Advanced Composite Materials Research Articles

High-Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (HPFRC) is an advanced composite material known for its exceptional energy absorption and dissipation capabilities. To improve its ballistic resistance, HPFRC samples were prepared using 1.5% steel fibre content and varying levels of silica. Ballistic trials employed standard 7.62 × 39 cartridges, each comprising a full metal casing around a mild steel core. Resulting damage and failure mechanisms were mapped using a 3D photogrammetry system. Six different concrete mixtures were tested, each incorporating aggregate fractions of 0/2 mm along with three types of micro sand, the largest of which measured up to 1.2 mm in grain size. The results suggested that increasing the proportion of 0/2 mm silica sand was relatively minor.

Advanced composite materials, encompassing metal matrix composites, polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and natural fiber composites, are increasingly vital in aerospace, automotive, construction, and energy sectors due to their high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and multifunctional potential. Metal matrix composites reinforced with SiC, Al 2 O 3 , TiB 2 , or B 4 C exhibit tensile strengths ranging from 200 to 500 MPa, Young's modulus of 70–100 GPa, and improved wear resistance, while polymer matrix composites with hybrid nano- and micron-scale reinforcements achieve 150–200 MPa tensile strength and enhanced recyclability. Ceramic matrix composites, such as SiC or Si 3 N 4 composites, retain structural integrity at temperatures exceeding 1600 °C, making them suitable for turbine and aerospace applications. Natural fiber composites, derived from flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf, offer eco-friendly alternatives, with tensile strengths up to 205 MPa and improved energy absorption for automotive and construction applications. This review presents a bibliometric analysis of over 10,000 publications, highlighting global research trends, emerging reinforcements, and sector-specific adoption patterns. Life cycle assessment metrics demonstrate that recycled carbon fibers reduce CO 2 emissions from 24 to 31 kg CO 2 eq/kg to ∼10.5 kg CO 2 eq/kg, while biobased composites further lower embodied energy. Advances in additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, and Industry 4·0 technologies, including IoT-enabled monitoring and machine learning-based defect detection, are improving process reliability and reducing scrap rates by 15%–30%. By integrating quantitative mechanical, environmental, and manufacturing data, this review provides engineers and academics with actionable insights for material selection, design optimization, and sustainable implementation of advanced composites, bridging knowledge gaps and guiding future research priorities.

Lipase-mediated bi-phasic modification of citrus pectin (MCP) and expedition of its packaging film characteristics.

ABSTRACT The development of advanced composite materials for thin‐walled pressure vessels demands a balance between mechanical strength and thermal insulation. In this study, a novel three‐phase composite system comprising epoxy resin, silica (SiO 2 ) micro‐particles, and glass fiber reinforcement was fabricated and characterized for potential application in high‐performance thin vessel structures. Specimens were cured at varying temperatures (60°C to 160°C) to systematically investigate the influence of curing conditions on the structural and thermal properties. Comprehensive material characterization, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, confirmed the successful integration of silica and glass fiber within the amorphous epoxy matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a two‐stage degradation process, with maximum thermal stability observed at 120°C curing temperature. Specific heat capacity ( C p ) and measurements indicated decreasing trends with increasing curing temperature, enhancing thermal insulation. Mechanical testing demonstrated that hoop strength ( S H ) and burst pressure ( P b ) improved significantly with curing temperatures up to 140°C, following third‐degree polynomial relationships. Notably, the composite cured at 120°C exhibited the highest combination of hoop strength (341.3 ± 6.5 MPa), burst pressure (16.66 ± 0.3 MPa), C p (2.33 J/g·K), thermal conductivity (0.198 W/m·K) and Factor of Safety (1.39 ± 0.024), while maintaining superior thermal resistance. Theoretical predictions showed strong agreement with experimental results across all evaluations. Overall, the optimized epoxy/SiO 2 /glass fiber composites offer a lightweight, thermally stable, and mechanically robust alternative to traditional metallic vessels, highlighting their potential for use in chemical, oil, and pharmaceutical industries requiring durable thin‐walled pressure containment solutions.

