Changes In Elastic Modulus Research Articles

A novel anisotropy template for an improved interpretation of elastic anisotropy data

Tight unconventional rocks are characterized by the presence of laminations, preferentially oriented cracks, and an interconnected network of compliant minerals. Such anisotropic features can mechanically deform due to pressure depletion during production, leading to a human-induced change of elastic and fluid transport properties. Rock physics models allow us to better predict and assess stress- and direction-dependent elastic moduli of the rock, useful for horizontal stress estimates. However, elastic anisotropy can be challenging to measure and interpret. We have developed an anisotropy template that can be used to assess stress-dependent changes in elastic moduli and investigate rock textures. We present here the template construction using an effective medium model consisting of stiff and compliant layers and crack inclusions and evaluate the origin of stress-dependent stiffness changes in acoustic data from Berea, Bakken, Three Forks, and Mancos formations.

A dynamic evaluation method for slope safety with monitoring information based on a hybrid intelligence algorithm

The variability of soil or rock parameters based on poor information results in an uncertain change in slope failure probability. To solve the negative impact of slope reliability analysis introduced by variability of soil or rock parameters, this article proposes a hybrid intelligence algorithm for analyzing the slope failure probability with Bayes theorem, integrating a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), and executing Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation with multidepth displacements. We calculate the failure probability through 1D-CNN prediction. The 1D-CNN learns from data generated by numerical models to directly relate input variables to output variables toward obtaining an accurate model of the response surface. The resulting soil or rock parameters are described as probability distributions, which are updated by MCMC simulations based on the multidepth displacement time series. A case study with monitoring displacement along the slope depth is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed methodology. We find that our method can update the failure probability value and identify the location of potential sliding surfaces with the time series of multidepth displacement. We also find that incorporating changes in Poisson's ratio and elastic modulus seems to have a significant influence on the slope safety evaluation.

Three-dimensionally printed denture base resins modified by nanoglass particles and carbon nanotubes

Statement of problemThree-dimensionally (3D) printed denture base resins exhibit inferior mechanical properties compared with conventional and milled ones, a problem affecting their long-term clinical use. Improved 3D printed resins are required. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to determine whether a 3D printed denture base resin with nanoglass particles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) would exhibit enhanced mechanical properties. Material and methodsThe nanoglass particles and MWCNTs were silane coated and added to the resin to obtain the following groups: Control, resin modified with nanoglass particles with 2 percentages, 0.25 wt%, and 0.5 wt%; resin modified with MWCNTs with 2 percentages, 0.25 wt%, and 0.5 wt%; and a combination group with 0.25 wt% of each filler type. The printed specimens (N=330) were tested before and after thermocycling (600 cycles) for flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (n=22) by using a universal testing machine and for impact strength (IS) (n=22) by using a Charpy impact tester. The fractured impact specimens were then evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface roughness (Ra) (n=11) was assessed by using a profilometer. For data analysis, the 2-way ANOVA test was used for the analysis of FS, elastic modulus, and IS, and the 3-way ANOVA test was used for Ra with a subsequent Tukey post hoc test. Percentage change was compared among groups by using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn post hoc test with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). ResultsThe filler content and thermocycling revealed a significant main interaction effect (P<.001) on FS, elastic modulus, and IS, with the 0.5% nanoglass group displaying the highest percentage decrease after thermocycling. The SEM images of fractured impact specimens revealed a brittle failure in the control and nanoglass groups. In contrast, the groups containing MWCNTs and the combination group displayed intermediate to ductile failure. Moreover, a significant inclusive interaction effect (P<.001) was found between the filler content, thermocycling, and polishing on surface roughness, with the 0.5% nanoglass group revealing the highest percentage increase in Ra of the polished surface after aging. ConclusionsThe addition of nanoglass and MWCNTs led to a significant improvement in the FS, elastic modulus, and IS of the 3D printed resin. The combination group displayed the least percentage change among all groups regarding the FS and IS, displaying intermediate to ductile failure. The control revealed the least percentage change in elastic modulus after thermocycling but with lower peak values compared with all other groups.

