Article
Materials Science, Composites
Qihui Chen, Zhiyuan Jiang, Xiaoxin Pei, Yaqing Liu, Ruikui Du, Guizhe Zhao
Summary: Inspired by wood sponge and lamellar structure, delignified wood was introduced into epoxy to improve fracture toughness. Anisotropic biocomposites exhibit significantly increased K-JC values compared to neat epoxy resin, with excellent mechanical properties due to micro-cracks and crack deflection induced by the wood layer.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Markus Schwaiger, Christoph Waly, Michael Huszar, Gernot Oreski, Michael Feuchter, Florian Arbeiter, Katharina Resch-Fauster
Summary: In this study, the concept of fracture toughness improvement through spatial variation of mechanical properties was applied to a composite material with 100% bio-based carbon content. By selecting the appropriate hardener, the mechanical properties of the biocomposite were adjusted to exhibit a stiff-soft-stiff layer architecture. The characteristics of the samples were analyzed using local Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Fracture mechanics tests confirmed that the soft interlayer acted as a crack arrester. Results showed high chemical compatibility between the epoxy resins used. Embedding a soft thin interlayer into a stiff resin matrix increased fracture toughness by 13 times compared to the pure stiff resin. Increasing the interlayer thickness further increased fracture toughness by 24 times. However, stiffness decreased by 44% and 67%, respectively.
Article
Polymer Science
Florian Rothenhaeusler, Holger Ruckdaeschel
Summary: The mechanical properties of the new bio-based thermoset Argopox were studied, showing that it possesses performance levels similar to materials already used as matrices for fiber reinforced composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Dan Qian, Jiahai Zhou, Jieyuan Zheng, Jun Cao, Jintao Wan, Hong Fan
Summary: In this study, a new silicone-modified trifunctional epoxy monomer SITEUP was synthesized and successfully improved the toughness of epoxy. The modified epoxy thermosets showed increased impact strength, flexural strength, thermal stability, and damping characteristics. In addition, SITEUP also improved the surface properties of epoxy materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Chunxiang Wei, Tianyu Gao, Yu Xu, Wenjie Yang, Guangjian Dai, Ruiting Li, SanE E. Zhu, Richard K. K. Yuen, Wei Yang, Hongdian Lu
Summary: In this study, a bio-based additive, derived from magnolol, was successfully synthesized and used to improve the mechanical toughness, impact strength, and flame-retardant properties of epoxy resins (EPs). By incorporating the additive into the EP matrix, the composite material exhibited significantly enhanced flame-retardant and mechanical properties.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Poomathi, S. Sheeju Selva Roji
Summary: The study investigated the effect of adding Palmyra sprout fibers and red matta biosilica to epoxy resin on the fatigue, fracture toughness, and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites. The results showed that the inclusion of fibers and biosilica particles improved the fatigue life count, fracture toughness, and storage modulus of the composites. These improved composites can be used in the automotive, industrial, and household sectors.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Guorui Yang, Yan Ma, Chen Liu, Lanyue Zhang, Xiangwei Li, Weifeng Du, Lei Shang, Yuhui Ao
Summary: Inspired by the strengthening effect of nanoparticles and the toughening effect of block polymers, a block polymer filler with graphene oxide (GO) was prepared, which significantly improved the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. The combination of GO and side groups promoted dispersion and toughening. This research has potential application value in the field of resin fillers and in combination with other materials.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
George Irven, Declan Carolan, Alexander Fergusson, John P. Dear
Summary: Epoxy foams with densities ranging from 180 to 500 kg/m3 were mechanically tested and a transition in fracture behavior at a critical density was observed. Lower density foams exhibited lower toughness and fracture energy, while higher density foams showed higher values. Stress-intensity factor increased monotonically with density. The distribution of cell size varied between lower and higher density foams. This study suggests the potential use of higher density foams in composite sandwich structures to achieve increased fracture energy.
Article
Polymer Science
Matthew D. Eaton, L. Catherine Brinson, Kenneth R. Shull
Summary: The study investigated the effect of nanoscale heterogeneity on the mode I fracture toughness of model epoxy networks, with results showing that high toughness is achieved in heterogeneous networks.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
George Irven, Declan Carolan, Alexander Fergusson, John P. Dear
Summary: Low density aramid and carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy foam was synthesized to improve mechanical properties, especially fracture performance. Fracture energy, compressive strength, and density of the foam were measured. The study investigated the influence of fibre type, loading, and length. The addition of fibres improved mechanical performance, with a significant increase in fracture energy and face-sheet bond propagation fracture toughness.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hui Xu, Zhiqing Liu, Chenghui Qiao, Xintao Zhang, Qi Zhang, Yuerong Zhang, Yaochen Zheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the uniform dispersion of GO and rGO within epoxy resin using a surfactant, leading to significant enhancement in performance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, Sara Estaji, Azin Paydayesh, Mohammad Arjmand, Seyed Hassan Jafari, Sasan Nouranian, Hossein Ali Khonakdar
Summary: Through the utilization of nanotechnology, incorporating various modified and unmodified nanofillers into epoxy resins has gained momentum in enhancing their toughness. The chemical functionalization of nanofillers has been shown to significantly impact their dispersion in the EP matrix and subsequently influence the fracture properties of the composites. This review highlights the research progress in the toughening of EPs using carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their hybrids over the past six years.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Kanokporn Tangthana-umrung, Matthieu Gresil
Summary: Healable and recyclable fibre reinforced vitrimer composites have been developed, which exhibit superior mechanical and interlaminar fracture properties. The findings reveal the potential for further development of vitrimer CFRP composites for advanced applications.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
K. Mishra, L. Brassart, A. Singh
Summary: The fracture behavior of highly cross-linked epoxy resin under different crack tip strain rates was studied. The plane strain fracture toughness initially decreases with increasing strain rate and stabilizes after reaching a certain strain rate. A fracture process zone forms ahead of the sharp pre-crack in all specimens, and the micro mechanism of fracture is governed by crazes. In-situ testing in a scanning electron microscope confirmed the existence of crazes. The size of the craze openings varies with strain rate, with larger openings at lower strain rates and smaller openings at higher strain rates.
