction

The chemical, physical and thermal properties of a new lignocellulosic fiber from Brazil (Imperata brasiliensis) were examined by SEM, chemical composition, XRD, FTIR, and TGA. Fibers were analyzed aiming to compare the properties of its new natural resource with other lignocellulosic fibers used as a source of nanocellulose extraction. Microscopy analysis demonstrated that the bundle of fibers presented a variety of size and shapes, ranging between 25 and 500 µm, while a single fiber has a diameter of 5 µm. The chemical composition showed the presence of 37.7% of cellulose, 35% of hemicellulose and 14.3% of lignin. The total crystallinity index (CI) calculated using Segal method was of 36.6%. By TGA, it was possible to identify the degradation step of each primary component of lignocellulosic fiber and to observe that the onset degradation temperature was 157°C. With the results of ATR-FTIR technique, it was possible to estimate the CI, and the results exhibited good agreement with that calculated by XRD. Finally it was possible to conclude that fibers obtained from Imperata brasiliensis are suitable to be used as a resource for nanocellulose obtainment since presents almost the same properties of other lignocellulosic fibers successfully used in literature for nanocellulose extraction.     

Extraction and Characterization of Calotropis gigantea Bast Fibers as Novel Reinforcement for Composites Materials

The aim of this study is to scrutinize the use of Calotropis gigantea bast fibers as potential reinforcement in polymer composites. The bast fibers were extracted from the Calotropis gigantea plant bark and some of them were treated with alkali (5 wt.%) solution. The chemical composition, physico-chemical structural properties of the untreated and the alkali treated Calotropis bast fibers were studied. The results of chemical composition analysis indicated that alkali treatment removed most of the non-cellulose materials as confirmed by the FTIR analysis. The X-ray diffraction results exhibited that the crystallinity index of the alkali treated fibers increased in comparison with the untreated fibers, which agrees with the results obtained in the mechanical tests. The tensile strength and modulus of the alkali treated fibers were found to be higher whereas the elongation at break was lower than the untreated fibers. Thermal stability of alkali treated fibers was lower than that of the untreated fiber. Scanning electron micrographs showed roughening of the surface of the fiber due to the removal of the surface impurities and non-cellulosic components on alkali treatment.It can be concluded that alkali treatment is an effective method to improve the surface and mechanical properties of Calotropis bast fibers to be used in composite materials.     

Characterization of cellulosic fibers from Morus alba L. stem

The chemical microstructural, physical, and thermal properties of the Morus alba L. stem fibers (MAFs) are described for the first time in this work. By analyzing the results of chemical composition, it was observed that the cellulose content of the stem of MAFs is an acceptable value when compared with other fibers and showed better results. Due to their lightweight (1316 kg/m³) and the presence of high cellulose content (58.65%) with very little amount of wax (0.56%), they provide good bonding properties. In addition, analyzing the results of X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we observe a degree of crystallinity of 62.06%, which is closely associated with the presence of crystalline cellulose, while the other components are amorphous. The diameter of the extracted cellulosic fibers was in the range 6–20 µm. Moreover, it was possible to identify the degradation step of each primary component of lignocellulosic fiber and to observe that it is thermally stable up to 216°C. The characterization results show that the MAF is a better replacement material for synthetic fibers because of its significant physical, chemical, and thermal properties.     

Characterization of New Natural Cellulosic Fiber from Heteropogon Contortus Plant

Natural fibers are one of effective substitute for switching artificial fiber and concentrating to reinforce polymer matrixes due to their decomposable character. This study was implied to realize physico-chemical properties of bio fiber obtained from Heteropogon contortus (HC) plant. Heteropogon contortus fibers (HCFs) had cellulose (64.87 wt. %), hemicellulose (19.34 wt. %), lignin (13.56 wt. %), and low density (602 kg/m³). The chemical functional group of HCFs was established by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal stability of the fiber up to 220°C discovered by thermogravimetric analysis. Further the assets of HCFs proved that it can act as an excellent reinforcement material as a bio composite. Finally, the tensile properties were carried out through single fiber tensile tests, such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and microfibrillar angle.     

