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Utilizing agricultural waste and natural fibers minimizes environmental impact and can improve the acoustic and thermal conditions of buildings. Natural fibers can be an alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic sound-absorbing materials. This study aimed to investigate the acoustic and thermal properties of insulating materials made from wool and sugarcane bagasse. Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, acoustic and moisture absorption, and fire properties of five insulating materials made from sheep wool, goat fiber, camel wool as well as pith and fiber bundles of sugarcane bagasse were determined. The measurement of the sound absorption coefficient was performed in an impedance tube. The thermal resistance and thermal conductivity coefficient were measured according to the ASTM D5334–08 Standard. The findings show that camel wool has the highest sound-absorbing performance, thermal insulation, and fire-resistant properties. The lowest value of the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was 0.52 for goat fiber, and the highest was 0.74 for camel wool. The maximum sound absorption coefficient of camel wool was 0.95 at a frequency above 1000 Hz. Thermal conductivity varies between 0.038 and 0.046W/(M.K). Hence, all materials tested can be considered thermally insulating. The results showed insulating materials made from wool, especially camel wool, had better performance than fiber and pith of sugarcane bagasse.

In this paper, a hybrid composite is developed from natural fibers of bagasse and coconut coir. The mechanical and acoustic properties of the hybrid composites are investigated. While preparing the hybrid composites, the polyester resin is used as a matrix. Treated and untreated specimens were prepared by varying the weight percentage of bagasse and coconut coir fibers and resin. Various mechanical tests including tensile test, hardness test, flexural test, impact test and impedance tests were carried out as per ASTM standards. Experimental results on comparison reveal that the developed hybrid composite has a better sound absorption coefficient values and mechanical properties. Hence, the proposed hybrid composite could be used in Industries.

The significant physical, economic and environmental properties of some agricultural wastes have made them viable alternatives for the conventional sound-absorbing materials. Therefore, it is necessary to identify these types of agricultural wastes and investigate the acoustic behavior and applicability of mathematical predictive models for sound absorption of the samples fabricated from such wastes. In this regard, this study was conducted to investigate the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) values of the samples made from sugarcane and corn husk wastes using experimental and empirical methods. The morphological examination of sugarcane and corn husk fibers was performed by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Having prepared the fibers, several cylindrical samples with a constant density (150 kg/m3) and different thicknesses (20, 30 and 40 mm) were fabricated. The SAC values, porosity and airflow resistivity of these samples were then measured using ISO 10534–2 (impedance tube system), SEM and ASTM C522–03, respectively. The Delany-Bazley (DB) analytical model and the reversed Delany-Bazley model with Nelder-Mead Simplex (DB-NMS) were also used to predict the SAC values. Based on the acoustic performance of the fabricated samples, the SAC values for the thickness of 40 mm and frequency of 500 Hz were, respectively, 0.42 and 0.54 for sugarcane and corn. Increasing the thickness of the samples and creating an air gap behind them were found to be the acceptable approaches for improving the sound absorption. It was found that the DB-NMS model would appropriately follow the experimental results. The purposeful application of agricultural waste and analytical acoustic models because of their outstanding benefits and an effective approach will encourage the usability of natural materials (as eco-friendly, cheap and efficient acoustic products) in indoor and outdoor commercial applications.

Utilizing agricultural waste and natural fibers minimizes environmental impact and can improve the acoustic and thermal conditions of buildings. Natural fibers can be an alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic sound-absorbing materials. This study aimed to investigate the acoustic and thermal properties of insulating materials made from wool and sugarcane bagasse. Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, acoustic and moisture absorption, and fire properties of five insulating materials made from sheep wool, goat fiber, camel wool as well as pith and fiber bundles of sugarcane bagasse were determined. The measurement of the sound absorption coefficient was performed in an impedance tube. The thermal resistance and thermal conductivity coefficient were measured according to the ASTM D5334–08 Standard. The findings show that camel wool has the highest sound-absorbing performance, thermal insulation, and fire-resistant properties. The lowest value of the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was 0.52 for goat fiber, and the highest was 0.74 for camel wool. The maximum sound absorption coefficient of camel wool was 0.95 at a frequency above 1000 Hz. Thermal conductivity varies between 0.038–0.046W/(M.K). Hence, all materials tested can be considered thermally insulating. The results showed insulating materials made from wool, especially camel wool, had better performance than fiber and pith of sugarcane bagasse.

