Morphology control of poly(lactic) acid/polypropylene blend composite by using silanized cellulose fibers extracted from coir fibers

The objective of this work is the use of cellulose fibers extracted from coir fibers as Janus nanocylinders to suppress the phase retraction and coalescence in poly(lactic) acid/polypropylene bio-blend polymers via prompting the selective localization of cellulose fibers at the interface using chemical modification. The untreated and modified cellulose fibers extracted from coir fibers using a silane molecule (tetraethoxysilane) were used as reinforcement and as Janus nanocylinder at two weight contents (2.5 wt% and 5 wt%) to manipulate the morphology of the bio-blends. Their bio-composites with PLA-PP matrix were prepared via melt compounding (at PLA/PP: 50/50). The treatment effect on component interaction and the bio-composites properties have been studied via Scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and differential calorimetry analysis. The mechanical and rheological properties of nanocomposites were similarly assessed. Young's modulus and tensile strength of PLA-PP nanocomposites reinforced by silanized cellulose fibers show a great enhancement as compared to a neat matrix. In particular, there was a gain of 18.5% in Young's modulus and 11.21% in tensile strength for silanized cellulose fiber-based bio-blend composites at 5 wt%. From the rheological point of view, it was found that the silanized cellulose fibers in PLA-PP at both fibers loading enhances the adhesion between both polymers leading to tuning their morphology from sea-island to the continuous structures with the appearance of PLA microfibrillar inside of bio-composites. This change was reflected in the relaxation of the chain mobility of the bio-blend composites.

     

生物医用高分子纤维材料

综述了医用的高分子纤维材料及其改性的方法。医用高分子纤维材料包括天然高分子及合成高分子两大类。其中包括不可降解的及可降解的高分子纤维材料。利用聚合物共混、交联、纤维表面改性,如等离子体处理、纤维表面化学反应及聚合物的表面接枝等物理化学方法可对医用纤维进行改性,改善纤维的力学性能、生物相容性,并使之具有细胞粘附性,利于组织的生长。     

竹纤维增强可生物降解复合材料研究进展

天然植物纤维增强可生物降解复合材料是一类性能优良、环境友好、可自然降解的绿色环保复合材料。众多天然植物纤维中,竹纤维不仅资源丰富、有优异的力学性能,还具有天然抗菌、除臭、吸湿放湿、抗紫外线等优点,广泛应用于复合材料的制备。本文对竹纤维增强可生物降解复合材料的增强体材料和基体材料特性、改性预处理方法、成型工艺和生物降解特性等性能评价的国内外研究现状进行了综述,同时还对竹纤维增强可生物降解复合材料的未来研究和发展趋势进行了展望。     

Advances in the Production of Poly(Lactic Acid) Fibers. A Review

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) has recently seen its development as a textile fiber. With the resin prepared from agricultural feedstock, the fiber has properties typical of a synthetic fiber, while still being fully biodegradable. This article is an attempt to review recent research developments which have taken this polymer from a specialty suture material to a commodity fiber. Various approaches for the preparation of fiber grade polymer from monomers and its conversion into textile grade filament are discussed. Both solution spinning and melt spinning technology along with physical properties of the fibers are discussed in detail.     

Extraction and refinement of agricultural plant fibers for composites manufacturing

Because of their excellent tensile properties, low density, and natural abundance, cellulose-based plant fibers are a sustainable and biodegradable alternative for synthetic fibers in fiber-reinforced composite materials. However, the extraction of plant fibers can be costly and difficult to control because the fibers are enmeshed in a complex network of biopolymers (principally lignin, pectin, and hemicellulose), which serve both to strengthen the fibers and to bind them to their parent organism. It is necessary to extract or degrade these biopolymers to produce fine plant fibers without adversely altering the fibers themselves in the process. In particular, it is important that both the molecular weight and the degree of crystallinity of the cellulose in the fibers be kept as high as possible. This article reviews chemical treatments, which have been used to extract and refine fibers both from purpose-grown fiber crops, such as hemp and flax, and agricultural waste such as coconut husks and pineapple leaves. The treatments are discussed in terms of changes in the mechanical properties and surface chemistry of the fibers.     

