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Induction motors, acting as work house of industries, are affected by winding temperature due to poor insulation. In producing a sustainable polymer composite electrical insulator, this article gets into the investigative study of tensile strength, hydrophobicity, hardness and the electrical breakdown properties of silicone rubber (SR) reinforced with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). In order to identify optimal proportion, various filler proportions are studied for mechanical, physical, tensile and electrical properties. For 7% optimal filler composition, the tensile and hardness tests on SR/SCBA composite manifested a maximum value of 78.48 × 10–3 MPa and 0.91496 MPa, respectively. The electrical breakdown was recorded with the maximum value of 108.65 kV/cm with 7% filler. For hydrophobicity, the 7% filler specimens had the lowest rate of rise in weight after the water absorption test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and particle size analysis were carried out to evaluate the molecular interaction and particle dispersion. SEM analysis confirmed the presence of fiber-adhesion in matrix composites. Finally, the superiority of the context is also compared with earlier works. This context investigates the properties of bio-resin composite derived from sugarcane ash and creating its properties with artificial polymers to come out with a reliable electrical insulator application.

On the total earth wastes, nearly one-third was packaging wastes. Most of the packaging materials are non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. To overcome these issues, researchers turned their attention to develop biodegradable films(bio-films). In this article, through the solution casting method bio-films were developed by using water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and various proportions (5–25wt%) of rice hull powder as reinforcement filler. The effect of RHP on the PVA matrix was investigated by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, tensile test, surface morphology studies, water vapor permeability, and antibacterial testing. FTIR result revealed the proper bonding between PVA/RHP in bio-films via strong hydrogen bonds. XRD result reveals a slight increase in the intensity of bio-films and the crystalline size was reported between 5.53 and 13.28 nm. The infusion of RHP in the matrix shows that tensile strength and tensile modulus increases gradually and reaches the maximum value of 23.32 MPa and 684 MPa respectively at 25% of RHP in PVA. Thermal behavior proved that the bio-films were strong enough to withstand the temperature up to 350 °C. The lower values of WVP possess a higher interaction of polymer chains. The bio-film samples form a good inhibition zone against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and display remarkable antibacterial activity. From the microstructure images, it is visible that bio-films were homogenous, away from cracks and phase separation. By this evidence, RHP added PVA can be used as a packaging material.

Totally six composite bio-films were produced through a simple solution casting technique by varying the weight percentage (0, 5, 10,15, 20, 25 wt.%%) of the filler material (ground nutshell (GNS) ...

With an intention to replace the synthetic non-biodegradable films in packaging applications, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blended with green banana peel filler (GBPF), the biodegradable films were prepared by solution casting method with varying the concentrations of GBPF (5–25 wt%) in PVA matrix. The bio films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis, transmissibility, FESEM, tensile test, film solubility and water absorption, water vapour transmission (WVT), soil burial test. Based on results obtained, the changes evidenced in the FTIR spectrum of this PVA/GBPF biofilms suggest that strong hydrogen bonding is taking place due to interfacial exchanges of GBPF in PVA matrix. The XRD results showed that crystallinity of bio films are greater than PVA. Thermo gravimetric analyses predicted that PVA/GBPF bio films are thermally stable up to 300 °C. The light is 45% for transmittance in the visible light region for the PVA/GBPF (25 wt%) bio film. The FESEM micrographs of biofilms palpable that formation of good physical interaction and compatibility between polymer matrix and GBPF up to 20 wt% of GBPF in PVA Matrix. FESEM results also confirmed that higher loading of GBPF (25 wt%) in PVA matrix, observed voids and agglomerations in film surface. The PVA/GBPF bio films with 20% of GBPF gave the highest tensile strength and young’s modulus 44.5 MPa and 66.7 GPA respectively compared to other samples. The elongation at break decreases with increases the GBPF in PVA Matrix up to 20 wt%.The slight decrease in mechanical properties perceived due to higher loading of GBPF (25 wt%) with PVA matrix. The solubility, water absorption and WVT of the PVA/GBPF bio films increased upon increasing the GBPF content. The biodegradation test results discovered that he highest weight loss at 42.3% (25 wt% of GBPF) probably due to the hydrophilic nature of GBPF in PVA matrix. On the whole, the present investigation confirmed that the PVA/GBPF bio films potential for possible utilization in active packaging applications attributable to its better mechanical, thermal, optical, water absorption and biodegradation properties.

