Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jing Chen, Jiaming Zhu, Qianzhu Li, Hong Wu, Shaoyun Guo, Jianhui Qiu
Summary: In this study, the wear resistance of materials under harsh PV conditions was improved by introducing plasma-treated UHMWPE and constructing a 3D interconnected CNTs network in PA6 composites. The incorporation of these materials reduced the COF of PA6 significantly and improved the heat dissipation properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Yuan Cao, Min Zhi Rong, Ming Qiu Zhang
Summary: The authors proposed a novel approach based on Diels-Alder (DA) chemistry to tackle the challenge of manufacturing highly filled composite materials. By crosslinking PCLolig and connecting it to maleimide functionalized Al2O3 particles, a covalent adaptable composite network was formed, enabling effective dispersion of high-concentration fillers and increased strength in the final composite material.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yevgen Mamunya, Oleksii Maruzhenko, Roman Kolisnyk, Maksym Iurzhenko, Andrii Pylypenko, Olha Masiuchok, Marcin Godzierz, Igor Krivtsun, Barbara Trzebicka, Sebastien Pruvost
Summary: Electrothermal processes were investigated in pyroresistive composites of high-density polyethylene with carbon black and carbon fibers. The kinetic heating curves showed an exponential dependence with a heating rate constant for each composite. Equilibrium temperature was reached after a short heating time, and decreased with the presence of positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTC) effect. The composites exhibited self-regulating capability and the equilibrium temperature depended on the applied voltage and electric power with different relationships. An application of using HDPE-CB composite as a heating element for resistance welding was demonstrated.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Xiaowen Wang, Paul Smith, Zhe Qiang, Qingbao Guan, Zhengwei You, Changhuai Ye, Meifang Zhu
Summary: In this study, conductive composites based on all-aromatic multiblock poly(esterimide)s (BPEI) and multilayer graphene (MLG) with well-defined segregated structure were successfully fabricated. These composites exhibited ultrahigh electrical conductivity and high EMI shielding effectiveness, along with high thermal stability and outstanding flame retardancy.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Shengdao Wang, Yanchao Yang, Yongfeng Mu, Jiyao Shi, Xin Cong, Jiashuang Luan, Guibin Wang
Summary: This study successfully improved the weak interfacial strength between carbon fiber and PEEK matrix in carbon fiber/PEEK composites by introducing chemical bonds, resulting in increased interfacial shear strength and interlaminar shear strength.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jie-Hua Cai, Xiao-Hong Tang, Xu-Dong Chen, Ming Wang
Summary: Elastomer composites with temperature and strain-induced tunable EMI shielding effectiveness were successfully obtained by introducing temperature-sensitive microspheres (TSM) into PDMS/CNT mixture. The mechanism of temperature and strain-induced regulation on EMI shielding was investigated, showing that TSM particles could rearrange the CNT conductive network at specific temperature and strain levels. Temperature-induced regulation led to a decrease in EMI SE at 120°C, partially recovering at 150°C, while strain-induced regulation resulted in reduced EMI SE after 70% compression, partially recovering at 120°C.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Roberto Scaffaro, Maria Clara Citarrella, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino
Summary: An innovative green composite was produced by adding NPK fertilizer flour to a biodegradable polymer, which can regulate the release rate of fertilizers and solve the ecological problems caused by excessive fertilization.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jindong Zhang, Gang Liu, Peng An, Kun Yu, Jia Huang, Yangyang Gu, Jianan Yao, Rui Cao, Hao Liu, Chunhai Chen, Chao Zhang, Ming Wang
Summary: This paper investigates the effects of cooling rates on the crystallization behavior, interfacial bonding strength, interlaminar fracture toughness and low-velocity impact performance of carbon fiber reinforced poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) and poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) composites. The results show that PAEK has lower crystallinity and smaller crystals compared to PEEK at the same cooling rate. The lower crystallinity and smaller crystals of PAEK contribute to improved matrix ductility and interfacial bonding strength in the composites. Under water cooling conditions, the impact damage area of CF/PAEK is about 71% lower than that of CF/PEEK, while the CAI is about 14% higher.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Sha Yin, Ruiheng Yang, Yao Huang, Weihua Guo, Dianhao Chen, Wen Zhang, Mingwei Ren, Yujing Zhou, Jun Xu
