Article
Polymer Science
Roberto J. Aguado, Francesc X. Espinach, Fernando Julian, Quim Tarres, Marc Delgado-Aguilar, Pere Mutje
Summary: This study demonstrates the significant improvement in compatibility between poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hemp fibers through pulping and bleaching processes, making it a viable option for bio-sourced, recyclable, and biodegradable composites. The soda-bleached hemp fibers (SBHFs) showed a large bonding surface area and satisfactory interphase quality, even without any dispersants or compatibilizers. The biocomposite exhibited higher tensile strength than a polypropylene/sized glass fiber composite, while adhering to the principles of green chemistry.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Rakan A. Alabdali, Thomas F. Garrison, Morsi M. Mahmoud, Darim B. Ferry, Zayd C. Leseman
Summary: Date palm fiber composites with aligned, continuous fibers and epoxy matrix were prepared using a hydrothermal process with microwave heating. The composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding commercially available wood products. This approach shows promise for the preparation of date palm composites and may have potential applications in other natural fiber composites.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria E. Vallejos, Roberto J. Aguado, Ramon Morcillo-Martin, Jose A. Mendez, Fabiola Vilaseca, Quim Tarres, Pere Mutje
Summary: The growing demand for plant fiber-reinforced composites presents opportunities to compete against glass fiber-reinforced composites. This study focuses on the production and flexural strength of composites made from polypropylene and hemp strands, using maleic anhydride-grafted PP as a compatibilizer. The calculations and results suggest that the use of MAPP at a dosage of 0.06 g per gram of fiber achieved the maximum enhancement in flexural strength.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hossein Noorvand, Barzin Mobasher, Shane Underwood, Kamil Kaloush
Summary: This study aims to establish a relationship between the shear bond strength between fibers and asphalt modulus in fiber reinforced asphalt concrete. The critical fiber length was determined based on this relationship. The results showed that longer fibers resulted in higher reinforcement efficiency in fiber reinforced asphalt concrete.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sarianna Palola, Farzin Javanshour, Shadi Kolahgar Azari, Vasileios Koutsos, Essi Sarlin
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance the adhesion properties between aramid fibers and matrix materials through mechanical adhesion and surface modification with nanostructures, resulting in increased interfacial shear strength. Various characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, were used to evaluate the surface morphology and failure mechanisms at the fiber-matrix interface.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xingang Wang, Kai Liu, Baoqin Lian
Summary: The study investigated the mechanical properties and reinforcement mechanism of fiber-reinforced loess through ring shear tests. The results showed that polypropylene fibers significantly improved the peak strength and residual strength of loess, with the optimal fiber content and moisture content found to be 0.5% and 16%, respectively. The theoretical relationships between fiber content, moisture content, peak strength, and residual strength were quantitatively determined, and the fiber reinforcement mechanism was revealed based on macroscopic and SEM microscopic images of the shear plane.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Roberto J. Aguado, Gabriela A. Bastida, Francisco X. Espinach, Joan Llorens, Quim Tarres, Marc Delgado-Aguilar, Pere Mutje
Summary: This study investigated the incorporation of natural hemp fibers into a poly(lactic acid) matrix to create fully bio-sourced composites. The tensile modulus of the composites linearly increased with the volume fraction of the dispersed fibers, reaching a maximum value of 7.6 Gpa. The performance of the soda-bleached fibers as reinforcement was found to be higher than that of glass fibers, despite their lower intrinsic tensile modulus.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chengjuan Wang, Yanxiang Wang, Haotian Jiang, Hongxue Tan, Dongming Liu
Summary: The continuous preparation of carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber (CNTs/CF) multiscale reinforcements and microwave absorbers using one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at different temperatures shows excellent mechanical and electromagnetic wave absorption properties. CNTs/CF650 and CNTs/CF700 exhibit high-performance EMW absorption abilities with wide effective absorption bands at ultrathin thickness, attributing to the synergistic effects of multiple heterointerfaces, defects, electronic conductivity, and impedance matching.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ghida Alhakim, Lina Jaber, Oussama Baalbaki, Firas Barraj
Summary: Interests in the use of natural fibers as soil reinforcement are developing rapidly due to their cost effectiveness, high availability, and eco-friendliness. Research studies have shown that fiber inclusion increases the soil's moisture content, ductility, and dilation, while decreasing its maximum dry density and brittleness. The addition of fibers significantly improves the shear strength of the soil and the optimal fiber percentages for various fibers were determined.
