pISSN : 1229-9197 / eISSN : 1875-0052
Fibers and Polymers, the journal of the Korean Fiber Society, provides you with state-of-the-art
research in fibers and polymer science and technology related to developments in the textile
industry. Bridging the gap between fiber science and polymer science, the journal’s topics
include fiber structure and property, dyeing and finishing, textile processing, and apparel science.
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Latest Publication (Vol. 26, No. 6, Jun. 2025)
Characterization and Finite Element Analysis of Hybrid Glass–Maize Stalk Fibers–Epoxy Composite for Bone Plate Application
Abeba Gachen Risa Desalegn Wogaso Wolla
Femur bone fractures often result from high-energy trauma, such as traffic accidents and falls from heights. The use of conventional bone fixation plates poses challenges due to a stiffness mismatch with human cortical bone, leading to the stress shielding effect. To address this, a hybrid glass–maize stalk fiber reinforced polymer composite with mechanical properties closest to human bone is being investigated. The hand layup technique, followed by light compression loading, is employed to fabricate composite specimens with a fiber length of 3 mm and a fiber-to-matrix weight ratio of 30 wt% and 70 wt%, respectively. Various mechanical and physical tests are carried out on the composite specimens in accordance with ASTM standards to assess their performance. A specimen with a composition of 25 wt% glass fiber and 5wt% maize stalk fiber reinforced epoxy demonstrates promising mechanical and physical properties, including a tensile strength of 166.64 MPa, a compressive strength of 265.08 MPa, and water absorption of 1.93%. Finite element analysis is conducted using the commercial software ANSYS 2021 R2, and the results show that the hybrid composite specimen has a reducing effect on the stress shielding effect, making it a potential alternative material to metallic plates for femur bone fractures. Additionally, the use of maize stalk fiber as a reinforcing material contributes to environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Polymer Acoustic Composites from Waste Cotton, Coffee Husk, and Sawdust for Functional Applications
Sakthivel Santhanam Ariharasudhan Subramanian
Acoustics and thermal insulation materials are essential for improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This study explores the development of composite materials from waste cotton fiber, coffee husk, and sawdust, focusing on their thermal conductivity and sound insulation properties. Various sample compositions were prepared and tested for ceiling insulation applications, with weight ratios determined using a simplex lattice design. The results highlight the superior performance of these waste-derived composites compared to traditional insulation materials, offering a sustainable and effective alternative. The optimal composite composition, containing 33.33% cotton fiber, 33.33% coffee husk, and 33.33% sawdust, achieved the highest thermal insulation value of 0.052% and a thermal conductivity of 0.048 W/mK. Sound absorption coefficients (SAC) were measured using the impedance tube method (ASTM E1050) across frequencies from 1600 to 5000 Hz. The CFS4 composite demonstrated outstanding high-frequency sound absorption, particularly above 2500 Hz, while the increased thickness of the CFS6 composite enhanced sound absorption at medium and low frequencies. With sound absorption coefficients exceeding 82.0%, these materials exhibit exceptional acoustic properties. Moreover, thicker composites were found to improve thermal insulation significantly. These findings position the developed waste composites as a promising, eco-friendly solution for thermal and acoustic insulation in sustainable construction.
SF6 Plasma Surface Modification of Flax Fibers for Improved Adhesion in Polypropylene Composites
Anderson Thiago Vasconcelos Veiga Yuri Ferreira da Silva Rafael Cordeiro Cavalcante Renata Antoun Simão
Flax fibers have attracted growing interest in the automotive industry as an eco-friendly reinforcement for polymer composites. However, their limited interfacial compatibility with hydrophobic matrices is detrimental to adhesion, a key factor in the composite mechanical behavior. To address this issue, this study investigates the surface modification of flax fibers using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasma. The proposed treatment promotes fiber surface hydrophobization while preserving their bulk properties. The effect of SF6 plasma treatments on flax fiber adhesion to polypropylene (PP) blends containing post-consumer material is thoroughly examined. The analysis, conducted using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy, reveals that the plasma treatment induces the etching of amorphous substances present in the fibers, including amorphous cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Plasma etching in combination with fluorination significantly enhances the adhesion of flax fibers to the PP blend matrix. Notably, the treated fibers exhibit improvements in tensile strength (9%) and elastic modulus (25%) compared to untreated fibers. These findings highlight the potential of SF6 plasmas as an effective pretreatment method for natural fiber composite reinforcements.
