Article
Materials Science, Composites
Javad Ghorbani, Vahid Daghigh, Sadegh Rahmati, Mahdi Mahdian, Hamid Daghigh
Summary: Latania natural fibers have shown better mechanical performance in reinforcing polymer composites compared to jute fibers, but are affected by temperature changes. This study's results can be used as a benchmark for designing bio-composite structures using Latania natural fibers.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Pavan Kumar Gangineni, B. N. V. S. Ganesh K. Gupta, Satyaroop Patnaik, Rajesh Kumar Prusty, Bankim Chandra Ray
Summary: This review discusses the interface between carbon fibers and the polymer matrix in CFRP composites, which is the weakest link. The methods of enhancing the mechanical performance of CFRP composites by adding nanofillers or using chemical treatment are covered. Additionally, the correlation between different service temperatures and mechanical properties of CFRP composites is elaborated upon. Understanding the temperature-dependent mechanical response is important for tailoring the properties of CFRP composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Elizabeth R. Lozada, Carlos M. M. Gutierrez Aguilar, Jaime A. A. Jaramillo Carvalho, Juan C. C. Sanchez, Giovanni Barrera Torres
Summary: In the last decade, natural fibers have greatly improved the properties of innovative composites made with natural rubber, surpassing their synthetic fiber counterparts. This has led to research on modified natural rubber composites reinforced with vegetable fibers. This paper reviews the literature on the properties of natural vegetable fibers and natural rubber used in composites, emphasizing the need for alternative materials to reduce the carbon footprint and negative environmental impact.
Article
Polymer Science
Srinivasu Dasari, Sushant Saurabh, Rajesh Kumar Prusty
Summary: This study evaluates the tensile performance of glass/carbon inter-ply hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites under different temperatures and loading speeds. The experimental results show that changes in hybrid ratio and stacking sequence significantly affect the tensile properties and fracture behavior, enhancing strain at failure and modulus of the composite materials.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ahmad Rashedi, Riadh Marzouki, Ali Raza, Nurul Fazita Mohammad Rawi, J. Naveen
Summary: The study found that the addition of 3% nano-sodium dioxide significantly improved the mechanical properties and microstructure of carbon-fiber-reinforced geopolymer paste, enhancing various indicators such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Edgley AdeO Paula, Rafael Rodolfo de Melo, Manoel Qd Silva, Yara Ld Paula, Alexandre S. Pimenta, Joana Alice Gd Souza, Ramona RAd Oliveira, Edjane AdO Paula, Pedro Nd Medeiros Neto, Francisco Rodolfo Jr
Summary: Concerns about global warming and environmental preservation have led to increasing interest in composites reinforced with natural fibers. This research demonstrated the technical feasibility of producing polyester-polymeric-matrix composites reinforced with Luffa cylindrica fibers and a hybrid with fiberglass. The composites showed suitable physical and mechanical properties for various applications, and they are partially biodegradable, sustainable, and lightweight.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Kathiresan Sathasivam, Mas Rosemal Hakim Mas Haris, Shivkanya Fuloria, Neeraj Kumar Fuloria, Rishabha Malviya, Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
Summary: The study demonstrated that banana trunk fibers treated with stearic acid-coated calcium carbonate exhibited faster oil sorption capacity compared to fibers treated with stearic acid only. Experimental results showed that fibers treated with stearic acid alone and those coated with calcium carbonate absorbed different amounts of oil when absorbing waste engine oil.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Thamer Alomayri
Summary: The study investigated the mechanical performance of basalt fiber-reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer pastes with varying contents of nano CaCO3. Results showed that 3% nano CaCO3 improved compressive strength and hardness, while 2% nano CaCO3 enhanced flexural strength, impact strength, and fracture toughness of the composite paste. SEM analysis indicated that nano CaCO3 addition improved microstructure and densification of geopolymer paste.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Geeta Sachdeva, Sagar U. Patil, Swapnil S. Bamane, Prathamesh P. Deshpande, William A. Pisani, Gregory M. Odegard, Ravindra Pandey
