• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.393-401
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• 2018

Natural fibers derived from lignocellulosic materials are considered to be more environment-friendly than petroleum-based synthetic fibers. Several natural fibers, such as seedpod fibers, have a potential for development, including kapok and balsa fibers. The characteristics of both fibers were evaluated to determine their suitability for specific valuable applications. The purpose of this study was to analyze some important fundamental properties of kapok and balsa fibers, including their dimensions, morphology, chemical components, and wettability. The results showed that the average fiber lengths for kapok and balsa were 1.63 and 1.30 cm, respectively. Kapok and balsa fibers had thin cell walls and large lumens filled with air. The kapok fiber was composed of 38.09% ${\alpha}-cellulose$, 14.09% lignin, and 2.34% wax content, whereas the balsa fiber was composed 44.62% ${\alpha}-cellulose$, 16.60% lignin, and 2.29% wax content. The characteristics of kapok and balsa fibers were examined by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. The contact angle of the distilled water on kapok and balsa fibers was more than $90^{\circ}$, indicating that both fibers are hydrophobic with low wettability properties because of to the presence of wax on the fiber surface.

• Composites Research
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.408-414
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• 2020

The present engineering sector focused on the sandwich composites and almost covered all engineering fields because of decent mechanical properties with a lightweight structure. It mainly consists of high strength fiber skin and porous structure core like corrugated, honeycomb, balsa wood, and foams which is playing a pivotal role in weight reduction. Recently researchers attention grabbed by Natural fiber sandwich composites due to biodegradability, renewable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly. However special focus is highly needed towards the flammability behavior of natural fibers used as reinforcement for composites. Herein, for the first time, the flame retardant natural fiber sandwich composite was fabricated by using flame retardant treated bamboo fabric and vinyl ester via the VARTM process. The impact of flame retardant treated bamboo fabric on mechanical and flame retardant properties were studied. The results concluded that the fabricated bamboo sandwich composites show structurally lightweight with significant mechanical strength and feasibility with respect to the flame.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.50-61
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• 2007

The structural stiffness, strength and stability on the bodyshell and floor structures of the Korean Low Floor Bus composed of laminate, sandwich panels and metal reinforced frame were evaluated. The laminate composite panel and facesheet of sandwich panel were made of WR580/NF4000 glass fabric/epoxy laminate, while aluminum honeycomb or balsa was applied to the core materials of the sandwich panel. A finite element analysis was used to verify the basic design requirements of the bodyshell and the floor structure. The use of aluminum reinforced frame and honeycomb core was beneficial for weight saving and structural performance. The symmetry of the outer and inner facesheet thickness of sandwich panels did not affect the structural integrity. The structural strength of the panels was evaluated using Von-Mises criterion for metal structures and total laminate approach criterion for composite structures. All stress component of the bodyshell and floor structures were safely located below the failure stresses. The total laminate approach is recommended to predict the failure of hybrid sandwich composite structures at the stage of the basic design.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2016

In order to suggest the optimal manufacturing technology of composite wings of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles, this study compared forming technologies to reduce wing weight for long-endurance flight and to improve the manufacturing process for cost-saving and mass production. It compared the manufacturing time and weight of various composite wing molding technologies, including cocuring, secondary bonding, and manufacturing by balsa. As a result, wing weight was reduced through cocuring methods such as band type composite fiber/tape lamination technology, which enabled prolonged flight duration. In addition, the reduced manufacturing time led to a lower cost, which is a good example of weight lightening for not only small solar-powered UAVs, but also composite aircraft.