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The Relationship Between Structural Parameters And Mechanical Properties Of Cactus Spines, Jorge Armando Martinez, Pamela Liz Szeto, Theresa Mae Stewart
The Relationship Between Structural Parameters And Mechanical Properties Of Cactus Spines, Jorge Armando Martinez, Pamela Liz Szeto, Theresa Mae Stewart
Materials Engineering
Considering an increasing interest in renewable, biodegradable resources that exhibit excellent mechanical properties, 24 species of cactus spines were investigated using three-point bend testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural parameters, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze fracture surfaces. Additionally, a density of about 1.3 g/cm3 was measured for each spine utilizing the displacement method, closely matching existing data from literature. The flexural modulus varied greatly between species, ranging from 1.22 GPa (Echinocactus polycephalus) to 43.58 GPa (Stenocereus thurberi). In addition, flexural strength and strain to failure was also measured for each spine. XRD analysis of …
Fabrication And Testing Of Arabinan Cellulose Nanocomposites, Ross Johnson, Austin Rosso, Nick Semansky
Fabrication And Testing Of Arabinan Cellulose Nanocomposites, Ross Johnson, Austin Rosso, Nick Semansky
Materials Engineering
Inspired by the structure and composition of cactus spines found in nature, arabinan-cellulose nanocomposites were fabricated into thin films and tested for mechanical stiffness. The composites consisted of varying amounts of nanocrystalline cellulose reinforcement suspended in an arabinan matrix. Both materials are polysaccharides and are known to be biodegradable and food safe. The thin film samples were tensile tested using a dynamic mechanical analysis machine both as-cast and after a heat-treatment. The heat treatment of the arabinan itself resulted in an order of magnitude increase in stiffness, while the cellulose reinforced composites increased roughly six fold. The arabinan-50 wt% cellulose …