Article
Environmental Sciences
Estefania Lidon Sanchez-Safont, Abdulaziz Aldureid, Jose Maria Lagaron, Jose Gamez-Perez, Luis Cabedo
Summary: The combined NaOH + peracetic acid (PAA) purification treatment effectively removes non-cellulosic components from lignocellulosic fibers, resulting in fibers with properties similar to commercial cellulose. These treated fibers enhance the thermal and mechanical performance of PHB-based composites.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dawid Skrzypczak, Katarzyna Mikula, Grzegorz Izydorczyk, Anna Dawiec-Lisniewska, Konstantinos Moustakas, Katarzyna Chojnacka, Anna Witek-Krowiak
Summary: The global issue of waste, particularly in the agri-food sector, requires innovative solutions in waste management. Recycled bio-waste as fertilizer, polymer capsules with immobilized waste biomass as carriers for fertilizer nutrients, and the adsorption and release of Cu2+ ions were studied. The results showed potential for reducing environmental impact and improving nutrient efficiency in agriculture.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Harshal Patil, Ashok Athalye
Summary: This study investigates the extraction, pre-treatment, dyeing, and characterization of natural fiber obtained from agricultural residues of corn husk. The results demonstrate that the dyeing effect is significantly affected by the ratio of dye to substrate, as well as the temperature and time. The findings provide a method for the efficient textile application of abundant agricultural waste.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
M. Basil, M. K. Anirudh, A. M. Nandhu Lal, M. P. Harikrishnan, Partha Kundu, Anjineyulu Kothakota
Summary: This study investigated the potential of developing biocomposites using a combination of poly lactic acid, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and micro cellulose from different agricultural residues to produce biodegradable kitchenware suitable for food serving and other culinary applications. The results showed that the developed kitchenware exhibited desirable physical properties and biodegradability, providing an effective solution to environmental issues caused by single-use non-biodegradable plastic-based kitchenware.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Quim Tarres, Roberto Aguado, Juan Dominguez-Robles, Eneko Larraneta, Marc Delgado-Aguilar
Summary: The development of new materials is focused on replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable materials. This study explores the potential of lignin from black liquor in paper pulp production as a main component in a new bioplastic matrix. The combination with PCL improves the strength of the thermoplastic lignin, and the addition of SGW enhances the properties of the composite materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Si-Jie Zhou, Han-Min Wang, Shao-Jun Xiong, Jing-Meng Sun, Yun-Yan Wang, Shixin Yu, Zhuohua Sun, Jia-Long Wen, Tong-Qi Yuan
Summary: Synthetic plastics have had a profound impact on the planet, bringing convenience while also posing environmental challenges. Biodegradable plastics are seen as sustainable alternatives, and blending them with low-cost fillers can reduce costs. Technical lignin as a coproduct can enhance the economic competitiveness of composites, but the main obstacle lies in the incompatibility between lignin and plastics.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laurence Savignac, Andrew S. Danis, Mathieu Charbonneau, Steen B. Schougaard
Summary: Research on using recycled aerospace carbon fibers to synthesize electrodes for lithium-ion batteries has improved their energy density and electrochemical performance. By integrating the carbon fibers into the electrode design, the elimination of metallic current collector contributes to addressing the recycling and reuse challenges of discarded carbon fibers.
Article
Polymer Science
Jessica de Carvalho Arjona, Maria das Gracas Silva-Valenzuela, Shu-Hui Wang, Francisco Rolando Valenzuela-Diaz
Summary: Urea, the most widely used fertilizer globally, is encapsulated with biodegradable polymer PHB and its nanocomposites PHB/MMT and PHB/OMMT for controlled-release. The microcapsules, particularly PHB/OMMT, show higher degradation rates in sandy soils, indicating promising applications for environmentally friendly fertilization.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abir Saha, Poonam Kumari
Summary: Increased interest in natural fiber as a reinforcing material in polymer composite has arisen due to environmental awareness and strict regulations. This study extracted and assessed bamboo fiber from different regions of the bamboo culm, revealing that the outer part had superior physical and tensile properties, making it a potential candidate for sustainable bio-composites.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Siva Ramasamy, Amutha Karuppuchamy, Jeya Jeevahan Jayaraj, Indran Suyambulingam, Suchart Siengchin, Steffen Fischer
Summary: Banana bracts fibers (BBF) have been shown to effectively enhance the mechanical strength of polylactic acid (PLA) matrix in biocomposite manufacturing. Various physical and chemical analyses support the superior performance of BBF reinforced PLA composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Z. N. Diyana, R. Jumaidin, M. Z. Selamat, M. S. M. Suan, K. Z. Hazrati, Fahmi Asyadi Md Yusof, R. A. Ilyas, Sayed M. Eldin
