Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Chunlei Zhu, Jichuan Qiu, Stavros Thomopoulos, Younan Xia
Summary: The translation of functionally graded attachment during tendon-to-bone repair process is crucial for successful healing. Biomimetic scaffolds mimicking the unique features of native tendon-to-bone attachment show great promise in enhancing the healing process. Recent efforts in designing and evaluating gradated scaffolds based on electrospun nanofiber mats and inverse opal structures have shown potential for augmenting tendon-to-bone repair.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ze Zhao, Junchao Li, Yuan Wei, Tianlin Yu
Summary: This study designed functional gradient scaffolds based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) and manufactured them using selective laser sintering (SLS). The radial gradient scaffold exhibited good mechanical properties and permeability, and was favorable for bone tissue growth.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Fatemeh Hejazi, Shadab Bagheri-Khoulenjani, Nafiseh Olov, Darya Zeini, Atefeh Solouk, Hamid Mirzadeh
Summary: This study introduces novel 3D-functionality graded nanofibrous scaffolds for osteoregeneration and chondral regeneration, showing promising potential for treating osteochondral defects. The scaffolds demonstrated improved physicochemical properties and biological performance, indicating a potential application in tissue engineering for bone and cartilage growth.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Dingrou Yao, Ze Zhao, Yuan Wei, Junchao Li
Summary: In this study, a parameterized method based on selective laser sintering (SLS) and the Primitive triply periodic minimal surfaces (TMPS) was proposed for developing scaffolds with customized compression modulus distribution. The mechanical properties, energy absorption characteristics, and permeability of the designed Primitive porous scaffolds were analyzed using compression experiments and computational fluid dynamics. The results demonstrate that the proposed method enables the effective fabrication of gradient porous scaffolds with expected mechanical performance, and the gradient scaffolds have both agreeable mechanical properties and permeability. Cell tests show that the irregular structures of the gradient scaffolds promote cell adhesion and migration, favoring the growth of bone tissue. These findings provide guidelines for developing customized gradient scaffolds and promote the application of energy-absorbing or cell proliferation structures in engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Wang Di, Deng Guo-wei, Yang Yong-qiang, Chen Jie, Wu Wei-hui, Wang Hao-liang, Tan Chao-lin
Summary: This study investigated the fabrication of functionally graded materials using selective laser melting, revealing the presence of microcracks at material interfaces and differences in properties. The study also discussed mechanisms for crack generation and provided guidance for additive manufacturing of FGM structures.
JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dingrou Yao, Ze Zhao, Zhige Wu, Mei Li, Junchao Li
Summary: This study investigated the effect of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the reliability of polyamide 12 (PA12) scaffold for bone graft. The results showed that adding a small amount of HA promoted the mechanical properties of the scaffold, while excessive HA resulted in agglomeration and impairment of the scaffold. The 96% PA12/4% HA scaffold effectively improved the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yangli Xu, Guangyao Han, Guoqin Huang, Tingting Li, Jiaxu Xia, Donghai Guo
Summary: Due to their lightweight characteristic and high performance, functionally graded lattice structures (FGLSs) have great potential in various fields such as orthopedics, automotive industries, and aerospace applications. In this study, uniform lattice structures (ULSs) and functionally graded lattice structures (FGLSs) were designed and fabricated using topology optimization and SLM technology. The surface morphology, compressive deformation behavior, and energy absorption abilities were evaluated, and the results showed that the elastic modulus and yield strength decreased with a lower relative density (RD) value. ULSs had a uniform deformation behavior, while FGLSs showed mixed deformation behavior. Furthermore, mathematical models with less than 10% deviation were successfully established to predict the mechanical properties of FGLSs. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of designing and manufacturing FGLSs to meet the demands of different application scenarios.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Zhu, Xiaoyang Wang, Liao Sun, Quandong Hu, Nan Li
Summary: This paper presents a new framework for lightweight optimization of functionally graded lattice structures (FGLSs) with a particular focus on enhancing structural safety through three main contributions. The framework includes a design strategy of adding fillets to the lattice joints, characterization of effective properties of lattice metamaterials, and a yield stress constraint for optimization. Two case studies showed that the optimized FGLSs with filleted joints achieved significant weight reduction while maintaining structural safety.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyang Xiu, Boyu Ju, Saiyue Liu, Yiwei Song, Jindan Du, Zhimin Li, Chang Zhou, Wenshu Yang, Gaohui Wu
Summary: This paper investigates the influences of sintering temperature and holding time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of six-layer AlN/Al gradient composites. The hardness and thermal expansion properties of the composites exhibit a gradient property, with the best performance achieved at 45% volume fraction of AlN. Simulation results show that the gradient material can effectively reduce thermal stress caused by mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohammadreza Nematollahi, Keyvan Safaei, Parisa Bayati, Mohammad Elahinia
Summary: In addition to fabricating complex geometries, additive manufacturing can tailor the microstructure and properties of parts. This study investigated the fabrication of functionally graded NiTi using selective laser melting, resulting in parts with different functional properties using two sets of process parameters. Several characterization methods were used to study microstructural distribution, showing a novel behavior with a combination of superelastic and shape memory effects at room temperature.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Ai-hua Yu, Wei Xu, Xin Lu, Maryam Tamaddon, Bo-wen Liu, Shi-wei Tian, Ce Zhang, Muhammad Arif Mughal, Jia-zhen Zhang, Chao-zong Liu
Summary: To improve the treatment effect of bone defect repair, researchers designed and fabricated titanium scaffolds with graded structures. Among them, scaffold P4 exhibited lower maximum von Mises stress, higher strength, a more matched elastic modulus to cortical bone, and permeability within the range of human bone. Therefore, scaffold P4 is a promising candidate for bone defect reconstructions.