Development of Innovative Thermoplastic Elium® Nanocomposites Reinforced with Ag/SiC-Doped PAN Nanofibers: Advancing Mechanical Properties and X-Ray Shielding Performance
Mustafa Mert Kurdiş Hasan Ulus Ahmet Avcı
High-energy X-ray radiation poses significant risks to human health and sensitive electronics, which necessitates the development of lightweight and multifunctional shielding materials for aerospace, medical, and defense applications. This study introduces an innovative approach by developing Elium®-based thermoplastic nanocomposites reinforced with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers doped with silver (Ag) and silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles. The goal is to enhance mechanical performance, thermal stability, and X-ray attenuation capability while maintaining recyclability and processability. For this purpose, the nanofibers were produced using electrospinning, and nanocomposites were fabricated through resin impregnation followed by compression molding. The mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile testing, thermal stability was assessed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray attenuation performance was determined using an X-ray transmission setup. The results demonstrate that hybrid Ag-SiC nanoparticle doping led to a 52% increase in tensile strength and a 15% improvement in strain compared to neat Elium®. Additionally, Ag-doped composites exhibited a 30 °C higher degradation onset temperature, indicating superior thermal stability. X-ray attenuation tests confirmed a 25% enhancement in linear attenuation coefficients for hybrid composites, making them highly effective for radiation shielding applications. These findings highlight the potential of Elium®-based nanocomposites as high-performance, lightweight, and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional shielding materials. Their enhanced multifunctional properties position them as promising candidates for aerospace, defense, and healthcare applications, contributing to safer and more sustainable engineering solutions.
Innovative 3D Commingled Weaving and Smart Material Selection for Ballistic Thermoplastic Composites
Anas Asim Adeela Nasreen Sohail Ahmed Yasir Nawab Faisal Siddiqui Rana Sami ul Haq Jiabao Yi
High-performance thermoplastic composites were developed using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM)-based smart material selection to identify optimal thermoplastics for ballistic applications. To enhance matrix impregnation, a novel commingled 3D weaving technique was devised, enabling simultaneous mixing of reinforcement and thermoplastic materials during preform fabrication. This approach eliminates the need for intimate mixing at spinning level, reducing risk of damaging reinforcement fibers during the melting of thermoplastics in composites. Nylon-6 and Polypropylene were selected through this smart selection process and combined with Kevlar high-performance fibers for fabrication. The Kevlar/Polypropylene preform demonstrated superior air permeability, ensuring uniform resin flow during composite manufacturing due to its open structure. In contrast, the Kevlar/Nylon preform exhibited better slow penetration resistance, attributed to its compact structure and higher thread density. Charpy impact testing revealed that Kevlar/Polypropylene and Kevlar/Nylon composites achieved 204% and 75% increase in impact strength, respectively, compared to conventional Kevlar/Polyester composites. The Kevlar/Polypropylene composite excelled in tensile and impact strength, driven by stronger interfacial bonding, extended curing time, and ductility of polypropylene, making it promising for ballistic applications.
Mechanical and Gas Barrier Properties of Naturally and Artificially Weathered High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Laminated Structures for Stratospheric Airship Envelope
Shikha Chouhan Bapan Adak B. S. Butola Mangala Joshi
This study presents the fabrication of lightweight, strong, high-helium barrier, and weather-resistant composite laminates for stratospheric airships. Three high-performance fabrics (Spectra®, Vectran®, Kevlar®) served as the strength layer, while PVDC-treated BOPET film (Mylar®) and PVF film (Tedlar®) acted as the helium barrier and the weather-protective layer, respectively. Atmospheric plasma treatment of BOPET and PVF films optimized surface functionalization before lamination. A weather-resistant PU-based adhesive, enhanced with organic UV additives, graphene oxide, and carbon black, joined the layers, and an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane, similarly modified, served both as a heat-sealable sealing layer and a tie coat (incorporating a crosslinker). Graphene oxide in adhesive and sealing layers improved both the weather resistance and the helium gas barrier. Plasma functionalization effects on PVF and BOPET film surface were analyzed using AFM and T-peel strength. Composite laminates underwent accelerated artificial weathering (700 h) and natural weathering (8 month), with evaluations every 200 h and 2 months, respectively. After UV exposure, changes in peel strength, tear strength, tensile strength, and helium gas barrier were assessed. All three types of laminates performed well with minimal property deterioration, especially after 8 month of natural weathering, compared to 700 h artificial weathering. The Kevlar-based laminates demonstrated superior performance across all properties (tensile strength 968 N/cm, tear strength 513 N, and helium permeability 0.02 L/m2/24 h), showcasing significant potential for stratospheric airship envelopes.
