@inbook{elseify_midani_hamouda_khiari_hassanin_2023, title={Extraction of cellulosic fibers from date palm by-products}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-823349-8.00009-5}, DOI={10.1016/b978-0-12-823349-8.00009-5}, abstractNote={Novel long fibrillated date palm fibers were extracted from the midribs using alkaline treatment. The midribs were treated at different conditions by varying three parameters; NaOH concentration, treatment duration, and treatment temperature. The average cross-sectional area was measured using cork method. Single fiber tensile test was used to determine the fiber dry and wet tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. Increasing the extent of the alkaline treatment resulted in a significant removal of the non-load bearing amorphous constituents and hollow content, this was associated with a significant fibrillation resulting in an initial increase in strength which then dropped as the severity kept increasing. Moreover, it was noticed that the highest dry tensile strength (452.79 MPa) was obtained when the fibers were treated at high temperature (100°C) with low NaOH % (1%) and vice versa. Wet tensile test showed a significant reduction in strength compared to the dry results, which is due to the significant reduction in the load sharing efficiency. The extracted fibers had better properties than the fibers extracted from the date palm midribs in the literature, the fibers were 98% longer and 80% stronger. Date palm midrib fibers show a very promising future in replacing and competing with other natural fibers especially in the reinforcement of composites.}, booktitle={Extraction of Natural Products from Agro-Industrial Wastes}, author={Elseify, Lobna A. and Midani, Mohamad and Hamouda, Tamer and Khiari, Ramzi and Hassanin, Ahmed H.}, year={2023} }
 @book{multiscale textile preforms and structures for natural fiber composites_2023, year={2023} }
 @inbook{aly_hamouda_2023, title={Stab, spike and knife resistant textiles}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-91188-7.00011-x}, DOI={10.1016/b978-0-323-91188-7.00011-x}, abstractNote={The demands for protective clothing from mechanical injuries are continuously increasing to ensure the safety of people at the workplace. Equipping police and military personnel with the appropriate protective clothing is essential to provide safety against assaults by sharp and pointed objects like knives and spike-ice picks. Also, industrial workers in various occupational fields are subjected daily to injuries such as cuts, punctures, and abrasion caused by sharp and high-speed objects such as knives, chainsaws, glass, metal sheets, etc. This chapter provides an overview of stab, spike, and knife resistant textiles. Stabbing incidents, weapons types and characteristics, in addition to stab injuries are addressed. The reasons for cut injuries in different industries are also highlighted. The stab/knife penetration mechanism in fabrics is illustrated. The materials used in the manufacture of stab and knife resistant protective clothing such as fiber types, fabrics, and laminates are discussed. This chapter is focused on the common applications of stab and knife resistance textiles such as stab-resistant body armor and cut-resistant protective gloves, including their design, performance requirements, and the recent developments in their production. Finally, the standard test methods for evaluating stab and cut resistance are briefly presented.}, booktitle={Advances in Healthcare and Protective Textiles}, author={Aly, Nermin M. and Hamouda, Tamer}, year={2023} }
 @article{hamouda_aly_elshakankery_2022, title={An experimental study on the interaction between braiding structural parameters and their effects on ropes mechanical properties}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1528083720960732}, DOI={10.1177/1528083720960732}, abstractNote={ Braided rope configuration and properties are the main key factors to consider on choosing it for various industrial applications. Rope's structure is characterized by high axial tensile strength combined with flexibility. The mechanical properties of ropes are greatly influenced by braiding process settings which have crucial effects on their functional performance. In this study, 27 types of braided polyester ropes were produced and divided into three groups according to their structural parameters and braiding settings, which include take-up and tension rates, yarn count, braid pattern, number of spindles and carriers' settings. The effects of changing these parameters on braid angle, repeat length, linear density, and mechanical properties such as tensile stress, strain and tensile modulus were investigated. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the results using multiple regression analysis, F-test, surface and contour plots to illustrate the relation and the interaction between variables that have significant effects on the ropes' properties and to assess their performance. The results indicated that increasing the take-up rate leads to increase the ropes' braid angle. Whereas, increasing the tension leads to obtain ropes of low linear density with high stress and modulus. Ropes of lower strain were attained by increasing the take-up and decreasing the tension rates. Furthermore, the rope sample produced with pattern 2/2 using the high take-up and medium tension rate achieved the highest mechanical properties of high stress, modulus with low strain among all rope samples in the three groups. }, journal={Journal of Industrial Textiles}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Aly, Nermin M. and Elshakankery, MH}, year={2022}, month={Apr} }
 @article{hamouda_kafafy_mashaly_aly_2022, title={Breathability performance of antiviral cloth masks treated with silver nanoparticles for protection against COVID-19}, url={https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837211051100}, DOI={10.1177/15280837211051100}, abstractNote={ The global widespread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused shortage of medical face masks and led to developing of various types of cloth masks with different levels of protection and comfort to meet the market demands. Breathing comfort is a significant aspect that should be considered during the design of cloth masks along with the filtration efficiency; otherwise, the wearer will feel suffocated. In this work, different types of cotton and polyester knitted fabrics blended with spandex yarns were produced and treated with silver nanoparticles to be used as antiviral cloth masks. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and EDX were used to characterize the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Antiviral activity was assessed against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus as well. The influence of using different fabric materials, number of layers, and hybrid layers on their air permeability and breathability were investigated to evaluate the comfortability of the cloth masks. Physiological impacts of wearing the cloth masks were evaluated by measuring oxygen saturation of hemoglobin and heart rate of the wearers while doing various activities. The results indicated that AgNPs have low cytotoxicity and considerable efficiency in inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Adding spandex yarns with different count and ratios reduced the porosity and air permeability of the fabrics. Moreover, the combination of three hybrid layers’ mask made of polyester fabric in the outer layer with 100% cotton fabric in the inner layer showed high comfortability associated with high air permeability and breathability. Also, wearing these masks while doing activities showed no significant effect on blood oxygen saturation and heart rate of the wearers. }, journal={Journal of Industrial Textiles}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Kafafy, Hany and Mashaly, HM and Aly, Nermin M}, year={2022}, month={Apr} }
