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Fibers, Volume 9, Issue 2 (February 2021) – 6 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): An artificial neural network is designed and trained to predict the elastic properties of short fiber-reinforced plastics. The results of finite element simulations of three-dimensional representative volume elements are used as a data basis. The fiber volume fraction, fiber length, matrix-phase properties, and fiber orientation are varied so that the neural network can be used within a very wide range of parameters. A comparison of the predictions of the neural network with additional finite element simulations shows that the stiffnesses of short fiber-reinforced plastics can be predicted very well by the neural network. View this paper.

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16 pages, 2235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Moroccan Sisal Yarns Used as Reinforcements for Composite Materials

by Zineb Samouh, Omar Cherkaoui, Damien Soulat, Ahmad Rashed Labanieh, François Boussu and Reddad El moznine

Fibers 2021, 9(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib9020013 - 5 Feb 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4247

Abstract

This work aims to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of sisal fiber and yarn of Moroccan origin. The cellulosic and non-cellulosic constituents of the Moroccan sisal fiber were identified by FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The hydrophilicity of the fiber was evaluated by the contact angle. The results show that the sisal fiber has a low thermal stability. The mechanical properties of the fiber analyzed by the Impregnated Fiber Bundle Test (IFBT) method show that the porosity of the impregnated yarns and the twist angle of the yarns influence the elastic modulus of the sisal fiber. The physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured sisal yarns were also characterized and analyzed. The obtained results reveal an interesting potential to use the Moroccan sisal fiber in development of bio-sourced composite materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Fibers and Composites: Science and Applications)

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22 pages, 41038 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Electrospun PVC Nanofibers: Fabrication, Properties, and Application

by Le Quoc Pham, Mayya V. Uspenskaya, Roman O. Olekhnovich and Rigel Antonio Olvera Bernal

Fibers 2021, 9(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib9020012 - 3 Feb 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 9549

Abstract

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used polymer, not only in industry, but also in our daily life. PVC is a material that can be applied in many different fields, such as building and construction, health care, and electronics. In recent decades, the success of electrospinning technology to fabricate nanofibers has expanded the applicability of polymers. PVC nanofibers have been successfully manufactured by electrospinning. By changing the initial electrospinning parameters, it is possible to obtain PVC nanofibers with diameters ranging from a few hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers. PVC nanofibers have many advantages, such as high porosity, high mechanical strength, large surface area, waterproof, and no toxicity. PVC nanofibers have been found to be very useful in many fields with a wide variety of applications such as air filtration systems, water treatment, oil spill treatment, batteries technology, protective clothing, corrosion resistance, and many others. This paper reviews the fabricating method, properties, applications, and prospects of PVC nanofibers. Full article

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11 pages, 3283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Raman Assisted Fiber Optical Parametric Amplifier for S-Band Multichannel Transmission System

by Andis Supe, Kaspars Zakis, Lilita Gegere, Dmitrii Redka, Jurgis Porins, Sandis Spolitis and Vjaceslavs Bobrovs

Fibers 2021, 9(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib9020009 - 1 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3964

Abstract

In this paper we present results from the study of optical signal amplification using Raman assisted fiber optical parametric amplifier with considerable benefits for S-band telecommunication systems where the use of widely used erbium-doped fiber amplifier is limited. We have created detailed models and performed computer simulations of combined Raman and fiber optical parametric amplification in a 16-channel 40 Gbps/channel wavelength division multiplexed transmission system. Achieved gain bandwidth, as well as transmission system parameters—signal-to-noise ratio and bit-error-ratio—were analyzed by comparing the Raman assisted fiber optical parametric amplifier to the single pump fiber optical parametric amplifier. Results show that the 3 dB gain bandwidth in the case of combined amplification is up to 0.2 THz wider with 1.9 dB difference between the lowest and highest gain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Laser Sources)

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14 pages, 4938 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Prediction of Short Fiber Composite Properties by an Artificial Neural Network Trained on an RVE Database

by Kevin Breuer and Markus Stommel

Fibers 2021, 9(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib9020008 - 1 Feb 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5303

Abstract

In this study, an artificial neural network is designed and trained to predict the elastic properties of short fiber reinforced plastics. The results of finite element simulations of three-dimensional representative volume elements are used as a data basis for the neural network. The fiber volume fraction, fiber length, matrix-phase properties, and fiber orientation are varied so that the neural network can be used within a very wide range of parameters. A comparison of the predictions of the neural network with additional finite element simulations shows that the stiffnesses of short fiber reinforced plastics can be predicted very well by the neural network. The average prediction accuracy is equal or better than by a two-step homogenization using the classical method of Mori and Tanaka. Moreover, it is shown that the training of the neural network on an extended data set works well and that particularly calculation-intensive data points can be avoided without loss of prediction quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulation of Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers)

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12 pages, 2491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties of Phormium Tenax Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites

by Sivasubramanian Palanisamy, Kalimuthu Mayandi, Murugesan Palaniappan, Azeez Alavudeen, Nagarajan Rajini, Felipe Vannucchi de Camargo and Carlo Santulli

Fibers 2021, 9(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib9020011 - 1 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3432

Abstract

The introduction of natural fibers as a filler in a natural rubber (NR) matrix can be of relevance for their eco-friendly and sustainable nature as the substitute for carbon-based fillers. In this work, short Phormium tenax fibers were introduced in random orientation into a NR matrix in different lengths (6, 10, and 14 mm) and various amounts (10, 20, and 30%, taking 100 as the NR weight). The composite was fabricated using a two-roll mill according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3184-11 standard. Several properties were determined, namely tensile and tear characteristics, hardness, and abrasion resistance. The results suggest that the shortest fiber length used, 6 mm, offered the best combination between loss of mechanical (tensile and tear) properties and hardness and the most acceptable resistance to abrasion, with the properties increasing with the amount of fibers present in NR. As a consequence, it is indicated that a higher amount of fibers could be possibly introduced, especially to achieve harder composites, though this would require a more controlled mixing process not excessively reducing tensile elongation at break. Full article

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14 pages, 2343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Textiles Functionalized with ZnO Nanoparticles Obtained by Chemical and Green Synthesis Protocols: Evaluation of the Type of Textile and Resistance to UV Radiation

by David Asmat-Campos, Daniel Delfín-Narciso and Luisa Juárez-Cortijo

Fibers 2021, 9(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib9020010 - 1 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3921

Abstract

The study evaluates five types of commercial textiles with different cotton and polyester contents widely used in the garment industry. These textile samples have been subjected to treatment by the exhaustion method using zinc oxide nanoparticles (NP ZnO) (textile functionalization) with the aim of improving their efficiency in blocking UV radiation. The ZnO nanoparticles have been obtained by two methods: The green or also called biosynthesis (using the extract of Coriandrum sativum as an organic reducing agent), and the chemical method (using NaOH as an inorganic reducing agent). The results related to the green method show having achieved a defined geometric configuration with an average size of 97.77 nm (SD: 9.53). On the contrary, the nanostructures obtained by the chemical method show pentagonal configurations with average sizes of 113 nm (SD: 6.72). The textiles functionalized with NP ZnO obtained by biosynthesis showed a better efficiency in blocking ultraviolet radiation (UV). Full article

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