Owing to develop the utilization of biowaste materials and minimize the usage of plastic materials, Orange peel Powder (OPP) biowaste is chosen as filler material along with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as a matrix to form biocomposite films. To stretch its applications to antibacterial applications the metal nanoparticles were incorporated by the in-situ generation of Ag by reducing the various concentration of the aqueous solution of AgNO3 to fabricate novel PVA/OPP/(1 mM to 5 mM)AgNPs hybrid biocomposite films. The fabricated biofilms were undergone the antibacterial test, mechanical test, and characterized by FESEM, FTIR, XRD & thermal analysis. The FESEM images clarify the homogenous distribution of filler materials in the PVA matrix and binding between the filler materials & matrices. FT-IR spectrum illustrates, there is no functional group change in the films by the inclusion of AgNPs as compare to the PVA/OPP films and indicates the strong adhesion and well dispersion of filler materials. XRD patterns confirm the presence of Ag and accentuated the crystallite size of generated AgNPs in the films as 23.44 nm, 25.59 nm, 26.25 nm, 28.17 nm, and 28.42 nm. Thermal analysis of the films shows improved thermal stability as well as glass transition temperature of the composite films included with AgNPs, also the considerable increase in the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the PVA/OPP/AgNPs films as compared to the neat PVA, PVA/OPP films. As compare to neat PVA and PVA/OPP films, with the increase of concentration of AgNO3 source solution antibacterial activity of the PVA/OPP/AgNPs films increases against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. With the above-improved results by the inclusion of Ag nanoparticles, this hybrid biocomposite films can be utilized in food processing industries

This investigation is aimed to analyze the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the physical, chemical, structural, thermal and surface topography of Phaseolus vulgaris fibers (PVFs). The...

There is growing interest in recent times to develop biodegradable films with improved properties. They are potential substitutes for existing petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Eco-friendly biofi...

Environmental concerns are raised due to municipal solid wastes especially due to non-biodegradable packaging waste materials. To overcome such issues, researchers gained attention in biodegradable...

Friction stir processing (FSP) is developed for the usage aluminum alloys and it is metal processing method that can provide grain structure of microstructures. Due to the frictional processing heat and stir processing the microstructure of the foundation metal is changed. The Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) and Aluminium Nitride (AlN) are used as reinforcement with the base metal Al2024 by using friction stir processing. Hardness, corrosion resistance, micro structure formation wear resistance and durability of Al2024 have been increased in this friction stir processing by reducing the defects due to the melting of the metal. It is an excellent material processing technology, and there is a high possibility for the preparation of super plastic materials and metal matrix composites. This work is mainly to improve the mechanical properties of Al2024 while it is reinforced by Si3N4 and AlN. Thus the results from this investigation is explained and discussed.

In this work, the quasi-solid-state polymer electrolyte containing poly(vinyl alcohol)-polypyrrole as a polymer host, potassium iodide (KI), iodine (I2), and different plasticizers (EC, PC, GBL, and DBP) was successfully prepared via the solution casting technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the interaction between the polymer and the plasticizer. X-ray diffraction confirmed the reduction of crystallinity in the polymer electrolyte by plasticizer doping. The ethylene carbonate-based polymer electrolyte showed maximum electrical conductivity of 0.496 S cm−1. The lowest activation energy of 0.863 kJ mol−1 was obtained for the EC-doped polymer electrolyte. The lowest charge transfer resistance Rct1 was due to a faster charge transfer at the counter electrode/electrolyte interface. The polymer electrolyte containing the EC plasticizer exhibited an average roughness of 23.918 nm. A photo-conversion efficiency of 4.19% was recorded in the DSSC with the EC-doped polymer electrolyte under the illumination of 100 mWcm−2.

