Effect of Hemp Shive Sizes on Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Fibrous Composites

AbstractIn this paper, the impact of mean size of anisometric hemp shives particles (length) on compressive strength and other parameters of lightweight composites is studied. Sample of hemp shive with a wide lengths distribution (8 – 0.2mm; mean length: 33.7mm) and two separated fractions (< 4mm and 4-8mm) with mean length of particles 7.3mm and 27.7mm were used in the experiments. Composites based on MgO-cement as a binder with a constant ratio of hemp shives (40 vol. %) were prepared. Density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity and water absorbability of composites after 28 days of hardening were tested. Effect of mean length of hemp shives slices on the above mentioned characteristics of fibrous composites was confirmed. Values of density and compressive strength of fibrous composites increase with decreasing length of hemp shive slices. The lowest value of water absorbability was recorded for composite based on fraction with short length of hemp shives slices. The impact of mean length of hemp shive slices on thermal conductivity parameter was not confirmed

Design of a Customized Neck Orthosis for FDM Manufacturing with a New Sustainable Bio-composite

The interest in developing customized external orthopaedic devices, thanks to the advent of Additive Manufacturing (AM), has grown in recent years. Greater attention was focused on upper limb casts, while applications to other body’s parts, such as the neck, were less investigated. In this paper the computer aided design (CAD) modelling, assessment and 3D printing with fused deposition modelling (FDM) of a customized neck orthosis are reported. The modelling, based on anatomic data of a volunteer subject, was aimed to obtain a lightweight, ventilated, hygienic and comfortable orthosis compared to the produced medical devices generally used for neck injuries. CAD models with different geometrical patterns, introduced for lightening and improving breathability, were considered, specifically, a honeycomb pattern and an elliptical holes pattern. These models were structurally assessed by means of finite elements analysis (FEA). Furthermore, an innovative composite material was considered for 3D printing. The material, Hemp Bio-Plastic® (HBP), composed by polylactic acid (PLA) and hemp shives, offers different advantages including lightweight, improved superficial finish and antibacterial properties. The results obtained in terms of design methodology and manufacturing by 3D printing of a prototype have shown the feasibility to develop customized cervical orthoses, with potentially improved performance with respect to cervical collars available on the market also thanks to the use of the innovative composite material

Wpływ alternatywnego spoiwa na właściwości kompozytu z włóknami konopnymi

Composites based on natural fibres as organic filler are studied for several years because traditional building materials such as concrete are increasingly being replaced by advanced composite materials (fibre reinforced cement). The current trend in the construction industry is the effort to achieve sustainable development using rapidly renewable material resources instead of limited raw materials as well as using alternative materials. The need for development of promising and environmentally friendly materials is related to the industrial interest in the use of natural plant fibres as reinforcement into lightweight composites. The attention is given to hemp fibres as a substitute for synthetic fibers in lightweight composites due to their unique mechanical, thermal insulation, acoustic and antiseptic properties. Optimizing the adhesion of hemp plant fibre to the inorganic matrix in the composite is related to the modification of hemp fibers and/or the appropriate option and treatment of binder. In this paper, the attention is given to the study properties of composite based on hemp hurds as filler and alternative binder (MgO-cement). The hemp as a building composite component is rapidly renewable, carbon-negative, non-toxic, mildew-resistant and pest-free. Cement based on MgO seems to be a suitable binding agent for composites based on hemp hurds. Experimental work is focused on the study of impact of alternative binder on the selected properties of prepared lightweight composites and variation of mixtures based on hemp hurds and alternative binder focused on the MgO and SiO2 component (silica sand and silica fume in variation). The evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of hemp hurds composites with alternative binder is given. The results have shown that by incorporating hemp hurds into a magnesium oxide cement matrix it is possible to prepare materials with suitable thermal insulating properties usable in non-load-bearing structures.Od kilku lat badane są kompozyty na bazie włókien naturalnych jako wypełniacze organiczne, ponieważ tradycyjne materiały budowlane, takie jak beton, są coraz częściej zastępowane zaawansowanymi materiałami kompozytowymi (cement wzmacniany włóknami). Obecną tendencją w branży budowlanej jest dążenie do osiągnięcia zrównoważonego rozwoju przy wykorzystaniu szybko odnawialnych surowców, a nieograniczonych surowców, a także przy użyciu alternatywnych materiałów. Potrzeba opracowania ekologicznych dla środowiska materiałów jest związana z przemysłowym wykorzystaniem naturalnych włókien roślinnych jako zbrojenia do lekkich materiałów kompozytowych oraz włókien konopnych jako substytut włókien syntetycznych w lekkich kompozytach ze względu na ich unikalne własności mechaniczne, termoizolacyjne, akustyczne i antyseptyczne. Optymalizacja przyczepności włókna roślinnego konopi do matrycy nieorganicznej w kompozycie jest związana z modyfikacją włókna konopnego i/lub odpowiednią opcją i obróbką spoiwa. W niniejszym dokumencie zwrócono uwagę na właściwości badawcze kompozytu bazującego na opasach konopnych (w odcieniach drewna konopi) jako wypełniacza i alternatywnego środka wiążącego (MgO-cement). Konopie jako komponent złożony z budynków są szybko odnawialne, są odporne na węgiel, nietoksyczne, odporne na pleśń i wolne od szkodników. Wydaje się, że cement na bazie MgO jest odpowiednim środkiem wiążącym dla kompozytów na bazie konopi. Eksperymentalne prace koncentrują się na badaniu termicznego przetwarzania naturalnego surowego materiału magnezytowego do jego późniejszego wykorzystania jako alternatywnego składnika wiążącego do lekkich materiałów kompozytowych oraz zróżnicowania mieszanek kompozytowych opartych na opaskach konopnych i alternatywnym środku wiążącym skupionym na składniku MgO i SiO2. Ocenę fizycznych i mechanicznych właściwości konopnych prasuje kompozyty z alternatywnym spoiwem. Wyniki wykazały, że poprzez włączenie konopnych włókien do matrycy cementowej tlenku magnezu można przygotować materiały o odpowiednich właściwościach termoizolacyjnych użytych w konstrukcjach nie obciążających

Properties of composites incorporating cellulosic fibers

Nowadays, with the understanding of the importance of the green building concept, there is a constantly increasing demand for ecological construction materials. The application of raw materials from renewable sources such as wood, plants and waste to building materials preparing has gained a significant interest in this research area. With the consideration of environmental consciousness, natural fibers are biodegradable so as they can alleviate the problem of massive solid waste produced and relief the pressure of landfills, they are used for replacing other non-degradable materials for product development. In this experimental work, wood pulp and recycled waste paper fibers in addition 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.5% were used. The fiber cement composites were subjected to a characterization of their composition including the assessment of a complex set of basic physical and mechanical properties after 7 and 28 days of hardening. Experimental results show that application of small amount of cellulosic fibers lead to a reduction of density up to 6% when compared with the reference composite. However, cement composites based on wood pulp showed better mechanical properties such as compressive and flexural strength in comparison with cement composites with recycled waste paper fibers