Techniques to Strengthen Fiber-Based F&B Packaging

The incorporation of plant fibers into the matrix plays an interesting role. Natural fibers have been widely used as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. Among all reinforcing fibers, natural fiber-based hybrid composites have attracted the attention of researchers as high-potential reinforcing materials for composite materials. These fibers are easily available in the form of agricultural products. Natural fibers are inexpensive, durable and lightweight materials for composite applications. In this experimental work, sisal fibers and date palm fibers were used as reinforcement in different ratios to fabricate hybrid composites by compression molding technique while maintaining a total fiber loading of 20 % by weight. Tensile tests, flexural tests, and impact tests were carried out, water absorption was also determined. The results obtained show that the composite composed of a combination of 16% sisal fibers and 8% date palm fibers has better tensile properties with a stress value of 6.88 N/mm2 and a value of Izod impact of 43.218 J/m. As well as both composites showed a bet... Read More

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Fiber-reinforced composites can be classified into two parts, namely short fiber composites and long fiber composites. Long fibers are generally stronger than short fibers. Long fiber (continuous fiber) is more efficient in laying than short fiber but short fiber is easier to lay than long fiber. Fiber length affects the processability of the fiber composite. Judging from the theory, long fibers can transfer the load and stress from the stress point to the other fiber. In this research, we simulated the effects of volume fraction and fiber orientation in glass fiber-reinforced polyester composites on bending strength to examine the effect of each parameter on the mechanical properties of glass fiber composites. The mechanical properties of the composite were tested using the three-point bending and tensile testing methods. The study expects to find variations in mechanical properties with changes in the glass fiber volume fraction and fiber orientation. In this study, it is planned to function in a relevant environment, the components in this study must be able to operate properly an... Read More

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The superior mechanical properties like weight proportion, rigidity and low warm development gives a cutting edge advantage over ordinary materials. Also, composite materials bended with polymers are gaining lingering applications. Because of high quality, light weight and biodegrading properties, the use of natural fibres are of interest. In this research article an investigation has been carried out to find out an alternative material for glass fibre reinforced composite. Mechanical properties like rigidity and hardness of natural fibres cocos nucefera and luffa acutangula were estimated and compared with traditional glass fibre strengthened polymer composites. The results are promising and can be used for as a replacement for traditionally available glass fibre reinforced polymer composite.

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Abstract In present scenario, natural fibers are the preferred choice of manufactures to fabricate the sustainable polymer matrix composites. These composites may be a good substitute for synthetic materials after achieving the comparable strength with some treatments. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) contains high cellulose with low micro fibrillar angle which leads to decent inherent fiber strength. It is used for reinforcement in the proposed work to fabricate the epoxy matrix composite using hand layup method. During testing of composite, the effects of fiber content, type, and orientations on mechanical properties have been examined. Samples were prepared by varying the fiber type (short and long fiber), fiber orientations (at 0, 90, and 45) and fiber contents by weight % (i.e., 5, 10, 15 and 25). The results of mechanical characterization reveal that the tensile and flexural strength for short fiber composite is found maximum at 25% of fiber content (20.85 MPa and 42.70 MPa, respectively). However, long fiber reinforced composite with 5% of fiber content exhibits maximum tensile ... Read More

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Recently, fiber-based and functional paper food packaging has garnered significant attention for its versatility, excellent performance, and potential to provide sustainable solutions to the food packaging industry. Fiber-based food packaging is characterized by its large surface area, adjustable porosity and customizability, while functional paper-based food packaging typically exhibits good mechanical strength and barrier properties. This review summarizes the latest research progress on food packaging based on fibers and functional paper. Firstly, the raw materials used for preparing fiber and functional paper, along with their physical and chemical properties and roles in food packaging, were discussed. Subsequently, the latest advancements in the application of fiber and paper materials in food packaging were introduced. This paper also discusses future research directions and potential areas for improvement in fiber and functional paper food packaging to further enhance their effectiveness in ensuring food safety, quality, and sustainability.