GEOMECHANICS FOR ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
A. Reza Tabakouei, S. S. Narani, M. Abbaspour, E. Aflaki, S. Siddiqua
Summary: The study found a coupled influence of fiber length, specimen diameter, and fiber type on the results of unconfined compressive strength tests. Fiber length has the greatest impact on smaller specimens, with differences observed between different specimen diameters and fiber types.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Jiangxin Ding, Haifeng Wang, Zhen Dong
Summary: A new strategy for reducing fiber strength loss during the extraction of cotton stalk bark fibers was investigated. By introducing a cationic modification pretreatment, the fiber strength loss was lowered and high-quality CSBF with good fineness and high breaking strength was obtained.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Francisco J. Medellin Rodriguez, Javier Gudino Rivera, Jesus Gilberto Rodriguez Velazquez, Jesus Francisco Lara Sanchez, Myrna Salinas Hernandez
Summary: The preparation and characterization of Yucca Filifera fibers (YFF) and their incorporation into polypropylene matrices are investigated. The results show that YFF can act as heterogeneous nucleation agents and improve the tensile modulus of the composites. The compatibility and mechanical reinforcement depend on the fiber content and the molecular weight of the polypropylene matrix.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
JinJing Liao, Jun-Jie Zeng, Xin-Chao Lin, Yan Zhuge, Shao-Hua He
Summary: This study investigates the punching shear behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars or grid-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) slabs. The test results show that FRP grids and short fibers help to distribute the applied loads and increase punching shear capacities. Increasing the reinforcement ratio in the FRP grids enhances the postcrack ductility response and punching shear capacity. SF and PE fiber additions also improve the punching shear capacity. Furthermore, a more accurate punching shear model is proposed for FRP grid-reinforced UHPC slabs, with an average error of 8% compared to traditional reinforced concrete slabs. The robustness of the proposed model will be further assessed with more test data in the future.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES FOR CONSTRUCTION
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hossein Noorvand, Michael Mamlouk, Kamil Kaloush
Summary: This study shows that synthetic fiber reinforcement can increase the tensile strength of asphalt concrete and reduce cracking. Aramid fibers of around 20mm length have good bond strength with asphalt mastic and result in reasonable dispersion in the fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete. Nylon fibers also improve performance, but caution is needed to ensure even fiber dispersion.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Juan Manuel Girao Sotomayor, Giovanna Monique Alelvan, Michele Dal Toe Casagrande
Summary: This research evaluated the effects of polymeric fiber reinforcement in gold ore tailings through direct shear tests and various characterization tests. The results showed that fiber addition can increase the friction angle and change the residual behavior of the composite, making it suitable for interface areas with materials of different stiffness.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Heidy Burrola-Nunez, Pedro Herrera-Franco, Herlinda Soto-Valdez, Dora Evelia Rodriguez-Felix, Rodrigo Melendrez-Amavizca, Tomas Jesus Madera-Santana
Summary: By using modified jute fibers to reinforce the PLA polymer matrix, the properties of the biocomposites were improved in terms of mechanical, thermal, structural, and morphological characteristics. These biocomposites can be used for rigid food packaging and are a good alternative for reducing domestic dependence on petroleum-based plastics.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
A. Valadez-Gonzalez, R. Rosales-Ibanez, A. Rodriguez-Navarrete, T. E. Villamar-Duque, J. Cano-Brown, H. J. Carrillo-Escalante, A. Ortiz-Fernandez, F. Hernandez-Sanchez
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of oxidation time on the surface properties of carbon nanofibers and their applicability in bone scaffolds, showing the formation of carboxylic groups due to acid treatments and improved storage module and cell proliferation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Aaron Rivas-Menchi, Narciso Acuna-Gonzalez, Alex Valadez-Gonzalez, Pedro J. Herrera-Franco
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Nora M. Moo-Tun, G. Iniguez-Covarrubias, A. Valadez-Gonzalez
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joaquin F. Castillo-Lara, Emmanuel A. Flores-Johnson, Alex Valadez-Gonzalez, Pedro J. Herrera-Franco, Jose G. Carrillo, P. Gonzalez-Chi, Q. M. Li
Article
Engineering, Civil
