The fibred magnesium hydroxide from the bracite was treated with a surface active agent. The modified fibred magnesium hydroxide as flame-retardant, boric acid, barium stearate, polydimethyl siloxane fluid, vinyltrie...The fibred magnesium hydroxide from the bracite was treated with a surface active agent. The modified fibred magnesium hydroxide as flame-retardant, boric acid, barium stearate, polydimethyl siloxane fluid, vinyltriethoxysilane as synergists of the flame-retardant were added to polyene resin. The flame-resistance polyene material prepared meets the requirements of EWCZ-6287-1. (Author abstract) 2 Refs.展开更多
Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd(FET)of Leeds,UK reported another successful exhibition at COMPAMED 2025 in Dusseldorf,following closely on the heels of ITMA ASIA in Singapore.This was the second time that FET had exhib...Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd(FET)of Leeds,UK reported another successful exhibition at COMPAMED 2025 in Dusseldorf,following closely on the heels of ITMA ASIA in Singapore.This was the second time that FET had exhibited at this leading international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector,a reflection of the company’s growing role in this sector.More than half of FET’s turnover is currently derived from the burgeoning medical market.COMPAMED is aimed at suppliers of a wide range of high-quality medical technology components,services and production equipment for the medical industry.FET’s expanding role in the medical sector is therefore an ideal fit for this trade show.展开更多
Members of the British Textile Machinery Association(BTMA)can look back on 2025 as a year marked by notable technological advances and continued progress in global trade,despite an uncertain and volatile market.“Our ...Members of the British Textile Machinery Association(BTMA)can look back on 2025 as a year marked by notable technological advances and continued progress in global trade,despite an uncertain and volatile market.“Our members have been very active over the past 12 months and this has resulted in new technologies for the production of technical fibres and fabrics,the introduction of AI and machine learning into process control systems and significant advances in materials testing,”says BTMA CEO Jason Kent.“There’s real excitement about what can be achieved in 2026 as we look ahead to upcoming exhibitions such as JEC Composites in Paris in March and Techtextil in Frankfurt in April.”展开更多
This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural rubber(NR)composites,focusing on their properties,compounding aspects,and renewable practices involving natural fibre reinforcement.The properties of NR are inf...This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural rubber(NR)composites,focusing on their properties,compounding aspects,and renewable practices involving natural fibre reinforcement.The properties of NR are influenced by the compounding process,which incorporates ingredients such as elastomers,vulcanizing agents,accelerators,activators,and fillers like carbon black and silica.While effective in enhancing properties,these fillers lack biodegradability,prompting the exploration of sustainable alternatives.The potential of natural fibres as renewable reinforcements in NR composites is thoroughly covered in this review,highlighting both their advan-tages,such as improved sustainability,and the challenges they present,such as compatibility with the rubber matrix.Surface treatment methods,including alkali and silane treatments,are also discussed as solutions to improve fibre-matrix adhesion and mitigate these challenges.Additionally,the review highlights the potential of oil palm empty fruit bunch(EFB)fibres as a natural fibre reinforcement.The abundance of EFB fibres and their alignment with sustainable practices make them promising substitutes for conventional fillers,contributing to valuable knowledge and supporting the broader move towards renewable reinforcement to improve sustain-ability without compromising the key properties of rubber composites.展开更多
The systemic effects of gastrointestinal(GI)microbiota in health and during chronic diseases is increasingly recognised.Dietary strategies to modulate the GI microbiota during chronic diseases have demonstrated promis...The systemic effects of gastrointestinal(GI)microbiota in health and during chronic diseases is increasingly recognised.Dietary strategies to modulate the GI microbiota during chronic diseases have demonstrated promise.While changes in dietary intake can rapidly change the GI microbiota,the impact of dietary changes during acute critical illness on the microbiota remain uncertain.Dietary fibre is metabolised by carbohydrate-active enzymes and,in health,can alter GI microbiota.The aim of this scoping review was to describe the effects of dietary fibre supplementation in health and disease states,specifically during critical illness.Randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies that include adults(>18 years age)and reported changes to GI microbiota as one of the study outcomes using non-culture methods,were identified.Studies show dietary fibres have an impact on faecal microbiota in health and disease.The fibre,inulin,has a marked and specific effect on increasing the abundance of faecal Bifidobacteria.Short chain fatty acids produced by Bifidobacteria have been shown to be beneficial in other patient populations.Very few trials have evaluated the effect of dietary fibre on the GI microbiota during critical illness.More research is necessary to establish optimal fibre type,doses,duration of intervention in critical illness.展开更多