提取方式对大豆膳食纤维理化及功能特性的影响

生物解离大豆残渣中膳食纤维含量丰富,为明晰生物解离提取法对大豆膳食纤维的改性效果,获取高品质大豆膳食纤维,本研究测定生物解离大豆膳食纤维的纯度、理化性质及功能特性,并与水提法天然大豆膳食纤维,化学法、发酵法及挤压膨化法改性大豆膳食纤维进行对比。结果表明：生物解离大豆膳食纤维纯度可达82.58%,其中可溶性膳食纤维含量约占总膳食纤维的60%,属于优质膳食纤维;生物解离膳食纤维的持水性、持油性、膨胀性和溶解性分别为6.87 g/g、5.48 g/g、8.22 mL/g和5.07%,均明显高于其他方式提取的膳食纤维。功能特性测定结果表明,不同方式提取的膳食纤维功能特性强弱次序均为生物解离膳食纤维＞挤压膨化法改性膳食纤维＞发酵法改性膳食纤维＞化学法改性膳食纤维＞水提法膳食纤维。生物解离膳食纤维在pH 7.0时对Pb2＋、As＋、Cu2＋ 3 种重金属离子吸附能力分别为351.2、304.1、214.1 μmol/g。此外,生物解离大豆膳食纤维的葡萄糖吸收能力、α-淀粉酶抑制能力和胆汁酸阻滞指数分别为6.56～35.78 mmol/g、18.42%和33.12%～35.52%,均显著高于其余提取方式的膳食纤维。因此,生物解离提取法对大豆膳食纤维改性效果显著,生物解离残渣可作为一种新型的膳食纤维来源进行开发应用。     

Structural properties of graphene oxide fibers: from graphene oxide dispersion until continuous graphene oxide fiber

Continuous graphene oxide fiber focused for the last seven years have a very large application area such as electronic textiles, photovoltaics, batteries, fuel cells, sensors, filters. This study reports the effect of processing parameters such as time, temperature of the exfoliation together with dispersion preparation methods of graphene oxide on the properties of continuous graphene oxide fibers produced by coagulation bath. Relationship between changing parameters and structural properties of graphene oxide fiber, fiber morphology, roughness, crystalline structure have been discussed. It has been shown that crystalline structures and responses to changing parameters are different when it is an exfoliated state, dispersion state, and fiber state. For example, crystalline sizes and number of layers of GO fiber were higher than those of GO dispersion, while the crystallinity degrees and d-spaces at the GO fiber were always less than that of GO dispersion. Higher exfoliation time leads to an increase of Tex count of fiber, while longer ultrasonic time resulted in lower value compared to both shorter ultrasound time and mechanical homogenization. Shorter ultrasonic treatment and shorter exfoliation time leads to higher electrical conductivity compared to mechanical homogenization. Shorter ultrasonic treatment results in vaguely tendency of an increase of breaking strength.     

竹浆纤维与几种浆粕纤维形态及结构的比较

竹浆可用于制备再生纤维素纤维,而竹浆粕的性质直接影响竹浆粘胶纤维的品质。采用光学显微镜、扫描电子显微镜、傅里叶红外光谱仪和广角X射线衍射仪对几种不同的浆粕原料和竹浆纤维进行分析比较。结果表明:化学脱胶处理后浆粕纤维细胞壁发生了一定的膨胀,且表面显露出原纤化结构,表面没有竹浆纤维光滑;浆粕纤维与竹浆纤维相比,由于去除了较多的非纤维素杂质,某些组分减少;制浆过程显著降低了纤维的结晶度,制浆过程中部分纤维素Ⅰ向纤维素Ⅱ转变。     

Effect of Various Chemical Treatments of Prosopis juliflora Fibers as Composite Reinforcement: Physicochemical,Thermal, Mechanical,and Morphological Properties

ABSTRACT

The present environmental regulations enforced by the government authorities have made the investigators around the globe to make use of more and more green materials particularly in composite systems. In this context, natural fibers play an important role and proven to be excellent reinforcements in polymer matrices. However, these natural fibers have got one major limitation: their incompatible hydrophilic behavior which affects their bonding with hydrophobic matrixes. Researchers over the years have come up with several fiber surface modification processes to overcome this defect. So, in this present study, the effect of various chemical treatments like alkaline, benzoyl peroxide, potassium permanganate, and stearic acid on Prosopis juliflora fibers has been discussed. These various chemical treatments on the fiber surfaces impacted on their structure, composition, and properties which were discovered through chemical analysis, Fourier transform-infrared, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing.     

