Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chengqian Wang, Jun Mei, Long Zhang
Summary: This study focuses on producing high-added-value biomass-derived composites by chemically coupling post-consumer plastics with agricultural and forestry wastes. The addition of a compatibilizer enhances the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the materials, promoting the recycling economy and achieving recyclable utilization of harmful wastes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria Rosella Telaretti Leggieri, Tomas Deltin, Alexander Warnheim, Per-Erik Sundell, Eva Malmstrom, Mats Johansson
Summary: This study investigates the potential of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) as a non-conventional nanoadditive for a polyester-melamine coil coating formulation. CNFs were successfully incorporated in the solvent-borne formulation through two different pathways of surface modification. The effective compatibilization of the nanoadditive led to significant changes in the viscoelastic properties of the coatings, including an increase in Tg, stress at break, and Young's modulus, while maintaining satisfactory elongation at break. The presence of CNFs also resulted in a significant matt effect, increased surface roughness, and lower scratch resistance, but did not deteriorate the water barrier properties of the coatings.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xin-Zhu Wang, Jing-Wen Wang, Hou-Qing Wang, Guo-Chao Zhuang, Jian-Bao Yang, Ying-Jie Ma, Yang Zhang, Hua Ren
Summary: The mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were improved by modifying it with polyether-block-amide elastomer (PEBA) through blending. The addition of a compatible agent, E-PU-I, improved the compatibility between TPU and PEBA, leading to more uniform dispersion and smaller particle size, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the blends. The mechanical properties of the blends were significantly improved when the critical E-PU-I content was around 3.2 parts.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ruey Shan Chen, Sahrim Ahmad
Summary: The study demonstrated that interfacial modification using alkalization, compatibilization, and coupling agent improved the mechanical performance and morphological stability of biocomposites. Scanning electron microscope images revealed enhanced interaction between matrix and filler after modification.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Anesh Manjaly Poulose, Hamid Shaikh, Arfat Anis, Abdullah Alhamidi, Nadavala Siva Kumar, Ahmed Yagoub Elnour, Saeed M. Al-Zahrani
Summary: In this study, polypropylene composites with strontium aluminate-based fillers were prepared and their auto-glowing properties were examined. The intensity of the phosphorescence emission and decay was found to be proportional to the filler content. The fillers decreased the overall crystallinity of the composites without affecting the melting and crystallization temperature values. The thermal stability of the composites was slightly improved with the fillers, but the mechanical properties were decreased.
Article
Engineering, Civil
JinJing Liao, Jun-Jie Zeng, Xin-Chao Lin, Yan Zhuge, Shao-Hua He
Summary: This study investigates the punching shear behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars or grid-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) slabs. The test results show that FRP grids and short fibers help to distribute the applied loads and increase punching shear capacities. Increasing the reinforcement ratio in the FRP grids enhances the postcrack ductility response and punching shear capacity. SF and PE fiber additions also improve the punching shear capacity. Furthermore, a more accurate punching shear model is proposed for FRP grid-reinforced UHPC slabs, with an average error of 8% compared to traditional reinforced concrete slabs. The robustness of the proposed model will be further assessed with more test data in the future.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES FOR CONSTRUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhe Sun, Jiating Wen, Wenkai Wang, Haojun Fan, Yi Chen, Jun Yan, Jun Xiang
Summary: A novel reactive compatibilizer PMHS-g-AEM was synthesized and characterized for its potential in compatibilizing nonpolar PDMS and polar E/SVTPU systems. Optimum dosages of 2 wt% and 4 wt% were found to significantly improve the microstructures and mechanical properties of the blends, demonstrating excellent compatibilization effects.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emilia Izak-Nau, Susanne Braun, Andrij Pich, Robert Goestl
Summary: Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels that resist mechanical disruption through supramolecular hydrogen bonds are synthesized and found to have increased resistance against shear force. The incorporation of (+)-catechin hydrate enhances their mechanical durability and introduces pH sensitivity and multiresponsivity. The results provide a blueprint for the preparation of mechanically durable microgels.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Shengxin Fan, Tze Yang Darren Lim, Susanto Teng, Kang Hai Tan
Summary: This study investigated the effects of aggregate size, shear reinforcement ratio, and effective depth on the shear strength of large high strength concrete (HSC) beams. Results showed that increasing beam depth led to a reduction in shear strength and the development of more cracks. The use of smaller aggregates resulted in higher ultimate strength. Existing codes of practice underestimated shear strengths and could not account for the effect of aggregate size.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Juan Bai, Huijie Pei, Xingping Zhou, Xiaolin Xie
Summary: Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is widely used in the production of biodegradable films due to its high elongation, flexibility, and processability. However, its high cost compared to traditional plastics such as polyethylene has led to research on reducing PBAT cost through blending with thermoplastic starch (TPS) using reactive epoxy compatibilizer (REC) and two-step extrusion. The results showed that REC improved compatibility and mechanical properties of PBAT/TPS blends, with blends obtained through two-step extrusion showing a bicontinuous phase structure and excellent performance even with high TPS contents.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Zhang, Xiaojun Tang, Fuzheng Guo, Kangli Xiao, Dexin Zheng, Yunsheng Ma, Qingsong Zhao, Fangxin Wang, Bin Yang
Summary: This study investigated the physical modification effects of non-covalent surfactant on carbon-particle-filled nanocomposite. The selected surfactant, Triton (TM) X-100, improved the dispersibility of carbon fillers in the epoxy matrix by introducing steric repelling force. The physically modified carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplates constructed an effective particulate network, providing mechanical reinforcement and conductive improvement to the hybrid nanocomposite system. The hybrid nanocomposite showed significant enhancements in critical-stress-intensity factor and compressive strength compared to the neat epoxy counterpart, while the electrical conductivity was influenced by the dispersion of modified fillers.
