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This study investigated the effects of incorporating green pea fiber (GPF) and egg fruit seed micro powder (ESP) into an epoxy-based biocomposite. Studying the effects of silane-treated fiber on the load-bearing and time-dependent behavior of a polymer matrix composite was the primary focus of this research. To create these composites, an amino silane-treated green pea pod sheath fiber and egg fruit seed powder were utilized, and the composites were made using the hand layup technique. The composites are further tested in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). It was found that mechanical properties are improved after being reinforced with treated GPF and ESP. The SEM images of broken composites revealed highly reacted stages of fiber and uniformly dispersed ESP in the matrix. Similarly, when 40 vol.% of GPF was added with 1 vol.% of particle, the fatigue life counts increased to 38,628. The uptake of water was moderately affected by the addition of fiber, but this is still within acceptable limits of hydrophobicity. This characteristic investigation demonstrated the potential use of epoxy with surface-modified GPF and ESP composites in a number of industrial applications for both weight reduction and improved performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcellular foamed plant fiber composites have the advantages of low density, low cost, and biodegradability, so it has great development potential in the industry. Nevertheless, the existence of cellular structures diminishes the mechanical performance of plant fiber composites. To overcome this problem, in this study, nano‐CaCO3 was used to enhance the microcellular foamed plant fiber composites, and the three‐phase thermoplastic composites, comprised of nano‐CaCO3, rice‐husk fiber, and polypropylene (PP), were fabricated using a chemical foaming injection molding technique. The study analyzed how the nano‐CaCO3 concentration affected the melt viscosity, crystallization characteristics, mechanical properties, and cellular structure of the composites. According to the findings, the mechanical characteristics of microcellular foamed three‐phase thermoplastic composites were enhanced initially and subsequently diminished as the nano‐CaCO3 content was augmented, and obtained optimal value at 2 wt% nano‐CaCO3 content. By observing the cells of microcellular foamed three‐phase thermoplastic composites in vertical and parallel melt flow directions, it was found that the nano‐CaCO3 content of 2 wt% three‐phase thermoplastic composite had the best cellular structure. Highlights: The role of nano‐CaCO3 in plant fiber composite materials was explored.The relationship between the content of nano‐CaCO3 and the various properties of tri‐phasic plant fiber composite materials was demonstrated.The mechanisms by which nano‐CaCO3 enhances plant fiber composite materials were analyzed at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to screen the fibers used in Curtain-liking Anchoring Culture Bioreactor, a “Fiber Horizontal Infiltration Mass Transfer Simulation Device” was created by simulating the process of the reactor to infiltrate and transfer the culture solution to the callus cells through the fiber silk.In combination with the improved simultaneous detection methods for nicotinic acid, vitamin B6,and vitamin B1 HPLC, the mobile phase elution system used sodium heptanesulfonate solution: acetonitrile=90∶ 10（V∶ V） equal degree elution, etc. The effects of mass transfered by horizontal infiltration in 16 plant fiber bundles on nicotinic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B1 of MS medium were studied. The results showed that the horizontal infiltration mass transfer in 16 plant fiber bundles had the effect of increasing or decreasing the concentration of nicotinic acid and vitamin B6 of MS culture medium, but the effect duration was not more than 84 min, and there was a significant difference between species. The effect of herb stalk and wood fiber was weaker than that of stem bark and bamboo wood fiber. The concentration of niacin in bamboo fiber bundles of Bambusa emeiensis and Bambusa textilis showed significant changes, ranging from 0.02 to 2.58 μg/mL.The highest increase for niacin concentration was observed in Boehmeria nivea stem bark fiber bundles, reaching 3.17 μg/mL, which was more than five times the original concentration and lasted for 72 minutes. The vitamin B6 concentration in the mass transfer fluid of Bambusa textilis and Phyllostachys heterocycla fiber bundle decreased to zero, and the concentration of vitamins B6 in the mass transfer fluid through Boehmeria nivea stem bark fiber bundle increased to two times as much as the original concentration, while the concentration of three vitamins in other fiber bundles increased or decreased slightly.Although plant fiber bundle can lead to an increase or decrease of the three vitamins concentration of the mass transfer fluid, the duration of the effect is only within 84 minutes after the fiber bundle were infiltrated and fulled adequately by the medium fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brake friction material reinforced with coconut fiber and dypsis lutescens fiber was designed and prepared in this study. Specimens incorporating 0–8 wt.% of coconut fibers or dypsis lutescens fibers were fabricated. The effect of the content of these reinforcing fibers on the overall properties of brake friction materials was systematically investigated. The results indicate that the inclusion of reinforcing fibers in the formulation of brake friction materials can improve the physical properties and friction and wear properties of brake friction materials. The specimen incorporating 6 wt.