Article
Materials Science, Composites
Tianqi Zhang, Mehdi Yasaee
Summary: This paper explores the effect of thermoplastic interleaves on the mechanical performance of open-hole notched CFRP composites and examines the effectiveness of healing treatment on the thermoplastic interleaves post drill operation. Both experimental and numerical analysis results show that thermoplastic interleaves can enhance interfacial fracture toughness and reduce stress concentrations, resulting in higher overall load carrying capacity.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Sateeshkumar Kanakannavar, Jeyaraj Pitchaimani, Kheng-Lim Goh
Summary: Biodegradable composites were made by reinforcing poly-lactic acid (PLA) with flax braided-yarn woven fabric through solution casting and compression moulding processes. The tensile fracture properties were evaluated using the DENT test and the fractographic features were observed by scanning electron microscope. The braided-yarn fabric reinforcement improved the tensile fracture strength and toughness of the PLA composite. The fracture toughness of the composite increased with the fiber contents, corresponding to 64%, 79% and 89% for 1, 2 and 3 layers of fabric respectively. The improvement in tensile fracture characteristics may be attributed to the effective interfacial bonding of fiber matrix.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Sateeshkumar Kanakannavar, Jeyaraj Pitchaimani, Kheng-Lim Goh
Summary: Biodegradable composites were successfully fabricated by incorporating flax braided-yarn woven fabric into poly-lactic acid (PLA). The addition of the braided-yarn fabric as reinforcement resulted in improved tensile fracture strength and toughness of the PLA composite. The increase in fibre content corresponded to an enhanced fracture toughness of the composite.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yujia Hao, Guangming Zhu, Ben Li
Summary: The synthesis of a robust and self-healing polyurea material with dual metal coordination structure and dense hydrogen bonds was reported in this study. The obtained polyurea materials exhibited excellent mechanical properties and high-efficiency self-healing properties due to the synergistic enhancement of dynamic coordination bonds and hydrogen bonds. The content of Zn(II) ions could be adjusted to achieve desired properties. Multi-dynamic cross-linked polymers provide a new route for the development of robust self-healing materials for protection and wearable electronics.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
T. Khan, M. S. Irfan, W. J. Cantwell, R. Umer
Summary: Pre-cracked carbon fiber reinforced composite laminates were manufactured and repaired using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The effects of healing parameters on fracture toughness were investigated using a factorial design of experiments. The results showed that joining temperature had the most significant influence on fracture toughness, followed by contact time. Optimizing the processing parameters can enhance fracture toughness.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chen Yixin, Zhang Jianye, Ma Jicheng, Zhou Shunli, Liu Yongsheng, Zheng Zhixuan
Summary: In this study, a novel method is proposed to calculate the tensile strength and fracture toughness of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). By establishing a virtual crack propagation calculation model and incorporating it into a boundary effect model, the mechanical parameters of SFRC can be accurately predicted. The influence of alpha-ratio on the predicted results is discussed, and a value less affected by the boundaries is obtained. Moreover, accurate results can be obtained using only a small number of samples. This method provides an important reference for estimating the mechanical parameters of concrete.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Jialun Li, Jian Liu, Shuaihao Peng, Weibo Li, Sanming Du, Yongzhen Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the tribological properties of PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites at different orientations under different contact pressures and sliding velocities. The results show that the wear mechanisms at different twill orientations lead to changes in tribological properties. The fabric composite with right twill orientation demonstrates better properties under high pv values, while the fabric composite with left twill orientation performs better under low pv values.
TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chenxin Xu, Yushu Tian, Zhixing Xiong, Jiadong Wang, Bin Yang, Runguo Wang, Lixin Mao, Xuan Qin, Liqun Zhang
Summary: A series of PDMS-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) with excellent cold resistance and toughness were synthesized. The PDMS-based TPU exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 18.46 MPa and a maximum coefficient of cold resistance of 0.704 at -50 degrees C, making it a promising material for 3D printing in low temperature environments.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Henrique A. Santana, Nilson S. Amorim Junior, Daniel Ribeiro, Marcelo S. Cilla, Cleber M. R. Dias
Summary: This study successfully enhanced the toughness of geopolymer matrix composites by using printed PETG meshes, maintaining the maximum load supported and critical tension factor of the composites. The gradation of the meshes allowed for a reduction in reinforcement material content without compromising the mechanical performance of the composites, demonstrating the applicability of 3D printing concepts in producing printed reinforcements for cementitious matrices.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Songfeng E, Qin Ma, Jizhen Huang, Doudou Ning, Zhaoqing Lu
Summary: In this study, a composite of aramid nanofibers (ANFs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was prepared with enhanced interfacial bonding strength and mechanical properties. The superior mechanical properties are attributed to enhanced hydrogen bonding interactions, densification of materials, and curved fracture paths. Additionally, the ANFs/PVA paper exhibited robust UV shielding and visible transparency properties, as well as excellent environmental stabilities, particularly at high and low temperatures.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Melike Kilicoglu, Erhan Bat, Guengoer Guenduez, Mustafa Utku Yildirim, Kamil Urgun, Bora Mavis
Summary: Interleaving fiber reinforced layered composites with thermoplastic veils can activate different toughening mechanisms. The blend composition plays a crucial role in activating these mechanisms.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Jialun Li, Jian Liu, Weibo Li, Shuaihao Peng, Sanming Du, Yongzhen Zhang
Summary: The tribological properties of PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites were studied under different temperatures, and it was found that the lowest wear rate and friction coefficient occurred at 75 degrees C. The study revealed that temperature had an effect on the wear behavior, with abrasive wear being predominant at 25-75 degrees C and adhesive wear being predominant at 75-150 degrees C.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Jianqiang Wang, Jinfei Cao, Xiaofa Yang, Xiaozhi Hu, Pengmin Lu, Feng Jin
Summary: This study analyzed the fracture performance of a composite material with highly heterogeneous and anisotropic microstructures using a boundary effect model. By testing notched specimens with different parameters, the maximum load and crack growth of the material were determined. The results showed noticeable delamination crack growth around the notch tip in the material.
ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Lode Daelemans, Olivier Verschatse, Lisa Heirman, Wim Van Paepegem, Karen De Clerck
Summary: The addition of electrospun thermoplastic nanofibers is a viable toughening strategy for designing nanofiber reinforced epoxy materials with excellent toughness, particularly polyamide and polycaprolactone nanofibers can increase the plastic energy uptake up to 100%. The main energy-absorbing mechanism was found to be bridging nanofibers, although a lack of adhesion with the matrix resulted in a decrease in toughening efficiency, especially when oriented parallel with the crack growth direction. The study provides insights for material design in applications requiring high toughness such as adhesives, coatings, and fiber-reinforced composite laminates.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Minxia Fang, Yuanchao Ji, Yan Ni, Wenjia Wang, Hengmin Zhang, Xifei Wang, Andong Xiao, Tianyu Ma, Sen Yang, Xiaobing Ren
Summary: In this letter, researchers report a surprising low-temperature toughening phenomenon in a La-doped CaTiO3 perovskite ceramic. The fracture toughness of the ceramic increases by 2.5 times when cooling from above room temperature down to cryogenic temperature, due to the emergence of nanosized orthorhombic ferroelastic domains from the existing tetragonal ferroelastic matrix. This finding may lead to the design of tough ceramics with a wide temperature range and provide insights into reentrant transitions in other ferroic systems.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hong-Fang Zhang, Qian Hao, Hong-Chi Tian, Peng-Jun Yao, Xue-Ying Liu, Bing Yu, Nan-Ying Ning, Ming Tian, Li-Qun Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the compatibility effect of different polyurethane-polysiloxane copolymers on SiR/TPU blends. The results showed that the copolymer with the highest polysiloxane segment content exhibited good compatibility and led to the successful preparation of SiR/TPU TPV with excellent mechanical performance.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Haijun Ji, Hui Yang, Xinxin Zhou, Chaoying Sun, Liwei Li, Shuainan Zhao, Jie Yu, Sai Li, Runguo Wang, Liqun Zhang