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This study explores the stiffness enhancement in textile composites using four different fiber types: carbon, Kevlar, Vectran, and high-tenacity polyester (HTP). Pretension levels of 0.2, 2, 5, and 10 N were applied. A setup was developed to measure fiber stiffness. Results indicate that carbon fiber consistently demonstrates the highest stiffness across all pretenstionlevels, attributable to its high tensile strength and modulus. Kevlar fiber, although initially less stiff than carbon, exhibits the most substantial increase in stiffness, particularly between 5 and 10 N of pretension, reaching a peak stiffness of 33.8 at 10 N. Vectran fiber shows a gradual increase in stiffness, surpassing HTP but slightly lagging behind carbon and Kevlar. The rates of yarn-specific bending stiffness increase were measured as 0.168 for HTP, 0.054 for carbon fiber, 0.173 for Kevlar fiber, and 0.191 for Vectran fiber. The study highlights the importance of understanding how yarn pretension affects the bending stiffness of yarn-polymer composites, which is crucial for advancements in textile engineering... Read More

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This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of varying fiber lengths on the flexural strength of coconut fiber composites with epoxy resin. Coconut fiber composite panels were produced using rectangular molds. The effects of various fiber sizes, especially 2, 4, and 6 mm, respectively, were compared with fiberless and continuous fiber polymer composites on the flexural strength of Natural Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites (NFPC). The lowest flexural strength is 10.04 MPa, was obtained for the NFPC sample with a fiber length of 2 mm, while the highest flexural strength value was 10.70 MPa with a fiber length of 6 mm. Generally, flexural strength is influenced by variations in fiber size but not significantly. The flexural modulus and flexural strength values exhibit the same trend. Fiber pullouts are visible on the fracture surface of the sample, and voids in the form of trapped gas are also apparent on the sample surface. Short fiber size is one of the causes of fiber pullout, which can reduce the flexural strength of short fiber polymers.

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Natural fibresFibre are gaining popularity because they are more rigid and have greater specific strength than glass-reinforced composites. Every fibreFibre has different characteristics and natural fibresFibre reinforced composite develop great mechanical properties. Surface modification by chemical treatment also had a great impactImpact on the properties of the composites. Research regarding pineapplePineapple leaf fibreFibre (PALF) recently, had high mechanical strength. In this research, the PALF/Polylactic acid (PLA) composites filament were produced. The process started with grinding, sieving, surface modification of the fibreFibre followed by the hot compress, crushing, and finally filament extrusionExtrusion. The results revealed the PALF/PLA composites were successfully extruded into filament. However, further investigation regarding mechanical and thermal testings are needed to prove the strength and the printability of the composites.

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Introduction . Glass fibers significantly improve the quality of composite materials, make them lighter, stronger, more corrosion resistant and thermally stable. Strengths and weaknesses of specific composites are actively discussed in the scientific and applied literature. At the same time, the effect of the ratio of fibers and matrix material on the mechanical characteristics of composites has not been sufficiently investigated. The presented study is intended to fill this gap. The work is aimed at manufacturing a composite material on a polymer basis reinforced with glass fiber, and investigating the influence of weight ratios of elements on the mechanical characteristics of the composite. For the first time, a report on the comparison of the characteristics of composites (with different fiber content) to each other and to steel is published. Materials and Methods . Fiberglass and polyester were used as starting materials with the addition of a mediator to speed up the molding process. The samples were made manually and tested for tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength us... Read More

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Fiberglass is the most common reinforcing fiber used in composites, with polymer matrices having high tensile strength and chemical resistance, including an excellent insulating property; however, they are non-degradable. Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have advantageous properties such as lower density and price, when compared to synthetic composite products. In addition, hybrid composites may be obtained depending on various properties such as the fibers' length, structure, content and orientation, matrix bonding and arrangement. This study was carried out to determine the effect of adding Maleated Natural Rubber (MNR) from natural rubber as a coupling agent, in order to produce the highest tensile and flexural strength. The hand lay-up and vacuum bag methods with the Response Surface Method-Central Composite Design (RSM). -CCD) were used. The composite arrangement pattern was E-glass/OPEFB/E-glass, the volume fraction of OPEFB (oil palm empty fruit bunches):E-glass was 40:60, 50:50 and 60:40, the fraction volume of OPEFB + E-glass:matrix was 40:60, 50: 50, 60: 40 and t... Read More

