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This paper compares the mechanical properties of different natural fiber composites produced by rotational molding as a way of waste valorization from campaigns to control invasive plant species in Macaronesia. Rotomolded parts produced with polymeric matrices (polyethylene) and filled with up to 20% by weight of cellulosic fibers obtained from Arundo donax L., Pennisetum setaceum, and Ricinus communis plants were characterized in terms of tensile, flexural, and impact strength. It was found that the sieving of natural fibers allowed for their introduction in higher loadings, from 10 (for un-sieved material) to 20%; fiber size greatly affected the mechanical properties of the final parts, although some combinations were proven not to reduce the mechanical properties of the neat resin. This study is a first approach to the valorization of residues obtained from periodic campaigns of the control of invasive species performed by public authorities, usually at the local level. It is important to highlight that the main objective of this research did not focus on economically profitable activity; instead, it was focused on the reduction of wastes to be disposed from ecosystem maintenance actions and the investment of potential income into preservation policies.
Zaida Ortega; Francisco Romero; Rubén Paz; Luis Suárez; Antonio Benítez; María Marrero. Valorization of Invasive Plants from Macaronesia as Filler Materials in the Production of Natural Fiber Composites by Rotational Molding. Polymers 2021, 13, 2220 .
AMA StyleZaida Ortega, Francisco Romero, Rubén Paz, Luis Suárez, Antonio Benítez, María Marrero. Valorization of Invasive Plants from Macaronesia as Filler Materials in the Production of Natural Fiber Composites by Rotational Molding. Polymers. 2021; 13 (13):2220.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZaida Ortega; Francisco Romero; Rubén Paz; Luis Suárez; Antonio Benítez; María Marrero. 2021. "Valorization of Invasive Plants from Macaronesia as Filler Materials in the Production of Natural Fiber Composites by Rotational Molding." Polymers 13, no. 13: 2220.
This paper summarises the results obtained from the characterisation of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) plant and fibres. The research is part of a project developed in the Macaronesia region, of which the aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using biomass from invasive plant species in the composites sector as a way of financing control campaigns and habitats conservation labours. An experimental procedure for the extraction of fibre bundles from this plant was developed, and the material obtained was characterised in terms of chemical composition, thermogravimetry and infrared spectra to evaluate its potential application in the production of polymeric composite materials as a strategy for the valorisation of residual biomass from this invasive species in Macaronesia. Thermoplastic matrix composites with fibre content up to 40 wt.% were produced and their mechanical properties under tensile, flexural and impact loading were determined. No references on the preparation of composite materials with polyolefin matrices and giant reed fibres have been found. Results obtained from mechanical tests show a good performance of the manufactured composites, with a significant increase in both flexural and tensile stiffness; the flexural modulus is almost tripled for PE-based composites and rises to 88% with respect to PP matrix. The ultimate flexural strength and the tensile and flexural yield strength are kept at acceptable values compared to neat polymer materials, although ultimate tensile strength and impact resistance are significantly affected when natural fibres are added.
Luis Suárez; Jessica Castellano; Francisco Romero; María Marrero; Antonio Benítez; Zaida Ortega. Environmental Hazards of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) in the Macaronesia Region and Its Characterisation as a Potential Source for the Production of Natural Fibre Composites. Polymers 2021, 13, 2101 .
AMA StyleLuis Suárez, Jessica Castellano, Francisco Romero, María Marrero, Antonio Benítez, Zaida Ortega. Environmental Hazards of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) in the Macaronesia Region and Its Characterisation as a Potential Source for the Production of Natural Fibre Composites. Polymers. 2021; 13 (13):2101.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuis Suárez; Jessica Castellano; Francisco Romero; María Marrero; Antonio Benítez; Zaida Ortega. 2021. "Environmental Hazards of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) in the Macaronesia Region and Its Characterisation as a Potential Source for the Production of Natural Fibre Composites." Polymers 13, no. 13: 2101.
Some studies have evaluated the use of Opuntia as reinforcement for polymeric matrices, obtaining good results in energy absorption tests and increasing the tensile elastic modulus. However, no studies focusing on the previous characterisation of the fibres and their treatment to improve compatibility with polymeric matrices have been found. This work analyses the chemical composition of Opuntia maxima (OM) and Opuntia dillenii (OD) cladodes and fibre, studying how different treatments influence it. AOAC 2000 methods were used to determine non-structural components and the Van Soest method was used to estimate structural components. Surface characteristics of the samples were also evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Opuntia fibre presented higher cellulose (50–66%) and lignin (6–14%) content and lower hemicellulose (8–13%) content than Opuntia cladodes (9–14% cellulose, 20–50% hemicellulose, 1–4% lignin). Despite the variability of lignocellulosic materials, OD cladodes treated with water and acetic acid achieved an increase in the structural components. Alkaline fibre treatment removed pectin and hemicellulose from the fibre surface, slightly increasing the cellulose content. Future research should evaluate whether the treated Opuntia fibre can improve the mechanical properties of reinforced polymer.