Thermally driven hybrid metastructure for multi-functional surface acoustic wave engineering

Acoustic wave engineering through solid mediums are essential for improving or optimizing the performances of various platforms, such as biomedical and industrial applications. Metamaterials or metasurfaces have been recently developed to artificially manipulate the wave propagation passing through mediums. However, they only conduct one fixed function passively, determined by the structure design for the particular wavelength, and their fabrication involves high-cost and complex procedures. Here, we report a thermally driven hybrid metastructure (HMS) for actively controlling surface acoustic waves. The HMS is designed as the layered structure of a thermoresponsive polymer (TP), thermal metamaterials (TMs) and an intermediate layer (IL) made of silica aerogel. For providing multi-functions, TPs conduct the considerable elastic modulus changes and corresponding wave manipulation at a certain glass transition temperature while TMs enable the programmed heating configuration, and the IL mitigates thermal and acoustic wave interference. By introducing the IL, the entire energy of the propagating wave is captured at the interface and interference between the wave and thermal energy is prevented, which directly reflects the temperature control through the TMs into the TP heating configuration. Versatile functions of programmable wave engineering including omnidirectional wave focusing-collimation through modified Luneberg lenses, dual-functioning focusing-bifurcation, and double refraction through 3-phase wave steering are demonstrated using the proposed HMS implemented by the temperature gradient design of TMs. This work will inspire tunable and scalable platforms for active controls of wave propagation enabled by thermal energy as a driving force.

Dynamical behavior of viscoelastic functionally graded tapered rotors partially filled with liquid

In this study, the dynamics and stability of a viscoelastic functionally graded tapered rotor partially filled with liquid are investigated. It is assumed that the radius of the rotor varies linearly, while the density and elastic modulus change exponentially along the longitudinal direction of the rotor. The Kelvin–Voigt model is utilized to describe the viscoelastic material. The governing equations of motion of the rotor system are established via Hamilton's principle. By using the Laplace transform and the Galerkin method, the characteristic equation of the system is obtained. Then, the complex frequencies of the system are computed in the first order on the basis of the characteristic equation. The critical divergence and flutter rotating speeds are acquired. The stability of the rotor system with viscoelastic effects is examined. Finally, the effects of the main parameters including the gradient parameter, taper ratio, hollowness ratio, mass ratio, cavity ratio, and the viscoelastic coefficient on the dynamical behavior of the system are discussed, respectively. The results show that the stability of the system is strongly dependent on these parameters. Also, the results indicate that the viscoelasticity of the material mainly affects the stability evolution of the rotor system.

Effects of Plasticizers on Characterization of Biodegradable Film Based on Tamarind Kernel Polysaccharide

Tamarind kernel polysaccharide-based film was formulated to study the effects of polyethylene glycol 400, glycerol, sorbitol, tween 80, tween 40, tween 20 and span 20 on mechanical, optical, and thermal properties. Addition of plasticizers to tamarind kernel polysaccharide led to changes in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break of the films. The tensile strength of films containing polyethylene glycol 400, glycerol, sorbitol, tween 20 and span 20 was lower than films containing tween 80, tween 40 and non-plasticized film. Sorbitol-plasticized film exhibited the best mechanical properties with lowest tensile strength, 6.07 MPa and highest elongation at break 5.91%. Film containing sorbitol also showed highest optical transparency, while polyethylene glycol 400 and glycerol exhibited lowest transparency and highest whiteness index. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that incorporation of plasticizers increased the mobility of the polymer chains. The addition of sorbitol, glycerol, and tween 20 reduced the glass transition temperature of tamarind kernel polysaccharide film from 49.81 to 20.97, 42.41 and 42.92 °C, respectively. Sorbitol proved to be an effective plasticizer for improving flexibility and enhancing the optical property of tamarind kernel polysaccharide film. As a result of the research, it was discovered that tamarind kernel polysaccharide film plasticized with sorbitol has the potential to be used in the creation of biopolymer film for culinary and biomedical applications.

Analysis of Vibration Characteristics of Cross-Type Hydraulic Pipeline Based on Finite Element Method

Branched hydraulic lines are prone to leakage and break under complex working conditions. The coupling vibration problem caused by the fluid pressure beat and external mechanical excitation of the pump at the junction of the branch of the cross-type hydraulic pipeline is very common. So a method combining finite element simulation and fluid-structure interaction vibration experiments is proposed for research. First, the possibility of the finite element method in solving the pipeline vibration problem is verified, and then the modal analysis and harmonious response analysis of the cross-type pipe are carried out to discuss the influence of fluid pressure and solid elastic modulus on pipeline vibration. The results show that as the fluid pressure and pipeline elastic modulus change, different modes of different orders will be affected. Under external excitation, only a portion of the order is sensitive to external excitation.