Utilizing agricultural waste and natural fibers minimizes environmental impact and can improve the acoustic and thermal conditions of buildings. Natural fibers can be an alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic sound-absorbing materials. This study aimed to investigate the acoustic and thermal properties of insulating materials made from wool and sugarcane bagasse. Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, acoustic and moisture absorption, and fire properties of five insulating materials made from sheep wool, goat fiber, camel wool as well as pith and fiber bundles of sugarcane bagasse were determined. The measurement of the sound absorption coefficient was performed in an impedance tube. The thermal resistance and thermal conductivity coefficient were measured according to the ASTM D5334–08 Standard. The findings show that camel wool has the highest sound-absorbing performance, thermal insulation, and fire-resistant properties. The lowest value of the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was 0.52 for goat fiber, and the highest was 0.74 for camel wool. The maximum sound absorption coefficient of camel wool was 0.95 at a frequency above 1000 Hz. Thermal conductivity varies between 0.038 and 0.046W/(M.K). Hence, all materials tested can be considered thermally insulating. The results showed insulating materials made from wool, especially camel wool, had better performance than fiber and pith of sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing agricultural waste and natural fibers minimizes environmental impact and can improve the acoustic and thermal conditions of buildings. Natural fibers can be an alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic sound-absorbing materials. This study aimed to investigate the acoustic and thermal properties of insulating materials made from wool and sugarcane bagasse. Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, acoustic and moisture absorption, and fire properties of five insulating materials made from sheep wool, goat fiber, camel wool as well as pith and fiber bundles of sugarcane bagasse were determined. The measurement of the sound absorption coefficient was performed in an impedance tube. The thermal resistance and thermal conductivity coefficient were measured according to the ASTM D5334–08 Standard. The findings show that camel wool has the highest sound-absorbing performance, thermal insulation, and fire-resistant properties. The lowest value of the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was 0.52 for goat fiber, and the highest was 0.74 for camel wool. The maximum sound absorption coefficient of camel wool was 0.95 at a frequency above 1000 Hz. Thermal conductivity varies between 0.038–0.046W/(M.K). Hence, all materials tested can be considered thermally insulating. The results showed insulating materials made from wool, especially camel wool, had better performance than fiber and pith of sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the mechanical, morphological, and moisture assimilation of composite materials built up from sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF), rice husk (RH), and wood powder (WP) filler. Regular threads are now regarded as eco-friendly materials because of their sustainability. This article's goal is to choose between two polymer structures with fiber and matrix: case 1 has epoxy (50%) plus sugarcane bagasse fiber (30%–45%) and wooden powder (5%–20%); case 2 has epoxy (50%) plus sugarcane fiber (30%–45%) plus rice husk (5%–20%). The impact of the mechanical test is compared to obtaining the best fiber volume fraction (Vf), and the failure of cracked surfaces and interfacial bonding analysis is done using SEM as a consequence of matrix cracking, void content, and fiber pullout. In order to get the characterization of materials, Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses were also performed. However, Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber, a single fiber, combined with an epoxy composite matrix demonstrated a strength of 14 to 18 Mpa and 230 to 250 g of weight. Nevertheless, when SBF was combined with hybrid materials like Rice Husk and Wood Powder, it demonstrated superior strength, with an estimate of 16 to 20 Mpa and a weight of 220 to 240 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibers obtained from the agricultural wastes are a promising source within the field of acoustic and have already shown favorable results for mitigating the noise pollution. Supported by the experimental data and via an eco-friendly approach, the current study evaluates the impact of fiber size on the sound absorption values of the samples fabricated from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) waste fibers. The samples were formed based on the fiber size and constant bulk densities and thicknesses. The empirical models such as Delany-Bazley (D-B model) along with Best-fit-Nelder-Mead method were also employed to predict the acoustic absorption coefficients of the samples. Therefore, the least-square fit procedure was taken to evaluate the results which is compatible with both the impedance test tube and prediction models. Hence, according