Article
Materials Science, Composites
Duo Chen, Juanzi Li, Wenxuan Yin, Yuhuan Yuan, Yunguang Cui, Shichao Li, Minjing Liu, Cong Peng, Xin Liu, Jinrui Ye, Zhanjun Wu
Summary: In this paper, a new type of thermoplastic epoxy matrix was used to prepare highly recyclable carbon fiber reinforced composites. The experimental results showed that the composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and could be easily and rapidly recycled at room temperature.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yanlin Liu, Binbo Wang, Songqi Ma, Tao Yu, Xiwei Xu, Qiong Li, Sheng Wang, Yingying Han, Zhen Yu, Jin Zhu
Summary: The study introduces fully bio-based catalyst-free epoxy vitrimers for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites (CFRCs), showing exceptional malleability and reprocessability through compression molding. The material also demonstrates outstanding degradability, allowing for multiple recoveries of carbon fibers without damage.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
S. Utrera-Barrios, M. F. Martinez, I. Mas-Giner, R. Verdejo, M. A. Lopez-Manchado, M. Hernandez Santana
Summary: This study introduces an innovative approach to develop self-healing elastomeric composite materials using waste parts from toner cartridges. By combining carboxylated nitrile rubber and high-impact polystyrene, a thermoplastic elastomer with robust mechanical properties and self-healing capabilities was created. Toner powder was also confirmed to enhance the mechanical strength. The research opens a new pathway in the field of self-healing composites and offers a practical and environmentally friendly approach for managing electronic waste.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Yuan Cao, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: The authors proposed a novel approach based on Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry to tackle the challenge of manufacturing highly filled composite materials. By crosslinking PCLolig and connecting it to maleimide functionalized Al2O3 particles, a covalent adaptable composite network was formed, enabling effective dispersion of high-concentration fillers and increased strength in the final composite material.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Liangdong Zhang, Wenlu Liu, Haibin Jiang, Xiaohong Zhang, Yimei Shang, Chao Jiang, Xiang Wang, Guicun Qi, Binghai Li, Peng Xu, Jinliang Qiao
Summary: A new method of upcycling carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is proposed, using graphene supported on alumina fiber porous material (GPM) to generate plasma under microwave irradiation in a nitrogen atmosphere. This plasma can generate high temperature to pyrolyze the thermosetting polymer in CFRP into combustible gas and improve the graphitization degree of recycled carbon fiber (CF), resulting in T300 short-cut carbon fiber (SCF) with better properties than commercial T700 SCF when prepared composite.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dong Quan, Ujala Farooq, Guoqun Zhao, Clemens Dransfeld, Rene Alderliesten
Summary: Exploring routes for the effective use of recycled carbon fibres (rCFs) is critical to improve the fracture toughness of carbon fibre/epoxy composites. This study demonstrated the potential of using rCFs with PPS fibres for interlayer toughening, resulting in significant enhancements in the interlaminar fracture properties. The main toughening mechanisms were found to be fiber bridging for rCF/PPS mats.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Adam W. Smith, Pascal Hubert
Summary: Aerospace composites manufacturers often discard a significant amount of uncured prepreg during the manufacturing process, but this waste can potentially be transformed into recyclable compression molding compounds. This article introduces a recycling framework that uses comprehensive material characterization and targeted elevated temperature staging to produce a recyclate with adjustable processing characteristics, without the need for additional resins or fillers.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chao Cheng, Chenyu Zhang, Zhengguo Chen, Fei Zhou, Zeyu Sun, Muhuo Yu
Summary: A tackified PDCPD specialized for vacuum assistant resin infusion process (VARI) was developed, with epoxy resin and methyl nadic anhydride (NMA) added to improve interfacial bonding. The mechanical properties of the CFRCs based on the co-cured blends were comprehensively improved compared to those based on the PDCPD-T.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Dong Quan, Jiaming Liu, Liaojun Yao, Clemens Dransfeld, Rene Alderliesten, Guoqun Zhao
