Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites

A Review of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Chemical, Physical, and Thermo-Mechanical Properties

Ritesh Koundal — 2023-10-30

The current study reviews provide a brief overview on the properties of natural fiber and natural fiber reinforced composites like chemical, physical, mechanical properties and thermal behavior which is an emerging area in polymer science. The unique properties of these composites are based on the attributes of the individual components, as well as the relative numbers and arrangements of those components within the material system. The widespread acceptance of composites reinforced with natural fibers has attracted many researchers due to its cost, sustainability, low environmental impact and great availability in nature. The processing of natural fibers is not difficult as compared to the production of conventional fibers. In the construction, aerospace, military, building, packaging, consumer products, and transportation industries for ceiling, paneling, partition boards, etc., natural fibers have shown to be a successful substitute for synthetic fiber. Because of these factors, natural fibers are preferred to conventional fibers. However, natural fiber reinforced composites also have some negative aspects such as increased susceptibility to water damage, less durability in the event of a fire, and diminished strength when they are subjected to mechanical stress. In this paper, the overview related to the natural fiber-reinforced composites and their properties is provided.

Pickering Emulsion Properties Generated by Nanofibrillated Cellulose Isolated from Oil Palm Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) as a Stabilizer

Ira Desri Rahmi — 2023-10-30

This study aims to find the optimal nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) concentration isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) particles to form stable pickering emulsions against creaming and coalescence. The emulsification process is based on a combination of homogenizer and ultrasonication. Pickering emulsion was prepared by mixing the dispersed phase (palm oil) and the dispersing phase (NFC concentration of 0.05 - 0.7 w/v%) at the ratio of 10:90. Fresh emulsion has a milky white appearance and is homogeneous. However, some samples' creaming process occurred on the 30^th day of storage. Microscopic observations show that the droplets are round with various sizes. Differences in NFC concentrations significantly affect droplet size, zeta potential, rheology, and emulsion stability. Increasing the NCF concentration resulted in smaller droplet sizes, viscosity, zeta potential, and pickering emulsion stability. The emulsion has high stability against coalescence and creaming. NFC at 0.7 w/v% generates an emulsion with the best characteristics and high stability against creaming and coalescence. OPEFB-based NFC has the potential as a pickering emulsion stabilizer particle that can be applied to the food and non-food industries.

Characteristics of Hybrid Pla and Carbon-Pla in Different Laminates Formations

Muhammad Ibnu Rashyid — 2023-10-30

The multi-extruder printer allows to printing of different materials into one product. This paper experimented on multi-material lamination using PLA with rigid characteristics and Carbon-PLA with elastic characteristics. The flexural and shore hardness test was chosen to understand how two different materials affect each other. The results show that the different lamination performances affect the flexural strength. The highest flexural strength from 3 laminations was the CPC of 53.33 MPa, this is 3.03% lower than the PLA only and 37.9% higher than Carbon-PLA only. From the 2 laminate specimens the PC laminates achieved the highest flexural strength of 73.07 MPa, the value is 5.4% higher than the PLA only and 50.01% higher than Carbon-PLA only. The shore hardness value showed no significant changes between the lamination and 1 material only. It was also proved that lamination formation can increase the flexural strength or lead to detrimental results. This finding enables the designer of multi-material 3D printing to consider the formation of materials.

Synthesis and Characterization of PES/PEG/PVA/SiO2 Nanocomposite Ultrafiltration Membrane

Silvia Widiyanti — 2023-10-30

This study aims to synthesis and characterize PES/PEG/PVA/SiO₂ composite membranes. The composite membranes were synthesized by phase inversion method with composition (% w/w) Polyethersulfone/ PES (17.25), Polyvinylalcohol/ PVA (3.58; 0.85; 1.43; 2.57; 3.57, Polyethylene glycol/ PEG (3.72), Silica/SiO₂ (0.35; 0.85; 1.43; 2.57; 3.57), and Dimethyl acetamide/DMAc solvent. Composite membranes were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle. The results showed that the interaction between PES, PVA, and SiO₂ was indicated by a shift in the typical absorption spectrum of the FTIR. SEM cross-sectional photos showed that the addition of PVA and SiO₂ caused significant changes in the morphology and pore structure of the PES membrane. The results of the X-ray diffractogram (X-Ray) showed a shift in the typical diffraction peaks of PES, PEG, PVA and the presence of new diffraction peaks of SiO₂. The crystallinity of the membrane increased from 34.99% to 57.25% which indicated that the composite membrane was successfully synthesized. The addition of PEG/PVA/SiO₂ also increased the hydrophilicity of the composite membrane. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the PES/PEG/PVA/SiO₂ composite membrane has been synthesized through the phase inversion method with the optimum composition of PES: PEG: PVA: SiO₂ was 17.25%: 3.72%: 0.85%: 0.35%, respectively. The addition of PEG/PVA/SiO₂ increased the hydrophilicity and modified the morphological structure of the PES membrane.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Fiber Direction on The Vibration Properties of Ananas Comosus Leaf Reinforced Epoxy Composite Beams