to the analyses, the lowest fiber size measured the highest absorption performance (α≃0.63) and airflow resistivity (σ = 6750), indicating that the performance of the fibers reached peaks at lower frequency and slightly decreased at mid and high frequency ranges while the fiber size 0.29–0.37 mm saw a slight rise again. Also, airflow resistivity and sound absorption performance of the SCB fibers decreased with increased fiber sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber reinforcement is the most common method for modifying polylactic acid (PLA). However, poor compatibility between fibers and PLA, especially at high cellulose contents, can promote cellulose agglomeration in the continuous phase, which damages the mechanical properties of composite materials. To address these issues, bagasse cellulose (BC) was used as a substrate and bifunctional glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was used as a reactive monomer for graft modification. GMA-modified BC (BC-GMA)/PLA composite materials with different particle sizes were prepared using a blending grafting method, and the influence of the type and content of BC-GMA on the mechanical properties of the composite materials was explored. During the grafting modification of BC, a longer reaction time was found to result in smaller BC particles and a higher degree of grafting. For BC-GMA, the degree of grafting reached 27.02% with a maximum thermal decomposition temperature of 359.31°C. Furthermore, the BC-GMA/PLA composite material had a greater relative crystallinity of PLA, indicating that BC-GMA was evenly dispersed in the continuous phase. This study demonstrates that grafting modification can successfully achieve high cellulose loading in composite materials and thus reduce the production costs of PLA-based packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibers investigated in this study are mainly waste from agro industry. The importance of natural fibers in building composites is increasing, as they partially replace nonrenewable natural resources acting as reinforcement in composite materials such as concrete, mortar and earth bricks. Their recycling requires a detailed analysis of the physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of the fibers. In this study, tropical natural fibers i.e., palm oil flower fibers (POFL), palm oil fruit fibers (POFR), sugarcane bagasse (Sc), coconut coir (Cn), and banana spine (Bs) were investigated, and their characteristics such as cross-section, density, water absorption, thermogravimetry, chemical composition, and tensile strength of fibers were determined. The area of these fibers ranges from 0.03 mm² to 0.07 mm². POFL fibers have highest density (1.36 g/cm³), while Cn fibers have lowest density (0.79 g/ cm³). Chemical composition of fibers shows that cellulose content of tropical fibers ranges from 37–54%, followed by hemicellulose 5–27%, and lignin and cutins content 5–25%. Mechanical characteristics of tropical fibers show that tensile strength of these fibers fluctuates between 119–347 MPa. Tensile load-deflection behavior of Cn, Bs, POFL, and POFR fibers is elastoplastic with hardening, while the behavior of Sc fibers is pseudo elastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of natural fiber–reinforced composites (NFRCs) may help the global fraternity in achieving their long-term goal of developing sustainable products having minimum effect on ecosystem, during and at the end of their service life. The primary manufacturing processes such as injection molding, hand-layup, and compression moulding have been extensively used to fabricate products with simpler profiles. However, the fabrication of complex products necessitates secondary manufacturing processes. In current investigation, the short fiber (banana and bagasse)–based polypropylene composites (10, 15, and 20 wt.%) were fabricated using extrusion-injection moulding process. Banana fiber–based composites recorded 1.8%, 4.7%, and 3.25%, higher tensile strength than bagasse fiber–based composites at 10, 15, and 20 wt.% fiber loading, respectively. However, bagasse fiber–based composites performed distinctly better in flexural properties. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to analyze the failure mechanisms and thermal degradation behavior (analyzed at 5%, 25%, 50%, and 75% weight loss) of the fabricated composites. The ultrasonic welded joints of banana fiber–based composites recorded higher failure load prior to the fracture as compared to bagasse fiber–based composites upto 15% fiber loading. It was established that ultrasonic welding can be successfully employed for joining of NFRCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study presents a nontoxic, and low-cost preparation of black seeds and cassava bagasse fibers. It also aims at investigating the physical, thermal, and morphological characteristics and chemical composition of these fibers. The current study's findings revealed significant differences in the properties in terms of chemical, morphological, physical, and thermal. The findings also showed that black seed fiber had a higher ash concentration (4.5%) compared to the cassava bagasse fiber of 0.4%. A