Natural fibers are emerging as best alternatives for synthetic materials in selective applications. These fibers may not have the required properties in its raw form and hence needs some alterations in its characteristics. Likely, this article reports enhancement in surface and structural properties of Thespesia populnea bark fiber treated with NaOH under various concentration and soaking period. Fibers treated with 5% NaOH for 60 min yields noteworthy mechanical strength (678.41 ± 48.91 MPa) owing to its relatively high cellulose fraction (76.42%). Fourier transform infrared spectra endorses the removal of non-cellulosic compounds and X-ray diffraction studies reveals 13.6% growth in the size of cellulose crystals on optimally treated fibers. Weibull distribution model statistically interprets the reliability of acquired tensile test results. Finally, microscopic examinations with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy explore that fiber surface turns rough after alkali treatment and makes it appropriate for reinforcement in polymer matrices.

Cellulose, a major proportion of all plant resources are not utilized at its best. Hence, this investigation explores the potential of cellulose fraction in bark fibers of Thespesia populnea for real time use by evaluating its anatomical, physicochemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Anatomical studies confirm two types of phloem fiber cells based on dimensions of secondary cell wall and lumen. Significant concentration of cellulose (70.12%) helps to attain favorable outcomes in tensile strength (557.82 ± 56.29 MPa). FTIR spectra confirm the presence of cellulosic compound in fiber structure and the size of crystalline cellulose is estimated as 35.76 A using XRD results. Thermal profile of TGA and DSC validates that fiber is steady up to 245.4 °C and cellulose degradation befalling between 250 °C and 370 °C accounts for major weight loss in fiber. Images acquired through SEM and AFM depict that the fiber surface is smooth with average roughness of 3.002 nm.

A poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA/Eriochrome Black-T (EBT) dye, and PVA/Eosin-Y (EY) dye composite film was prepared using a solution casting process. The dye-doped composite polymer films were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy. An optical band gap (Eg) of pure PVA reduced from 4.22 eV to 2.80 eV for PVA/EBT film and 2.14 eV for PVA/EY film respectively. This result indicates the occurrence of inter-molecular hydrogen bonding between the –OH functional group in PVA chains and sulfonate (EBT) and carboxyl group (EY) in dye molecules, respectively. Moreover, the experimental result of PVA/EBT and PVA/EY composite film showed the excellent properties of a large scale cut-off filter in the ultraviolet and visible range region.

The effect of polypyrrole (PPy) on the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-potassium iodide (KI)-iodine (I2) polymer electrolytes has been investigated and optimized to use in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The different weight ratios of PVA: PPy (93: 2, 91: 4, 89: 6, 87: 8, and 85: 10 wt%) polymer electrolytes (PE) were prepared by solution casting. Structural, complex formation and surface roughness of the prepared electrolytes was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) respectively. Conductivity plots of all polymer films showed increasing trend with temperature and concentration of PPy. The activation energy of the optimized system found to be 0.871 kJ mol−1. UV-visible spectrum was adopted to characterize the absorption spectra of the material revealed that increase in the absorbance with increasing PPy content and shifting the absorbance maximum towards lower energy. The indirect band gap decreased from 3.78 to 2.14 eV and direct band gap decreased from 3.88 to 2.71 eV. The EIS analyses revealed the lower charge transfer resistance of 3.029 Ω cm2 at the interface between CE and PE. The excellent performance was observed in the fabricated DSSCs using PVA (85%)/PPy (10%)/KI (5%)/I2 polymer electrolyte with a short-circuit current density of 11.071 mA cm−2, open-circuit voltage of 0.644 V, fill factor of 0.575, and photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.09% under the light intensity of 100 mW cm−2. Hence, the PPy content in polymer electrolyte influences the remarkable performance of low-cost DSSC.

