Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ketki Holkar, Vaijayanti Kale, Ganesh Ingavle
Summary: One of the objectives of bone tissue engineering is to produce scaffolds that mimic the structure and function of natural bone extracellular matrix, and attract and differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. This study investigated the use of mineralized microenvironments in hydrogel platforms to guide stem cell fate. Results showed that both direct encapsulation and sustained release of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) enhanced osteogenesis, but direct loading of nHAp into the hydrogel increased its mechanical strength and swelling ratio. Biochemical and molecular studies also demonstrated improved osteoinductive and osteoconductive potential. This cost-effective and simple approach has potential applications in clinical settings.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ketki Holkar, Vaijayanti Kale, Prasad Pethe, Ganesh Ingavle
Summary: This study developed a cell-free and mechanically strong scaffold for bone tissue engineering by combining osteoinductive extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a mineralized microenvironment. The use of MC3T3-EVs at a specific concentration was shown to enhance osteogenesis in target cells, and this effect was further enhanced by combining with a mineralized microenvironment.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Kursat Icin, Sultan Ozturk, Sefa Emre Sunbul
Summary: This study investigated the production of strontium carbonate from concentrated celestite ore using mechanochemical synthesis. Through experiments, the optimal process parameters were found to be a stoichiometric ratio of 1:2 between SrSO4 and (NH4)2CO3, and a synthesis time of 200 minutes, resulting in high purity strontium carbonate production. Experimental analyses including DTA, TGA, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, and FT-IR were conducted throughout the production process to ensure purity.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hengyi Wang, Jianshu Zhu, Yuanliang Xia, Yuehong Li, Changfeng Fu
Summary: With the increasing incidence of spine-related diseases due to demographic changes and lifestyle, it has become a global public health problem, leading to significant economic burden. Current treatment methods for these diseases have limitations, and there is an urgent need to find methods that can limit disease progression or cure diseases at the etiological level. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) extracted from venous blood contains growth factors that promote stem cell proliferation, angiogenesis, bone regeneration, and tissue regeneration capacity. This review discusses the application of PRP in the treatment of spine-related diseases and its clinical use in spinal surgery.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jianying Zhang, Feng Li, Tyler Augi, Kelly M. Williamson, Kentaro Onishi, MaCalus Hogan, Matthew D. Neal, James H-C Wang
Summary: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) containing PLT HMGB1 plays a crucial role in tendon wound healing by reducing inflammation, increasing local HMGB1 levels, and recruiting stem cells to the injured area. The efficacy of PRP treatment for tendon injuries in clinics may be dependent on the presence of PLT HMGB1 in PRP preparations.
Editorial Material
Orthopedics
Andrew J. Sheean, Adam W. Anz, James P. Bradley
Summary: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a widely studied biologic therapy with evidence supporting its safety and efficacy in reducing inflammation and pain, and promoting healing. PRP is produced by centrifuging whole blood to isolate its constituent parts of platelets and white blood cells, with a precise method for describing its characteristics critical for practical and research purposes. Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of PRP in treating conditions like patellar tendinopathies, knee osteoarthritis, and lateral epicondylitis, suggesting its potential utility in enhancing healing and reducing pain in musculoskeletal injuries.