Summary: Boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials have potential applications as reinforcement materials in aerospace structural composites. The characteristics of polymer/reinforcement interfaces significantly affect the overall properties. The interaction energy between fluorinated cyanate ester and BN interface is lower due to steric hindrance of fluorine groups, while BMI/BN interface shows higher interaction energy due to the planarity of BMI. Pull-apart transverse tension experiments reveal that the non-fluorinated ester interface exhibits higher peak strength and stiffness, while the epoxy/BN interface has significantly lower toughness compared to the BMI/BN interface.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmadreza Moradi, Piotr K. K. Szewczyk, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: The production of highly thermally conductive polymer composites has attracted growing interest due to the pressing issues of the energy crisis and rapid electronics development. Electrospinning is used to create composite nanofibers and yarns using polyimide (PI) and thermally conductive silicon nitride (SiN) nanoparticles to overcome the challenges related to poor processability of hybrid materials and filler distribution for achieving high thermal conductivity. The thermal performance of the nanofibers is evaluated using scanning thermal microscopy (SThM), providing valuable insights into their heat transfer performance. Furthermore, the nanofibers are applied as coatings on resistance wires to assess their thermal conductivity and insulation properties, with the samples containing 35 wt.% of SiN showing a 25% increase in surface temperature. These innovative materials hold great promise as exceptional candidates for smart textiles and thermal management applications, addressing the growing demand for effective heat dissipation and regulation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Flavia Bollino, Venanzio Giannella, Enrico Armentani, Raffaele Sepe
Summary: Natural Fibers Reinforced Composites (NFRC) are lightweight, easy to handle, process, and recycle, making them attractive alternatives to glass or carbon composites. However, their polarity causes compatibility issues with hydrophobic thermoplastic matrices, leading to moisture absorption and debonding between fibers and matrix, affecting the mechanical properties. Chemically treated hemp fibers were used to manufacture NFRCs and were tested for moisture absorption and tensile strength based on different treatments, temperatures, and concentrations of reagents. The results showed that treatments with 5 wt% NaOH and GPTMS were the most effective in reducing water uptake and stiffness decrease in the composites. The specimen treated with 5 wt% GPTMS was particularly effective in preventing composite failure induced by water uptake.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alessandro Nanni, Mariafederica Parisi, Martino Colonna, Massimo Messori
Summary: The study explored the use of wet blue leather wastes as natural reinforcing fibers in different polymer matrices, with poly(lactic acid) showing the best results and polyamide 12 and thermoplastic polyurethane also exhibiting positive behavior. However, thermoplastic elastomer-based samples performed poorly due to poor compatibility between hydrophilic fibers and the hydrophobic polymer matrix.
Article
Polymer Science
Thuany E. S. de Lima, Afonso R. G. de Azevedo, Markssuel T. Marvila, Veronica S. Candido, Roman Fediuk, Sergio N. Monteiro
Summary: This review examines the technological properties of cementitious composites reinforced with Amazon NLFs, highlighting the similarities and differences between different types of reinforcement. The physical and chemical characteristics of Amazon NLFs are found to directly influence the technological properties of cementitious compounds. The review also emphasizes the need for further research on the application of Amazon NLFs in cementitious composites.
Article
Forestry
Magdalena Broda, Simon F. Curling, Marcin Frankowski
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the influence of different drying conditions on the relationships between cell wall structure, dimensional stability, and sorption properties of degraded archaeological wood. The results showed that different drying methods significantly affected the structure, dimensions, and sorption properties of the wood, but no correlations were found between wood structure and moisture behavior.
WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mouad Chakkour, Mohamed Ould Moussa, Ismail Khay, Mohamed Balli, Tarak Ben Zineb
Summary: This paper investigates the effects of moisture and fiber loading on the properties of bamboo fiber reinforced composites. It is found that moisture adsorption and swelling increase with both fiber content and relative humidity. Composites with 30 wt% fiber loading exhibit better tensile strength at high relative humidity. A finite element model is used to analyze the hygromechanical behavior and internal stresses induced by swelling.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Di Franco, V. Fiore, R. Miranda, D. Badagliacco, M. Santamaria, A. Valenza
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of an innovative and eco-friendly anodizing process and pore widening in an aqueous solution of NaOH on the durability of adhesive joints between aluminum alloy and fiber-reinforced composite substrates in a marine environment. Aging tests and morphological analysis were conducted to understand the changes in fracture surfaces and their effect on the mechanical performance of joints.