Process Conditions Affecting the Physical Properties of Air-Jet Textured Yarns with PET/PTT Bicomponent Core and PET Effect Components
Hyeongmin Moon Hyungsup Kim Chang Kyu Park Joonseok Koh
This study investigates the alterations in the physical properties of air-jet-textured yarn (ATY) produced using a poly(ethylene terephthalate)–poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bicomponent filament yarn as the core under varying processing conditions. The inherent crimp structure of the bicomponent fiber can yield elastic behavior, potentially resulting in the loss of loops formed during air-jet texturing. Fundamental properties, including tenacity, initial modulus, and instability, were analyzed using a specified measurement method tailored to the crimped core yarn. Additionally, a novel concept of loop density was introduced to evaluate loop stability. The physical properties of ATYs were predicted across various processing conditions within the conventional operational ranges using a statistical formula developed to illustrate the variation trends. To investigate loop stability, the concepts of loop density and loop density gap were introduced, and cyclic tensile tests were conducted. The increase in core yarn diameter and overall diameter was more significant than the increase in loop area, resulting in an overall decrease in loop density. The loop stability was preserved when density, overfeed, and air pressure were maintained at lower levels. The contributions of this study will enhance ATY production techniques and enable manufacturers to produce more stable and elastic yarns suitable for premium fashion applications, thereby meeting consumer preferences for cotton-like synthetic fabrics.
Comparative Analysis of Hybrid Yarns Produced by Different Core Preparing Methods Using Various Filaments and its Influence on Fabric
Ahsan Habib Yağmur Olgun Osman Babaarslan Merve Turan
Stretchable yarns (double core) fulfill consumer requirements for comfortable clothing with a flexible structure. The study focuses on utilizing various methods and filaments in yarn production and their effect on fabric characteristics. The experimental study includes the manufacturing of Ne 18/1 yarn (dual core) by three different methods: Invista® method, Texturing/Intermingling method, and Elasto twist method (Hamel twist and cover method) for ‘Z’ and ‘S’ twist direction using various filaments and properties of the developed yarns are measured using standard methods. Additionally, 3/1 ‘Z’ twill denim fabric was manufactured using this manufactured yarn, and fabric properties were evaluated. The impact of production method and filament type on these developed yarns and fabrics properties is analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and it is concluded that the filament type and production technique have a meaningful impact on yarns and fabrics properties. This comparative analysis provides valuable information and highlights the significance of filament type and production method in achieving desired properties.
Enhancing Fabric Moisture Management Assessment Through Advanced Image Analysis
S. S. Gulhane V. S. Shivankar C. Prakash
In textile engineering and moisture management, the precise evaluation of fabric-wicking properties is essential for assessing fabric performance and comfort. This research introduces an innovative instrument for determining horizontal wicking in fabrics by employing periodic imaging to track moisture propagation across the fabric surface. The captured images undergo detailed analysis using MATLAB software to quantify the moisture spread. To validate the reliability and accuracy of our method, statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA, was conducted to compare the wicking test results obtained from our developed tester and conventional methods. The statistical findings confirm a significant correlation between the two approaches, reinforcing the credibility of our instrument in fabric moisture management assessment. Furthermore, our tester consistently delivers uniform results, making it a valuable tool for investigating the wicking performance of different fabric structures. By integrating image analysis technology with statistical validation, this study advances fabric moisture management evaluation, offering researchers and manufacturers a precise and efficient method to enhance textile performance.
Comprehensive Characterization of Novel Agro-Industrial Waste Azadirachta indica A. Juss Oil Cake Derived Cellulose Micro Fillers Reinforced with Basalt/Banana Fiber Based Hybrid Polymeric Composite for Lightweight Applications
Rantheesh Jagadeesan Indran Suyambulingam Manivel Selvaraj Divya Divakaran K. Kumaresan N. S. Balaji Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa Suchart Siengchin
Raw material demand has increased across many sectors as the world's population has become more aware of the importance of using environmentally friendly and long-lasting products. Over exploitation of wood as a cellulose source has caused serious environmental problems. New cellulose sources are sought by scientists. Oil cakes result from cold pressing seeds to extract edible and non-edible oils can be a resource for solving this demand. Pollution and manufacturing costs would decrease if oilseed cake were used to make cellulose with waste-to-material approach. In this scenario, an effort was made to get cellulose fillers from Azadirachta indica A. Juss neem oil cake to reinforce with polymeric matrix composites. Basalt/banana fibres were reinforced with cellulose filler made from Azadirachta indica A. Juss neem oil by compression moulding method to fabricate a new type of polyester-based hybrid composite. Novel cellulosic fillers reinforcement weight percentage (from 0 to 10 wt%) was investigated for its effects on mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and fractographic properties. FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TGA analysis were some analytical methods used to look into how the material characters changed. Optimal load transmission between the matrix and the fibres was further optimised by adding cellulosic fillers, which improved mechanical and thermal properties. NCC-filled hybrid composite types were found to be more resistant to temperature changes when compared with simpler matrix-type composites, as revealed by the TGA. The composites with 7.5 wt.% cellulosic filler had maximum tensile, flexural, and impact properties of 53.23 ± 6.03 MPa, 176.14 ± 12.61 MPa, and 92.77 ± 3.66 kJ/m2, respectively. The fractography analysis confirmed the perfect bonding between the reinforcements and the matrix which will be well suitable for structural and semi-structural applications.