Obtaining Composite Materials

Composite Materials Production Production of Innovative Nonwoven Composite Materials for Plant Breeding Abstract Plant breeding is performed through controlled self or cross-pollination and generally involves isolating the flowering parts of parent plants. Paper-based pollination control bags are predominantly used in the market for plant breeding in this manner. However, these bags can restrict the speed of the breeding process and increase costs since they limit the light required for the biological process. Furthermore, because they are paper-based, they tear and become unusable in weather conditions such as rain and wind. Therefore, new-generation composite materials with higher permeability and transparency, durability and cost-effectiveness are needed for plant breeding. For this purpose, nonwoven-based plant breeding composite materials have been produced that will make plant breeding more efficient and subsequently protect plants from bird attacks, sudden weather changes and regulate microclimate, thereby contributing to healthier seed development.

1. Introduction

Plant breeding is performed through controlled self or cross-pollination and generally involves isolating the flowering parts of parent plants (Breseghello and Coelho, 2013). Paper-based pollination control bags are predominantly used in the market for plant breeding in this manner. However, these bags can restrict the speed of the breeding process and increase costs since they limit the light required for the biological process. Additionally, because they are paper-based, they tear and become unusable in weather conditions such as rain and wind (Clifton-Brown et al., 2018). Therefore, new-generation composite materials with higher permeability and transparency, durability and cost-effectiveness are needed for plant breeding. In this study, solid-solid phase-change materials such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) were incorporated in cross-linked form into composite nonwoven surfaces. Both nanofiber and nanoparticle-based composite materials were produced in this study.

2. Material and Method 2.1 Material

Phase-change polyethylene glycol (PEG) was purchased.

2.2 Method

Today, when the literature on the application of phase-change materials to textile products is reviewed, it is seen that PCMs are applied after microencapsulation or directly to textile fibers or fabric structures. Methods of applying PCM to textiles are listed below; 1. Fiber spinning method, 2. Coating, 3. Impregnation process, 4. Lamination. In our study, the fiber spinning method was provided with our domestically and nationally produced equipment. 2.3 Material Characterization The structural composition of composite materials and the presence of functional groups were determined using a Jasco 6600 model FTIR instrument. Nanofibers and nanoparticles were imaged using an FEI QUANTA FEG 450 model FEGSEM instrument. 3. Results and Discussion Structural and Morphological Characterization FTIR and FEGSEM Analysis Results FTIR spectra were obtained for thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene nonwoven, aerogel, PEG and composite materials composed of a mixture of these materials used in composite material production. As shown in Figure 3.1, it was determined that composite material was successfully produced. According to FEGSEM morphological analysis results, nanoparticles of 20-50 nanometers and nanofibers of 150-350 nanometers were produced. The smaller the dimensions, the greater the PCM properties. 4. Conclusions Plant breeding composite materials were successfully produced. In the subsequent stages of our study, emphasis will be placed on patent, trademark and commercialization work, and the aim is to present a product that can compete globally in the field of travel hygiene. Each step mentioned will contain innovation steps and new requirements that are subject to patents and utility models. The target audience of our study consists of agricultural product growers, individuals and/or companies engaged in plant breeding and companies selling agricultural textiles. 5. References Breseghello, F., & Coelho, A.S. (2013). Traditional and modern plant breeding methods with examples in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 61 35, 8277-86. Clifton-Brown, J.C., Senior, H., Purdy, S.J., Horsnell, R., Lankamp, B. Müennekhoff, A., Virk, D., Guillemois, E., Chetty, V., Cookson, A.R., Girdwood, S., Clifton-Brown, G., Tan, M.M. Erdi Buluş Smartech Team Leader Instructor Metallurgy and Materials Engineer Istanbul Arel University ArelPOTKAM Marmara University Institute of Science Textile Engineering Master's Program Ferdi Buluş Software Engineer Sistek Computer Software and Consulting Inc. Dr. Çağlar Sivri Smartech Team Member Faculty Member Bahçeşehir University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Department of Business Engineering Gülseren Sakarya Buluş Smartech Team Member Specialist Nurse Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate Bahçeşehir University Graduate Education Institute Engineering Management Master's Program Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akkaş Smartech Team Member Faculty Member Kastamonu University Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Department of Mechanical Engineering