Article
Polymer Science
Yaoqun Yue, Yisen Huang, Huawei Zou, Yang Chen, Mei Liang
Summary: In this study, carbon/phenolic composites were modified by mesophase pitch (MP) to improve the structural strength, fracture toughness and crack propagation resistance. The ablation rate was significantly decreased after MP modification. The flexural strength of 5 wt% MP-reinforced carbon/phenolic composites reached 525.6 MPa, which was 26.9% higher than that of pure carbon/phenolic composites.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Dong Huang, Qianli Liu, Yuefeng Zhang, Chong Ye, Shipeng Zhu, Zhen Fan, Fei Han, Hongbo Liu, Jinshui Liu
Summary: By investigating the preparation and ablation performance of ZrC-SiC-modified carbon/carbon composites, the goal of reducing ablation rate and improving thermal conductivity was achieved, providing a new solution for the application in hypersonic vehicles.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yang Chen, Zhuodong Liu, Yisen Huang, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou
Summary: The strength of the ceramic layer formed during ablation of the silicone rubber composite is closely related to its resistance to ablation. Increasing the content of graphitic carbon in the ceramic layer plays a key role in enhancing the strength of ceramic layer. In this study, series of catalytically graphitized mesophase pitch-modified silicone rubber composites with excellent ablation performance are prepared. And the average linear ablation rate of the composite is reduced to a maximum of 0.046 mm s(-1), which is 44.0% lower than that of the sample without catalyst named 5MP. XRD characterization proves that the addition of transition metal catalysts increases the content of graphitic carbon in the ceramic layers after ablation. The strength of ceramic layer of the 0.13Fe(2)O(3) reached 12.09 MPa, which is 60.3% higher than that of the 5MP. The transition metal catalyst effectively increases the content of graphitic carbon in the ceramic layers, and the strengths of the ceramic layers are significantly improved, thereby greatly improving the ablation performance of the composites.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhuodong Liu, Yisen Huang, Liwei Yan, Yang Chen, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou
Summary: A series of mesophase pitch modified silicone rubber composites with superior ablation resistance performance were prepared, showing unique fence-like structures with good compressive strength. The 20MP composite exhibited the best ablation resistance performance, with porous and regular ceramic layers that helped resist flame ablation.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhichen Zhang, Bin Lou, Ning Zhao, Enqiang Yu, Zenghao Wang, Hui Du, Zhaojun Chen, Dong Liu
Summary: The study focused on the production of needle coke using low temperature coal tar (LCT) and heavy oil (HO) through liquid phase carbonization. It found that LCT played a key role in improving material compatibility and reducing structural separation during co-carbonization.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jun Li, Bin Lou, Luning Chai, Jichang Zhang, Yue Fu, Keyu Chen, Lingyan Tian, Nan Shi, Fushan Wen, Xiujie Yang, Dong Liu
Summary: The boron trifluoride complex catalyst effectively promotes the development of anisotropic structures in different fractions of FCC decant oil. The heavy fraction mainly consists of 4 and 5 ring aromatics with short side chains and methylene-bridged bonds, while the middle fraction contains 3 and 4 ring aromatics with naphthenic structures. The light fraction is dominated by 1 to 3 ring aromatics with long alkyl side chains. The catalyst shows excellent catalytic activity for the heavy fraction and slightly facilitates the development of anisotropic structures in the middle fraction.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Biao Li, Dong Huang, Tongqi Li, Chong Ye, Ningyuan Zhang, Xingming Zhou, Zhen Fan, Gen Liao, Fei Han, Hongbo Liu, Jinshui Liu
Summary: The high-thermal-conductive Carbon/Carbon (HTC-C/C) composites using mesophase-pitch-based carbon fibers (CFMP) as the heat conduction carriers are potential thermal management materials in high-tech fields. The thermal response behavior and the enhancing effect of CFMP are investigated in the complex dynamic temperature variation of the composites. One-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional HTC-C/C composites with different thermal conductivities in the CFMP direction are prepared, and their thermal response behaviors are studied using infrared thermal imager. The results show that graphitized CFMP with specific parameters can efficiently transfer heat in the composite, and the temperature distribution and variation are determined by the CFMP arrangement and the size and shape of pore defects in the composites.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Phiciato Phiciato, Yudi Nugraha Thaha, Nono Darsono, Miftahul Huda
Summary: In this study, a feasible extraction method using benzene was proposed to refine the size of spherical mesophase. It was found that the solubility of the spherical mesophase in benzene is size-dependent, and can selectively dissolve spherical mesophases smaller than 5 μm. As a result, a monodisperse spherical mesophase was obtained.