This study aims to examine the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the physico-chemical properties, structure, thermal, tensile and surface topography of Carica papaya fibers (CPFs). The...

Natural fibers are the one worthy substitute for replacing synthetic fibers and used as a polymer reinforcement due to their eco-friendly nature. This investigation deals with the newly identified Sida cordifolia fibers (SCFs) characterized by chemical analysis, single fiber tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical constituents of SCFs contains cellulose (69.52%), hemicellulose (17.63%), and lignin (18.02. %). The SCFs are thermally stable up to a temperature of 338.2°C evidenced by TGA analysis. The X-ray diffraction confirmed that SCFs were rich in cellulose fraction with a crystallinity index of 56.92%.

Owing to their low weight-to-high strength ratio and recyclable features, the natural fibers are the most potential choice in place of synthetic fibers and been used as reinforcement materials in polymer matrix composites. Characterization of Ceiba pentandra bark fibers (CPFs) such chemical analysis, Fourier Transform-Infrared Analysis (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) analysis has analyzed. CPFs contain 60.9% (w/w) of cellulose, 17.5% (w/w) of hemicellulose, and 23.5% (w/w) of lignin. Besides, its density and crystallinity index are 682 kg m−3 and 57.94%, respectively. TG and DTG analysis discovered that CPFs are thermally stable up to 342.1°C. Further, all the resources of CPFs ensured that it can be an excellent alternative for synthetic fibers in polymer matrix composites.

The increasing environmental awareness has directed attention of the researchers towards the field of natural fiber composites. The aim of this investigation is to understand the physico-chemical properties of fibers extracted from the bark of the Dichrostachys Cinerea (DC) plant. Dichrostachys Cinerea fibers (DCFs) has cellulose (72.4 wt. %), hemicellulose (13.08 wt. %), lignin (16.89 wt. %), density (1240 kg/m3), crystallinity index (57.82%), and tensile strength (873 ± 14 MPa). Besides the cellulose degradation of DCFs at 359.3° vide by the thermo-gravimetric analysis and chemical groups are identified by Fourier transform analysis. Eventually the characterization results of DCFs strongly show the possibility of reinforcement in polymer matrices.

Physical, chemical, thermal and crystalline properties of new natural fiber extracted from the root of Ficus Religiosa tree(FRRF) are reported in this study. The chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results ensured the presence of higher quantity of cellulose content (55.58 wt%) in the FRRF. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis is transported away to support the chemical groups present in the considered fibre. Thermal stability (325 °C), maximum degradation temperature (400 °C) and kinetic activation energy (68.02 kJ/mol.) of the FRRF areestablished by the thermo gravimetric analysis. The diameter (25.62 μm) and density (1246 kg/m3) of the FRRF have been found by the physical analysis. Scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM) and Atomic force microscope analysis (AFM) outcomes revealed that FRRF has the relatively smoothest surface. Altogether the above outcomes proved that novel FRRF is the desirable reinforcement to fabricate the fiber reinforced composite materials.

The objective of this investigation is to check the suitability novel cellulosic fibre extracted from the aerial roots of Banyan tree (ARBFs) as reinforcement in fibre reinforced plastics. The Fundamental properties of ARBFs such as density, tensile strength, chemical composition, crystallinity index, crystalline size, thermal stability, maximum degradation temperature and surface roughness were studied. The chemical analysis results revealed that after the alkalization cellulose content was improved while hemi-cellulose, lignin and wax content were demised. The enhancement in the crystallinity index (76.35% from 72.47%) and crystalline size (7.74 nm from 6.28 nm) of alkali treated ARBFs were evidenced by the X-ray diffraction analysis. Thermal analysis results confirmed that maximum degradation temperature (368 °C) and kinetic activation energy (75.45 kJ/mol) of alkali treated ARBFs had increased from 358 °C and 72.65 kJ/mol respectively. The results of scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic analysis exhibited that impurities and wax on the outer surface of the ARBFs were removed after the alkali treatment. All the above finding concluded that ARBFs is the appropriate material to use as a reinforcement in fibre reinforced plastics.