 @article{hamouda_aly_2022, title={Circular Economy of Composite Materials Using Waste Jute Fibers and Recycled Polyester Fibers as a Reinforcement for Packaging Applications}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejchem.2022.159418.6881}, DOI={10.21608/ejchem.2022.159418.6881}, abstractNote={Sustainable packaging is an emerging trend that contributes successfully to the development of the packaging industry. The use of waste in the production of fiber reinforced composites for packaging applications is one of the promising approaches to reduce the environmental impacts of using plastics, and assist in preserving wood-based materials. In this study, eight laminated composite panels reinforced with waste jute and recycled polyester fibers in a polypropylene matrix were produced to be used in packaging applications. The influence of changing the reinforcement type and ratio, and hybridization between the reinforcement materials with different stacking sequences on the composite panel’s performance was investigated. The mechanical properties of the composite panels such as tensile, flexural and impact strengths, in addition to their physical properties such as density, water absorption, thickness swelling and moisture content were studied. The disintegration behavior of the composite samples was assessed through applying a simulated composting burial test under controlled laboratory conditions for 4 months. The results indicated that the 3-layers polyester composite sample exhibited the highest tensile and impact strengths, as well it showed the lowest water absorption, thickness swelling, moisture content and degree of disintegration compared to the other samples. The hybrid composite sample with a stacking sequence of recycled jute and polyester layers PET/J/PET presented the highest flexural strength and modulus values. Overall, the hybrid composite samples PET/J/PET and J/PET/J revealed improved mechanical and physical performance compared to the pure jute composites and the hybrid integrated jute/polyester composites. Thus, the proposed recycled polyester and hybrid jute/polyester composites with stacking sequence have the potential to be used as ecofriendly and cost-effective panels for packaging boxes applications.}, journal={Egyptian Journal of Chemistry}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Aly, Nermin M.}, year={2022}, month={Oct} }
 @inbook{midani_elseify_hamouda_hassanin_2022, title={Comparison of coconut coir and date palm coir (sheath fiber) and their composites}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-15186-6.00070-9}, DOI={10.1016/b978-0-443-15186-6.00070-9}, abstractNote={Date palm is the main element of flora in the Arab region and its coir was historically regarded as an important byproduct of palm cultivation and it was used in every aspect of living since ancient Egypt. Date palm coir is the fibrous sheath layer surrounding the date palm trunk, which can be separated from the trunk during the annual pruning. However, there has been a declining interest in such resource, and it has lost ground to modern synthetic fibers. Nowadays, the use of date palm coir is limited to cultural and traditional crafts, with no significant industrial application. Despite that its annual production could reach 234 thousand tons, which is almost 20% of the annual production of coconut coir. This chapter discusses the industrial potential of date palm coir fiber as a reinforcement for polymer composites and compares it to commercial coconut coir fiber. Important fiber properties such as, physical, morphological, chemical, thermal and mechanical are compared. Moreover, performance of polymer composites reinforced with both date palm coir and coconut coir fibers are also discussed, including composites with different matrix systems, fiber fraction and length. The results of the comparative study reveal that date palm coir has very similar characteristics to coconut coir fiber. Yet, in order to be industrialized similar to coconut coir, much attention is needed from government associations and developmental organizations to develop its value chain.}, booktitle={Coir Fiber and its Composites}, author={Midani, Mohamad and Elseify, Lobna A and Hamouda, Tamer and Hassanin, Ahmed H}, year={2022} }
 @article{awad_ghaffar_hamouda_midani_katsou_mizi_2022, title={Critical evaluation of date palm sheath fibre characteristics as a reinforcement for developing sustainable cementitious composites from waste materials}, volume={5}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13399-022-02759-9}, DOI={10.1007/s13399-022-02759-9}, abstractNote={Abstract
}, journal={Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Awad, Said and Ghaffar, Seyed Hamidreza and Hamouda, Tamer and Midani, Mohamad and Katsou, Evina and Mizi}, year={2022}, month={May} }
 @inbook{hamouda_aly_2022, title={Manufacturing and design of coir fiber composites}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-15186-6.00077-1}, DOI={10.1016/b978-0-443-15186-6.00077-1}, abstractNote={Natural fiber composites are being utilized in different industries such as construction industry and automotive industry. This is due to their economic benefits along with environmental benefits which are driven by the rising demands for lightweight, low emissions, and recyclability. Flax, jute, kenaf, hemp, sisal, and coir fibers have been widely used in reinforcing composites with different thermoset and/or thermoplastic matrices. In specific, coir fibers as a natural material have gained a lot of attention due to its high availability and for its good mechanical properties. In this chapter, coir fiber as a reinforcement material in different preforms is investigated. Coir fiber preforms including short fibers, woven and nonwoven preforms, and hybrid coir with natural/synthetic preform will be investigated. Treated and nontreated coir fiber preform will also be investigated as part of this chapter.}, booktitle={Coir Fiber and its Composites}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Aly, Nermin M.}, year={2022} }