Comparative study of pineapple leaf microfiber and aramid fiber reinforced natural rubbers using dynamic mechanical analysis

Natural fiber is often considered inadequate for high performance reinforcement of polymer matrix composites. However, some natural fibers have relatively high mechanical properties with modulus close to that of high-performance synthetic fibers. Since the reinforcing efficiency of a short fiber is determined not only by the fiber modulus, but also by other physical properties such as the length to diameter ratio. Here it is shown, for the first time, that pineapple leaf fiber, whose modulus is somewhat lower than that of aramid fiber, can be used to reinforce natural rubber more effectively than aramid fiber. The situation was achieved by breaking down the fiber bundles into the constituent microfibers to gain very high aspect ratio. Comparisons were made at fiber contents of 2, 5 and 10 parts (by weight) per hundred of rubber (phr) using dynamic mechanical analysis over a range of temperature. The results reveals that at temperature below the glass transition of the matrix rubber and low fiber contents of 2 and 5 phrs, aramid fiber displays slightly better reinforcement efficiency. At high temperatures of 25 and 60 °C and high fiber content of 10 phr, pineapple leaf microfiber clearly displays higher reinforcement efficiency than does aramid fiber. Surface modification of the fiber by silane treatment provides a slight improvement in reinforcing efficiency.     

Physicochemical and mechanical properties of a novel fiber extracted from the stem of common reed plant

Natural fiber usage rather than the synthetic fibers is attracted by researchers due to their special features such as biodegradable, inexpensive, easy availability, low density, and good thermal properties. This present work deliberates the characterization and testing of untreated and treated fibers extracted from the common reed plant stem. From the characterization, it reveals that the treated fibers had higher crystallinity index value with 75.41% and cellulose content having 64.56%. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of fiber was improved by alkali treatment. The surface roughness of the fibers due to the elimination of the noncellulosic substance on alkali treatment is evidenced by SEM.     

Extraction and characterization of new cellulosic fibers from Indian mallow stem: An exploratory investigation

Natural fibers are one of the good alternative sources for replacing synthetic fiber and reinforcing polymer matrices because of their eco-friendly nature. This investigation deals with the extraction and characterization of new natural fiber from Indian mallow plant stem. The physico-chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of Indian mallow fibers (IMFs) were reported and compared with other natural fibers for the first time. Cellulose (78.22%), wax (0.47%), density (1.33 g/cm³), and tensile strength (979.83 MPa) were recognized in IMFs. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermo-gravimetric analysis confirmed that IMFs are rich in cellulose content and thermally stable with a crystallinity index of 72%.     

石墨烯纤维：制备、性能与应用

石墨烯纤维是一种由石墨烯片层紧密有序排列而成的一维宏观组装材料。通过合理的结构设计和可控制备,石墨烯纤维能够将石墨烯在微观尺度的优异性能有效传递至宏观尺度,展现出优异的力学、电学、热学等性能,从而应用于功能织物、传感、能源等领域。目前,石墨烯纤维主要通过湿法纺丝、限域水热组装等方法制备得到,其性能可以通过对材料体系和制备工艺的优化而进一步提升。本文首先介绍了石墨烯纤维的制备方法,然后详细阐述了石墨烯纤维的性能,讨论了其性能提升策略,并总结了石墨烯纤维的应用,最后对石墨烯纤维的未来发展、挑战和前景进行了展望。     

Mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane composites reinforced with surface treated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers

The mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane (PU) composites were studied, and the effects of the fiber surface treatment and the mass fraction were discussed. Chromic acid was used to treat the UHMWPE fibers, and polyurethane composites were prepared with 0.1 to 0.6 wt% as‐received and treated UHMWPE fibers. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared demonstrated that oxygen‐containing functional groups were efficiently grafted to the fiber surface. The mechanical performance tests of the UHMWPE fibers/PU composites were conducted, and the results revealed that the treated UHMWPE fibers/PU composites had better tensile, compression, and bending properties than as‐received UHMWPE fibers/PU composites. Thermal gravimetric analyzer showed that the thermal stability of the treated fiber composites were improved. The interface bonding of PU composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis, and the results indicated that the surface modification of UHMWPE fiber could improve the interaction between fiber and PU, which played a positive role in mechanical properties of composites.     