ARTHROSCOPY-THE JOURNAL OF ARTHROSCOPIC AND RELATED SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Edward S. Chamata, Erica L. Bartlett, David Weir, Rod J. Rohrich
Summary: Platelet-rich plasma is widely used in plastic surgery for treating alopecia and skin rejuvenation, showing therapeutic advantages when combined with laser skin treatment and fat grafting. Despite variability in processing and preparation methods, there is convincing evidence of positive outcomes with objective measurement modalities.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bianza Moise Bakadia, Abeer Ahmed Qaed Ahmed, Lallepak Lamboni, Zhijun Shi, Biampata Mutu Mukole, Ruizhu Zheng, Mazono Pierre Mbang, Bi Zhang, Mario Gauthier, Guang Yang
Summary: The management of diabetic wounds is a challenge, but platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel, PRP-derived exosomes (PRP-Exos), and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) have potential in wound treatment. However, their limitations include poor mechanical properties, short half-lives of growth factors (GFs), burst release of GFs and exosomes, and protease degradation. To overcome these limitations, dual-crosslinked hydrogels based on silk protein (SP) were developed, which showed improved mechanical properties and sustained release of GFs and exosomes. These hydrogels promoted diabetic wound healing by upregulating GF expression, down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and promoting angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shuang Liang, Zhiqiang Zheng, Yaxin Li, Yuanming Yang, Lifeng Qin, Zhen Zhao, Licun Wang, Haiyan Wang
Summary: This review summarizes the clinical approaches and advantages of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the management of enteric fistula (EF). The mechanism of action of PRP in EF treatment remains unclear, but it may promote healing through the involvement of cytokines.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jinsub Han, Sangbae Park, Jae Eun Kim, Byeongjoo Park, Yeonggeol Hong, Jae Woon Lim, Seung Jeong, Hyunmok Son, Hong Bae Kim, Hoon Seonwoo, Kyoung-Je Jang, Jong Hoon Chung
Summary: Developing an efficient and functional bone regeneration scaffold is challenging. A scaffold-on-a-chip device was developed to aid with the evaluation process. This device mimics the microenvironment experienced by a transplanted bone scaffold, allowing for monitoring of cell behavior at the blood-scaffold interphase.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Ting Wang, Wanwan Yi, Yu Zhang, Hang Wu, Hengwei Fan, Jiulong Zhao, Shige Wang
Summary: In recent years, the healing of chronic wounds has become a challenging problem in clinical practice. This study aimed to address the challenges in wound care by designing a dual-network hydrogel composed of sodium alginate and platelet-rich plasma. The hydrogel showed a three-dimensional network structure and exhibited the potential for cell proliferation and vascular regeneration. When applied to wound skin in rats, the hydrogel effectively promoted wound closure. Overall, this strategy offers a simple and feasible approach for overcoming the shortcomings of conventional wound dressings.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Biborka Boga, Norbert Steinfeldt, Nikolaos G. Moustakas, Tim Peppel, Henrik Lund, Jabor Rabeah, Zsolt Pap, Vasile-Mircea Cristea, Jennifer Strunk
Summary: In this study, SrTiO3-SrCO3 composites with different contents of SrCO3 were synthesized and their morphological, structural, and optical properties were investigated. The results showed improved photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of DCFNa for all the studied composites. The highest mineralization efficiency was obtained for the sample with 21 wt% SrCO3 content. The presence of SrCO3 led to an increased concentration of active species and inhibited the production of CH4 and C2H6 during CO2 photoreduction.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edilson Silva Machado, Fabiano Pasqualotto Soares, Ernani Vianna de Abreu, Tais Amara da Costa de Souza, Robert Meves, Hans Grohs, Mary A. Ambach, Annu Navani, Renato Bevillaqua de Castro, Daniel Humberto Pozza, Jose Manuel Peixoto Caldas
Summary: This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in managing low back pain. The analysis of 13 randomized clinical trials and 27 nonrandomized trials or case series showed that PRP was generally effective and safe for degenerative low back pain. Positive results were found in almost all studies, although there were some biases in the research. Large-scale, multicenter randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm these findings.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Diego Delgado, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Maider Beitia, Joan Salles, Imanol Gonzalez-Burguera, Pello Sanchez, Maider Lopez de Jesus, Sergio Barrondo, Mikel Sanchez
