Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Shijun Wang, Jiahao Lin, Zhen Xu, Zhiping Xu
Summary: Carbon sp(2) building blocks, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, have great potential for structural and functional applications due to their unique material properties. However, when upscaled into fibers or films, they often fail to maintain their performance due to material imperfections and microstructural irregularities.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jae Young Lee, Heeyuen Koh, Do-Nyun Kim
Summary: This study presents a computational framework for analyzing the equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamics of structured DNA assemblies. The framework successfully simulates the dynamic reconfiguration of DNA structures in response to changes in ion concentration. This research offers a rational method for designing responsive and reconfigurable DNA machines.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Fernanda Manrique-de-la-Cuba, Luis Leyva-Parra, Diego Inostroza, Badhin Gomez, Alejandro Vasquez-Espinal, Jorge Garza, Osvaldo Yanez, William Tiznado
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of assembling silicon-based nanostructures from aromatics clusters as building blocks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gaurav Chaudhary, S. Ganga Prasath, Edward Soucy, L. Mahadevan
Summary: This study demonstrates the creation of morphable structural materials using neutrally stable unit cells, showing their design principles and performance through theory and experiments.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Wang, Hyungmin Jun, Mark Bathe
Summary: In this study, a hierarchical self-assembly strategy using wireframe DNA origami objects as building blocks is introduced, overcoming the size limitation of individual DNA origami objects and enabling supramolecular assemblies and periodic arrays to be programmed. This strategy provides a general platform for the design and fabrication of 2D materials for various applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Baochang Cheng, Zhouyue Lei, Peiyi Wu
Summary: In this study, a gentle method to extract crystalline silk nanosheets (SNS) from degummed silk fibers is reported. The SNS has a unique structure and exhibits excellent properties. It can assemble into membranes with high transparency, thermal stability, and cytocompatibility. Furthermore, it is capable of self-assembling into well-organized microfibers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bowen Sui, Youliang Zhu, Xuemei Jiang, Yifan Wang, Niboqia Zhang, Zhongyuan Lu, Bai Yang, Yunfeng Li
Summary: The assembly of nanoparticles into macroscopic materials with mechanical robustness, green processability, and recastable ability is important and challenging. In this study, the authors developed macroscopic films assembled from carbon dots modified by ureido pyrimidinone. These films exhibit tunable fluorescence and collective properties including self-healing, re-castability, and superior mechanical properties.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shan Zhou, Jiahui Li, Jun Lu, Haihua Liu, Ji-Young Kim, Ahyoung Kim, Lehan Yao, Chang Liu, Chang Qian, Zachary D. Hood, Xiaoying Lin, Wenxiang Chen, Thomas E. Gage, Ilke Arslan, Alex Travesset, Kai Sun, Nicholas A. Kotov, Qian Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates the self-assembly of tetrahedral gold nanoparticles into chiral superlattices with different connection patterns on solid substrates. The chiral superlattices show strong mirror asymmetry and chiral properties. The thermodynamic equilibrium of the assembly is controlled by van der Waals and electrostatic interactions between nanoparticles, and the chirality can be fine-tuned by adjusting the corner-to-edge connections.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yuanyuan Sheng, Zihao Ma, Xing Wang, Ying Han
Summary: The research investigated the antioxidant activities of lignin obtained from inexpensive or residual sources, finding that lignin antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidants. The main contributors to these lignins' antioxidant activity were phenolic hydroxyl groups, as indicated by the high correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenol content.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alojz Anzlovar, Ema Zagar
Summary: Cellulose, as the most abundant natural polymer, has diverse potential applications in various fields such as biomass energy, biomedical materials, and nanomaterials. This article comprehensively reviews the potential of cellulose structures in the formation of complex inorganic nanostructures and discusses their advantages and modifications.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yuxin Ouyang, Lin Qiu, Xiaohua Zhang, Yanhui Feng
Summary: This paper reviews the thermal transport mechanisms and enhancement approaches of carbon nanotubes by modifying them with micro- and nano-scale guest materials. Improving the bonding force, optimizing the interface, and designing a spatial arrangement of carbon nanotubes can enhance interfacial thermal transport and directional thermal transport. The concept of multi-material structural synergy is also discussed to overcome the limitation of weak phonon transport under van der Waals force.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Caio M. Miliante, J. P. Dotto de Matos, Andre R. Muniz
Summary: The synthesis of double core carbon nanothreads (NTHs) has been achieved by compressing aromatic molecules containing two rings connected by short chains featuring either double or triple bonds. The structure of these NTHs is characterized by two conventional 1D NTHs cores, interconnected by covalent bonds arranged in several ways.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qi Li, Mingju Xian, Anhe Wang, Yi Jia, Shuo Bai, Xuehai Yen, Junbai Li