Review: Raw Natural Fiber–Based Polymer Composites

The effective utilization of raw natural fibers as indispensable component in polymers for developing novel low-cost eco-friendly composites with properties such as acceptable specific strength, low density, high toughness, good thermal properties, and biodegradability is one of the most rapidly emerging fields of research in polymer engineering and science. In fact, raw natural fiber–reinforced composites are the subject of numerous scientific and research projects, as well as many commercial programs. Keeping in mind the immense advantages of raw natural fibers, in the present article we concisely review raw natural fiber/polymer matrix composites with particular focus on their mechanical properties.     

The numerical simulation of the mechanical failure behavior of shear thickening fluid/fiber composites: A review

This study reveals the finite element modeling of mechanical failure behavior of shear thickening fluid (STF)/fiber composites under impact. Numerical analysis and finite element modeling of the rheological properties of non-Newtonian fluid, STF are introduced. This review summarizes the model coupling methods in finite element modeling and the mechanical failure behavior prediction models of STF/fiber composites under impact. Further, the influencing factors on the accuracy of mechanical failure simulation models are analyzed. Factors such as the friction between fibers, shear rate, filler particles in the fibers, hysteresis effect and the boundary conditions should be considered in simulating the shear thickening effect of the composites.     

Thermoplastic polyurethane/silica nanocomposite fibers by electrospinning

Thermoplastic polyurethane/silica nanocomposite fibers with good mechanical properties were prepared by electrospinning, using colloidal silica as the source of silica and dimethyl formamide as the solvent. The fiber morphology was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The average fiber diameter is about 0.8 μm with 0–10 wt % silica, and silica nanoparticles were observed on all fiber surfaces. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of Si in combination with transmission electron microscopy observation suggest that silica nanoparticles have a fairly uniform distribution in the fibers rather than enriching on the fiber surfaces. Tensile tests show that the incorporation of silica nanoparticles can bring about a significant reinforcing effect without decreasing the ductility. The reinforcing effect is further confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermoplastic polyurethane/silica composite fiber mats can adsorb gold nanoparticles after further treatment with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, demonstrating that the composite fibers could be used as functional fibers by using the properties of silica nanoparticles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011     

Investigating the mechanical performance deterioration of Mediterranean cellulosic cypress and pine/polyethylene composites

The synergy of the materials physical characteristics, performance and recyclability become vital for industrial sustainability. However, finding a suitable cellulosic fiber type to form potential cellulosic-based composite and investigating performance deteriorations are of paramount importance to expand sustainable design possibilities for various applications. In this work investigations of the mechanical performance deterioration of both Mediterranean cellulosic pine and cypress fibers are experimentally investigated. This was achieved by utilizing the fibers with polyethylene matrix to reveal their potential capabilities for industrial applications. Numerous composites with various parameters like fiber types, fiber loading, fiber size, and reinforcement conditions were designed to study several characteristics of the cellulosic composites, their mechanical performance deteriorations, as well as determining the optimal fiber loading condition for each particular studied mechanical property of the composites. Results demonstrate that mechanical properties are significantly changed with fiber loading. In addition, the failure mode in the high fiber loading composites is an obvious indication of the improper or ineffective load transfer between the matrix and the cellulosic fiber. Moreover, it is revealed here that the performance of cypress fibers with polyethylene matrix is much better than that of pine for the considered properties with reference to the neat polyethylene matrix. The overall performance of both types of fibers with polyethylene clearly demonstrates that the performance of cypress fibers is much better than that of pine for all considered properties.     

Facile extraction,processing and characterization of biorenewable sisal fibers for multifunctional applications

Synthetic fibers based materials have replaced most of the traditional metallic/ceramic materials for a number of applications owing to their enormous properties such as light weight, specific strength and modulus to name a few. Unfortunately, the traditional synthetic fibers are not desired from the health and environmental point of view. So, in this work, we have carried out the isolation, processing and characterization of cellulosic sisal fibers. These fibers were extracted for the first time by a simple and new unique mechanical extraction technique without affecting the quality of fibers. Subsequently these cellulosic sisal fibers were thoroughly characterized for their physicochemical, microstructure and mechanical properties. These fibers were then converted into fine textured sisal textile yarn made out of 3–6 sisal fibers in continuous operation and used for the preparation of new green materials. Different properties of fine textured sisal textile and the impact of sisal fine textile on the physical, microstructural, thermal and mechanical characteristics of the green materials were studied and discussed in detail.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of cassava and pineapple flours-filled PLA bio-composites

