Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmad Safwan Ismail, Mohammad Jawaid, Norul Hisham Hamid, Ridwan Yahaya, Siti Noorbaini Sarmin, Hassan Fouad, Mohini Sain
Summary: This study investigates the influence of flax fibre loading on the dynamic thermal and mechanical characteristics of composites. The results show that the incorporation of flax into the composites improves the dynamic mechanical properties but reduces thermal stability.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Liuyue Zhong, Yanxin Hao, Junheng Zhang, Fang Wei, Tingcheng Li, Menghe Miao, Daohong Zhang
Summary: This study synthesized a ferulic acid-based hyperbranched epoxy resin (FEHBP) to produce closed-loop recyclable and catalyst-free epoxy vitrimers with improved mechanical performance. The incorporation of FEHBP enhanced the tensile strength and toughness of the epoxy vitrimers through an in situ reinforcing and toughening mechanism. The hydroxyls of FEHBP catalyzed the dynamic transesterification and accelerated the reprocessing of epoxy vitrimers.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Shaofeng Ru, Renyan Yang, Songmei Yang, Can Zhao
Summary: This study employed alkali treatment and acetic anhydride treatment to improve the compatibility between coir fibers and the matrix, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties of the composites.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xin Song, Fei Song, Xiao-Min Ding, Jia-Min Wu, Xiao-Hui Wang, Fang Wang, Rui Feng, Xiu-Li Wang, Yu-Zhong Wang
Summary: The development of bio-based polymers is beneficial for reducing carbon emissions. By modifying ramie fibers and integrating them with epoxy resin, high-performance polymer composites with improved flame-retardant properties and reinforcement effects are obtained.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tuba Kavalli, Romain Wolf, Serife Ozen, Jacques Lalevee
Summary: This study proposes a new method to achieve efficient polymerization using a photoactivated epoxy/anhydride reaction. By adjusting the ratio of epoxy and anhydride, complete conversion can be achieved under visible light or near infrared light. The mechanical properties of the photoactivated epoxy/anhydride system are also detailed in this research.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Chun Yan, Jun Wei, Yingdan Zhu, Haibing Xu, Dong Liu, Gang Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Jinyue Dai, Dongxi Lv
Summary: The recycling of carbon fiber reinforced bio-based degradable epoxy resin composites is important for resource saving, environment protection and sustainable development. Resin transfer molding (RTM) is a promising process for manufacturing these composites cost-effectively. In this study, CF composites were prepared using a biodegradable epoxy resin, DEPVD, and DDS as a curing agent. The mechanical properties and degradability of the composites were investigated.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Klara Kobeticova, Jana Nabelkova, Viktor Brejcha, Martin Bohm, Milos Jerman, Jiri Brich, Robert Cerny
Summary: This study investigated the ecotoxicity of flax-fiber-reinforced epoxy composite with or without caffeine. The results showed that the presence of caffeine did not significantly increase the toxicity of the material, and the negative biological effects were likely caused by a combination of heavy metal residues and organic substances released from the composite material.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jing-Jing Lu, Yi-Cheng Shi, Ji-Peng Guan, Rui-Qiong Dang, Li-Chao Yu, Hong-Quan Wang, Ning-Di Hu, Xiao-Jun Shen
Summary: Replacing artificial fibers with natural fibers to fabricate fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites is a research hotspot at present. How to improve the poor compatibility between plant fiber and resin matrix is hot spots in this area. Our work aims to modify RFF reinforced epoxy resin (RFF/EP) composite laminates with silicon polymer (PSOL) and improve the performance of the composite laminates.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdolmajid Alipour, Richard Lin, Krishnan Jayaraman