The widespread use of wearable electronic devices has raised concerns about the health risks of electromagnetic radiation, and the development of advanced composite materials that combine efficient electromagnetic shielding with physiological monitoring remains a challenge. In this paper, Water-Soluble Cellulose Acetate (WSCA)/MXene composite paper (CM) with "brick mud" structure is prepared by vacuum-assisted filtration using MXene as a conductive filler and WSCA as a dispersive enhancer with the ability to capture water molecules, which can realize efficient electromagnetic shielding (EMI) as well as breath monitoring. The nanopaper exhibits a high electromagnetic shielding value of 77.4dB, an ultra-high electrical conductivity of 16,817.4 Sm-1, and the ability to accurately monitor respiration before and after exercise. In addition, the material has a tensile strength of 89.6MPa and efficient electrical/photothermal conversion. The nanopaper rapidly warms to 113.8°C at 2V and reaches 103.9°C in 60 s under external light, enabling infrared stealth over a wide temperature range of 32-114°C. CM papers overcome the technical limitations of traditional single-function materials by virtue of a dual mechanism. It has important application value in the fields of personal electromagnetic protection, dynamic thermal management and intelligent medical sensing.

This study presents an analytical investigation into the distribution of elastic stresses in rotating cylinders made of car-bon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyketone composites. The research primarily focuses on understanding the rela-tionship between temperature gradients and stress development in thermomechanically loaded rotating cylinders. The analysis is conducted under plane strain assumptions, and the Von Mises yield criterion is employed as the failure ref-erence. Mathematical modeling was carried out to evaluate the stress behavior, and the resulting data were visualized through graphical representations. The findings indicate that the carbon fiber-reinforced polyketone composite cylin-ders experience relatively high stress concentrations due to their enhanced stiffness and load-bearing capacity. Howev-er, these stress levels remain within acceptable limits for structural integrity. It is also observed that the stress distribu-tion is significantly influenced by the applied temperature profile and geometric parameters. Moreover, the internal pressure within the cylinders was found to vary inversely with the selected material grading parameter.Due to their su-perior mechanical performance and precise controllability, rotating cylinders made from advanced composite materi-als find applications in a wide range of engineering fields. Each application requires careful selection of material prop-erties, geometrical dimensions, and surface characteristics. The results of this study suggest that carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyketone composites offer promising potential for future technologies involving high-performance rotating components.

In this paper, the evaluation of the mechanical performance of novel, designed topologically optimized shin pads with advanced materials will be conducted with the aid of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess the endurance of the final structure on impact phenomena extracted from actual real-life data acquired from contact sports. The main focus of the developed prototype is to have high-enough energy absorption capabilities and vibration isolation properties, crucial for the development of trustworthy protective equipment. The insertion of advanced materials with controlled weight fractions and lattice geometries aims to strategically improve those properties and provide tailored characteristics similar to the actual human skeleton. The final design is expected to be used as standalone protective equipment for athletes or as a protective shield for the development of human lower limb prosthetics. In this context, computational investigation of the dynamic mechanical response was conducted by replicating a real-life phenomenon of the impact during a contact sport in a median condition of a stud kick impact and an extreme case scenario to assess the dynamic response under shock-absorption conditions and the final design’s structural integrity by taking into consideration the injury prevention capabilities. The results demonstrate that the proposed lattice geometries positively influence the injury prevention capabilities by converting a severe injury to light one, especially in the gyroid structure where the prototype presented a unified pattern of stress distribution and a higher reduction in the transmitted force. The incorporation of the PA-12 matrix reinforced with the reused ground tire rubber results in a structure with high enough overall strength and crucial modifications on the absorption and damping capabilities vital for the integrity under dynamic conditions.

