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Plant fibers (PFs), such as hemp, Coir, and straw, are abundant in resources, low in price, light weight, biodegradable, have good adhesion to the matrix, and have a broad prospect as reinforcements. However, the degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix is one of the main factors that affects the durability of these composites. PFs have good compatibility with cement and the geopolymer matrix. They can induce gel growth of cement-based materials and have a good toughening effect. The water absorption of the hollow structure of the PF can accelerate the degradation of the fiber on the one hand and serve as the inner curing fiber for the continuous hydration of the base material on the other. PF is easily deteriorated in the alkaline matrix, which has a negative effect on composites. The classification and properties of PFs, the bonding mechanism of the interface between PF reinforcements and the matrix, the water absorption of PF, and its compatibility with the matrix were summarized. The degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix and solution, drying and wetting cycle conditions, and high-temperature conditions were reviewed. Finally, some paths to improve the alkaline degradation of PF reinforcement in the alkaline matrix were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to identify optimum values of the colorfastness properties of sustainable dyes on cotton fabrics. Sustainable dyes are ecofriendly, biodegradable, economical and easily attainable from natural sources. The findings of this research established that good colourfastness properties of cellulosic fibres could be obtained using sustainable natural dyes. Experiments were carried out on 100% cotton voile fabrics of plain weave using four types of natural dyes: strawberry dye, beetroot dye, rose dye and China rose dye. Strawberry dye reacted with the cellulose of the cotton in an alkaline condition to form a stable covalent bond amid the dye and cellulose and showed outstanding colour fastness properties. The required experiments were conducted using the standard specified by ASTM and AATCC as stated in this paper. The colour strength properties, colour intensity properties, colour absorbency properties and colorfastness properties were investigated using a reflectance spectrophotometer and "Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Instrument" as stated in this paper. A sample dyeing machine -- "Pad Dye Pad Steam" was used in this research to dye the cotton fabrics with sustainable natural dyes. The colorfastness properties were investigated using grey scale test results, and the colour strength and absorbency properties were tested using the spectrophotometer and FTIR instruments. The peak values of the FTIR instrument guaranteed the existence of the colourant or chromophore present in the dyestuffs, and exposed the best colourfastness properties. The findings of this research could be beneficial to personnel involved in textile industries who are in charge of dyeing cotton fabrics with natural dyes as well as controlling their colourfastness properties and colour intensity properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]