Mechanical properties of PP/kenaf core nanocomposites made from nanocrystalline cellulose as an additive

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatimah Athiyah Sabaruddin ◽  
Paridah Md Tahir ◽  
Seng Hua Lee

Kenaf core contains a fairly high amount of cellulose and lignin; hence, any attempt to use both components would be beneficial. In this study, kenaf core was used as reinforcement in PP/kenaf core nanocomposites. The core was prepared in two forms: (i) as micron-size reinforcement and (ii) as nanocrystalline cellulose. The bleaching process for nanocrystalline cellulose was conducted at different intensities in order to retain different amounts of lignin in the pulp. Then, the nanocrystalline cellulose was prepared via hydrolysis reaction. Both the micron-size kenaf core pulp and the nanocrystalline cellulose of different bleaching intensity were loaded in the polypropylene matrix with the aid of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene coupling agent. The mixtures were then hot pressed at 180°C for 8 min to form into standard testing size sample according to standard ASTM D638 (dumbbell shape for tensile test) and D790 (for flexural and impact test). The chemical, mechanical and morphological properties of the composites were evaluated. The results revealed that composites added with unbleached nanocrystalline cellulose (11.48% lignin content) had lowered the tensile and flexural strength. On the contrary, the impact strength was increased when unbleached nanocrystalline cellulose was added.

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (136) ◽  
pp. 339-356
Author(s):  
Tobias Wölfle ◽  
Oliver Schöller

Under the term “Hilfe zur Arbeit” (aid for work) the federal law of social welfare subsumes all kinds of labour disciplining instruments. First, the paper shows the historical connection of welfare and labour disciplining mechanisms in the context of different periods within capitalist development. In a second step, against the background of historical experiences, we will analyse the trends of “Hilfe zur Arbeit” during the past two decades. It will be shown that by the rise of unemployment, the impact of labour disciplining aspects of “Hilfe zur Arbeit” has increased both on the federal and on the municipal level. For this reason the leverage of the liberal paradigm would take place even in the core of social rights.


TAPPI Journal ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI-YOUNG LEE ◽  
CHUL-HWAN KIM ◽  
JEONG-MIN SEO ◽  
HO-KYUNG CHUNG ◽  
KYUNG-KIL BACK ◽  
...  

Eco-friendly cushioning materials were made with thermomechanical pulps (TMPs) from waste woods collected from local mountains in Korea, using a suction-forming method without physical pressing. The TMP cushions had superior shock-absorbing performance, with lower elastic moduli than expanded polystyrene (EPS) or molded pulp. Even though the TMP cushions made using various suction times had many voids in their inner fiber structure, their apparent densities were a little higher than that of EPS and much lower than that of molded pulp. The addition of cationic starch contributed to an increase in the elastic modulus of the TMP cushions without increasing the apparent density, an effect which was different from that of surface sizing with starch. In the impact test, the TMP cushions showed a more ductile pattern than the brittle EPS. The porosity of the TMP cushion was a little less than that of EPS and much greater than that of molded pulp. The porous structure of the TMP cushions contributed to their excellent thermal insulating capacity, which was equivalent to that of EPS. In summary, the TMP packing cushions showed great potential for surviving external impacts during product distribution.


Author(s):  
А. М. Grebennikov ◽  
А. S. Frid ◽  
V. P. Belobrov ◽  
V. А. Isaev ◽  
V. М. Garmashоv ◽  
...  

