Article
Polymer Science
Simon Faba, Marina P. Arrieta, Angel Aguero, Alejandra Torres, Julio Romero, Adrian Rojas, Maria Jose Galotto
Summary: This article proposes a method using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)) to obtain compostable bionanocomposite foams based on PLA and organoclay. The foams showed a closed cell and uniform cell structure with enhanced thermal stability and improved overall mechanical performance. The water uptake behavior demonstrated that the foams had low water absorption, and they also disintegrated under composting conditions. Therefore, these bionanocomposite foams seem to be a promising sustainable alternative for applications such as food packaging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Cerro, Gonzalo Bustos, Carolina Villegas, Nicolas Buendia, Giannina Truffa, Maria Paz Godoy, Francisco Rodriguez, Adrian Rojas, Maria Jose Galotto, Luis Constandil, Mauricio Yanez-S, Julio Romero, Alejandra Torres
Summary: PLA/Lig-Np nanocomposites containing cinnamaldehyde (Ci) were obtained by a combination of melt extrusion and supercritical impregnation process. The developed films showed strong UV-light barrier property and good biodegradability under composting conditions. Toxicity studies in normal rats confirmed the safety of the nanocomposites for potential applications in food packaging and biomedical fields.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Mohammad Nahid Siddiqui, Halim Hamid Redhwi, Ioannis Tsagkalias, Evangelia C. Vouvoudi, Dimitris S. Achilias
Summary: The new trend in food packaging films is to use biodegradable or bio-based polymers with additives from natural resources to extend foodstuff shelf-life and improve consumers' safety. The study found that multi-component mixtures resulted in more intense plasticization and higher antioxidant activity was noticed when carvacrol was added.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patricia P. Miranda-Villa, Nicolas A. Ganan, Raquel E. Martini, Maria L. Goni
Summary: This study investigates the scCO2-assisted impregnation of polylactic acid films with R-(-)-carvone as a potential active packaging material. The effects of three process variables on the loading and release kinetics of the impregnated films are studied. Additionally, the properties of the films are assessed, and the impregnation kinetics of carvone in scCO2-swollen films are examined.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Marija Lucic Skoric, Stoja Milovanovic, Irena Zizovic, Rodrigo Ortega-Toro, Gabriella Santagata, Mario Malinconico, Melina Kalagasidis Krusic
Summary: The aim of this study is to develop environmentally friendly and renewable starch-based materials for biodegradable active food packaging. The results show that the supercritical CO2 impregnation process can successfully incorporate thymol into thermoplastic starch and its blend, allowing for controlled release of thymol within seven days. These materials are environmentally friendly and can stably release bioactive components.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jelena Pajnik, Jelena Dikic, Stoja Milovanovic, Milena Milosevic, Sanja Jevtic, Ivana Lukic
Summary: Chitosan/gelatin and chitosan/gelatin/zeolite films were impregnated with thymol and carvacrol using supercritical carbon dioxide. The resulting films exhibit gradual release of bioactive compounds and are suitable for wound dressing application.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rim Guesmi, Nasreddine Benbettaieb, Mohamed Ramzi Ben Romdhane, Thouraya Barhoumi-Slimi, Ali Assifaoui
Summary: Linseed oil-based composite films with cinnamaldehyde were prepared using modified clay through in situ polymerization. The presence of organoclay improves the thermal stability of the films and affects their surface properties. The addition of cinnamaldehyde reduces the water contact angle of the films, while the presence of organoclay enhances the barrier properties of the films. Incorporating hydrophobic compounds in the polymer films reduces the water vapor permeability, and linseed oil has natural antioxidant activity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Adrian Rojas, Alejandra Torres, Carol Lopez de Dicastillo, Eliezer Velasquez, Carolina Villegas, Simon Faba, Patricia Rivera, Abel Guarda, Julio Romero, Maria Jose Galotto
Summary: Microcellular nanocomposite foams functionalized with cinnamaldehyde were produced through supercritical foaming and impregnation processing. The effects of C30B concentration and cinnamaldehyde incorporation on the properties of the foams were investigated, and the release behavior of cinnamaldehyde was analyzed. The results showed that these active foams have great potential for the migration and release of active compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jelena Pajnik, Stoja Milovanovic, Dusica Stojanovic, Suzana Dimitrijevic-Brankovic, Ivona Jankovic-Castvan, Petar Uskokovic
Summary: The study impregnated absorbable surgical sutures with natural compound thymol, which exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The impregnated material released loaded thymol gradually and retained significant amounts even after 10 days, showing potential application in antibacterial medical devices. The effects of the impregnation process on material properties and its application were detailed using characterization techniques SEM, FTIR, DSC, and DMA.
JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Pilar Grosso, Cristina Cejudo, Ismael Sanchez-Gomar, M. Carmen Duran-Ruiz, Rafael Moreno-Luna, Lourdes Casas, Clara Pereyra, Casimiro Mantell
Summary: The addition of natural substances with pharmacoactive properties to polymeric biomedical devices can enhance the assimilation of these implants and promote blood vessel formation. In this study, mango leaf extract (MLE) obtained through pressurized ethanol was impregnated into polylactic acid (PLA) devices. The best impregnation conditions and results were determined through in vitro culture experiments and microscopy observations.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Emanuela Drago, Paola Franco, Roberta Campardelli, Iolanda De Marco, Patrizia Perego
Summary: The search for advanced packaging solutions in recent years has focused on systems capable of extending the food shelf-life, with active packaging being one of the most interesting strategies. This paper proposes the combined use of electrospinning and supercritical fluids impregnation for producing active packaging, which allows for controlled release of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Through characterizations and study of release kinetics, it is found that these methods permit calibration of migration kinetics to obtain active food packaging with controlled release according to the final application. Comparing the two processes, it is observed that supercritical fluid impregnation results in controlled release of the active principle, while electrospinning process shows fast release kinetics.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lisna Junaeni Muiz, Ariadne Lakshmidevi Juwono, Yuni Krisyuningsih Krisnandi
Summary: Research on bionanocomposites for food packaging has shown promising potential. These materials can replace traditional non-biodegradable plastic packaging with new, high-performance, lightweight, and environmentally friendly composites. However, the mechanical properties of natural polymers need improvement, which can be achieved by adding inorganic materials and nanoparticles.
Article
Polymer Science
Paola Scarfato, Maria Luisa Graziano, Arianna Pietrosanto, Luciano Di Maio, Loredana Incarnato
Summary: This study aimed to use hazelnut perisperm as an antioxidant agent in the production of biodegradable polymeric films for active packaging. The results showed that the presence of hazelnut perisperm conferred significant antioxidant activity, extended the sealability temperature range, and decreased the stiffness and mechanical strength of the films while increasing their ductility.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Irena Zizovic, Anna Trusek, Marcin Tyrka, Ivana Moric, Lidija Senerovic
Summary: The study demonstrates that supercritical solvent impregnation can successfully deliver antibacterial substance thymol to commercial polyamide microfiltration membranes while preserving the membranes' microstructure. The maximum thymol loading achieved in the impregnation process was 42%, and membranes with 20% thymol content showed strong anti-biofilm activity.
JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irena Zizovic, Marcin Tyrka, Konrad Matyja, Ivana Moric, Lidija Senerovic, Anna Trusek
Summary: The study found that high thymol loadings could be achieved after just 0.5 h at 15 MPa and 20 MPa, providing strong antibiofilm properties against tested strains without affecting membrane functionality. The results demonstrate that these strong antibacterial properties could be implemented to commercial membranes' defined polymeric structure in a short and environmentally friendly process.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Claudio Araya-Lopez, Jael Conejeros, Cristian Valdebenito, Rene Cabezas, Gaston Merlet, Jose F. Marco, Gabriel Abarca, Ricardo Salazar, Julio Romero
Summary: A new type of ionic liquids based on triazoles supported on alumina has been developed for the dehydration of fructose to selectively produce 5-HMF. The catalysts based on triazolium-ionic liquids supported on Al2O3 were synthesized and used for the synthesis of 5-HMF from fructose in DMSO as the reaction solvent.
