In response to the heightened awareness of infectious diseases and the growing emphasis on personal protection in daily life, the utilization of natural bioresources for textile fabric dyeing has garnered substantial research attention. This is particularly due to their ability to confer antibacterial and UV protection properties to fabrics. In this study, the dyeing properties of Mimusops elengi Linn extract, alone and mordanted, were evaluated on blended wool/acrylic and silk fabrics, along with an assessment of their antibacterial and UV protection characteristics. The dyed fabrics exhibited good color strength and color fastness. Quantitative assessment of antibacterial activity was conducted using the reduction percentage test, while UV protection properties were determined through the measurement of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Aqueous extract alone, when applied to blended wool/acrylic fabric, demonstrated an impressive 99.88 % reduction against Staphylococcus aureus, and 48.33 % for silk fabric, albeit less effective against Escherichia coli. Notably, when fabrics were dyed with a combination of leaves extract and various metal salt mordants, a substantial improvement in antibacterial properties was observed. Zinc and copper salts, in particular, exhibited the ability to enhance antibacterial properties to almost 100 % against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in both blended wool/acrylic and silk fabrics. Concurrently, this combination contributed to an increase in the UV protection property of both fabrics. The findings underscore the potential of plant-based natural dye for blended wool/acrylic and silk fabrics, imparting antimicrobial and UV protection properties. This has significant implications in preventing the spread of infections and skin diseases, emphasizing the vital role of such textiles in promoting health and well-being.
1 January 2022 in Composites and Advanced Materials
Composites with regenerated fiber bonded with natural fibers have attracted growing attention as the globe becomes more sustainable, ecofriendly, and environment-friendly. Pineapple leaf fiber is used for composite in this study since it is also handled as waste nowadays. Furthermore, viscose was chosen as a study variant since no one had ever tried a pineapple and viscose mixed composite before. Due to a scarcity of natural fiber production on Earth, regenerated cellulosic fiber reinforced with natural fiber is widely employed, providing a nearly identical experience by employing partial or less natural fiber. This paper describes a study that used pineapple leaf fiber mixed with a viscose composite and reinforced with epoxy resin. Pineapple viscose blended composite is composed of 1/1 plain wave design, and epoxy resin is applied on them to make stability by the compression molding process. The tested Tensile Strength (σ), Young’s Modulus, and Eb% are 20.7 Mpa, 579 Mpa, and 9.4%, respectively. Some testing is also carried out to differentiate the properties like bending strength 23.5 Mpa, bending modulus 717.6 Mpa, and avg. The pH of the composite is 9.54. This article has different analytical parts to acknowledge the actual condition of composite behaviors. Finally, some suggestions are made as to where it may be utilized and where appropriate to use it, such as on building sites, in Geotextile materials, Coffee cups, coffee cans, and agro-textile materials.
In recent years, there has been a significant push toward using environment‐friendly composite materials derived from renewable resources. Areca nut husk and bagasse fibers are excellent examples of agricultural by‐products that possess valuable properties for various applications. In this work, three samples containing 23.06%, 28.54%, and 33.33% of areca nut husk and bagasse fibers‐reinforced epoxy matrix (ABFR) hybrid composites were prepared to assess their suitability for use as thermally insulated false ceilings in affordable housing, civil structures, and the automotive industry. The novel hybrid composites were characterized by tensile strength, flexural strength, morphology, thermal conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and percentage of water absorption. The composite containing 23.06% fiber exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity at 0.1631 W/m K and demonstrated excellent thermal insulating properties at 0.03629%. It achieved a maximum tensile strength of 30.05 MPa and a flexural strength of 19.72 MPa. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the composites undergo multiple degradation steps; however, they remain stable within the temperature range of 280–328°C. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations revealed effective interfacial bonding between the fibers and the epoxy matrix. These characteristics suggest that this hybrid composite could be a suitable option for thermally insulated false ceilings when compared to existing synthetic fiber alternatives.Highlights: The study aims to create eco‐friendly composites from areca nut husk and bagasse fiber. The hybrid composite containing 23.06% fiber showed the lowest thermal conductivity and best insulation, ideal for ceilings. More fiber in composites increased water absorption, balancing insulation with resistance. SEM micrographs clarify the proper bonding between resin and reinforcing material. Mechanical tests demonstrate superior strength and durability.