JOURNAL OF ADHESION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Fredi, Andrea Dorigato, Alessandro Dussin, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Luigi Botta, Vincenzo Fiore, Alessandro Pegoretti
Summary: This work investigates the properties of PLA and PEF blends and addresses the issues of inadequate UV-shielding and gas-barrier properties of PLA as a flexible packaging film. The study shows that adding a commercial compatibilizer/chain extender, Joncryl ADR 4468 (J), can improve the blend's mechanical, UV-shielding, and gas-barrier properties, making it promising for packaging applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yannan Zhang, Davide Palamara, Valeria Palomba, Luigi Calabrese, Andrea Frazzica
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of LiCl-silica gel composite in an adsorption desalination system and measured the adsorption/desorption dynamics under different operating conditions using a T-LTJ apparatus. The results were used to calculate the maximum specific daily water production and optimize the cycle time, and three design strategies for the AD system were proposed.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Giuseppe Gulli, Davide Palamara, Paolo Bruzzaniti, Riccardo Bertino, Francesco Grungo, Luigi Calabrese
Summary: This article evaluates the effects of corrugated-shaped polymeric fibers on the flexural behavior of fiber-reinforced mortars. It investigates different weight fractions and aspect ratios of the fibers and finds that the addition of corrugated plastic fibers significantly enhances the flexural strength and toughness of the composite samples. The results also show that the maximum toughness index is achieved with a composite mortar batch containing 1 wt.% 25-mm-long fibers.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
V. Fiore, L. Calabrese, R. Miranda, D. Badagliacco, C. Sanfilippo, D. Palamara, A. Valenza, E. Proverbio
Summary: The main goal of this paper is to evaluate the reversibility of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs) under discontinuous exposure to aggressive environmental conditions, typical of marine applications. The GFRP is aged in humid conditions for 15 and 30 days and then stored under controlled dry conditions for up to 21 days. The water uptake and flexural properties of the material are monitored throughout the humid/dry cycle, and the morphology of fractured samples is analyzed to understand the evolution of properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Luigi Calabrese, Dionisio Badagliacco, Carmelo Sanfilippo, Vincenzo Fiore
Summary: Despite the attention given to natural fibers, their limited performance and poor durability in humid environments prevent them from fully replacing synthetic fibers as reinforcement for structural composites. This study investigates how exposure to a humid/dry cycle affects the mechanical response of epoxy laminates reinforced with flax and glass fibers. The presence of glass fibers in the stacking sequence significantly stabilizes the mechanical performance of composites during the humid/dry cycle. Tailored hybridization of natural fibers with glass fibers is a suitable approach to extend the service-life of natural fiber reinforced composites in discontinuous humid conditions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guido Di Bella, Chiara Borsellino, Amani Khaskhoussi, Edoardo Proverbio
Summary: This study investigates a friction stir welded joint between steel and aluminum alloy used in maritime applications. Different configurations were studied by changing the tool rotational direction or the advancing/retreating side. Tensile tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical resistance and surface fracture. The results suggest the possibility of replacing traditional joining processes with friction stir welding for better performance.
Editorial Material
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Calabrese, Edoardo Proverbio
Summary: Recent Developments on Functional Coatings for Industrial Applications, Volume II aims to provide further insights into new and emerging research assets related to the design, manufacturing, characterization, and optimization of functional coatings for industrial applications, emphasizing their applicability in various industries. The multidisciplinary nature of the theme will enhance the importance and versatility of engineering design of functional surfaces. A multidisciplinary approach will encourage researchers to effectively utilize the applicative relevance and adaptability of functional coating and surface engineering design.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Virgilio Vecchio, Maurizio Cannata, Edoardo Proverbio, Elpida Piperopoulos, Lorenzo Torrisi, Letteria Silipigni
Summary: Based on research, we confirmed that Temesa, located in Calabria, is a complex urban system between the Oliva and Savuto rivers, near Amantea. Samples from nearby rock formations revealed the presence of minerals for extracting iron and copper in every sample. Heating the samples helped quantify the content of copper and iron minerals, and showed a marked paramagnetic behavior associated with the presence of goethite. X-ray fluorescence analysis indicated high iron concentration and low copper content.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alessandro Pistone, Annamaria de Gaetano, Elpida Piperopoulos, Chiara Abate
Summary: This study focused on the synthesis of chitosan-based macroparticles loaded with curcumin using two different gelling agents, sodium hydroxide and sodium tripolyphosphate. Various characterization techniques were used to analyze the resulting spherical particles, and the release of curcumin over time was studied. The results showed that both gelling agents led to high encapsulation efficiency of curcumin, with the TPP-crosslinked particles releasing the curcumin at a slower rate compared to the NaOH-crosslinked particles, indicating the potential use of these macrospheres in different applications.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
A. Khaskhoussi, G. Di Bella, C. Borsellino, L. Calabrese, E. Proverbio
Summary: Friction-welding technology, especially Friction Stir Welding (FSW), has become an efficient industrial welding method for combining similar and dissimilar materials, offering cost-effectiveness and time efficiency.
METALLURGIA ITALIANA
(2022)