Enih Rosamah

Properties enhancement using oil palm shell nanoparticles of fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composites

Oil palm shell (OPS) nanoparticles were utilized as filler in fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composites. The OPS nanoparticles were successfully produced from the raw OPS using high-energy ball milling process. Fundamental properties including morphology, crystalline size, and particle size of the OPS nanoparticles were determined. Tri-layer natural fiber reinforcement (kenaf–coconut–kenaf fiber mat) polyester hybrid composites were prepared by hand lay-up techniques. The influences of the OPS nanoparticles loading in the natural fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composites were determined by analyzing physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of the composites. Results showed that the incorporation of the OPS nanoparticles into the hybrid composites enhanced the composite properties. Further, the natural fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composite had the highest physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal characteristics at 3 wt.% OPS nanoparticles loading.

Electrospun Cellulose Composite Nanofibers

This chapter deals with the structure, properties, and applications of electrospun-based cellulose composites. Extraction methods of cellulosic nanofibers from different sources are discussed in detail. Cellulose has the special advantage of high specific strength and sustainability, which make them ideal candidates for reinforcement in various polymeric matrices. Cellulose nanofibers find application in various fields, including construction, the automobile industry, and soil conservation. Cellulose, an eminent representative of nanomaterial obtained from various natural fibers, can be dissolved in various solvent systems, which are described in detail in this study. Thermoplastic-based electrospun cellulose nanocomposites and their applications are highlighted. This chapter describes current and future applications of electrospun cellulosic nanofibers in various fields.

Hybrid bast fiber reinforced thermoset composites

Abstract This chapter deals with the development of hybrid bast fiber reinforced thermoset composites. Hybrid bast fiber reinforced thermoset composites may consist of either bast/cellulosic fibers or bast/synthetic fibers as reinforcements. Hence, this chapter starts by introducing the bast fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf as well as the bast fibers cell wall architecture with its illustration. It then goes on to explain the bast fibers chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties before further discussing the potential and challenges in the development of hybrid bast fiber composites. Next, an outline of reported research works on the processing, physical and mechanical properties of hybrid bast fiber reinforced thermoset composites are presented. Finally, the applications of the hybrid bast fiber reinforced thermoset composites are identified by the end of this chapter.

Bionanomaterial from agricultural waste and its application

Agricultural waste has significant potential in composites due to its high strength, availability, and sustainability. The potential of agricultural waste has sparked a lot of research to find ways to use these materials as replacements for synthetic materials and for biocomposite polymer products. Pineapple, rice husk, oil palm, banana, coconut, etc., are sources of renewable energy. Their availability comes especially from plantations and waste from some other agricultural industries. Lignocellulose is a major component of agricultural waste and consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. In addition, it represents a major source of natural fibers as an alternative raw material for biocomposites. Now, there are many potential applications for bionanocomposites that have been explored, such as packaging, automotive, and others application. This chapter will concentrate on the fundamental properties of different agriculture wastes. At the end, some points regarding nanocomposite production and its applications for various purposes will be discussed.