Advanced composite materials and manufacturing technologies are critical to sustain human presence in space. Mechanical testing and analysis are needed to elucidate the effect of processing parameters on composites’ material properties. In this study, test specimens are 3D printed via a fused-filament fabrication (FFF) approach from a basalt moon dust-polylactic acid (BMD-PLA) composite filament and from pure PLA filament. Compression and tensile testing were conducted to determine the yield strength, ultimate strength, and Young’s modulus of specimens fabricated under several processing conditions. The maximum compressive yield strength for the BMD-reinforced samples is 27.68 MPa with print parameters of 100% infill, one shell, and 90° print orientation. The maximum compressive yield strength for the PLA samples is 63.05 MPa with print parameters of 100% infill, three shells, and 0° print orientation. The composite samples exhibit an increase in strength when layer lines are aligned with loading axis, whereas the PLA samples decreased in strength. This indicates a fundamental difference in how the composite behaves in comparison to the pure matrix material. In tension, test specimens have unpredictable failure modes and often broke outside the gauge length. A portion of the tension test data is included to help guide future work.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of Type IV hydrogen tanks, with a focus on materials, manufacturing technologies and structural issues related to high-pressure hydrogen storage. Recent advances in the use of advanced composite materials, such as carbon fibers and polyamide liners, useful for improving mechanical strength and permeability, have been reviewed. The present review also discusses solutions to reduce hydrogen blistering and embrittlement, as well as exploring geometric optimization methodologies and manufacturing techniques, such as helical winding. Additionally, emerging technologies, such as integrated smart sensors for real-time monitoring of tank performance, are explored. The review concludes with an assessment of future trends and potential solutions to overcome current technical limitations, with the aim of fostering a wider adoption of Type IV tanks in mobility and stationary applications.

Nano-mechanical variations in chamber units of dry cuttlebone.

Polyimide (PI) is widely used in aerospace, electronic packaging, and other fields due to its excellent dielectric and thermophysical properties. However, the performance of traditional PI materials under extreme conditions has become increasingly inadequate to meet the growing demands. To address this, this study designed a PI/Nano-Si3N4 advanced composite material and, based on molecular dynamics simulations, thoroughly explored the influence of silane coupling agents with different grafting densities on the interfacial microstructure and their correlation with the overall material’s physical properties. The results show that when the grafting density is 10%, the interfacial bonding of the PI/Nano-Si3N4 composite is optimized: non-bonded interaction energy increases by 18.4%, the number of hydrogen bonds increases by 32.5%, and the free volume fraction decreases to 18.13%. These changes significantly enhance the overall performance of the material, manifested by an increase of about 30 K in the glass transition temperature and a 49.5% improvement in thermal conductivity compared to pure PI. Furthermore, the system maintains high Young’s modulus and shear modulus in the temperature range of 300–700 K. The study reveals that silane coupling agents can effectively enhance the composite material’s overall performance by optimizing the interfacial structure and controlling the free volume, providing an efficient computational method for the design and performance prediction of advanced high-performance PI composites.

Recent advance in utilization of advanced composite photothermal materials for water disinfection: Synthesis, mechanism, and application

Preparation and applications of nanoparticles from lignocellulosic biomass: A review.

Processing Methods for Developing Advanced Composite Materials

ABSTRACT UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) is one of the most demanding materials in ballistic applications. This study investigates the performance of electroless coated (nickel-phosphorus (NiP) with boron carbide (B₄C) at 5% (B₄C(5)), 10% (B₄C(10)), and 15% (B₄C(15))) unidirectional UHMWPE fabric for body armor application. The coated fabrics were tested for surface roughness (AFM), phase characterization (XRD), mechanical behavior, morphology (FESEM/EDS), and hydrophobicity (wettability test). Additionally, statistical analysis and prediction were carried out using one-way ANOVA and an artificial neural network (ANN) model, respectively. The NiP-B₄C(10)-coated UHMWPE shows higher breaking load of 3320 N, tensile stress of 752 MPa, and toughness of 2.4 J/m3, with increases of 16.2%, 18%, and 18%, respectively, when compared with uncoated UHMWPE. Moreover, compared to the uncoated UHMWPE, the NiP-B4C-coated UHMWPE exhibits higher wettability. The crystallinity index and surface roughness are enhanced and confirmed by XRD and AFM for coated samples. The ANN model demonstrated high accuracy (R = 0.99) in predicting tensile properties and validating its results. This electroless NiP-B₄C modification strategy effectively balances hydrophobicity and mechanical properties, making the NiP-B₄C-coated UHMWPE fabric a promising solution for advanced protective armor and composite materials that require durable surface functionality.