J. F. Castillo-Lara, E. A. Flores-Johnson, A. Valadez-Gonzalez, P. J. Herrera-Franco, J. G. Carrillo, P. Gonzalez-Chi, E. Agaliotis, Q. M. Li
Summary: The study reported the four-point bending behavior of composite sandwich panels with fibre-reinforced foamed concrete (FRFC) cores, showing that FRFC cored panels had greater initial failure load, maximum load, and energy absorption compared to plain foamed concrete (PFC) cored panels. This improvement was attributed to the enhanced ductility and toughness of the FRFC cores due to fibre reinforcement, with energy absorbing mechanisms including cracks development in the FC core, face wrinkling, and face-core debonding. Finite element simulations highlighted the crucial role of face-core bonding in the structural performance of the panels, suggesting further investigations on the use of natural-fibre reinforced cores in sandwich panels for construction applications.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Javier Guillen-Mallette, Alex Valadez-Gonzalez, Silvia Isabel Rosado-Sanchez
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of recycled thermoplastic polyurethane on the Izod impact resistance of polypropylene compounds with coconut fibers. It found that adding a certain amount of polyurethane can improve the impact resistance and adhesion between the polypropylene and coconut fibers, possibly due to chemical and/or physical interactions.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. A. Ruz-Cruz, P. J. Herrera-Franco, E. A. Flores-Johnson, M. Moreno-Chulim, L. M. Galera-Manzano, A. Valadez-Gonzalez
Summary: Polylactic acid (PLA) based multiscale cellulosic biocomposites were prepared and the effect of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on the PLA biocomposites reinforced with cellulose microfibers (MFCs) was evaluated. The results showed that the incorporation of CNCs significantly modified the thermal and mechanical properties of the multiscale composites, improving the thermal stability and flexural mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Mario F. Munoz-Velez, Aaron Rivas-Menchi, Alex Valadez-Gonzalez, Pedro J. Herrera-Franco
Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive study on the impact of surface modification of carbon fibers using multiple-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the fiber-matrix interface of an epoxy matrix composite. The results show that the incorporation of MWCNTs can increase the interfacial shear strength and reduce the propagation of interfacial damage.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Eliana M. Agaliotis, Baltazar D. Ake-Concha, Alejandro May-Pat, Juan P. Morales-Arias, Celina Bernal, Alex Valadez-Gonzalez, Pedro J. Herrera-Franco, Gwenaelle Proust, J. Francisco Koh-Dzul, Jose G. Carrillo, Emmanuel A. Flores-Johnson
Summary: In this study, natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) filaments for 3D printing were prepared using polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with henequen flour. The experiments showed that the density, porosity, and crystallinity of the NFRCs increased with the flour content. The NFRCs exhibited lower Young's modulus compared to the printed PLA. At low flour content, the NFRCs showed improved tensile properties due to the reinforcement effect of henequen fibers. However, at high flour contents, the NFRCs exhibited decreased maximum stress, likely due to particle agglomeration and resulting defects.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Roberto Carlos Anaya-Ramirez, Carlos Rolando Rios-Soberanis, Pedro Jesus Herrera-Franco
Summary: In this experimental study, the micro-damage mechanisms of HDPE/surface modified henequen fiber reinforced composites were investigated in tensile quasi-static mode. The results showed that the chemical bonds interaction in the interface area had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the composite. Chemically treated fiber composites exhibited higher total fracture work and improved mechanical properties.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Materials Science, Composites
R. C. Anaya-Ramirez, C. R. Rios-Soberanis, P. J. Herrera-Franco
Summary: In this article, the authors highlight the relevance of essential work of fracture (EWF) in obtaining fracture toughness in natural fiber reinforced composites. They particularly focus on the effect of fiber surface modification on the mechanical behavior of HDPE-henequen fiber composite material. The results of this study provide vital information to support the understanding of these phenomena.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abad Arcos-Alomia, Pascual Bartolo-Perez, Alex Valadez-Gonzalez, Pedro Jesus Herrera-Franco
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. A. A. Dzul-Cervantes, O. F. Pacheco-Salazar, L. A. Can-Herrera, M. Moreno-Chulim, J. Cauich-Cupul, P. J. Herrera-Franco, A. Valadez-Gonzalez
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2020)