title: Making positive use of the fibrillation of lyocell fibres in composite materials

authors: Graupner, Nina

abstract: The present study investigates the influence of surface fibrillation of lyocell fibres on the adhesion and resulting properties of short fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) and polylactide (PLA) composites. Fibrillation was shown to reduce the tensile strength and elongation at break of the fibres, while not affecting Young's modulus. It was demonstrated that fibrillation improved adhesion significantly compared to non-fibrillated (untreated) fibres, and the critical fibre length determined by microbond tests was reduced. Despite the reduced tensile strength of the fibrillated lyocell fibres, the tensile strength of the composites was increased by a factor of 1.15 for PP and 1.62 for PLA compared to composites produced with untreated fibres. The Young's modulus of the composites was increased using fibrillated fibres by a factor of 1.41 for PP and 1.20 for PLA. The impact strength was also improved by using fibrillated fibres by a factor of 1.38 for PP-based and 1.23 for PLA-based composites. Surface fibrillation of lyocell offers interesting application possibilities, particularly for short fibre-reinforced materials, as the higher specific fibre surface reduces the critical fibre length of lyocell, leading to improved stress transfer from the matrix to the fibre. These fibres seem particularly promising to enhance the mechanical properties of short-fibre reinforced composites for 3D printing applications.

text: Making positive use of the fibrillation of lyocell fibres in composite materials The present study investigates the influence of surface fibrillation of lyocell fibres on the adhesion and resulting properties of short fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) and polylactide (PLA) composites. Fibrillation was shown to reduce the tensile strength and elongation at break of the fibres, while not affecting Young's modulus. It was demonstrated that fibrillation improved adhesion significantly compared to non-fibrillated (untreated) fibres, and the critical fibre length determined by microbond tests was reduced. Despite the reduced tensile strength of the fibrillated lyocell fibres, the tensile strength of the composites was increased by a factor of 1.15 for PP and 1.62 for PLA compared to composites produced with untreated fibres. The Young's modulus of the composites was increased using fibrillated fibres by a factor of 1.41 for PP and 1.20 for PLA. The impact strength was also improved by using fibrillated fibres by a factor of 1.38 for PP-based and 1.23 for PLA-based composites. Surface fibrillation of lyocell offers interesting application possibilities, particularly for short fibre-reinforced materials, as the higher specific fibre surface reduces the critical fibre length of lyocell, leading to improved stress transfer from the matrix to the fibre. These fibres seem particularly promising to enhance the mechanical properties of short-fibre reinforced composites for 3D printing applications.

year: 2023-07-01

title: A blockchain-enabled framework for sharing logistics resources during emergency operations

authors: L'Hermitte, Cécile

subjects: blockchain

abstract: This study presents conceptual research designed to assess how the sharing economy concept can be leveraged to increase the participation of commercial organisations, such as retailers and transporters, in disaster relief operations. Drawing on social exchange theory, the academic literature on the sharing economy and blockchain, as well as existing resource-sharing practices in commercial and humanitarian logistics, the study develops a theoretical framework for analysing the structure, benefits, and prerequisites of a logistics-sharing system in emergency response. In addition, it proposes to utilise the blockchain distributed ledger technology-a shared data platform that enables authenticated communication and the widespread sharing of real-time information-to facilitate interactions and enhance trust between emergency responders and commercial organisations. It is argued that using commercial logistics resources, including emergency supplies, transport capacity, and storage space, has the potential to improve the mobilisation and deployment of urgently needed relief items and augment the flexibility of emergency response.

text: A blockchain-enabled framework for sharing logistics resources during emergency operations This study presents conceptual research designed to assess how the sharing economy concept can be leveraged to increase the participation of commercial organisations, such as retailers and transporters, in disaster relief operations. Drawing on social exchange theory, the academic literature on the sharing economy and blockchain, as well as existing resource-sharing practices in commercial and humanitarian logistics, the study develops a theoretical framework for analysing the structure, benefits, and prerequisites of a logistics-sharing system in emergency response. In addition, it proposes to utilise the blockchain distributed ledger technology-a shared data platform that enables authenticated communication and the widespread sharing of real-time information-to facilitate interactions and enhance trust between emergency responders and commercial organisations. It is argued that using commercial logistics resources, including emergency supplies, transport capacity, and storage space, has the potential to improve the mobilisation and deployment of urgently needed relief items and augment the flexibility of emergency response.