density of 1.45 g/cm³ was observed for cassava bagasse fiber, while the black seed fiber exhibited a lower density of 1.22 g/cm³. From TGA results, only 21% of cassava bagasse and 38% of black seed fiber weight were observed for the highest degradation rates for both samples (200°C-500°C). In summary, this study suggests cassava bagasse and black seed fibers as promising feedstocks for biopolymers synthesis with an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach that may support the advancement of the biopolymer industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient pretreatments is widely used in biobased products aiming to add value to the residue. In this study, orange bagasse is investigated for cellulose extraction under moderate chemical sequential extraction conditions. Three pretreatments are evaluated: alkaline treatment, organosolv, and residue insoluble alcohol. Then, all pretreated samples are bleached. The results are analyzed by chemical composition, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. In general, similar results are observed for all bleaching samples, independently of the pretreatment. A similar cellulose amount is observed among the samples. When compared only to the pretreatments, alkaline shows to be a more effective way of presenting a higher crystallinity index. Hemicellulose and lignin are mostly removed after pretreatment. FTIR and XRD indicated that the pretreatment seems to be more effective in the first step. TG curves presented a more homogeneous pattern due to cellulose removal showing three steps for pre-treatment and two steps for bleached samples. The obtained cellulose has numerous potential applications, and a suitable route can be selected according to available reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study set out with the aim of assessing the morphology and properties of lignocellulosic fiber extracted from the tubers mainly found in tropical forests called arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea). Arrowroot bagasse (ABF) and husk fibers (AHF) were extracted and the physical, chemical, thermal, morphological properties, as well as crystallinity, were characterized. The chemical composition analysis revealed that ABF has higher cellulose (45.97%) than AHF (37.35%), cassava bagasse (10.04%), and corn hull (15.30%). In addition, ABF are significantly low in lignin (2.78%) and density (1.11 g/cm3) than AHF, corn hull, and cassava. In this research, the physical, chemical, thermal, structural, and morphological properties of arrowroot bagasse and husk fibers were investigated by particle size analysis, chemical composition analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. With respect to the above characterization of fibers, it was found that the lignocellulosic biomasses from arrowroot are alternative promising sustainable material, which can be used in food packaging as a renewable filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Elephant Grass; fiber dimensions; non-wood materials; paper; pulping properties; Silk Cotton; ; ; ; ; ; EN Elephant Grass fiber dimensions non-wood materials paper pulping properties Silk Cotton ZH 9782 9790 9 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction Paper materials are diversely used globally for writing, printing, newspapers, books, boxes, wrapping, napkins, toiletries, among others. According to Lwako, Byaruhanga, and Baptist ([23]), non-wood materials such as fibers obtained from Silk Cotton have been anticipated to be suitable for pulp; nevertheless, some of its technological properties (i.e., fiber dimensions and pulping properties) for paper production are unknown. Fibers from the stalk of Elephant Grass (60.03 ± 1.82 µm) and Bagasse (59.85 ± 1.72 µm) would exhibit higher strength properties compared to Silk Cotton (52.24 ± 1.66 µm) and the leaves of Elephant Grass (42.15 ± 1.17 µm) due to their diameters (Table 1). [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: Sugarcane bagasse fibers; NaHSO3; pyrolysis; S-graphene; mechanism; chemistry; ; ; S- ; ; EN Sugarcane bagasse fibers NaHSO3 pyrolysis S-graphene mechanism chemistry ZH S- 9776 9781 6 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Graphical abstract Graph Introduction Nowadays, natural occurring carbonaceous materials are considered as the alternative sources for the production of graphene derivatives (Chen et al. [1]; Goswami et al. [8]; Purkait et al. [13]; Shams et al. [14]; Singh, Bahadur, and Pal [16]; Somanathan et al. [17]). (a, b) TEM images of S-graphene at 350°C for 2 h The chemistry and mechanism behind the development of S-graphene from sugarcane bagasse fibers is demonstrated in Figure 5. XRD proved to be an important parameter to check the crystallinity of S-graphene as well as to differentiate the S-GO and S-graphene, produced during pyrolysis. Pyrolysis, mechanism, Sugarcane bagasse fibers, NaHSO3, S-graphene, chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