Syaiful Syaiful — 2023-10-30

Technological evolution and environmental awareness have driven the improvement of quality and renewable products, especially in natural fiber-reinforced composites. This study aims to analyze the stiffness and personal frequency of ACL fiber-reinforced composite beams due to the influence of the fiber direction. Next, compare experimental values with numerical. Composite beams are produced by varying the direction of the fibers 0°/0°/0°, -45°/0°/45° and -90°/0°/90° then supported by a simple support (clamp-roll). The exciter position is placed at 0-50 cm along the composite beam, then determine the value of stiffness and vibration behavior experimentally and numerically. This research indicates an increase in the stiffness and personal frequency of composite beams in the fiber direction 0°/0°/0°. The experimental values are also greater when compared to the values obtained numerically. These findings make it possible to use ACL fiber to manufacture composite beams with vibration-enabled characteristics for various applications in engineering materials subject to vibrational forces

The Mechanical Properties of a Water Hyacinth/Rice Husk Powders Composite for Tissue Engineering Applications

Nasmi Herlina Sari — 2023-10-30

In this study, composites made from water hyacinth powder (WPH) and rice husk powder (RH) were created using the hot press method, and the composites were characterized to determine their suitability for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering. The mixing ratio of WPH/RH was investigated. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of chemical bonds in the composites under investigation. Tensile tests were used to investigate the mechanical properties of the composite, which revealed that adding water WPH to the rice husk composite reduced the composite's strength. A composite with a 5% WPH content had the highest tensile strength of 32.72 MPa. Meanwhile, the mechanical strength of the other composites studied ranged from 25,537 MPa to 29.43 MPa. However, the elastic modulus of the composite increased with the addition of WPH. The SEM image shows that the powder distribution is less even, the interface between WPH-RH and polyester is quite tight, and the composite contains a number of voids. Characterization of the developed composite demonstrates that the WPH/RH addition ratio can be adjusted to achieve the desired composite properties for tissue engineering and cartilage regeneration applications.

The Potential of Chitosan-Starch Blend Polymers as Edible Coatings for The Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables: A Mini-Review

Fadli Hafizulhaq — 2023-10-30

Fruits and vegetables are essential for human life. Maintaining the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables are critical challenges for the food packaging industry in this decade. Chitosan and starch are most widely used for food packaging as they bring unique properties for packaging applications. Chitosan has good antimicrobial properties but weak water vapor permeability. Meanwhile, starch has a better water vapor barrier but has poor mechanical properties. This paper discusses the application of chitosan and starch blends in the field of films and coatings. Several characteristics, such as mechanical, thermal, antimicrobial properties, solubility, and water vapor permeability, are also discussed. This review also discussed several applications of chitosan-starch-based films and coatings for the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Editor's Corner: Green Materials - The Advancements and Applications of Natural Fibers

Edi Syafri — 2023-10-30

After the industrial revolution, our world started shifting its focus towards sustainability and eco-friendly green materials to replace their synthetic counterparts. Cellulose fibers have played a significant role in human history, providing clothing and various products for many centuries. However, as technology advanced, the use of natural fibers became limited and minimized by synthetic materials. Growing environmental awareness has compelled industries to rethink their strategies, directing their attention toward sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. In this context, natural cellulose fibers have gained a significant interest due to their eco-friendliness. These fibers can be derived from various sources, including trees, plants, and grasses. Cellulose fibers obtained from plants possess remarkable properties such as low density, wide availability, considerable mechanical strength, good thermal insulation, affordability, ease of processing, and non-toxicity