 @article{awad_hamouda_midani_katsou_fan_2022, title={Polylactic Acid (PLA) Reinforced with Date Palm Sheath Fiber Bio-Composites: Evaluation of Fiber Density, Geometry, and Content on the Physical and Mechanical Properties}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1544-046X"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2022.2143979}, DOI={10.1080/15440478.2022.2143979}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Significant interest for utilizing and processing natural fibers (NF) to develop sustainable and fully biodegradable composites evolved as the global environmental concerns upsurge. Date palm tree (DPT) accounts for more than 2.8 million tons of waste annually, making it the most abundant agricultural biomass waste in the MENA region. This study investigates the effect of date palm fiber (DPF) density, diameter size and content on both the mechanical and physical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced DPF bio-composite. The bio-composites are developed using melt-mixing technique which is followed by compression molding. The influence of the mechanical properties is investigated by evaluating the tensile, flexural and impact strengths. Meanwhile bio-composite thickness swelling (TS), moisture content (MC) and water absorption (WA) characteristics are evaluated. Bio-composite microstructures are examined using SEM to investigate the interfacial bonding between PLA matrix and DPF. Results showed that at 40 wt.% DPF, the TS, MC, and WA were the highest demonstrating an increase of 4.10%, 4.95%, and 8.22%, respectively. Although the results demonstrated a decrease in mechanical properties as DPF content increased (depending on DPF geometry), the results indicate that the developed technologies could be commercialized under the waste management scheme for non-structural applications.}, journal={JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Awad, Said and Hamouda, Tamer and Midani, Mohamad and Katsou, Evina and Fan, Mizi}, year={2022}, month={Nov} }
 @article{aly_seddeq_elnagar_hamouda_2021, title={Acoustic and thermal performance of sustainable fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite panels for insulation in buildings}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102747}, DOI={10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102747}, abstractNote={Acoustic and thermal insulation are major issues to be considered in buildings' construction to meet the overall comfort conditions indoors and fulfill the energy-efficiency approaches. This work aimed to investigate the acoustic and thermal insulation performance of sustainable thermoplastic sandwich composite panels to be used in floor systems in buildings. Three types of recycled nonwoven fabrics were used in composites reinforcement; jute, polyester and hybrid jute-polyester (80:20%) with polypropylene as the matrix. Compression molding technique was used in manufacturing of the composite panels with different reinforcement and matrix ratios. The acoustic insulation performance of sandwich composite panels was evaluated in terms of impact sound attenuation test. As well the thermal conductivity was determined and the thermal insulation behavior was investigated using infrared thermography. The results indicated that all composite samples showed increased impact sound reduction at low frequencies. Jute and hybrid jute-polyester composites recorded a decrease in impact sounds reduction at high frequencies, whereas polyester composites showed fluctuated behavior. Increasing the reinforcement and matrix ratios enhanced impact sound reduction for jute composites at high frequencies, and for hybrid jute-polyester composites in the mid and high frequencies. The impact sound reduction index ΔLw values of all composites ranged between 12 and 21 dB. Furthermore, samples PJ and PT produced with 1-layer of reinforcement showed the lowest thermal conductivity and higher resistivity values compared to all samples. The polyester composites were the least samples to gain heat temperature after 60 min, and they exhibited the highest temperature difference compared to jute and hybrid jute-polyester composites.}, journal={Journal of Building Engineering}, author={Aly, Nermin M. and Seddeq, H.S. and Elnagar, Kh. and Hamouda, Tamer}, year={2021}, month={Aug} }
 @article{awad_hamouda_midani_zhou_katsou_fan_2021, title={Date palm fibre geometry and its effect on the physical and mechanical properties of recycled polyvinyl chloride composite}, volume={174}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2021.114172}, DOI={10.1016/j.indcrop.2021.114172}, abstractNote={Natural fibre (NF) is considered as the most available resource that exists in nature. Date palm trees (DPT) accounts for more than 2.8 million tons of waste annually, making it the most abundant agricultural biomass waste in the MENA region. Date palm fibre (DPF) extracted from DPT possesses great mechanical and physical characteristics which make them superior to other NFs in the MENA region. This study investigates the effect of DPF diameter size and loading content on both the mechanical and physical properties of DPF reinforced recycled polyvinyl chloride (RPVC) composite. The composites are developed using melt-mixing technique which is followed by compression moulding . The influence of the mechanical properties is investigated by evaluating the impact strength, tensile strength and flexural strength. Meanwhile the sieve analysis , thickness swelling (TS), moisture content (MC) and water absorption (WA) characteristics are evaluated. Composite microstructures are examined using optical microscopy to investigate the interfacial bonding between DPF and RPVC matrix. Results showed that at 40 wt% DPF, the TS, MC and WA were the highest demonstrating an increase of 1.57%, 1.76%, and 10.80%, respectively. The flexural strength, tensile strength and impact strength decreased as the loading content increased showing maximum reduction at 40 wt% loading, varying depending on DPF geometry. Although the results demonstrated a decrease in mechanical properties and an increase in physical properties as DPF loading increased depending on DPF geometry, the results indicate a great potential that the developed technologies could be industrialised under the waste management scheme for non-structural applications. • Utilising DPF agricultural biomass waste into developing sustainable composites. • Optimising DPF/RPVC composites with designing DPF geometry and concentration. • Establishing correlation of DPF/RPVC property and DPF parameters. • Structure and interfacial bonding characteristics of DPF/RPVC composites.}, journal={Industrial Crops and Products}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Awad, Said and Hamouda, Tamer and Midani, Mohamad and Zhou, Yonghui and Katsou, Evina and Fan, Mizi}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={114172} }
