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Fibers
Volume 10
Issue 4
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Fibers, Volume 10, Issue 4 (April 2022) – 7 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The use of hybrid natural fiber composites, such as banana/kenaf ones, does increase in an obvious way the wear resistance of polymer matrices, such as epoxy. Both fibers do contribute, depending on their inherent properties (softer and more bendable banana, and harder and stiffer kenaf), to the general morphology of wear properties, depending on the loading distance and applied load. Two typical possible aspects are reported in the image, namely spiky wear point-like fracture and saw-toothed, which is a fracture mode more extended to a linearly oriented surface. View this paper
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16 pages, 3330 KiB  
Review
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in the Construction of Bridges: Opportunities, Problems and Challenges
by Paweł Grzegorz Kossakowski and Wiktor Wciślik
Fibers 2022, 10(4), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10040037 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7952
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the basic issues related to the use of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) composites in bridge construction. This modern material is presented in detail in terms of the possibility of application in engineering structures. A general historical outline of the [...] Read more.
In this review, we discuss the basic issues related to the use of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) composites in bridge construction. This modern material is presented in detail in terms of the possibility of application in engineering structures. A general historical outline of the use and development of modern structural materials, such as steel and concrete, is included to introduce composites as a novel material in engineering, and the most important features and advantages of polymers as a construction material are characterized. We also compare FRP to basic structural materials, such as steel and concrete, which enables estimation of the effectiveness of using of FRP polymers as structural material in different applications. The first bridges made of FRP composites are presented and analyzed in terms of applied technological solutions. Examples of structural solutions for deck slabs, girders and other deck elements made of FRP composites are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the systems of deck slabs, especially those composed of pultruded profiles, sandwich panels and hybrid decks. The disadvantages of composites, as well as barriers and limitations in their application in engineering practice, are presented. Exemplary analyses of the costs of construction, maintenance and demolition of FRP composite bridges are presented and compared with the corresponding costs of concrete and steel bridges. The directions of development of composite bridge structures and the greatest challenges facing engineers and constructors in the coming years are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Composite Process)
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18 pages, 1772 KiB  
Review
Nanofiber Polymers for Coating Titanium-Based Biomedical Implants
by Nthabiseng Nhlapo, Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu and Olga de Smidt
Fibers 2022, 10(4), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10040036 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3858
Abstract
The excellent combination of properties has seen a steep increase in the demand for titanium (Ti)-based material as biomedical implant devices. However, some features that promote biocompatibility are found to be lacking in Ti implants. The use of polymer nanofiber (NF) coating on [...] Read more.
The excellent combination of properties has seen a steep increase in the demand for titanium (Ti)-based material as biomedical implant devices. However, some features that promote biocompatibility are found to be lacking in Ti implants. The use of polymer nanofiber (NF) coating on the surfaces of the implants has been proven to remedy these setbacks. In particular, electrospun NFs are versatile as natural extracellular matrix mimics and as facilitators in the biocompatibility function of Ti-based implants. Therefore, various properties of Ti implants coated with polymer NFs and the correlations among these properties are explored in this review. Synthetic polymers are favorable in tissue engineering applications because they are biocompatible and have low toxicity and degradation rates. Several approved synthetic polymers and polymer hybrids have been electrospun onto Ti implant surfaces to successfully improve the biomedical applicability of the implants with regard to their physical (including diameter and porosity), chemical (including corrosion resistance), mechanical (including elastic modulus, strength and ductility) and biological properties (including tissue integration, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity). Full article
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10 pages, 1350 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Utilization of Date Palm Fibers as Inclusion in Concrete and Mortar
by S. O. Bamaga
Fibers 2022, 10(4), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10040035 - 16 Apr 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3359
Abstract
Currently, natural fibers attract the attention of researchers and builders in the construction industry as they are eco-friendly, cost-effective, lightweight, and renewable resources. The inclusion of natural fibers in the concrete and mortar will contribute to solving the environmental problems associated with dumping [...] Read more.