Off-stoichiometry and molybdenum substitution effects on elastic moduli of B1-type titanium carbide

B1-type MX ceramics are composed of transition metals (M) and C, N, and/or O (X) occupying the M and X sites, respectively, and having M–X nearest neighbor (NN) bonds and M–M and X–X next nearest neighbor (NNN) bonds. Substitution of the elements and the formation of structural vacancies in B1-type ceramics change the numbers and strengths of the bonds, leading to novel properties. The change in elastic modulus of off-stoichiometric TiC in equilibrium with a Ti–Mo solid solution phase was experimentally investigated based on the rule of mixtures from the Voigt model. The experimentally obtained values agreed well with the results of density functional theory calculations. The bulk modulus (K) of TiC increased from 205.6 to 239.2 GPa as the fraction of Ti sites occupied by Mo increased from 0.11 to 0.33, whereas the Young’s modulus (E) and the shear modulus (G) remained nearly constant. On the other hand, all three elastic moduli decreased with increasing vacancy fraction at the C sites. These results suggest that the M–X bond strength should be the dominant factor in these moduli and the effect of M–M bond on K is greater than that of G and E.

Variation Pattern of the Elastic Modulus of Concrete under Combined Humidity and Heat Conditions.

The coupling effect of moisture content and temperature on the elastic modulus of concrete is experimentally investigated. The elastic modulus of dry concrete exhibits a clear temperature-weakening effect, while the elastic modulus of wet concrete exhibits a water-strengthening effect at room temperature. Under humidity-heat conditions, the elastic modulus of wet concrete declines with the temperature rise. When the temperature is 20 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, 520 °C, and 620 °C, the humidity-heat coupling factors of the elastic modulus change rate DI˙F with moisture content are 0.08, 0.07, 0.04, 0.01, and -0.03, respectively, and the declining rate increases with the rise of moisture content. The relation between the humidity-heat coupling factor DIF, moisture content, and temperature was established; The equivalent relation between the water-strengthening effect and the temperature-weakening effect of the elastic modulus was obtained. The temperature range of the strengthening effect and "apparent weakening effect" of water stored inside concrete before heating on elastic modulus was determined; The evolutionary mechanism of the competition between the microcrack expansion and healing of concrete under combined humidity and heat conditions was revealed.

Living cells as a biological analog of optical tweezers - a non-invasive microrheology approach.

Microrheology, the study of fluids on micron length-scales, promises to reveal insights into cellular biology, including mechanical biomarkers of disease and the interplay between biomechanics and cellular function. Here a minimally-invasive passive microrheology technique is applied to individual living cells by chemically binding a bead to the surface of a cell, and observing the mean squared displacement of the bead at timescales ranging from milliseconds to 100s of seconds. Measurements are repeated over the course of hours, and presented alongside analysis to quantify changes in the cells' low-frequency elastic modulus, G0', and the cell's dynamics over the time window ∼10-2s to 10s. An analogy to optical trapping allows verification of the invariant viscosity of HeLa S3 cells under control conditions and after cytoskeletal disruption. Stiffening of the cell is observed during cytoskeletal rearrangement in the control case, and cell softening when the actin cytoskeleton is disrupted by Latrunculin B. These data correlate with conventional understanding that integrin binding and recruitment triggers cytoskeletal rearrangement. This is, to our knowledge, the first time that cell stiffening has been measured during focal adhesion maturation, and the longest time over which such stiffening has been quantified by any means. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here, we present an approach for studying mechanical properties of live cells without applying external forces or inserting tracers. Regulation of cellular biomechanics is crucial to healthy cell function. For the first time in literature, we can non-invasively and passively quantify cell mechanics during interactions with functionalised surface. Our method can monitor the maturation of adhesion sites on the surface of individual live cells without disrupting the cell mechanics by applying forces to the cell. We observe a stiffening response in cells over tens of minutes after a bead chemically binds. This stiffening reduces the deformation rate of the cytoskeleton, although the internal force generation increases. Our method has potential for applications to study mechanics during cell-surface and cell-vesicle interactions.

