Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dylan Jubinville, Javid Sharifi, Tizazu H. Mekonnen, Haniyeh Fayazfar
Summary: The present study evaluates the effect of material extrusion 3D-printing and injection moulding on the properties of PLA-wood flour biocomposites. The study systematically evaluates and reports the effects of wood flour and a plasticizer on the properties. Filaments with different wood content up to 40 wt% were prepared and 3D-printed using a low-cost FDM 3D printer. The mechanical results showed that injection-moulded specimens had higher tensile strength and modulus compared to 3D-printed samples.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Tom Sunny, Kim L. Pickering
Summary: Incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into dynamic sheet forming (DSF) process can enhance the integrity and mechanical strength of oriented short hemp fibre mats, as well as the strength and thermal stability of polypropylene matrix composites produced with these mats.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Yang, Heqin Huang, Dan Xu, Xiaojie Wang, Ye Chen, Xiaohui Wang, Kai Zhang
Summary: This study explores the preparation of complex 3D structures with aligned cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from dynamic hydrogels, forming pseudo catenoid hollow xerogels through mechanical stretching and air-drying. The mechanical properties of the pseudo catenoid architecture are controlled at two stages on diverse length scales by the aligned CNCs and the geometry of the xerogels, offering a new perspective for designing advanced materials with tailored mechanical properties and functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bingbing Cheng, Song Yan, Wenpeng Chu, Shiwen Yang, Long Zheng, Yeqiang Tan, Xianze Yin
Summary: Enhancing the toughness of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) blends while preserving their thermomechanical properties is achieved through the in situ mixing of PLA with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanocrystal nanofluids (CNCfs). The addition of CNCfs@CNC significantly reduces the zero-shear viscosity and storage modulus of the PLA/CNCfs blends, while retaining the storage modulus of the PLA/CNCfs@CNC blends compared to pure PLA. The optimized PLA/CNCfs@CNC blends demonstrate excellent melt processing performance, increased elongation at break, and enhanced toughness, while maintaining a high modulus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Cut Rahmawati, Sri Aprilia, Taufiq Saidi, Teuku Budi Aulia, Amri Amin, Jawad Ahmad, Haytham F. Isleem
Summary: This research studied the influence of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on the mechanical properties and fracture parameters of geopolymers. The results showed that using 1% CNCs effectively improved the mechanical properties, fracture behavior, and microstructure of the geopolymers.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sandra Domenek, Francoise Berzin, Violette Ducruet, Cedric Plessis, Hom Dhakal, Emmanuel Richaud, Johnny Beaugrand
Summary: Date palm fibers are studied as a natural reinforcement in polypropylene composites, showing increased Young's modulus, but facing severe degradation during the injection molding process. Odorous compounds generated during thermal degradation of the fibers were surprisingly low during extrusion and granulation. Injection process was identified as the most critical step in the processing of date palm fibers.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amjad Ali, Tariq Aziz, Jieyuan Zheng, Fan Hong, Mahamed F. Awad, Sehrish Manan, Fazal Haq, Asmat Ullah, Muhammad Naeem Shah, Qaiser Javed, Ameer Ali Kubar, Li Guo
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have unparalleled advantages in the preparation of nanocomposites, but their lack of compatibility with hydrophobic polymers poses a major challenge. In this study, CNCs were synthesized from cotton and modified with 2-carboxyethyl acrylate to improve their mechanical, adhesive, contact angle, and thermal properties. The modified CNCs showed enhanced modulus of elasticity, reduced energy coefficient, and thermal expansion, as well as high shear stress, toughness, degradation efficiency, thermal stability, and recyclability. The findings suggest that the modification of CNCs with 2-carboxyethyl acrylate in the presence of epoxy resin can expand their applications in various sectors.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Changkun Ding, Chengfei Yue, Jieliang Su, Hua Wang, Ning Yang, Bowen Cheng
Summary: This study successfully improved the mechanical properties of regenerated collagen fibers using oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (oCNCs). oCNCs induced collagen microfibril orientation during fiber formation and interacted with collagen molecules through stronger hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions, resulting in enhanced tensile strength, toughness, and thermal stability of collagen composite fibers.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Andrea Scantamburlo, Filippo Zanini, Giovanni Lucchetta, Marco Sorgato
Summary: This study investigates the combined effect of alternate dynamic packing and rapid heat cycle moulding on the weld line mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced thermoplastics. The results show a significant increase in the strength and stiffness of the specimens.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Abdelhaq Benkaddour, Mohamed Lahcini, Redouane Beniazza