Article
Forestry
Hongxi Liu, Zhun Mao, Yan Wang, John H. Kim, Franck Bourrier, Awaz Mohamed, Alexia Stokes
Summary: Natural hazards like shallow landslides are common in disturbing soil and damaging forests. Plant roots play a crucial role in reducing the window of susceptibility for new disturbance events on unstable hillslopes. Research shows that thicker, long-lived roots contribute more to soil reinforcement than finer, short-lived roots, especially during the recovery process. In high elevation closed forests, seasonal soil water dynamics may result in vulnerable hotspots, highlighting the need for careful monitoring on steep or unstable slopes, especially after disturbances.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bing-Yen Wang, Steven Hsu, Chia-Man Chou, Tair- Wu, Vincent K. S. Hsiao
Summary: The addition of nanomaterials, such as graphene and graphene oxide, can enhance the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite nanocomposites. By using ultra-high shear force to achieve nano-sized mixtures and a low-temperature spark plasma sintering process, improved mechanical properties can be obtained. The potential applications of these improved r-GO/HA nanocomposites include dentistry, plasma spray-coatings, and orthopedic 3D printing.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yiqun Zhang, Qi Liu, Wenjuan Ren, Yangyang Song, Hua Luo, Yangyang Han, Liang He, Xiaodong Wu, Zhuqing Wang
Summary: This study presents a new paradigm of bioinspired tactile sensors that can detect both the intensity and direction of mechanical stimulations. The sensors utilize a microcrack-bristle structure and cross-shaped configuration engineering to achieve high sensitivity and direction recognition. The as-fabricated tactile sensors demonstrate desirable stability and the ability to resolve both mechanical intensity and directional features, making them suitable for surface texture recognition and biomimetic path explorations.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Narjes Soleimani, Mohammad Reza Kamandar, Farhad Khoshnam, Amanollah Soleimani
Summary: The lack of synchronicity in sesame capsule ripening results in increased seed loss during harvest by current machines. Little information is available regarding the impact of sesame stalk properties on the performance of cutting machines. This study models and investigates the shear force and shear energy of sesame stalks during the impact cutting process to design a new and improved sesame harvesting machine. Laboratory and field tests were conducted to measure the shearing properties at different moisture levels, cutting speeds, and stalk positions. The results showed the varying ratios of cutting force and specific shear energy at different conditions, ultimately enabling the calculation of maximum impact cutting force on the sesame field using a simple pendulum arm.
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanzhang Jiang, Xuyi Wang, Yanting Han, Dakai Gong, Yingchun Gu, Lin Tan
Summary: In this study, FeCl3 and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were doped into waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) to create multifunctional materials with self-healing and antimicrobial properties. WPU/Fe/PAA-5.5, containing 5.5 wt % PAA, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, strong self-healing capabilities, and an impressive antimicrobial rate of over 90%. These supramolecular films were also highly recyclable through hot-pressing.
Article
Polymer Science
Longyu Tian, Min Wang, Guangming Liao, Baoliang Liu, Sujuan Zhang, Yucheng Sun, Zhen Meng, Jintao Zhang, Zaijun Lu
Summary: Two kinds of benzoxazine monomers were synthesized and used to prepare polybenzoxazine anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with quaternary ammonium functionalization. The LQPBZ AEM exhibited better ion conductivity and alkaline stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Claire A. Lemarchand
Summary: This study investigates the shock behavior of three different polymers through molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal specificities in the shock behavior of polymers, including deviations from the linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity, as well as differences in shear stress relaxation behind the shock front. It is found that the deviation of the Hugoniot locus is related to the change in the relative contribution of bonding and non-bonding potential energies, while polymers with higher glass transition temperatures exhibit slower shear stress relaxation.