Summary: The adhesion between recycled carbon fibres (rCFs) and Polyphenylene-sulfide (PPS) fibres in rCF/PPS composites was tailored by UV-treatment of non-woven mats, leading to improved intralaminar fracture resistance and mechanical properties under tensile and shear loading conditions, but negatively affected interlaminar fracture resistance.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Zihan Zhao, Jianqiao Wu, Liang Gao, Haojie Gong, Zhongkai Guo, Baoyan Zhang, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: This study presents a simple approach to prepare high-performance recyclable CFRCs using low-cost compounds. The resulting CF/DGEAC/PA composites show comparable mechanical properties to traditional epoxy CFRCs, while offering the ability for complete fiber recycling and degradation.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Shuhang Liu, Yiting Guo, Jianwei Li, Sichen Wu, Jie Xu, Emilia Pawlikowska, Jie Kong, Artur Maciej Rydosz, Mikolaj Szafran, Feng Gao
Summary: Ceramic/polymer dielectric functional composites, specifically the (Ba0.6Sr0.4)TiO3/PEEK (BST/PEEK) composites, were prepared with high frequency stability of the dielectric constant and low dielectric loss via cold-pressing sintering. The optimal properties of the BST/PEEK composites were achieved at a BST concentration of 40 vol% and sintered at 360°C for 1 hour, showing a permittivity of 23, a loss of 0.0065, F(x) <5%, and a dielectric tunability of 11.9%. The study provides insight for developing new composites with low loss and high frequency stability.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Danian Liu, Jingwen Wang, Wenhai Peng, Houqing Wang, Hua Ren
Summary: Researchers have designed an organic semiconductor material, polyethylene glycol-polyaniline multialternating block copolymer, to meet the demand for lightweight and flexibility in the development of aeronautics, astronautics, and wearable technology. This material has good processing performance and dispersion, and its alternating block structure provides a high dielectric constant.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hifa Salah Adeen Embirsh, Ivana Stajcic, Jelena Grzetic, Ivana O. Mladenovic, Boban Andelkovic, Aleksandar Marinkovic, Marija M. Vuksanovic
Summary: This paper presents a sustainable technology for environmentally friendly composite production using a biobased unsaturated polyester resin and biosilica nanoparticles obtained from rice husk. The composites produced exhibit improved mechanical properties and fire resistance. Developing sustainable composites synthesized from renewable sources is important for preserving the environment and extending their lifecycle.
Article
Polymer Science
Andrea Mantelli, Alessia Romani, Raffaella Suriano, Marco Diani, Marcello Colledani, Essi Sarlin, Stefano Turri, Marinella Levi
Summary: This paper demonstrates the feasibility of 3D printing recycled carbon fibers using UV-assisted direct ink writing, showing good mechanical properties and absence of layer marks related to the 3D printing. These results pave the way for new fields of application in 3D printed recycled carbon fiber reinforced polymers.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yichuan Zhang, Zhipeng Li, Guangming Chen, Yue Hu, Liang Deng
Summary: In this study, the trade-off between thermoelectric (TE) and mechanical (ME) performances in flexible polycarbonate (PC)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites was successfully decoupled via interfacial adjustment. The obtained composite exhibited improved TE and ME performances by enhancing interfacial affinity and electrical conductivity.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amy M. Fitzgerald, Nathan Wong, Annabel V. L. Fitzgerald, David A. Jesson, Ffion Martin, Richard J. Murphy, Tim Young, Ian Hamerton, Marco L. Longana
Summary: This study evaluated the environmental impact of a new technology and suggested methods to reduce energy demand and reuse water resources. The study also analyzed the environmental impacts of operating the machine in different European countries and found that using renewable energy sources can reduce air pollutants. Furthermore, the transportation method also plays a significant role in the overall environmental impact.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Matthew A. Bone, Brendan J. Howlin, Ian Hamerton, Terence Macquart
Summary: Polymeric materials modelling can accelerate the discovery of new materials, AutoMapper is an open-source application that automates the generation of simulation files, eliminating the majority of human effort through an iterative path search algorithm to accurately map pre- and post-reaction polymerisation structures.