This investigation summarizes the characteristics of biofiber extracted from the Perotis indica plant. Cellulose content (68.4 wt%), density (785 kg m−3), crystallinity index (48.3%), tensile strength (317–1,608 MPa), and Young’s modulus (8.41–69.61 GPa) properties were identified in the P. indica fibers (PIFs), and thermal stability was studied using thermal gravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric analysis, which revealed its cellulose degradation at a temperature of 339.1°C. Further, the properties of PIFs ensured that it can play an imperative role as new reinforcement as green composites in the manufacturing industries.

The characterization of new natural fiber is increasing due to its excellent properties. This drives investigators to create high performance composites. The present investigation was designed to study the physicochemical properties of fibers obtained from the leaf of the Artistida hystrix. The Artistida hystrix fibers (AHFs) had crystallinity index (44.85%), cellulose (59.54 wt%), hemicellulose (11.35 wt%), lignin (8.42 wt%), and density (540 kg m−3). The tensile strength of AHFs was 440 ± 13.4 MPa with an average strain rate of 1.57 ± 0.04%. The calculated microfibril angle of AHFs was 12.64 ± 0.45°, which influenced the mechanical properties.

With the growing environmental consciousness toward carbon emissions, natural fibers are the best alternative and act as a substitute for synthetic fibers due to their potential properties. New cellulosic fibers were identified from Acacia arabica bark. This study aimed at understanding the characteristics of Acacia arabica fibers (AAFs) extracted from the bark of the A. arabica, and its physicochemical properties were examined by thermal stability analyses, X-ray diffraction, chemical constitutions, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Cellulose content (68.1 wt%), density (1028 kg m−3), and crystallinity index (51.72%) properties were identified.

Cellulose is the key constituent of natural fibers and its proportion significantly varies with the growth of the plant. Hence, a study on the influence of plant maturity on fiber properties is essential to recognize optimal fiber source. In this investigation, cellulose fibers were successfully extracted from Thespesia populnea tree barks of approximately 10 mm-80 mm diameter stem and the influence of stem growth on physiochemical, thermal, mechanical and morphological characteristics of the fiber were investigated. The diameter of fiber increased from 150 μm to 200 μm with stem growth meanwhile its water uptake capability decreases by 13.8%. FTIR spectra and thermal analysis confirm the presence of cellulose compound in fiber structure, also the fiber can be stable up to 318 °C. The XRD outcome estimates 44-49% crystallinity index with an average crystallite size of 29.625 A. Under the tensile load, fiber fails primarily by brittle fracture and its tensile strength ranges from 559 MPa to 329 MPa with an average elongation between 2.9% and 1.7%. Morphology analysis illustrates that fiber surface is becoming rough on maturity and can offer good interfacial strength when reinforced with composites.

Natural fibers play a vital role in the field of composites mainly due to their environmental friendliness, the nature of their disposal, and low energy requirement for processing. Recently, research ideas have focused on exploration of promising natural fibers with superior mechanical properties. Sida rhombifolia is one such perennial shrub from which high stiffness natural fibers can be extracted. The physico-chemical properties of Sida rhombifolia fibers (SRFs), crystallinity index (56.6%), higher cellulose (75.09 wt.%) content, and lower density (1320.7 kg/m3) were revealed and compared to those properties of other natural fibers.

Natural fibers from bio-renewable sources have the potential to be used as an alternate reinforcement for the perilous synthetic fibers. The hazards of prolong exposure to such fibers are quite serious, which demands scientific intervention. Natural fibers, like the one investigated – Cissus quadrangularis stem fiber (CQSF), have proven thermomechanical properties for polymer composite reinforcement. Enhancing fiber–matrix bonding through chemical treatments such as mercerization and deposition of cotton linters-based microcrystalline cellulose powder on fiber surface are comprehensively investigated. The mechanical properties of treated fiber composites reveal good bonding features through scanning electron microscopy analysis, which are further substantiated by the evaluation of mechanical property. In particular, 5 wt.% cellulose powder-treated CQSF/polyester composites showed distinguishable enrichment in mechanical and water absorption characteristics.

