Functional modified fibers conductive fiber

A novel procedure was developed to improve psyllium functionality by conducting a solid-state enzyme reaction. The procedure requires no special equipment/operation (such as freeze dry) and could be carried out without using any additional chemicals. To evaluate the solid-state enzymatic procedure, modified psyllium preparations were produced under selected reaction conditions, and analyzed for their water-absorbing capacity, gelling capacity, particle surface structure, and soluble and insoluble fiber contents. The results showed that structural modification improved psyllium functionality. Modified psyllium preparations had reduced water-absorbing capacity and less gelling ability. The reduced water-absorbing capacity may be explained by the decreased surface area of psyllium particles. In addition, the solid-state enzymatic treatments had much less effects on soluble fiber contents than the liquid phase enzymatic reactions. 

In addition to their primary function as mechanical property modifier, the high electrical conductivity of carbon fibers provides carbon-based composites with static dissipation and radio frequency shielding characteristics. This opens up a whole range of applications and with carbon nanotubes this can be achieved at enormously low loading levels. One application with future potential is the use of carbon... 

---