Therefore, the porosity of the samples was determined based on the fiber density (Graph HT ht ) and bulk density of the sample Graph HT ht and presented as follows: (1) Graph HT ht The weight of fibers was measured prior to being cut into a nominal length of 20 mm by the OHAUS Analytical Electronic Balance (Model AX124/E) and density of each sample was also determined using the Archimedes' method and ASTM D3800-99 (2010). [Extracted from the article]

The main source of cellulose/nanocellulose plants (lignocellulose) depends on the origin, type, and environmental condition the cellulose (Ebitsubo et al. [6]; Wang et al. [36]). FESEM images of extracted nanocellulose by three % of alkali and acid methods: (A) NaOH(5%)+H2SO4(50%); (b) NaOH (5%)+H2SO4(50%)+Ethanol+Sonication; and (C) NaOH (10%)+H2SO4(65%) Figure 2 presents the micrographs and EDX data of optimized extracted nano cellulose, commercial cellulose, and egg tray powder to understand the morphological differences. Highlights Extraction of nanocellulose fibers from local bio-waste egg trays Extracted cellulose is similar and extremely cheaper than commercial nanocellulose Chemical and mechano-ball mill process used for the extraction of nanocellulose Footnotes 1 AbbreviationsEgg tray powder (ETP); Commercial Nano-cellulose (CNC); Extracted Nano-cellulose (ENC). Keywords: Bio-waste; egg trays; chemical treatment; morphology; crystallinity; ; ; ; ; EN Bio-waste egg trays chemical treatment morphology crystallinity ZH 8582 8592 11 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction Cellulose is the most attractive material for both scientists and industry because of its abundant, renewable, biodegradable, biocompatible, recycling resources on the earth (Mohamed et al. [20]; Mohanty, Misra, and Drzal [21]). [Extracted from the article]

Both natural and synthetic fibers do not perform well at low frequencies and are also subjected to erosion, moisture, fire, etc., when used as an interior finish of room walls. To overcome these problems, micro-perforated plate with different thickness is used in a multilayer sound absorber configuration to improve its sound absorption. Firstly, the acoustic properties of five natural wastes including sheep wool, goat wool, camel wool as well as pith and fiber bundles of sugarcane bagasse were determined by using an impedance tube following ISO 10534–2. Secondly, the effect of Panel thickness was investigated. The maximum sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of natural waste materials is at middle to high-frequency range and this shifted to lower frequency as the porous layer thickness increases. The sound absorption performance depends on the thickness of perforated plate and porous layer in a compound sound absorber. It is observed that the using perforated plate in the front of low thickness porous materials significantly improve the SAC and absorption bandwidth. However, it should be noted that this reduces the SAC at high frequencies. Accordingly, the thick micro-perforated panels backed by porous layer are not recommended to control sounds with frequency higher than 3000 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse is used as a byproduct of agro-industrial production. However, natural fibers' hydrophilic characteristics prevent their application in natural fiber/polymer composites due to the hydroxyl groups (–OH) presented in the cellulose molecule. Because of this, several treatments have been proposed. In this research, the acetylation's influence on sugarcane bagasse fiber's structure and properties was investigated, and the effect of the amount of perchloric acid as the catalyst to isolate the lignin and decrease its polarity. Sugarcane bagasse fiber was chemically characterized after modification by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and degree of substitution (DS). Surface morphology, crystallinity, and thermal stability of fibers were evaluated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetry (TGA). A small amount of catalyst content has a significant effect on the DS, causing improved surface morphology and increased thermal stability due to acetylation. However, the crystallinity and lignin content of the fibers decreased after acetylation. According to chemical composition, the crystallinity decreased due to the amorphous phase from hemicellulose deposition. The decrease in the crystalline cellulose enhanced the acetylation reaction and substituted more hydroxyls groups per glucose unit according to DS values. Thus, the catalyst has an essential role in the efficiency of acetylation with sugarcane bagasse fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-friendly Bagasse Fiber Reinforced Functionalized Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (BGF/CF-SEBS) composites have been developed by Palsule process by twin screw extrusion and injection molding. The composites show higher mechanical properties relative to the matrix that increases with increasing fiber contents in them. FE-SEM micrographs show good interfacial adhesion between reinforcing BGF and CF-SEBS matrix in the composites and FTIR confirms its origin from the ester and hydrogen bonds formed between –OH of BGF and anhydride of CF-SEBS in the composites. Thermal stability of the composites is intermediate between those of BGF and CF-SEBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a hybrid composite is developed from natural