 @article{hamouda_ibrahim_kafafy_mashaly_mohamed_aly_2021, title={Preparation of cellulose-based wipes treated with antimicrobial and antiviral silver nanoparticles as novel effective high-performance coronavirus fighter}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.04.071}, DOI={10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.04.071}, abstractNote={Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). We succeeded in preparing disinfectant cellulose-based wipes treated with antimicrobial and antiviral silver nanoparticles to be used for prevention of contamination and transmission of several pathogenic viruses and microbes to human in critical areas such as hospitals and healthcare centers especially coronavirus. In this work, the antimicrobial and antiviral activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared with four different techniques were investigated for the utilization as a disinfectant for cellulose-based wipes. These four methods are namely; 1) trisodium citrate with cotton yarn as a reducing agent, 2) preparing AgNP's using aqueous solution of PVA in the presence of glucose, 3) trisodium citrate with cotton fabric as a reducing agent, and 4) photochemical reaction of polyacrylic acid and silver nitrate solution. Polyester/viscose blended spunlace nonwoven fabrics as cellulose based fabrics were treated with the prepared silver nanoparticles to be used as surfaces disinfection wipes. The properties of the nonwoven fabrics were examined including thickness, tensile strength in dry and wet conditions in both machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CMD), bursting strength, air permeability, water permeability and surface wettability. Characterization of the AgNPs was carried out in terms of UV-VIS spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, and Zeta potential analysis. The assessment of AgNPs active solutions for antimicrobial and antiviral activities was evaluated. The results obtained from the analyses of the AgNPs samples prepared with different techniques showed good uniformity and stability of the particles, as well uniform coating of the AgNPs on the fibers. Additionally, there is a significant effect of the AgNPs preparation method on their disinfectant performance that proved its effectiveness against coronavirus (MERS-CoV), S. aureus and B. subtilis as Gram-positive bacteria, E. coli and P. mirabilis as Gram-negative bacteria, A. niger and C. albicans fungi.}, journal={International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Ibrahim, Hassan M. and Kafafy, H.H. and Mashaly, H.M. and Mohamed, Nasser H. and Aly, Nermin M.}, year={2021}, month={Jun} }
 @article{abdelrazek_taleb_mahmoud_hamouda_2021, title={Utilization of Polylactic Acid (PLA) in Textile Food Packaging: A Review"}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejchem.2021.92005.4368}, DOI={10.21608/ejchem.2021.92005.4368}, abstractNote={Food packaging is one of the most important aspects of modern life, it is unavoidable in various communities: manufacturers, shopkeepers, sellers, and consumers. In today's world, food packaging plays a crucial role in our everyday lives because it safeguards foods against contamination from outside sources and preserve food properties during the entire assigned shelf life. This role involves prevention of decay, extension of shelf life, and preservation of packaged food quality and protection. In the recent years, several researches on biodegradable materials to replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging have been conducted. The demand of biodegradable packaging is increasing as it can be disposed of with minimal environmental impacts, but the industry is still in its early stages, owing to a scarcity of materials. This review paper dealing with some of the manufacturing challenges of environmentally sustainable food packaging products as an alternative to products derived from petroleum products. Where the study reviews the textile products used in the field of food packaging and the characteristics of these products. It also shows the great interest of the PLA in the field of food packaging industry, and this is due to the fact that it is environmentally friendly, biocompatibility and energy savings. This article reviews and discusses the physical, mechanical and biological properties of PLA fiber, Which allows to compare it with the properties of polyester fibers, and is it possible that PLA fibers be an alternative to it in the manufacture of woven food packages.}, journal={Egyptian Journal of Chemistry}, author={Abdelrazek, SHaymaa and Taleb, Eman Abou and Mahmoud, Abeer and Hamouda, Tamer}, year={2021}, month={Sep} }
 @article{elseify_midani_hassanin_hamouda_khiari_2020, title={Long textile fibres from the midrib of date palm: Physiochemical, morphological, and mechanical properties}, volume={151}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112466}, DOI={10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112466}, abstractNote={The objective of the present research was to extract long fibrillated textile fibres from the date palm midrib using a combined alkaline-mechanical process and study the effect of the extraction conditions on the physiochemical, morphological and mechanical properties. A total of 28 samples were prepared at different conditions and characterized using several techniques. The extraction process effectively fibrillated the coarse and hollow fibre vascular bundles into finer fibrils and reduced the fraction of surface impurities and increased the cellulose purity up to 69 % without causing fibre damage. The impurities removal and fibrillation were dependent on the severity of the alkaline treatment. The characteristics of the treated fibres were significantly improved; density up to 1.324 g/cm3, thermal stability up to 226 °C, crystallinity index up to 58.4 % and tensile strength up to 453 MPa. The extracted midrib fibres have very good properties comparable to that of other annual fibres, considering their wide availability. To the best of our knowledge this is considered a novel successful attempt to extract long fibrillated textile fibres from the date palm midrib which can be further processed following a typical textile process chain. Which in turn may open the door for potential valorization of such underutilized resource.}, journal={Industrial Crops and Products}, author={Elseify, Lobna A. and Midani, Mohamad and Hassanin, Ahmed H. and Hamouda, Tamer and KHIARI, Ramzi}, year={2020}, month={Sep} }
 @article{zhu_lin_jiao_ma_cai_hany_hamouda_cai_2020, title={Magnetic and mesoporous Fe3O4-modified glass fiber separator for high-performance lithium-sulfur battery}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11581-019-03350-5}, DOI={10.1007/s11581-019-03350-5}, journal={Ionics}, author={Zhu, Renxia and Lin, Shan and Jiao, Junfeng and Ma, Danyang and Cai, Zewei and Hany, Kafafy and Hamouda, Tamer M and Cai, Yurong}, year={2020}, month={May} }
 @article{hamouda_hassanin_saba_demirelli_kilic_candan_jawaid_2019, title={Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hybrid Composites from Food Packaging and Textiles Wastes}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10924-019-01369-3}, DOI={10.1007/s10924-019-01369-3}, journal={Journal of Polymers and the Environment}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Hassanin, Ahmed H. and Saba, Naheed and Demirelli, Mustafa and Kilic, Ali and Candan, Zeki and Jawaid, M.}, year={2019}, month={Mar} }
