Search results for "Kenaf"
showing 8 items of 8 documents
A systematic literature review on less common natural fibres and their biocomposites
2018
Abstract Interest in utilization of renewable resources is increasing because of public's environmental awareness and economic considerations. Lignocellulosic fibres have already attracted growing attention as reinforcement of polymeric matrices instead of synthetic ones (mainly glass) from the academic and industrial fields. In addition to kenaf, hemp, sisal, flax and jute, which are the subject of extensive investigations for composite applications since the 1970s, in the last years several researchers suggested the use of less common natural fibres, due to their low cost and availability. This paper reviews the extraction methods, chemical, morphological, thermal and mechanical propertie…
Processing and mechanical properties of organic filer-polypropylene composites
2005
The addition of organic fillers into thermoplastic polymers is an interesting issue, which has had growing consideration and experimentation during the last years. It can give rise to several advantages. First, the cost of these fillers is usually very low. Also, the organic fillers are biodegradable (thus contributing to an improved environmental impact), and finally, some mechanical and thermomechanical properties can be enhanced. In this study, the effect of the addition of different organic fillers on the mechanical properties and processability of an extrusion-grade polypropylene were investigated. The organic fillers came from natural sources (wood, kenaf, and sago) and were compared …
Effects of natural fibres reinforcement in lime plasters (kenaf and sisal vs. Polypropylene)
2014
Nowadays the tendency to realize environment-friendly products is becoming more widespread to ensure sustainable and smart development. The synthetic fibres, frequently used, are harmful to the environment because they are non-degradable and non-renewable. Their use has resulted in an increase of oil consumption. Therefore, the possibility of replacing them with natural fibres becomes increasingly concrete confirmed by the researches and investigations carried out. In this work three lime based plasters were prepared and analysed to evaluate the influence on their performance of different fibres used as reinforcement. In particular each plaster was realised by adding to the mortar the same …
Biodegradation paths of Mater-Bi®/kenaf biodegradable composites
2013
Composites obtained from biodegradable polymers and natural–organic fillers are attracting increasing interest, thanks to the environmental advantages they promise. On the other hand, the real biodegradation performance of a biodegradable polymer/natural organic filler composite should be assessed by performing specific biodegradation tests. These are often carried out under laboratory conditions, but more realistic conditions should be taken into account. In this work, a systematic study on the biodegradation of kenaf fiber-filled Mater-Bi® composites in different environments is presented, and some interesting parameters for the understanding of the optimum way to obtain a fast degradatio…
The effect of alkaline treatment on mechanical properties of kenaf fibers and their epoxy composites
2015
Abstract In this work, kenaf fibers were pre-treated in a NaOH solution (6% in weight) at room temperature for two different periods (48 and 144 h). The chemical treatment of kenaf fibers for 48 h allowed to clean their surface removing each impurity whereas 144 h of immersion time had detrimental effect on the fibers surface and, consequently, on their mechanical properties. Untreated and NaOH treated kenaf fibers (i.e. for 48 h) were also used as reinforcing agent of epoxy resin composites. The effect of the stacking sequence (i.e. using unidirectional long fibers or randomly oriented short fibers) and the chemical treatment on the static mechanical properties was evaluated showing that t…
Building Energy Performance: A LCA Case Study of kenaf-fibres insulation board
2008
Abstract The paper presents a life cycle assessment of a kenaf-fibre insulation board following the international standards of the ISO 14040 series. Each life-cycle step has been checked, from kenaf production and board manufacture by an Italian firm, to use and disposal. The aim is to assess the board eco-profile and to compare, on the basis of a life-cycle approach, the energy and environmental benefits and drawbacks related to its employment into a typical residential dwelling. A comparison among various insulating materials has been carried out. The study focuses also on processes and input materials which cause the main environmental impacts of the product, and points out critical issu…
Kenaf-filled biodegradable composites: rheological and mechanical behaviour
2012
Biodegradable polymer composites, typically based on biodegradable polymer matrices and natural-organic fillers, are gaining rising interest and importance over the last few years. Several natural-organic fillers can be used but the most widespread so far is wood, in the form of fibres or flour. Alternative cellulosic fillers can ensure advantages in terms of resource utilization and properties of the final composite. In this work, Mater-Bi® based biodegradable composites were prepared with two kinds of wood flour, and directly compared with alternative composites containing kenaf fibres. The use of kenaf fibres allowed improved elastic modulus, tensile strength and interaction with the pol…