Currently, natural fibers attract the attention of researchers and builders in the construction industry as they are eco-friendly, cost-effective, lightweight, and renewable resources. The inclusion of natural fibers in the concrete and mortar will contribute to solving the environmental problems associated with dumping or burning them and improve the properties and durability of concrete and mortar. Similar to other natural fibers, Date Palm Fibers (DPF) have been receiving more attention as construction materials. This paper presents a review on the properties of DPF and its effects on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of concrete and mortar as well as the processing of DPF and mix design. DPFs can be used in concrete and mortar to improve their properties. However, some of the properties could be reduced. Even though the conducted studies and investigations are promising, it is still not enough to introduce DPF concrete and mortar to the construction industry’s applications. Full article
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17 pages, 6992 KiB  
Article
Shear and Flexural Behavior of Flat Slabs Casted with Polyolefin Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
by Abdulnasser M. Abbas, Haleem K. Hussain and Mohammed Farhan Ojaimi
Fibers 2022, 10(4), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10040034 - 12 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2245
Abstract
This paper presents the influence of polyolefin fiber on the flexural and shear attitude on the flat slabs. Three slab sets (80 cm × 80 cm) were tested, each with a thickness of 10 cm. In the first set (S1), the effect of [...] Read more.
This paper presents the influence of polyolefin fiber on the flexural and shear attitude on the flat slabs. Three slab sets (80 cm × 80 cm) were tested, each with a thickness of 10 cm. In the first set (S1), the effect of fiber content on the flexural behavior of the flat slab was considered. Therefore, four slab specimens were cast, one of which was considered as a control specimen with no fiber content, while the other three included fibers at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 percent of the total concrete volume. The second series of experiments studied the flexural behavior of flat slabs (S2) with an opening of 15 cm × 15 cm. The first specimen contained nil polyolefin, while the second included 1% polyolefin. In the third set (S3), consideration was taken for 0 and 1% of Polyolefin to realize the shear behavior of the flat slab. The increase in polyolefin fiber content from 0 to 1.5% (for slab set 1) will decrease the deflection from 4.5 mm to 2.3 mm, with an average of 3.58 mm, which is close to the deflection of a 1% polyolefin fiber specimen. Three dimensional models for the tested slabs were simulated numerically via ABAQUS software program. The ratio of the maximum deflection between the experimental and the numerical outcomes were varied with a range of 1.01 to 1.28, with an average of 1.14. Full article
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16 pages, 3592 KiB  
Article
Preparation, Characterization, and Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystal from Lignocellulosic Biomass for Immobilized Lipase
by Elvi Restiawaty, Neng Tresna Umi Culsum, Norikazu Nishiyama and Yogi Wibisono Budhi
Fibers 2022, 10(4), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10040033 - 02 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3284
Abstract
This study reports the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) from sugarcane bagasse and rice straw as the matrix for immobilized lipase enzyme. The CNC surface was modified using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to improve the interaction of CNC with glutaraldehyde so that CNC can [...] Read more.
