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This study conducts a comparative analysis of glass fiber (GF) and jute fiber (JF) as energy-absorbing filament wound eco-friendly structures under quasi-static axial crushing with varying wall thickness, starting with a 2-layer configuration and progressing to 4 and 6 layers. Three primary failure modes, fiber-matrix fracturing, local buckling, and delamination were observed. Both JF and GF 2-layer configurations showed less progressive failure due to their lightweight nature, with crush force efficiency (CFE) of 0.44–0.46 and specific energy absorption (SEA) of 4.4–5.1 J/g, raising considerations for crash scenarios involving human safety. The 4-layer JF configuration demonstrated a significant increase in IPF to 3496 N, effectively restricting buckling and brittle fracture and leading to a higher SEA of 12.61 J/g. In comparison, the GF 4-layer configuration exhibits lower initial peak force (IPF) and SEA values but a higher CFE value of 0.64 at a lower weight of 58 g. The 6-layer JF configuration attains increased stability in load-bearing capacity with a CFE of 0.84 but at the cost of a high weight of 128 g. On the other hand, the 6-layer GF configuration showcases a higher SEA of 10.5 J/g with a moderate CFE of 0.75 and slightly lower weight, suggesting a delicate balance between performance and weight. Visual examination revealed dominant failure modes as local buckling in GF and brittle fracturing in JF configurations. Overall, the 4-layer configurations of JF and the 6-layer configuration of GF composite tubes demonstrate exceptional energy absorption efficiency, suggesting the potential for exploring hybrid configurations to achieve a balanced crashworthiness performance.

The aim of this research is to see whether coconut tree peduncle fiber (CTPF) can be used as a potential polymer composite reinforcement. The cellulose content (50.11 wt.%) provides a strong single fiber tensile strength (137 MPa) to CTPF, and the surface morphology shows porous surface, thereby promoting better bonding with the matrix. The higher crystalline size and semi-crystalline nature of CTPF highlighted its low density (1.360 g/cm3) and water absorption properties. Lignin (24.9 wt.%), combined with a low wax content (0.3 wt.%) and presence of porous surfaces and microfibrils found by scanning electron micrographs, allows for stronger bonding between the matrix and fibers. With the existence of chemical groups detected by Fourier transform infrared analysis, the low density (1.360 g/cm3), semi-crystalline nature (52%), and larger crystalline size (6.5 nm) guarantees the least water absorption characteristics. Furthermore, CTPF’s thermal stability above the polymerization process temperature was verified using differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). As a result, CTPF’s properties make it a good candidate for use as a bio-reinforcement in polymer composites for lightweight and structural applications.

Keywords: Cocos nucifera peduncle; natural cellulosic fiber; bio-composites; characterization; polymer matrix composites; sustainability; ; ; ; ; ; EN Cocos nucifera peduncle natural cellulosic fiber bio-composites characterization polymer matrix composites sustainability ZH 9373 9383 11 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction Currently, the utilization of natural fibers in the composite industry is being increased due to its low cost, low density, high toughness, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and good specific properties. The presence of lignin 24.9 wt.% in CTPF enhances the bonding of fibers with polymers when used as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. Nevertheless, in order to optimize the performance of polymer composites, knowledge of mechanical, thermal, physical and chemical properties of natural fibers are indeed essential for evidencing its assets in terms of novel composite products. Natural cellulosic fiber, Cocos nucifera peduncle, bio-composites, characterization, polymer matrix composites, sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

Reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate- co -L-lactate) (PBSL) blend was prepared. Two different fillers namely coconut shell (CS) and rice husk (RH) were used as reinforcement for the PLA-PBSL blend at different filler content (0–10 wt%) and their effects on the blend was investigated. Tensile test results showed that 7.5 wt% filler is the optimum filler loading for both filler types. The comparative performance of composites prepared using the optimum filler loading was further investigated. At the same filler loading, CS performs better than RH in terms of strength, crystallization, and water absorption properties of the blends. Specifically, the tensile strength of CS reinforced blend increased by 195% compared to RH (145%). Likewise, the CS blend has a crystallinity index (X DSC) of 52% compared to 45% of RH which aligns with observations from the X-ray diffraction analysis. However, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that RH reinforced blend is more thermally stable than CS reinforced blends. This study reveals that the two fillers can desirably enhance the performance of PLA/PBSL blends, especially to produce environmentally friendly products. However, CS could offer better performance over RH especially where better mechanical strength, improved crystallization and low water absorption are desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report the effect of nanofillers and filler loading on mechanical, physical, dielectric, and thermal properties of the crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) matrix. XLPE filled with 0.5–2% of zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), and organoclay (OMMT) nanofillers prepared by melt mixing with a single screw extruder followed by hot press moulding. Nanocomposites were tested as per ASTM standard methods and characterized with tensile test, water absorption, linear rate of burning, dielectric breakdown strength, and thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of the nanocomposites. The results showed that addition of nanofillers improved tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, burning rate, dielectric breakdown strength, and decomposition temperature. However, water absorption increased with time due to the hydrophilic properties of nanofillers. In general, based on the properties measured Al2O3 exhibits the highest properties than those of ZnO and OMMT nanofillers. Addition of 1.5% of Al2O3 in XLPE matrix has led to the improvement in tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, burning rate, and dielectric breakdown strength as compared to the unfilled polymer. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E147–E154, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]