Summary: Inspired by the double-helicoidal structure of coelacanth fish scales, engineering composite materials with enhanced toughness were designed and fabricated in this study. The double-helicoidal composites exhibited higher dynamic energy absorption and more complex failure modes compared to single-helicoidal counterparts, allowing for greater design flexibility without being sensitive to fiber orientations. Additionally, interlaminar stresses were found to be responsible for delamination in the double-helicoidal composites. These findings contribute to the development of next-generation impact-resistant composite materials.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Lijing Huang, Yuntao Qu, Zhao-xia Huang, Jin-ping Qu
Summary: In this study, polymer composites with high thermal conductivity were successfully fabricated, and the effect of viscosity ratio on heat conduction was investigated. The results showed that composites with high viscosity ratio exhibited higher thermal conductivity and stronger heat dissipation capability.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Ming-Lu Huang, Cheng-Long Luo, Chang Sun, Kun-Yan Zhao, Yun-Xuan Weng, Ming Wang
Summary: In this study, microwave interference effect in polydimethylsiloxane/carbon nanotube (PDMS/CNT) sandwiched composites is regulated by tuning the dielectric and magnetic loss in the middle layer to develop absorption-type microwave shielding materials. The thickness of the middle layer is found to enhance the microwave shielding performance. Additionally, the addition of dielectric or magnetic fillers in the middle layer is shown to affect the microwave interference effect, allowing for further modulation of the microwave shielding effectiveness of the composites.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoying Zhao, Tolulope Lawal, Mariane M. Rodrigues, Talen Geib, Yael Vodovotz
Summary: By using lignocellulosic fibers from invasive plants as reinforcing agents, the brittleness and high cost of PHBV thermoplastic were improved, resulting in biocomposites with enhanced thermal stability, restricted crystallization, reduced rigidity, and lower cost. These novel biocomposites performed similarly to conventional plastics like polypropylene, making them potential bio-alternatives for industrial applications such as semirigid packaging and lightweight auto body panels.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jinbao Song, Kailun Zhang, Zihao Guo, Tianqi Liang, Chao Chen, Jie Liu, Dean Shi
Summary: The anisotropic effects of h-BN orientation on the thermal conductivity and interfacial thermal resistance of SiR-based TIMs were investigated. The composites with highly oriented h-BN prepared by the TR&HP process exhibited better heat dissipation, tensile properties, and lower hardness.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Duo Chen, Juanzi Li, Wenxuan Yin, Yuhuan Yuan, Yunguang Cui, Shichao Li, Minjing Liu, Cong Peng, Xin Liu, Jinrui Ye, Zhanjun Wu
Summary: In this paper, a new type of thermoplastic epoxy matrix was used to prepare highly recyclable carbon fiber reinforced composites. The experimental results showed that the composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and could be easily and rapidly recycled at room temperature.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jose Antonio Butenegro, Mohsen Bahrami, Yentl Swolfs, Jan Ivens, Miguel angel Martinez, Juana Abenojar
Summary: This study aims to incorporate mechanically recycled aerospace prepreg waste in thermoplastic composite materials to reduce environmental impact and promote the use of recycled materials. The results show that the recycled prepregs are a suitable reinforcement, enhancing reinforcement-matrix adhesion and leading to higher mechanical properties. The potential of incorporating recycled aerospace prepreg waste in thermoplastic composite materials to produce high-performance and sustainable components in the aerospace and automotive industries is demonstrated.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amy M. Fitzgerald, Nathan Wong, Annabel V. L. Fitzgerald, David A. Jesson, Ffion Martin, Richard J. Murphy, Tim Young, Ian Hamerton, Marco L. Longana
Summary: This study evaluated the environmental impact of a new technology and suggested methods to reduce energy demand and reuse water resources. The study also analyzed the environmental impacts of operating the machine in different European countries and found that using renewable energy sources can reduce air pollutants. Furthermore, the transportation method also plays a significant role in the overall environmental impact.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Matthew A. Bone, Brendan J. Howlin, Ian Hamerton, Terence Macquart
Summary: Polymeric materials modelling can accelerate the discovery of new materials, AutoMapper is an open-source application that automates the generation of simulation files, eliminating the majority of human effort through an iterative path search algorithm to accurately map pre- and post-reaction polymerisation structures.
