Article
Mechanics
Andrzej Komorek, Robert Szczepaniak, Pawel Przybylek, Aneta Krzyzak, Jan Godzimirski, Marek Roskowicz, Dominika Seremak
Summary: The use of composite materials in air transport construction has been of interest for decades due to the need for minimizing weight and reducing costs. Vectran fibers, a less commonly used reinforcement fiber, have been studied for their potential applications in aircraft constructions. Research shows that adding carbon fibers can improve the impact strength and mechanical properties of Vectran fiber-reinforced composites.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Ahmad Adlie Shamsuri, Siti Nurul Ain Md. Jamil, Khalina Abdan
Summary: Biodegradable polymers can be decomposed by bacteria and can be incorporated with fillers to fabricate biodegradable polymer composites. Ionic liquids are increasingly used in the fabrication of polymer composites in this field.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tong Liu, Li Li, Xin Geng, Changhong Yang, Shifeng Huang
Summary: Ultra-long single-crystalline orthorhombic Al4O4C nanowires (NWs) were synthesized by annealing a mixture of Ta, Al, and graphite powders at 1500 degrees C for 1 h in a flowing argon atmosphere. The NWs exhibited rough surfaces, high aspect ratio, and lengths up to hundreds of micrometers. They showed decreased bandgap and broad emission bands, and their electrical and mechanical properties were measured using single nanowire electrode devices. The Al4O4C NWs possessed intrinsic resistivity, Young's modulus, and yield strength, making them suitable for nanodevice applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Yu Fu, Hanmo Zhou, Limin Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the influence of liquid phases on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP). The research introduces various mass percentages of ionic liquid into epoxy resins to fabricate CFRPs and observes a brittle-ductile transition in the tensile behavior, accompanied by changes in failure mechanisms. Additionally, the study confirms a microstructural transformation and decrease in interfacial bonding strength and effective bonding area with the increase of ionic liquid content.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Crystallography
Chenghu Zhao, Yongchuan Hu, Jianjun Xu, Meina Yu, Cheng Zou, Qian Wang, Yanzi Gao, Huai Yang
Summary: In this study, dye-doped polymer-dispersed liquid crystalline (DDPDLC) films were prepared with high mechanical properties and low driving voltage by doping different dichroic anthraquinone dyes. The effects of various dye and doping concentrations on microscopic morphology, electro-optical characteristics, and mechanical characteristics were investigated. The optimal doping concentrations of different dyes were also explored. Electrochromic PDLC films have been prepared based on the research results of dye content. The mechanical properties, electro-optical properties and microstructures of the films have been studied. The research provides a theoretical basis for obtaining PDLC films with a wider color gamut and supports the practical application of visible light camouflage technology in the military.
Article
Polymer Science
Jian Wang, Qianchao Mao, Nannan Jiang, Jinnan Chen
Summary: This study investigates the effects of barrel temperature, injection pressure, injection speed, and holding time on the properties of insert-injection molded polypropylene composites (SPCs). The optimal processing conditions were determined, and the best tensile and peel strengths were obtained.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Tae-Gyeong Eom, Young-Gi Song, Minyoung Seo, Seok-Ju Kim, Jin-Hyeok Park, Gil-Woo Jeon, Young Gyu Jeong
Summary: We analyzed the impact of short aramid fibers (AFs) on the melt-rheological behavior, thermal transition, thermal stability, and mechanical durability of thermotropic liquid crystal polyesters (TLCPs) through a study. The addition of AF fillers to the TLCP matrix composites improved the complex viscosity, shear storage/loss moduli, and thermal transition temperatures. However, the enthalpies increased only at low AF loading contents and decreased at high AF contents due to partial aggregation of AF fillers. The addition of 5 wt% AF to the TLCP significantly improved its elastic moduli and long-term mechanical durability at elevated temperatures.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chao Cheng, Chenyu Zhang, Zhengguo Chen, Fei Zhou, Zeyu Sun, Muhuo Yu
Summary: A tackified PDCPD specialized for vacuum assistant resin infusion process (VARI) was developed, with epoxy resin and methyl nadic anhydride (NMA) added to improve interfacial bonding. The mechanical properties of the CFRCs based on the co-cured blends were comprehensively improved compared to those based on the PDCPD-T.