year: 2021-07

title: Empowerment evaluation of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Family Start: Improving service delivery

authors: Little, Gaylene Robina

subjects: Family Start

abstract: This thesis explores child maltreatment in New Zealand by considering service delivery of the Family Start programme at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga through an empowerment evaluation. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the service delivery process of the Family Start programme at this site to inform the organization and other Family Start key agents of possible improvements to service delivery so that the Family Start programme is best able to reduce the risk factors that are known to influence child maltreatment in New Zealand. The best possible service delivery by kaupapa providers supports sustainability and the continuity of service with Māori through continual funding. The two objectives of this research are to look at how well the Family Start programme is implemented at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and to consider the cultural appropriateness of service delivery. Community psychology is the paradigm within which I position myself. I respect the values of community psychology that aim to improve the position of disadvantaged people through their participation in social change and community development. Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is a kaupapa Māori provider and I see an empowerment evaluation as a tool for internal evaluation to assist organizations who value self determination in their own practice. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. There are two objectives to consider service delivery; firstly process aspects of service delivery are looked at and secondly the cultural relevance of service delivery to the population receiving the Family Start programme at this site. These are described as nine points about service delivery. The aim is to provide an empowerment evaluation for Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga to inform, assist and improve service delivery of the Family Start programme in a culturally appropriate manner. The findings suggest better understanding is needed by Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Family Start staff, about the programme intentions, the use of tools such as Born to Learn/Ahuru Mōwai, individual family plans, service delivery levels, maintaining health records and ways to encourage collaboration between agencies. Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga are shown in this research to be reaching the intended population for the Family Start programme, and service delivery appears to be culturally relevant to the clients on the programme at this time. The findings are limited by the fact that access to some information was restricted by Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Family Start management. Consequently, this research looked only at service delivery, and not the benefits of or barriers to the actual programme. The effectiveness of the programme in reducing child maltreatment is important but could not be measured in this research. Reducing child maltreatment is the main aim of the Family Start programme and would be measured through client outcomes. This research considered service delivery to see if the Family Start programme is offered optimally to assist the aim of reducing child maltreatment.

text: Empowerment evaluation of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Family Start: Improving service delivery This thesis explores child maltreatment in New Zealand by considering service delivery of the Family Start programme at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga through an empowerment evaluation. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the service delivery process of the Family Start programme at this site to inform the organization and other Family Start key agents of possible improvements to service delivery so that the Family Start programme is best able to reduce the risk factors that are known to influence child maltreatment in New Zealand. The best possible service delivery by kaupapa providers supports sustainability and the continuity of service with Māori through continual funding. The two objectives of this research are to look at how well the Family Start programme is implemented at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and to consider the cultural appropriateness of service delivery. Community psychology is the paradigm within which I position myself. I respect the values of community psychology that aim to improve the position of disadvantaged people through their participation in social change and community development. Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is a kaupapa Māori provider and I see an empowerment evaluation as a tool for internal evaluation to assist organizations who value self determination in their own practice. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. There are two objectives to consider service delivery; firstly process aspects of service delivery are looked at and secondly the cultural relevance of service delivery to the population receiving the Family Start programme at this site. These are described as nine points about service delivery. The aim is to provide an empowerment evaluation for Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga to inform, assist and improve service delivery of the Family Start programme in a culturally appropriate manner. The findings suggest better understanding is needed by Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Family Start staff, about the programme intentions, the use of tools such as Born to Learn/Ahuru Mōwai, individual family plans, service delivery levels, maintaining health records and ways to encourage collaboration between agencies. Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga are shown in this research to be reaching the intended population for the Family Start programme, and service delivery appears to be culturally relevant to the clients on the programme at this time. The findings are limited by the fact that access to some information was restricted by Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Family Start management. Consequently, this research looked only at service delivery, and not the benefits of or barriers to the actual programme. The effectiveness of the programme in reducing child maltreatment is important but could not be measured in this research. Reducing child maltreatment is the main aim of the Family Start programme and would be measured through client outcomes. This research considered service delivery to see if the Family Start programme is offered optimally to assist the aim of reducing child maltreatment.

year: 2010