Fibers

15 pages, 3241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Nanoparticles and PVA Fibers on Concrete and Mortar on Microstructural and Durability Properties

by Radhika Sridhar, Pakjira Aosai, Thanongsak Imjai, Monthian Setkit, Anoop Shirkol and Irwanda Laory

Fibers 2024, 12(7), 54; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib12070054 - 26 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Nanoparticles are one of the effective methodologies implemented in concrete technology. The main objective of this research is to study the influence of nano alumina with different percentage variations ranging from 1% to 3% along with the incorporation of PVA fibers. From the mechanical properties test, the optimum dosage was determined to further study the durability behavior. This research work also investigates the hybridization of two nanoparticles such as nano silica (NS) and nano alumina (NA). The results show that the increasing quantity of NA reduces the compressive strength of the mortar due to agglomeration (cluster of particles), which results in a greater molecular attraction force. From the test results, it is concluded that the optimum dosage has been attained with an addition of 2% NA with 0.3% PVA. The compression strength test results at 14 days and 28 days reveal that the addition of NA tends the mineral admixture to react at early ages in the hydration process, which produces a new chemical compound to fill the pores. The rapid chloride penetration (RCPT) test results at 28 days significantly improved with the incorporation of nanoparticles due to their effective size and chemical reaction towards the other compounds. The test results from the hybridization of nanoparticles showed that the compressive strength was significantly enhanced compared to that of the control mortar and mortar with NA. They are effective up to certain limits beyond that addition, and the workability was reduced. Amongst all mixtures, the maximum compression strength has been attained for the mix with the addition of NA 0.5% and NS 2.5% comparatively. The microstructural properties of mortar were also studied through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The results showed that the incorporation of nanoparticles in the mortar matrix turns homogeneous with fewer pores and greater amount of hydration compounds; thereby, pore refinement has improved the hydration compounds remarkably. Full article

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18 pages, 2446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal and Moisture Management in the Microclimate of Socks for Diabetic Foot Care: The Role of Mohair-Wool Content

by Adine Gericke and Mohanapriya Venkataraman

Fibers 2024, 12(7), 53; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib12070053 - 25 Jun 2024

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Abstract

In diabetic patients, optimised plantar health necessitates meticulously designed hosiery. These specialised socks facilitate a healthy microclimate at the skin–textile interface. This requires that stable conditions of temperature and humidity are maintained during wear. This study investigated the thermal resistance and moisture management properties of socks for diabetics. Fabrics and socks were evaluated on the Alambeta and thermal foot manikin instruments and in wear trials. A novel in vitro method, mimicking in-use conditions, was employed to validate findings and assess sock performance during wear. Fabric structure, especially thickness, had a greater impact on thermal resistance than fibre composition, suggesting that socks with different levels of thermal resistance can be customised according to individual preferences. In terms of moisture management, mohair–wool socks outperformed polyester socks, maintaining significantly lower humidity between the skin and the sock, and meeting the requirement to prevent the drying out of the microclimate significantly better. The enhanced moisture vapour sorption exhibited by the mohair–wool fabric contributes to this effect. Overall, the findings suggest that mohair–wool is an excellent fibre choice for diabetic socks, due to its unique moisture management properties and the possibility to tailor thermal properties through fabric structural design. Full article

22 pages, 7351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Basalt Fiber on the Rheological and Mechanical Properties and Durability Behavior of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)

by Ahmed Ashteyat, Ala’ Taleb Obaidat, Rahaf Qerba’a and Mu’tasim Abdel-Jaber

Fibers 2024, 12(7), 52; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib12070052 - 24 Jun 2024

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Abstract

This experimental study presents the influence of basalt fiber on the rheological and mechanical properties and the durability behavior of self-compacting concrete (SCC). In this study, a total of five self-compacting concrete mixtures were prepared: one as a control mix and the other mixes with 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2% basalt fibers. Slump flow and V-funnel flow tests were employed to assess the influence of basalt fibers on the rheological properties of fresh self-compacting concrete (SCC). Additionally, mechanical properties, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were analyzed. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were assessed following exposure to elevated temperatures (400 °C and 600 °C) as well as 100 and 200 freeze-thaw (F/T) cycles. Additionally, water absorption and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests were conducted on the SCC mixes after 28 days of curing. The results revealed that the addition of fiber has a significant effect on the rheological properties of fresh SCC mixtures. As the volume of fibers increases, the reduction in rheological properties increases. Basalt fiber had no effect on the compressive strength, while the splitting and flexural strength were significantly enhanced by 33% using basalt fiber. As temperatures and freezing-thawing cycles escalated, the mechanical properties of SCC exhibited a decline. Experimental findings indicated that elevating the temperature to 600 °C resulted in a decrease of over 20% in both the tensile and compressive strengths of SCC. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the incorporation of basalt fibers substantially enhanced the mechanical properties of SCC when subjected to high temperatures and freezing-thawing cycles. In addition, water absorption increased slightly by the incorporation of basalt fiber. Full article

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11 pages, 5732 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Microplastics and Fibrous Fragments Generated during the Production and Maintenance of Textiles

by Jiří Militký, Jana Novotná, Jakub Wiener, Dana Křemenáková and Mohanapriya Venkataraman

Fibers 2024, 12(7), 51; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib12070051 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 203

Abstract

More than a third of microplastics in surface waters are formed by microplastics released from textile products containing textile fibers (fibrous microplastics). A large amount of fibrous microplastics enters the environment during textile production and the first few washing cycles. Mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological damage to textiles causes the generation of fibrous microplastics. Textile manufacturers, dyers and finishers, garment producers, distributors, or consumers contribute to this process. During the construction of textiles, multiple issues need to be addressed simultaneously. They are related to the optimization of technological processes and the construction and functionalization of fiber structures, considering ecological requirements, including suppressing the formation of fibrous microplastics. This research is focused on the specification of reasons for the generation of fibrous microplastics during textile production. The influence of the structure of fibers, abrasive deformations, and surface structure of fabrics on the generation of fibrous microplastics is discussed. The release of fibrous microplastics during washing is mentioned as well. Full article

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Fibers, Volume 12, Issue 7 (July 2024) – 4 articles

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