fibers of bagasse and coconut coir. The mechanical and acoustic properties of the hybrid composites are investigated. While preparing the hybrid composites, the polyester resin is used as a matrix. Treated and untreated specimens were prepared by varying the weight percentage of bagasse and coconut coir fibers and resin. Various mechanical tests including tensile test, hardness test, flexural test, impact test and impedance tests were carried out as per ASTM standards. Experimental results on comparison reveal that the developed hybrid composite has a better sound absorption coefficient values and mechanical properties. Hence, the proposed hybrid composite could be used in Industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibers used in cement-based materials are gaining popularity; however, large variations in the properties and characteristics of the composites call for a better understanding of the influence of the production variables. This study examined the effects of methods of manufacture, fiber contents and pre-treatment on the physicomechanical properties of bagasse-reinforced cement composites. Composites were manufactured by conventional tapping, low-pressure pressing, and vibration methods incorporating bagasse fiber at 2%, 3%, and 4% by mass of cement. Fiber was pre-treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution at 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/v) concentrations. The composites produced were examined for physical and mechanical properties, and the microstructures were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal values of mean water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture were 6.47%, 0.18%, 3.2 GPa, and 6.3 MPa, respectively, and were obtained at 3% calcium chloride pre-treatment, 2% bagasse contents, and produced by vibration method. The results were further corroborated by the SEM analyses. The manufacturing methods, fiber contents and pre-treatments, and the interaction of these variables had significant effects on the sorption and the strength properties of the composites at α0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a high aspect ratio and enhanced mechanical strength, cellulose nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing elements in biocomposite films. In this study, cellulose nanofibrils were isolated from sugarcane bagasse using TEMPO-mediated oxidation and used to reinforce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. The carboxyl group content, functional groups, crystallinity, thermal properties, and morphology of the nanofibrils were investigated. The influence of TOCNF content on the transmittance, swelling, and tensile strength of PVA-TOCNF films were investigated by varying the TOCNF content of PVA films. The fibrils had a carboxyl content of 12.2 ± 0.6 mg/g CE due to the presence of carboxylic groups, an increased degree of crystallinity, and highly porous nanofibrils with lengths between 150 nm and 600 nm. Incorporation of the isolated fiber on PVA films increased the swelling capacity, tensile strength, and UV absorption but a decrease in the solubility of the composite. An increase in the TOCNF content increased the tensile strength of the films with the highest tensile strength of 6.6 ± 2.2 kPa being observed when the TOCNF content was 30%. The improvement in films properties implies that the films can be used as a packaging material due to enhanced water absorption and light-barrier properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is concerned with the characterization of pulp extracted from agro-waste fibers using steam explosion technique. Steam explosion is a very efficient and non-reactive technique to extract soft and absorbent cellulose pulp from agro waste fibers like banana, bagasse, and sisal. Preforms prepared from the extracted pulp, with the aid of binders, using the water laid method, enhanced their suitability to be used for sanitary napkins, due to improved fiber integrity and absorbency. The preforms developed from these extracted pulp were used as the absorbent core of the sanitary napkins to replace the widely used synthetic viscose wood pulp, which thereby improved the eco-friendliness of the sanitary napkins. The preforms were made from these pulps in combination with various binders namely cassava, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium alginate in various concentrations namely 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5%. The various preform samples were tested for physical and absorbency-related performance characteristics like grams per square meter, thickness, density of the pulp, absorbency and immersion time, vertical wicking, strike through rate and swelling measurements. It was found that the preforms made with cassava as the binder, recorded higher absorbency properties when compared to other preforms, which were made using CMC and sodium alginate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of production of cellulosic pulp and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) from prevalent plants in west and central Africa; raffia fiber (Raphia vinifera), cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta) and