Papers by Keyword: Natural Fiber

Abstract: Natural fibers are considered as alternative reinforcements in composites due to their accessibility, affordability, renewability and potential positive effects on some properties. Sources of these fibers include bast, leaf, seed and grass. In this paper, untreated tiger grass fiber, which is typically used as material in soft brooms, has been reinforced in epoxy resin with varying loading of 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % by mass of matrix. For the composite manufacturing, the samples were prepared with the use of silicone molds and were subjected to tensile and water absorption tests. Based from the results, the tiger grass fiber reinforcement has provided significant improvements on tensile strength. The sample with 20 % fiber content achieved the maximum strength of 42 MPa which correspond to about 91 % enhancement as compared to the plain sample. This could be associated with the stress transfer between the unidirectional fibers and the epoxy matrix. As for water absorption, all composites only attained minimal mean values that ranges from 0.035 % to 0.063 %. This could be linked to the water-resistant characteristic of the matrix that protected the reinforcing fibers from being exposed directly to water.

Abstract: In the field of natural fiber-reinforced composites, hybridization of fibers is commonly used to improve the composite’s properties further. Traditionally, this involves the incorporation of secondary fibers to compensate for the limitations of the primary reinforcing material. Recently, the integration of nanomaterials has emerged as a promising approach for hybrid composite fabrication. In this study, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into the nito fiber-reinforced epoxy composite for further improvement of the composite’s properties. MWCNTs, when uniformly dispersed, serve as effective nanoreinforcements capable of improving both mechanical strength and thermal behavior. The incorporation of 0.10 wt% MWCNTs resulted in improved impact strength compared to both unreinforced epoxy and nito fiber-reinforced composites. The hybridized composites also exhibited higher peak temperature and overall thermal stability. Water contact angle measurements also indicated enhanced hydrophobicity upon MWCNT addition. However, excessive loading of MWCNTs led to agglomeration and subsequent deterioration of composite performance. These findings highlight the potential of MWCNTs as multifunctional nanofillers in natural fiber-based hybrid composites, offering improved impact resistance, thermal stability, and moisture resistance. Such hybrid systems expand the applicability of natural fiber composites to demanding sectors such as automotive interiors, construction materials, and consumer goods, where improved durability and environmental resistance are critical.

Abstract: In the quest for a sustainable engineering society, agricultural residues such as sorghum bagasse offer promising potential as eco-friendly reinforcements. This study explores the physicochemical and thermal properties of sorghum bagasse fibers for reinforcing Plaster of Paris (POP). The fiber demonstrated a tensile strength of 2.383 MPa, with an elongation at break of 1.319% and a strain at break of 1%, suggesting a moderate ability to withstand tensile forces. FTIR analysis confirmed major lignocellulosic functional groups (O–H, C–H, C–O), while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a three-stage decomposition with major weight loss (approx. 69.5%) occurring between 287.6°C to 447.3°C, and a final char residue of 12.96%. SEM micrographs revealed a rough, fibrous morphology, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) showed a composition rich in Carbon (52.03 wt.%) and Oxygen (39.92 wt.%), with Sodium (0.71 wt.%) retained post-treatment. These results suggest sorghum bagasse fiber is a viable, low-cost, and sustainable reinforcement for POP composites in non-structural construction applications.

Abstract: Borassus palm or aethiopium palmyra is a palm species tree, widely spread in sub-Saharan Africa but its fruits don’t have any economic value therefore considered as waste. This study investigated the potential of Borassus fruit fibers (BFF), extracted manually from the underutilized fruit, for various applications by examining their hygroscopic properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the fibers' unique features, including a relatively large diameter and high affinity for water vapor. A Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) analysis with exposure time varying from 1, 2, 4 until 72h and varied Relative Humidity (from 0 to 90%) with 10% increment was carried out to examine the Sorption-desorption behavior. The characteristic hysteresis behavior of natural fibers was observed, with significant moisture uptake, particularly above 70% RH. The sorption and desorption processes were quantified, revealing a linear relationship between mass change and relative humidity. Furthermore, an Ensemble learning approach, specifically a Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR) model, was developed to predict the hygroscopic behavior of BFF. Trained on the experimental sorption-desorption data, the GBR model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy, achieving a high R² value of 91.7% and low CV, MSE, and RMSE values (6.9 and 2.6, respectively). These findings highlight the significant influence of relative humidity on BFF moisture content and demonstrate the effectiveness of GBR as a powerful tool for accurately predicting the complex hygroscopic behavior of these fibers.

Abstract: This study investigates the functional groups of 3D printing material filaments made from biocomposites using polymers and natural fibers, analyzed through FTIR spectroscopy. The process of making 3D printing filament uses the extrusion method with a single extrusion machine. The integration of natural fibers into polymer matrices provides a sustainable alternative for 3D printing materials, improving mechanical properties while reducing environmental impact. FTIR analysis revealed significant interactions between polymer and fiber components, identifying key functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl that are critical for performance. Functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (C=O) significantly influence the quality of biocomposites through their impact on the material's mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties. These findings provide insight into the structure-property relationship of these materials, demonstrating their potential for sustainable 3D printing applications.