This paper presents a quasi-distributed sensing method for wind turbine blade strain using fibre Bragg grating(FBG)arrays.The sensitive area of the blade strain variation is determined by simulation,and three fibre gr...This paper presents a quasi-distributed sensing method for wind turbine blade strain using fibre Bragg grating(FBG)arrays.The sensitive area of the blade strain variation is determined by simulation,and three fibre grating arrays are arranged on the surface of the sensitive part of the blade strain.Static experiments show that the strain is larger between 0.6 times blade length(0.6R)and 0.8 times blade length(0.8R),which is consistent with the simulation results.It is also found that the slopes of the strain versus load fitting curves are similar at different angles of attack,but the intercepts are different.The dynamic experiments show that the strain at 0.8 times blade length(0.8R)is the largest and changes most rapidly with time.The dynamic strain distribution is similar to the static experimental results.In this paper,the integration of quasi-distributed strain sensing for wind turbine blades is explored,providing a new fibre optic detection technique for strain monitoring.展开更多
A much more sustainable,cost effective and very flexible process for manufacturing critical fibres based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)is being launched by the UK’s Fibre Extrusion Technologies(F...A much more sustainable,cost effective and very flexible process for manufacturing critical fibres based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)is being launched by the UK’s Fibre Extrusion Technologies(FET).展开更多
Real-time assessment of slope reinforcements to diagnose their state in all stages of service life is imperative for prompt evaluation of slope stability and establishing an efficient early warning(EW)system.Many poin...Real-time assessment of slope reinforcements to diagnose their state in all stages of service life is imperative for prompt evaluation of slope stability and establishing an efficient early warning(EW)system.Many point-based monitoring instruments have been used in the last few decades.However,these sensors suffer from a particular risk of detection failures and practical limitations.Fibre-optic sensing(FOS)technologies have been developed,tested,and validated across various geoengineering applications,including slope monitoring,as they offer exceptional advantages,such as high data-carrying capacity,precise mapping of physical parameters,durability,and immunity to electromagnetic interference.The deformation of rock/soil causes the deformation and fracture of reinforcement materials,which are subsequently transferred to the encapsulated fibre-optic(FO)sensors,providing valuable information on reinforcements'safety state and performance for early failure detection.This paper is devoted to critically analysing the application of cutting-edge FOS technologies for slope reinforcement monitoring.Firstly,a concise overview of the fundamental principles underlying discrete and distributed FOS methods is provided.The key considerations for selecting FO cables and the appropriate packaging techniques necessary to withstand the challenges posed by complex geological environments are also summarised.We delve into the details of three distinct cable installation techniques within slope reinforcement components:surface bonding,slot embedment,and clamping.The recent advancements in FOS methods for monitoring slope reinforcements such as rock bolts,soil nails,anti-slide piles,geosynthetics,and retaining walls are extensively reviewed.The paper addresses this novel sensing technique's challenges and comprehensively explores its prospects.This review is anticipated to be a valuable resource for geoengineers and researchers involved in slope monitoring through FOS technology,offering insightful perspectives and guidance.展开更多
Fibre and fabric production technologies-especially in the area of com-posite reinforcements-have played an as-yet largely unheralded role in thedevelopment of the UKs Formula One industry,but the British Textile Mach...Fibre and fabric production technologies-especially in the area of com-posite reinforcements-have played an as-yet largely unheralded role in thedevelopment of the UKs Formula One industry,but the British Textile MachineryAssociation(BTMA)aims to change that.展开更多
The growing environmental awareness,the search for alternatives to fossil resources,and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based pol...The growing environmental awareness,the search for alternatives to fossil resources,and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based polymers and other high-value products.Among the various biowaste materials,lignin has gained significant attention due to its high aromatic carbon content,low cost,and abundance.Lignin is predominantly sourced as a byproduct from the paper industry,available in large quantities from hardwood and softwood,with variations in chemical structure and susceptibility to hydrolysis.This study focuses on softwood lignin obtained through the LignoForce^(TM) technology,comparing the thermal and chemical characteristics,and stability,of a recently produced batch with that of a batch that has been stored for four years.Additionally,the development of lignin-based thermoplastic polymer mixtures using Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol(PET-G)and a blend of Polycarbonate and Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene(PC/ABS)with high lignin content(50–60 wt%)is explored,as well as the production of filaments for carbon fiber production.For this purpose,following melt mixing,the lignin-based mixtures were spun into filaments,which were subsequently subjected to thermal stabilization in an oxidative atmosphere.The lignin phase was well distributed in the PET-Gmatrix and the twomaterials presented a good interface,which further improved after thermal treatment under an oxidative atmosphere.After thermal treatment an increase in tensile modulus,tensile strength,and elongation at break of approximately 160%,200%,and 100%,respectively,was observed,confirming the good interface established,and consistent with structural changes such as cross-linking.Conversely,the PC/ABS blend did not form a good interface with the lignin domains after melt mixing.Although the interactions improved after thermal treatment,the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased by approximately 30%,while themodulus increased by approximately 20%.Overall,the good processability of the lignin/polymer mixtures into filaments,and their physical,chemical,and mechanical characterization before and after thermal oxidation are good indicators of the potential as precursors for carbon fiber production.展开更多
Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets eit...Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.展开更多
Substantial reductions in muscle motor unit numbers accompany ageing and occur in parallel the age-related changes in skeletal muscle mass and fibre number.These motor unit changes are reflected in reduced motor neuro...Substantial reductions in muscle motor unit numbers accompany ageing and occur in parallel the age-related changes in skeletal muscle mass and fibre number.These motor unit changes are reflected in reduced motor neuron numbers and size,axonal integrity and disrupted pre-and post-synaptic neuromuscular junctions(NMJ).Conversely,data indicate that the effects of ageing on neuromuscular transmission are relatively minor.Some authors have therefore argued that structural degeneration of motor axons and NMJ are unimportant in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and for a non-neurogenic origin for ageing-induced muscle loss.Increased Reactive Oxygen Species(ROS)activities and changes in redox status are a feature of ageing and may play a key role in muscle loss through increased mitochondrial peroxide generation.This article will review the changes in motor units and NMJ seen during ageing and develop the argument that the changes in muscle mitochondrial peroxide generation and redox status may be caused by age-related changes in neuromuscular structure,but are not directly related to neuromuscular transmission.This provides an alternative explanation on how age-related changes in neural tissue might drive skeletal muscle fibre loss and weakness.Exercise interventions are known to reduce muscle loss and weakness in the elderly,but studies of such interventions on age-related changes in motor units,motor neurons or NMJ structure and function provide conflicting data.A further aim is therefore to identify areas where there is a need for novel research to understand whether,and how,targeted or long-term exercise might influence neuromuscular changes in ageing.展开更多
The textile industry has long relied on various additives to enhance the properties of fabrics,making them more durable,resistant to stains,and even antimicrobial.These additives include dyes,coatings,flame retardants...The textile industry has long relied on various additives to enhance the properties of fabrics,making them more durable,resistant to stains,and even antimicrobial.These additives include dyes,coatings,flame retardants,and water-repellent finishes.While they offer significant functional benefits,they pose a serious challenge when it comes to recycling textiles.Since many of these additives are chemically bonded to fibres,they make the separation and recovery of pure materials incredibly difficult.展开更多
The Lycra Company has announced its participation in Milano Unica, taking place from 8 to 10 July 2025, reaffirming its role as a leader in sustainable textile innovation. The Lycra Brand Lounge will unveil the world&...The Lycra Company has announced its participation in Milano Unica, taking place from 8 to 10 July 2025, reaffirming its role as a leader in sustainable textile innovation. The Lycra Brand Lounge will unveil the world's first commercially available elastane fibre made from renewable resources, the bio-derived Lycra Eco Made.展开更多
Archroma becomes the exclusive global distributor of Fibre52®'s patented chemistry-advancing a new standard in sustainable processing.Combined with Archroma's AVITERA®SE dyes,the partnership delivers...Archroma becomes the exclusive global distributor of Fibre52®'s patented chemistry-advancing a new standard in sustainable processing.Combined with Archroma's AVITERA®SE dyes,the partnership delivers the industry's most resource-efficient bleach-and-dye sys-tems.Archroma,a leading global specialty chemicals company committed to sus-tainable innovation,and Innovo Fiber LLC,owner of the patented Fibre52®system,today announced an exclusive global dis-tribution partnership to expand the reach of Fibre52®'s proven low-temperature,bleaching technology with innovative dyeing application to textile mills and brands worldwide.展开更多