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Suihua He, Pascaline Bouzy, Nicholas Stone, Carwyn Ward, Ian Hamerton
Summary: By incorporating 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (AEPIP) into a commercial epoxy blend, selective localization of amine-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (A-GNPs) was achieved, resulting in a bicontinuous microstructure. Spectral imaging techniques and optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy were used to study the morphology and structure of the cured blend.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Narongkorn Krajangsawasdi, Ian Hamerton, Benjamin K. S. Woods, Dmitry S. Ivanov, Marco L. Longana
Summary: This paper explores the use of a novel discontinuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic filament called Discontinuous Aligned Fibre Filament (DcAFF) for 3D printing to produce complex structural parts. The study reshapes initial carbon fibre-poly(lactic acid) (PLA) tape into a circular filament, DcAFF, using a scalable machine designed for high production rates. The filaments are then printed using a general-purpose 3D printer. Tensile and open-hole tensile tests show that the DcAFF specimens have superior mechanical properties compared to other PLA-based 3D printed composites. The failure mechanism of the composite transitions from brittle to ductile through the printing path raster.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Narongkorn Krajangsawasdi, Duc H. Nguyen, Ian Hamerton, Benjamin K. S. Woods, Dmitry S. Ivanov, Marco L. Longana
Summary: DcAFF is a novel fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing material made of highly aligned discontinuous fibres. This study investigates the challenges in printing accuracy for DcAFF and examines techniques for improving it. By adjusting machine parameters and introducing a compensation algorithm, the printing precision can be improved for complex geometries.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Marcelle D. Hecker, Marco L. Longana, Jean-Charles Eloi, Ole Thomsen, Ian Hamerton
Summary: Many high-performance sails in the yachting industry are made of flexible, carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composites. However, there is currently no waste-management plan for these sails, leading to valuable materials, including carbon fibres, being mostly discarded as waste. This paper presents a recycling pathway for end-of-life sails and demonstrates the potential of a circular recycling process.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anuradha Kamble, Suihua He, Jonathan R. Howse, Carwyn Ward, Ian Hamerton
Summary: For the first time, convolutional neural networks (CNN) were used to identify phase-separated microstructures in a novel nano-modified polymer composite. The CNN model achieved an accuracy of 65.4% and a 0.5 F1 score using an initial dataset, which was further improved to 80.1% accuracy and a 0.9 F1 score with additional experiments. The trained CNN model significantly reduced the time and cost required for manual screening and characterization.
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marcelle D. Hecker, Marco L. Longana, Ole Thomsen, Ian Hamerton
Summary: This paper reviews the research on using superheated steam for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite reclamation. It evaluates the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the reclaimed fibers and the environmental impact of using superheated steam. The studies report that carbon fibers can be recovered with no loss in stiffness and strength. Further research is needed to scale up this reclamation method.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Kyungil Kong, Lourens Blok, Marcelle Hecker, Marco L. Longana, Carwyn Ward, Thomas Rendall, Ian Hamerton
Summary: This study investigates the dispersion of reclaimed carbon fibres using a hydrodynamic fibre moving model and different physical dispersion methods. A low-cost surface treatment is proposed to improve the properties of the reclaimed carbon fibres. Single fibre tensile testing shows an increased tensile strength after surface treatment. A computational hydrodynamic model is designed to simulate aqueous dispersion of the fibres. Fibre surface analyses are carried out to investigate the effect of the surface treatment. The findings can be applied to produce recycled fibre reinforced polymer composite materials.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dominic R. Palubiski, Marco L. Longana, Janice M. Dulieu-Barton, Ian Hamerton, Dmitry S. Ivanov
Summary: This study proposes a repair methodology for interlaminar failure in composites using repairable vitrimer resin. By incorporating a vitrimer matrix into the damaged-prone region during manufacturing and utilizing vacuum pressure and heating, interlaminar failure can be repaired without introducing additional damage. The feasibility of incorporating reparable regions at the manufacturing stage has been successfully demonstrated, achieving higher performance than traditional repair methods.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
J. F. Gargiuli, G. Quino, R. Board, J. C. Griffith, M. S. P. Shaffer, R. S. Trask, I. Hamerton
Summary: Four commercial high-performance aerospace aromatic epoxy matrices were evaluated in terms of their mechanical and thermal properties. The results showed that the thermoplastic toughened formulation exhibited improved overall stress values, while the particle-toughened sample displayed decreased stress values past the yield point. The resin with combined toughening agents performed similarly to the baseline material. Additionally, the dilation angles during plastic deformation were close to 0 degrees. The compressive modulus of the fully formulated resins was higher than that of the model resins, although it came at the expense of yield stress.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yue Tang, Henry E. Symons, Pierangelo Gobbo, Jeroen Sebastiaan Van Duijneveldt, Ian Hamerton, Sebastien Rochat
Summary: A benzoxazine system combining liquid cardanol-based benzoxazine and an effective initiator with bisphenol A-based benzoxazine has been proposed. The mixture shows excellent fluidity and a relatively low peak polymerization temperature, and the cured polybenzoxazine exhibits high thermal decomposition temperature, moderate glass transition temperature, and robust mechanical strength comparable to the homopolymer obtained from curing bisphenol A-based benzoxazine.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(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)