Summary: This study investigated the reinforcement of flax/epoxy composites with various contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) using an efficient solvent method. The results showed that at 0.5 wt% GNPs content, the nano composites exhibited maximum improvement in tensile and flexural properties, supported by SEM and TEM observations. The formation of GNPs networks facilitated enhanced interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix, reducing crack length and density, and improving mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Hongguang Wang, Lanjie Yang, Hao Wu
Summary: This study investigated the preparation and mechanical properties testing of epoxy-based flax and glass HFRP composites, finding that bending properties had a significant positive effect on hybrid composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Chinmoy Kuila, Animesh Maji, Ujjwal Phadikar, Phani Kumar Mallisetty, Naresh Chandra Murmu, Tapas Kuila
Summary: By embedding calcium carbonate particles in basalt fiber reinforced polymer composites, the tensile and flexural properties can be significantly improved. These composites have low manufacturing costs and excellent mechanical and thermal capabilities, making them ideally suited for a variety of engineering applications.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Zhengyi Liu, Hongguang Wang, Lanjie Yang, Jinbo Du
Summary: This study assessed the mechanical properties and durability of flax and glass bio-hybrid fiber reinforced plastics (bio-HFRP) composites in harsh environments. It was found that the addition of glass fiber effectively improved the water absorption of flax fiber composites, resulting in increased flexural strength and decreased flexural modulus.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Constantin Stochioiu, Anton Hadar, Benoit Piezel
Summary: The present study investigated the complex time-dependent material behavior of flax fiber-reinforced plastics. The results showed an elastic bi-linear behavior with a yield point at approximately 20% of the ultimate tensile stress, and tensile moduli of 35.9 GPa and 26.3 GPa. This behavior is influenced by both the non-linear viscoelasticity of the matrix and the microstructural re-organization of the fiber reinforcement.
Article
Polymer Science
Amer Oun, Allan Manalo, Omar Alajarmeh, Rajab Abousnina, Andreas Gerdes
Summary: Natural fiber composites have acceptable mechanical properties at ambient temperatures, but their performance at elevated temperatures is not well understood. The addition of graphene can significantly enhance the flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the composites, but excessive graphene content leads to the formation of voids.
Article
Polymer Science
Xia Liu, Weifeng Fan, Xiaoniu Yang
Summary: Bio-based multi-armed epoxy oligomers were synthesized and used to prepare epoxy-anhydride thermosets, which exhibited improved thermal and mechanical properties.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
P. Pliya, H. Hajiloo, S. Romagnosi, D. Cree, S. Sarhat, M. F. Green
Summary: The study focused on the performance of concrete made with recycled concrete aggregates at elevated temperatures. Results indicated that concrete with recycled aggregates exhibited good performance at high temperatures, with compressive strengths relatively higher than residual strengths.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Esteban Valdez, Lope G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Duncan Cree, Hadi Moazed
Summary: Microwave torrefaction of oat hull enhances its physicochemical properties, with high temperature and short residence time showing positive effects on calorific values but negative effects on mass yield. Moderate and severe torrefaction significantly improve biomass fuel properties.