Summary: In this study, a biodegradable thermoplastic cassava starch/beeswax blend reinforced with Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre (TCPS/BW/PAF) was successfully developed. The addition of Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as reduced the biodegradation rate. The TCPS/BW/PAF bio-composites showed potential for applications in biopolymer and bio-packaging industries.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Abdoulhdi A. Borhana Omran, Abdulrahman A. B. A. Mohammed, S. M. Sapuan, R. A. Ilyas, M. R. M. Asyraf, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Michal Petru
Summary: Cellulose presents a promising opportunity for the development of sustainable materials, especially in the field of biocomposites. This article highlights the importance of extracting, treating, and modifying cellulose for various applications. The reinforcement of micro- and nanocellulose can lead to materials with enhanced performance, with potential for further improvements in engineering applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Alain Bourmaud, Kolja Konschak, Coralie Buffet, Meline Calatraba, Anton Loic Rudolph, Antoine Kervoelen, Basile Gautherot, Estelle Bonnin, Johnny Beaugrand
Summary: This study focuses on the use of tomato by-product biomass from industrial plants as reinforcement for new degradable and biobased thermoplastic materials. The results show that the tomato by-product-reinforced materials have mechanical performance comparable to existing formulations. Depending on the targeted application, a wide range of biobased and/or degradable products can be designed.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Avinash Kumar Both, John Alan Linderman, Guru Madireddy, Mark Alan Helle, Chin L. Cheung
Summary: In this paper, an eco-friendly approach using water-based chemistry was reported to fabricate coco coir composites, which were found to be suitable growth media for hydroponics. The fabrication process was sustainable and produced harmless byproducts. The coco coir composites were durable and supported the growth of various plants in a hydroponic system.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Lalit R. Kumar, Rajwinder Kaur, R. D. Tyagi, Patrick Drogui
Summary: By conducting energy balance and economic assessment of crude glycerol valorization for B10 biodiesel and polyhydroxy-butyrate (PHB) production, it was found that producing B10 biodiesel is more economically favorable than PHB production when utilizing crude glycerol as substrate.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Estefania Lidon Sanchez-Safont, Abdulaziz Aldureid, Jose Maria Lagaron, Jose Gamez-Perez, Luis Cabedo
Summary: The combined NaOH + peracetic acid (PAA) purification treatment effectively removes non-cellulosic components from lignocellulosic fibers, resulting in fibers with properties similar to commercial cellulose. These treated fibers enhance the thermal and mechanical performance of PHB-based composites.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Maria A. M. Reis, Fernando Silva, Mariana Matos, Luis Cabedo, Jose Maria Lagaron
Summary: A new P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolyester synthesized using fruit pulp as feedstock was melt-mixed with commercial PHBV to create miscible films for food packaging. As the content of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) increased, the mechanical response of the films transitioned from brittle to ductile, with increased permeabilities to gases.
Article
Polymer Science
Jaime Juan, Arlindo Silva, Jose Antonio Tornero, Jose Gamez, Nuria Salan
Summary: This study analyzes the effectiveness of different degassing procedures and the impact of high-speed stirring on void content and porous area size in vacuum infusion manufacturing, highlighting the importance of enhancing bubble formation during degassing.
Article
Polymer Science
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Lorenzo Zavagna, Chris Sammon, Luis Cabedo, Cristina Prieto, Jose M. Lagaron
Summary: In this study, electrospinning technology was used to successfully process EVOH44 copolymer with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), resulting in hybrid nanocomposite films with improved properties. Increasing the CNCs content led to enhancements in mechanical properties, but also accompanied by reductions in certain aspects of performance. Furthermore, the oxygen barrier properties of the films remained high at different relative humidities, demonstrating great potential as barrier materials for food packaging.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Inmaculada Angulo, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Loic Hilliou, Jose Manuel Escuin, Luis Cabedo, Yuval Nevo, Cristina Prieto, Jose Maria Lagaron
Summary: This study developed recyclable high-oxygen-barrier multilayer films based on commercial PHA materials, including CNC and PHBV layers. The multilayer films exhibited good interlayer adhesion and transparency, with the addition of CNC improving the stiffness of the structure.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kerly Samaniego, Armando Matos, Estefania Sanchez-Safont, Maria V. Candal, Jose M. Lagaron, Luis Cabedo, Jose Gamez-Perez
Summary: Poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a potential green alternative to commonly used plastics, which is biologically synthesized and biodegradable. However, it has limitations in thermo-mechanical performance. In this study, blends of PHB with a biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer (bio-TPE) were prepared and evaluated. The results showed that the interaction between plasticizers and reactive agents altered the performance of the blends.
