Effects of total chlorine free (TCF) bleaching on the characteristics of chemi mechanical (CMP) pulp and paper from Malaysian durian (DURIO ZIBETHINUS MURR.) rind

The effects of bleaching process on the characteristics of pulp and paper produced from durian rind under chemi-mechanical pulping (CMP) method were investigated. All process and characteristic tests were conducted according to Malaysian International Organisation for Standardization (MS ISO) and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). Three (3) stages of peroxide (P-P-P) bleaching sequence through the Total Chlorine Free (TCF) bleaching process were applied to the unbeaten and unbleached durian rind CMP pulp. Bleached CMP durian rind pulp drainage time (32s) decreased (faster) and CSF freeness level (172.50ml) increased as compared to a control pulp. It was obtained that overall optical (brightness (66.36 %)) and mechanical characteristics (tensile index (38.33 Nm/g), tearing index (7.56 mN.m2/g), bursting index (2.42 kPa.m2/g), and number of folds (43)) of durian rind CMP 60 gsm paper sheet improved as the TCF bleaching process was applied to the unbleached CMP durian rind pulp

Fabrication, functionalization, and application of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composite: an overview

A novel class of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanomaterials has been surging since 1991 due to their noticeable mechanical and electrical properties, as well as their good electron transport properties. This is evidence that the development of CNT-reinforced polymer composites could contribute in expanding many areas of use, from energy-related devices to structural components. As a promising material with a wide range of applications, their poor solubility in aqueous and organic solvents has hindered the utilizations of CNTs. The current state of research in CNTs—both single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced polymer composites—was reviewed in the context of the presently employed covalent and non-covalent functionalization. As such, this overview intends to provide a critical assessment of a surging class of composite materials and unveil the successful development associated with CNT-incorporated polymer composites. The mechanisms related to the mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance of CNT-reinforced polymer composites is also discussed. It is vital to understand how the addition of CNTs in a polymer composite alters the microstructure at the micro- and nano-scale, as well as how these modifications influence overall structural behavior, not only in its as fabricated form but also its functionalization techniques. The technological superiority gained with CNT addition to polymer composites may be advantageous, but scientific values are here to be critically explored for reliable, sustainable, and structural reliability in different industrial needs

Hybridization of MMT/Lignocellulosic fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposites for structural applications: a review

In the recent past, significant research effort has been dedicated to examining the usage of nanomaterials hybridized with lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcement in the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites. The introduction of nanoparticles like montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay was found to increase the strength, modulus of elasticity and stiffness of composites and provide thermal stability. The resulting composite materials has figured prominently in research and development efforts devoted to nanocomposites and are often used as strengthening agents, especially for structural applications. The distinct properties of MMT, namely its hydrophilicity, as well as high strength, high aspect ratio and high modulus, aids in the dispersion of this inorganic crystalline layer in water-soluble polymers. The ability of MMT nanoclay to intercalate into the interlayer space of monomers and polymers is used, followed by the exfoliation of filler particles into monolayers of nanoscale particles. The present review article intends to provide a general overview of the features of the structure, chemical composition, and properties of MMT nanoclay and lignocellulosic fibers. Some of the techniques used for obtaining polymer nanocomposites based on lignocellulosic fibers and MMT nanoclay are described: (i) conventional, (ii) intercalation, (iii) melt intercalation, and (iv) in situ polymerization methods. This review also comprehensively discusses the mechanical, thermal, and flame retardancy properties of MMT-based polymer nanocomposites. The valuable properties of MMT nanoclay and lignocellulose fibers allow us to expand the possibilities of using polymer nanocomposites in various advanced industrial applications

Natural fiber-reinforced polylactic acid, polylactic acid blends and their composites for advanced applications

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from lactic acid that has been chiefly utilized in biodegradable material and as a composite matrix material. PLA is a prominent biomaterial that is widely used to replace traditional petrochemical-based polymers in various applications owing environmental concerns. Green composites have gained greater attention as ecological consciousness has grown since they have the potential to be more appealing than conventional petroleum-based composites, which are toxic and nonbiodegradable. PLA-based composites with natural fiber have been extensively utilized in a variety of applications, from packaging to medicine, due to their biodegradable, recyclable, high mechanical strength, low toxicity, good barrier properties, friendly processing, and excellent characteristics. A summary of natural fibers, green composites, and PLA, along with their respective properties, classification, functionality, and different processing methods, are discussed to discover the natural fiber-reinforced PLA composite material development for a wide range of applications. This work also emphasizes the research and properties of PLA-based green composites, PLA blend composites, and PLA hybrid composites over the past few years. PLA’s potential as a strong material in engineering applications areas is addressed. This review also covers issues, challenges, opportunities, and perspectives in developing and characterizing PLA-based green composites

Thermogravimetric analysis properties of cellulosic natural fiber polymer composites: a review on influence of chemical treatments

Natural fiber such as bamboo fiber, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber, kenaf fiber, and sugar palm fiber-reinforced polymer composites are being increasingly developed for lightweight structures with high specific strength in the automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction industries with significant economic benefits, sustainability, and environmental benefits. The plant-based natural fibers are hydrophilic, which is incompatible with hydrophobic polymer matrices. This leads to a reduction of their interfacial bonding and to the poor thermal stability performance of the resulting fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Based on the literature, the effect of chemical treatment of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites had significantly influenced the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) together with the thermal stability performance of the composite structure. In this review, the effect of chemical treatments used on cellulose natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer composites has been reviewed. From the present review, the TGA data are useful as guidance in determining the purity and composition of the composites’ structures, drying, and the ignition temperatures of materials. Knowing the stability temperatures of compounds based on their weight, changes in the temperature dependence is another factor to consider regarding the effectiveness of chemical treatments for the purpose of synergizing the chemical bonding between the natural fiber with polymer matrix or with the synthetic fibers