Numerical Investigation of Residual Stress Formation Mechanisms in Flash-Butt Welded Rail

For the construction of long and continuous railway lines as well as the replacement of defected rails, rails are joined using flash-butt welding. Under various localized temperatures and thermo-mechanical stresses, a residual stress can develop in the flash-butt welded joint. The residual stress can affect the performance and reliability of the welded rail, particularly in terms of progressive structural damage caused by repeated wheel load. In the present work, the mechanisms of residual stress formation in a flash-butt welded rail and the influence of upsetting force (including its temperature range and magnitude) were investigated using the thermal elastic–plastic finite element analysis. The formation mechanisms of residual stress involved the changes in thermal expansion coefficient, strain, and elastic modulus of the welded joint with respect to temperature. The calculated cooling temperatures and residual stresses in the flash-butt welded joint were in good agreement with the measured results. Compressive residual stresses were observed around the rail head and the rail foot (i.e., approximately −648 MPa at the rail head and −495 MPa at the rail foot), while tensile residual stresses were observed at the rail web (i.e., approximately 165 MPa). It was observed that the investigated compressive upsetting force predominantly induced plastic deformation within the welded joint, resulting in minimal alteration of stress. Consequently, the investigated ranges of upsetting temperature and upsetting forces had an insignificant impact on the formation of residual stress.

Predicting the Early-Age Time-Dependent Behaviors of a Prestressed Concrete Beam by Using Physics-Informed Neural Network.

This paper proposes a physics-informed neural network (PINN) for predicting the early-age time-dependent behaviors of prestressed concrete beams. The PINN utilizes deep neural networks to learn the time-dependent coupling among the effective prestress force and the several factors that affect the time-dependent behavior of the beam, such as concrete creep and shrinkage, tendon relaxation, and changes in concrete elastic modulus. Unlike traditional numerical algorithms such as the finite difference method, the PINN directly solves the integro-differential equation without the need for discretization, offering an efficient and accurate solution. Considering the trade-off between solution accuracy and the computing cost, optimal hyperparameter combinations are determined for the PINN. The proposed PINN is verified through the comparison to the numerical results from the finite difference method for two representative cross sections of PSC beams.

Effects of Bio-Aging on Mechanical Properties and Microbial Behavior of Different Resin Composites.

Under challenging oral environments, the overall performance of resin composites is affected by bio-aging. This study investigated the effects of saliva biofilm-induced bio-aging on the mechanical properties and microbial behavior of composites with different filler types. Microhybrid, nanohybrid, nano-filled and nano-filled flowable composites were bio-aged with saliva biofilm for 30 days. Surface morphology, roughness, mechanical and aesthetic properties were determined. A 48 h saliva biofilm model was used to evaluate the microbial behavior of different composites in vitro. Biofilm metabolic activity, lactic acid production and live/dead bacterial staining were tested. Six volunteers were selected to wear intra-oral appliances with composite slabs for 24 h and biofilms were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the biofilm formation over those materials in situ. Although there were increasing trends, surface roughness, water resorption and material solubility had no significant changes for all groups after bio-aging (p > 0.05). There were no significant changes in elastic modulus for all groups after aging (p > 0.05). However, a decrease in flexural strength in all groups was observed (p < 0.05), except for the nanoflow composite group (p > 0.05). The Vickers hardness remained stable in all groups after aging (p > 0.05), except for the nano-filled group (p < 0.05). The nanoflow composite showed distinct color changes compared to the micro-hybrid group after aging (p < 0.05). Biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid production in vitro increased slightly after bio-aging in all groups, but with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The Shannon index diversity of biofilms in situ decreased after aging (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was shown in species composition at the genus level in all groups (p > 0.05). Resin composites with different sized fillers displayed a relatively stable mechanical performance and uncompromised microbial behavior both in vitro and in situ after 30 days of bio-aging. Based on the results, composites with different filler types can be selected flexibly according to clinical needs. However, a longer time for bio-aging is still needed to confirm the mechanical properties and microbial behaviors of composites in the long run.

Degradation of the Three-Phase Boundary Zone of Carbon Fiber Anodes in an Electrochemical System.

The electrochemical recycling nanoarchitectonics of graphene oxide from carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) is a promising approach due to its economic and environmental benefits. However, the rapid degradation of the CFRP anode during the recycling process reduces its overall efficiency. Although previous studies have investigated the electrochemical oxidation of carbon fibers (CFs) and bonding of CFs to the matrix, few researchers have explicitly studied the electrochemical activity of CFs and the possible fracture caused by strong electrochemical reactions. To address this gap, this study investigates the degradation mechanism of CF anodes by analyzing changes in overall mechanical properties, hardness, elastic modulus, functional groups, and elemental composition of individual fibers. The experimental results demonstrate that the three-phase boundary region experiences the most severe degradation, primarily due to the number of oxygen-containing functional groups, which is the most important factor affecting the degree of degradation. This continuous decrease in the hardness and elastic modulus of individual fibers eventually leads to the fracture of CF anodes.