Article
Thermodynamics
E. Zurob, D. Rivas, F. Olea, A. Plaza, G. Merlet, C. Araya-Lopez, J. Romero, E. Quijada-Maldonado, R. Cabezas
Summary: Succinic acid, a promising chemical building block, can be bio-produced using renewable resources. This study investigated the liquid-liquid extraction of succinic acid from a yeast broth using hydrophobic phosphonium-based ionic liquids as extractants. The results showed high extraction percentage and selectivity, indicating the potential of using ionic liquids for the extraction and purification of succinic acid.
FLUID PHASE EQUILIBRIA
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Carol Lopez de Dicastillo, Eliezer Velasquez, Adrian Rojas, Luan Garrido, Maria Carolina Moreno, Abel Guarda, Maria Jose Galotto
Summary: In this study, betalains were successfully extracted from red beetroot and encapsulated into the core of coaxial electrosprayed capsules composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and gelatin. The best composition for betalain protection was found to be incorporating the beetroot extract in the gelatin core and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose shell. The effectiveness of this core/shell structure was confirmed for future food applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Angel Aguero, Esther Corral Perianes, Sara Soledad Abarca de las Muelas, Diego Lascano, Maria del Mar de la Fuente Garcia-Soto, Mercedes Ana Peltzer, Rafael Balart, Marina Patricia Arrieta
Summary: In this study, yerba mate waste was used to produce kombucha beverage, and the resulting microbial cellulose was utilized to reinforce a mechanically recycled poly(lactic acid) matrix. The plasticized r3-PLA-ATBC matrix loaded with microbial cellulose showed good dispersion, flexibility, transparency, and antioxidant properties, making it suitable for industrial applications in food packaging and agricultural films.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nadia Esfandiari, Adrian Rojas, Arman Babhadiashar, Maria Jose Galotto, Nedasadat Saadati Ardestani, Seyed Ali Sajadian
Summary: This study investigated the supercritical fluid extraction of essential oil from rosemary leaves and its subsequent impregnation in LLDPE films. The effects of temperature, pressure, and particle size on the extraction yield were studied. The impregnation assays showed that temperature, pressure, and time significantly impacted the essential oil impregnation yield in LLDPE films. The impregnated films exhibited significant antioxidant activity.
Article
Thermodynamics
Bizhan Honarvar, Seyed Ali Sajadian, Adrian Rojas, Maria Jose Galotto, Abolghasem Jouyban
Summary: The solubility of sildenafil citrate (SLC) in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) was measured and modeled for the first time in this study. Experiments were conducted at different temperature and pressure values, and the solubility of SLC in SC-CO2 was quantified. Various models were used to correlate the measured solubility data, and the approximate values of enthalpies were computed.
FLUID PHASE EQUILIBRIA
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Carolina Villegas, Sara Martinez, Alejandra Torres, Adrian Rojas, Rocio Araya, Abel Guarda, Maria Jose Galotto
Summary: MaterBi(R) (MB) is a promising biodegradable polymer with good mechanical properties, thermal stability, processability, and biodegradability. This study aims to develop a film based on MB EF51L, incorporating chitosan with ellagic acid (EA), and evaluate its effects on material properties. The results show that the addition of 2.5 wt.% EA has no significant effect on the mechanical properties, while a 5 wt.% addition can improve the mechanical properties.
