• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.186-194
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• 2011

Natural fiber/natural rubber composites were fabricated by uniformly compounding natural rubber and cellulose- based natural fiber kenaf and then by compression molding. The effect of kenaf fiber content on their vulcanization behavior, hardness, tensile properties, tear strength and static and dynamic properties was investigated. The contents of kenaf fiber in the composites were 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr, compared to natural rubber and additives. The result indicated that various properties of natural rubber depended on the kenaf fiber content. With increasing kenaf fiber content, the torque for vulcanization of natural rubber was increased whereas the vulcanization time was reduced as well. The hardness, tensile modulus and tear strength of kenaf/natural rubber composites were gradually decreased with the fiber content whereas the tensile strength and elongation at break were decreased. Also, with increasing the kenaf fiber content the dynamic property of natural rubber was changed more greatly than the static property. The loss factor, which is closely related with the damping or absorption of the energy given to natural rubber, was proportionally increased with the fiber content.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.63-69
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• 2017

This study describes the development of a long-distance hose for ultra-high pressure operation, which can be used in conjunction with an ultra-high pressure pump and can be effectively applied to the fire suppression of high-rise buildings and a long, large tunnels. Also, it has phosphorescent properties, which can help to secure the withdrawal route of the fire-fighters when they are threatened by the fire. We developed an ultra-high pressure hose aiming at a pressure of 3 MPa and a flow rate of 2000 lpm and developed an ultra-high pressure fire hose that can withstand this very high pressure by using a double jacket, triple polyurethane coating and warf (Wp) of 52. In order to ensure the performance of the developed ultra-high pressure hose, its structure, appearance, leakage at high pressure, length and elongation were inspected by a certified certification agency, who also subjected it to a peeling test, friction test, breaking pressure test and free fall test. Also, it was studied in addition to the luminescent high-pressure hose for fire-fighting. In the phosphorescence test, the luminance measurement value was more than the reference value of the luminance test after 40 minutes, which confirmed that its performance was satisfactory for fire-fighting products. In the future, if such an ultra-high pressure fire hose were commercialized and applied in the field, it could contribute to securing improved fire suppression and safer exit from fires, as compared to the fire hoses currently used in the suppression of fires in skyscraper buildings and long tunnels.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.114-123
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• 2019

The paper relates to a study on the changes in performance of insulation sheath resulting from accelerated degradation of IV and HIV insulated wire. To assume insulation degradation of IV and HIV insulated wire, accelerated life tests using Arrhenius equation were conducted among accelerated life test models, and experimental samples of 0 year, 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, and 40 years in equivalent life were produced. Whereas the maximum tensile load were increased as accelerated degradation of IV and HIV insulated wire progressed, elongation percentage, rupture time, and flexibility of insulated wires were found to be gradually reduced. According to the additional surface analysis results for the insulated wires per equivalent life using a scanning electron microscope, mechanical properties of the insulator were observed to be reduced as insulation degradation resulting from aging progressed since phenomena such as formation of crystalline structures and perforation, etc. occurred on the sample surface with progression of accelerated degradation. Consequently, institutional replacement of insulated wires and preparation of repair times considering performance degradation of the insulator installed inside buildings are considered necessary in order to prevent in advance the risks of electrical fire resulting from degradation in insulation performance.