Article
Polymer Science
M. Manav, M. Ponga, M. Ortiz
Summary: We present a novel computational approach to simulate the microstructural evolution of hard-soft block copolymers under mechanical loading, which shows good agreement with experimental measurements.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jing Hu, Mingming Yu, Mingqing Wang, Kwang-Leong Choy, Haifeng Yu
Summary: This article presents the latest research progress in soft actuators based on liquid-crystalline polymers (LCPs) and their composites. The essential principles for the responsive behavior and reconfigurable performance of soft actuators are discussed, along with recent work on regulating the responsive modes and operating parameters. Application examples are provided to demonstrate well-designed soft actuators with different functions under varied working environments.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Joshua M. Kubiak, Buxuan Li, Mathew Suazo, Robert J. Macfarlane
Summary: The distribution of filler particles within a polymer matrix nanocomposite significantly affects its properties and processability. This study presents a strategy for preparing functional composites with enhanced thermal conductivity. The thermal cross-linking of self-suspended polymer grafted nanoparticles is used to achieve homogeneously dispersed, non-percolating alumina particles in an organic matrix.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nur Izzah Nabilah Haris, Mohamad Zaki Hassan, R. A. Ilyas, Mohamed Azlan Suhot, S. M. Sapuan, Rozzeta Dolah, Roslina Mohammad, M. R. M. Asyraf
Summary: Research has shown that natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites exhibit excellent dynamic mechanical properties. Lignocellulosic fibers are widely used as reinforcements, and the hybridization of multiple reinforcing fibers has synergistic effects on the properties of the hybrid composites.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jinping Yin, Xuan Wang, Weiqiang Tang, Xiaofei Xu, Shuangliang Zhao, Fu-zhen Xuan
Summary: Due to the multiscale structural characteristics and complex internal coupling, evaluating the mechanical properties of polymer composites based on their microstructural information is challenging. In this study, a multiscale method is proposed to predict the mechanical properties of polymer composites by considering the contributions from the polymer matrix and particle filling, as well as particle-matrix interactions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Tao Yang, Jie Leng, Jiewei Hu, Pengbo Wang, Mariya Edeleva, Ludwig Cardon, Zheng Yan, Tao Wang, Jie Zhang
Summary: In this work, isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based dielectric composites with ideal thermal conductivity and balanced mechanical properties were prepared through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) by introducing hybrid fillers and tailored polymer crystalline structure. The effect of the ratio of hybrid fillers on various properties of composites was studied, and the composites exhibited high thermal conductivity, impact strength, tensile strength, and ideal dielectric properties. This work provides a feasible strategy for fabricating dielectric and thermal conductive composites with balanced mechanical properties using semicrystalline polymer through the FFF process.
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jose Luis Valin Rivera, Cristian Rodolfo Valenzuela Reyes, Arturo Andres Quinteros Wachtendorff, Angel Rodriguez Soto, Meyli Valin Fernandez, Roberto Iquilio Abarzua, Alvaro Gonzalez Ortega, Gilberto Garcia del Pino, Francisco Rolando Valenzuela Diaz
Summary: This study investigates the mechanical properties of composite materials comprising a polyester resin with sisal fiber and bentonite particles. The results show that the addition of bentonite affects the tensile strength, while the addition of sisal fiber improves the flexural strength and elastic modulus.
Article
Polymer Science
N. Rasana, K. Jayanarayanan, Alessandro Pegoretti, G. Rammanoj, K. Arunkumar, T. Hariprasanth
Summary: This study investigates the morphology, mechanical, viscoelastic, and transport properties of ABS nanocomposites reinforced with nanosilica and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Results show that MWCNTs at 5% content exhibit the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus, while the morphology and mechanical properties of NS composites are influenced by dispersion and stress transfer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giulia Fredi, Mahdi Karimi Jafari, Andrea Dorigato, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: In this study, the properties of PLA solvent-cast films were improved by adding poly(decamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PDeF) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The addition of 10 wt% of PDeF and 0.25 phr of rGO significantly enhanced the strain at break of PLA, while further increasing the rGO concentration decreased the strain at break but improved mechanical stiffness and strength. These results demonstrate the positive and synergistic contribution of PDeF and rGO in enhancing the thermomechanical properties of PLA, making the resulting nanocomposites promising for packaging applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Daniele Rigotti, Giulia Fredi, Davide Perin, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Alessandro Pegoretti, Andrea Dorigato
Summary: This study investigates the impact of drawing variables on the mechanical properties of wet-spun fibers and identifies the optimal combination of drawing parameters. The results reveal that temperature, draw ratio, and draw speed significantly affect the elastic modulus and strain at break of the fibers.
