Natural fibers are seeing increased use in composite applications due to their reduced cost, low density, and environmental benefits (more sustainable and lower carbon footprint). Although many natural fiber systems have been examined over the last decade, there have been relatively few studies which have compared a variety of fiber types and processing methods directly in the same experimental set. In this study, natural fiber composites made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a variety of Canadian based fiber feedstocks were examined including hemp bast, flax bast, chemically pulped wood, wood chips, wheat straw, and mechanically pulped triticale. The effect of fiber type, fiber fraction and maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent on the mechanical properties and long-term moisture absorption behavior was quantified. In general, addition of natural fiber to LDPE results in an increase in modulus (stiffness) with a corresponding loss of material elongation and impact toughness. Of the fiber types tested, composites made from chemically pulped wood had the best mechanical properties and the least moisture absorption. However, the use of MAPE coupling agent was found to significantly increase the mechanical performance and reduce moisture absorption for all other natural fiber types. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 969-980, 2013

Commissioning pressure tests are a critical life-of-asset record. Successfully achieving an acceptable pressure test can be challenging both at an execution and documentation perspective. This paper aims to assist in streamlining the approach to pipeline commissioning pressure tests between operators to increase efficiency and drive consistency across the pipeline industry. Key lessons learned from the planning stages through to the quality control turnover are highlighted. Lessons learned, respective to pressure tests, include: road map of Canadian regulations, tabulated equipment requirements, suggested instrumentation setup, template checklist for test plans, outlined company to contractor responsibilities, as well as a proposed internal process to manage and accept completed tests.