A carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) was irradiated with a high energy electron-beam. As a result, the tensile strength of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based CFRTPs was significantly improved by gradually increasing the electron-beam dose. It was confirmed that the adhesion between CF and HDPE was improved and the surface properties of CF and HDPE were readily modified by electron-beam. It was verified from spectroscopic analysis that various oxygencontaining functional groups were formed on the surface of CF and HDPE by irradiation and we believe that strong attractive interactions took place among these functional groups at the interface of CFs and HDPE. Finally, it was conclusive that electron-beam irradiation provided two main effects on CFRTPs. One was cross-linking of thermoplastic resin for efficient load transfer from resin to CF and the other was formation of surface functional group and attractive interaction of these functional groups at the interface of fiber and matrix. These two effects showed synergetic contribution to enhance the mechanical properties of CFRTP.

This study was carried out with the goal of improving accessibility for farmers in record management. The pre-survey for farm records found that the main reasons for lack of records were “no need” and “no time” to keep such records. Based on the results of the pre-survey of smartphone-based farm recordkeeping, the major composition articles were management books, daily work logs, analysis books and additional books compiled by setting log in, notice and suggestions. The number of smartphone- based farm record books was 4,430 nationwide. We also updated farms keeping records on seven occasions for user convenience. Regional differences in the utilization ratio of record books showed that continuous promotion and education aimed at users were key points of success for farm recordkeeping books.