TiNbSn stems with gradient changes of Young’s modulus and stiffness reduce stress shielding compared to the standard fit-and-fill stems

BackgroundThe difference between Young’s moduli of the femur and the stem causes stress shielding (SS). TiNbSn (TNS) stem has a low Young’s modulus and strength with gradient functional properties during the change in elastic modulus with heat treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of TNS stems on SS and their clinical outcomes compared to conventional stems.MethodsThis study was a clinical trial. Primary THA was performed using a TNS stem from April 2016 to September 2017 for patients in the TNS group. Unilateral THA was performed using a Ti6Al4V alloy stem from January 2007 to February 2011 for patients in the control group. The TNS and Ti6Al4V stems were matched in shape. Radiographs were obtained at the 1- and 3-year follow-ups. Two surgeons independently checked the SS grade and appearance of cortical hypertrophy (CH). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores before and 1 year after surgery were assessed as clinical scores.ResultsNone of the patients in the TNS group had grade 3 or 4 SS. In contrast, in the control group, 24% and 40% of patients had grade 3 and 4 SS at the 1- and 3-year follow-ups, respectively. The SS grade was lower in the TNS group than in the control group at the 1- and 3-year follow-ups (p < 0.001). The frequencies of CH in both groups were no significant difference at the 1- and 3-year follow-ups. The JOA scores of the TNS group significantly improved at 1 year after surgery and were comparable to control group.ConclusionThe TNS stem reduced SS at 1 and 3 years after THA compared to the proximal-engaging cementless stem, although the shapes of the stems matched. The TNS stem could reduce SS, stem loosening, and periprosthetic fractures.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials. ISRCTN21241251. https://www.isrctn.com/search?q=21241251. The date of registration was October 26, 2021. Retrospectively registered.

Research on the forward-modeling method of viscoelastic Chapman extension in partially saturated rocks

The propagation of seismic waves in fractured rocks is greatly influenced by the fracture system and fluid content. Seismic anisotropy varies with frequency and fluid saturation. Previous theories on frequency-dependent anisotropy (FDA) are mostly limited to the assumption of single-phase fluid, whereas almost all reservoirs are usually partially or fully saturated with one or more fluids. The inelasticity, heterogeneity, and anisotropy exhibited by real earth media seriously challenge the traditional theory of uniform fully elastic media. Therefore, based on the Chapman elastic theory, we consider the viscoelastic model, the relative mobility of saturated fluids, and the coupled effects of commonly independently considered squirt flow and patch effects on the frequency-dependent anisotropic seismic wave propagation in viscoelastic media. By calculating the frequency-dependent anisotropic elastic coefficients of two-phase immiscible fluid-saturated fractured rocks, a new viscoelastic Chapman extension model for FDA in partially saturated rocks, which includes the unified seismic wave propagation effects of squirt flow and patch effects, is constructed. The effect of relative permeability is significant, and compared to the case of complete saturation, the effective fluid mobility in partially saturated rocks may be lower, which may lead to nonmonotonic changes in elastic modulus and water saturation. Numerical experiments are conducted on our viscoelastic Chapman extension model to discuss the coupling effects of squirt flow and patch effects on the FDA of viscoelastic media in cracked rocks with partially saturated reservoirs, under the conditions of no fractures and the existence of fractures. The simulation results of the P-wave modulus, P-wave velocity, and anisotropy parameters confirm the validity of our method and model. We link the anisotropy of viscoelastic media with fluid flow parameters in fractures, which is conducive to improving the understanding of frequency-dependent seismic anisotropy in partially saturated rocks with fractures and the combination of seismology and reservoir engineering.

Increased Ca2+ signaling through CaV 1.2 induces tendon hypertrophy with increased collagen fibrillogenesis and biomechanical properties.