Reactive Powder Concrete(RPC)is an advanced construction material prized for its superior strength and durability.However,its dense,ultra-low porosity microstructure,while beneficial for mechanical properties,renders ...Reactive Powder Concrete(RPC)is an advanced construction material prized for its superior strength and durability.However,its dense,ultra-low porosity microstructure,while beneficial for mechanical properties,renders it highly susceptible to explosive spalling when exposed to temperatures between 200℃ and 400℃.This dangerous phenomenon occurs as trapped moisture and air within the RPC’s pores rapidly expand upon heating,generating immense internal vapour pressure that causes sudden surface bursting.This study investigates a synergistic approach by combining steel fibres with low-melting-point polypropylene fibres within fibre-reinforced RPC(FRPC).The principle is that polypropylene fibres melt at approximately 170℃,creating a network of micro-channels that provide pathways for the release of trapped vapour and air,thereby relieving the internal pressure that causes spalling.To evaluate this,cylindrical specimens(10 cm×20 cm)were prepared,water-cured for 26 days,and then subjected to steam curing at 95℃ for 4 h.Subsequently,they were exposed to elevated temperatures of 200,300,and 400℃ for 2 h to simulate fire exposure.The results conclusively show that the hybrid fibre combination effectively prevents explosive spalling.Furthermore,the hybrid FRPC maintained an impressive 80–90%of its original compressive strength post-heating.In stark contrast,FRPC specimens containing only steel fibres suffered severe damage and retained a mere 20–40%of their room-temperature strength.These findings demonstrate that hybrid fibre reinforcement is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the fire resistance of RPC,thereby enabling its safer application for structures prone to elevated temperatures.展开更多
Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd(FET)of Leeds,UK designs,develops and manufactures extrusion equipment for a wide range of high value textile material applications worldwide.The company has built strong business relatio...Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd(FET)of Leeds,UK designs,develops and manufactures extrusion equipment for a wide range of high value textile material applications worldwide.The company has built strong business relationships across global markets,including a growing presence in Southeast Asia where technical textile development is advancing rapidly.FET boasts a number of specialist technical agents throughout Asia and is seeking to further expand its customer service in the future.展开更多
Curved geostructures,such as tunnels,are commonly encountered in geotechnical engineering and are critical to maintaining structural stability.Ensuring their proper performance through field monitoring during their se...Curved geostructures,such as tunnels,are commonly encountered in geotechnical engineering and are critical to maintaining structural stability.Ensuring their proper performance through field monitoring during their service life is essential for the overall functionality of geotechnical infrastructure.Distributed Brillouin sensing(DBS)is increasingly applied in geotechnical projects due to its ability to acquire spatially continuous strain and temperature distributions over distances of up to 150 km using a single optical fibre.However,limited by the complex operations of distributed optic fibre sensing(DFOS)sensors in curved structures,previous reports about exploiting DBS in geotechnical structural health monitoring(SHM)have mostly been focused on flat surfaces.The lack of suitable DFOS installation methods matched to the spatial characteristics of continuous monitoring is one of the major factors that hinder the further application of this technique in curved structures.This review paper starts with a brief introduction of the fundamental working principle of DBS and the inherent limitations of DBS being used on monitoring curved surfaces.Subsequently,the state-of-the-art installation methods of optical fibres in curved structures are reviewed and compared to address the most suitable scenario of each method and their advantages and disadvantages.The installation challenges of optical fibres that can highly affect measurement accuracy are also discussed in the paper.展开更多
A novel steel–carbon fibre/polyetheretherketone(CF/PEEK)hybrid shaft is proposed,considering the thermal stability,negative coefficient of thermal expansion in fibre orientation,and high stiffness of CF/PEEK,which is...A novel steel–carbon fibre/polyetheretherketone(CF/PEEK)hybrid shaft is proposed,considering the thermal stability,negative coefficient of thermal expansion in fibre orientation,and high stiffness of CF/PEEK,which is expected to suppress the thermal deformation of shafts.A laser-assisted in-situ consolidation(LAC)process,together with its equipment,was developed to manufacture the hybrid shaft.Firstly,the optimal process parameters,including the laser-heated temperature and placement speed,were investigated.A maximum short-beam shear strength of 80.7 MPa was achieved when the laser-heated temperature was 500°C and the placement speed was 100 mm/s.In addition,the failure modes and the effect of environmental temperature on the CF/PEEK samples were analyzed.Both interlayer cracks and inelastic deformation failure modes were observed.The formation and propagation of cracks were