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Banana pseudo-stem fibers were treated with 4% sodium hydroxide, and then combined with banana peels resin to design bio-composite material. The effect of selected factors (fiber volume fraction, bio-resin, and mass of glycerin) on tensile and compressive properties of banana bio-composites were investigated. The banana bio-composite exhibited tensile strength of 4.2 MPa, Young's modulus of 12 MPa and compressive strength of 2.1 MPa using fiber volume fraction of 60% and bio-resin mass of 140 g. The mass of glycerin recorded a nonsignificant effect on the aforementioned properties of the bio-composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study came into consideration following reported cases of women and girls using unhygienic materials such as old towels to keep themselves dry during their menses. The materials can be improved in quality and usability. The polymer that replaced wood pulp is not environmentally friendly. Water hyacinth and maize stalks have proven high absorbency properties, which are from ancient and current research. The objective was to optimize the hydroscopic properties of maize stalk and water hyacinth pulp and subsequent use in the design of sanitary pad. The methodology was done according to the standard KS 507:2005. The process of extraction was done using the alkaline method, and rinsing was done to remove excess NaOH. The pulp was studied for hydroscopic properties that included the retention capacity, absorbency rate and moisture content followed by the design of the sanitary pad. The absorbency rate and the retention capacity of maize are 50% and 150 s, respectively. The absorbency properties of maize internal tissue pulp are high, and it is feasibly viable. The retention and moisture content indicate over 50% and 57%, respectively. Water hyacinth pulp has a high absorbency rate (106 s). Also, the water retention and moisture content of water hyacinth pulp is over 50% and 59%, respectively. Upon blending, the water retained and held, and absorption rate improved to 50% in 24 h, 50% (25 ml) and 2 min. The significance levels for absorbency were 15 ml to 40 ml per minute and it holds and retains up to 500 times its weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a clothing system, comfort is a fundamental necessity. In this paper, basic definitions and elements of clothing comfort and the general research trends were reviewed. In particular, understanding comfort of textile materials, its relevance to clothing choice and some assessment methods have been discussed. The impact of fabric and clothing attributes on clothing comfort was explored. Psychological, physical and physiological perceptions of clothing comfort were reviewed, including subjective and objective modes of assessment. A thorough discussion of handle comfort was presented, including assessment methods. Statistical presentations from selected comfort studies were also reviewed. Other sensory comfort properties particularly acoustic and appearance were also mentioned. From the aforementioned reviews, it was noted that the main focus for most researchers has been on sensorial and thermal comfort. Practical Applications To comfort researchers, this review gives resourceful insights relevant to subject selection and the general research trend on clothing comfort. For clothing manufacturers, the compiled consumer feedbacks by wearers of particular clothing are tools for product improvement to enhance utility. Finally, this review informs consumers about clothing comfort, which will contribute to informed decision making during purchasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for particleboard has been increasing over the years. Currently, most particleboards are produced from wood which may not be sustainable in the long term. Therefore, there is need of exploring alternative materials such as making particleboards from waste materials. This study investigated the mechanical properties of particleboard consisting of waste leather shavings and waste papers blended together by unsaturated polyester. A single-layered particleboards were manufactured using compression method. Different resin contents (60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) and leather/paper ratios (100:0, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25) were used to determine the effects on the mechanical properties (internal bond, bending strength, compression, and impact strength) of fabricated boards. From the results of this study, it was found that leather shavings and waste papers can be used as alternative raw materials for particleboard production and that mechanical properties were depended on the resin content and the blend ratio. Also, mechanical properties were reduced with resin content increment, except for impact strength, and improved by high paper blend ratio. It could be concluded that the produced particle panels could be used for indoor application or interior equipping. Additionally, it is recommended that further studies can be done on morphological analysis to establish the bonding between the particles and matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]