K. M. Hess, W. V. Srubar III^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.3, No.3, pp. 175-182, 2015, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2015.634106

Abstract This article concerns the development and characterization of a protein-based alternative to traditional fiberreinforced polymer (FRP) composites used in construction. In this work, gelatin-based resins were prepared at various gelatin-to-water (g/w) ratios. The effects of g/w ratio and curing time on resin mechanical properties were investigated. Using gelatin resins with a 30% g/w ratio, (i) gelatin-flax and (ii) gelatin-fiberglass composites were fabricated, and their mechanical properties were characterized and compared to both (iii) epoxy-flax and (iv) epoxy-fiberglass composites. Fracture surface morphologies were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that gelatin-flax composites exhibit similar mechanical properties compared to the epoxy-fiberglass… More >

Fatima Zohra Elhilali, Hicham Fihri-Fassi^*

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.18, No.5, pp. 1285-1292, 2022, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2022.021803

Abstract In order to mitigate the risks stemming from the utilization of mineral and synthetic organic substances, consensus exists in the literature that additional efforts should be devoted to the identification of adequate equivalent natural (ecological) materials. This work presents the outcomes of a preliminary study where the physical, mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of natural fibers have been considered. Initially, areca, and materials such as Moroccan doum and jute are considered. As a case study, a brake pad based on natural fibers is critically assessed. More >

Noor K. Faheed^*, Qahtan A. Hamad, Jawad K. Oleiwi

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.10, No.7, pp. 1989-2013, 2022, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.017573

Abstract Natural fibers and their composites are the evolving movements in material science, and with that, the utmost use of plant-based fibers has become the focus of this research. Sisal and cotton natural fibers were used to construct a prosthetic socket as an attempt to substitute material currently available in the manufacturing of sockets. The vacuum bagging technique was adopted to produce a below-knee socket. The influence of different fiber layering sequences on the volumetric and mechanical characteristics was estimated experimentally and numerically. Mechanical tensile tests were used to assess laminated specimens, such as tensile strength, young modulus, and elongation percentage.… More >

Daniel Scida^1,*, Sébastien Alix¹, Stéphane Buet¹, El Hadi Saidane¹, François Courmont^1,2, Karim Behlouli², Rezak Ayad¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.9, pp. 865-875, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.06609

Abstract This work aims at studying the effect of hygrothermal and UV cyclic aging on the tensile properties and esthetic characteristics of non-woven composites. The composite materials were thermo-compressed from non-woven mats made up of PP and flax or kenaf fibers. This works included evaluating the change in color appearance and analyzing the variations in tensile properties and damage mechanisms, depending on the aging time. The presence of the UV protection film on the composite surface showed its effectiveness against aging. From visual observations and measurement of colorimetric parameters, it has been proved effective in the reduction of the bleaching and… More >