Article
Polymer Science
Wenjian Guo, Shuxin Bai, Yicong Ye
Summary: In this study, the abandoned epoxy resin matrix in composite wastes was pyrolyzed into epoxy resin pyrolytic oil (EPO) and analyzed. The results showed that more than half of the epoxy resin matrix was converted into EPO, mainly consisting of phenol and its derivatives. CF reinforced EPOF composites with comparable strength and ablation rates to CF/PF composites were successfully fabricated, thanks to the good process performance of the EPOF prepolymer.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Lisha Li, Yong Li, Dajun Huan, Xiaodong Chen, Hongquan Liu, Wuqiang Wang, Yanrui Li, Yue Jin, Wenying Li
Summary: In this study, Z-pin reinforced quartz-phenolic composites were investigated to improve their interlaminar performance. The results demonstrated that Z-pins can suppress interlaminar delamination and reduce bulging by enhancing the strength between laminates and providing escape channels for pyrolysis gas.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mengyao Qi, Sheng Huang, Shiyong Wu, Youqing Wu, Yonghui Bai, Jinsheng Gao
Summary: In this study, mesophase pitches were prepared by segmental hydrogenation/thermal condensation method using Shenhua coal liquefaction residue refined pitch (CLP) as raw material, and the effects of THN addition and hydrogenation temperature on the structure and properties of the resulting products were investigated. The results showed that THN addition and higher hydrogenation temperature could increase the mesophase content and improve its optical texture. The analysis of hydrogenated pitch structures revealed that THN addition increased the alkyl group content and resulted in more alpha-structures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiho Choi, Yejung Lee, Yangki Chae, Sung-Soo Kim, Tae-Hwan Kim, Sungho Lee
Summary: A recent study utilized small-angle X-ray scattering to analyze the carbonization process of pitch-derived fibers and found that there are three stages below 600°C, with the maximum softness achieved at 500°C.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yisen Huang, Haoruo Zhang, Zhuodong Liu, Chuxiang Zhou, Liwei Yan, Huawei Zou, Yang Chen, Mei Liang
Summary: In this study, pre-oxidized mesophase pitch modified boron phenolic composites and their fiber-reinforced composites were prepared. The results showed that the pre-oxidized mesophase pitch can co-carbonize with the resin matrix, forming a mosaic-structured carbon layer and effectively hindering the growth of defects and improving the graphitization degree of the char layer. Compared to the counterpart, the linear and mass ablation rates of the modified composites were reduced significantly, making them promising materials for thermal protection systems.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Toru Ishikawa, Fumihiko Tanaka, Kosuke Kurushima, Akira Yasuhara, Ryusuke Sagawa, Tatsuya Fujita, Ryohei Yonesaki, Katsuhiko Iseki, Takayuki Nakamuro, Koji Harano, Eiichi Nakamura
Summary: Carbon fiber obtained by pyrolysis of polyacrylonitrile exhibits superior properties for various applications, such as aircraft manufacture and power turbine blades. The structure of polyacrylonitrile-derived carbon fiber consists of hierarchically piled up wavy graphene-like networks, which exhibit high tensile strength and resistance to fracture. Conversely, pitch-based carbon fiber, consisting of crystalline graphene networks, is brittle.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiahui Zhang, Yong Qi, Jianxiao Yang, Kui Shi, Jun Li, Xiaxiang Zhang
Summary: This study prepared carbon nanofibers using different types of pitches as raw materials and compared their effects on the morphology and properties of the nanofibers. The results showed that nanofibers derived from isotropic pitch easily fused together, while nanofibers derived from mesophase pitch had an independent and smooth morphology, as well as better performance.
DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xueqin Zhang, Cheng Zhang, Tong Sun, Baowei Qiu, Mei Liang, Zhengguang Heng, Huawei Zou
Summary: The mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites can be improved by incorporating different sizes of graphene oxide. The arrangement of carbon fibers and the distribution of graphene oxide nanosheets play a crucial role in determining the performance of the composites.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Han Zhang, Haoruo Zhang, Xueqin Zhang, Tong Sun, Mei Liang, Yang Chen, Zhengguang Heng, Huawei Zou
Summary: Conventional surface modifications of high-performance carbon fibers often cause damage to the fiber structure, while this study presents a bottom-up reinforcement strategy that uses self-assembled block copolymer nanowires to enhance the adhesion between fibers and epoxy matrix without damaging the fiber structure.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaofeng Chi, Yuanbo Cai, Liwei Yan, Zhengguang Heng, Chuxiang Zhou, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: Based on a strategy of utilizing thermally expandable microspheres, researchers have developed a new material for temperature-responsive controllable deformation. By introducing hollow structures and zinc borate into a silicone rubber matrix, the material exhibits intelligent thermal management and control over thermal conductivity. It can adaptively expand with increasing temperature and provide reliable sealing. Additionally, a sensor with a sandwich structure composed of different functional layers has been designed, which can provide real-time remote warning of fire and overheating sites with a response time as short as 1 second. This research opens up new possibilities for fabricating intelligent thermal protection materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuan Wang, Yuanbo Cai, Youquan Ling, Haoruo Zhang, Jinfeng Tian, Zhengguang Heng, Shengtai Zhou, Shuang Xia, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou
Summary: Flexible thermal protection materials are crucial for the development of new aircraft. A highly adhesive and ablative-resistant PDMS coating was prepared through covalent connection with vinyl-functionalized epoxy resin (EAP). The EAP was uniformly dispersed in the PDMS matrix, significantly improving its mechanical properties and ablative resistance. This work offers potential for developing flexible thermal protection coatings with excellent mechanical and ablative properties for aerospace applications.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Long Ni, Yinfu Luo, Guanchun Wang, Liwei Yan, Haoruo Zhang, Cuiqing Zhou, Shaoyu Qiu, Mei Liang, Shengtai Zhou, Huawei Zou
Summary: Flexible polyimide foams (PIFs) with an anisotropic porous structure were prepared and exhibited exceptional mechanical robustness and thermal insulation performances. The formation mechanism of the anisotropic structure and its influence on mechanical and thermal insulation properties were explored. By regulating the molecular structure, melt viscosity, melt volatile content, and foaming temperature, PIFs with favorable morphology and structure can be achieved. The anisotropic thermal conduction behavior of PIFs allowed for intelligent thermal protection and infrared stealth performance.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jinfeng Tian, Liwei Yan, Hao Zhang, Yuan Wang, Yuanbo Cai, Yisen Huang, Zhaohui Lu, Shuang Xia, Yang Chen, Zhengguang Heng, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: In order to achieve uniform distribution of heteroatoms in silicone rubber and improve flexibility and ablation resistance, polydimethylsiloxane with an interpenetrating zirconium-containing double-network (Zr-PDMS) was prepared. Zr-PDMS showed significantly enhanced flexibility with increased tensile strength and elongation-at-break. It also exhibited excellent anti-ablation performance with decreased mass ablation rate and charring rate, forming stable and coherent charred layers after ablation tests.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junliang He, Ji Zhou, Jizhen Tian, Shuai Li, Yunfei Gao, Zhengguang Heng, Yang Chen, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: Data-driven methods have enabled rational design of materials, as seen in the improved flame retardancy and mechanical properties of epoxy resins through the introduction of specific groups. In this study, high-performance epoxy resins (mABAEP and SAAEP) containing flame retardant genes were designed using a material genome approach combined with DFT calculations and synthesized through a one-pot method. The self-curing resin achieved higher density of flame retardant genes, promoting char layer formation, releasing nonflammable gases, and improving flame retardancy. The genes also enhanced intermolecular forces and reduced chain segment mobility, leading to improved flexural modulus and flexural strength. The resulting SAASC resin exhibited higher glass transition temperature, char yield, and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for multifunctional applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Fei Chen, Han Zhang, Shuai Li, Yang Chen, Mei Liang, Zhengguang Heng, Huawei Zou