Summary: Dipeptides are biocompatible building blocks that can be assembled into various sensing materials. These sensors interact with force, electricity, light, and chemical stimulus to generate electrical, optical, and mechanical signals, making them applicable in microelectronics and healthcare fields. Dipeptide-based sensing materials have the advantages of biological molecules and also possess excellent mechanical and electrical properties. This perspective article summarizes the molecular assembly of dipeptides, focusing on their application as biogenic sensors, and discusses the challenges and prospects for the future development of dipeptide-based sensing materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sofia Julin, Nonappa, Boxuan Shen, Veikko Linko, Mauri A. Kostiainen
Summary: Lipids play a crucial role in cellular compartments, and co-assembly of DNA origami with cationic lipids enhances the order and stability of lipid structures. This complexation strategy effectively protects DNA origami against nuclease digestion, opening up new possibilities for the construction of cell-membrane-associated components.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengfei Xu, Liang Gao, Chunhua Cai, Jiaping Lin, Liquan Wang, Xiaohui Tian
Summary: This article reviews recent advances in the formation and function of polymeric nanotoroids, emphasizes the significant role of theoretical simulations in revealing the formation mechanism and inherent structure of toroidal assemblies, and discusses the challenges in this research field.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Shijun Wang, Ye Xiao, Zhiping Xu
Summary: Artificial muscles are materials or devices that produce work under external stimuli, with recent developments focusing on twisted-filament artificial muscles that go through a two-step process of triggered rotation or contraction. Various actuating mechanisms such as thermal expansion and electrochemical cues have been proposed for these artificial muscles. Numerical simulations and simplified theoretical models are used to model the actuation processes of artificial muscles made of carbon nanotubes, elucidating underlying mechanical principles and quantifying performance. The potential for further elevating performance is shown through evaluation of power output and energy-conversion efficiency, with strategies outlined for improvement based on geometric and material parameters.
EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Zhang, Shijun Wang, Pingping Tang, Zhenfang Zhao, Zhiping Xu, Zhong-Zhen Yu, Hao-Bin Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates a chemical-structure-engineering strategy to achieve highly aligned graphene oxide (GO) films with improved mechanical properties. The favorable assembly pattern of modified GO sheets is attributed to reduced interfacial friction on the atomic scale, allowing for freer configuration adjustment during the assembly process.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qing Zhang, Wanzhen He, Lin Li, Dechao Geng, Zhiping Xu, Huipeng Chen, Wei Chen, Wenping Hu
Summary: This study demonstrates a facile and controllable oxygen-assisted anisotropic chemical etching method for two-dimensional (2D) materials, using MoSe2 as an example. A series of well-defined etched patterns were fabricated by precisely modulating the pretreatment time of oxygen plasma and the etching time. The atomic characterization and density functional theory calculations indicate an energy preference for zigzag edges, and the as-etched MoSe2 flakes exhibited enhanced optoelectronic properties.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Enlai Gao, Ke Zhou, Lei Shi, Zhiping Xu
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shijun Wang, Jiaxin Shi, Takayuki Shimizu, Jun Xu, Zhiping Xu
Summary: This study investigates the kinetic evolution of microstructures in heat-fusion thermoplastic interfaces and discusses the key factors affecting interface quality. Experimental results show that the quality of fused interfaces can be improved by reducing viscosity and interaction parameter. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the stiffness and strength of the interfaces are controlled by inter-diffusion and entanglement of polymer chains.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zian Zhang, Zhiping Xu
Summary: This study investigates the failure mechanisms of single-wall carbon nanotubes under different strain and temperature conditions, and proposes a kinetic model based on the Arrhenius law for life prediction in mechanical degradation processes. The results show that the failure mechanisms and life distribution of nanotubes vary under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yunxiang Bai, Mingquan Zhu, Shijun Wang, Luqi Liu, Zhong Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the dynamic electrical failure behavior and mechanism of carbon nanotube ribbons through experiments and theoretical calculations, and demonstrates the significant impact of electrical stress rates on failure resistance. It suggests the establishment of a uniform standard for ampacity testing method.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shijun Wang, Mang Zhang, Jun Feng, Zhiping Xu
Summary: The structural and mechanical properties of polymer-inorganic interfaces are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the conformational characteristics of polymer chains near the inorganic surface are significantly different from bulk polymers. The results allow for the prediction of failure modes and suggest practical approaches for improving the mechanical performance of polymer-inorganic composites by modifying the polymers and interfaces.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shizhe Feng, Wenxiang Wang, Shijun Wang, Xuwei Cui, Yifan Yang, Fan Xu, Luqi Liu, Zhiping Xu
Summary: The fracture of single-crystalline 2D films can be controlled by mechanically-induced wrinkles, which can visualize the strain state near the crack tip. This fracture control can be applied to fabricate micro-and nanostructures for applications in electromechanical and optoelectronic devices.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jinbo Bian, Zhiping Xu
Summary: In this work, a novel vertical strain engineering approach is proposed to modify the band structures and electronic coupling of 2D materials in heterostructures. This has significant implications for improving electronic transport and energy conversion efficiency in nanoelectronics.