The article assesses the relationships between the morphological properties of agrochernozems and yield of peas on the plots, experience with different methods of basic treatment (moldboard plowing at the depth of 20 - 22, 25 - 27 and 14 - 16 cm, moldboard plowing to a depth of 14 - 16 cm, combined midwater moldboard, mid-water subsurface, surface to a depth of 6 - 8 cm and zero tillage) is inherent in V.V. Dokuchaev Research Institute of Agriculture of the Central Black Earth strip, in the fall of 2014. The research was conducted in 2015 - 2016, with the application of mineral fertilizers (N60Р60К60) and unfertilized background. The highest pea yields in the fertilized as the background, and without the use of fertilizers was observed in dumping plowing and especially in the variant with deep moldboard plowing, which creates in comparison with other ways of handling the best conditions for the growth and development of peas. The lowest yield of pea was obtained with zero processing. Apparently legalistic migrational-mizelial agrochernozems the Central Chernozem zone of minimum tillage in the cultivation of peas are not effective, what is evident already in the first year after the laying of experience with different basic treatments. As shown by the results of applying multifactor analysis of variance studied the mapping properties of the soil can have the same significant impact on the yield of agricultural crops, as options for the field experiments aimed at assessing the impact of various treatments on yield.


Author(s):  
Patrícia Rossini ◽  
Jennifer Stromer-Galley

Political conversation is at the heart of democratic societies, and it is an important precursor of political engagement. As society has become intertwined with the communication infrastructure of the Internet, we need to understand its uses and the implications of those uses for democracy. This chapter provides an overview of the core topics of scholarly concern around online citizen deliberation, focusing on three key areas of research: the standards of quality of communication and the normative stance on citizen deliberation online; the impact and importance of digital platforms in structuring political talk; and the differences between formal and informal political talk spaces. After providing a critical review of these three major areas of research, we outline directions for future research on online citizen deliberation.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2212
Author(s):  
Worawat Poltabtim ◽  
Ekachai Wimolmala ◽  
Teerasak Markpin ◽  
Narongrit Sombatsompop ◽  
Vichai Rosarpitak ◽  
...  

The potential utilization of wood/polyvinyl chloride (WPVC) composites containing an X-ray protective filler, namely bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) particles, was investigated as novel, safe, and environmentally friendly X-ray shielding materials. The wood and Bi2O3 contents used in this work varied from 20 to 40 parts per hundred parts of PVC by weight (pph) and from 0 to 25, 50, 75, and 100 pph, respectively. The study considered X-ray shielding, mechanical, density, water absorption, and morphological properties. The results showed that the overall X-ray shielding parameters, namely the linear attenuation coefficient (µ), mass attenuation coefficient (µm), and lead equivalent thickness (Pbeq), of the WPVC composites increased with increasing Bi2O3 contents but slightly decreased at higher wood contents (40 pph). Furthermore, comparative Pbeq values between the wood/PVC composites and similar commercial X-ray shielding boards indicated that the recommended Bi2O3 contents for the 20 pph (40 ph) wood/PVC composites were 35, 85, and 40 pph (40, 100, and 45 pph) for the attenuation of 60, 100, and 150-kV X-rays, respectively. In addition, the increased Bi2O3 contents in the WPVC composites enhanced the Izod impact strength, hardness (Shore D), and density, but reduced water absorption. On the other hand, the increased wood contents increased the impact strength, hardness (Shore D), and water absorption but lowered the density of the composites. The overall results suggested that the developed WPVC composites had great potential to be used as effective X-ray shielding materials with Bi2O3 acting as a suitable X-ray protective filler.


2021 ◽  
pp. 109963622110338
Author(s):  
Yury Solyaev ◽  
Arseniy Babaytsev ◽  
Anastasia Ustenko ◽  
Andrey Ripetskiy ◽  
Alexander Volkov

Mechanical performance of 3d-printed polyamide sandwich beams with different type of the lattice cores is investigated. Four variants of the beams are considered, which differ in the type of connections between the elements in the lattice structure of the core. We consider the pantographic-type lattices formed by the two families of inclined beams placed with small offset and connected by stiff joints (variant 1), by hinges (variant 2) and made without joints (variant 3). The fourth type of the core has the standard plane geometry formed by the intersected beams lying in the same plane (variant 4). Experimental tests were performed for the localized indentation loading according to the three-point bending scheme with small span-to-thickness ratio. From the experiments we found that the plane geometry of variant 4 has the highest rigidity and the highest load bearing capacity in the static tests. However, other three variants of the pantographic-type cores (1–3) demonstrate the better performance under the impact loading. The impact strength of such structures are in 3.5–5 times higher than those one of variant 4 with almost the same mass per unit length. This result is validated by using numerical simulations and explained by the decrease of the stress concentration and the stress state triaxiality and also by the delocalization effects that arise in the pantographic-type cores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Farooque ◽  
Rakesh Ranjan