Article
Polymer Science
Patricia Feijoo, Kerly Samaniego-Aguilar, Estefania Sanchez-Safont, Sergio Torres-Giner, Jose M. Lagaron, Jose Gamez-Perez, Luis Cabedo
Summary: This study developed a biodegradable PHA-based blend by combining PHBV with PHBH to overcome the brittleness and narrow processing window of PHBV. The incorporation of PHBH improved the thermoformability of the blend, but did not prevent the brittleness of the resulting materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Kerly Samaniego-Aguilar, Estefania Sanchez-Safont, Alex Arrillaga, Jon Anakabe, Jose Gamez-Perez, Luis Cabedo
Summary: This study focuses on improving the toughness and long-term performance of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) through reactive blending with an elastomer. The role of the compatibilizer and its effects on the properties of the blends were investigated.
Article
Polymer Science
Patricia Feijoo, Anna Marin, Kerly Samaniego-Aguilar, Estefania Sanchez-Safont, Jose M. Lagaron, Jose Gamez-Perez, Luis Cabedo
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is being considered as a possible replacement for conventional polymers in organic recycling. Biocomposites containing cellulose and woodflour were studied for their compostability, with lignin from woodflour found to slow down the biodegradation process. This study also considered the thermal stability and rheological behavior of the materials, as well as their microbial population.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chiara Marcoaldi, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Cristina Prieto, Carmen Arnal, Sergio Torres-Giner, Luis Cabedo, Jose M. Lagaron
Summary: In this research, bio-based electrospun multilayered films with good barrier properties and superhydrophobic behavior were developed for food packaging applications. Two different biopolymers, a synthetic aliphatic copolyamide and a microbially synthesized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), were processed by electrospinning and layered with organomodified silica nanostructured microparticles. The resulting films exhibited improved barrier and mechanical properties, high water contact angle, and low sliding angle. These biopolymer-based multilayer films could be a promising environmentally friendly alternative for food packaging.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kelly J. Figueroa-Lopez, Cristina Prieto, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Luis Cabedo, Jose M. Lagaron
Summary: Food quality is affected by oxygen and microorganisms, leading to changes in taste, odor, and color. This study describes the production of films made of PHBV loaded with CeO(2)NPs, which scavenge oxygen and have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, for food packaging applications. The films were analyzed for various properties, such as barrier, thermal, and oxygen scavenging activity. The nanocomposites showed promising results and could be used for new active organic recyclable packaging materials.
Article
Microbiology
Anna Marin, Patricia Feijoo, Rosa de Llanos, Belen Carbonetto, Pedro Gonzalez-Torres, Jose Tena-Medialdea, Jose R. Garcia-March, Jose Gamez-Perez, Luis Cabedo
Summary: Biodegradable polymers, such as PLA and PHBV, were studied for their ability to degrade in marine environments. PHBV showed higher microbial surface densities and more diverse microbial structures compared to PLA. Proteins involved in PHBV biodegradation were also more abundant in PHBV biofilms. This study provides valuable insights into the marine biodegradation of biopolymers.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Keyu Zhu, Xitao Zheng, Jing Peng, Jiaming Sun, Ruilin Huang, Leilei Yan
Summary: This paper discusses the influence of multiple impacts on the compression strength of honeycomb sandwich structures with composite face sheets. It is found that the size of the impactor affects the turning point of the compression strength. Additionally, high impact energy leads to damage in the bottom face sheet and reduces the overall compression strength.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Danqian Wang, Yanfei Yue, Jueshi Qian
Summary: Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) as a binder for steel rebars shows improved corrosion resistance when subjected to carbonation, due to the increase in pH and the formation of a more protective oxide film.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhibin Li, Wenyu Wang, Pengcheng Xue, Xingyu Wei, Jian Xiong
Summary: This work proposes a design approach and manufacturing method for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) corrugated sandwich truncated cones (CSTC) to improve their anti-debonding ability and ensure reliability. The study establishes theoretical models for CSTCs' stiffness and failure modes, which are verified through experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). The research reveals the effect of geometric parameters on failure modes and performs an optimal design for CSTC structures. The findings have significant implications for the design and application of lightweight CSTCs in constructions, such as launch vehicle adapters.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mingyu Zhang, Lei Chu, Jiahua Chen, Fuxun Qi, Xiaoyan Li, Xinliang Chen, Deng-Guang Yu
Summary: This review summarizes the different structures and construction methods of fibrous membranes with asymmetric wettability. It also reviews the biological applications of these membranes and suggests future challenges.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
E. Mofakhami, L. Gervat, B. Fayolle, G. Miquelard-Garnier, C. Ovalle, L. Laiarinandrasana
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fibre concentration on the mechanical response of welded glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP). Experimental observations reveal a significant reduction in weld ratio, up to 60%, indicating a decreased strength compared to the bulk material. Increasing fibre content in the welded material results in a decrease in stress at break and strain at the maximum stress. The use of DIC technique and X-ray microtomography further confirms the localized strain amplification in the welded zone due to the significant increase in fibre density.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Emad Pourahmadi, Farjad Shadmehri, Rajamohan Ganesan