Tendons are tension-bearing tissues transmitting force from muscle to bone for body movement. This mechanical loading is essential for tendon development, homeostasis, and healing after injury. While Ca2+ signaling has been studied extensively for its roles in mechanotransduction, regulating muscle, bone, and cartilage development and homeostasis, knowledge about Ca2+ signaling and the source of Ca2+ signals in tendon fibroblast biology are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the function of Ca2+ signaling through CaV 1.2 voltage-gated Ca2+ channel in tendon formation. Using a reporter mouse, we found that CaV 1.2 is highly expressed in tendon during development and downregulated in adult homeostasis. To assess its function, we generated ScxCre;CaV 1.2TS mice that express a gain-of-function mutant CaV 1.2 in tendon. We found that mutant tendons were hypertrophic, with more tendon fibroblasts but decreased cell density. TEM analyses demonstrated increased collagen fibrillogenesis in the hypertrophic tendons. Biomechanical testing revealed that the hypertrophic tendons display higher peak load and stiffness, with no changes in peak stress and elastic modulus. Proteomic analysis showed no significant difference in the abundance of type I and III collagens, but mutant tendons had about two-fold increase in other ECM proteins such as tenascin C, tenomodulin, periostin, type XIV and type VIII collagens, around 11-fold increase in the growth factor myostatin, and significant elevation of matrix remodeling proteins including Mmp14, Mmp2, and cathepsin K. Taken together, these data highlight roles for increased Ca2+ signaling through CaV 1.2 on regulating expression of myostatin growth factor and ECM proteins for tendon collagen fibrillogenesis during tendon formation.

Differential Response to Mechanical Cues in Uterine Fibroid Versus Paired Myometrial Cells.

Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are common, benign tumors for which hysterectomy is the only definitive treatment. The extracellular matrix of fibroids is disorganized and stiffer than the surrounding myometrial tissue. To understand how stiffness affects fibroid cells, patient-matched fibroid and myometrial cells were cultured on substrates with stiffnesses varying from 0.2 to 150kPa. Fibroid cells grew more slowly than myometrial cells overall, and only the myometrial cells altered their growth rate in response to stiffness. In both cell types, cell proliferation decreased with inhibition of PI3K and increased with inhibition of IGF-1. The cellular area was greater for the fibroid cells. The only significant effect of stiffness on the cell area was between the 0.2 and 64kPa substrates, and this was true for both cell types. To investigate intracellular stiffness, intracellular particle tracking microrheology was used. Fibroid cells exhibited a more than 100-fold increase in elastic modulus at a frequency of 1Hz in response to the addition of external stress, while myometrial cells showed little change in elastic modulus. Overall, the responses of both cells followed similar trends in response to stiffness and inhibitors, although the response was attenuated in the fibroid cells. The changes that were demonstrated by the change in intracellular stiffness with response to compression suggest that other mechanical forces may provide insight into differences in the two cell types.

Design from recycling: Overcoming barriers in regranulate use in a circular economy

Despite government and consumer attitudes, industry's use of recycled material remains low and narrowly scoped. Critical advances in recycling practices and technology depend on increased scope of application for regranulates, which can be achieved through design from recycling principles. We investigated regranulates and laboratory reprocessed material in the context of processing, ability to meet functional requirements, viability of closed loop recycling, design strategies and co-dependent industry reforms. Reprocessing results in polymer degradation, changes in melt flow rate (MFR) and tensile impact strength (atN) and restricts polymer processing options. Contamination and multilayer packaging cause changes in MFR, atN, elastic modulus (E) and elongation at break (εb) affecting ability to meet application-specific functional requirements. The problem is complex, whereby the preferences and requirements of recyclers, designers, industry, and consumers are contradictory. New high value regranulate applications using clever design practices are necessary to finance new sorting and processing technology in addition to industry and consumer tolerance and conservative product expectations to circumvent these competing interests.

Mechanical degradation model of porous coal with water intrusion

To study the mechanical degradation of deep coal seam due to geothermal and groundwater effects, a nonlinear constitutive model of porous coal in humid environments, considering water-coal interaction, is proposed from the perspective of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Wet coal damage is attributed to interfacial degradation of coal matrix and dissolution of inorganic salt, which can be described together by the product of an internal variable and a degradation parameter. A linear correlation is identified between the fixed carbon content and the degradation parameter, indicating that coal is more prone to mechanical degradation after water absorption if it contains a higher amount of carbon. After water saturation, the elastic modulus of coal with a fixed carbon content of 56.59% is significantly reduced by 46%, while that of coal with fixed carbon content of 40.81% is reduced by 29%. This study also confirms that the water content in porous coal first increases rapidly, by more than 60% during the first 25% water intrusion time, and then stabilizes gradually. The accuracy and the applicability of the model are validated by comparing the experimental data with the theoretical predictions of the changes in elastic modulus and porosity during coal water absorption.