AbstractIn order to select the heterogeneous multicore fiber (MCF) configuration with ultra-low crosstalk and low peak bending radius, comparative crosstalk analysis have been done for the three possible core configurations, namely, Configuration 1 - different refractive index (R.I.) and different radius, Configuration 2 - different R.I., and Configuration 3 - different radius. Using the coupled mode equation and the simplified expressions of mode coupling coefficient (MCC) for different configurations of heterogeneous cores, the crosstalk performance of all the heterogeneous MCF configurations along with the homogeneous MCF have been investigated analytically with respect to core pitch (D) and fiber bending radius (${R}_{b}$). Further, these expressions of MCC have been extended to obtain the simplified expressions of MCC for the estimation of crosstalk levels in respective trench-assisted (TA) heterogeneous MCF configurations. It is observed from the analysis that in Configuration 1, crosstalk level is lowest and the rate of decrease in the crosstalk with respect to the core pitch is highest compared to the other configurations of heterogeneous MCF. The values of crosstalk obtained analytically have been validated by comparing it with the values obtained from finite element method (FEM) based numerical simulation results. Further, we have investigated the impact of a fixed percent change (5%) in the core parameters (radius and/or R.I.) of one of the core of a homogeneous MCF, to realize the different heterogeneous MCF configurations, on the variations in crosstalk levels, difference in the mode effective refractive index of the core 1 and core 2 ($\Delta {n}_{eff}={n}_{eff1}-{n}_{eff2}$), and the peak bending radius (${R}_{pk}$). For the same percent variations (5%) in the core parameters (radius and/or R.I.) of different configurations of cores (Config. 1-Config. 3), Config. 1 MCF has highest variation in $\Delta {n}_{eff}$ value compared to other configurations of MCF. Further, this highest variation in $\Delta {n}_{eff}$ value of Config. 1 MCF results in smallest peak bending radius. The smaller value of peak bending radius allows MCF to bend into smaller radius. Therefore, Configuration 1 is the potential choice for the design of MCF with smaller peak bending radius and ultra-low crosstalk level compared to the other configurations of SI-heterogeneous MCF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amandine Leroy ◽  
Xavier Falourd ◽  
Loïc Foucat ◽  
Valérie Méchin ◽  
Fabienne Guillon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Biomass recalcitrance is governed by various molecular and structural factors but the interplay between these multiscale factors remains unclear. In this study, hot water pretreatment (HWP) was applied to maize stem internodes to highlight the impact of the ultrastructure of the polymers and their interactions on the accessibility and recalcitrance of the lignocellulosic biomass. The impact of HWP was analysed at different scales, from the polymer ultrastructure or water mobility to the cell wall organisation by combining complementary compositional, spectral and NMR analyses. Results HWP increased the kinetics and yield of saccharification. Chemical characterisation showed that HWP altered cell wall composition with a loss of hemicelluloses (up to 45% in the 40-min HWP) and of ferulic acid cross-linking associated with lignin enrichment. The lignin structure was also altered (up to 35% reduction in β–O–4 bonds), associated with slight depolymerisation/repolymerisation depending on the length of treatment. The increase in $${T}_{1\rho }^{H}$$ T 1 ρ H , $${T}_{HH}$$ T HH and specific surface area (SSA) showed that the cellulose environment was looser after pretreatment. These changes were linked to the increased accessibility of more constrained water to the cellulose in the 5–15 nm pore size range. Conclusion The loss of hemicelluloses and changes in polymer structural features caused by HWP led to reorganisation of the lignocellulose matrix. These modifications increased the SSA and redistributed the water thereby increasing the accessibility of cellulases and enhancing hydrolysis. Interestingly, lignin content did not have a negative impact on enzymatic hydrolysis but a higher lignin condensed state appeared to promote saccharification. The environment and organisation of lignin is thus more important than its concentration in explaining cellulose accessibility. Elucidating the interactions between polymers is the key to understanding LB recalcitrance and to identifying the best severity conditions to optimise HWP in sustainable biorefineries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Yamada ◽  
Kohei Tateyama ◽  
Shino Naruke ◽  
Hisashi Sasaki ◽  
Shinichi Torigata ◽  
...  