Abstract: The aim of this research seeks to investigate the mechanical properties of Borassus flabellifer (Borassus palm) and Carica papaya (papaya) hybrid composites fibers reinforced in regards to strength, stiffness, and toughness under different test conditions. It also compares the performance of hybrid composites with composites based on individual fibers. The study involves two groups of composite materials. Group 1. The analysis of ultimate tensile strength of Borassus palm and Carica papaya composite value is 17.020 N/mm². Group 2. The analysis of impact strength of Borassus palm and Carica papaya composite value is 0.35. The hybrid composites, made from Borassus palm and papaya fibers are have very good Tensile and impact strength. That can be an alternative to synthetic fibers. In this study it observed that the hybrid composites, made from Borassus palm and papaya fibers are very suitable for mechanical applications.

Abstract: Textile waste becomes a major concern for environmental pollution also it contributes to land fill. To address this challenge recycling and reuse of textile waste into high-value materials like natural fibre composites which provide both environmental and financial advantages in the context of a circular economy since they are lightweight, biodegradable and suitable as a substitute for synthetic fibres in a variety of applications. The objective of this research is to combine mechanical performance and environmental advantages by examining a hybrid composite composed of glass fibres and textile waste. We examine the composite's tensile, flexural, impact and elongation breaking characteristics. Five different composite samples were fabricated: one with pure resin, one consisting solely of textile waste fiber layers (T/T/T), a hybrid composite with textile waste and glass fiber arranged as textile/glass/textile (T/G/T), another hybrid with glass fiber and textile waste arranged as glass/textile/glass (G/T/G) and one composed entirely of glass fiber layers (G/G/G). The experimental findings demonstrate that incorporating textile waste/glass fibers enhances the mechanical properties of pure resin composites. The G/T/G sample exhibited a higher flexural strength compared to the T/T/T sample. However, the inclusion of textile waste was observed to reduce the composite's impact strength during impact testing. These results imply that there is promise for this hybrid material in a few industrial applications, such as construction, automotive and aerospace.

Abstract: In this work, jute and bamboo fiber is used as reinforcement to prepare hybrid composites. The alkali treatment of both the fibers are carried out and the strength of composites prepared with the alkali treated fiber is compared with the composites made from untreated fibers. The bamboo fibers are chopped and pulverized and added to matrix while the jute fiber is used in continuous form. Tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, thermal absorptivity test is carried along with the flammability test. The tensile strength of jute –bamboo-epoxy composite (JBEC) with untreated fibers is observed to be 12.21 MPa while the tensile strength of jute-epoxy composite (JEC) with untreated fiber composite is observed to be 11.72 MPa. Further, the alkali treatment of fiber increases the tensile strength of both the JEC and JBEC by 8%. About 11.12% rise in tensile strength in JEC and 14.35% rise in JBEC is observed due to alkali treatment of fibers. JBEC with alkali treated fibers [JBEC(AT)] shows 42.5HV hardness, while JBEC shows the hardness of 40.2HV. The hardness of JEC increased from 31.3HV to 35.5HV due to alkali treatment. JBEC and JEC with alkali treated fibers [JBEC(AT), JEC (AT)] shows higher thermal absorptivity than JBEC and JEC owing to the fact that higher thermal conductivity of bamboo fibers. The JBEC(AT) shows an ignition temperature of 301°C, while JBEC starts burning at a temperature of 285.6°C. JEC starts burning at 256.56°C and JEC burns by 248.52°C.

Abstract: Aim: This research evaluates the strength and stability of hemp, kenaf, and coir fiber reinforced composites produced by compression molding for industrial applications. Materials and Methods: Hemp, kenaf, and coir fibers are blended with a polymer matrix and compression molded. Group 1 (Traditional) This article illustrates the effective fabrication of hybrid fiber. Ultimately stabilized to a medium percentage of resin (75%). Group 2 (Composite) hemp, kenaf & coir blended fiber source more tensile, compressive strength and minimum water absorption rate and wear behavior. Result: The best were the kenaf composites, then hemp water resistance, and they all possessed good thermal stability. Compression molding assisted in enhancing fiber bonding. Conclusion: Compression molding improved the adhesion of fiber and matrix. Kenaf composite exhibited maximum strength, hemp exhibited maximum water resistance, and all of them exhibited good thermal stability.

Abstract: The PTO (Power-take-off) shaft is an essential rotatory component in agricultural tractor, used for transmitting power to shaft-driven implements such as rotary tiller, thresher, PTO driven pump, etc. During field operations, the PTO is subjected to uneven vibrational loads, which often lead to premature failure. These failures pose significant challenges pertinent to structural integrity, product quality as well as customer satisfaction. The current study conducts static and harmonic analysis to observe failure characteristics of conventional medium-carbon steel shaft under torsional loading. This study also explores the utilization of synthetic, natural, and hybrid-based fiber-based polymer composite to optimize overall weight and evaluate the impact of fiber orientation on stress and deformation behavior. The shaft was made up of unidirectional hemp and carbon-bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy, assuming isotropic characteristics for the fibers and polymer. A Representative Volume Element with a hexagonal array of circular fibers was developed using ANSYS Material Designer, maintaining a fiber volume fraction of 0.3 within the matrix. Laminated composites were then modeled using ANSYS Pre-Post Module with varying ply orientation to obtain an optimum configuration. Compared to the results of baseline steel shaft, Carbon fiber, Hemp fiber and Carbon-Bamboo fiber configurations demonstrated a mass reduction of 75.71%, 80% and 77.5%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of composite PTO shaft as more economical, biodegradable, sustainable and light weight alternatives to steel in modern agricultural applications.