Article
Polymer Science
Zengquan Liu, Xiaochun Yin, He Zhang, Shuo Gao, Qinglin Kuang, Yanhong Feng
Summary: A powder solid-state extension (PSSE) technology was proposed to address the high melt viscosity issue of UHMWPE. By uniaxial extension and sintering in the solid state, a highly self-reinforced material was prepared. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques were used to study the structural evolution during the PSSE process, and a solid-phase induced transformation model was established.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhike Li, Anyu Luo, Rui Zhou, Xin Li, Haiyan Li
Summary: A novel high temperature resistance IL@SiO2 nanocapsules were successfully prepared and their friction and wear properties in PA6 composites were studied. The addition of IL@SiO2 nanocapsules reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate without affecting the mechanical properties of PA6. The synergy between the IL core and SiO2 wall in the nanocapsules improved the self-lubricating performance of the PA6 composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Liu, Xuhong Guo, Qi Liao
Summary: In this study, an algorithm for accurately estimating viscosity is developed using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green-Kubo formula. This algorithm can be applied to complex systems with long correlations, such as macromolecular and biological simulation systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Pu, Yun-Lei Hou, Jing -Zhou Chen, Dong -Lin Zhao
Summary: The use of modified graphene improves the interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix in CF/EP composites, as well as increased interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chung Ke, Jin-Wei Lin, Manohar Reddy Busireddy, Yueh-Hsing Lee, Jiun-Tai Chen, Chain-Shu Hsu
Summary: This study introduces a crosslinkable monomer, TAIC, to synthesize three crosslinked polyimide films, which exhibit improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. The introduction of TAIC enhances the tensile strength, reduces the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polyimide films.
Article
Polymer Science
Alex Kwasi Kumi, Ruiling Fan, Ye Chen, Yumei Zhang
Summary: The difference in leaching of amylopectin from cellulose/amylopectin/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) blends during regeneration in water and aqueous ethanol has been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the dissolution and regeneration mechanisms of amylopectin in [Bmim][Cl] are similar to cellulose in ionic liquids. Water regeneration leads to weak electrostatic interactions, resulting in high leaching of amylopectin. In contrast, ethanol-water interactions enhance electrostatic interactions among amylopectin chains, limiting amylopectin leaching in aqueous ethanol.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zeng, Junwei Zhou, Junbiao Peng, Chunsheng Zhang, Danling Wang, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: This study utilizes an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on polyethylene glycol to regulate the vulcanization kinetics of rubber. The results show that the DES can accelerate vulcanization at low temperatures without affecting the crosslinking density and Mullins effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianqian Yue, Yongfei Peng, Xingjian Liu, Aihua He, Huarong Nie
Summary: The addition of metal deactivators can effectively suppress the aging of TBIR, prolong its lifespan, and have no negative effects on its physical and processing properties. These research findings are of great importance for improving the stability and aging resistance of polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
J. Gomez-Caturla, J. Ivorra-Martinez, R. Tejada-Oliveros, V Moreno, D. Garcia-Garcia, R. Balart
Summary: This work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PLA formulations by using different esters derived from geraniol as plasticizers. The results show that these esters have good compatibility with PLA, and they can effectively enhance the elongation and plasticity of PLA, reduce its glass transition temperature, and slightly improve its water absorption capabilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Dandan Li, Zhaohui Lu, Zhao Ke, Ke Xu, Fengna Dai, Youhai Yu, Guangtao Qian, Chunhai Chen
Summary: In this study, cross-linked PI aerogel membranes with low dielectric constant and high moisture resistance were prepared by co-polymerization and scraping coating technology. The incorporation of fluorinated blocks and benzimidazole ring structures resulted in novel PI aerogel membranes with fascinating dielectric properties and outstanding moisture resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyang Chu, Qing Zhang, Haihua Luo, Han Zhou, Fapei Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: Multi-physical fields solution processing strategy is a universal and facile method for preparing various conjugated polymer films and high-performance devices. In this study, we employed a combined microfluidic flow and ultrasonication strategy (FU) for processing CP solutions, and found a pronounced synergetic effect in promoting the pre-ordering of chains in solution. The conformation order and anisotropy of the solution were revealed through various characterizations. A non-classical nucleation model for polymer crystallization in non-equilibrium solution processing was confirmed. The roles of microfluidic flow and ultrasonication in chain aggregation and crystallization were addressed through multi-physical simulations. Compared to pristine solutions, the FU strategy showed improved solution anisotropy and crystallization kinetics, resulting in higher crystallinity in films and increased mobilities in OFET devices. The FU processing strategy provides a universal approach for regulating chain conformation and aggregation in conjugated polymer solutions.