Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natjaya Ekapakul, Chomdao Sinthuvanich, Hiroharu Ajiro, Chantiga Choochottiros
Summary: This study reported the synthesis and fabrication of composite hydrogels of chitosan and star shaped polycaprolactone, and highlighted their bioactivities. The composite hydrogels exhibited good mechanical properties and stability, as well as excellent antibacterial activity, high cell viability, and the ability to promote apatite nucleation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Byeong-Yong Jeong, Sojeong Lee, Hyun Ho Shin, Sooncheol Kwon, Sung Hoon Kim, Ji Hyun Ryu, Seok Min Yoon
Summary: Conductive rhenium oxide-polytetrahydrofuran (ReOx-PTHF) has high electrical conductivity and self-healing properties, and can be applied to self-repairing electronic circuits. Its self-healing properties and high electrical conductivity prevent severe loss of electrical conductivity in flexible devices. Additionally, it is not swellable and decomposable in aqueous and saltwater environments.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaojiong Zhao, Haocheng Jiang, Ping Sun, Ruichao Wei, Saihua Jiang, Jianying Hu, Shuidong Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel composite hydrogel material with excellent stretchability and multifunctionality was developed. The mechanical properties of the hydrogel were significantly improved, and it exhibited excellent adhesion, water retention, heat resistance, and conductivity. Furthermore, the composite material had strain and temperature sensing capabilities, making it suitable for electronic skins.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jianhong Han, Ganping Shu, Ying Qin, Guangen Zhou, Xiongliang Zhou
Summary: The seismic performance of the double skin composite wall with steel truss was investigated through quasi-static tests, showing that specimens with smaller aspect ratios exhibited better performance while those with longer flange walls had higher shear strength. The predominant failure mode of the specimens was flexure-shear failure, characterized by shear buckling of the steel plate.
JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIONAL STEEL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuewei Shi, Alamusi Lee, Bo Yang, Lingxiao Gao, Huiming Ning, Kaiyan Huang, Xiaolin Luo, Lidan Zhang, Jiaofei Zhang, Chao Yang, Bin Gu, Ning Hu
Summary: This article presents a multi-modal sensory electronic skin based on a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel embedded with carbon nano-materials, which can recognize touch position and pressure simultaneously without constructing sensor arrays. By utilizing conductive fillers and piezoresistive technology, the electronic skin demonstrates superior sensing performance and provides a new direction for designing novel electronic skin sensor devices.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Kai Qian, Pan He, Ning Deng, Honghao Li
Summary: The study investigates the seismic performance of T-shaped double-skin composite walls through experimental tests, identifying ductile flexural failure modes characterized by buckling of steel tubes and faceplates, concrete crushing, and fracture of steel tubes at the wall base. High strength concrete filling significantly improves the seismic behavior of T-shaped DSCW, while tie bars may impair seismic behaviors by inducing premature local buckling. Numerical studies suggest slenderness ratio limits to prevent local buckling when using different types of mechanical connectors.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Longya Xiao, Hongjie Jiang, Ding Zhang, Chengjian Ou, Jinxin Lai, Mengxuan Wang, Yi Ma, Yiwan Huang
Summary: In this study, a simple and effective method was proposed to achieve a hydrogel with high mechanical strength, long-lasting moisture, good temperature tolerance, and exceptional electrical conductivity through the synergy of ionic and two types of metal-ligand bonds. The hydrogels exhibited ultralong anti-dehydration lifespan, high ion conductivity, and temperature- and humidity-responsiveness, showing great potential as e-skin for monitoring human activity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Longya Xiao, Hongjie Jiang, Ding Zhang, Chengjian Ou, Jinxin Lai, Mengxuan Wang, Yi Ma, Yiwan Huang
Summary: In this study, a simple secondary soaking method was proposed to prepare a hydrogel with high conductivity and anti-dehydration lifespan. Through the synergy of ionic and metal-ligand bonds, the hydrogel was able to achieve both swelling and reinforcement. The viscoelastic model was used to investigate the contributions of mechanical properties of the hydrogel.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhihui Xie, Heng Li, Hao-Yang Mi, Pei-Yong Feng, Yuejun Liu, Xin Jing
Summary: The research team developed a polydopamine-reduced graphene oxide/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide composite organohydrogel sensor with dual crosslinking networks, which exhibits excellent conductivity and high sensitivity for efficient sensing within a broad strain and temperature range.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Wang, Yingwen Wang, Changsheng Lu, Jinhu Zhang, Wu Qiu, Shu Yang, Naibo Lin, Yu Zhang, Xiang Yang Liu
Summary: In this study, a high-performance flexible photonic pressure sensor inspired by the principle of chameleon color change was constructed. The sensor is based on a lens-shaped three-dimensional photonic crystal and an alginate-based hydrogel. It exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (32.2723 kPa-1), a peak shift of 30 nm, and a fast response time of 0.21 s. Furthermore, it has matching density, sound velocity, and acoustic impedance with water, making it a promising strategy for next-generation flexible photonic acoustic sensing devices.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
A. Dinesh, D. Suji, Moorthi Pichumani
Summary: The research aims to develop and apply a self-sensing cementitious composite sensor (SCS) as an alternative for traditional sensors in structural health monitoring (SHM). The SCS is made of hybrid steel fiber_graphite powder (SF_GP) and steel fiber_activated charcoal (SF_AC). The study examines the influence of compressive strength, resistivity, piezoresistivity, and stress sensitivity on the development of SCS. In addition, the SCS is embedded in critical zones of large-scale beam and column to monitor their deformations. The results show that SF_GP enhances compressive strength and decreases resistivity of the SCS, while SF_GP and SF_AC decrease the fractional change in resistivity (FCR).
