Search

This study explores the potential use of mould biomass and waste fibres for the production of agrotextiles. First, 20 mould strains were screened for efficient mycelium growth, with optimized conditions of temperature, sources of carbon and nitrogen in the medium, and type of culture (submerged or surface). A method was developed for creating a biocomposite based on the mould mycelium, reinforced with commercial bleached softwood kraft (BSK) pulp and fibre additives (cotton, hemp). The best properties, including mechanical, water permeability, and air permeability, were shown by the biocomposites containing 10–20% Cladosporium cladosporioides mycelium grown in surface or submerged cultures, milled with BSK pulp, cotton, and hemp (10–20%). The mould mycelium was refined with cellulosic fibrous material, formed, pressed, and dried, resulting in a biomaterial with good mechanical parameters, low water permeability, and high air permeability. The biocomposite was fully biodegradable in soil after 10 days in field conditions. The use of the biocomposite as a crop cover shortened the germination time and increased the percentage of germinated onion, but had no effect on parsley seeds. This study shows the potential of using mould mycelium for the production of biomaterial with good properties for applications in horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the influence of the layered structure of paper on its selected strength properties. Two types of cellulose pulp were used: unbleached kraft pine pulp (UBSK) and unrefined bleached birch kraft pulp (BHK). Multi-ply papers were obtained from layers of appropriate grammage formed separately and bonded in a wet state. Paper layers were formed from primary pulps (UBSK and BHK) or their mixtures (threeply UBSK-BHK paper and three-ply UBSK-BHK-UBSK paper), from which various variants of laboratory paper samples were made. This work focused on three-layer papers. The obtained laboratory sheets were analysed for changes in tear resistance, tensile strength, bursting strength, short span compression strength (SCT), and corrugating medium test (CMT). In most cases, three-layer structures were characterised by higher strength parameters than single-layer papers. The tear strength and SCT of papers consisting of three layers formed from both mixed pulps were slightly lower than those of solid papers. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing three-ply paper with significantly reduced variability in parameters such as elongation and bursting strength, which are inherently subject to high variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we delve into the influence of fiber orientation (structural anisotropy) on paper imbibition, with a particular focus on in-plane imbibition. Utilizing the XLPA experimental method, we analyze several papers with different anisotropies, employing a constant volume of ethanol as the imbibing fluid. Our findings contribute novel insights into the anisotropic behavior of imbibition, a topic not extensively covered in the literature. We analyze how the orientation of fibers significantly influences lateral imbibition, providing a deeper understanding of the microfluidic properties of paper. The anisotropies found for imbibition fit perfectly with the existing data found in the literature, indicating the influence of fiber orientation. Furthermore, the kinetics are shown to be linked directly with the porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow and spontaneous imbibition phenomena in porous media are important for various industrial applications, including printing and medical lateral flow assays. Their quantitative characterization is important to better understand and select the appropriate raw materials. However, standard methods often require time-consuming tests, and/or expensive equipment. Different time scales must be considered, limiting the range of possible characterization tools. A novel experimental approach based on image analysis for characterizing spontaneous imbibition processes is presented. Hence, ultra-fast diffusion may be quantitatively characterized. Models are issued from the literature to consider physical phenomena at small (milliseconds) and medium range (seconds) of time scales. The obtained experimental data fit with theoretical results, providing valuable insights into the understanding of fluid flow behavior at different time scales. Furthermore, the identification of some physical properties for either the fluid, or the substrate, based on the theoretical models are possible, as the contact angle, which remains to be otherwise challenging. This study contributes to bridging the gap between spontaneous imbibition and capillary phenomena at different time scales, their modeling, and a characterization of material and/or fluid properties paving the way for enhanced understanding and control of fluid behavior in porous media. Different papers are considered to illustrate the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of functional nanomaterials and their combination with organic polymers leads to the formation of advanced composites and hybrid inorganic–organic systems having unique properties. The use of such materials as anti-counterfeiting agents (invisible under ambient conditions) is crucial for modern security systems and for further identification of labelled items and documents in various industrial applications. Here, the fabrication of functional paper by in situ incorporation of luminescent cellulose fibres into its structure, during the formation of paper pulp, is shown. In order to produce luminescent fibres, an in situ modification is made during the spinning process, using lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+). At first glance (in daylight), the functionalized paper cannot be distinguished from its unmodified form. However, when exposed to invisible near-infrared laser light (975 nm), bright green illumination appears. The modified paper preserves good mechanical durability, which is important for its potential for further processing in documents and other commercially available forms. Protecting documents and various materials with this kind of paper may open new horizons in materials engineering, forensics, and other industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effectiveness of two regeneration methods (i.e. improvement of the papermaking potential) for ive different grades of recycled fibres was investigated in present work. In the first method, only the reining operation was used, and in the second, removal of fines and subsequent reining were applied. The dewatering ability of every regenerated pulp (measured by the SR test) and basic strength properties of papers made from these pulps were tested. The results show that it was possible to increase the papermaking potential of all pulps tested; however , higher effectiveness was achieved when the removal of fines was followed by the reining operation. Further analysis of the results also indicates that recycled pulp grades based on kraft paper have sufficiently high papermaking potential, and in many cases they do not need additional regeneration. Pulp regeneration is strongly recommended in the case of pulps based on LWC, SC and Newsprint papers. Experiments have also proved that the selection of an optimal method for improved papermaking potential always has an individual character , and the method always has to be adjusted to a specific pulp grade and the paper grade made from it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to determine the optimal duration of free swelling for refined unbleached kraft pine pulp. Free swelling is the effect of water sorption by cellulose fibres without their simultaneous mechanical treatment (e.g. refining). The second purpose was to determine the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of paper by testing various combinations of refining and free swelling processes. The pulp SR value and water retention value (WRV) of the fibres were tested. As regards paper properties, the tensile index and tear index were tested. Based on the results obtained, it was found that for the pulp tested, refined to 35 °SR, the optimal time of free swelling was 70 min. It was also proved that the free swelling had a significant impact on both the WRV of fibres and the mechanical parameters of paper tested. For the scheme in which refining was followed by free swelling, a 7% increase in the tear index was obtained. However, an 11% increase in the tear index was attained for the scheme with three refining stages, followed by free swelling after each refining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]