Search results for "environmental degradation"

Durability of Basalt/Hemp Hybrid Thermoplastic Composites

2019

The Achilles heel of thermoplastic natural fibre composites is their limited durability. The environmental degradation of the mechanical properties of hemp and hemp/basalt hybrid-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites has been investigated with a special focus on the effects of water ageing and accelerated ageing, including hygrothermal and UV radiation. Modification of the matrix was carried out using a maleic anhydride high-density polyethylene copolymer (MAPE) as a compatibilizer. Hybridization of hemp fibres with basalt fibres and the incorporation of MAPE were found to significantly decrease the water uptake (up to 75%) and increase the retention of mechanical propertie…

An experimental investigation on performances recovery of glass fiber reinforced composites exposed to a salt-fog/dry cycle

2023

The main goal of this paper is the evaluation of the properties reversibility of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs) under discontinuous exposure to aggressive environmental conditions, typical of marine applications. To this aim, the GFRP manufactured through vacuum infusion process has been initially aged in humid conditions (i.e., exposure to salt-fog at 35 ◦C) for 15 and 30 days and then stored under controlled dry conditions (i.e., 50% R.H. and 23 ◦C) for times varying between 0 and 21 days. In order to evaluate the recover capability of this material, its water uptake has been monitored along the quasi-static flexural properties during the entire humid/dry cycle. Moreover, both 3D…

Durability behavior of bio-epoxy/jute-basalt hybrid composites for cladding

2016

The technology of dry assembly to produce multi-layer panels is an efficient alternative to traditional systems. Eco-sustainable systems are increasingly studied, particularly fiber reinforced composites for external cladding, based on natural fibers. However, the durability of these composites gives serious concern, in particular for their potential use in outdoor applications. To overcome this drawback, hybridization of natural fibers with mineral fibers as basalt ones appears promising. In this paper, the aging resistance of jute-reinforced laminate was compared with those of two hybrid laminates.

Wettability of flax/basalt reinforced composites during aging in salt spray conditions

2015

Aim of this work was to investigate the wettability of natural fibres reinforced epoxy composites, subjected to aging tests performed on two different laminates. The first laminate was constituted by stacking ten layers of bidirectional flax fabrics. The second one was produced by replacing two external flax layers with two layers of basalt mat, for each side of the laminate. Both laminates were exposed to salt-fog environmental conditions, according to ASTM B 117 standard, for 60 days. The results of wettability were compared with those of the water uptake test. Moreover, an analysis of variance was performed in order to evaluate the significance of the parameters that influence the wettab…

Predicting effective aquaculture in subtropical waters: A dynamic energy budget model for the green lipped mussel, Perna viridis

2018

Abstract The green lipped mussel, Perna viridis, is an important aquaculture species throughout the Indo-Pacific region where production is often impacted by environmental degradation. To predict the impacts and mitigate against environmental problems due to various kinds of anthropogenic pollution, such as heavy metals and eutrophication, on P. viridis aquaculture a Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model was constructed. By integrating species-specific parameters and regional-specific environmental data the DEB model determined how the life history traits of P. viridis respond to changing environmental conditions. Using various levels of basal maintenance costs and food availability to elucidat…

Environmental aging effects on high-performance biocomposites reinforced by sisal fibers

2023

Among the innovative materials, an important role is played by the so-called biocomposites, generally made by an eco-friendly matrix reinforced with natural fibers. Unfortunately, due to the degradability of the green matrixes as well as to hydrophilicity of the natural fibers, the resistance of such innovative materials to the environmental agents is, in general, relativity low, and it can significantly limit their use in outdoor conditions. To contribute to the knowledge of the effects of the leading environmental agents on the mechanical properties of highperformance biocomposites made of a green epoxy matrix reinforced by agave fibers, a systematic experimental testing campaign has been…

Degradation od Mater-Bi/wood flour biocomposites in active sewage sludge

2009

Assessment of performance degradation of hybrid flax-glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites during a salt spray fog/dry aging cycle

2022

The main goal of this paper is the evaluation of the performances reversibility of hybrid composites when they are dried after being aged in salt-fog environment. To this aim, epoxy composites reinforced with flax and glass fabrics respectively in the internal and external laminae were at first exposed to salt-fog (i.e., identified as wet phase) and then stored in controlled conditions (i.e., identified as dry phase). The flexural properties evolution of these composites as well as their water uptake and contact angle were monitored at varying time of both phases. The flexural strength and modulus of hybrid composites is 23.4% (17.9%) and 15.5% (12.9%) lower than unaged ones after 30 (15) d…

Flax–Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites Exposed to a Salt-Fog/Dry Cycle: A Simplified Approach to Predict Their Performance Recovery

2023

Despite natural fibers gaining significant attention in recent decades, their limited performance and poor durability under humid environments cannot allow them to fully replace their synthetic counterparts as reinforcement for structural composites. In such a context, this paper aims to investigate how exposure to a humid/dry cycle affects the mechanical response of epoxy laminates reinforced with flax and glass fibers. In particular, the main goal is to assess the performance evolution of a glass–flax hybridized stacking sequence in comparison with the full glass and flax fiber reinforced composites. To this end, the investigated composites were first exposed to salt-fog for 15 or 30 days…

Rethinking Monetary Policy in the Framework of Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

2021

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places equality and sustainability at the centre of policy agendas. Nowadays, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth is a central priority of public policy for most governments worldwide. Based on the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of inclusive growth and sustainable growth, we focus on monetary policy as a powerful macroeconomic policy tool connected with distributional and environmental issues. We deal with how high levels in income and wealth inequality, on the one hand, and shocks related to environmental degradation and climate change, on the other hand, it might have substantial implications for the conduct…