Jessica Castellano; María Marrero; Zaida Ortega; Francisco Romero; Antonio Benitez; Myriam Ventura. Opuntia spp. Fibre Characterisation to Obtain Sustainable Materials in the Composites Field. Polymers 2021, 13, 2085 .
AMA StyleJessica Castellano, María Marrero, Zaida Ortega, Francisco Romero, Antonio Benitez, Myriam Ventura. Opuntia spp. Fibre Characterisation to Obtain Sustainable Materials in the Composites Field. Polymers. 2021; 13 (13):2085.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Castellano; María Marrero; Zaida Ortega; Francisco Romero; Antonio Benitez; Myriam Ventura. 2021. "Opuntia spp. Fibre Characterisation to Obtain Sustainable Materials in the Composites Field." Polymers 13, no. 13: 2085.
Surface texturing has brought significant improvements in the functional properties of parts and components. Sinker electro discharge machining (SEDM) is one of the processes which generates great texturing results at different scale. An electrode is needed to reproduce the geometry to be textured. Some geometries are difficult or impossible to achieve on an electrode using conventional and even unconventional machining methods. This work sets out the advances made in the manufacturing of copper electrodes for electro erosion by additive manufacturing, and their subsequent application to the functional texturing of Al-Cu UNS A92024-T3 alloy. A combined procedure of digital light processing (DLP) additive manufacturing, sputtering and micro-electroforming (AMSME), has been used to produce electrodes. Also, a specific laboratory equipment has been developed to reproduce details on a microscopic scale. Shells with outgoing spherical geometries pattern have been manufactured. AMSME process has shown ability to copper electrodes manufacturing. A highly detailed surface on a micrometric scale have been achieved. Copper shells with minimum thickness close to 300 µm have been tested in sinker electro discharge machining (SEDM) and have been shown very good performance in surface finishing operations. The method has shown great potential for use in surfaces texturing.
Carlos Sánchez; Pedro Hernández; María Martínez; María Marrero; Jorge Salguero. Combined Manufacturing Process of Copper Electrodes for Micro Texturing Applications (AMSME). Materials 2021, 14, 2497 .
AMA StyleCarlos Sánchez, Pedro Hernández, María Martínez, María Marrero, Jorge Salguero. Combined Manufacturing Process of Copper Electrodes for Micro Texturing Applications (AMSME). Materials. 2021; 14 (10):2497.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlos Sánchez; Pedro Hernández; María Martínez; María Marrero; Jorge Salguero. 2021. "Combined Manufacturing Process of Copper Electrodes for Micro Texturing Applications (AMSME)." Materials 14, no. 10: 2497.
This work has come about as a result of an attempt to improve educational practices by taking advantage of research experience in the field of additive manufacturing technologies. As a result of the work carried out, an open educational resources project was developed by the group of educational innovation Ingeniería de Fabricación of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It consists of interactive teaching material adapted to the new international standards that regulate these technologies and includes a methodology for selecting the most appropriate technology for the specific application. In this paper, we describe the co-creation process that was carried out with students in order to develop the resources, as well as a description of the didactic material itself together with its interactive elements. An analysis of its use in various academic courses is included and also an evaluation of its impact, both in teaching a specific subject and in other training activities. Our findings indicate that the process has led to the production of didactic materials that present content in an attractive way and which, in combination with active methodologies, noticeably improves students’ learning experiences, and is also considered a successful experience in open educational practices.
Pedro Hernández-Castellano; María Martínez-Rivero; María Marrero-Alemán; Luis Suárez-García; Alejandro Gutiérrez-Barcenilla. Open Education through Interactive Training Material. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7645 .
AMA StylePedro Hernández-Castellano, María Martínez-Rivero, María Marrero-Alemán, Luis Suárez-García, Alejandro Gutiérrez-Barcenilla. Open Education through Interactive Training Material. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (18):7645.
Chicago/Turabian StylePedro Hernández-Castellano; María Martínez-Rivero; María Marrero-Alemán; Luis Suárez-García; Alejandro Gutiérrez-Barcenilla. 2020. "Open Education through Interactive Training Material." Sustainability 12, no. 18: 7645.