further investigated through digital image correlation(DIC).Furthermore,internal defects of the CF/PEEK sample were detected using X-ray tomography scans,and a minimum porosity of 0.23%was achieved with the optimal process parameters.Finally,two steel–CF/PEEK hybrid shafts,with different fibre orientations,were manufactured based on the optimal process parameters.The surface temperature distributions and thermal deformations were investigated using a self-established deformation/temperature measurement platform.The hybrid shaft showed an 85.7%reduction in radial displacement with hoop fibre orientation and an 11.5%reduction in axial displacement with cross fibre orientation compared with the steel shaft.The results indicate that the proposed method has great potential to improve the thermal stability of hybrid shafts and the accuracy of machine tools.展开更多
文摘The fibred magnesium hydroxide from the bracite was treated with a surface active agent. The modified fibred magnesium hydroxide as flame-retardant, boric acid, barium stearate, polydimethyl siloxane fluid, vinyltriethoxysilane as synergists of the flame-retardant were added to polyene resin. The flame-resistance polyene material prepared meets the requirements of EWCZ-6287-1. (Author abstract) 2 Refs.
文摘Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd(FET)of Leeds,UK reported another successful exhibition at COMPAMED 2025 in Dusseldorf,following closely on the heels of ITMA ASIA in Singapore.This was the second time that FET had exhibited at this leading international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector,a reflection of the company’s growing role in this sector.More than half of FET’s turnover is currently derived from the burgeoning medical market.COMPAMED is aimed at suppliers of a wide range of high-quality medical technology components,services and production equipment for the medical industry.FET’s expanding role in the medical sector is therefore an ideal fit for this trade show.
文摘Members of the British Textile Machinery Association(BTMA)can look back on 2025 as a year marked by notable technological advances and continued progress in global trade,despite an uncertain and volatile market.“Our members have been very active over the past 12 months and this has resulted in new technologies for the production of technical fibres and fabrics,the introduction of AI and machine learning into process control systems and significant advances in materials testing,”says BTMA CEO Jason Kent.“There’s real excitement about what can be achieved in 2026 as we look ahead to upcoming exhibitions such as JEC Composites in Paris in March and Techtextil in Frankfurt in April.”
基金funded under the Collaborative Research Initiative Grant Scheme(C-RIGS),grant number C-RIGS24-016-0022 from IIUM.
文摘This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural rubber(NR)composites,focusing on their properties,compounding aspects,and renewable practices involving natural fibre reinforcement.The properties of NR are influenced by the compounding process,which incorporates ingredients such as elastomers,vulcanizing agents,accelerators,activators,and fillers like carbon black and silica.While effective in enhancing properties,these fillers lack biodegradability,prompting the exploration of sustainable alternatives.The potential of natural fibres as renewable reinforcements in NR composites is thoroughly covered in this review,highlighting both their advan-tages,such as improved sustainability,and the challenges they present,such as compatibility with the rubber matrix.Surface treatment methods,including alkali and silane treatments,are also discussed as solutions to improve fibre-matrix adhesion and mitigate these challenges.Additionally,the review highlights the potential of oil palm empty fruit bunch(EFB)fibres as a natural fibre reinforcement.The abundance of EFB fibres and their alignment with sustainable practices make them promising substitutes for conventional fillers,contributing to valuable knowledge and supporting the broader move towards renewable reinforcement to improve sustain-ability without compromising the key properties of rubber composites.
文摘The systemic effects of gastrointestinal(GI)microbiota in health and during chronic diseases is increasingly recognised.Dietary strategies to modulate the GI microbiota during chronic diseases have demonstrated promise.While changes in dietary intake can rapidly change the GI microbiota,the impact of dietary changes during acute critical illness on the microbiota remain uncertain.Dietary fibre is metabolised by carbohydrate-active enzymes and,in health,can alter GI microbiota.The aim of this scoping review was to describe the effects of dietary fibre supplementation in health and disease states,specifically during critical illness.Randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies that include adults(>18 years age)and reported changes to GI microbiota as one of the study outcomes using non-culture methods,were identified.Studies show dietary fibres have an impact on faecal microbiota in health and disease.The fibre,inulin,has a marked and specific effect on increasing the abundance of faecal Bifidobacteria.Short chain fatty acids produced by Bifidobacteria have been shown to be beneficial in other patient populations.Very few trials have evaluated the effect of dietary fibre on the GI microbiota during critical illness.More research is necessary to establish optimal fibre type,doses,duration of intervention in critical illness.