 @article{avci̇_hassani̇n_hamouda_kiliç_2019, title={HIGH PERFORMANCE FIBERS: A REVIEW ON CURRENT STATE OF ART AND FUTURE CHALLENGES}, url={https://doi.org/10.31796/ogummf.537704}, DOI={10.31796/ogummf.537704}, abstractNote={Improving properties of polymeric and non-polymeric fibers, for example mechanical, dimensional stability, thermal degradation, and etc. with understanding a recent theoretical investigation on the solid mechanism of single crystal growth leads to obtain fiber-based products with unusual characteristics. Similarly, high performance fibers are important engineering products and widely used due to their outstanding mechanical property along with dimensional stability. They have found extensive use as fiber reinforcement and can be utilized in many applications such as cords, ropes, performance fabrics, electronic packaging, sports equipment and fiber optics (Hearle, 2001; Kerr, Chawla and Chawla, 2005). It is well known that the highest tenacity and elastic moduli reported for such fibers are still much lower than their theoretical values. An extensive open gap between theoretical values and practical results encourage scientists to workand improve the mechanical properties. On the other hand, due to their nonconventional chemistry and instrumentation, many researches have been concentrated on reducing its production costs. Additionally, there is no single fiber chemistry that can withstand all sort of end-use conditions. The objective of this review paper is to provide a critical andconstructive analysis on current state of art high performance fiber production and modification techniques. Current problems and novel solutions were emphasized separately.}, journal={Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik ve Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi}, author={AVCİ, Huseyin and HASSANİN, Ahmed and HAMOUDA, Tamer and KILIÇ, Ali}, year={2019}, month={Aug} }
 @article{khattab_gabr_mostafa_hamouda_2019, title={Luminescent plant root: A step toward electricity-free natural lighting plants}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.08.101}, DOI={10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.08.101}, abstractNote={We develop and evaluate a novel approach to introduce luminescent globe artichoke root. This step can be developed to produce cheap and durable lighting green plants that glow like a flashlight helping to replace and save electricity. We managed to make some plant roots luminescent by feeding plants with strontium aluminate pigment phosphor doped with europium and dysprosium through their nutrition system without running any genetic engineering which is usually accompanied by negative impacts. The performance of the treated phosphorescent plant was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), light microscope (LM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and phosphorescence emission spectroscopy.}, journal={Journal of Molecular Structure}, author={Khattab, Tawfik and Gabr, Ahmed M. and Mostafa, Ayman M. and Hamouda, Tamer}, year={2019}, month={Jan} }
 @inbook{buyuknalcaci_polat_negawo_döner_alam_hamouda_kilic_2018, title={Carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites for wind turbine applications}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-102262-7.00024-6}, DOI={10.1016/b978-0-08-102262-7.00024-6}, abstractNote={This chapter describes the role of nanocomposites, specifically carbon nanotube (CNT) for wind turbine blade applications. Wind energy is considered one of the most promising renewable energy systems for our age. Fatigue loading over wind turbine blades and the weight of blades are forcing the materials to failure. Mechanical performance of composites is required to stand against these forces. Due to this reason, nanoparticle reinforcing of composite materials is beneficial for long-term use of blades. Applications of CNT-based nanocomposites have assessed in aspects of toughness, fatigue resistance, and electrostatic properties of wind turbine blades. Additionally, alternative nanocomposites reinforced with nanoclay, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), silica nanoparticles, and nanofibers have been reviewed. Finally, wind turbines’ blade coating with nanocomposites was mentioned. The methods used to include these nanomaterials in wind turbine blade production are also highlighted.}, booktitle={Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications}, author={Buyuknalcaci, F.N. and Polat, Y. and Negawo, T.A. and Döner, E. and Alam, M.S. and Hamouda, T. and Kilic, A.}, year={2018} }
 @article{khattab_rehan_hamouda_2018, title={Smart textile framework: Photochromic and fluorescent cellulosic fabric printed by strontium aluminate pigment}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.04.084}, DOI={10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.04.084}, abstractNote={Smart clothing can be defined as textiles that respond to a certain stimulus accompanied by a change in their properties. A specific class herein is the photochromic and fluorescent textiles that change color with light. A photochromic and fluorescent cotton fabric based on pigment printing is obtained. Such fabric is prepared by aqueous-based pigment-binder printing formulation containing inorganic pigment phosphor characterized by good photo- and thermal stability. It exhibits optimal excitation wavelength (365 nm) results in color and fluorescence change of the fabric surface. To prepare the transparent pigment-binder composite film, the phosphor pigment must be well-dispersed via physical immobilization without their aggregation. The pigment-binder paste is applied successfully onto cotton fabric using screen printing technique followed by thermal fixation. After screen-printing, a homogenous photochromic film is assembled on a cotton substrate surface, which represents substantial greenish-yellow color development as indicated by CIE Lab color space measurements under ultraviolet light, even at a pigment concentration of 0.08 wt% of the printing paste. The photochromic cotton fabric exhibit three excitation peaks at 272, 325 and 365 nm and three emission peaks at 418, 495 and 520 nm. The fluorescent optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, elemental mapping, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, fluorescence emission and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopic data of the printed cotton fabric are described. The printed fabric showed a reversible and rapid photochromic response during ultra-violet excitation without fatigue. The fastness properties including washing, crocking, perspiration, sublimation/heat, and light are described.}, journal={Carbohydrate Polymers}, author={Khattab, Tawfik and Rehan, Mohamed and Hamouda, Tamer}, year={2018}, month={Sep} }
 @article{hassanin_candan_demirkir_hamouda_2018, title={Thermal insulation properties of hybrid textile reinforced biocomposites from food packaging waste}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1528083716657820}, DOI={10.1177/1528083716657820}, abstractNote={ Due to the significant and harmful effect of the global warming on our communities, health, and climate, the usage of thermal insulation material in building is must to decrease the energy consumption and to improve energy efficiency. On the other hand, the utilization of waste and biomass resources for developing new bio-based composite materials is attracting much attention for the environmental and socioeconomics. Therefore, in this study, thermal insulation bio-based composite panels from Tetra Pak® waste and wool fiber waste with different ratios were manufactured. Likewise, other sandwich bio-based composite panels were manufactured using Tetra Pak waste as a core material with glass woven fabric and jute wove fabric as skin materials. Thermal conductivity and thermal resistance results showed a significant improvement on thermal insulation properties of the developed biocomposite panels compared to the control samples made of plain Tetra Pak®. }, journal={Journal of Industrial Textiles}, author={Hassanin, Ahmed H and Candan, Zeki and Demirkir, Cenk and Hamouda, Tamer}, year={2018}, month={Feb} }