Article
Food Science & Technology
C. Patino Vidal, Francesca Luzi, Debora Puglia, Gracia Lopez-Carballo, Adrian Rojas, Maria Jose Galotto, C. Lopez de Dicastillo
Summary: By combining extrusion, electrospinning, and coating techniques, a biopolymeric and antibacterial packaging material with a trilayer structure was successfully developed. The trilayer system consisted of a support extruded layer of polylactic acid (PLA), an intermediate PLA electrospun layer loaded with ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and a third inner chitosan coating. The material was evaluated for its morphological, wettability, antibacterial, and disintegrability properties. The morphological analysis showed the heterogeneity of the chitosan coating over the electrospun PLA layer, which negatively affected the wettability evaluation. Antibacterial assays demonstrated a fast and strong bactericidal effect against Gram(+) and (-) bacteria that lasted for 15 days. Finally, the biodegradable properties of the different layers facilitated the disintegration of the trilayer material within 21 days under composting conditions.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ratna Surya Alwi, Adrian Rojas, Nadia Esfandiari, Seyed Ali Sajadian, Nedasadat Saadati Ardestani, Abolghasem Jouyban
Summary: The solubility of Clonazepam in supercritical carbon dioxide was measured at different temperatures and pressures. Various models, including density-based models, equations of state, and association theory based models, were used to correlate the experimental data. These models demonstrated good consistency in correlating the solubility of Clonazepam under different conditions. Gas antisolvent processes were suggested for micro or nano-sizing Clonazepam based on its dissolution behavior in supercritical carbon dioxide.
FLUID PHASE EQUILIBRIA
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Angel Agueero, Diego Lascano, Juan Ivorra-Martinez, Jaume Gomez-Caturla, Marina P. Arrieta, Rafael Balart
Summary: Spent coffee grounds were used as an alternative infusion for kombucha fermentation. The resulting bacterial cellulose was used as filler in PLA matrix plastic to produce bio-based films with antioxidant activity. These films show potential applications in food packaging or agricultural uses.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Adrian Rojas, Dusan Misic, Carol Lopez de Dicastillo, Irena Zizovic, Eliezer Velasquez, Danae Gutierrez, Gonzalo Aguila, Cristian Patino Vidal, Abel Guarda, Maria Jose Galotto
Summary: Strict legislation in developed countries has led to industrial innovations based on sustainable green processes and nature-based solutions, resulting in the wider use of natural bioactive compounds like thymol in various fields, including active food packaging. This comprehensive review discusses the impact of adding thymol to polymeric films used in active food packaging, covering thermal, structural, mechanical, and barrier properties. The article also analyzes the release of thymol and reviews strategies for controlling its release kinetics, as well as the antimicrobial properties of films containing thymol. The review identifies knowledge gaps and suggests possible research trends, highlighting the potential of supercritical solvent impregnation and bioactive polymeric materials for flexible and semirigid packaging.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nedasadat Saadati Ardestani, Seyed Ali Sajadian, Adrian Rojas, Ratna Surya Alwi, L. Antonio Estevez
Summary: The solubility of famotidine (FAM) in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was experimentally determined for the first time in this study. Due to its low solubility in scCO2, gas anti-solvent and supercritical anti-solvent processes are suitable methods for generating nano/micro particles of this drug. The correlation analysis of the experimental data showed that the Este & PRIME;vez et al. model had the highest accuracy.
JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daniela Cerro, Adrian Rojas, Alejandra Torres, Carolina Villegas, Maria Jose Galotto, Abel Guarda, Julio Romero
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds using Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Emulsions (SFEE) process for the development of nutraceutical products and functional foods. This work provides fundamental information and perspectives on the stages, equipment configurations, and the effect of operational variables on the physicochemical properties of polymeric nanocapsules. The SFEE process offers advantages such as higher encapsulation efficiency, low organic residual solvents, and smaller size, making it suitable for large-scale production of healthier and more bioavailable food products.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alba Maldonado, Paulina Cheuquepan, Sofia Gutierrez, Nayareth Gallegos, Makarena Donoso, Carolin Hauser, Marina P. Arrieta, Alejandra Torres, Julio Bruna, Ximena Valenzuela, Abel Guarda, Maria Galotto, Francisco Rodriguez-Mercado
Summary: This study aimed to develop nanocomposites based on eco-friendly materials (MB and PLA) combined with nano-TiO2 to remove ethylene and determine their removal capacity. The photocatalytic activity and ethylene-removal capacity of different particle sizes of nano-TiO2 were evaluated. Results showed that the 21nm nano-TiO2 had the highest ethylene-removal activity. The nanocomposites made with 21nm nano-TiO2 exhibited high ethylene-removal properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Juan Ivorra-Martinez, Yago Valencia, Jaume Gomez-Caturla, Angel Aguero, Marina Patricia Arrieta, Teodomiro Boronat, Rafael Balart
Summary: This study proposes the use of terpenoid-based organic compounds as plasticizers for P3HB, which effectively improves the ductility of P3HB and expands its potential applications.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Keyu Zhu, Xitao Zheng, Jing Peng, Jiaming Sun, Ruilin Huang, Leilei Yan
Summary: This paper discusses the influence of multiple impacts on the compression strength of honeycomb sandwich structures with composite face sheets. It is found that the size of the impactor affects the turning point of the compression strength. Additionally, high impact energy leads to damage in the bottom face sheet and reduces the overall compression strength.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Danqian Wang, Yanfei Yue, Jueshi Qian
Summary: Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) as a binder for steel rebars shows improved corrosion resistance when subjected to carbonation, due to the increase in pH and the formation of a more protective oxide film.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhibin Li, Wenyu Wang, Pengcheng Xue, Xingyu Wei, Jian Xiong
Summary: This work proposes a design approach and manufacturing method for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) corrugated sandwich truncated cones (CSTC) to improve their anti-debonding ability and ensure reliability. The study establishes theoretical models for CSTCs' stiffness and failure modes, which are verified through experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). The research reveals the effect of geometric parameters on failure modes and performs an optimal design for CSTC structures. The findings have significant implications for the design and application of lightweight CSTCs in constructions, such as launch vehicle adapters.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mingyu Zhang, Lei Chu, Jiahua Chen, Fuxun Qi, Xiaoyan Li, Xinliang Chen, Deng-Guang Yu
Summary: This review summarizes the different structures and construction methods of fibrous membranes with asymmetric wettability. It also reviews the biological applications of these membranes and suggests future challenges.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
E. Mofakhami, L. Gervat, B. Fayolle, G. Miquelard-Garnier, C. Ovalle, L. Laiarinandrasana
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fibre concentration on the mechanical response of welded glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP). Experimental observations reveal a significant reduction in weld ratio, up to 60%, indicating a decreased strength compared to the bulk material. Increasing fibre content in the welded material results in a decrease in stress at break and strain at the maximum stress. The use of DIC technique and X-ray microtomography further confirms the localized strain amplification in the welded zone due to the significant increase in fibre density.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Emad Pourahmadi, Farjad Shadmehri, Rajamohan Ganesan
Summary: This research compares the mechanical properties of laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement and conventional autoclave curing methods. The results show that laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement have a lower interlaminar shear strength compared to laminates reconsolidated using autoclave curing. A finite element simulation method is proposed to quantitatively analyze these differences.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Johnny Jakobsen, Benny Endelt, Fahimeh Shakibapour
