Experimental investigation on strengthening of Zea mays root fibres for biodegradable composite materials using potassium permanganate treatment.

Humans are the only species who generate waste materials that cannot be broken down by natural processes. The ideal solution to this waste problem would be to employ only compostable materials. Biodegradable materials play a key role in creating a safer and greener world. Biodegradability is the gift that keeps on giving, in the sense of creating an Earth worth living. The future is thus best served by green energy, sustainability, and renewable resources. To realize such goals, waste should be considered as a valuable resource. In this context, Zea mays (Zm) root fibres, which are normally considered as agricultural waste, can be used as reinforcing substances in polymer matrices to produce structural composite materials. Before being used in composites, such fibres must be analysed for their physical properties. Chemical treatments can be employed to improve the structural quality of fibres, and the changes due to such modification can be analysed. Therefore, the current work examines the effect of permanganate treatment on the surface properties of Zm fibres. The raw and potassium permanganate-treated samples were assayed for various properties. Physical analysis of the fibre samples yielded details concerning the physical aspects of the fibres. The thermal conductivity and moisture absorption behaviour of the samples were analysed. Chemical analysis was employed to characterize the composition of both treated and untreated samples. p-XRD was employed to examine the crystalline nature of the Zm fibres. Numerous functional groups present in each sample were analysed by FTIR. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine the thermal stability of Zm fibres. Elemental analysis (CHNS and EDS) was used to determine the elemental concentrations of both raw and treated samples. The surface alterations of Zm fibres brought on by treatment were described using SEM analysis. The characteristics of Zm roots and the changes in quality due to treatment were reviewed, and there were noticeable effects due to the treatment. Both samples would have applications in various fields, and each could be used as a potential reinforcing material in the production of efficient bio-composites.

Experimental investigation on the physical, microstructural, and mechanical properties of hemp limecrete.

This paper investigates the hemp limecrete mechanical and microstructural performance of a new sustainable and environmental friendly building material. Several studies have investigated the hemp limecrete focusing on the non-structural applications. The newly developed hemp limecrete consists of high mechanical and microstructural properties. The specimens were prepared with varying lengths and proportions of hemp fibers with lime and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, thermal conductivity and microstructural analysis like SEM and EDS. The study found that the optimal fiber content for making mortars was between 2 and 4%. This conclusion was reached after analyzing the influence of fiber length and ratio on the properties of the mortars. The dry unit weight decreased when the fiber content was higher than 4%. In terms of strength, the study found that the flexural strength of the hemp limecrete improved with an increase in fiber ratio, but the compressive strength decreased. However, with 2% hemp fiber, compressive strengths of 3.48 MPa and above were obtained. The study also highlighted the good thermal insulation properties and dimensional stability of hemp limecrete. These findings have important implications for the use of hemp limecrete as a sustainable building material. The results suggest that hemp limecrete has the potential to be a viable alternative to conventional concrete in specific applications, particularly in areas where environmental sustainability is a priority.

Examining the physico-chemical, structural and thermo-mechanical properties of naturally occurring Acacia pennata fibres treated with KMnO4.

Natural fiber is a viable and possible option when looking for a material with high specific strength and high specific modulus that is lightweight, affordable, biodegradable, recyclable, and eco-friendly to reinforce polymer composites. There are many methods in which natural fibres can be incorporated into composite materials. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the physico-chemical, structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Acacia pennata fibres (APFs). Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the AP fibers' diameter and surface shape. The crystallinity index (64.47%) was discovered by XRD. The irregular arrangement and rough surface are seen in SEM photos. The findings demonstrated that fiber has high levels of cellulose (55.4%), hemicellulose (13.3%), and low levels of lignin (17.75%), which were determined through chemical analysis and validated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). By using FTIR, the functional groups of the isolated AP fibers were examined, and TG analysis was used to look into the thermal degrading behaviour of the fibers treated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) Due to their low density (520 kg/m3) and high cellulose content (55.4%), they have excellent bonding qualities. Additionally, tensile tests were used for mechanical characterisation to assess their tensile strength (685 MPa) and elongation.

Investigating the Mechanical, Thermal, and Crystalline Properties of Raw and Potassium Hydroxide Treated Butea Parviflora Fibers for Green Polymer Composites.

The only biotic factor that can satisfy the needs of human species are plants. In order to minimize plastic usage and spread an immediate require of environmental awareness, the globe urges for the development of green composite materials. Natural fibers show good renewability and sustainability and are hence utilized as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. The present work concerns on the usage of Butea parviflora fiber (BP), a green material, for high end applications. The study throws light upon the characterization of raw and potassium hydroxide (KOH)-treated Butea Parviflora plant, where its physical, structural, morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties are analyzed using the powder XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM micrographs, tensile testing, Tg-DTA, Thermal conductivity, Chemical composition, and CHNS analysis. The density values of untreated and KOH-treated fibers are 1.238 g/cc and 1.340 g/cc, respectively. The crystallinity index of the treated fiber has significantly increased from 83.63% to 86.03%. The cellulose content of the treated fiber also experienced a substantial increase from 58.50% to 60.72%. Treated fibers exhibited a reduction in both hemicelluloses and wax content. Spectroscopic studies registered varying vibrations of functional groups residing on the fibers. SEM images distinguished specific changes on the raw and treated fiber surfaces. The Availability of elements Carbon, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen were analyzed using the CHNS studies. The tensile strength and modulus of treated fibers has risen to 192.97 MPa and 3.46 Gpa, respectively. Thermal conductivity (K) using Lee's disc showed a decrement in the K values of alkalized BP. The activation energy Ea lies between 55.95 and 73.15 kJ/mol. The fibers can withstand a good temperature of up to 240 °C, presenting that it can be tuned in for making sustainable composites.

Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Cenosphere Concrete.

The most valuable components of coal fly ash are cenospheres. Cenospheres are hollow spherical particles produced during the coal-burning processes. As a result of their excellent characteristics, such as high workability, high heat resistance, low bulk density, and high strength, cenospheres can be used in the manufacturing of lightweight cement concrete. The research efforts and outcomes are to produce long-lasting cement-based lightweight concrete (LWC) composites with good mechanical properties. The novelty of this investigation is to determine the cement concrete strength when silica fume (SF) and cenospheres (CS) were used as a replacement for cement. Throughout the experiments, a consistent substitution of 12% silica fume was incorporated into cement mass. Silica is used as a micro filler and pozzolanic reactant to strengthen concrete. The concrete mixtures were tested to ensure they met the requirements of the lightweight concrete in terms of their mechanical, physical, and durability qualities. According to the findings, lightweight concrete standards were met, and environmental sustainability was improved with the use of these mix proportions. Concrete specimen's self-weight decreases by 35% with 30% cenosphere as a replacement. The micrograph shows the lack of portlandite is filled by mullite and other alumino silicates from the cenosphere. In order to achieve sustainability in concrete manufacturing, these mixtures can be suggested for the making of structural LWC that makes use of a large volume of industrial waste while conserving cement and natural resources.

Characterisation of Sodium Acetate Treatment on Acacia pennata Natural Fibres.

The present study concerns the physico-chemical, structural, mechanical and thermal characterization of Acacia pennata, a natural and almost inexpensive fibre, as a potential reinforcement in polymer composites. The effect of treating the fibre with sodium acetate to increase its qualities has been seen through the use of thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical property tester, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). According to XRD analysis, the elimination of lignin and wax-like impurities resulted in an increase in the AP fibre's crystalline index (79.73%). The fibre's thermal stability was also discovered to be 365 °C. Tensile strength (557.58 MPa) and elongation at break both increased by 2.9% after treatment with sodium acetate. The surface nature and quality of AP fibres improved after sodium acetate treatment. It was confirmed by the reduction of chemical compositions (such as hemicellulose, lignin and pectin). Given its density, the fibre can be suggested as a reinforcement in polymer composites for light-weight applications because its lightweight property will be more useful for composite manufacturing.

Biodegradable Green Composites: Effects of Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) Treatment on Thermal, Mechanical, and Morphological Behavior of Butea Parviflora (BP) Fibers.

This study emphasizes the importance of utilizing biodegradable material Butea parviflora (BP) fiber for sustainable solutions. BP fiber offers numerous ecological benefits, such as being lightweight, biodegradable, and affordable to recycle. The study examines the effects of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatment on BP fiber and analyzes its physical and chemical behavior using various methods, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis, thermal conductivity, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. The results demonstrate that BP fiber possesses low density (1.40 g/cc) and high cellulose content (59.4%), which fosters compatibility between the matrix and resin. XRD analysis indicates a high crystallinity index (83.47%) and crystallite size (6.4 nm), showcasing exceptional crystalline behavior. Treated fibers exhibit improved tensile strength (198 MPa) and Young's modulus (4.40 GPa) compared to untreated fibers (tensile strength-92 MPa, tensile modulus-2.16 GPa). The Tg-DTA thermograms reveal the fiber's thermal resistance up to 240 °C with a kinetic activation energy between 62.80-63.46 KJ/mol. Additionally, the lowered thermal conductivity (K) from Lee's disc experiment suggests that BP fiber could be used in insulation applications. SEM photographic results display effective surface roughness for composite making, and FTIR studies reveal vibrational variations of cellulosic functional groups, which correlates with increased cellulosic behavior. Overall, the study affirms the potential of BP fiber as a reinforcing material for composite-making while emphasizing the importance of utilizing biodegradable materials for sustainability.

Investigation on Properties of Raw and Alkali Treated Novel Cellulosic Root Fibres of Zea Mays for Polymeric Composites.

Today, new materials based on natural fibres have been emerging day by day to completely eradicate plastics to favour our environmental nature. In this view, the present work is based on the extraction and characterisation of the novel root fibres of the Zea mays (Zm) plant, grown by the hydroponic method. Both the dried untreated and alkali treated root fibres are investigated using a variety of structural, morphological, thermal, elemental and mechanical tests by subjecting both the samples to p-XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDAX, TGA-DTA, CHNS and tensile strength analyses. Thermal conductivity of the untreated and treated fibres is found using Lee's disc experiment. From p-XRD analysis, the Crystallinity Index, Percentage Crystallinity and Crystallite size of the samples are found. FT-IR studies clarify the different vibrational groups associated with the fibre samples. SEM images show that the surface roughness increases for the chemically treated samples, such that it may be effectively utilised as reinforcement for polymeric composites. The diameter of the fibre samples is found using SEM analysis. According to the EDAX spectrum, Zm fibres in both their raw and processed forms have high levels of Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O). The TGA-DTA tests revealed that the samples of natural fibre have good thermal characteristics. CHNS studies show that Carbon content is high for these samples, which is the characteristic of many natural fibres. Chemical analysis is used to ascertain the prepared samples' chemical makeup. It reveals that both samples have significant amounts of cellulose. The density of the fibres is found to be in the range 0.3-0.6 g/cc, which is much less than any other natural fibre. Therefore, it can be used in light weight applications. From the tensile strength analysis, physical properties such as Young's modulus and micro-fibril angle are determined. The fibres in the roots exhibit a lower tensile strength. Thus, these fibres can be used in powdered form as reinforcement for natural rubber or epoxy composites. After examining all of its properties, it could be reasonably speculated that Zea mays root fibres can be considered as an efficient reinforcement for various matrices to produce attractive bio-composites.