Durability Evaluation of New Composite Materials for the Construction of Beehives

Rubiano-Navarrete, Andrés Felipe; Fabian, Camilo Lesmes; Torres-Pérez, Yolanda; Gómez-Pachón, Edwin Yesid

doi:10.3390/su142214683

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The outcomes demonstrate a gradual reduction in tensile strength as the polymeric materials undergo extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation. While this trend is observable across all materials, it is noteworthy that certain materials exhibit a more pronounced response, thereby revealing a distinct sensitivity to accelerated degradation conditions [4,10].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While there are multiple negative factors impacting bee populations, such as toxic pesticides and climate change [7,8], studies emphasize that environmental conditions inside hives directly affect bee well-being. One such example is the hive's internal temperature [9,10]. Similarly, the materials used for hive construction are a key for bees' requirements and acceptance [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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UV Radiation Effect in New Materials Developed for the Construction of Beehives

Rubiano-Navarrete,

Fabian,

Torres-Pérez

et al. 2023

Polymers

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In recent decades, there has been an increasing focus on the alarming decline in global bee populations, given their critical ecological contributions to natural pollination and biodiversity. This decline, marked by a substantial reduction in bee colonies in forested areas, has serious implications for sustainable beekeeping practices and poses a broader risk to ecological well-being. Addressing these pressing issues requires innovative solutions, one of which involves the development and fabrication of beehives crafted from composite materials that are ecologically compatible with bee biology. Importantly, these materials should also exhibit a high resistance to environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, in order to maintain their mechanical integrity and longevity. To investigate this, we conducted accelerated UV degradation tests on a variety of composite materials to rapidly assess their susceptibility to UV-induced changes. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) served as the matrix material and was reinforced with natural fibers, specifically fique fibers (Furcraea bedinghausii), banana fibers, and goose feathers. Our findings indicate that UV radiation exposure results in a noticeable reduction in the tensile strength of these materials. For example, wood composites experienced a 48% decline in tensile strength over a 60-day period, a rate of deterioration notably higher than that of other tested composite materials. Conversely, HDPE composites fortified with banana fibers initially demonstrated tensile strengths exceeding 9 MPa and 10 MPa. Although these values gradually decreased over the observation period, the composites still displayed favorable stress–strain characteristics. This research underscores the substantial influence of UV radiation on the longevity and efficacy of beehive materials, which in turn affects the durability of natural wood hives exposed to these environmental factors. The resultant increased maintenance and replacement costs for beekeepers further emphasize the need for judicious material selection in beehive construction and point to the viability of the composite materials examined in this study.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

UV Radiation Effect in New Materials Developed for the Construction of Beehives

Rubiano-Navarrete,

Fabian,

Torres-Pérez

et al. 2023

Polymers

Self Cite

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Comparative Study of Natural Fibres to Improve Insulation in Wooden Beehives Using Sensor Networks

Sanz,

Prado-Jimeno,

Fuentes-Pérez

2024

Applied Sciences

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The beekeeping sector is increasingly focused on creating optimal and natural environments for honeybees to reduce dependence on external factors, especially given progressively hotter summers. Improving hive thermal conditions can enhance bee wellbeing and production. While pinewood hives are predominant, some have started using insulating materials like polystyrene. However, many synthetic materials, despite their excellent insulation properties, are incompatible with organic food production, requiring alternative solutions. This study compares the thermal insulation properties of various natural materials, including white and black agglomerated cork, wood fibres, and rock mineral wool. These materials are potentially compatible with organic food production. Additionally, the research evaluates cost-effective sensor networks to monitor bioclimatic variables in real time. Lab tests using a Langstroth-type hive with a controlled heat source were conducted, monitoring temperature and humidity inside and outside the hive. The results revealed that all selected materials provided similar thermal insulation, superior to a hive without insulation. This finding suggests that using natural materials can enhance hive thermal comfort (i.e., the material’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature), thereby improving honeybee wellbeing and productivity in a manner compatible with organic food production.

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Effect of Fiber Loading on Green Composites of Recycled HDPE Reinforced with Banana Short Fiber: Physical, Mechanical and Morphological Properties

Rubiano-Navarrete,

Rodríguez Sandoval,

Torres Pérez

et al. 2024

Polymers

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Currently, research on composite materials derived from natural fibers and agro-industrial waste has generated industrial proposals for producing useful materials with sufficient mechanical strength for applications involving the reuse of waste for secondary purposes. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of fiber content on the final tensile strength of the composite material, serving as a reference for the manufacture of plates. To achieve this, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites reinforced with short banana fibers were prepared using a blade mill and hot compression molding techniques. Two levels of short banana fiber content—10% and 20% by weight—were used, along with two types of HDPE: virgin and recycled. We evaluated the effect of adding short banana fibers on the mechanical properties of the composite, specifically tensile strength, according to the ASTM D638 standard for polymeric materials. These results were correlated with the structural properties obtained through morphological, chemical, and thermal characterization of the developed materials. The mechanical evaluation results showed that the tensile strength and elastic modulus depend on the short banana fiber content and the type of high-density polyethylene. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the composites decompose faster than the pure polymers (virgin and recycled HDPE). Based on these findings, the composite material prepared under optimal conditions is recommended for use in walls or construction boards where high tensile strength is not critical, due to the decreased mechanical properties resulting from the incorporation of agro-industrial waste.

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Durability Evaluation of New Composite Materials for the Construction of Beehives

Cited by 3 publications

References 17 publications

UV Radiation Effect in New Materials Developed for the Construction of Beehives

UV Radiation Effect in New Materials Developed for the Construction of Beehives

Comparative Study of Natural Fibres to Improve Insulation in Wooden Beehives Using Sensor Networks

Effect of Fiber Loading on Green Composites of Recycled HDPE Reinforced with Banana Short Fiber: Physical, Mechanical and Morphological Properties

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