Creep test facility development and creep analysis of braced composite cross arms in 132 kV transmission tower

Previously, most of cross arms in 132 kV latticed suspension towers made of wood timber cross arms to sustain electrical cables and insulators above the ground. However, wood timber cross arms seemed to degrade and fail after 20 years of service due to creep, natural wood defect and attack from natural enemies. This issue has brought the urgency to replace the previous cross arms with pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymer composite (PGFRPC) cross arms due to better strength, lightweight, and low degradability. To date, no study has been conducted on the evaluation of creep properties of cross arms’ material and structure for long-term service application. Moreover, the creep testing facilities specialising in cross arms are still undeveloped to conduct the creep test for outdoor use. Lastly, no research has been conducted on the enhancement of cross arm structure by retrofitting with additional braced arms to improve creep resistance performance. It is reported on the development and characterization of creep responses of PGFRPC cross arms. Initially, a hybrid TRIZ-Morphological Chart-ANP method was implemented to develop the conceptual design for both multi-operation flexural and cantilever beam creep test rigs. From the product design specifications (PDS), concept designs 3 and 5 were selected as the final design concept for multi-operation flexural and cantilever beam creep test rigs, respectively. For three-point flexural creep analysis, it started with quasi-static flexural test and found out the modulus of elasticity of PGFRP almost the same value as Balau wood. In contrast, the flexural strength of pultruded GFRP increases about 72.97 % compared to Balau wood. This finding further established that PGFRP composite permitted better creep resistance as the creep strain increases about 100% in Balau wood as compared to PGFRP composite. This is due to low creep strain and better stability of transition of elastic to viscoelastic phase. These creep results for both wood and composite cross arms were optimized with Findley model, and two general creep equations was generated. For the cantilever beam creep results, it was illustrated that both wood and composite cross arms exhibited less creep strain after retrofitting with additional braced arms. Furthermore, the creep resistance performance for both braced wood and composite cross arms improved about 15 to 21 % higher. This is due to higher structural integrity and more stable elastic transition to viscoelastic phases. Further numerical analyses demonstrated that the stress-independent material exponent exhibited approximately the same values between right and left arms, and higher elastic, and viscoelastic performance for both braced wood and composite cross arms under long-term creep. To summarise, PGFRPC cross arms have been revealed to have better mechanical strength and creep resistance performances, which is suitable to replace wood cross arms. In addition, the enhancement of PGFRPC cross arms by incorporating bracing system contributes to significant improvement of creep resistance and mechanical performances for the current design

Product Development of Natural Fibre-Composites for Various Applications: Design for Sustainability

New product development review article aims to consolidate the principles and current literature on design for sustainability to seek the field’s future direction. In this point of view, the design for sustainability methods can be established under the idea of sustainability in dimensions of ecology, economy and social pillars. Design for sustainability concept is implemented in concurrent engineering, including concept, embodiment and detail design processes. Integrating sustainability in engineering designs is crucial to producing greener products, system innovation, and services aligned with current market demand. Currently, many concurrent engineering studies related to natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites associated with sustainability enhance the application of design for sustainability techniques by professional designers. However, the current literature is scarce in bridging the design for sustainability concept with concurrent engineering during the design development stage, and these areas should be further developed. Several other future research directions, such as the need for aligning with principles and applications, along with exploring the relationships between the design for sustainability techniques and views of sustainability, are presented in this review paper

Effect of kenaf alkalization treatment on morphological and mechanical properties of epoxy/silica/kenaf composite

The mechanical performance of silica modified epoxy at various concentration of sodium hydroxide for surface treatment of multi-axial kenaf has been analyzed. Epoxy resin with amine hardener was modified with silica powder at 20 phr and toughened by treated kenaf fiber that immerses in various concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ranging from 0% to 9% of weight. The composite was analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to ensure complete curing process. The mechanical properties of the composites were analyzed through flexural test, Charpy impact test and DSC to ensure the complete curing process. DSC analysis results show epoxy sample was completely cured at above 73°C that verifies the curing temperature for preparation for the composite. Hence, 3% NaOH treated composite exhibits the best mechanical properties, with 10.6 kJ/m2 of impact strength, 54.1 MPa of flexural strength and 3.5 GPa of flexural modulus. It is due to the improvement of fiber-matrix compatibility. Analysis by SEM also revealed that a cleaner surface of kenaf fiber treated at 3% NaOH shown cleaner surface, thus, in turn, improve surface interaction between fiber and matrix of the composite. The composites produced in this work has high potential to be used in automotive and domestics appliances

Effect of Marble Dust on the Mechanical, Morphological, and Wear Performance of Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Structural Applications

The reinforcement of natural fibre and fillers in polymer resin is the latest trend followed by research groups and industries for the development of sustainable composites. Basalt fibre and waste marble powder are naturally occurring substances used to enhanced polymer properties. The present research examined the effect of both basalt fibre and waste marble powder in epoxy resin. The hand lay-up method was employed to fabricate the composite and test for mechanical and wear behaviour. The tensile, flexural, and impact energy were enhanced up to 7.5 wt. % of WMP, and the Vickers hardness of epoxy enhanced every state of reinforcement of WMP. The specific wear rate was observed to be increased with the addition of WMP until 7.5 wt. %. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to examine the nature of fractured surface wear phenomena