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiahui Bai, Ran Wang, Mingxi Ju, Jingxin Zhou, Lexin Zhang, Tifeng Jiao
Summary: The study presents a novel multifunctional ion-crosslinked hydrogel with high sensitivity and excellent mechanical properties, which can be used for wearable strain sensors and monitoring human motion.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lei Zhang, Siheng Wang, Zhuomin Wang, Zhen Huang, Penghao Sun, Fuhao Dong, He Liu, Dan Wang, Xu Xu
Summary: In this study, a tough adhesive cellulose-nanofibril/poly(acrylic acid) (CNF/PAA) hydrogel was fabricated with tight hydrogen-bond (H-bond) networks using a common monomer and a biomass resource. The H-bonded network structures can be disrupted by excess hydronium ions produced through sweating, which enhances the adhesive performance of the hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel electrode remains conformable on sweaty skin and enables reliable collection of electrophysiological signals under real-life conditions.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Zhang, Jiahui Guo, Yu Wang, Lingyu Sun, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: The authors proposed a novel composite structural color hydrogel film for constructing ideal multiple-signal bionic electronic skins, showing obvious color variation and electromechanical properties for real-time color sensing and electrical response. This new material widens the practical value of bionic electronic skins.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Run-Sheng Lin, Han-Seung Lee, Yi Han, Xiao-Yong Wang
Summary: This study presents multiple experimental studies on the hydration, strength, and durability properties of ternary or binary composites incorporating calcined Hwangtoh clay and limestone powder. The experimental results indicate that the ternary composite with a 15% replacement level provides the most optimal mixture, and a 30% replacement level is the threshold level for achieving a similar strength as plain concrete. The study also shows a linear relationship between strength and combined water, as well as the synergic relation between calcined clay and limestone in the ternary composite.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ting Fan, Shan-Shan Xue, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yuan-Yuan Zhang, Yuan-Qing Li, Zhen-Kun Chen, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: A multifunctional nano-SiO2/CNT/STG@PU composite foam with excellent strain-sensing ability, superhydrophobicity, and outstanding anti-impact capability has been developed, showing promising applications in personal safety protection.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhen-Hua Tang, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yu-Qin Mao, Zi-Cai Zhu, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a mechanically robust and multiresponsive MXene-based actuator with a simple configuration, high mechanical strength, and low-power consumption was developed for soft robotics. The actuator utilizes the hygroexpansion of bacterial cellulose and the thermal expansion of biaxially oriented polypropylene to achieve high actuation performance. Unlike conventional single-mechanism actuators, this actuator provides a favorable architecture for dual-mechanism synergism, resulting in exceptionally reversible actuation performance. Furthermore, the actuator displays excellent long-distance photoresponsive property.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
You-Yong Wang, Fang-Liang Guo, Yuan-Qing Li, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yao Li, Pei Huang, Ning Hu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: A transparent bamboo composite with high optical transparency and high tensile strength has been developed through lignin-modification and epoxy infiltration, providing superior overall performance compared to traditional glass.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Sun, Fang-Liang Guo, Yuan-Qing Li, Jin-Ming Hu, Quan-Xiu Liu, Xiao-Long Mo, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of hybrid sizing agents on the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymer composites. The surfaces of short carbon fibers are modified using a mixture of polydopamine and carbon nanotubes as the sizing agents. Experimental tests and numerical analysis are conducted to elucidate the interfacial properties and reinforcing mechanisms of the composites. The results show that the hybrid sizing agents improve the interfacial properties and mechanical behaviors of the composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ting Fan, Yuan-Yuan Zhang, Shan-Shan Xue, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Ning Hu, Kin Liao, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study demonstrates an ultrasensitive anisotropic strain sensor for loading direction perception. The sensor, composed of orthogonal heterogeneous piezo-resistive composite (HePC) and homogenous piezo-resistive composite (HoPC), shows high sensitivity and directional sensitivity differences, making it effective for distinguishing strain magnitude and direction, as well as monitoring human body gestures.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei-Bin Zhu, Hong-Shan Luo, Zhen-Hua Tang, Hao Zhang, Ting Fan, You-Yong Wang, Pei Huang, Yuan-Qing Li, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study presents a highly flexible, biocompatible, and environmentally stable Ti3C2Tx MXene/BCF/PDMS composite pressure sensor with an ultrawide working range, high linearity, and long-term stability. The sensor performs well in harsh environmental conditions and shows great potential in robotic tactile sensation.