% plant fiber obtained the optimal comprehensive performance with excellent fade resistance and recovery properties, and better wear resistance. In order to further investigate their performance, nine hybrid fiber brake friction materials were designed using the golden section method and orthogonal test method. The study indicated that the F-6 hybrid fiber-reinforced brake friction materials have better physical properties, thermal degradation resistance, recovery properties, and abrasion resistance than the single-fiber-reinforced brake friction materials. This study provides new concepts for the preparation of fiber-reinforced brake friction materials as well as formulation optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the acoustic properties of composite biomaterials using a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced by plant fibers for sound insulation applications. Acoustic tests evaluated the absorption coefficient, reflection factor, and characteristic impedance, examining various configurations with different thicknesses of the composite biomaterial. The combinations of PLA/grape stem and PLA/wood straw were analyzed for their acoustic behaviors. Grape stems and wood straw were chosen because they are abundant, undervalued waste materials, especially in Italian regions like Tuscany. Therefore, using these materials in composite biomaterials could offer opportunities for valorization. The findings highlight the impact of plant fiber characteristics on acoustic properties, emphasizing the need to optimize these factors for desired acoustic outcomes. The results suggest implications for developing eco-friendly construction materials that balance environmental sustainability with performance requirements. This investigation contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable material utilization for acoustic purposes, reinforcing the potential for innovative and environmentally conscious building solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the American Institute for Conservation is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study discussed the impact of pectinase treatment on the properties of starch/PBAT composite, using two types of plant fibers such as coconut coir and bamboo fibers. The fibers underwent pretreatment with pectinase assisted by ultrasonics, and the composite was subsequently produced through hot pressing. The research focused on evaluating the thermal properties, mechanical properties, moisture absorption properties, and microstructure of the resulting composites. The findings revealed that the inclusion of pectinase‐treated plant fibers significantly enhanced the composite's strength. In particular, the bending strength of the composite with 15 wt% bamboo fibers exhibited the highest improvement, registering a 65% increase compared to the composite without added fibers. Additionally, the linear expansion coefficient of the plant fiber composite treated with pectinase was notably lower than that without added fibers. Among these, the linear expansion coefficient of the 15 wt% coir fiber composite decreased by 73.4% in the temperature range of 40–80°C compared to the composite without added fibers. The observed effects were attributed to the pectinase treatment, which proved effective in disrupting the network structure of cell walls, eliminating pectin components from fibers, and facilitating enhanced interaction between the fillers and the polymer matrix. Highlights: The inclusion of fibers significantly enhanced the composite's strength.10 wt% of bamboo fibers had a greater impact on the composite's strength than coir fiber.The linear expansion coefficient of the plant fiber composite decreased.The composite with 5 wt% bamboo fiber demonstrated excellent moisture resistance.The pectinase treatment enhanced interaction between fillers and matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in creating environmentally friendly products using natural resources. Plant fibers, also known as lignocellulosic fibers, are hydrophilic due to the interaction and attraction between water molecules and the hydroxyl groups present in their components. The inherent hydrophilicity of plant fibers often prevents them from interacting effectively with hydrophobic polymer matrices. In order to improve the adhesion between plant fibers and the matrix, it is necessary to modify the surface of the fibers. Commonly used chemical processes include mercerization, silane treatment, acetylation, permanganate treatment, acrylation, benzoylation, peroxide treatment, stearic acid treatment, isocyanate treatment and sodium chlorite intervention. The desirability of chemically modifying the surface of plant fibers has declined due to several limitations. Plant fibers can be modified in an environmentally friendly way by various methods, such as plasma therapy and treatments using fungi, enzymes and bacteria. This part provides an analysis of the impact of different environmentally friendly surface modification techniques on the properties of plant fibers and reinforced polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early strength of geopolymers (GPs) and their composites is higher, and the hardening speed is faster than that of ordinary cementitious materials. Due to their wide source of raw materials, low energy consumption in the production process, and lower emissions of pollutants, they are considered to have the most potential to replace ordinary Portland cement. However, similar to other inorganic materials, the GPs themselves have weak flexural and tensile strength and are sensitive to micro-cracks. Improving the toughness of GP materials can be achieved by adding an appropriate amount of fiber materials into the matrix. The use of discrete staple fibers shows great potential in improving the toughness of GPs. Sisal is a natural fiber that is reproducible and easy to obtain. Due to its good mechanical properties, low cost, and low carbon energy usage, sisal fiber (SF) is a GP composite reinforcement with potential development. In this paper, the research progress on the effect of SF on the properties of GP composites in recent decades is reviewed. It mainly includes the chemical