Review
Polymer Science
Yuriy A. Anisimov, Richard W. Evitts, Duncan E. Cree, Lee D. Wilson
Summary: The development of polyaniline (PANI)/biomaterial composites as humidity sensor materials is an emerging area with promising applications, with increasing attention to biopolymer materials as desiccants due to their sustainability and water absorption properties. Key properties affecting moisture sensitivity include swelling, water vapor adsorption capacity, porosity, electrical conductivity, and enthalpies of adsorption and vaporization.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Onu Onu Olughu, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux, Edmund Mupondwa, Duncan Cree
Summary: The study demonstrated that fungal pretreatment of switchgrass can significantly improve pellet tensile strength, especially when treated with PC. Fungal pretreatment also enhances the microstructural properties of the pellets, reducing pores and enhancing particle bonding.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chukwuka Onyenwoke, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux, Duncan Cree, Edmund Mupondwa, Phani Adapa, Chithra Karunakaran
Summary: Steam explosion pretreatment improves the quality of biomass pellets made from sawdust and oat straw. The mechanical properties of the pellets are influenced by temperature, time, and moisture content. The treated biomass has higher heating value and tensile strength, and exhibits a more compact and cemented microstructure.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Iurii A. Anisimov, Richard W. Evitts, Duncan E. Cree, Lee D. Wilson
Summary: This study focused on electrically conductive polyaniline (PANI)-based polymer composites and their films, specifically those containing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The goal was to evaluate PANI composites that contained biopolymer platforms (chitosan or cellulose micro powder) for humidity sensing, and compare them to composites that contained carbon nanofibers. Ternary film materials were prepared by polymerization of PANI onto the biopolymer or carbon support, followed by physical blending with PVA. The results showed that chitosan-based films had good mechanical properties, moderate electrical conductivity, and favorable humidity response and moisture uptake. Chitosan was found to be a valuable mechanical reinforcement additive for PANI-based composites. Cellulose and carbon-based composites were generally inferior to chitosan, except for higher conductivity. The study suggests that PANI/biopolymer composites are promising humidity sensor materials due to their good moisture uptake and electromechanical properties. The ability to tailor the structure and properties of PANI/biopolymer composites makes them attractive as sustainable materials for humidity sensing, compared to conventional ceramic materials.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Okezie Ohaeri, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study explores the effects of using lignocellulosic corncob powder as a filler in a PHB/PLA biopolymer matrix. The results show that as the filler loading increases, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and Charpy impact toughness of the composite materials decrease, while the tensile and flexural modulus improve. The surface morphology of the fractured samples becomes rougher and jagged with increased filler loading.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Peyman Alizadeh, Lope G. G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Xue Li, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study simulates and compares the technoeconomic feasibility of bioenergy production from sawdust under four different scenarios. The results show that the approach of producing torrefied pellets, furfural, and acetic acid, along with co-generated heat and electricity, is more advantageous in terms of multiproducts and profitability compared to other alternatives.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yuriy. A. A. Anisimov, Bernd G. K. Steiger, Duncan. E. E. Cree, Lee. D. D. Wilson
Summary: The current research focuses on comparing the mechanical properties and response to humidity of agro-waste composite materials. The purpose is to utilize agro-waste biomass products and investigate their mechanical stability in dry and wet states. Three types of agro-waste were blended with kaolinite and chitosan to form ternary composites. The results showed that S and SCG composites had higher hardness and Young's modulus compared to Oh composites in their dry state.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Duncan Cree, Majid Soleimani
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been gradually replacing synthetic plastics due to its positive environmental impact. The use of industrial limestone (ILS) and waste eggshells (WE) as fillers in PLA composites was evaluated in terms of mechanical properties and water absorption. The results showed that both fillers improved the strength and modulus of the composites, but the choice of filler type depended on the specific application.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chukwuka Onyenwoke, Lope G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Duncan Cree, Phani Adapa
Summary: Torrefaction pretreatment is a method to convert biomass into high-quality biofuel. The study found that torrefaction can improve the thermal and physicochemical properties of biomass pellets, but it also reduces the tensile strength of the pellets. Therefore, the addition of binders is necessary to enhance the tensile strength of the pellets.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peyman Alizadeh, Tim Dumonceaux, Lope G. G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Majid Soleimani, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study explores steam explosion pre-treatment of wood sawdust for high-quality biofuel pellets. Optimal conditions were determined for steam-treated biomass, resulting in improved pellet density and tensile strength, as well as lower nitrogen and sulfur contents for cleaner energy production.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Anthony Loeffen, Duncan E. Cree, Mina Sabzevari, Lee D. Wilson
Summary: GO synthesized from graphite oxidation via the Hummers method enhances mechanical properties of composites, with 0.3 wt.% GO filler showing optimal improvements compared to traditional fillers.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Stephen Owuamanam, Duncan Cree
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yuriy A. Anisimov, Duncan E. Cree, Lee D. Wilson
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2020)