Article
Polymer Science
Claudia Fabris, Davide Perin, Giulia Fredi, Daniele Rigotti, Mauro Bortolotti, Alessandro Pegoretti, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Andrea Dorigato
Summary: This study investigates the microstructural, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) and poly(alkylene furanoate)s fiber blends for textile applications. The results show that the addition of poly(alkylene furanoate)s can improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the fibers, which could contribute to increasing the environmental sustainability of industrial textiles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara Residori, Sithiprumnea Dul, Alessandro Pegoretti, Luca Fambri, Nicola M. Pugno
Summary: This study explores the production of multiscale composites using a solvent-free process, with added microfillers and nanofillers to enhance rigidity and electrical conductivity. However, voids created during the printing process may decrease mechanical properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sithiprumnea Dul, Brenda J. Alonso Gutierrez, Alessandro Pegoretti, Jaime Alvarez-Quintana, Luca Fambri
Summary: This paper reports on a comparative study of the effects of two types of carbon nanotubes on the properties of 3D-printed parts. The study found that the tensile properties and softening temperature of the 3D-printed parts were enhanced with increasing carbon nanotube content. Single-wall carbon nanotubes and multiwall carbon nanotubes had different effects on the properties of the 3D-printed parts, but both could be used for the production and application of thermoelectric devices and flexible circuits.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
D. Perin, A. Dorigato, A. Pegoretti
Summary: One of the main limitations of high-performance composite materials is failure due to fatigue crack propagation. Traditional repair methods can be costly and time-consuming, so research in the field of self-healing composites has increased. This study focuses on producing a polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix with self-healing properties by melt compounding cyclic olefinic copolymer (COC) with PA6. The immiscibility and lack of interfacial adhesion between the constituents were observed through scanning electron microscope micrographs. The addition of 30 wt% of COC resulted in a slight decrease in fracture toughness, but led to a healing efficiency of 11% in quasi-static mode and 35% in impact mode.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandro Sorze, Francesco Valentini, Andrea Dorigato, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: Bio-based hydrogel composites of xanthan gum and cellulose fibers were developed to promote plant growth and forest protection. The hydrogels showed high moisture absorption capability and improved water retention in soil. Practical experiments demonstrated that the addition of hydrogels into the soil resulted in higher growth rates of herbaceous and tomato plants. The water-regulating properties of the hydrogels could have significant value in forestry and agricultural applications, helping improve plant resilience and address climate change challenges.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Davide Perin, Haroon Mahmood, Daniele Rigotti, Andrea Dorigato, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: This study investigates the self-healing behavior of carbon fiber reinforced composites by depositing COC meshes on dry carbon fiber plies. The introduction of COC mesh reduces flexural stress and interlaminar shear strength. The laminates containing 8 wt% COC show a healing efficiency of 9.4% and 33.7% for Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
L. Simonini, H. Mahmood, A. Dorigato, A. Pegoretti
Summary: This study aims to develop a PLA-based material with well-balanced stiffness and toughness to overcome the brittleness issue of commercial grade PLA. Composites were prepared by blending PLA with increasing contents of TPU and a fixed concentration of CFs, which were acid-treated to enhance the interfacial adhesion. The results showed improved tensile modulus, maximum stress, and elongation at break, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach in preparing novel PLA-based materials with tailorable properties.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marica Bianchi, Andrea Dorigato, Marco Morreale, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: This research investigates the microstructural, thermomechanical, and shape memory properties of PLA/PBAT blends prepared by melt compounding. The PLA and PBAT phases were found to be immiscible with low interfacial adhesion. The addition of PBAT slightly improved the thermal stability of PLA. However, it decreased the stiffness and strength of the blends and impaired the shape memory performance of PLA. By adding suitable compatibilizers, the physical properties of these innovative biodegradable polymer blends could be further enhanced.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Lakshmi Joseph, Mini K. Madhavan, Karingamanna Jayanarayanan, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: In this study, the epoxy-based fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites were modified with nano fillers to strengthen and retrofit concrete structures. The results showed that FRP wrapping enhanced the strength and ductility of unconfined concrete columns, and the addition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) further improved the mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix. The developed epoxy-based FRP confinement containing MWCNT improved the axial strength by 71% compared to unconfined specimens.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Rani F. El Hajjar, Alessandro Pegoretti, Alexander Movchan, Paolino De Falco, Nicola M. Pugno
Summary: A mountain bike carbon reinforced polymeric frame broke into two pieces while cycling over a grass meadow at a speed of 25 km/h, causing the rider to dislocate their shoulder. The study reveals the presence of multiple existing and spreading macroscopic defects, such as wrinkles, voids, and delaminations, resulting in low mechanical properties of the frame. Numerical dynamic simulations suggest that defect-resonance interaction is a contributing factor to frame weakening. The paper highlights the need for new scientific and technological advancements in designing carbon fiber reinforced plastic frames for mountain bikes, emphasizing the importance of eliminating pre-existing defects and proposing flaw tolerant solutions inspired by nature.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Laszlo Lendvai, Tej Singh, Daniele Rigotti, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: The purpose of this work is to propose a decision-making algorithm to select the optimal composite material for thermally conductive but electrically insulating applications. The algorithm evaluates several conflicting attributes using the CRITIC and ARAS methods. The experimental data revealed a considerable compositional dependence, and the optimal composition was found to be the composite with 30 vol% BN.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Rigotti Daniele, Davide Armoni, Sithiprumnea Dul, Pegoretti Alessandro
Summary: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is widely used in various fields, but its extensive use has led to a large accumulation of plastic waste, posing environmental and economic challenges. This study focuses on recycling HDPE parts from end-of-life boats into materials suitable for the marine environment using screw-assisted extrusion 3D printing. Rigid materials were obtained by adding glass fibers to HDPE to maintain mechanical performance after recycling, and the properties of two different production methods were compared. Evaluations were also conducted on the materials' resistance to aggressive environments and stability under UV exposure.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