composition and physical properties of SFs, the preparation technology of sisal-reinforced geopolymers (SFRGs), the microstructure analysis of the interface of SFs and the GP matrix, and the macroscopic mechanical properties of SFRGs. The properties of SFs make them have good bonding properties with the GP matrix. The addition of SFs can improve the flexural strength and tensile strength of GP composites, and SFRGs have good engineering application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent fiber is widely used for anti-counterfeiting purposes due to its unique security features and ease of identification worldwide. In this study, polychromatic fluorescent fiber using bleached softwood fiber (F) combined with AgInZnS quantum dots (AIZS QDs) was successfully prepared through a one-step hydrothermal method. The photoluminescence (PL) of AIZS@F could be adjusted from green to red by varying the molar ratio of Ag+/Zn2+/S2−/In3+. Increasing the molar ratio of Ag+/In3+ led to a redshift in peak emission wavelength, increasing Zn2+/In3+ or S2−/In3+ resulted in a blueshift in PL wavelength. Furthermore, AIZS QDs were synthesized both on the surface and inside of the fluorescent fiber, and the mild hydrothermal condition did not cause significant damage to the structure of the fiber. Additionally, due to the inherent microporous structure of natural plant fiber, AIZS QDs could still be steadily loaded into the fiber after intense mechanical stirring. AIZS@F exhibited excellent fluorescent performance although the total loading amount was merely 0.457%. This stable, polychromatic, hydrophilic and degradable fluorescent fiber has great potential for anti-counterfeiting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typha is a fast-growing and invasive plant that spreads in the humid areas. Its proliferation has a negative impact on the local ecosystems. This study aims at the valorization of the by-products of this plant as biocomposites’ reinforcements. A mechanical extraction technique and retting in distilled water and sea water processes were developed to extract fibers from the leaves and stems of the Typha plants. SEM, FTIR analyses and monotonic tensile tests have been carried out to assess fibers’ properties. Morphological observations revealed that fibers extracted from the leaves were on average 48% finer than those from the stems. This fineness was more significant for the fibers retted in distilled water, that presented a smoother surface. The leaf fibers tensile properties (502, 247 and 372 MPa for the strength, 20.5, 14.2 and 12.8 GPa for the Young’s modulus and 2.47, 1.68 and 2.73% for maximum strain, respectively for the mechanical, distilled water and sea water retting processes) were on average 50% higher than for stem fibers, regardless of the extraction method. The results showed that the fibers elaborated had promising properties for biocomposite reinforcement. The extraction methods developed are low cost and without the use and generation of polluting chemicals

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Utilizing treated plant fibers in fiber-modified asphalt could reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources, contributing to environmental sustainability. To promote the utilization of plant fibers in asphalt mixtures, this review focuses on elucidating the reaction mechanism of surface-treated plant fibers and the resulting performance benefits in the composite. A comprehensive review of reinforcement mechanisms of fibers in composites, particularly asphalt mixtures, is provided to gain a mechanistic understanding of how fibers enhance performance. The review incorporates multiple perspectives to provide a thorough understanding of the performance-enhancing effects of fibers within asphalt. Plant fibers have significant potential to improve several aspects of asphalt mix performance, including high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, moisture stability, and fatigue durability. These properties also influence the optimal loading and fiber length for different fiber types, and this review provides a comprehensive overview along with recommended values. In addition, microscopic studies play a critical role in understanding the mechanism of plant fibers in asphalt mixes. The review discusses the microscopic changes induced by fiber surface treatment and sheds light on their effects at a fundamental level. The review provides a holistic reference for the application of plant fibers in asphalt mixtures for guiding asphalt pavement engineering applications, and prospect on the research direction of plant fibers in asphalt mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brake friction material reinforced with coconut fiber and dypsis lutescens fiber was designed and prepared in this study. Specimens incorporating 0–8 wt.% of coconut fibers or dypsis lutescens fibers were fabricated. The effect of the content of these reinforcing fibers on the overall properties of brake friction materials was systematically investigated. The results indicate that the inclusion of reinforcing fibers in the formulation of brake friction materials can improve the physical properties and friction and wear properties of brake friction materials. The specimen incorporating 6 wt.% plant fiber obtained the optimal comprehensive performance with excellent fade resistance and recovery properties, and better wear resistance. In order to further investigate their performance, nine hybrid fiber brake friction materials were designed using the golden section method and orthogonal test method. The study indicated that the F-6 hybrid fiber-reinforced brake friction materials have better physical properties, thermal degradation resistance, recovery properties, and abrasion resistance than the single-fiber-reinforced brake friction materials. This study provides new concepts for the preparation of fiber-reinforced brake friction materials as well as formulation optimization.

