• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.196-205
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• 2014

In this study, to obtain basic data for searching potential resources as new natural fibers, we investigated morphological and classificatory characteristics of 21 weed seed fibers. According to classification keys in this study, the collected weed seed fibers could be classified into total 13 types, showing their diversity. Seven species among them belonged to BOT3 type. Two species belonged to B2N0 and DOS3 type, respectively. Many of weed seed fibers had not branched. However, three species had various branched fibers at one main fibers on the seed. Three species had various branched fibers at several main fibers on the seed. Eight species had a smooth fiber surface but 13 species had a weakly or significantly developed-corniculum on the fiber surface. In the fiber cell shape, fiber cells of eight weed species were composed of one long cell without septum. But others had a fiber cell shape composed of a bunch of several long cells. Based on the easiness of harvesting, productivity of fibers, and morphological characteristics of seed fiber, it seemed that five seed fibers (TYPLA, METJA, HEMLY, IMPCK, and EREHI) should be additionally investigated if they are practically applicable as renewable resources for new natural fibers.

• Carbon letters
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.245-248
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• 2006

Thin films of carbon-nano materials (CNMs) of different morphology have been successfully deposited on ceramic substrate by CVD at temperatures $800^{\circ}C$, $850^{\circ}C$ and $900^{\circ}C$ using plant based oils in the presence of transition metal catalysts (Ni, Co and Ni/Co alloys). Based on the return and insertion loss, microwave absorption properties of thin film of nanocarbon material are measured using passive micro-Strip line components. The result indicates that amongst CNMs synthesized from oil of natural precursors (mustered oil - Brassica napus, Karanja oil - Pongamia glabra, Cotton oil - Gossipium hirsuta and Neem oil - Azadirachta indica) carbon nano fibers obtained from neem's seed oil showed better microwave absorption (~20dB) in the range of 8.0 GHz to 17.90 GHz.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.132-138
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• 2016

In this study, we report the fabrication of functional complex fibers, which have been studied widely globally for numerous applications. Here, we fabricated conductive complex fibers with antibacterial properties by coating metal ions on the surface of plastic (polypropylene) fibers using the electroless and electrochemical deposition. First, we polished the polypropylene melt-blown fiber surface and obtained an absorbing Pd seed layer on its surface. Subsequently, we substituted the Pd with Cu. Bis-3-sulfopropyl-disulfide disodium salt (SPS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and ethylene thiourea (ETU) were used as the brightener, carrier, and leveler, respectively for the electroplating. We focused on most achieving the stable plating condition to remove dendrites, which are normally during electroplating metals so that smooth layer is formed on the fiber surface. The higher the amount of SPS, the higher was the extent of irregular plate-like growth. Many irregularities in the form of round spheres were observed with increase in the amount of PEG and ETU. Hence, when the additives were used separately, a uniform coating could not be obtained. A stable coating was obtained when the three additives were combined and a uniform 5-9 μm thick copper layer with a stable morphology could be obtained around the fiber. We believe that our results can be applied widely to obtain conductive fibers with antibacterial properties and are useful in aiding research on conductive lightweight composite fibers for application in information technology and robotics.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.105-108
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• 2018

Recently matured silkworm powder was developed by RDA. In this study, the effect of pulverizing method on the particle size of matured silkworm powder was examined. FESEM was performed to observe the morphology and to measure the particle size of silkworm powder. Particle morphology of air-jet mill pulverized powder was round and smooth, however, those of roller-mill and hammer-mill pulverized mature silkworm was more harsh and square. Particle size was varied with pulverizing technique as follows; $1.1{\mu}m$ (air-jet mill), $10{\mu}m$ (roller mill), and $120{\mu}m$ (hammer mill), respectively. A proximate analysis results of air-jet mill powder showed that crude protein, crude lipid, crude fiber, and ash was 73%, 12%, 1.95%, and 3.4%, respectively. According to our results, air-jet mell technique might be used to make a tiny matured silkworm powder.