Mechanical,morphological, and thermogravimetric analysis of alkali-treated Cordia-Dichotoma natural fiber composites

ABSTRACT

Usage of composites with natural fiber reinforcement is drastically increasing in recent times because of their low density, biodegradable nature, and low cost. However, natural fibers have certain core problems such as poor adhesion between the fiber and matrix and a relatively high degree of moisture absorption. Alkaline treatment of natural fibers is aimed at improving the adhesive strength so that effective stress transferability takes place in the composite. In the present work, Cordia-Dichotoma fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and composites were prepared with different weight ratios of these fibers reinforced with epoxy. The prepared composites were tested for their tensile and flexural strengths (mechanical properties). Besides, for a comprehensive material characterization, IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out. This work investigates the influence of aforementioned NaOH treatment on thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of the composite material.     

含咪唑结构高强高模聚酰亚胺纤维的制备及其结构与性能

为增强聚酰亚胺纤维的力学性能,促进其在复合材料领域的应用,基于高性能聚合物纤维的结构设计,将杂环二胺单体5-氨基-2- (对氨基苯基)苯并咪唑引入到3,3',4,4'-联苯四羧酸二酐和对苯二胺的聚酰亚胺刚性骨架中得到纺丝溶液,通过干法纺丝技术制备得到聚酰亚胺纤维,研究了纤维化学结构和聚集态结构与纤维力学性能的关系,并系统评价了纤维的热性能和抗紫外光辐照性能。结果表明:聚酰亚胺纤维的拉伸强度和初始模量分别达到4.04、130 GPa,这得益于其聚合物分子链沿纤维轴向的高度取向性及分子链间形成的氢键作用;其玻璃化转变温度和热质量损失10%时温度分别为324、587 ℃,经168 h 紫外光辐照后,拉伸强度保持率为92%,具有良好的耐热性和优异的抗紫外光辐照性能。     

LOTAN纤维性能测试研究

将LOTAN纤维和几种阻燃纤维的性能,如极限氧指数(LOI值)、回潮率、体积比电阻、断裂强度、热稳定性、化学性能等进行了对比与分析,发现LOTAN纤维:LOI值高于39%,可用于生产阻燃防护纺织品;回潮率高、体积比电阻较大,可纺性差;断裂强度低,但热稳定性好;耐酸性优于耐碱性;烟气毒性试验评定级别为F0~F1,纤维具有良好的环保性能。     

Microstructural Study,Tensile Properties,and Scanning Electron Microscopy Fractography Failure Analysis of Various Agricultural Residue Fibers

This paper presents an approach to examine the microstructural properties and mechanical behavior of coconut husks, banana pseudo-stem, pineapple leaf, and sugarcane bagasse fibers by scanning electron microscope and mini-tensile tester, respectively. Single fiber bundles were examined by using scanning electron microscope. Tensile tests were performed at different diameters (0.15–0.55 mm) and gauge lengths (10, 15, 20, and 30 mm/min) to assess the effects of diameter and gauge length on tensile properties. It was found that fibers consisted of different types of regularly arranged cells. The tensile strength (310 MPa) and Young’s modulus (7.4 GPa) of pineapple leaf fiber bundles showed the highest value compared to the other fibers. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus decreased with the increase of diameter and gauge length of fiber bundles. Scanning electron microscopic fractography analysis showed comparatively heterogeneous ruptures associated with more participants of microfibrils for pineapple leaf and banana pseudo-stem fibers compared to coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse fibers. These fractographic observations were discussed in the light of current knowledge of the microstructure of each fiber and the corresponding mechanical properties.     

Evaluation and Impact Factors of the Mechanical Properties of Phloem Bundle Fibers Obtained from Kenaf Germplasm

The mechanical properties of kenaf phloem bundle fibers are valuable for reinforced composites or boards, more so than similar materials also used in textile or papermaking applications. 55 kenaf germplasm studied here showed an average phloem bundle fiber tensile strength of 643.6 MPa and an average elastic modulus of 23.3 GPa after chemical retting treatment. 19 of these kenaf germplasm had fiber tensile strengths >700 MPa, which can be attributed to intensive breeding programs. The fiber tensile strength and elastic modulus of kenaf germplasm had a significant positive correlation, but there was no such correlation between a fiber’s mechanical properties and its diameter or agronomic characteristics. Among 56 hybridized combination F₁ generations, the highest tensile strength was 928.3 MPa from a combination of No.30 of Xinan Wuchi × Guatemala 4. Therefore, breeding and screening are both useful for improving the mechanical properties of kenaf phloem bundle fibers. However, the effects of the used bundle fiber preparation method or cultivation year on the fiber’s mechanical properties were more pronounced than those of the type of kenaf germplasm or breeding operation used. The mechanical properties of kenaf phloem bundle fibers treated by chemical retting were superior to those treated using natural retting.