This paper aims to explore the tensile properties of plant fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (PFRCCs). An axial tensile numerical-simulation and test study of PFRCC panels with four thicknesses was performed to analyze their tensile properties, providing a relevant basis for the engineering application of PFRCC panels. The results show that the peak load of uniaxial tensile failure of PFRCC panels with thicknesses of 8 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm and 18 mm is 424.0 N, 664.8 N, 825.0 N and 986.4 N, respectively. The bearing capacity of the panels gradually increases with the increase of the thickness. The peak tensile strain is about 0.044%, 2.93 times that of the cement matrix and the tensile strength is about 2.73 MPa. It is proved that adding plant fiber can increase the toughness of the cement matrix and increasing PFRCC panel thickness can improve its tensile bearing capacity without affecting its tensile-strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impacts have been significant factors in expanding the applicability of plant fiber-reinforced composites across a variety of industries. Plant fibers have major advantages over synthetic fibers, including biodegradability, light weight, low cost, non-abrasiveness, and acceptable mechanical properties. However, the inherent plant fiber properties, such as varying fiber quality, low mechanical properties, moisture content, poor impact strengths, a lack of integration with hydrophobic polymer matrices, and a natural tendency to agglomerate, have posed challenges to the development and application of plant fiber composites. Emphasis is being placed on overcoming this limitation to improve the performance of plant fiber composites and their applications. This study reviews plant fiber-reinforced composites, focusing on strategies and breakthroughs for improving plant fiber composite performance, such as fiber modification, fabrication, properties, biopolymers, and their composites with industrial applications like automotive, construction, ballistic, textiles, and others. Furthermore, Pearson rank correlation coefficients were used in this review to assess the relationship between the chemical composition of plant fibers with their physical and mechanical properties. If researchers study the behavior of plant fibers using correlation coefficients, it will be easier to combine plant fibers with a polymer matrix to develop a new sustainable material. Through this review study, researchers will learn more about the strategic value of these materials and how well they work in different real-world situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture sorption and diffusion processes of plant fiber materials have a significant impact on their properties and product quality in healthcare, food production, cigarette processing, textile field, and papermaking industry. The infiltration process affects the rate of water sorption and processing of flavoring liquids, and exploring its mechanisms can optimize the production process. Here, multi-scale imaging approach was employed to identify the heterogeneous structure of plant leaves and the impact of multilevel fiber structure and pore channels on water adsorption. The dissipative changes and mechanisms of water adsorption, osmotic diffusion, and hygroscopic swelling in plant leaves were illustrated. Furthermore, the effects of temperature and water activity on water diffusion under different environmental conditions are determined through a comparison of adsorption equilibrium and diffusion electrochemical impedance analysis (EIS), with a focus on the water-blocking effect of the waxy layer interface. This work investigated the correlation between the impedance change in water transport and the natural layered water-blocking polymer film structure and multi-level pore structure. This study sheds new light on biological multi-scale fiber materials and these findings are important reference value for manufacturing processes to improve the moisturizing properties of functional plant fibers in the field of food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The molded pulp, a product of three-dimensional papermaking technology, is environmentally friendly and has a low environmental impact due to its ability to decompose quickly in the natural environment after disposal. The application of molded pulp for food packaging can replace or reduce the use of plastic food packaging. Researchers extract fibers from plants for the production of safe and hygienic molded pulp for food packaging, and they also study and enhance the qualities of molded pulp to broaden its use in the food industry. This paper reviews the sources and varieties of plant fiber used in molded pulp for food packaging, as well as research on the improvement and optimization of the performance of molded pulp products. Additionally, issues with molded pulp's actual use for food packaging are reviewed, along with the potential for future research. This work can serve as a reference for molded pulp applications and research in the food industry in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early strength of geopolymers (GPs) and their composites is higher, and the hardening speed is faster than that of ordinary cementitious materials. Due to their wide source of raw materials, low energy consumption in the production process, and lower emissions of pollutants, they are considered to have the most potential to replace ordinary Portland cement. However, similar to other inorganic materials, the GPs themselves have weak flexural and tensile strength and are sensitive to micro-cracks. Improving the toughness of GP materials can be achieved by adding an appropriate amount of fiber materials into the matrix. The use of discrete staple fibers shows great potential in improving the toughness of GPs. Sisal is a natural fiber that is reproducible and easy to obtain. Due to its good mechanical properties, low cost, and low carbon energy usage, sisal fiber (SF) is a GP composite reinforcement with potential development. In this paper, the research progress on the effect of SF on the properties of GP composites in recent decades is reviewed. It mainly includes the chemical composition and physical properties of SFs, the preparation technology of sisal-reinforced geopolymers (SFRGs), the microstructure analysis of the interface of SFs and the GP matrix, and the macroscopic mechanical properties of SFRGs. The properties of SFs make them have good bonding properties with the GP matrix. The addition of SFs can improve the flexural strength and tensile strength of GP composites, and SFRGs have good engineering application prospects.