ENGINEERING FAILURE ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
K. Venkata Chalapathi, M. N. Prabhakar, Dong Woo Lee, Jung-il Song
Summary: The current study focuses on abaca fiber lumens with a thermoset healing resin mechanism integrated into high-performance carbon prepreg composites. Self-healing composites with a specific fiber orientation were manufactured and tested to assess their post-impact behavior. The experimental results showed that the healed composites had improved restoration strength and no degradation effects, indicating the effectiveness of the healing carriers. The addition of reinforcing healing carriers and alkali treatment further enhanced the mechanical properties of the carbon prepreg composites.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
E. A. Franco-Urquiza, A. Renteria-Rodriguez
Summary: Ecological composites materials have attracted growing attention in recent years due to the demand for environmentally friendly composites with properties like light weight, biodegradability, and renewability. This study examined the effect of nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of bio-kenaf composites, finding that the filler effect of nanoparticles is the dominant mechanism influencing the composites' strength. Scanning tomography revealed voids of different sizes in the composites, but they did not significantly impact their mechanical properties.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Edgar Adrian Franco-Urquiza, Annika Dollinger, Mauricio Torres-Arellano, Saul Piedra, Perla Itzel Alcantara Llanas, Victoria Renteria-Rodriguez, Cecilia Zarate Perez
Summary: Sandwich composites are commonly used in the manufacture of aircraft cabin interior panels, due to their light weight and high strength-to-weight ratio. The panels are utilized for various parts within the cabin, such as floors, ceilings, walls, cabinets, seats, and dividers. The study evaluates the feasibility of using rigid polyurethane foams as a replacement for honeycomb core, and explores the thermal and viscoelastic behavior of prepreg fiberglass under different manufacturing conditions. The research emphasizes the importance of controlling temperature, resin accumulation, and curing of prepreg fiberglass during the compression molding process to avoid damage to the panels.
Article
Polymer Science
Edgar Adrian Franco-Urquiza, Perla Itzel Alcantara Llanas, Victoria Renteria-Rodriguez, Raul Samir Saleme, Rodrigo Ramirez Aguilar, Cecilia Zarate Perez, Mauricio Torres-Arellano, Saul Piedra
Summary: The manufacturing process of aircraft cabin interior panels using sandwich composites presents challenges, particularly in shaping complex geometries. This study explores the feasibility of replacing traditional materials with rigid polyurethane foams and thermoplastic polymers, showing higher mechanical performances in structural composites while maintaining compatibility with non-structural applications. Vacuum forming proves to be a fast, economical, and ecological manufacturing technique for developing non-structural panels, eliminating the need for additional finishes or coatings.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Julio A. Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Victoria Renteria-Rodriguez, Carlos Rubio-Gonzalez, Edgar A. Franco-Urquiza
Summary: Spray coating and vacuum-assisted resin infusion processes were used to develop multifunctional biocomposite laminates with bio-based epoxy resin and graphene-coated sisal fibers. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) improved the flexural properties of the biocomposites and significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity and glass transition temperature. The biocomposites with 8 wt.% GNPs exhibited excellent piezoresistive behavior and demonstrated cyclic reproducibility of the piezoresistive response after 10 cycles.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauricio Torres, Louise Burdin, A. Victoria Renteria-Rodriguez, Edgar A. Franco-Urquiza
Summary: In the design and fabrication of structural systems for space, balancing mass, stiffness, and strength is crucial. Structures in space are exposed to high radiation levels and thermal shock, so accurate determination of thermal and radiation properties is important for the materials used in these applications. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical performance of particle composites (epoxy resin and ZnO particles) after gamma and UV radiation. The results show that the incorporation of ZnO particles enhances the thermal, radiation, and mechanical response of the epoxy system, making it a potential candidate for fiber-reinforced composites for nanosatellites.
CHEMISTRY-SWITZERLAND
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauricio Torres, Ana Renteria-Rodriguez, Edgar A. Franco-Urquiza
Summary: This study presents an in situ monitoring approach for a henequen fiber woven-bioepoxy composite, where fiber Bragg gratings were used to continuously track the curing behavior. The results showed that micro-deformations were detected as a result of curing residual stresses, and the FBG data had similarity with the strain calculated by the ASTM standard.
CHEMISTRY-SWITZERLAND
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Mauricio Torres-Arellano, Manuel de Jesus Bolom-Martinez, Edgar Adrian Franco-Urquiza, Ruben Perez-Mora, Omar A. Jimenez-Arevalo, Philippe Olivier
Summary: This research aimed to determine the mechanical performance of riveted carbon/epoxy composites fabricated by resin transfer molding (RTM). The study focused on investigating the bearing strength of RTM-woven carbon composites with different rivet joint diameters and discussed the fracture mechanism and tensile strength to assess the understanding of the riveted woven composites.