 @article{terzi_kartal_muin_hassanin_hamouda_kılıç_candan_2017, title={Biological Performance of Novel Hybrid Green Composites Produced from Glass Fibers and Jute Fabric Skin by the VARTM Process}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.15376/biores.13.1.662-677}, DOI={10.15376/biores.13.1.662-677}, abstractNote={Environmentally friendly composites are increasingly used in building applications that require fungal and insect resistance. This study evaluated the ability of both wood-degrading and mold fungi to decompose hybrid composites made of wood furnish, glass fibers, and jute fabric skin. Fungal decay resistance tests employed brown-rot fungus (Fomitopsis palustris) and white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor). Mold resistance tests were performed with a mixture of three mold fungi, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trichoderma viride. The test specimens were also bio-assayed against termites in both laboratory and field conditions. When compared to control composites specimens produced by conventional methods without glass fiber and jute, the specimens with/without glass fiber and jute fabric manufactured by the VARTM process showed high resistance against the wood-degrading fungi and termites under laboratory and field conditions; however, mold fungal growth was observed on the surfaces of the specimens with 10%, 15%, and 20% glass fiber (without jute fabric) and with 5%, 10%, and 15% glass fiber (with jute fabric). In geographical locations with severe decay and termite hazards, these composite products may have a long service life as alternatives to conventional composites.}, journal={BioResources}, author={Terzi, Evren and Kartal, Saip Nami and Muin, Musrizal and Hassanin, Ahmed H. and Hamouda, Tamer and Kılıç, Ali and Candan, Zeki}, year={2017}, month={Nov} }
 @article{hamouda_2017, title={Complex three- dimensional-shaped knitting preforms for composite application}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1528083715624260}, DOI={10.1177/1528083715624260}, abstractNote={ For decades, street lighting and electric poles are made of metal and it is vulnerable to corrosion due to the harsh weather and chemicals. To overcome such essential problems, galvanized iron is used although it adds more hard work to increase the manufacturing cost. Therefore, fiber reinforced polymer lighting pole is proposed. Fiber reinforced polymer materials possess many advantages such as corrosion resistance, high specific strength and stiffness, etc. Two-dimensional woven fabrics and three-dimensional woven fabrics preforms are used to produce composite structures. However, complex shapes cannot be manufactured as a one piece preform. Woven fabrics, whether two-dimensional or three-dimensional need to be cut into patterns to finally produce the complex shapes. These processes add more cost and time to the final composite products. In this research, innovative technique to produce a three-dimensional complex shape knitted preform using regular flat-knitting machine will be presented. Production of such shaped three-dimensional preform permits the production of one piece-shaped preform without any connection or further sewing processes. Produced knitted preform can be used for various reinforcement applications such as light and communication poles, scaffold façades, traffic sign, oars, and wind mill blades. }, journal={Journal of Industrial Textiles}, author={Hamouda, T}, year={2017}, month={Mar} }
 @article{khattab_rehan_aly_hamouda_haggag_klapötke_2017, title={Fabrication of PAN-TCF-hydrazone nanofibers by solution blowing spinning technique: Naked-eye colorimetric sensor}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2017.05.001}, DOI={10.1016/j.jece.2017.05.001}, abstractNote={A robust and reusable solid state colorimetric sensor for alkaline vapors and aqueous media is developed by embedding a novel tricyanofuran-hydrazone (TCF-H) pH-sensory disperse dye bearing a hydrazone recognition moiety into a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix. UV/vis absorption and fluorescence spectra exhibit solvatochromism and reversible color change of the TCF-H colorant solution in acetonitrile under acid-base conditions. The solution blowing spinning technique is employed to develop the PAN-TCF-H nanofibrous colorimetric sensor. The approach adopted in the present study is based on entrapping TCF-H sensor within the polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous matrix that can afford simple numerical results for the pH of alkaline vapors and aqueous media. The vapochromic nanofibers provide an instant color change signal from light pink to blue upon exposure to alkaline vapors or aqueous media as indicated by the coloration measurements. Moreover, the nanofibers film sensor display fast response time (instant color change), concentration detection limit as low as 4.08 ppb for alkaline fluids, and very good reversibility. Recognition of alkaline vapors occurs via proton transfer of the hydrazone moiety to the base and is assisted by the strong electron withdrawing TCF moiety. The morphological properties of the nanofibrous sensor are determined by scanning electron microscopy, which showed that nanofibers with an average diameter range of 178–214 nm formed a nonwoven mat.}, journal={Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering}, author={Khattab, Tawfik A. and Rehan, Mohamed and Aly, Sherif Abdelmoez and Hamouda, Tamer and Haggag, Karima M. and Klapötke, Thomas M.}, year={2017}, month={Jun} }
 @article{hamouda_hassanin_kilic_candan_bodur_2017, title={Hybrid composites from coir fibers reinforced with woven glass fabrics: Physical and mechanical evaluation}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pc.23799}, DOI={10.1002/pc.23799}, abstractNote={Sandwich composites based on coir fiber nonwoven mats as core material were manufactured by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding technique. Mechanical and physical properties of produced coir/polyester and coir‐glass/polyester composites were assessed. Samples were evaluated according to their reinforcement contents, resin contents, areal density, and thickness. Tests on physical properties revealed that coir‐glass/polyester sandwich structure has the lowest values of thickness swelling, water absorption and moisture contents compared with coir/polyester composite. Mechanical tests such as tensile strength, open‐hole tensile strength, and flexural strength were also performed on all samples. Coir‐glass/polyester sandwich structure showed significant increase in tensile strength of 70 MPa compared with 8 MPa of coir/polyester composite. Introducing two skins of fiber glass woven roving to coir/polyester increased its flexural strength from 31.8 to 131.8 MPa for coir‐glass/polyester. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2212–2220, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers}, journal={Polymer Composites}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Hassanin, Ahmed H. and Kilic, Ali and Candan, Zeki and Bodur, Mehmet Safa}, year={2017}, month={Oct} }