Eco-friendly bio-active materials designed from available natural resources have been signified a big challenge in the past few decades. Nevertheless, the deficiency of the most essential knowledge regarding the effective processing of starting materials which has been used to fabricate the targeted bio-polymeric composites framework is considered a foremost encounter. However, natural cellulosic fibers (generally extracted from different parts of plants like bast/bark, leaf, steam) have received more attention from researchers, due to their outstanding physiochemical, thermomechanical, morphological properties and eco-friendly nature/sustainability. Basically, the features of natural fibers hinge on the proper preparation and the effective modification process. Conversely, the main problem of natural fiber is its hydrophilic nature while polymeric matrix are hydrophobic thus it is urgent to reduce the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers by conducting various significant chemical modification techniques so as to improve the overall quality of fibers as reinforcement in sustainable biocomposite. Therefore, it will be proposed with a detailed overview focusing on the various notable process of modifications and characterization methods of the cellulosic fibers in this review. We also summarize the significant important findings from the earlier literature and the effects of treatments on the overall properties of the fibers being emphasized.

Weight reduction should be accompanied by maintaining the strength and quality of materials utilized in construction. One of the comprehensive solutions to this problem can be the utilization of dispersed fiber reinforcement of concrete with plant fibers of various origins, which led to the sustainable production of concrete. Knowledge regarding the behavior of lightweight concrete with plant fibers is currently rather limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this article was to study the possibility of creating lightweight expanded-clay fiber concrete (ECFC) with improved characteristics, considering the dispersed reinforcement of this concrete with coconut (CF) and sisal (SF) fibers. Test methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were used for the structural study. Dispersed reinforcement of lightweight expanded clay concrete with fibers of organic origin has a positive effect on its mechanical characteristics. The optimal content of expanded clay in lightweight concrete was obtained in terms of the ratio of strength and density. The content of CF and SF, which provides the highest increases in compressive and flexural strength, was 2% of the mass of cement. It was found that SF in lightweight ECFC performs better and provides greater strength gains than CF. The compressive strength of ECFC with CF increased by 8.9%, the bending strength by 16.1%, and with SF by 10.1% and 18.3%, respectively, compared to the fiber-free composite. The coefficient of the constructive quality values of lightweight ECFC is up to 16% higher with CF and up to 18% with SF than a concrete composite without fibers. Moreover, formulas were derived to predict the compressive of ECFC with and without CF and SF.

Plant fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites have attracted much attention in many industries due to their abundant resources, low cost, biodegradability, and lightweight properties. Compared with synthetic fibers, various plant fibers are easy to obtain and have different characteristics, making them a substitute for synthetic fiber composite materials. However, the aging phenomenon of composite materials has been a key issue that hinders development. In natural environments, moisture absorption performance leads to serious degradation of the mechanical properties of composite materials, which delays the use of composite materials in humid environments. Therefore, the effects of moisture absorption performance of plant fiber composite materials on their mechanical properties have been summarized in this article, as well as various treatment methods to reduce the water absorption of composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation and development of bio-fabric recycling have opened up new ideas for the artistic expression of clothing design. This paper first distinguishes biological materials and biological fabrics, classifies and analyzes biological fabrics, and discusses biological fabrics' characteristics and the development of biological fabrics. Secondly, it defines fabric recycling, and fabric recycling is applied to garment design to enhance the expressive power of garments further. The relationship between bio-fabric recycling and garment design is explored. Finally, the artistic expression of bio-fabric recycling in apparel design is analyzed by taking mycelium material as an example, and the application and analysis of apparel design, footwear design and luggage design are carried out. The results showed that MycoTEX, cultivated by the solid bag fermentation method, was accepted and liked by 10.21% of consumers. Mylea, cultivated by the solid-in-bag fermentation method, was 38.72% accepted by consumers. Mylo, cultured by solid bag fermentation method, was 23.54% preferred by consumers as a vegetarian alternative to animal leather. It is feasible and important to explore and analyze the artistic expression of clothing design based on bio-fabric recycled materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fiber reinforced cementitious composites (PFRCC) panel has become the focus of current research due to their advantages of being lightweight, high strength, and good machinability. However, most scholars have studied the effects of different kinds of plant fibers on their mechanical properties, and few scholars have studied the effects of thickness