Summary: This research introduces a bottom-up reinforcement strategy for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites by modifying the bismaleimide resin matrix through molecular structure design. The modified resin matrix achieved a significant increase in mechanical properties, with the tensile modulus reaching 5.59 GPa. The compressive strength and interlaminar shear strength of CFRP composites also showed noticeable improvements, indicating that increasing the modulus of the resin matrix is an effective strategy for enhancing the compressive and interfacial properties of the composite material.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Quan Yuan, Yuan Wang, Yisen Huang, Jinfeng Tian, Zhengguang Heng, Mei Liang, Yang Chen, Huawei Zou
Summary: A new poly(imide-siloxane) (PIS) was designed and introduced into phenolic resin (PR) to improve its ablation resistance. The nano co-continuous structure of the hybrid resin exhibited better thermal stability and ablation resistance due to the formation of a continuous and dense SiO2 film. This study provides a feasible approach to manipulate the phase structure of hybrid resins and develop high-performance ablation-resistant resins for aerospace applications.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shitian Han, Jinfeng Tian, Yuan Wang, Liwei Yan, Hao Zhang, Quan Yuan, Shuang Xia, Yang Chen, Zhengguang Heng, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: Zr-doped silicone-rubber (SR) ablative coatings with improved ablation properties were prepared by blending synthesized zirconium-doped polydimethylsiloxane and short-cut carbon fibers (Zr-PDMS-CF). Compared to carbon fiber modified pure polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-CF) and ZrO2-modified PDMS-CF (ZrO2 @PDMS-CF), Zr-PDMS-CF showed decreased mass and linear ablation rates and enhanced compressive strength of the char layer. The distribution of t-ZrO2 crystals and zirconium elements in the char layer contributed to the improved resistance against oxidation and erosion.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Weiyi Ding, Liwei Yan, Mingyan Huang, Yinfu Luo, Yang Chen, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou, Zhengguang Heng
Summary: A novel strategy for the preparation of ablation-resistant flexible composites is proposed, which involves in-situ formation of SiC frame at high temperature to fabricate thermal protective materials with excellent ablation resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Yikai Xing, Muxuan Li, Baowei Qiu, Hao Zhang, Yang Chen, Liwei Yan, Zhengguang Heng, Mei Liang, Huawei Zou
Summary: The construction of multiscale nanostructures on the carbon fiber surface using trifunctional polyetheramine modified graphene oxide and epoxy resin has been shown to effectively improve the interfacial performance of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Different types of epoxy resins and varying amounts of graphene oxide were used to achieve carbon fibers with different surface morphologies and interfacial layers with different mechanical properties. The multiscale nanostructures improved both the wettability between carbon fibers and the polymer matrix and the interfacial shear strength of the composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Fei Chen, Ji Zhou, Haoruo Zhang, Zhengguang Heng, Yang Chen, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: This study proposes an interesting strategy to simultaneously increase the tensile strength and fracture toughness of epoxy matrix by in-situ constructing block copolymer nanostructures. Through the optimization of nanostructures, the tensile strength and fracture toughness of epoxy matrix are increased by 19% and 236%, respectively, without lowering its Tg. The impact of block copolymers on the morphologies and transformation of nanostructures, the relationship between nanostructures and epoxy properties, and the strengthening and toughening mechanism are systematically studied. Moreover, the epoxy resins with excellent tensile properties and toughness are used to enhance the compressive and interfacial properties of CFRP composites.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Junliang He, Long Li, Ji Zhou, Haoruo Zhang, Mushan Yuan, Zhengguang Heng, Yang Chen, Huawei Zou, Mei Liang
Summary: A novel high-performance epoxy resin has been designed, which can be molded without the addition of curing agent. This resin has an ultra-high flexural modulus and good flame retardancy due to the formation of an intensive hydrogen bond network and the presence of amide bonds. It also exhibits high curing efficiency, making it suitable for protective coating applications and providing new ideas for the design of high-performance epoxy resins.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)