This study reports the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) from sugarcane bagasse and rice straw as the matrix for immobilized lipase enzyme. The CNC surface was modified using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to improve the interaction of CNC with glutaraldehyde so that CNC can immobilize lipase effectively. The results showed that after surface modification of CNC using CTAB with concentrations of 2–10 mM, the crystallinity of CNC slightly decreased. The presence of immobilized lipase on the modified CNC was confirmed visibly by the appearance of dark spots using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The bond formed between the enzyme and CNC was approved using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR results show a new amine group peak in the immobilized lipase, which is not present in the modified CNC itself. The modified CNC, both from bagasse (SB-20 A1-1) and rice straw (RS-20 B1-1), was successfully applied to the immobilized lipase enzyme with a yield of 88%. The observed free enzyme activity was 3.69 µmol/min∙mL. The degree of hydrolysis of canola oil relative to free lipase (100%) from immobilized lipase at lipase SB-20 A1-1 and lipase RS-20 A1-1 was 23% and 30%, respectively. Therefore, this study successfully immobilized lipase and applied it to the hydrolysis of triglycerides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Multiple Application for Novel and Advanced Materials)
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10 pages, 4076 KiB  
Article
Wear Properties and Post-Moisture Absorption Mechanical Behavior of Kenaf/Banana-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites
by Sivasubramanian Palanisamy, Mayandi Kalimuthu, Alavudeen Azeez, Murugesan Palaniappan, Shanmugam Dharmalingam, Rajini Nagarajan and Carlo Santulli
Fibers 2022, 10(4), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10040032 - 02 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2904
Abstract
The contribution of natural lignocellulosic fibers to the reduction in wear damage in polymer resins is of interest, especially when two of these fibers can combine their respective effects. Wear properties of hybrid kenaf/banana epoxy composites have been investigated using three different total [...] Read more.
The contribution of natural lignocellulosic fibers to the reduction in wear damage in polymer resins is of interest, especially when two of these fibers can combine their respective effects. Wear properties of hybrid kenaf/banana epoxy composites have been investigated using three different total amount of fibers, 20, 30 and 40 wt.%, at loading forces up to 30 N and to sliding distances of up to 75 m. This demonstrated that the introduction of the highest level of fibers proved the most suitable for consistency of results and containment of wear with increasing load, as was also found from the morphological evaluation of wear degradation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, tensile, flexural and impact properties of as-received and post-water-saturation hybrid composites were examined. The tests revealed a limited reduction in tensile and flexural strength, not exceeding 10% of the initial values, which were very high compared to similar materials, almost reaching 140 MPa for tensile strength and exceeding 170 MPa for flexural strength. In contrast, a higher standard deviation of values was found for impact strength, although the decrease in average values was only slightly above 10%. The results suggest the availability of these hybrids for wear-resisting applications in high-moisture environments, and the even more limited water absorption conferred by banana fibers added to kenaf ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Fibers)
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18 pages, 4870 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Sisal and Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete Properties
by Samantha Acosta-Calderon, Pablo Gordillo-Silva, Natividad García-Troncoso, Dan V. Bompa and Jorge Flores-Rada
Fibers 2022, 10(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10040031 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4555
Abstract
This paper presents a focused comparative case study considering the influence of natural and synthetic fibers on the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete. Locally sourced 19 mm long sisal fibers from sisalana leaves and manufactured polypropylene fibers were incorporated in a normal [...] Read more.
This paper presents a focused comparative case study considering the influence of natural and synthetic fibers on the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete. Locally sourced 19 mm long sisal fibers from sisalana leaves and manufactured polypropylene fibers were incorporated in a normal strength concrete matrix with fiber volumetric contents of 1%. After describing the measured aggregate characteristics, mix designs, and fresh concrete properties, several destructive and non-destructive tests on hardened concrete were undertaken. The former included compression tests on cylinders and flexural tests on prismatic samples, and the latter included ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound number tests. The workability of sisal-fiber reinforced concrete was generally lower than the nominal concrete and that provided with polypropylene fibers by about 20%, largely due to the hydrophilic nature of the natural fibers. Test results showed that the presence of sisal fibers can improve the compressive strength by about 6%, and the tensile strength by about 4%, compared with the non-reinforced counterpart. This was due to the sisal fibers storing moisture that was released gradually during hydration, helping with the strength development. The concrete with polypropylene had virtually identical properties to the reference concrete. In addition to fresh and mechanical properties, environmental impacts associated with the production of fiber and concrete were also identified and discussed. Based on the assessments from this paper, overall, from the two fibers investigated, the sisal fiber showed more promising results, indicating that natural fibers can be a more sustainable alternative to plastic fibers, providing a good balance between workability and strengths. Full article
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