Agricultural fibers

The object of this discussion is to point out that researchers should review all literature on the chemical modification and property improvement of all types of agrofibers and not restrict information to just one type of fiber. There is a vast amount of information, e.g., on the chemical modification of cotton, jute, and other agricultural fibers that is not considered relevant to the people doing research in wood chemistry. Another shortcoming in literature searching is the use of computerized searches, which in most cases do not go very far back in time into the scientific literature so that many of the old but yet excellent references are overlooked. 

Commonly used filter aids include diatomaceous earth, perlite, asbestos, cellulose, agriculture fibers, etc. 

Sanadi, A.R., Caulfield, D.F., Jacobson, R.E., Rowell, R.M. Renewable agricultural fibers as reinforcing fillers in plastics mechanical properties of Kenaf fiber polypropylene composites. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 34, 1889-1896 (1995)... 

Gently abrasive natural coatings and films have been developed that incorporate agricultural fibers and grains. 

Starch from various surplus crops is used as well as agricultural fibers with only little or no economic value. This is particularly important because there are limitations on burning or otherwise disposing of these fibers. 

Mahvi AH (2(X)8) Application of agricultural fibers in pollution removal from aqueous solution, frit J Environ Sci Technol 5(2) 275-285... 

T. 0. Eom, G.N. Ramaswamy, B.M. Gatewood, Alternative Agricultural Fibers Comparison of Mechanical Properties of BioComposites Made via Poiymer Extrusion and Nonwoven Fiber Processes, Abstract, Textile Chemist and Colorist, 30(8) (1998), p. 47. 

In general, the geometric properties of the natural fibers are highly variable from fiber to fiber, both within a given lot and among lots of the same fiber type. In the synthetic fibers, the geometric properties are extremely uniform in view of the production control possible in a chemical plant but not in an agricultural product. 

World Apparel Fiber Consumption Survey Eood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, New York, 1989. 

Horticultural appHcations include use of greenhouse thermal screens, rowcrop and turf covers, conveyer belts to process agricultural products, and other similar items. High performance fibers are not normally used in these appHcations, but high strength fibers are preferable for conveyer belts. Environmentally inert low cost fibers such as polypropylene are used for many of the outdoor horticultural appHcations. 

Rotational molding is used to form large shells of thermoplastic resin and chopped strands for such appHcations as agricultural tanks and fertilizer hoppers. The resin and chopped glass are placed in the metal mold that is then rotated in an oven where the thermoplastic resin melts and deposits the fiber on the metal surface. When cooled, the mold is opened and the part is removed. 

Uses. Most apphcations of MSC are for intermediates in the pharmaceutical, photographic, fiber, dye, and agricultural industries. There also are miscellaneous uses as a stabdizer, catalyst, curing agent, and chlorination agent. 

Economic Aspects and Uses. The principal producers in the United States are U.S. Borax and Chemical Corp., North American Chemicals Co., and American Borate Corp. Their combined aimual capacity in 1989 was reported to be 735,000 metric tons of equivalent boron oxide [1303-86-2], B2O2 (20). Of this toimage, 50% is exported. About 30% of boron compounds are used in glass fiber insulation. Another 30% is used in other type fibers and borosihcate glasses. Boron is also used in soaps and detergents, fire retardants, and agriculture (see Boron compounds). 

With the increased awareness of environmental and green issues there has been an increased interest in natural dyes accompanied by a lobby for natural fibers in favor of synthetic fibers. However, studies have shown (3) that if 1990 s volume of cotton were colored with natural dyes, at least 31% of the available world s agricultural land would be needed to cultivate the requisite plants. The estimate is based on it taking, on average, 440 g of fresh dye plant to achieve the same tinctorial effect as 1 g of synthetic dye. 

American Council on Science and Health (ACSH), 278 American Crop Protection Association (ACPA), 267, 278 American Cyanamid Agricultural Products Division, See BASF Agricultural Products Group (US), 216 American Fiber Manufacturers Association, hic. (AFMA), 268 American Hydrogen Association (AHA), 268 American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), 278 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE), 268 American Institute of Chemists, The (AIC), 268 American Methanol Institute (AMI), 268 American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS), 268 American Ordnance LLC, 216 American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC), 216 American Peptide Society (APS), 268... 

Why Do We Need to Know This Material The existence of compounds is central to the science of chemistry and by seeing how bonds form between atoms, we come to see how chemists design new materials. Research into artificial blood, new pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and the polymers used in materials such as compact discs, cellular phones, and synthetic fibers is based on an understanding of how atoms link together. 

The number of reports about hemicelluloses that have been covered by this review indicates the significantly increased importance of all types of hemicelluloses as plant constituents and isolated polymers during the last decade. Attention has been paid not only to known hemicelluloses but also to the primary structure, physicochemical, physical, and various functional properties of hemicelluloses isolated from hitherto uninvestigated plants. The efforts to exploit a variety of plant as potential sources of hemicelluloses were pointed out particularly for agricultural crops, wood wastes, as well as for by-products of pulp and rayon fiber technologies. Many studies were devoted to characterize seed-storage hemicelluloses from plants that have been traditionally applied in food and medicine of many underdeveloped countries to find substitutes for imported commercial food giuns. 

Having pesticides as a powerful weapon against a wide array of pests that diminish the yields of food and fiber crops is and will continue to be a valuable asset to agricultural production. Yet... 

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