Summary: This study explored the molecular and morphological characteristics of platelet-derived exosomes and validated a method for isolating highly pure platelet exosomes. It was found that activated platelets released more exosomes, which exhibited the molecular and morphological features of platelet exosomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jon Mercader Ruiz, Maider Beitia, Diego Delgado, Pello Sanchez, Maria Jesus Arnaiz, Leonor Lopez de Dicastillo, Fernando Benito-Lopez, Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts, Mikel Sanchez
Summary: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biologic product commonly used in medicine for tissue repair. This study developed a new method to obtain PRP enriched in both platelet and extraplatelet molecules using hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA)-based hydrogels. The resulting PRP showed higher levels of extraplatelet growth factors and improved cell viability compared to standard PRP. This absorption-based method has the potential to improve tissue regeneration capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Aarya G. Krishnan, John Joseph, C. R. Reshmi, Shantikumar Nair, Manitha Nair, Deepthy Menon
Summary: In this study, the technique of cylindrical weaving was combined with electrospinning to fabricate a seamless bilayered conduit with improved mechanical properties and cellular response. The results showed that this bilayered construct could potentially be a suitable candidate for small diameter vascular prosthesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
P. S. Unnikrishnan, Subramania Iyer, V. Manju, C. R. Reshmi, Deepthy Menon, Shantikumar V. Nair, Manitha Nair
Summary: This study investigated the bone formation potential of a nanocomposite fibrous scaffold in mandible defects and compared it with autograft. The results showed that the scaffold promoted quality bone formation and demonstrated better osseointegration after dental implant placement.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Prashant Sadanandan, Natalie L. Payne, Guizhi Sun, Anusha Ashokan, Siddaramana G. Gowd, Arsha Lal, Madathiparambil Kumaran Satheesh Kumar, Sreeranjini Pulakkat, Shantikumar Nair, Krishnakumar N. Menon, Claude C. A. Bernard, Manzoor Koyakutty
Summary: Targeting nano-conjugated autoantigens to tissue-resident macrophages in lymphoid organs can effectively suppress autoimmunity and restore self-tolerance.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
John Joseph, Vito Domenico Bruno, Nadiah Sulaiman, Alexander Ward, Thomas W. Johnson, Helna Mary Baby, Shantikumar Nair, Deepthy Menon, Sarah Jane George, Raimondo Ascione
Summary: The study successfully engineered a highly flexible and mechanically robust nanotextile-based vascular graft (NanoGraft) and demonstrated its potential superiority over the commercial ePTFE in an animal model, suggesting promising clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Silpasree S. Jayasree, Shantikumar Nair, Dhamodaran Santhanagopalan
Summary: This study investigates the effect of nanoscale engineering of LiCoO2 (LCO) along with coating chemistry and thickness on its electrochemical performance at higher voltages and wide operating temperatures. The results show that LCO coated with 5 wt% Al2O3 exhibits improved reversible capacity, high rate capability, and better stability at various temperatures. The enhanced performance is attributed to the lower charge transfer resistance and structural stability derived from the stable solid solution formation on the interface.
Correction
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
John Joseph, Vito Domenico Bruno, Nadiah Sulaiman, Alexander Ward, Thomas W. Johnson, Helna Mary Baby, Shantikumar V. Nair, Deepthy Menon, Sarah Jane George, Raimondo Ascione, Praveen Kerala Varma, Rajesh Jose
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Aathira Pradeep, Praveen Kerala Varma, Thennavan Arumugam, Anjaly Maravattikal Vijayan, Anil Kumar Vasudevan, Jayakumar Rangasamy
Summary: Deep sternal wound infection (mediastinitis) after cardiac surgery can be caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The incidence of sternal infection is increasing in current practice and is associated with longer hospital stay, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. A new antibacterial bone adhesive cement called TPAV, composed of tetracalcium phosphate, phosphoserine, amikacin, and vancomycin, has been developed and characterized. TPAV exhibits effective antibacterial properties against various bacteria, inhibiting their growth and biofilm formation. In in vivo studies using a rat sternotomy model infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, TPAV demonstrated significant inhibitory activity. This study highlights the potential of TPAV as a preventive treatment for mediastinitis in clinical settings.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Kavipriya Murugaiyan, Sivashanmugam Amirthalingam, Nathaniel Suk-Yeon Hwang, Rangasamy Jayakumar