Article
Mechanics
Yingjie Zhao, Yong Liu, Zhiping Xu
Summary: This paper presents a statistical learning framework for predicting the growth of fatigue cracks and the life-to-failure of components. Digital libraries of fatigue crack patterns and remaining life are constructed using physical simulations. Dimensionality reduction and neural network architectures are utilized to capture the history dependence and nonlinearity of fatigue crack growth. Path-slicing and re-weighting techniques are introduced to handle statistical noises and rare events. The end-to-end approach is validated with representative examples of fatigue cracks in plates.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED MECHANICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wanzhen He, Linxin Zhai, Chi-Yung Yam, Zhiping Xu
Summary: Low-dimensional materials are promising for next-generation electronics, but their performance is sensitive to external perturbations such as irradiation. This study develops a real-time time-dependent density-functional theory to explore the effects of single-H irradiation on graphene electronics. The results show distinct energy and site dependences of the peak current, driven by delocalized plasmonic excitation. The findings emphasize the roles of lattice discreteness and electronic structures, providing insights for device design in the space environment.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Yingjie Zhao, Jianshu Qin, Shijun Wang, Zhiping Xu
Summary: In this study, machine learning methods were used to classify and extract features of the morphologies of 2D macromolecules. By integrating the physical properties of geometrical deformation and topological contact, the performance of data-driven models was significantly improved. The classification and feature extraction methods can characterize the microstructures of 2D macromolecules and the molecular processes, which is important for understanding the processing-microstructures-performance relationship in applications.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Wenwu Zhang, Helezi Zhou, Bin Huang, Huamin Zhou, Xiongqi Peng
Summary: This paper investigates the tool-ply friction behavior of jute/PLA biocomposites in thermoforming. A pull-through friction testing device was developed to characterize the tool-ply friction behavior of jute/PLA prepreg at elevated temperature. The effects of alkali treatment, fiber orientation, normal force, and slipping velocity were studied, and a quantitative definition of tool-ply friction behavior was achieved. The results indicate a strong relationship between tool-ply friction behavior and woven and fiber structures, indicating hydrodynamic lubrication.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Stephen Clay, Wesley Ault, Alex Faupel, Caglar Oskay, Philip Knoth, Noam N. Y. Shemesh, Rami Haj-Ali, Uri Breiman, Ido Meshi, Ofir Shor
Summary: This paper presents an experimental investigation on the compression failure mechanisms of laminated carbon fiber reinforced composites under non-standard quasi-static loading. The results demonstrate the presence of interior kink bands, surface ply splitting, and delaminations, with each failure mechanism associated with different stress levels.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Bowen Zeng, Jinlong Yang, Zhi Ni, Yucheng Fan, Ziyan Hang, Chuang Feng
Summary: This study successfully improved the pyroelectric properties of PVDF films by preparing functionally graded graphene nanoplatelet (FG-GNP) reinforced PVDF composite films. The increase in the number of layers and the concentration of GNP near the surface of the composite film were found to enhance the pyroelectric properties and temperature stability.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Shenghe Zhang, Fukai Chu, Weizhao Hu, Bibo Wang, Richard K. K. Yuen, Yuan Hu
Summary: This study improves the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of PBAT by synthesizing a phosphorus-containing intercalator and mixing it into the PBAT matrix.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Tharan Gordon, Michael R. Wisnom, Byung Chul Kim
Summary: Thickness tapering is a common strategy for efficient and lightweight composite structures, but it can introduce delamination sites. This study investigated the use of ply scarfing method to improve the compressive failure stress of tapered laminates made from thick unidirectional non-crimp fabrics. The results showed that ply scarfing suppressed delamination and increased the failure stress by 60%.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Xin Wang, Yiting Qu, Junlei Bai, Fujun Xu, Bin Ding, Xiaohua Zhang
Summary: A solution-based strategy is proposed to achieve a strong bond between fibers and matrix in powder materials, resulting in improved mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and fracture strain of the composites. The method also offers advantages such as enhanced powder flowability and thermal stability.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Xing Zhou, Guosheng Wang, Dexiang Li, Qi Wang, Keming Zhu, Yaya Hao, Yueyang Xu, Neng Li