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Due to its enhanced strength, stiffness, and tensile qualities, fibre reinforced composites are being employed more and more in the aerospace, automotive, plastic and mineral processing industries. Kenaf, jute, Kemp, and other types of reinforcing fibres are frequently utilized and come in strips. The design and analysis of the mechanical characteristics of the Kenaf fibre reinforced composite is the primary goal of this project. Different combinations of fibre and resin are examined for their various mechanical qualities, such as impact resistance, flexural strength, and tensile strength. By altering the fibre orientation and boosting impact strength, the composite is created. By altering the fibre orientation and boosting impact strength, the composite is created. The composite is personally examined using a variety of testing tools, and it is also examined using design software like Ansys. This research aims to increase the composites impact strength by adjusting the fibre length. The hydrogen peroxide solution is also coated on the composite before the tests are run. Comparisons... Read More

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Packaging is one of the major domains in the food processing industry that reduces waste and enhances product shelf life. Recently, research and development have focused on bioplastics and bioresources to combat environmental issues caused by the alarming growth of single-use plastic waste food packaging. The demand for natural fibres has recently increased because of their low cost, biodegradability and eco-friendliness. This article reviewed recent developments in natural fibre-based food packaging materials. The first part discusses the introduction of natural fibres in food packaging, with a focus on fibre source, composition and selection parameters, while the second part investigates the physical and chemical ways to modify natural fibres. Several plant-derived fibre materials have been utilised in food packaging as reinforcements, fillers and packaging matrices. Recent investigations developed and modified natural fibre (physical and chemical treatments) into packaging using casting, melt mixing, hot pressing, compression moulding, injection moulding, etc. These techniques maj... Read More

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Polymer composite, presently one of the most promising and innovative fields of research, and the importance of using biodegradable fibers as reinforcement in polymer composite material is growing rapidly.In this era of excessive depletion of petroleum resources and for new green environmental regulations, natural fiber-based composites can be crucial for the environment.In this study, a composite has been produced using reinforcement of glass fiber and rice straw and a matrix of epoxy resin.Mechanical properties of the composite such as impact and flexural properties have been investigated.The fiber orientation has a great impact on the mechanical properties of these composites.Impact and flexural strength both were found to be higher at 0 fiber orientation.Flexural strength rapidly decreased as the orientation angle of fiber increased from 0 to 90.On the other hand, impact strength decreased up to 45 and then it again increased until the orientation angle reaches 90.

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Abstract The study evaluated the effect of adding different proportions (3/7, 1/1, and 7/3) of pineapple leaf fiber to composites reinforced with olive trunk leaves powder by measuring tensile properties, moisture absorption, and thermal stability. The results showed that the proportion of pineapple leaf fiber in the hybrid composites strongly influenced tensile properties, moisture absorption, and thermal stability. Increasing pineapple leaf fiber loading from 12 wt% to 28 wt% resulted in an important increase in tensile strength, namely an average of 46%. However, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the hybrid composites were inferior to those of the parent composites, which could be attributed to the relative inability of the hybrid composites to withstand tensile loads. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the introduction of even the lowest amount of pineapple leaf fibers in the olive trunk leaves improved the thermal stability of the composites, bringing the degradation onset above 240C, therefore suggesting the possibility of a future processing with most t... Read More

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The kenaf fibers were used to reinforce composites with two structures: nonwoven and bulk fibers and with treated and untreated kenaf fiber. A series of tensile tests were conducted on these composites. The use of kenaf fibers allows having composite with improved mechanical properties compared to pure polyester composite. This increase reaches 56.15% in strength and 137.85% in strain when varying the fiber weight ratio and the reinforcement structure. The interested results for both tensile strength and strain are obtained for nonwoven structure made by untreated fiber. The statistical study reveals that the most influencing parameter in tensile properties was the reinforcement weight ratio. The optimum composite was obtained when using a nonwoven structure made with untreated fiber with 11.10% fiber weight ratio.