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ali Kandemir, Marco L. Longana, Ian Hamerton, Stephen J. Eichhorn
Summary: The sustainability of fibre reinforced polymer composites is crucial for achieving global sustainable development goals. Using natural fibres and bioderived matrices can reduce environmental impact, while delaying material disposal can also contribute to sustainability according to the circular economy paradigm.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Narongkorn Krajangsawasdi, Ian Hamerton, Benjamin K. S. Woods, Dmitry S. Ivanov, Marco L. Longana
Summary: This paper explores the use of a novel discontinuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic filament called Discontinuous Aligned Fibre Filament (DcAFF) for 3D printing to produce complex structural parts. The study reshapes initial carbon fibre-poly(lactic acid) (PLA) tape into a circular filament, DcAFF, using a scalable machine designed for high production rates. The filaments are then printed using a general-purpose 3D printer. Tensile and open-hole tensile tests show that the DcAFF specimens have superior mechanical properties compared to other PLA-based 3D printed composites. The failure mechanism of the composite transitions from brittle to ductile through the printing path raster.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Narongkorn Krajangsawasdi, Duc H. Nguyen, Ian Hamerton, Benjamin K. S. Woods, Dmitry S. Ivanov, Marco L. Longana
Summary: DcAFF is a novel fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing material made of highly aligned discontinuous fibres. This study investigates the challenges in printing accuracy for DcAFF and examines techniques for improving it. By adjusting machine parameters and introducing a compensation algorithm, the printing precision can be improved for complex geometries.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Marcelle D. Hecker, Marco L. Longana, Jean-Charles Eloi, Ole Thomsen, Ian Hamerton
Summary: Many high-performance sails in the yachting industry are made of flexible, carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composites. However, there is currently no waste-management plan for these sails, leading to valuable materials, including carbon fibres, being mostly discarded as waste. This paper presents a recycling pathway for end-of-life sails and demonstrates the potential of a circular recycling process.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anuradha Kamble, Suihua He, Jonathan R. Howse, Carwyn Ward, Ian Hamerton
Summary: For the first time, convolutional neural networks (CNN) were used to identify phase-separated microstructures in a novel nano-modified polymer composite. The CNN model achieved an accuracy of 65.4% and a 0.5 F1 score using an initial dataset, which was further improved to 80.1% accuracy and a 0.9 F1 score with additional experiments. The trained CNN model significantly reduced the time and cost required for manual screening and characterization.
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marcelle D. Hecker, Marco L. Longana, Ole Thomsen, Ian Hamerton
Summary: This paper reviews the research on using superheated steam for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite reclamation. It evaluates the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the reclaimed fibers and the environmental impact of using superheated steam. The studies report that carbon fibers can be recovered with no loss in stiffness and strength. Further research is needed to scale up this reclamation method.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Kyungil Kong, Lourens Blok, Marcelle Hecker, Marco L. Longana, Carwyn Ward, Thomas Rendall, Ian Hamerton
Summary: This study investigates the dispersion of reclaimed carbon fibres using a hydrodynamic fibre moving model and different physical dispersion methods. A low-cost surface treatment is proposed to improve the properties of the reclaimed carbon fibres. Single fibre tensile testing shows an increased tensile strength after surface treatment. A computational hydrodynamic model is designed to simulate aqueous dispersion of the fibres. Fibre surface analyses are carried out to investigate the effect of the surface treatment. The findings can be applied to produce recycled fibre reinforced polymer composite materials.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dominic R. Palubiski, Marco L. Longana, Janice M. Dulieu-Barton, Ian Hamerton, Dmitry S. Ivanov
Summary: This study proposes a repair methodology for interlaminar failure in composites using repairable vitrimer resin. By incorporating a vitrimer matrix into the damaged-prone region during manufacturing and utilizing vacuum pressure and heating, interlaminar failure can be repaired without introducing additional damage. The feasibility of incorporating reparable regions at the manufacturing stage has been successfully demonstrated, achieving higher performance than traditional repair methods.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
J. F. Gargiuli, G. Quino, R. Board, J. C. Griffith, M. S. P. Shaffer, R. S. Trask, I. Hamerton