The rapid advancement of automotive technology necessitates high-performance clutch materials capable of enduring extreme thermal and mechanical loads. Traditional materials, such as asbestos composites, have been widely used in clutch applications for their wear resistance. However, their environmental and health risks drive the search for eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the properties of advanced composite materials, particularly those reinforced with carbon fibers and ceramics, to enhance clutch durability, thermal stability, and environmental sustainability. Through a series of thermal cycling and mechanical load tests, the research assesses the thermal resilience and friction stability of selected materials. Key material properties, such as Young’s modulus, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity, were measured to understand how these composites manage heat dissipation and resist wear under high-stress conditions. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) further models the thermal and mechanical behavior of these materials, providing insights into their performance under simulated clutch engagement cycles. Results indicate that carbon fiber-reinforced composites exhibit superior thermal management and frictional stability compared to conventional materials, aligning well with the demands of modern automotive applications. However, challenges remain in balancing cost and scalability, which are critical for large-scale adoption. This study contributes to the ongoing development of sustainable clutch materials, aiming to bridge the gap between performance requirements and environmental objectives.

_ From a broader and high-level perspective—considering importance, impact, significance, and criticality—subsea systems and advanced offshore engineering play an essential role in the planning and execution of world-class deepwater major capital projects, overcoming associated multidimensional offshore challenges and risks in both full-field development and brownfield life extension. Vision in subsea projects is crucial to determine project goals and plan strategies. Also, defining specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely goals and strategic objectives is the way to deliver the project within approved scope and budget. Human capital management plays a significant role in forming talented multidisciplinary engineering and management teams with the right skills, knowledge, capability, and expertise to achieve excellence. Effective management of project elements consists of outstanding geoscience knowledge; project integration between subsurface, subsea, offshore, and marine aspects; strategy; project performance; and impact. Developing innovation has resulted in cutting-edge design solutions and applications, such as: - Using high-strength steel in catenary risers to reduce wall thickness while maintaining structural integrity - Using advanced composite materials with advantages of high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion - Using advanced design tools such as computer-aided design for generating detailed 3D models, integrated with computer-aided engineering software for simulation and analysis These are behind both the accuracy of subsea installations and significantly enhanced constructability as a powerful tool in subsea projects. Early input helps visualize the subsea construction in different design stages and identify any potential clashes between different systems. It has led to several advantages, for example producing fit-for-purpose engineering designs and installation techniques and producing new subsea technology, such as subsea multiphase pumping, subsea blowout-preventer digital twins, full electric subsea trees, subsea compression technology, and autonomous underwater vehicles for subsea intervention. Integrated logistics and supply-chain management provide the ability to mitigate the risks of fabrication, towing, and installation of floating production facilities. Engineering, procurement, construction and installation is the backbone of the project; therefore, selecting the right contractor is a priority. The drilling program must be performed safely and efficiently, considering technical and business risks, lessons learned from global industry, and the deployment of the latest technology. Robust quality control and assurance is crucial to meeting stringent industry standards, including the establishment of effective quality-control gates and the implementation of verification, validation, fitness, inspection, and test plans. Efficiency and sustainability are key pillars to achieve long-term project success. Therefore, the principles of managing resources, minimizing environmental impact, optimizing manufacturing processes, and designing projects with a focus on long-term viability, digitalization, asset integrity, maintenance, decarbonization, operational excellence, and decommissioning planning must be considered. Full compliance with regulatory requirements should include design codes, best practices, a strong commitment to safety standards, and meeting safety regulations to secure the operational license. Summarized Papers in This August 2025 Issue OTC 35303 - Best Practices and Lessons Learned From Deepwater Floating Production Unit Project by James M. Reiners, Chevron, et al. OTC 35242 - Subsea Tiebacks Drive Growth in Bonga North Field, Deepwater Nigeria by Areje Adegoke, Shell, et al. OTC 35773 - Fast-Track Innovation Enables Life Extension of Ormen Lange Gas Field by Joakim Almqvist, SLB, et al. Recommended Additional Reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. OTC 35798 - Subsea Compression—Åsgard and Beyond by P.E. Hedne, Equinor, et al. OTC 35656 - Reliability and Predictability Matters: Atlanta SPS and SURF as a Whole by M.B. Oliveira, Enauta Energia, et al. SPE 223796 - Implementation of EVXT at Equinor’s Fram SØR Project by T.G. Wernø, Equinor, et al. OTC 35905 - Application of a Multiphase Flow Simulator for Production Optimization of Tiebacks Using Subsea Multiphase Pumping by I. Fernandes, Texas A&M University, et al. IPTC 24783 - The Emergence of the Subsea BOP Digital Twin Using Process Safety Management and Big Data by Mark Siegmund, Aquila Engineering, et al.