ambarella (Spondias dulcis); in order to assess their suitability as source of reinforcing elements for composite. Fibers were produced using both organosolv and basic soda methods to evaluate the effect of processing on fiber properties. The morphological characterization showed pulp fibers of width 24–33 µm and length 0.2–1.1 mm while nanofibers of width 110–278 nm were obtained after nanofibrillation. FTIR confirmed that the isolation processes effectively removed amorphous content (lignin and hemicellulose) while X-ray Diffraction analysis demonstrated the increase in crystallinity when fibers were processed from pulp to nanofibrillated cellulose. Despite being fibrous in nature, ambarella did not respond to soda and organosolv pulping possibly due to high wax (18.87%) and ash (16.05%) content. The yield of raffia pulp is within the range found in conventional wood sources. The nanosize nature, high specific surface area and aspect ratio, biodegradability and renewability of nanofibrillated cellulose have demonstrated the potential of raffia fibers and cassava bagasse as suitable sources for micro/nanocellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the Ethiopian sugarcane bagasse during its delignification using the Kraft pulping process and bleaching by single stage hydrogen peroxide process. The multilevel categoric experimental design was used to appraise the effects of the independent process variables (temperature, NaOH concentration, and time) on the pulp yield and kappa number during the Kraft pulping process. The central composite experimental design of response surface methodology was used to appraise the effects of independent bleaching variables (bleaching temperature, H2O2 concentration, and time) on the pulp yield, brightness, and whiteness during the bleaching process. The optimal pulp yield was 38.41% with 17.68 kappa number. The bleached pulp yield for the pulp with kappa number of 17.68 and the pulp with kappa number of 8.41 were 84.12% and 83.91%, respectively. The brightness and whiteness for the pulp with kappa number of 17.68 were 61.92% and 85.36%, respectively. Similarly, for the pulp with a kappa number of 8.41, the brightness and whiteness were 68.35% and 91.43%, respectively. Paper from the pulp with kappa number of 17.68 has higher tensile, burst, and tear strength. The study shows the promising utilization of the Ethiopian sugarcane bagasse for paper production via the Kraft delignification and single stage hydrogen peroxide bleaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerated cellulosic fibers were successfully spun from various waste cellulose sources (cotton linter, bagasse, and cardboard) suitable for use as a textile fibers using a wet spinning process with an ionic liquid/dimethyl sulfoxide (IL/DMSO) mixture as the solvent. The solubility of the waste cellulose sources in IL/DMSO varies according to the source of the raw material. Regenerated fibers can be spun from all the waste feedstock, the spinnability and fiber tensile strength is governed by the DP and chemical composition of the cellulose. The structural properties of the spun fibers are determined by x-ray diffraction, thermalgravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The results reveal that the properties of the starting materials and thus how the waste feed streams are pretreated have a significant impact on the mechanical properties, crystallite structure, thermal stability, and the morphology of the fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the removal of vegetal oil from water, the influence of the concentration of fibers from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by the steam explosion as reinforcement in polyurethane foam was used. The composites were obtained by mass mixing the polyol with the prepolymer (1: 1) and reinforced with 5% to 20% (wt/wt) sugarcane bagasse fibers. The fibers, composites and pure polyurethane were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Surface area measurements (BET). Sorption tests were carried out on the fibers, pure polyurethane (PU) and composites. The sorption capacity of the composites was evaluated as a function of the fiber content inserted in the matrix. When applied as the oil sorbents, it was found that the composites reinforced with pretreated fibers presented better results, due to defibrillation of the fiber and the increase of its contact area dispersed in the polymer. Efficient removal increases with increasing concentration of fibers reinforced in polyurethane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study deals with the mechanical and morphological properties of sisal/bagasse fibers reinforced epoxy composites. The composites were developed by the hand layup process in four different proportions of sisal/bagasse fibers. The produced composites were characterized for its mechanical characteristics, namely, tensile, flexural, impact, Shore D hardness compression tests, water absorption and biodegradation tests as per ASTM. Morphologies were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. It was inferred that composites with three layers of sisal fibers and a core layer of sisal fibers produced good properties.