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<em>The purpose of this study was to determine the critical length of palm fiber, kenaf fiber, pineapple fiber, agave fiber, and coconut fiber with NaOH immersion treatment. This study was determine the effect of NaOH immersion treatment on the critical length of fiber. This research is an experimental exploratory research. The independent variables in this study were palm fiber, kenaf fiber, pineapple fiber, agave fiber, and coconut fiber with the dependent variable is the critical fiber length. To find the critical length of fiber using single fiber tensile test and single fiber pull out test. The data obtainde from the test results are then analyzed using formula equation to determine the critical length of each fiber. Data analysis techniques using quantitative descriptive analysis techniques. The results showed that the critical length of palm fiber, kenaf fiber, agave fiber, and coconut fiber with NaOH immersion treatment was shorter than the critical length of fiber without NaOH immersion treatment. Agave fiber has the shortest critical fiber length. The critical length ... Read More

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The increasing use of composites reinforced with vegetable fibers in the industrial field poses a serious problem of the reliability of the structures produced. For us, this credibility can be ensured when developing the composite, by a judicious choice of matrix and reinforcement, a choice leading to obtaining a material having acceptable mechanical and physicochemical characteristics. The main objective of this study is to characterize a composite material with a clay matrix reinforced with coconut and palm nut fibers. To achieve this objective, we first opted for the implementation of this composite by contact molding, at different fiber percentages (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%), and we then subjected our specimens to mechanical tests (three-point bending and compression). The mechanical characterization allowed us to have a Youngs modulus in compression varying between 63.82 and 68.82 MPa for palm nut fibers and from 68.28 to 74.43 MPa for coconut fibers (this allows us to note that our coconut fibers make the material rigid in compression), and a Youngs modulus in bending varying ... Read More

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The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of reinforcements on the strength of natural fiber composites. Recent advancements in natural fiber composites have minimized the usage of man-made fibers, especially in the field of structural applications such as aircraft stiffeners and rotor blades. However, large variations in the strength and modulus of natural fiber degrade the properties of the composites and lower the safety level of the structures under dynamic load. Without compromising the safety of the composite structure, it is significant to enrich the strength and modulus of natural fiber reinforcement for real-time applications. The strength and durability of natural fiber can be enriched by reinforcing natural fiber. The reinforcement effect on natural fiber in their woven, braided, and knit forms enhances their structural properties. It improves the properties of natural fiber composites related to reinforcement with short and random-orientation fibers. The article also reviews the effect of the hybridization of natural fiber with cellulosic fiber, synthetic ... Read More

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Despite its mechanical and environmental properties, pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) are used as a home threading material in India. In addition, the effects of abrasive combing and pretreatment techniques on fiber and composite characteristics were examined in this work. Using PALF vascular bundles separated from different regions of the leaves did not affect the mechanical aspects of pineapple leaf fiber-vinyl ester composites. PALF fibers performed equally in strengthening composite flexural properties under static loading, regardless of diameter or location, with a much lower weight percentage and combined pressure. Tests at higher speeds revealed that the PALF-vinyl ester composite was more robust with more delicate bundles. Reinforcing composites that do not require a high degree of hardness can benefit from the cleaner, more delicate bundles produced by abrasive combing.

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Plant fibers are being increasingly explored for their use in engineering polymers and composites, and many works have described their properties, especially for flax and hemp fibers. Nevertheless, the availability of plant fibers varies according to the geographical location on the planet. This study presents the first work on the mechanical properties of a tropical fiber extracted from the bast of Cola lepidota (CL) plant. After a debarking step, CL fibers were extracted manually by wet-retting. The tensile properties are first identified experimentally at the fibers scale, and the analysis of the results shows the great influence of the cross-section parameters (diameter, intrinsic porosities) on these properties. Tensile properties of CL fibers are also predicted by the impregnated fiber bundle test (IFBT). At this scale of bundles, a hackling step, which reduces shives and contributes to the parallelization of the fibers within bundles, improves tensile properties predicted by IFBT. The comparison with the properties of plant fibers given in the literature shows that CL fibers h... Read More

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