The attractive properties of raw Acacia leucophloea fibers (ALFs) resulted in this present study evaluating the physio-chemical properties of alkali-treated ALFs. The treatment of raw ALFs with 5% (w/v) sodium hydroxide solution with 45 min soaking time was found to be optimum. It was found that optimally treated ALFs had relatively higher tensile strength (357–1809 MPa), Young’s modulus (10.45–87.57 GPa), and percentage of elongation (1.91–5.88%) and high thermal stability. The optimally treated ALFs had high cellulose (76.69 wt.%) and low hemicellulose (3.81 wt.%) and lignin (13.67 wt.%) contents and higher crystallinity index (74.27%), as evidenced by the results of chemical and X-ray diffraction analyses.

There is a need to explore the possibility of natural fibers as a novel reinforcement to fabricate lightweight composite structures. This investigation was aimed at understanding the characteristics of fiber extracted from the bark of the Acacia leucophloea (AL) plant and its physico-chemical properties. Cellulose content (68.09 wt.%), density (1385 kg/m3), crystallinity index (51%), tensile strength (317–1608 MPa), and Young’s modulus (8.41 − 69.61 GPa) properties were identified in the AL fibers, and thermal studies using TG and DTG analysis revealed that they degraded at a temperature of 220°C with kinetic activation energy of 73.1 kJ/mol.

There is ever-increasing interest in using natural fibers in polymer composite systems and textile industry. Prosopis juliflora fibers (PJFs) possess ideal characteristics that make them suitable for various applications. Alkali treatment of PJFs was primarily aimed to change their physico-chemical properties; 5% (w/v) NaOH concentration and 60 min of soaking time were found to be optimal. It is intriguing to note that optimally treated PJFs had higher cellulose (72.27 wt.%), lower hemicellulose (4.02 wt.%) and lignin (12.09 wt.%) contents, higher crystallinity index (73%), tensile strength, and thermal stability.

Ultrasonic velocity, density, viscosity have been measured experimentally in the binary and ternary mixtures of Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), water and borax with various concentration at 301.32 K. As the acoustical parameters like adiabatic compressibility, intermolecular free length, relaxation time, acoustic impedance, surface tension, Rao’s and Wada’s constant, ultrasonic attenuation and free volume would be more useful to predict and confirm the molecular interaction, these have been determined by using ultrasonic velocity, density and viscosity of the prepared solution. It has been identified that the molecular interactions in binary mixture were stronger than that of in ternary mixtures. And also there is a strong solute – solvent interaction occurring in both binary and ternary solutions. This may be due to the greater possibility of hydrogen bonding between PVA and Water molecules. When the borax is added, the molecular interaction is getting weaker due to greater affinity of borate ion towards the hydrogen in hydroxyl group of PVA.

Natural fibers from plants are ideal choice for producing polymer composites. Bark fibers of Prosopis juliflora (PJ), an evergreen plant have not been utilized for making polymer composites yet. Hence, a study was undertaken to evaluate their suitability as a novel reinforcement for composite structures. PJ fiber (PJF) was analyzed extensively to understand its chemical and physical properties. The PJF belonged to gelatinous or mucilaginous type. Its lignin content (17.11%) and density (580 kg/m(3)) were relatively higher and lower, respectively in comparison to bark fibers of other plants. The free chemical groups on it were studied by FTIR and XRD. It had a tensile strength of 558±13.4 MPa with an average strain rate of 1.77±0.04% and microfibril angle of 10.64°±0.45°. Thermal analyses (TG and DTG) showed that it started degrading at a temperature of 217 °C with kinetic activation energy of 76.72 kJ/mol.