changes on their mechanical properties. Therefore, a new plant fiber reinforced cementitious composites panel was developed in this paper, and the influence of thickness change on its mechanical properties was studied by axial tensile test and three-point bending test. The results show that: (1) With the increase of the thickness of the PFRCC panel, the tensile failure load increases gradually, but the peak tensile strain and tensile strength remain unchanged. The peak tensile strain is about 0.022 %, which is 1.47-2.2 times that of the matrix cement mortar. The average tensile strength is about 2.52 MPa, which is slightly higher than that of cement mortar. (2) With the increase of PFRCC panel thickness, the bending failure load increases gradually, but the bending strength remains unchanged, and the peak displacement decreases gradually. The bending strength of the PFRCC panel is about 13.5 MPa, which is 2.7 times that of the matrix cement mortar. The above research provides a theoretical basis for the application of PFRCC panels in practical engineering such as permanent formwork of foundation beams and light-gauge steel stud concrete composite external wall panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf and stem fibers of Sorghum halepense L. (SH) were investigated as fillers for recycled polypropylene (RPP) at 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The effects of SH in RPP on the thermal and mechanical properties of composites were investigated by tensile and bending tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that mechanical properties of the RPP composites decreased but their elasticity modulus increased. The addition of SH fibers to the polymer matrix changed the thermal properties of RPP. A slight decrease in DSC crystallinity was observed with the addition of 10% SH leaf and stem fiber to the polymer matrix and then the percentages of crystallinity increased with the addition of 20% and 30% SH leaf and stem fiber. The SEM images showed that the SH fibers mixed well with the polymer matrix without agglomeration, and the fracture sections of the composites were less rough than that of the RPP by itself.

This study proposes a novel approach that combines a Quartet Structure Generation Set (QSGS) algorithm with the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) to investigate effective thermal conductivity in plant fiber materials. The QSGS algorithm is utilized to construct a two-dimensional digital structure of the porous media, enabling the determination of effective thermal conductivity through LBM simulations. The simulation results demonstrate good agreement with experimental data, exhibiting a maximum relative error of only 1.7%. The study examines the influence of key factors on effective thermal conductivity, including temperature, porosity, fiber distribution, and fractal dimension. The effective thermal conductivity increased by approximately 6.1% for each 10 °C increase in temperature between 10 °C and 50 °C. Moreover, the effective thermal conductivity showed an average decrease of 16.3% with each 10% increment in porosity. The increase in thermal conductivity becomes more significant with increasing temperature and decreasing porosity. Conversely, an increased fractal dimension correlates with a decline in effective thermal conductivity. The effective thermal conductivity is influenced synergistically by the directional growth probability of the solid phase and the direction of heat flow. The findings offer valuable insights into thermal conductivity behavior and heat transfer mechanisms in plant fiber porous media.

Based on the notification data of EU recall, domestic supervision and spot check, and domestic recall, data statistical analysis and data visualization methods were used to compare and analyze the notification data of melamine and plant fiber tableware from the perspectives of notification times, notification reasons, and non-conformity items. The analysis of EU recall notification data shows that plant fiber is the most frequently reported material of food contact products. Melamine tableware has the risk of formaldehyde migration and melamine migration exceeding the standard. Plant fiber tableware contains unauthorized components, among which bamboo fiber components have the highest frequency of notification. The analysis of domestic supervision and spot check data shows that the average unqualified rate of melamine tableware is low, and the main risk is that the pollution resistance exceeds the standard. The unqualified rate of plant fiber tableware is higher than that of melamine tableware, and the main risks are excessive formaldehyde migration and melamine migration. Domestic recall notification data show that the main risks of melamine tableware are pollution resistance, label identification and structural defects. The main risk of plant fiber tableware is the excessive migration of melamine. Compared with melamine tableware, the risk of excessive migration of melamine and formaldehyde in plant fiber tableware is higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymer (GP) is environmentally friendly, has good mechanical properties and long-term workability, and has broad application prospects. However, due to the poor tensile strength and toughness of GPs, they are sensitive to microcracks, which limits their application in engineering. Fiber can be added to GPs to limit the growth of cracks and enhance the toughness of the GP. Plant fiber (PF) is cheap, easy to obtain, and abundant in source, which can be added to GP to improve the properties of composites. This paper reviews recent studies on the early properties of plant fiber-reinforced geopolymers (PFRGs). In this manuscript, the properties of PFs commonly used for GP reinforcements are summarized. The early properties of PFRGs were reviewed, including the rheological properties of fresh GPs, the early strength of PFRGs, and the early shrinkage and deformation properties of PFRGs. At the same time, the action mechanism and influencing factors of PFRGs are also introduced. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the early properties of PFRGs, the adverse effects of PFs on the early properties of GPs and the solutions were summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent decades, fiber yielding plants are getting more importance due to their eco-friendly nature of material they produce compared to other conventional materials. These plants fibers are major raw materials to the textiles and other fiber-related industries. But due to over exploitation, improper utilization, and lack of proper marketing channels, these fiber-yielding plants are not getting proper recognition in the local/regional/national and international markets. Among the fiber-yielding species in Garhwal Himalaya, Grewia optiva is an important tree that yields fiber and used by villagers for several traditional purposes. Grewia optiva is distributed in wide altitudinal range (500–2500 masl) of Garhwal Himalaya and, therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of altitude on the physical properties of Grewia optiva fiber. Three major ranges of altitudes (i.e., 1500 masl) were selected for this study and four major parameters (i.e., Fiber Denier, Breaking Strength, Tenacity and Elongation at Break) were taken to understand their properties in each altitude under study. The results show that the mechanical strength of Grewia fiber at higher altitude is maximum due to fiber denier value, breaking strength, elongation at break, and lower at lowest altitude except for tenacity value (highest in middle attitude).

The aim of this research was to investigate the moisture absorption of bamboo fibers (BFs) and their composites manufactured using different methods. The hygroscopic properties of BFs, jute fibers (JFs), glass fibers (GFs), and epoxy (EP) were compared and analyzed using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), as well as the hygroscopic properties of the BF-Naval Ordnance Laboratory (BF-NOL), JF-NOL, GF-NOL, and bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy composites manufactured via filament winding (FW), hot pressing (HP), and resin transfer molding (RTM). The results were analyzed using the Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer (GAB), parallel exponential kinetics (PEK), and DoseResp models. The results indicated that BFs conformed to type II. The moisture adsorption isotherms of BF-NOL, JF-NOL, GF-NOL, and BF composites prepared by different molding processes exhibited a typical V-shape. The GAB and DoseResp models provided good fits to the changes in adsorption and desorption processes. The final equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of BFs and BF-NOL were 27.1% and 3.95%, respectively, the final EMC of BF composites prepared by RTM was 2.34%.

Leaf and stem fibers of Sorghum halepense L. (SH) were investigated as fillers for recycled polypropylene (RPP) at 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The effects of SH in RPP on the thermal and mechanical properties of composites were investigated by tensile and bending tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that mechanical properties of the RPP composites decreased but their elasticity modulus increased. The addition of SH fibers to the polymer matrix changed the thermal properties of RPP. A slight decrease in DSC crystallinity was observed with the addition of 10% SH leaf and stem fiber to the polymer matrix and then the percentages of crystallinity increased with the addition of 20% and 30% SH leaf and stem fiber. The SEM images showed that the SH fibers mixed well with the polymer matrix without agglomeration, and the fracture sections of the composites were less rough than that of the RPP by itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aimed to determine the effect of adding Vitis vinifera stalk cellulose (VSC) to epoxy resin composites reinforced with Bambusa vulgaris fiber (BVF). This study also focused on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical analysis, and fatigue properties of epoxy composites fabricated using VSC and BVF. The composite laminates were prepared using a hand layup method and were evaluated with respect to the corresponding ASTM standards. The mechanical properties illustrate that the increment in values for tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, Izod impact as well as hardness maximum up to 162 MPa, 6.21 GPa, 182 MPa, 6.48 GPa, 5.72 J, and 90 shore‐D, respectively for 5.0 vol% of BVF and 40 vol% of bamboo fiber composite designation EBG3 (Epoxy + Bamboo + Grape cellulose). Similarly, the addition of BVF by 40 vol% improved the storage modulus, loss factor, and fatigue life count of composite "EB" (Epoxy + Bamboo) by about 2.91 GPa, 0.55 and 19,227, respectively. The highest observed storage modulus and minimum loss factor were about 4.14 GPa and 0.36 for the composite designation "EBG3" as well as the maximum observed fatigue life counts were about 34,227 for the same. These composites with mechanically strong properties with improved thermo‐mechanical properties and fatigue life could be applicable in automotive side door beadings, ballistic resistance defense equipments, sports goods, and also in some of the household gadgets making purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fibers are one of the most promising calcium silicate board (CSB) reinforcement materials because of their many sources, suitable sizes, high tensile strengths, and natural renewable properties. In this study, an applicable plant fiber selection method for reinforcing CSBs was established. The morphology, components, and mechanical properties of different brands of plant fibers were analyzed for factor screening. Based on the wet processes of CSBs, the effects of plant fiber additions on the mechanical properties of CSBs were studied, and the optimum addition amount of plant fiber was determined to be 8 wt.