The research focused on enhancing the mechanical properties and thermal stability of bio-composites with natural flours and improving the interfacial adhesion between biodegradable polymer and flour. The tensile and flexural strength of the PLA bio-composites decreased with increasing flour addition. However, a 3% loading of the compatibilizer in the PLA bio-composite increased this strength up to that observed with the 10% loading flour. The degradation temperature of PLA was decreased by the flour but destarched cassava flour had higher thermal stability on account of its higher lignin content than pineapple flour. This means that the PLA bio-composites with destarched cassava flour had higher thermal stability than those with the pineapple flour. In addition, the thermal degradation temperature was increased by adding MAPLA. The compatibilizer improved the crystallinity of PLA, which enhanced the mechanical strength of the PLA bio-composites. As the pineapple flour and destarched cassava flour 30% loading was increased, the HDT of the PLA bio-composites increased from 56.8?°C to ~66.3 and 69.7?°C, respectively. The thermal aging test showed no reduction in strength of the neat PLA. However, the PLA bio-composites showed a gradual decrease in tensile strength with increasing number of cycles. Moreover, the shrinkage ratio of the neat PLA was 5% of that found with the PLA resin.     

石墨烯基纤维储能器件的研究进展与展望

随着小型化、可穿戴等特征的智能电子以及物联网传感设备的发展,新型纤维状柔性化、小型化电化学储能器件已成为重要的研究方向。同时,对纤维材料和柔性储能器件的性能提出了更高的要求,如可任意弯折、可拉伸、可折叠、高储能密度等。石墨烯纤维具有独特的结构、优异的导电性、良好机械性能和电化学性质,已证明了是一种极具前景、高性能的新型纤维状柔性储能材料。目前,研究者已开发了多种石墨烯基纤维微观结构的调控策略来进一步改进其性能。本文首先系统总结了石墨烯基纤维的制备方法和其性能提升的策略,然后详细讨论其在柔性化纤维状超级电容器、金属离子电池、热电发电机、太阳能电池和相变材料等储能领域中的最新应用进展。最后,对石墨烯基纤维在能源存储和转换领域中存在的挑战和机会进行了展望。     

Microfibers as Physiologically Relevant Platforms for Creation of 3D Cell Cultures

Microfibers have received much attention due to their promise for creating flexible and highly relevant tissue models for use in biomedical applications such as 3D cell culture, tissue modeling, and clinical treatments. A generated tissue or implanted material should mimic the natural microenvironment in terms of structural and mechanical properties as well as cell adhesion, differentiation, and growth rate. Therefore, the mechanical and biological properties of the fibers are of importance. This paper briefly introduces common fiber fabrication approaches, provides examples of polymers used in biomedical applications, and then reviews the methods applied to modify the mechanical and biological properties of fibers fabricated using different approaches for creating a highly controlled microenvironment for cell culturing. It is shown that microfibers are a highly tunable and versatile tool with great promise for creating 3D cell cultures with specific properties.     

湿法纺制石墨烯纤维：工艺、结构、性能与智能应用

石墨烯纤维是由石墨烯片层通过组装过程形成的宏观一维材料。其具有较好的耐热性、导热性、导电性以及轻质高强等优点,是实现高品质、功能化纤维的重要突破口。石墨烯纤维在超轻导线、可穿戴储能、传感、生物电极等领域具有广阔应用前景。目前,湿法纺制技术是石墨烯纤维的最主要制备手段,与现有的化学纤维制备过程兼容,是最有望实现规模化制备高品质石墨烯纤维的技术。本文首先介绍了湿法纺制石墨烯纤维工艺中的关键步骤,重点讨论了制备技术与石墨烯纤维结构之间的关系。论述了提升纤维性能的相关策略,总结了石墨烯纤维在功能/智能纤维领域应用。并对提升石墨烯纤维性能的关键问题进行总结阐述,展望了石墨烯纤维的发展前景。