基金supported by Science&Technology Project of China Southern Power Grid(Grant/Award 090000KK52222092).
文摘This paper presents a quasi-distributed sensing method for wind turbine blade strain using fibre Bragg grating(FBG)arrays.The sensitive area of the blade strain variation is determined by simulation,and three fibre grating arrays are arranged on the surface of the sensitive part of the blade strain.Static experiments show that the strain is larger between 0.6 times blade length(0.6R)and 0.8 times blade length(0.8R),which is consistent with the simulation results.It is also found that the slopes of the strain versus load fitting curves are similar at different angles of attack,but the intercepts are different.The dynamic experiments show that the strain at 0.8 times blade length(0.8R)is the largest and changes most rapidly with time.The dynamic strain distribution is similar to the static experimental results.In this paper,the integration of quasi-distributed strain sensing for wind turbine blades is explored,providing a new fibre optic detection technique for strain monitoring.
文摘A much more sustainable,cost effective and very flexible process for manufacturing critical fibres based on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)is being launched by the UK’s Fibre Extrusion Technologies(FET).
基金funding support from JSPS KAKENHI(Grant Nos.21H01593 and 21K18794)through Tetsuya KogureThis work was also partially supported by the Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant(2023e2026)from the Japan Science Society(JSS)through Ashis Acharya.
文摘Real-time assessment of slope reinforcements to diagnose their state in all stages of service life is imperative for prompt evaluation of slope stability and establishing an efficient early warning(EW)system.Many point-based monitoring instruments have been used in the last few decades.However,these sensors suffer from a particular risk of detection failures and practical limitations.Fibre-optic sensing(FOS)technologies have been developed,tested,and validated across various geoengineering applications,including slope monitoring,as they offer exceptional advantages,such as high data-carrying capacity,precise mapping of physical parameters,durability,and immunity to electromagnetic interference.The deformation of rock/soil causes the deformation and fracture of reinforcement materials,which are subsequently transferred to the encapsulated fibre-optic(FO)sensors,providing valuable information on reinforcements'safety state and performance for early failure detection.This paper is devoted to critically analysing the application of cutting-edge FOS technologies for slope reinforcement monitoring.Firstly,a concise overview of the fundamental principles underlying discrete and distributed FOS methods is provided.The key considerations for selecting FO cables and the appropriate packaging techniques necessary to withstand the challenges posed by complex geological environments are also summarised.We delve into the details of three distinct cable installation techniques within slope reinforcement components:surface bonding,slot embedment,and clamping.The recent advancements in FOS methods for monitoring slope reinforcements such as rock bolts,soil nails,anti-slide piles,geosynthetics,and retaining walls are extensively reviewed.The paper addresses this novel sensing technique's challenges and comprehensively explores its prospects.This review is anticipated to be a valuable resource for geoengineers and researchers involved in slope monitoring through FOS technology,offering insightful perspectives and guidance.
文摘Fibre and fabric production technologies-especially in the area of com-posite reinforcements-have played an as-yet largely unheralded role in thedevelopment of the UKs Formula One industry,but the British Textile MachineryAssociation(BTMA)aims to change that.
基金funded by Project Better Plastics—Plastics in a Circular Economy—PPS4(Circularity by Alternative Feedstocks)Grant agreement ID:POCI-01-0247-FEDER-046091RR was funded by FCT through the PhD grant with reference UI/BD/154446/2022.