Summary: Four commercial high-performance aerospace aromatic epoxy matrices were evaluated in terms of their mechanical and thermal properties. The results showed that the thermoplastic toughened formulation exhibited improved overall stress values, while the particle-toughened sample displayed decreased stress values past the yield point. The resin with combined toughening agents performed similarly to the baseline material. Additionally, the dilation angles during plastic deformation were close to 0 degrees. The compressive modulus of the fully formulated resins was higher than that of the model resins, although it came at the expense of yield stress.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yue Tang, Henry E. Symons, Pierangelo Gobbo, Jeroen Sebastiaan Van Duijneveldt, Ian Hamerton, Sebastien Rochat
Summary: A benzoxazine system combining liquid cardanol-based benzoxazine and an effective initiator with bisphenol A-based benzoxazine has been proposed. The mixture shows excellent fluidity and a relatively low peak polymerization temperature, and the cured polybenzoxazine exhibits high thermal decomposition temperature, moderate glass transition temperature, and robust mechanical strength comparable to the homopolymer obtained from curing bisphenol A-based benzoxazine.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Keyu Zhu, Xitao Zheng, Jing Peng, Jiaming Sun, Ruilin Huang, Leilei Yan
Summary: This paper discusses the influence of multiple impacts on the compression strength of honeycomb sandwich structures with composite face sheets. It is found that the size of the impactor affects the turning point of the compression strength. Additionally, high impact energy leads to damage in the bottom face sheet and reduces the overall compression strength.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Danqian Wang, Yanfei Yue, Jueshi Qian
Summary: Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) as a binder for steel rebars shows improved corrosion resistance when subjected to carbonation, due to the increase in pH and the formation of a more protective oxide film.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhibin Li, Wenyu Wang, Pengcheng Xue, Xingyu Wei, Jian Xiong
Summary: This work proposes a design approach and manufacturing method for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) corrugated sandwich truncated cones (CSTC) to improve their anti-debonding ability and ensure reliability. The study establishes theoretical models for CSTCs' stiffness and failure modes, which are verified through experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). The research reveals the effect of geometric parameters on failure modes and performs an optimal design for CSTC structures. The findings have significant implications for the design and application of lightweight CSTCs in constructions, such as launch vehicle adapters.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mingyu Zhang, Lei Chu, Jiahua Chen, Fuxun Qi, Xiaoyan Li, Xinliang Chen, Deng-Guang Yu
Summary: This review summarizes the different structures and construction methods of fibrous membranes with asymmetric wettability. It also reviews the biological applications of these membranes and suggests future challenges.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
E. Mofakhami, L. Gervat, B. Fayolle, G. Miquelard-Garnier, C. Ovalle, L. Laiarinandrasana
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fibre concentration on the mechanical response of welded glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP). Experimental observations reveal a significant reduction in weld ratio, up to 60%, indicating a decreased strength compared to the bulk material. Increasing fibre content in the welded material results in a decrease in stress at break and strain at the maximum stress. The use of DIC technique and X-ray microtomography further confirms the localized strain amplification in the welded zone due to the significant increase in fibre density.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Emad Pourahmadi, Farjad Shadmehri, Rajamohan Ganesan
Summary: This research compares the mechanical properties of laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement and conventional autoclave curing methods. The results show that laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement have a lower interlaminar shear strength compared to laminates reconsolidated using autoclave curing. A finite element simulation method is proposed to quantitatively analyze these differences.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Johnny Jakobsen, Benny Endelt, Fahimeh Shakibapour
Summary: This study proposes a new bolted/pinned joining method for composite applications, which improves load transfer by introducing a patch-type reinforcement. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in both static and fatigue load conditions compared to existing methods. Finite element simulations highlight the advantage of this method, as it creates a more efficient load-transferring mechanism through different stress distributions.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gisele G. Cintra, Janine D. Vieira, Daniel C. T. Cardoso, Thomas Keller