Summary: In this study, a new type of bio-based elastomer PDMIBs was successfully synthesized, and its properties were regulated by adjusting comonomer ratios and compositions. The bio-based elastomer exhibited excellent mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, and oil resistance, making it suitable for various engineering applications.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rui Zhang, Jiaye Li, Stephen Jerrams, Shui Hu, Li Liu, Shipeng Wen, Liqun Zhang
Summary: In this study, modified graphene oxide and silica were used to construct composite particles with bridged structures, which were then mixed with styrene butadiene rubber to improve the mechanical and abrasion resistance properties of the composite material.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dong Wang, Zhenghai Tang, Ruoyan Huang, Yun Duan, Siwu Wu, Baochun Guo, Liqun Zhang
Summary: This study reports the use of an amino-functionalized polysulfide (PDAS) as a novel interfacial modifier in NR/CB composites. The amino groups of PDAS react with the carboxyl groups on the CB surface, while the polysulfide chains of PDAS react with rubber chains, leading to the crosslinking of NR and the establishment of a molecular bridge between NR and CB. The dosage of PDAS has a significant influence on CB dispersion and interfacial adhesion, which in turn affects the properties of the composites. Compared to the unmodified counterpart, the PDAS-modified composite exhibits improved CB dispersion, enhanced interfacial adhesion, and reduced hysteresis loss.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenpeng Zang, Sijin Jin, Shuxiong Fu, Yuhao Wang, Yingjie Jiang, Xueying Liu, Nanying Ning, Ming Tian, Liqun Zhang
Summary: In order to achieve dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) with excellent energy harvesting performance and long life, electrode materials with high compliance, high electrical conductivity, high stability under high strain, and high durability are crucial. In this study, a highly conductive supermolecule-based electrode material for DEGs was designed and prepared, which showed high elongation at break, self-healing efficiency of electrical conductivity at room temperature, good recyclability, and high durability. Compared to commonly used electrodes, the new electrode exhibited higher energy density and excellent room temperature self-healing ability, reducing the need for disassembling the device and improving convenience.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjie Wu, Shipeng Wen, Yi Wei, Lu Ruan, Fanzhu Li, Xia Cao, Zhong Lin Wang, Liqun Zhang
Summary: Exercise not only improves health but also reduces the risk of diseases. However, track and field sports can harm the knees without proper buffering. Most tracks are made of materials that emit volatile organic compounds and lack smart features. In this study, a unibody silicone rubber-based track was introduced with adequate cushioning, environmental-friendliness, energy harvesting, and sensing capabilities. It can function as both an electric generator and a gait sensor, providing guidance for the development of self-powered smart tracks.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Binghui Jin, Yiling Yu, Chenghao Lou, Xiaodi Zhang, Bowen Gong, Jinghao Chen, Xiangxiang Chen, Zihan Zhou, Liqun Zhang, Jian Xiao, Jiajia Xue
Summary: A multi-functional nerve guidance conduit (NGC) is constructed to promote nerve regeneration by integrating ordered topological structure, density gradient of biomacromolecular nanoparticles, and controlled delivery of biological effectors. The NGC promotes the proliferation of Schwann cells and directional extension of neurites, achieving both anatomical and functional regeneration of the nerve. It provides a favorable microenvironment for peripheral nerve regeneration and holds great promise for nerve repair.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Meng Yu Zhou, Jun Liu, Li Qun Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the complex effects of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials as nanofillers on the mechanical, viscoelastic, thermal and electrical conductivity properties of high-performance polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Graphene and its derivatives, as well as MXenes, are considered as optimal choices for enhancing these properties. MMT and BN are widely used to improve the strength and thermal conductivity of polymers. The excellent performance of 2D nanosheet-based PNCs depends not only on the loading, aspect ratio and dispersion of nanofillers, but also on their compatibility with the polymer.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS DESIGN & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linan Feng, Zhong Lin Wang, Xia Cao, Liqun Zhang
Summary: In this paper, an array parallelly assembled triboelectric nanogenerator (PS-TENG) is proposed, which generates sustainable electrical power through hand motion with significantly enhanced electrification efficiency and reliability. The output of the PS-TENGs is 2.8 times higher than that of the TENG with series electrodes (S-TENGs) under the same operating conditions. This design promotes the application of TENG in powering portable electronic devices.