AbstractThe destruction caused by ballistic ejecta from the phreatic eruptions of Mt. Ontake in 2014 and Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane (Mt. Moto-Shirane) in 2018 in Japan, which resulted in numerous casualties, highlighted the need for better evacuation facilities. In response, some mountain huts were reinforced with aramid fabric to convert them into shelters. However, a number of decisions must be made when working to increase the number of shelters, which depend on the location where they are to be built. In this study, we propose a method of using high-strength steel to reinforce wooden buildings for use as shelters. More specifically, assuming that ballistic ejecta has an impact energy of 9 kJ or more, as in previous studies, we developed a method that utilizes SUS304 and SS400 unprocessed steel plates based on existing impact test data. We found that SUS304 is particularly suitable for use as a reinforcing material because it has excellent impact energy absorption characteristics due to its high ductility as well as excellent corrosion resistance. With the aim of increasing the structural strength of steel shelters, we also conducted an impact test on a shelter fabricated from SS400 deck plates (i.e., steel with improved flexural strength provided by work-hardened trapezoidal corrugated plates). The results show that the shelter could withstand impact with an energy of 13.5 kJ (2.66 kg of simulated ballistic ejecta at 101 m/s on impact). In addition, from the result of the impact test using the roof-simulating structure, it was confirmed the impact absorption energy is further increased when artificial pumice as an additional protective layer is installed on this structure. Observations of the shelter after the impact test show that there is still some allowance for deformation caused by projectile impact, which means that the proposed steel shelter holds promise, not only structurally, but also from the aspects of transportation and assembly. Hence, the usefulness of shelters that use steel was shown experimentally. However, shelter construction should be suitable for the target environment.


Author(s):  
Guglielmo Costa ◽  
Alessandro Bressan ◽  
Michela Mapelli ◽  
Paola Marigo ◽  
Giuliano Iorio ◽  
...  

Abstract Pair-instability (PI) is expected to open a gap in the mass spectrum of black holes (BHs) between ≈40 − 65 M⊙ and ≈120 M⊙. The existence of the mass gap is currently being challenged by the detection of GW190521, with a primary component mass of $85^{+21}_{-14}$ M⊙. Here, we investigate the main uncertainties on the PI mass gap: the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate and the H-rich envelope collapse. With the standard 12C(α, γ)16O rate, the lower edge of the mass gap can be 70 M⊙ if we allow for the collapse of the residual H-rich envelope at metallicity Z ≤ 0.0003. Adopting the uncertainties given by the starlib database, for models computed with the 12C(α, γ)16O rate −1 σ, we find that the PI mass gap ranges between ≈80 M⊙ and ≈150 M⊙. Stars with MZAMS > 110 M⊙ may experience a deep dredge-up episode during the core helium-burning phase, that extracts matter from the core enriching the envelope. As a consequence of the He-core mass reduction, a star with MZAMS = 160 M⊙ may avoid the PI and produce a BH of 150 M⊙. In the −2 σ case, the PI mass gap ranges from 92 M⊙ to 110 M⊙. Finally, in models computed with 12C(α, γ)16O −3 σ, the mass gap is completely removed by the dredge-up effect. The onset of this dredge-up is particularly sensitive to the assumed model for convection and mixing. The combined effect of H-rich envelope collapse and low 12C(α, γ)16O rate can lead to the formation of BHs with masses consistent with the primary component of GW190521.


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