文摘The growing environmental awareness,the search for alternatives to fossil resources,and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based polymers and other high-value products.Among the various biowaste materials,lignin has gained significant attention due to its high aromatic carbon content,low cost,and abundance.Lignin is predominantly sourced as a byproduct from the paper industry,available in large quantities from hardwood and softwood,with variations in chemical structure and susceptibility to hydrolysis.This study focuses on softwood lignin obtained through the LignoForce^(TM) technology,comparing the thermal and chemical characteristics,and stability,of a recently produced batch with that of a batch that has been stored for four years.Additionally,the development of lignin-based thermoplastic polymer mixtures using Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol(PET-G)and a blend of Polycarbonate and Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene(PC/ABS)with high lignin content(50–60 wt%)is explored,as well as the production of filaments for carbon fiber production.For this purpose,following melt mixing,the lignin-based mixtures were spun into filaments,which were subsequently subjected to thermal stabilization in an oxidative atmosphere.The lignin phase was well distributed in the PET-Gmatrix and the twomaterials presented a good interface,which further improved after thermal treatment under an oxidative atmosphere.After thermal treatment an increase in tensile modulus,tensile strength,and elongation at break of approximately 160%,200%,and 100%,respectively,was observed,confirming the good interface established,and consistent with structural changes such as cross-linking.Conversely,the PC/ABS blend did not form a good interface with the lignin domains after melt mixing.Although the interactions improved after thermal treatment,the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased by approximately 30%,while themodulus increased by approximately 20%.Overall,the good processability of the lignin/polymer mixtures into filaments,and their physical,chemical,and mechanical characterization before and after thermal oxidation are good indicators of the potential as precursors for carbon fiber production.
文摘Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.
文摘Substantial reductions in muscle motor unit numbers accompany ageing and occur in parallel the age-related changes in skeletal muscle mass and fibre number.These motor unit changes are reflected in reduced motor neuron numbers and size,axonal integrity and disrupted pre-and post-synaptic neuromuscular junctions(NMJ).Conversely,data indicate that the effects of ageing on neuromuscular transmission are relatively minor.Some authors have therefore argued that structural degeneration of motor axons and NMJ are unimportant in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and for a non-neurogenic origin for ageing-induced muscle loss.Increased Reactive Oxygen Species(ROS)activities and changes in redox status are a feature of ageing and may play a key role in muscle loss through increased mitochondrial peroxide generation.This article will review the changes in motor units and NMJ seen during ageing and develop the argument that the changes in muscle mitochondrial peroxide generation and redox status may be caused by age-related changes in neuromuscular structure,but are not directly related to neuromuscular transmission.This provides an alternative explanation on how age-related changes in neural tissue might drive skeletal muscle fibre loss and weakness.Exercise interventions are known to reduce muscle loss and weakness in the elderly,but studies of such interventions on age-related changes in motor units,motor neurons or NMJ structure and function provide conflicting data.A further aim is therefore to identify areas where there is a need for novel research to understand whether,and how,targeted or long-term exercise might influence neuromuscular changes in ageing.
文摘The textile industry has long relied on various additives to enhance the properties of fabrics,making them more durable,resistant to stains,and even antimicrobial.These additives include dyes,coatings,flame retardants,and water-repellent finishes.While they offer significant functional benefits,they pose a serious challenge when it comes to recycling textiles.Since many of these additives are chemically bonded to fibres,they make the separation and recovery of pure materials incredibly difficult.
文摘The Lycra Company has announced its participation in Milano Unica, taking place from 8 to 10 July 2025, reaffirming its role as a leader in sustainable textile innovation. The Lycra Brand Lounge will unveil the world's first commercially available elastane fibre made from renewable resources, the bio-derived Lycra Eco Made.
文摘Archroma becomes the exclusive global distributor of Fibre52®'s patented chemistry-advancing a new standard in sustainable processing.Combined with Archroma's AVITERA®SE dyes,the partnership delivers the industry's most resource-efficient bleach-and-dye sys-tems.Archroma,a leading global specialty chemicals company committed to sus-tainable innovation,and Innovo Fiber LLC,owner of the patented Fibre52®system,today announced an exclusive global dis-tribution partnership to expand the reach of Fibre52®'s proven low-temperature,bleaching technology with innovative dyeing application to textile mills and brands worldwide.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education,Culture,Research,and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia,Contract no:829/LL3/AL.04/2024.