Article
Polymer Science
Weixiao Song, Zixuan Wang, Min Wang, Ganggang Zhang, Fanzhu Li, Xi Zhang, Yonglai Lu, Liqun Zhang
Summary: Vulcanization systems and epoxidation degree have significant effects on the microstructure and macro-properties of ENR. The influence of sulfur, dicumyl peroxide, and itaconic acid vulcanization systems on strain-induced crystallization, molecular chain orientation, and microstructure evolution of ENRs were studied. Results showed that ENR-10 with 10% epoxidation degree exhibited the best mechanical properties, and its tensile strength and elongation were significantly higher than ENR-10-DCP and ENR-10-IA.
Article
Polymer Science
Zilong Chen, Weichao Wang, Jian Li, Jun Lin, Fanzhu Li, Liqun Zhang, Shaojian He
Summary: An efficient and environmentally friendly strategy of enhancing the interfacial interaction between NBR and MMT nanocomposites was demonstrated by coating the MMT surface with PDA and then compounding it with solid NBR via gel compounding method. The hydrogen bond interactions between DMMT and NBR were found to be responsible for the nanodispersion of DMMT as well as for effective stress transfer, resulting in significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the NBR/DMMT nanocomposite at low DMMT loading. With only 6 phr DMMT, the tensile strength of the NBR/DMMT nanocomposite reached 15.9 MPa, which is 4.1 times that of pure NBR.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junwei He, Qionghai Chen, Jiajun Qu, Sai Li, Yuan Wei, Liqun Zhang, Shikai Hu, Anchao Feng, Jun Liu
Summary: A facile two-step approach was proposed to synthesize self-healing elastomers based on dynamic oxime-carbamate bonds. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations further verified the formation of hydrogen bonds and dynamic oxime-carbamate bonds. The mechanical strength of the elastomer increased with the increase of hard segment content, and its self-healing behavior was verified at a certain temperature. The combined simulation and experimental studies provided a reasonable approach for future self-healing systems.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinglong An, Siwu Wu, Shafan Xiong, Shuangjian Yu, Zhenghai Tang, Baochun Guo, Liqun Zhang
Summary: A new methodology is developed to design functionalized diene rubbers with tunable chain structures by using disulfide/polysulfide linkages as reactive substrates. The method allows for easy tuning of the chain structure by adjusting the pyrolysis conditions and monomer content. It is demonstrated to be versatile and has important scientific and economic significance for the production of custom-made functionalized rubbers.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Guan-yi Hou, Jun Liu, Li-qun Zhang
Summary: With the advancement of science and technology, computer software/hardware technology has significantly improved the efficiency of large-scale parallel computing, allowing scientists to analyze high-degree-of-freedom systems and design new materials structures and properties at a relatively low cost. Computational Materials Science, as the core of Materials Genome Engineering, has played a crucial role in the research of polymeric materials, such as elastomers, energy materials, optical materials, thermal conductive materials, and biomedical materials. This review also presents future development prospects and challenges in the field, providing a basis and guidance for the development of polymeric disciplines.
ACTA POLYMERICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaodi Zhang, Qi Li, Longfei Li, Jiang Ouyang, Tong Wang, Junjie Chen, Xiaoqing Hu, Yingfang Ao, Duotian Qin, Liqun Zhang, Jiajia Xue, Jin Cheng, Wei Tao
Summary: This study presents a bioinspired scaffold that utilizes mild photothermal stimulation to eliminate bacteria, recruit MSCs, and promote bone regeneration.