%. Through multiple linear regression analysis of the physical and chemical properties of plant fibers and the mechanical properties of CSBs, a plant fiber strengthening index (Fsi) and toughening index (Fti) of CSBs were formulated as a plant fiber applicability index. The fitted R2 values of the plant fiber strengthening index and toughening index were 0.88 and 0.71, respectively, showing good correlation. The validity of the plant fiber applicability index in evaluating the fiber reinforcement potential was verified by experiments. The results provided a significant method for the prediction of plant fibers' reinforcement potential and the selection of plant fibers for CSB reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Plant fiber/plastic composites (PPCs) have been widely used in food contact materials (FCMs) for many benefits, such as their claimed better environmental footprint compared to conventional plastics. However, their safety is still not fully understood and must be comprehensively evaluated. Non-volatiles extracted from six PPCs with different plant fibers and polymer matrices were characterized by employing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in combination with various spectral libraries and manual elucidation, taking into account spectral similarity and characteristic product ions. A total of 115 compounds were tentatively identified, 50 of which were oligomers or their derivatives from the sample with polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as the polymer matrix, and some of them were Cramer rules class III substances based on the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC). Seven reaction products between PLA and PBAT monomers, as well as four derivatives of melamine, were elucidated and well detailed for the first time. In addition, bisphenol S was detected in all samples even though its origin remains to be further explored. Isoprothiolane, as an insecticide and fungicide used to control a range of rice pests, was identified in the sample with rice husk as fillers, experimentally confirming the presence of agrochemicals in samples containing plant fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fibers are increasingly used in fabricating polymer composite components useful in the automotive, construction, and aerospace industries. This surge in the usage of plant fibers in different industries is owing to the improved understanding of the toxicity of synthetic fibers. It is essential to point out that “Humans need earth, not earth needs humans” therefore policymakers and researchers are working on replacing traditional materials with green materials. Plant fibers are green materials with many advantages over synthetic materials, such as easy processing, reduction of CO2 emissions, biodegradable, recyclable, good thermomechanical properties, and better compatibility with human health. Therefore, plant fibers are extensively used as a modifier for polymers. The drawbacks of plant fibers are the presence of OH groups in their basic structure and the presence of amorphous components. Both these drawbacks can be reduced by chemically treating the fibers. Further coupling agents can be used to increase the compatibility between the fiber and polymer. It is reported that incorporating fibers (non-continuous or continuous), and fiber mats as a reinforcement for polymers improve the mechanical, thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, and surface properties. Accelerated aging studies also reported favourable results for the use of plant fiber-based composites for long-term outdoor applications. However, plant fibers have lower strength and are hydrophilic compared to synthetic fibers, more research is required to overcome fully these drawbacks. This review examines and discusses the fundamentals of plant fiber, its processing, drawbacks, recent research trends, composites properties, prospects, and potential applications.

[Objectives] In order to compare the effects of different plant fibers on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) composites, three kinds of plant fibers with better properties: rice husk, reed straw and bamboo were used to prepare high content plant fiber/PLA composites (50% plant fiber content). [Methods] The composition of the plant fiber was analyzed. The functional groups and micromorphology of the plant fiber/PLA composite were observed. The mechanical properties, water barrier property and thermal stability of the PLA composites were determined. [Results]Bamboo fiber/PLA composite had the best comprehensive mechanical properties, its flexural strength was 91.37 MPa, which was 17.18% and 40.33% higher than rice husk and reed straw fiber/PLA composite, and its impact strength was 5.06 kJ·m-2, which was 9.49% and 53.56% higher than rice husk and reed straw fiber/PLA composite. The microstructure of bamboo fiber/PLA composite was the densest, and the combination of fiber and PLA was the best. The results showed that the water resistance and thermal stability of the PLA composites were reduced by filling with plant fiber, while the bamboo fiber/PLA composites had better water resistance and heat resistance. [Conclusions] Among the three kinds of high content plant fiber composites, bamboo fiber composite has the best comprehensive performance, which lays a foundation for further expanding the application of PLA composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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