The Influence of Fiber Processing and Alkaline Treatment on the Properties of Natural Fiber-reinforced Composites: A Review

Throughout generations, research on natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs) has been growing and yielding promising results. The notion of blending natural fibers with polymers comes from the composite’s suitable properties, not limited to low density, availability at a low price, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. The quest for high-performing and marketable NFRCs is driving innovation in the synthesis of such materials. A suitable combination of parameters that optimizes the mechanical and functional properties of the composites without increasing the cost of production is desired. The main objective of this review is to evaluate some of the parameters that influence the behavior and properties of NFRCs. The influence of alkaline modification and natural fiber processing parameters, such as particle size, modification concentration, soaking duration, processing temperature, fiber-to-polymer ratio, and adoption of additives, on composites are discussed. This review summarizes some of the work and provides some directions in the search of an all-around performing economic NFRC.

Biodeinking: an eco-friendly alternative for chemicals based recycled fiber processing

Recycling of recovered paper is an inevitable process for saving resources and the environment. Due to strict forest conservation regulations and limitations of the agro-forestry sector, the paper industry is facing the woody fiber crisis for decades. The recycling of waste paper for its utilization as a source of cellulosic fibers for papermaking is a resource-saving and eco-friendly approach and is a need of time. Deinking is an important stage in the recycling of recovered paper. In the conventional deinking process, chemicals have been used for removal of inks and other impurities from waste paper pulp slurry with some certain drawbacks like deinking inefficiency, fiber damage and generation of chemicals and fiber-rich effluent. The application of enzymes for deinking purposes is known as biodeinking and is considered as the potent and environmentally friendly deinking approach. The present write-up provides comprehensive information on various aspects of biodeinking.

Screening and Molecular Identification of Novel Pectinolytic Bacteria from Forest Soil

Pectinases are a group of enzymes with broad application, including in plant fiber processing, pectic wastewater treatment, paper pulping, fruit juice extraction, and clarification. With an increasing industrial demand for these enzymes, it is useful to isolate organisms that produce large amounts of pectinase and possess wide ranges of stability factors like temperature and pH. In this study, 17 out of 29 bacteria (58.62%) from forest soil samples were pectinolytic. However, only four bacteria (S-5, S-10, S-14, and S-17) showed high pectin hydrolysis zones (ranging from 0.2 cm to 1.7 cm). These four bacteria were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic characterization, biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequencing. They were designated as Streptomyces sp. (S-5, S-14), Cellulomonas sp. (S-10), and Bacillus sp. (S-17). Interestingly, bacteria showed cellulase and xylanase activity in addition to pectinase. The quantitative assay for pectinase activity of the four isolates provided proof that they are pectinase producers and can be considered potential candidates for industrial uses. The crude enzyme extracts of these bacteria are applicable in oil and juice extraction from sesame seeds and apples, respectively.

Properties analysis of crosslinked chitosan microcapsules by multiple emulsification method

Chemical based finishing agents often affect human body and environment. Therefore, in this study, eco-friendly microcapsules were manufactured to minimize the use of chemicals by using chitosan, a natural substance, as a wall material and basil oil as a core material. First, the optimum manufacturing conditions were established through the shape and size of the synthesized microcapsules. Second, the synthesis and thermal stability of the prepared microcapsules were evaluated. Finally, the applicability to functional fiber processing was reviewed by measuring the release characteristics of the microcapsules. Consequently, using 2 wt% chitosan, Triton X-100 as a emulsifier and stirring at 6000 rpm were considered to be efficient in terms of capsule formation. FT-IR spectrum and Gas Chromatograph showed that microcapsules were stably synthesized. And microcapsule containing basil oil was given heat resistance by encapsulation. Lastly, microcapsules can be confirmed to have sustained-release, due to basil oil in microcapsules has a small amount of release up to 10 h, and is continuously released until after 60 h to release slowly, As a result, the manufactured microcapsules finishing agent may be applied to finishing of textile product.

Fabrication of High-Quality Straight-Line Polymer Composite Frame with Different Radius Parts Using Fiber Winding Process

The extraordinary features of fibrous composites enable advanced industries to design composite structures with superior performance compared to traditional structures. Composite frame structures have been designed frequently as components of mechanical systems to resist lateral and gravity loads. The manufacturing of high-quality composite frames depends primarily on the accurate fiber winding on frames with different pro-files and curved shapes. The optimal fiber winding process on a nonbearing composite frame with a circular cross-section is described in previous works by the same authors. As an extension to that, this study focuses on the manufacturing of straight-line composite frames with different profile radii at multiple locations. Such production procedure allows continuous winding of fibers gradually on individual parts of the frame and generally with different angles of fiber winding. The winding procedure is performed using fiber-processing head and industrial robot. The procedure for calculating the distance of the winding plane of fibers on the frame from the guide-line of the fiber-processing head is targeted. This distance depends on the required angle of fiber winding, the radius of the frame, and the geometric parameters of the fiber-processing head. The coordination of the speed of winding the fibers on the frame and the speed of the passage of the frame through the winding head is also considered. Determining the correct distance of winding the fibers from the corresponding guide-line of fiber-processing head and right coordination of the winding speed and the speed of passage of the frame through the fiber-processing head ensure compliance of the required angles of fiber windings on the frame and homogeneity of winding fibers, which are the two of the most important prerequisites for producing a quality composite frame. The derived theory is well verified on a practical experimental example.

Evaluating New York raw fiber-to-retail

Inspired by the slow fashion movement, this is an exploratory case study focused on New York’s raw fiber-to-retail value chain for local clothing and textiles. New York has over 470 diverse sheep, alpaca, goat farms, fiber processing mills for product development, and fiber festivals for retail. A survey with farmers presents their motives for establishing a fiber farm business, diverse fibers available, fiber products, income, and their multiple retail venues. Interviews were conducted with farmers, fiber mill owners, and artisan designers. Primary research objectives included: (1) determining how fiber farms, mills, artisans, fiber festivals, and fiber agro-tourism intersect to sustain the current fiber community; (2) evaluating the major challenges the fiber community faces; (3) determining if stakeholders of the fiber community have benefited from any policies; and (4) understanding future goals New York raw fiber-to-fashion stakeholders have to sustain the local fiber community. Interviews reveal several leadership initiatives developed by fiber farmers to address challenges of finding a market, limited income, and fiber mill closures. This study uses the five key dimensions of slow fashion as a framework to evaluate New York raw fiber-to-retail.