TRANSACTIONS OF NONFERROUS METALS SOCIETY OF CHINA
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jakie Sheraf, Darius Gnanaraj Solomon
Summary: This article investigates the fabrication and mechanical properties of aluminium-based functionally graded materials (FGMs) and their microstructure. The study shows that the weight percentage of reinforcement significantly influences the porosity, density, and hardness of the material.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bharat Kalia, Rupinder Singh, B. S. Pabla, Mritunjay Dureja
Summary: This study explores the use of virgin and mixed metallic powder for fabricating functionally graded materials (FGM) with a single hopper through direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). The results show improved surface properties after wear and corrosion testing, demonstrating tunable 4D characteristics for biomedical applications.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yangli Xu, Guoqin Huang, Tingting Li, Yuanqiang Tan, Tao Bao
Summary: In this study, lattice structures with different relative densities were designed using topology optimization method and fabricated using selective laser melting technology. The designed lattice structures exhibited comparable mechanical properties with natural bone and the mechanical properties could be tailored according to the specific requirements.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jian Han, Zehua Li, Yuxuan Sun, Fajun Cheng, Lei Zhu, Yaoyao Zhang, Zirui Zhang, Jinzhe Wu, Junfeng Wang
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between surface roughness and biocompatibility of PCL bone scaffolds prepared by selective laser sintering. The results show that high energy density leads to changes in scaffold shape and poor surface smoothness, while low energy density promotes cell attachment and proliferation.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Somen K. Bhudolia, Goram Gohel, Jayaram Kantipudi, Kah Fai Leong, Pierre Gerard
Summary: The study investigates the impact and flexure properties of thin hollow woven carbon fiber tubular structures with Elium (R) matrix system compared to Epoxy matrix system. Results show that WC/EL tubular configuration exhibits significant improvements in peak load and absorbed energy, making it a promising alternative for industrial applications.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Xuhui Zhang, Zhen Xiao, Wenhui Yu, Chee Kai Chua, Lihua Zhu, Zongshen Wang, Peng Xue, Shuai Tan, Yongling Wu, Hongyu Zheng
Summary: The study on Er-modified 7075 aluminum alloy showed that the addition of Er can reduce crack density but increase porosity, with Er existing in the form of unmelted particles and sub-micrometer scale Al3Er. The deterioration of fluidity in the molten pool due to Er particles leads to higher porosity, while the coherency between aluminum matrix and Al3Er favors grain refinement and crack reduction.
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Goram Gohel, Somen K. Bhudolia, Kah Fai Leong, Pierre Gerard
Summary: This research investigates the damping response of hollow tubular structures using a novel acrylic liquid thermoplastic Elium resin and different carbon fiber reinforcement materials. The results show that the use of the new materials increases the damping of the structure, with carbon fiber reinforcement having a greater effect on damping enhancement. Additionally, the thickness of the tube has a positive effect on damping, while an increase in fiber volume fraction has a negative effect.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hong Wei Tan, Yu Ying Clarrisa Choong, Che Nan Kuo, Hong Yee Low, Chee Kai Chua
Summary: In recent years, the 3D printed electronics technology has attracted significant attention from industries and researchers due to its unique features. This review provides an in-depth overview of the latest 3D electronic printing techniques, innovative practical technologies, and upcoming application trends in advanced functional materials for fabricating 3D printed electronics devices.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Somen K. Bhudolia, Goram Gohel, Durga Vasudevan, Kah Fai Leong, Pierre Gerard
Summary: The research aims to enhance the performance and process of tubular composites, showing that composite tubes with acrylic Elium resin have higher bending strength than those with epoxy resin, with distinct failure modes identified through detailed microscopic investigation.