 @inproceedings{hamouda_2016, title={Complex 3D shaped knitting preforms}, volume={2016-January}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84978081329&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, booktitle={International SAMPE Technical Conference}, author={Hamouda, T.}, year={2016} }
 @article{hassanin_hamouda_candan_kilic_akbulut_2016, title={Developing high-performance hybrid green composites}, volume={92}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84960353277&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.02.051}, abstractNote={Particleboards made of a mixture of wood particles and short glass fibers as the core and two layers of woven jute fabric as skin layers were fabricated using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer mold. The modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bonding (IB) were evaluated as indicators of mechanical performance. The vertical density profile, water absorption, and thickness swelling were analyzed to evaluate the physical performance. The results revealed that the proposed panels have excellent mechanical properties as compared to commercial wood composites. The MOR, MOE, and IB values for commercial particleboard composites are 14.69 MPa, 2.54 GPa, and 0.53 MPa, respectively, whereas the MOR, MOE, and IB for the proposed hybrid structure with zero glass fibers and no skin were 18.04 MPa, 2.99 GPa, and 2.18 MPa. Higher values were obtained by adding short glass fibers or using woven jute fibers as skin or both. The results indicated that the proposed sandwich composites exhibited excellent water resistance and dimensional stability as compared to commercial wood composites. The results also showed that these hybrid green composites with enhanced performance could be used in the construction and automotive industries.}, journal={Composites Part B: Engineering}, author={Hassanin, Ahmed H. and Hamouda, Tamer and Candan, Zeki and Kilic, Ali and Akbulut, Turgay}, year={2016}, pages={384–394} }
 @article{elsayed_hamouda_salama_salem_2016, title={Spinning of polyacrylamidoximes by solution blowing technique: Synthesis and characterization}, volume={17}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84989233420&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1007/s12221-016-6585-6}, number={9}, journal={Fibers and Polymers}, author={Elsayed, A. Atef and Hamouda, Tamer and Salama, M. and Salem, Tarek}, year={2016}, pages={1456–1463} }
 @inbook{structural health monitoring of composite structures using fiber optic methods_2016, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781315369815}, DOI={10.1201/9781315369815}, abstractNote={This highly comprehensive, introductory book explains the basics of structural health monitoring aspects of composite structures. This book serve as an all-in-one reference book in which the reader can receive a basic understanding of composite materials, manufacturing methods, the latest types of optical fiber sensors used for structural health monitoring of composite structures, and demonstrated applications of the use of fiber sensors in a variety of composite material structures. The content draws upon the authors’ and distinguished contributors’ extensive research/teaching and industrial experience to fully cover the structural health monitoring of composite materials using fiber optic sensing methods.}, year={2016}, month={Oct} }
 @article{complex three dimensional-shaped knitting preforms for composite application_2015, DOI={doi: 10.1177/1528083715624260}, abstractNote={ For decades, street lighting and electric poles are made of metal and it is vulnerable to corrosion due to the harsh weather and chemicals. To overcome such essential problems, galvanized iron is used although it adds more hard work to increase the manufacturing cost. Therefore, fiber reinforced polymer lighting pole is proposed. Fiber reinforced polymer materials possess many advantages such as corrosion resistance, high specific strength and stiffness, etc. Two-dimensional woven fabrics and three-dimensional woven fabrics preforms are used to produce composite structures. However, complex shapes cannot be manufactured as a one piece preform. Woven fabrics, whether two-dimensional or three-dimensional need to be cut into patterns to finally produce the complex shapes. These processes add more cost and time to the final composite products. In this research, innovative technique to produce a three-dimensional complex shape knitted preform using regular flat-knitting machine will be presented. Production of such shaped three-dimensional preform permits the production of one piece-shaped preform without any connection or further sewing processes. Produced knitted preform can be used for various reinforcement applications such as light and communication poles, scaffold façades, traffic sign, oars, and wind mill blades. }, journal={Journal of Industrial Textile}, year={2015}, month={Dec} }
 @article{hamouda_seyam_peters_2015, title={Evaluation of the integrity of 3D orthogonal woven composites with embedded polymer optical fibers}, volume={78}, ISSN={["1879-1069"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84927642175&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.03.092}, abstractNote={Abstract Due to their high flexibility, high tensile strain and high fracture toughness, polymer optical fibers (POF) are excellent candidates to be utilized as embedded sensors for structure health monitoring of fiber reinforced composites. In 3D orthogonal woven structures yarns are laid straight and polymer optical fiber can be easily inserted during preform formation either as a replacement of constituents or between them. The results of the previous paper indicated how an optic fiber sensor can be integrated into 3D orthogonal woven preforms with no signal loss. This paper addresses whether incorporating POF into 3D orthogonal woven composites affects their structure integrity and performance characteristics. Range of 3D orthogonal woven composites with different number of layers and different weft densities was fabricated. The samples were manufactured with and without POF to determine the effect of embedding POF on composite structure integrity. Bending, tensile strength tests, and cross section analysis were conducted on the composite samples. Results revealed that integrity of 3D orthogonal woven composite was not affected by the presence of POF. Due to its high strain, embedded POF was able to withstand the stresses without failure as a result of conducting destructive tests of the composite samples. Micrograph of cross-section of composite samples showed that minimum distortion of the yarn cross-section in vicinity of POF and no presence of air pocked around the embedded POF which indicates that 3D woven preform provided a good host for embedded POF.}, journal={COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Seyam, Abdel-Fattah M. and Peters, Kara}, year={2015}, month={Sep}, pages={79–85} }