Summary: This study proposes a new bolted/pinned joining method for composite applications, which improves load transfer by introducing a patch-type reinforcement. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in both static and fatigue load conditions compared to existing methods. Finite element simulations highlight the advantage of this method, as it creates a more efficient load-transferring mechanism through different stress distributions.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gisele G. Cintra, Janine D. Vieira, Daniel C. T. Cardoso, Thomas Keller
Summary: This paper proposes a novel approach to assess multi-crack behavior in layered fiber-polymer composites. The generated Compliance and R-curves provide useful insights into understanding the multiple delamination process and allow for separate evaluation of strain energy release rate (SERR) for each crack. The developed cohesive zone model successfully simulates the failure process zone of three parallel cracks, showing good agreement between the numerical model and experimental results.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Renil Thomas Kidangan, Sreedhar Unnikrishnakurup, C. Krishnamurthy, Krishnan Balasubramaniam
Summary: The induction heating process can accurately identify fiber orientation and stacking order, making it a valuable tool for large-area inspection and quality control in manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Sungjun Hwang, Yousoo Han, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: Bleached Kraft pulp, unbleached Kraft pulp, and old corrugated cardboard pulp are suitable for producing cellulose nanofibril suspensions. Spray drying is a fast, simple, cost-effective, and scalable drying method. Spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing materials in polypropylene matrices. The particle size of cellulose nanofibrils affects the material properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mehdi Mahdavi, Abbas Zolfaghari
Summary: This study aims to improve the recovery forces of shape memory polymers (SMPs) through material extrusion additive manufacturing. By using glass fiber (GF) as reinforcement and manufacturing multi-layer composite specimens, it was found that PLA with 6.62% GF exhibited the best recovery force, which was further optimized through annealing heat treatment.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Ao, Antonio Vazquez-Lopez, Davide Mocerino, Carlos Gonzalez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: The vulnerability of natural fibers to heat and fire poses a significant challenge for their substitution of traditional fiber reinforcements in composite materials. Natural fiber/polymer composites (NFCs) are regarded as potential candidates for engineering applications due to their environmental friendliness and low-impact sourcing. Thus, appropriate approaches need to be implemented to enhance the fire safety of NFCs. This review summarizes and discusses the latest understanding of flammability and thermal properties of natural fibers, with a special focus on their interaction with polymer matrix in fire behavior. Additionally, the latest developments in flame-retardant approaches for NFCs are reviewed, covering both flame retardancy and fire structural integrity. Finally, future prospects and perspectives on fire safety of NFCs are proposed, providing insights into further advancements of NFCs.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Guofeng Ye, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Qi Zhang, Pingan Song, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: The demand for multifunctional, transparent epoxy resin with superior dielectric, mechanical, and fire-safety performances is increasing in modern industries. Researchers have developed an epoxidized, phosphaphenanthrene-containing poly(styrene butadiene styrene) (ESD) for advanced fire-safe epoxy resin, which maintains high transparency and improves UV-blocking property. The addition of 10 wt% ESD results in improved mechanical properties, decreased dielectric constant and loss, and outperformance compared to other fire-safe epoxy resins. This research provides an effective method for developing multifunctional flame-retardant epoxy resin.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Bo Pang, Heping Zheng, Zuquan Jin, Dongshuai Hou, Yunsheng Zhang, Xiaoyun Song, Yanan Sun, Zhiyong Liu, Wei She, Lin Yang, Mengyuan Li
Summary: This study develops an internal superhydrophobic material (ISM) using waste denitrification fly ash, which maintains stable hydrophobicity under harsh conditions of use and does not rely on expensive fluor-based surface modifications. The synthesized ISM has excellent matrix strength, strong waterproof properties, and retains superhydrophobicity even at damaged or friction interfaces.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Meirbek Mussatayev, Qiuji Yi, Mark Fitzgerald, Vincent K. Maes, Paul Wilcox, Robert Hughes
Summary: Real-time monitoring of carbon fibre composites during Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) manufacturing remains a challenge for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. This study designed a directional eddy-current (EC) probe to evaluate the detectability of out-of-plane wrinkles. Experimental evaluations and finite element modeling were conducted to better understand the relationship between eddy-current density and defect detection. The findings suggest that the probe configuration with an asymmetric driver coil and differential pickup coils shows the best capability for wrinkle detection.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