This study reports bagasse fiber (BGSF) reinforced chemically functionalized ethylene propylene rubber (CF-EPR) composites (BGSF/CF-EPR) by Palsule process. Esterification and hydrogen bonding between CF-EPR and BGSF imparting fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion in the composite is established by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The composites show higher mechanical properties than CF-EPR matrix that increase with increasing bagasse fiber contents in their compositions. Water absorbed wet composites show thickness swelling and lower tensile mechanical properties than respective dry composites but higher tensile mechanical properties than the dry CF-EPR. Thermal stability and degradation of the composites have been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, three different concentrations of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were used (i.e. 5 M, 8 M, and 11 M) to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (hereafter labeled as 5-PCNC, 8-PCNC and 11-PCNC, respectively) from sugarcane bagasse. The PCNC was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). From TEM and XRD results, it was found that the morphology and crystallinity index of the PCNC was influenced by the different concentration of phosphoric acid. FTIR and XPS results indicate that self-interaction of CNC occurs via P-O-P linkages. These data are important for PCNC selection in application; one may consider the aspect ratio (5-PCNC could be a good choice); while other may require higher crystallinity index (8-PCNC and 11-PCNC could be a good candidate). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear properties of sugarcane bagasse (SCB)-glass (G)/polyester hybrid composites is presented. The effects of the relative fibers content and plies stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of hybrid composites were investigated. Morphological studies of the fractured surfaces were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that, the mechanical properties of SCB/polyester composite can be effectively improved by the incorporation of G-fiber through the formation of hybrid composites. Also, with the proper selection of f relative fibers content and plies stacking sequence, the fabricated hybrids can achieve property profiles close to those of homogeneous glass-reinforced composite in terms of specific properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asbestos fiber can be substituted by cellulose fiber extracted from the sugarcane bagasse. The cellulose fibers can be extracted by using a heated water bath and subsequent treatment with sodium hydroxide. This work aims to evaluate the effect of cellulose fiber addition on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced mortar composites. A 22 factorial design with a central point was used to evaluate the effect of fiber content and fiber length on the mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that the composites increased the flexural strength. The most expressive result was the modulus of elasticity because of the good cellulose fiber/cement interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study deals with the mechanical and morphological properties of sisal/bagasse fibers reinforced epoxy composites. The composites were developed by the hand layup process in four different proportions of sisal/bagasse fibers. The produced composites were characterized for its mechanical characteristics, namely, tensile, flexural, impact, Shore D hardness compression tests, water absorption and biodegradation tests as per ASTM. Morphologies were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. It was inferred that composites with three layers of sisal fibers and a core layer of sisal fibers produced good properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adobe bricks, formed from raw clay, are used as construction materials since ancient times. Their main drawback is a low flexural and compressive strength. Agave bagasse is a waste material from the Mezcal production process. Angustifolia haw agave bagasse fiber was added to improve the properties of adobes. Adobe bricks were made with agave fibers ranging from 10 to 25 mm length and 0.25 to 1% concentration. At 1% concentration of agave, 25 mm long, the compressive and flexural strength are improved by 33% and 7.01%, fulfilling the requirements of Mexican construction regulation norm N-CMT-2-01-001/02 class C.

Adobe bricks, formed from raw clay, are used as construction materials since ancient times. Their main drawback is a low flexural and compressive strength. Agave bagasse is a waste material from the Mezcal production process. Angustifolia haw agave bagasse fiber was added to improve the properties of adobes. Adobe bricks were made with agave fibers ranging from 10 to 25 mm length and 0.25 to 1% concentration. At 1% concentration of agave, 25 mm long, the compressive and flexural strength are improved by 33% and 7.01%, fulfilling the requirements of Mexican construction regulation norm N-CMT-2-01-001/02 class C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse fibers were pre-treated with sulfuric acid solution to improve the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites for automotive parts. It was used maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PPg-MA) as coupling agent. Fibers were characterized by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The chemical composition of fibers was also evaluated. PP was mixed to fibers, in proportions of 5 to 10% (wt/wt) using a thermokinetic mixer model MH-50H. Furthermore tensile specimens were prepared for evaluation of mechanical properties by tensile test. Pre-treatment fibers permitted the removal of other components from sugarcane bagasse. The chemical treatment reduced some of the fibers amorphous components, causing changes in their surface. The addition of pre-treated and compatibilizedfibers to PP matrix caused an increase in the elastic modulus in tensile. It was possible to obtain a more rigid and less deformable material with up to 10% fiber content. However, the use of the coupling agent showed results superior to other composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]