Summary: This paper proposes a novel approach to assess multi-crack behavior in layered fiber-polymer composites. The generated Compliance and R-curves provide useful insights into understanding the multiple delamination process and allow for separate evaluation of strain energy release rate (SERR) for each crack. The developed cohesive zone model successfully simulates the failure process zone of three parallel cracks, showing good agreement between the numerical model and experimental results.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Renil Thomas Kidangan, Sreedhar Unnikrishnakurup, C. Krishnamurthy, Krishnan Balasubramaniam
Summary: The induction heating process can accurately identify fiber orientation and stacking order, making it a valuable tool for large-area inspection and quality control in manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Sungjun Hwang, Yousoo Han, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: Bleached Kraft pulp, unbleached Kraft pulp, and old corrugated cardboard pulp are suitable for producing cellulose nanofibril suspensions. Spray drying is a fast, simple, cost-effective, and scalable drying method. Spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing materials in polypropylene matrices. The particle size of cellulose nanofibrils affects the material properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mehdi Mahdavi, Abbas Zolfaghari
Summary: This study aims to improve the recovery forces of shape memory polymers (SMPs) through material extrusion additive manufacturing. By using glass fiber (GF) as reinforcement and manufacturing multi-layer composite specimens, it was found that PLA with 6.62% GF exhibited the best recovery force, which was further optimized through annealing heat treatment.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Ao, Antonio Vazquez-Lopez, Davide Mocerino, Carlos Gonzalez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: The vulnerability of natural fibers to heat and fire poses a significant challenge for their substitution of traditional fiber reinforcements in composite materials. Natural fiber/polymer composites (NFCs) are regarded as potential candidates for engineering applications due to their environmental friendliness and low-impact sourcing. Thus, appropriate approaches need to be implemented to enhance the fire safety of NFCs. This review summarizes and discusses the latest understanding of flammability and thermal properties of natural fibers, with a special focus on their interaction with polymer matrix in fire behavior. Additionally, the latest developments in flame-retardant approaches for NFCs are reviewed, covering both flame retardancy and fire structural integrity. Finally, future prospects and perspectives on fire safety of NFCs are proposed, providing insights into further advancements of NFCs.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Guofeng Ye, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Qi Zhang, Pingan Song, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: The demand for multifunctional, transparent epoxy resin with superior dielectric, mechanical, and fire-safety performances is increasing in modern industries. Researchers have developed an epoxidized, phosphaphenanthrene-containing poly(styrene butadiene styrene) (ESD) for advanced fire-safe epoxy resin, which maintains high transparency and improves UV-blocking property. The addition of 10 wt% ESD results in improved mechanical properties, decreased dielectric constant and loss, and outperformance compared to other fire-safe epoxy resins. This research provides an effective method for developing multifunctional flame-retardant epoxy resin.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Bo Pang, Heping Zheng, Zuquan Jin, Dongshuai Hou, Yunsheng Zhang, Xiaoyun Song, Yanan Sun, Zhiyong Liu, Wei She, Lin Yang, Mengyuan Li
Summary: This study develops an internal superhydrophobic material (ISM) using waste denitrification fly ash, which maintains stable hydrophobicity under harsh conditions of use and does not rely on expensive fluor-based surface modifications. The synthesized ISM has excellent matrix strength, strong waterproof properties, and retains superhydrophobicity even at damaged or friction interfaces.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Meirbek Mussatayev, Qiuji Yi, Mark Fitzgerald, Vincent K. Maes, Paul Wilcox, Robert Hughes
Summary: Real-time monitoring of carbon fibre composites during Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) manufacturing remains a challenge for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. This study designed a directional eddy-current (EC) probe to evaluate the detectability of out-of-plane wrinkles. Experimental evaluations and finite element modeling were conducted to better understand the relationship between eddy-current density and defect detection. The findings suggest that the probe configuration with an asymmetric driver coil and differential pickup coils shows the best capability for wrinkle detection.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)