文摘Reactive Powder Concrete(RPC)is an advanced construction material prized for its superior strength and durability.However,its dense,ultra-low porosity microstructure,while beneficial for mechanical properties,renders it highly susceptible to explosive spalling when exposed to temperatures between 200℃ and 400℃.This dangerous phenomenon occurs as trapped moisture and air within the RPC’s pores rapidly expand upon heating,generating immense internal vapour pressure that causes sudden surface bursting.This study investigates a synergistic approach by combining steel fibres with low-melting-point polypropylene fibres within fibre-reinforced RPC(FRPC).The principle is that polypropylene fibres melt at approximately 170℃,creating a network of micro-channels that provide pathways for the release of trapped vapour and air,thereby relieving the internal pressure that causes spalling.To evaluate this,cylindrical specimens(10 cm×20 cm)were prepared,water-cured for 26 days,and then subjected to steam curing at 95℃ for 4 h.Subsequently,they were exposed to elevated temperatures of 200,300,and 400℃ for 2 h to simulate fire exposure.The results conclusively show that the hybrid fibre combination effectively prevents explosive spalling.Furthermore,the hybrid FRPC maintained an impressive 80–90%of its original compressive strength post-heating.In stark contrast,FRPC specimens containing only steel fibres suffered severe damage and retained a mere 20–40%of their room-temperature strength.These findings demonstrate that hybrid fibre reinforcement is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the fire resistance of RPC,thereby enabling its safer application for structures prone to elevated temperatures.
文摘Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd(FET)of Leeds,UK designs,develops and manufactures extrusion equipment for a wide range of high value textile material applications worldwide.The company has built strong business relationships across global markets,including a growing presence in Southeast Asia where technical textile development is advancing rapidly.FET boasts a number of specialist technical agents throughout Asia and is seeking to further expand its customer service in the future.
基金support provided by Science Foundation Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme,21/FFP-P/10090.
文摘Curved geostructures,such as tunnels,are commonly encountered in geotechnical engineering and are critical to maintaining structural stability.Ensuring their proper performance through field monitoring during their service life is essential for the overall functionality of geotechnical infrastructure.Distributed Brillouin sensing(DBS)is increasingly applied in geotechnical projects due to its ability to acquire spatially continuous strain and temperature distributions over distances of up to 150 km using a single optical fibre.However,limited by the complex operations of distributed optic fibre sensing(DFOS)sensors in curved structures,previous reports about exploiting DBS in geotechnical structural health monitoring(SHM)have mostly been focused on flat surfaces.The lack of suitable DFOS installation methods matched to the spatial characteristics of continuous monitoring is one of the major factors that hinder the further application of this technique in curved structures.This review paper starts with a brief introduction of the fundamental working principle of DBS and the inherent limitations of DBS being used on monitoring curved surfaces.Subsequently,the state-of-the-art installation methods of optical fibres in curved structures are reviewed and compared to address the most suitable scenario of each method and their advantages and disadvantages.The installation challenges of optical fibres that can highly affect measurement accuracy are also discussed in the paper.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.52175440)the Aeronautics Science Foundation of China(No.2023Z049076001)+3 种基金the Science and Technology Innovation Fund of Shanghai Aerospace(No.SAST2022-058)the Open Fund of State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions(No.SKLMT-MSKFKT-202202)the Key R&D Program of Zhejiang Province(No.2023C01058)the Experimental Technique Project of Zhejiang University(No.SYBJS202302),China.
文摘A novel steel–carbon fibre/polyetheretherketone(CF/PEEK)hybrid shaft is proposed,considering the thermal stability,negative coefficient of thermal expansion in fibre orientation,and high stiffness of CF/PEEK,which is expected to suppress the thermal deformation of shafts.A laser-assisted in-situ consolidation(LAC)process,together with its equipment,was developed to manufacture the hybrid shaft.Firstly,the optimal process parameters,including the laser-heated temperature and placement speed,were investigated.A maximum short-beam shear strength of 80.7 MPa was achieved when the laser-heated temperature was 500°C and the placement speed was 100 mm/s.In addition,the failure modes and the effect of environmental temperature on the CF/PEEK samples were analyzed.Both interlayer cracks and inelastic deformation failure modes were observed.The formation and propagation of cracks were further investigated through digital image correlation(DIC).Furthermore,internal defects of the CF/PEEK sample were detected using X-ray tomography scans,and a minimum porosity of 0.23%was achieved with the optimal process parameters.Finally,two steel–CF/PEEK hybrid shafts,with different fibre orientations,were manufactured based on the optimal process parameters.The surface temperature distributions and thermal deformations were investigated using a self-established deformation/temperature measurement platform.The hybrid shaft showed an 85.7%reduction in radial displacement with hoop fibre orientation and an 11.5%reduction in axial displacement with cross fibre orientation compared with the steel shaft.The results indicate that the proposed method has great potential to improve the thermal stability of hybrid shafts and the accuracy of machine tools.