Summary: This study successfully synthesized polyurethane elastomer by using degraded products from waste PET, and fabricated composites with carbon nanotubes for strain sensors. The composites showed good mechanical and durability performance, indicating a potential method for recycling waste PET into valuable and functional materials.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Fei Peng, Tingting Shan, Rongrui Chen, Jiulong Shi, Di Liu, Guoqiang Zheng, Chaojun Gao, Kun Dai, Chuntai Liu, Changyu Shen
Summary: Janus polymer films with distinct surface performance and potential applications were successfully prepared by vacuum-assisted hot-compressing method and spray coating. These films exhibit decent actuation performance and rapid selfpowered sensing property, and can be used for real-time acetone monitoring system.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Biao Cheng, Huafeng Quan, Yuefeng Zhang, Dong Huang, Tongqi Li, Chong Ye, Xingming Zhou, Zhen Fan, Yafang Zhang, Ting Ouyang, Fei Han, Hongbo Liu, Jinshui Liu
Summary: In this study, a binary graphite network was constructed to improve the thermal conductivity and control the formation of micrometer-scale open pores in phase change composites. The developed composites showed a high thermal conductivity and phase change enthalpy, making them promising for thermal control in space optical-mechanical systems and other critical aerospace components.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Shihao Zuo, Fei Cheng, Guangming Yang, Jiangzhou Li, Yongjun Deng, Guangjun Gou, Xuejun Cui, Yunsen Hu, Xiaozhi Hu
Summary: Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment was used to modify aluminum (Al) alloys in order to improve bond strength with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The treatment successfully created a porous surface with better hardness, roughness, and wetting, and introduced resin pre-coating (RPC) and carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber bridging to improve the bonding interface. The combined treatments significantly increased the bond strength by up to 156.1%, indicating the feasibility of MAO as an alternative method for manufacturing high-performance Al-CFRP composites in industrial production.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
James Kratz, Christophe Paris, Karolina Gaska, Vincent Maes, Ivana Partridge, Philippe Olivier
Summary: Faster heating rates and higher process temperatures can reduce the total process time while achieving the same degree-of-cure. Thermal analysis shows that thermoplastic interleaf particles melt at the recommended curing temperature. A short dwell at a lower temperature can prevent the mixing of thermoplastic particles and thermoset pre-polymer.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Thomas Maierhofer, Evripides G. Loukaides, Craig Carr, Chiara Bisagni, Richard Butler
Summary: Joining thermoset composites via resistance welding provides an efficient method for aerospace structures with benefits such as high-volume manufacturing and simplified surface preparation. The influence of welding parameters on joint performance is assessed using Mode I fracture toughness testing. A Bayesian approach is employed to select high-performance parameters.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jiangan You, Ling Cai, Ronghua Yu, Haiping Xing, Jian Xue, Ying Li, Zhiwei Jiang, Dongmei Cui, Tao Tang
Summary: In response to the global environmental pollution crisis caused by waste plastics, recyclable design is an effective solution. A CPVC/PUA nanocomposite foam was developed using the plasticizing-foaming-reinforcing strategy, combined with catalytic carbonization. The foam exhibited high expansion ratio, robustness, solvent resistance, flame-triggered shape memory effect, and ablation resistance. The foam could be directly upcycled into functional carbon foam with attractive electromagnetic interference shielding performance.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Siyao Chen, Zhiyu Chen, Yangling Ou, Junwei Lyu, Junning Li, Xiangyang Liu, Yang Liu
Summary: In this study, we demonstrated the significant effect of composite interface on temperature increase in electrical heaters. By selectively fluorinating the outer walls of carbon nanotubes and compositing them with cellulose nanofibers, improved interfacial phonon diffusion was achieved, leading to a higher temperature increase rate.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Yanjun He, Agnieszka Suliga, Alex Brinkmeyer, Mark Schenk, Ian Hamerton
Summary: A new thermoset resin system based on a polybenzoxazine blend showed good performance under high ATOX irradiation. It reduced erosion yield by forming a silicon-rich surface layer and improved the mechanical properties of CFRP laminates.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2024)