 @article{hamouda_seyam_peters_2015, title={Investigating the Loss of an Embedded Perfluorinated Optical Fiber for Different Resin's Gel Time}, volume={16}, ISSN={["1875-0052"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84945385553&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1007/s12221-015-5534-0}, number={10}, journal={FIBERS AND POLYMERS}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Seyam, Abdel-Fattah M. and Peters, Kara}, year={2015}, month={Oct}, pages={2135–2140} }
 @article{hamouda_seyam_peters_2015, title={Polymer optical fibers integrated directly into 3D orthogonal woven composites for sensing}, volume={24}, ISSN={["1361-665X"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84921802387&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1088/0964-1726/24/2/025027}, abstractNote={This study demonstrates that standard polymer optical fibers (POF) can be directly integrated into composites from 3D orthogonal woven preforms during the weaving process and then serve as in-situ sensors to detect damage due to bending or impact loads. Different composite samples with embedded POF were fabricated of 3D orthogonal woven composites with different parameters namely number of y-/x-layers and x-yarn density. The signal of POF was not affected significantly by the preform structure. During application of resin using VARTM technique, significant drop in backscattering level was observed due to pressure caused by vacuum on the embedded POF. Measurements of POF signal while in the final composites after resin cure indicated that the backscattering level almost returned to the original level of un-embedded POF. The POF responded to application of bending and impact loads to the composite with a reduction in the backscattering level. The backscattering level almost returned back to its original level after removing the bending load until damage was present in the composite. Similar behavior occurred due to impact events. As the POF itself is used as the sensor and can be integrated throughout the composite, large sections of future 3D woven composite structures could be monitored without the need for specialized sensors or complex instrumentation.}, number={2}, journal={SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Seyam, Abdel-Fattah M. and Peters, Kara}, year={2015}, month={Feb} }
 @article{hamouda_seyam_2013, title={Integrity of composites from 3D woven preforms with embedded POF sensors}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84881142394&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, journal={International SAMPE Technical Conference}, author={Hamouda, T.M. and Seyam, A.-F.M.}, year={2013}, pages={2690–2700} }
 @inproceedings{hamouda_seyam_2013, title={Integrity of composites from 3D woven preforms with embedded POF sensors}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84881142394&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, booktitle={International SAMPE Technical Conference}, author={Hamouda, T.M. and Seyam, A.-F.M.}, year={2013}, pages={2690–2700} }
 @article{seyam_hamouda_2013, title={Smart textiles: evaluation of optical fibres as embedded sensors for structure health monitoring of fibre reinforced composites}, volume={104}, ISSN={["1754-2340"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84880580808&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1080/00405000.2013.765087}, abstractNote={Silica optical fibres (SOF) are established for the use of communicating digital data and numerous applications including structure health monitoring. However, SOFs exhibit drawbacks such as brittleness, low strain and signal attenuation due to bending. These drawbacks limit the use of SOF as embedded sensors for monitoring composite structures’ internal health. Unlike SOFs, the relatively newly developed polymer optical fibres (POF) do not possess such drawbacks and they are able to monitor the health of fibre-based composite structures. Bending in optical fibres is a major concern since this causes signal attenuation at bending points. Integrating optical fibres into a woven preform requires bending because of the crimping that occurs as a result of weave interlacing. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the macrobending of optical fibres on signal power integrity. The goal is to design optical fibre sensors embedded in woven preforms that have high sensitivity for monitoring the health of composite structures. Newly developed Graded Index Perfluorinated POF (GI-PF-POF) and two types of SOFs were evaluated in a three-point macrobending test bed using a laser light source. A systematic experimental design was executed to evaluate the optical fibres’ signal loss as a result of the bending radius, bending deflection and wrap angle of optical fibre around the middle rod of the test bed. The results showed that POF provides higher signal sensitivity and greater robustness against signal attenuation under bending when compared to SOF. The work also unveiled the bending radius of optical fibres at which minimum or no signal loss occurred. This finding is essential for designing embedded optical fibre sensors with high sensitivity.}, number={8}, journal={JOURNAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE}, author={Seyam, Abdel-Fattah M. and Hamouda, Tamer}, year={2013}, month={Aug}, pages={892–899} }
 @article{hamouda_peters_seyam_2012, title={Effect of resin type on the signal integrity of an embedded perfluorinated polymer optical fiber}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1361-665X"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84860708768&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1088/0964-1726/21/5/055023}, abstractNote={Polymer optical fibers (POF) hold many advantages for embedded sensing, such as their low cost, flexibility, high tensile strain limits and high fracture toughness. POF sensors may therefore be integrated into fiber reinforced composite structures for monitoring structural behavior. Since POFs do not require a protective coating, it is critical to verify that the resin system does not have a negative impact on the noise level or performance of POF sensors during composite manufacture. This study measured the effect of vinylester and epoxy resin systems on the signal loss of embedded perfluorinated, graded index POFs. Photon-counting optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) was used to monitor the signal attenuation and backscattering level of the POFs throughout the resin curing cycle. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and cross section analyses using scanning electronic microscope (SEM) images were also conducted to investigate whether the resin system caused chemical and physical changes of the POF. This study showed that vinylester resin caused a significant increase in the backscattering level of POF sensors and therefore induced high fiber signal losses. On the other hand, the POF treated with epoxy showed no change in backscattering level, indicating that no chemical or physical change had occurred to the POF.}, number={5}, journal={SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES}, author={Hamouda, Tamer and Peters, Kara and Seyam, Abdel-Fattah M.}, year={2012}, month={May} }