Article
Polymer Science
Goram Gohel, Chun Zhi Soh, Kah Fai Leong, Pierre Gerard, Somen K. Bhudolia
Summary: This research focuses on the optimization of ultrasonic welding of carbon/epoxy composite and carbon/ Elium(R) composite using a PMMA coupling interlayer. The results show that the welding strength can be significantly improved by creating a PMMA coupling layer on the epoxy composite adherend. The welding time can be reduced to 2s compared to the 10 min required for adhesive bonding. The investigation also reveals the characteristics of the fracture surface for the configuration with maximum lap shear strength. This research presents a way to join Elium(R) with epoxy composites and has potential applications in sporting goods and consumer products.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Che Nan Kuo, Yu Ping Wang, Chee Kai Chua
Summary: Metal additive manufacturing technologies have been widely used in aerospace and medical device industries. Porous materials have been extensively studied due to the maturity of such technologies. This study explores the relationship between the mechanical properties of porous materials and factors like surface roughness and ratio between surface roughness and strut diameter. It also investigates the formulation development of an electrolyte with a surfactant to enhance the surface finish during the electropolishing process of 3D printed Ti-6Al-4V porous materials.
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yi Zhang, Amelia Yilin Lee, Kanitthamniyom Pojchanun, Cheng Pau Lee, Aiwu Zhou, Jia An, Michinao Hashimoto, U-Xuan Tan, Chen Huei Leo, Gladys Wong, Chee Kai Chua, Aakanksha Pant
Summary: Three-dimensional food printing can help consumers accept and consume alternative proteins more easily by printing final products that resemble familiar natural foods in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. This study focuses on optimizing multicomponent food inks fortified with alternative proteins for 3D printing using response surface methodology (RSM). The addition of xanthan gum as a shear thinning and hydrating agent optimized the printability and syneresis of the six protein inks. This RSM-based approach has the potential to be widely adopted in 3D food printing.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Somen K. Bhudolia, Goram Gohel, Durga Vasudevan, Kah Fai Leong, Pierre Gerard
Summary: This research studied the delamination behavior of hybrid carbon-thermoplastic fabrics in conjunction with liquid thermoplastic acrylic Elium (R) resin under Mode I and Mode II loading. The experimental results showed that the hybrid fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites exhibited improved delamination behavior compared to carbon-epoxy composites. However, the hybrid fiber architecture was found to have detrimental effects on the delamination behavior.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chen Huei Leo, Su Yi Foo, Joseph Choon Wee Tan, U-Xuan Tan, Chee Kai Chua, Eng Shi Ong
Summary: This study aims to extract bioactive compounds from orange peel waste (OPW) using a green extraction method called pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE). The results showed that extraction temperatures of 60 degrees C and 80 degrees C yielded distinct bioactive compounds with better antioxidant capacity. Specifically, treatment with 60 degrees C OPW extracts inhibited vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in vitro, suggesting its vasoprotective effects mediated by anti-inflammatory effects.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Jessica Mancilla-De-la-Cruz, Marisela Rodriguez-Salvador, Jia An, Chee Kai Chua
Summary: This paper presents the use of 3D printing technology in drug delivery applications. The different variations of the technique according to characteristics, materials, and dosage forms are discussed. The seven main categories of 3D printing and the most frequent materials used are introduced. The paper also explores different forms of drug dosage and provides insights for those interested in the advancement of drug delivery and the development of 3D printing applications in this area.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Amedeo Franco Bonatti, Giovanni Vozzi, Chee Kai Chua, Carmelo De Maria
Summary: This paper proposes a deep learning-based control loop for extrusion-based bioprinting that automatically optimizes printing parameters and monitors the printing process online. By collecting a comprehensive dataset and training a machine learning model, the authors demonstrate the automation of quality control in the bioprinting process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Aakanksha Pant, Phoebe Xin Ni Leam, Chee Kai Chua, U-Xuan Tan
Summary: Food waste utilisation and zero waste approach are effective ways to promote a sustainable economy. Three-dimensional food printing (3DFP) can help turn food waste into value-added products that resemble familiar consumables. In this study, spinach stems and kale stalks were used to formulate food inks that were tested for their rheological properties and suitability for dysphagia patients. The research demonstrates a promising method of converting vegetable waste into aesthetically pleasing edible diets through 3DFP.
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Cherq Chua, Swee Leong Sing, C. K. Chua
Summary: This study uses finite element analysis to investigate the mechanical performance of in-situ alloyed titanium-tantalum lattice structures fabricated using laser powder bed fusion. The study finds that both simulation methods accurately predict the elastic modulus, but underestimate the yield strength. Additionally, the study shows that the performance of uniform lattice structures agrees with the Gibson-Ashby model, and suggests that more information on defect conditions is needed to improve simulation accuracy.
VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Boon Peng Chang, Aleksandr Kashcheev, Andrei Veksha, Grzegorz Lisak, Ronn Goei, Kah Fai Leong, Alfred ling Yoong Tok, Vitali Lipik
Summary: The addition of oxygenated carbon nanotubes significantly improves the physical, mechanical, and dynamic impact properties of EVA foam, without compromising its rebound performance. This study presents promising opportunities for lightweight high-rebound midsoles in running shoes.