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Cheng-Bing Qu, Hong-Mei Xiao, Gui-Wen Huang, Na Li, Meng Li, Fei Li, Yuan-Qing Li, Yu Liu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study successfully modified epoxy resins with graphene oxide (GO) to manufacture carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites for cryogenic environments. The addition of GO improved the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and reduced the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the composites. Cryo-thermal cycling had an effect on the ILSS and CTE of the CF/GO-modified epoxy composites.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Guang-He Dong, Fang-Liang Guo, Zheng Sun, Yuan-Qing Li, Shu-Feng Song, Chao-He Xu, Pei Huang, Cheng Yan, Ning Hu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a carbon fiber-based structural battery with load-bearing and energy storage functions was successfully fabricated. By employing a unique electrolyte and matrix material, the battery achieved high performance while being compatible with conventional manufacturing processes. The battery exhibited high tensile strength, energy density, and capacity recovery after loading.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zhen-Hua Tang, De-Yang Wang, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: An analytical model based on excluded volume theory is developed to determine the synergistic percolation threshold of ternary CNT/graphene/polymer composites. The effects of filler aspect ratios and relative content ratio of CNTs to graphene on the synergistic percolation threshold are examined through parametric studies. The validity of the model is demonstrated through comparisons with existing experimental data.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Fang-Liang Guo, Jin-Ming Hu, Tao Guan, Yu-Tong Fu, Cheng-Yi Huang, Yuan-Qing Li, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: A new finite element model (FEM) based on the classical random sequential adsorption algorithm with genetic algorithm (GA) was developed for efficient geometrical construction of short carbon fiber and short glass fiber reinforced polyetherimide (SCF/PEI and SGF/PEI) composites. Experimental tests and model predictions showed good agreement in terms of tensile properties, damage evolutions, and failure modes. The study quantitatively explored the effects of fiber volume fractions, orientations, and lengths on the strength and modulus of SCF/PEI and SGF/PEI composites.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Guang-He Dong, Yu-Qin Mao, Fang-Liang Guo, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: Researchers have demonstrated a new type of structural battery composites with enhanced energy storing and mechanical performance by encapsulating active materials with carbon fiber composite shell layers. This design strategy provides a new path for developing structural battery composites with remarkable energy storage capabilities, especially for next-generation electric vehicles.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Fang-Liang Guo, Tao Wu, Zi-Han Yang, Jin-Ming Hu, Yuan-Qing Li, De-Bo Liu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study focuses on the temperature-dependent toughening mechanisms of polyurethane toughened epoxy systems based on the phase separation phenomenon. 3D finite element unit cells are established to evaluate the fracture energy, and the temperature-dependent fracture energies are quantitatively investigated for the first time. The results show that particle bridging plays a major role in determining the fracture energy at room temperature, while the untoughened matrix proportion increases and the contributions of particle bridging and shear banding decrease at lower temperatures.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yu-Tong Fu, Jia Li, Yuan-Qing Li, Shao-Yun Fu, Fang-Liang Guo
Summary: This study conducts a comprehensive analysis on the multi-scale morphologies and mechanical properties of 3D printed short carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites. A full-process multi-scale analysis method is proposed, which accurately predicts the mechanical properties of these composites.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jin-Ming Hu, Zhi-Mao Zhou, Fang-Liang Guo, Zheng Sun, Li Zhang, Zi-Ming Wang, Peng-Gang Yin, Yuan-Qing Li, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: Considering the increasing accumulation of composite waste, this study explores the feasibility of using recycled fibers to replace virgin carbon fibers and virgin glass fibers in injection molded PEI composites. Extensive characterizations reveal that the strength retention rates of recycled carbon fibers (RCFs) and recycled glass fibers (RGFs) are 81.6% and 55.7% respectively. The reinforcing factor of RCFs increases due to enhanced interfacial bonding, while the reinforcing factor of RGFs decreases due to glass fiber strength reduction. The introduction of recycled fibers, especially RCFs, through injection molding process can significantly enhance PEI composites, despite the slight impact of recycling on fiber mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zheng-Xin Li, Xing-Yu Gao, Pei Huang, Yuan-Qing Li, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a novel wearable pressure sensor with an ultrawide detection range is proposed by introducing temperature-stimulated epoxy into the porous carbonized melamine foam/silicone system. The sensor exhibits a high compressive modulus at lower temperatures and decreases significantly at higher temperatures, allowing for enhanced sensitivity and a broad detection range. The sensor also demonstrates an ultrawide detection range through the electrothermal effect and has been proven suitable for monitoring various motions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)