The effects of alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) and zinc borate (ZB) on the resistance of corn stalk fiber (CSF)-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites to biodegradation were examined. Both biocides could inhibit termites, mold fungi, and wood-decay fungi, even at high CSF formulations (i.e., 60%). Additionally, ACQ enhanced the resistance of the composite materials to certain b...

The uses of recycled materials in composites provide the potential for large cost savings and a solution to the ever-growing disposal problem. Shingles contain petroleum based binders and fillers, which used as a valuable resource in composite production. Composites offer inherent advantages over traditional materials in regard to corrosion resistance, design flexibility and extended service li...

In this study, carbon nano fibers (CNFs) were mixed into epoxy resin through a magnetic stirrer and again mixed using ultra sonicator. Using hand layup technique, biaxial braided fiber composites were prepared with unfilled, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 wt% CNF. Tensile test and shear test was performed to identify the tensile strength and shear strength of the composites. Fractured surface of the tensile sp...

Composite panels using virgin and recycled high-density polyethylene (VHDPE and RHDPE) and five types of natural fibers including four rice straw components (i.e., rice husk, rice straw leaf, rice straw stem, and whole rice straw) and wood fiber as control were made by melt compounding and compression molding. Fiber characteristics and the influences of fiber type and loading rate on HDPE cryst...

For effective applicability of reinforced cork, cork composites with metal, glass fiber, and carbon fiber were developed, the effects reinforcing materials on mechanical properties investigated. The bending moduli elasticity (MOE) in 32.7–35.9 MPa range, while strength values 1.62–1.73 range. performance decreased order cork-metal > cork-carbon cork-glass fiber. MOEs improved by 29%–41% comp...