Due to its superior maneuverability and concealment, the micro flapping-wing aircraft has great application prospects in both military and civilian fields. However, the development and optimization of lightweight materials have always been the key factors limiting performance enhancement. This paper designs the flapping mechanism of a single-degree-of-freedom miniature flapping wing aircraft. In this study, T800 carbon fiber composite material was used as the frame material. Three typical wing membrane materials, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and non-woven kite fabric, were selected for comparative analysis. Three flapping wing configurations with different stiffness were proposed. These wings adopted carbon fiber composite material frames. The wing membrane material is bonded to the frame through a coating. Inspired by bionics, a flapping wing that mimics the membrane vein structure of insect wings is designed. By changing the type of membrane material and the distribution of carbon fiber composite materials on the wing, the stiffness of the flapping wing can be controlled, thereby affecting the mechanical properties of the flapping wing aircraft. The modal analysis of the flapping-wing structure was conducted using the finite element analysis method, and the experimental prototype was fabricated by using 3D printing technology. To evaluate the influence of different wing membrane materials on lift performance, a high-precision force measurement experimental platform was built, systematic tests were carried out, and the lift characteristics under different flapping frequencies were analyzed. Through computational modeling and experiments, it has been proven that under the same flapping wing frequency, the T800 carbon fiber composite material frame can significantly improve the stiffness and durability of the flapping wing. In addition, the selection of wing membrane materials has a significant impact on lift performance. Among the test materials, the PET wing film demonstrated excellent stability and lift performance under high-frequency conditions. This research provides crucial experimental evidence for the optimal selection of wing membrane materials for micro flapping-wing aircraft, verifies the application potential of T800 carbon fiber composite materials in micro flapping-wing aircraft, and opens up new avenues for the application of advanced composite materials in high-performance micro flapping-wing aircraft.

ABSTRACT Magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) is an advanced finishing process that harnesses a magnetic field to manipulate abrasive particles for precision polishing, achieving a nanoscale surface finish (SF). This research investigates the finishing of Al7075 composite material utilizing the stir casting method. Finishing medium having 4 µm SiC was selected as the abrasive medium, while 5 µm iron particles were incorporated as the magnetic medium within the flexible magnetic abrasive finishing brushes (FMAB). An innovative magnet-holding tool is designed, fabricated, and implemented, in which a pair of neodymium N35 permanent magnets generate a magnetic field of 0.4 T, enhancing the finishing efficacy. The surface roughness, Ra, of the material demonstrated an extensive improvement, decreasing from 700 nm to 203 nm, which corresponds to a 71% reduction in Ra. These results substantiate the capacity of MAF technology to deliver exceptional surface finish processes for advanced composite materials with enhanced characteristics.

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture has enhanced both food production and pest management, but it has also raised serious ecological and human health relatedproblems. Addressing these problems requires advanced materials for efficient pesticide detection and decontamination. From this aspect, coordination polymers (CPs) have emerged as a potential approach because of its distinctive features.This review focuses on CP-based solutions for pesticide detection and removal, emphasizing their luminescent properties for developing extremely sensitive and selective sensors. The remarkable adsorption potential of CPs for efficiently eliminating pesticide residues from diverse environmental samples is also a key highlight of this review. It underscores the significance of structural modifications, the integration of CPs with advanced composite materials, and the inclusion of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhance their effectiveness and broaden their practical applications. By illuminating these advancements, this review aspires to inspire further research, paving the way for innovative and more effective solutions to combat pesticide contamination.