Summary: In tissue engineering, cells, biological/mechanical cues, and scaffolds are the three key components. Growth factors and their derivatives, bioactive molecules, and gene regulators are the common biological cues used. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been extensively studied for their influence on physiological functions, particularly FGF-18 which is associated with osteoblast differentiation and bone regeneration. FGF-18 can enhance bone formation by stimulating certain pathways and has shown promising results when incorporated into hydrogels and scaffolds. This review focuses on the functions and potential outcomes of using FGF-18 in bone regeneration.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Arun Kumar Rajendran, Deepthi Sankar, Sivashanmugam Amirthalingam, Hwan D. Kim, Jayakumar Rangasamy, Nathaniel S. Hwang
Summary: Cells and tissues can sense the mechanical properties of substrates or matrices, and this leads to downstream responses at the cellular, nuclear, and epigenetic levels. Researchers have found connections between cellular mechanosignalling pathways and cellular physiology, differentiation, and tissue pathology. Mechanosignalling, either alone or in combination with other pathways, plays a significant role in the fate determination, development, and organization of cells and tissues.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Chameli Ratan, Arya Mangalath Arian, Rajalakshmi Rajendran, Rangasamy Jayakumar, Mar Masson, Sabitha Mangalathillam
Summary: Skin cancer, predominantly observed in populations of European descent, can be treated with spice-derived nutraceuticals like curcumin that have anti-neoplastic activity, trigger apoptosis, and inhibit signaling pathways. However, curcumin has limitations in terms of bioavailability and solubility, hindering its use in clinical settings. Nanoformulations based on curcumin have been developed to overcome these limitations and show promise as effective treatment modalities for skin cancer.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mahalakshmi Pandian, G. Reshma, C. Arthi, Mar Masson, Jayakumar Rangasamy
Summary: Wound healing is a complex process, and the presence of bacteria can hinder this process, resulting in infectious wounds. Numerous biomedical and biomaterial research efforts have been made over the past 20 years to address this issue. Polymeric scaffolds and hydrogels are the best candidates for developing effective drug-delivery biomaterials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shameer Pillarisetti, Veena Vijayan, Jayakumar Rangasamy, Rizia Bardhan, Saji Uthaman, In-Kyu Park
Summary: We report a multi-stimulus responsive alginate nanogel that responds to changes in pH and redox potential in the tumor microenvironment. Combined with chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT), this nanogel enhances the therapeutic effect in breast cancer and melanoma by releasing a hydrophobic photosensitizer and a cytotoxic agent.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dipankar Ghosh, Pooja Chaudhary, Aathira Pradeep, Surendra Singh, Jayakumar Rangasamy, Krishna K. Damodaran
Summary: Low molecular weight N-oxide hydrogelators were synthesized by modifying the pyridyl functional groups of hydrazone/semicarbazone compounds. The water solubility of the hydrazone gelator was enhanced by the structural modification to pyridyl-N-oxide hydrazides. The stability, morphology, and stimuli-responsive properties of the gels were analyzed, and the hydrazone gels showed antibacterial activity and biocompatibility.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ramu Janarthanan, Rangasamy Jayakumar, Subramania Iyer
Summary: This study aimed to improve the efficiency of autologous fat grafting (AFG) by using a hydrogel as a carrier and adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The results showed that the hydrogel and PRP group had enhanced cell viability and proliferation, as well as improved angiogenesis and adipogenesis compared to the control group. Thus, the hydrogel-based fat graft system with PRP can optimize the clinical outcomes of AFG.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dona Susan Baji, Shantikumar Nair, Dhamodaran Santhanagopalan
Summary: A facile process for the preparation of alkali ion containing Prussian blue cathodes by chemical reduction is reported. The chemical sodiation into Fe[Fe(CN6)] is found to be more efficient than lithiation. The sodiated cathode showed a capacity retention of about 70% after 500 cycles for sodium ion battery applications, while the lithiated cathode showed a better capacity retention of 92% after 300 cycles for lithium ion battery applications.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
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)