Summary: This research compares the mechanical properties of laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement and conventional autoclave curing methods. The results show that laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement have a lower interlaminar shear strength compared to laminates reconsolidated using autoclave curing. A finite element simulation method is proposed to quantitatively analyze these differences.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Johnny Jakobsen, Benny Endelt, Fahimeh Shakibapour
Summary: This study proposes a new bolted/pinned joining method for composite applications, which improves load transfer by introducing a patch-type reinforcement. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in both static and fatigue load conditions compared to existing methods. Finite element simulations highlight the advantage of this method, as it creates a more efficient load-transferring mechanism through different stress distributions.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gisele G. Cintra, Janine D. Vieira, Daniel C. T. Cardoso, Thomas Keller
Summary: This paper proposes a novel approach to assess multi-crack behavior in layered fiber-polymer composites. The generated Compliance and R-curves provide useful insights into understanding the multiple delamination process and allow for separate evaluation of strain energy release rate (SERR) for each crack. The developed cohesive zone model successfully simulates the failure process zone of three parallel cracks, showing good agreement between the numerical model and experimental results.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Renil Thomas Kidangan, Sreedhar Unnikrishnakurup, C. Krishnamurthy, Krishnan Balasubramaniam
Summary: The induction heating process can accurately identify fiber orientation and stacking order, making it a valuable tool for large-area inspection and quality control in manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Sungjun Hwang, Yousoo Han, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: Bleached Kraft pulp, unbleached Kraft pulp, and old corrugated cardboard pulp are suitable for producing cellulose nanofibril suspensions. Spray drying is a fast, simple, cost-effective, and scalable drying method. Spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing materials in polypropylene matrices. The particle size of cellulose nanofibrils affects the material properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mehdi Mahdavi, Abbas Zolfaghari
Summary: This study aims to improve the recovery forces of shape memory polymers (SMPs) through material extrusion additive manufacturing. By using glass fiber (GF) as reinforcement and manufacturing multi-layer composite specimens, it was found that PLA with 6.62% GF exhibited the best recovery force, which was further optimized through annealing heat treatment.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Ao, Antonio Vazquez-Lopez, Davide Mocerino, Carlos Gonzalez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: The vulnerability of natural fibers to heat and fire poses a significant challenge for their substitution of traditional fiber reinforcements in composite materials. Natural fiber/polymer composites (NFCs) are regarded as potential candidates for engineering applications due to their environmental friendliness and low-impact sourcing. Thus, appropriate approaches need to be implemented to enhance the fire safety of NFCs. This review summarizes and discusses the latest understanding of flammability and thermal properties of natural fibers, with a special focus on their interaction with polymer matrix in fire behavior. Additionally, the latest developments in flame-retardant approaches for NFCs are reviewed, covering both flame retardancy and fire structural integrity. Finally, future prospects and perspectives on fire safety of NFCs are proposed, providing insights into further advancements of NFCs.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Guofeng Ye, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Qi Zhang, Pingan Song, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: The demand for multifunctional, transparent epoxy resin with superior dielectric, mechanical, and fire-safety performances is increasing in modern industries. Researchers have developed an epoxidized, phosphaphenanthrene-containing poly(styrene butadiene styrene) (ESD) for advanced fire-safe epoxy resin, which maintains high transparency and improves UV-blocking property. The addition of 10 wt% ESD results in improved mechanical properties, decreased dielectric constant and loss, and outperformance compared to other fire-safe epoxy resins. This research provides an effective method for developing multifunctional flame-retardant epoxy resin.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Bo Pang, Heping Zheng, Zuquan Jin, Dongshuai Hou, Yunsheng Zhang, Xiaoyun Song, Yanan Sun, Zhiyong Liu, Wei She, Lin Yang, Mengyuan Li
Summary: This study develops an internal superhydrophobic material (ISM) using waste denitrification fly ash, which maintains stable hydrophobicity under harsh conditions of use and does not rely on expensive fluor-based surface modifications. The synthesized ISM has excellent matrix strength, strong waterproof properties, and retains superhydrophobicity even at damaged or friction interfaces.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Meirbek Mussatayev, Qiuji Yi, Mark Fitzgerald, Vincent K. Maes, Paul Wilcox, Robert Hughes
Summary: Real-time monitoring of carbon fibre composites during Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) manufacturing remains a challenge for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. This study designed a directional eddy-current (EC) probe to evaluate the detectability of out-of-plane wrinkles. Experimental evaluations and finite element modeling were conducted to better understand the relationship between eddy-current density and defect detection. The findings suggest that the probe configuration with an asymmetric driver coil and differential pickup coils shows the best capability for wrinkle detection.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)