Summary: The Taguchi design was used to investigate the effects of five factors on the mechanical properties of CNC-reinforced PA6 thin films. CNC loading was found to have the most significant influence on Young's modulus and tensile strength. Optimum parameters were determined as CNC loading 1wt%, solution concentration 10wt/v%, first sonication time 30 min, second sonication time 60 min, and rotation speed 5000 rpm. SEM, TEM, and DSC were performed to confirm the results and understand the effects of CNC loading on crystallinity and mechanical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Matthew J. Dunlop, Ronald Sabo, Rabin Bissessur, Bishnu Acharya
Summary: A one-pot strategy was used to prepare hydrophobic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) surface-modified with tannic acid and octadecylamine, which were incorporated into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix without drying the CNCs. The mixture of wood and tunicate CNCs showed improved mechanical properties in cast films, but not in extruded films. The water vapor permeability of the extruded nanocomposites was significantly reduced compared to neat PLA films, and the composite films exhibited enhanced biodegradation properties.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zongzhe Li, Miguel A. Soto, James G. Drummond, D. Mark Martinez, Wadood Y. Hamad, Mark J. MacLachlan
Summary: This study reports a novel strategy to synthesize cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) gels with tunable mechanical properties. By applying sequential freeze-thaw cycling and hydrothermal treatments, a series of pristine CNC hydrogels and lightweight CNC aerogels were successfully prepared. The mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties of these materials were investigated, demonstrating their potential applications in various fields.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Derong Lin, Yang Li, Yichen Huang, Wen Qin, Douglas A. Loy, Hong Chen, Qing Zhang, Zhijun Wu
Summary: In this study, citric acid modified cellulose nanocrystals (MCNC) and silica aerogel (SA) were used as reinforcing agents and added to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to prepare composite films. The results showed that the modified reinforcing agents were uniformly dispersed in the PVA matrix and formed a compact structure, improving the thermal stability and barrier properties of the films.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chanun Suwanpreecha, Anchalee Manonukul
Summary: Metal extrusion additive manufacturing (Metal MEX) is a simple and cost-effective 3D printing process, which involves the preparation of metal powder and polymer binders as feedstock, layer-by-layer printing or injection to create green parts, and debinding and sintering to produce consolidated metallic parts. The rapid development of Metal MEX calls for a review of current research to understand the process parameters and properties for further studies and applications. This article systematically summarizes the literature on feedstock, printing, debinding, and sintering, and discusses the physical and mechanical properties of Metal MEX parts compared to well-established Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) properties, providing an assessment of the current stage of Metal MEX development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicola Ferrari, Cecilia Ada Maestri, Paolo Bettotti, Mario Grassi, Michela Abrami, Marina Scarpa
Summary: The colloidal suspension properties of CNC play a dominant role in the formation of droplets and gel beads, with centrifugal gelation achieving superior morphological control with more regular shapes and smaller dimensions. These results show that using a simple set-up with a low-speed centrifuge is an efficient approach for producing CNC hydrogel beads with good reproducibility and control over bead morphology and size dispersion.
Article
Polymer Science
Abhijit Venkatesh, Lilian Forsgren, Angelica Avella, Karl Banke, Jan Wahlberg, Fabiola Vilaseca, Giada Lo Re, Antal Boldizar
Summary: Comparison between laboratory-scale and pilot-scale compounding showed that the materials compounded on a pilot scale exhibited higher viscosity, improved mechanical properties, and different morphology. The presence of a relatively strong percolating cellulosic network in the melts and the importance of the interphase region between cellulose and the matrix were highlighted for the mechanical performance of the composites, with thermomechanical pulp providing better reinforcement than cellulose nanocrystals.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Robin Nilsson, Martina Olsson, Gunnar Westman, Aleksandar Matic, Anette Larsson
Summary: This study investigated the effects of side chain structures on the glass transition temperature and water interactions in cellulose esters. The results showed that the glass transition temperature decreased with increased side chain length, and the solubility and penetration of water in the cellulose esters decreased as well.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Brian Castro Agudelo, Florian Rigoulet, Michel Giorgi, Babak Sayah, Jean Rodriguez, Yoann Coquerel
Summary: A class of cationic polycyclic aromatic compounds containing nitrogen atoms, known as azonia polycyclic aromatic compounds, were synthesized and their structural, optical, and conformational properties were studied using experimental and computational methods.
SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ruchi Aggarwal, Anjali Kumari Garg, Deepika Saini, Sumit Kumar Sonkar, Amit Kumar Sonker, Gunnar Westman
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with good adsorption capacity were synthesized by acid hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and characterized for their chemical composition and functionality. Sulfated CNCs showed effective removal of toxic dyes and high adsorption capacity, demonstrating potential for industrial application.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sylwia Wojno, Amit Kumar Sonker, Jelka Feldhusen, Gunnar Westman, Roland Kadar
Summary: Nonlinear material parameters are more sensitive than linear viscoelastic parameters to the onset of weakly interconnected networks in cellulose nanocrystal(CNC) isotropic suspensions. All surface-modified CNC suspensions resulted in isotropic gels. The length of the grafted chains and the degree of branching were the primary factors influencing the nonlinear material response.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Riddell, Jonna Hynynen, Francisco Baena-Moreno, Abdenour Achour, Gunnar Westman, Jim Parkas, Diana Bernin
Summary: The conversion of lignin into valuable chemical products is important for sustainable biorefineries. Photochemical methods offer the potential for efficient and selective lignin depolymerization. In this study, the effects of the photosensitizer benzophenone on the photochemical conversion of lignin and 2-(benzyloxy)phenol were investigated. The results showed differences in the reactions with and without benzophenone, indicating the formation of different products. Depolymerization of lignin into smaller fragments was confirmed using diffusion NMR, with or without the photosensitizer.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ruchi Aggarwal, Anjali Kumari Garg, Vishrant Kumar, Harshita Jonwal, Sonia Sethi, Srushti Gadiyaram, Sumit Kumar Sonkar, Amit Kumar Sonker, Gunnar Westman
Summary: A two-step viable synthetic approach for quick and energy-efficient acid-based charring is explained to produce self-passivated fluorescent water-soluble CD (wsCD) from sustainable microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) materials. The wsCD solution exhibits blue emission under UV-light and has a fluorescence quantum yield of approximately 6%. The wsCD are used for selective sensing of ofloxacin (OFLX) and have shown mild antifungal activity.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Amit Kumar Sonker, Shizhao Xiong, Ruchi Aggarwal, Martina Olsson, Arnita Spule, Seyedehsan Hosseini, Sumit Kumar Sonkar, Aleksandar Matic, Gunnar Westman
Summary: This study presents an efficient method for exfoliating MoS2 in water and using it as an electrode material. The MoS2 is exfoliated through sonication with sulfated cellulose nanocrystals, resulting in a stable water suspension. The exfoliated MoS2 is then used in a zinc battery electrode, demonstrating a Coulombic efficiency of 90%. The success of exfoliation is confirmed by Raman and transmission electron microscopy.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Albert Artigas, Florian Rigoulet, Michel Giorgi, Denis Hagebaum-Reignier, Yannick Carissan, Yoann Coquerel
Summary: This paper presents the synthesis and analysis of a highly contorted and doubly negatively curved multihelicene compound, made up of three carbo[7]helicene units fused within a central six-membered ring. The compound was synthesized through a [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 13,14-picyne using a superior Ni(0) catalyst. The evaluation of aromaticity in this triple carbo[7]helicene challenged the limitations of Clar's model of aromaticity.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Seyedehsan Hosseini, Robin Nilsson, Anna Strom, Anette Larsson, Gunnar Westman
Summary: Alkyl ketene dimers (AKDs) modify thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers, improving their compatibility and flow properties with polypropylene (PP) in composite materials.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Johannes Thunberg, Savannah C. Zacharias, Merima Hasani, Olayinka A. Oyetunji, Francoise M. Amombo Noa, Gunnar Westman, Lars Ohrstrom
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks are attracting attention for applications like gas adsorption, but require an environmentally friendly and renewable substrate for full potential. The hybrid material of cellulose nanofibrils and zeolitic imidazolate framework shows promise for gas adsorption, with a significantly enhanced surface area compared to CNF alone.
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)
