Fibers

147 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser and Martin J. D. Clift

Fibers 2016, 4(3), 25; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib4030025 - 02 Sep 2016

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6766

Since the early 1990s nanoﬁbers, particularly those of a carbonaceous content [1] have received heightened interest due to their advantageous physico-chemical characteristics (e.g., high strength, stiffness, semi-conductor, increased thermal conductivity and one of the highest Young’s modulus [2]).[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibres: Friend or Foe?)

7530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Touch Probing System Using a Fiber Stylus

by Hiroshi Murakami, Akio Katsuki and Takao Sajima

Fibers 2016, 4(3), 24; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib4030024 - 11 Aug 2016

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7963

Abstract

This paper presents a system that can be used for micro-hole measurement; the system comprises an optical fiber stylus that is 5 µm in diameter. The stylus deflects when it comes into contact with the measured surface; this deflection is measured optically. In [...] Read more.

This paper presents a system that can be used for micro-hole measurement; the system comprises an optical fiber stylus that is 5 µm in diameter. The stylus deflects when it comes into contact with the measured surface; this deflection is measured optically. In this study, the design parameters of the optical system are determined using a ray-tracing method, and a prototype of the probing system is fabricated to verify ray-tracing simulation results; furthermore, the performance of the system is evaluated experimentally. The results show that the design parameters of this system can be determined using ray-tracing; the resolution of the measurement system using this shaft was approximately 3 nm, and the practicality of this system was confirmed by measuring the shape of a micro-hole 100 µm in diameter and 475 µm in depth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors)

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548 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Extraction of High Quality RNA from Cannabis sativa Bast Fibres: A Vademecum for Molecular Biologists

by Gea Guerriero, Lauralie Mangeot-Peter, Jean-Francois Hausman and Sylvain Legay

Fibers 2016, 4(3), 23; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib4030023 - 21 Jul 2016

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8885

Abstract

In plants there is no universal protocol for RNA extraction, since optimizations are required depending on the species, tissues and developmental stages. Some plants/tissues are rich in secondary metabolites or synthesize thick cell walls, which hinder an efficient RNA extraction. One such example [...] Read more.

In plants there is no universal protocol for RNA extraction, since optimizations are required depending on the species, tissues and developmental stages. Some plants/tissues are rich in secondary metabolites or synthesize thick cell walls, which hinder an efficient RNA extraction. One such example is bast fibres, long extraxylary cells characterized by a thick cellulosic cell wall. Given the economic importance of bast fibres, which are used in the textile sector, as well as in biocomposites as green substitutes of glass fibres, it is desirable to better understand their development from a molecular point of view. This knowledge favours the development of biotechnological strategies aimed at improving specific properties of bast fibres. To be able to perform high-throughput analyses, such as, for instance, transcriptomics of bast fibres, RNA extraction is a crucial and limiting step. We here detail a protocol enabling the rapid extraction of high quality RNA from the bast fibres of textile hemp, Cannabis sativa L., a multi-purpose fibre crop standing in the spotlight of research. Full article

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8307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Short Flax Fibers on the Permeability Behavior of a New Unidirectional Flax/Paper Composite

by Mohamed Habibi, Luc Laperrière, Gilbert Lebrun and Bruno Chabot

Fibers 2016, 4(3), 22; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib4030022 - 13 Jul 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7486

Abstract

A new type of reinforcement for unidirectional natural fiber composites has been developed, where a paper layer is assembled with a layer of unidirectional flax yarns. The paper layer chemically and mechanically bonds to the loose yarns to maintain their alignment and enables [...] Read more.

A new type of reinforcement for unidirectional natural fiber composites has been developed, where a paper layer is assembled with a layer of unidirectional flax yarns. The paper layer chemically and mechanically bonds to the loose yarns to maintain their alignment and enables better manipulability of the reinforcement during stacking in the mold. Unfortunately, the paper layer adversely affects the permeability of the whole reinforcement to liquid resin and thus limits the impregnation quality of the final part. In this paper, a technique is adopted to increase the impregnation performance by modifying the architecture of the fibrous network in the paper layer. In particular, a method has been developed to replace a proportion of the Kraft fibers by short flax fibers in the paper layer, in an attempt to open the structure and increase the paper permeability. Permeability measurements show a major improvement in global reinforcement permeability. Basic mechanical properties of resulting composites were also analysed. Results show a slight decrease in modulus and strength when the paper layer is present. This is compensated by an important reduction in variability. Furthermore, increasing the flax proportion in the paper layer limits the loss of mechanical properties, while reducing variability even further. Full article

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608 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Elucidating the Potential Biological Impact of Cellulose Nanocrystals

by Sandra Camarero-Espinosa, Carola Endes, Silvana Mueller, Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, Christoph Weder, Martin James David Clift and E. Johan Foster

Fibers 2016, 4(3), 21; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/fib4030021 - 08 Jul 2016

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 11262

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals exhibit an interesting combination of mechanical properties and physical characteristics, which make them potentially useful for a wide range of consumer applications. However, as the usage of these bio-based nanofibers increases, a greater understanding of human exposure addressing their potential health [...] Read more.

Cellulose nanocrystals exhibit an interesting combination of mechanical properties and physical characteristics, which make them potentially useful for a wide range of consumer applications. However, as the usage of these bio-based nanofibers increases, a greater understanding of human exposure addressing their potential health issues should be gained. The aim of this perspective is to highlight how knowledge obtained from studying the biological impact of other nanomaterials can provide a basis for future research strategies to deduce the possible human health risks posed by cellulose nanocrystals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibres: Friend or Foe?)

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Fibers, Volume 4, Issue 3 (September 2016) – 5 articles

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