Fiber Composite Materials Research Articles

Preparation of Bi@Ho3+:TiO2/Composite Fiber Photocatalytic Materials and Hydrogen Production via Visible Light Decomposition of Water

Using electrospun nanofibers doped with TiO2 and rare-earth ion Ho3+ as the matrix, and sodium gluconate as the reducing agent, Bi(NO3)3 was reduced using hydrothermal technology to produce Bi@Ho3+:TiO2 composite fiber materials. The materials’ phase, morphology, and photoelectric properties were characterized using various analytical testing methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), and transient photocurrent (IP). During the hydrothermal process, it was confirmed that Bi3+ was reduced by sodium gluconate to form pure Bi nanoparticles, which combined with Ho3+:TiO2 nanofibers to form heterojunctions. By leveraging the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of metallic Bi and the abundant energy level structure and 4f electron transition properties of rare-earth Ho3+, the TiO2 nanofibers underwent dual modification, effectively enhancing the photocatalytic activity and stability of TiO2. Under visible light irradiation, the rate of hydrogen production through water decomposition reached 43.6 μmol·g−1·h−1.

Nanostructured NiO-polyaniline fibers composite smart material as a room temperature ammonia sensor

Nanostructured NiO-polyaniline fibers composite smart material as a room temperature ammonia sensor

Facile Fabrication of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8@Regenerated Cellulose Nanofibrous Membranes for Effective Adsorption of Tetracycline Hydrochloride.

The excessive utilization of antimicrobials in humans and animals has resulted in considerable environmental contamination, necessitating the development of high-performance antibiotic adsorption media. A significant challenge is the development of composite nanofibrous materials that are both beneficial and easy to fabricate, with the aim of improving adsorption capacity. Herein, a new kind of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)-modified regenerated cellulose nanofibrous membrane (ZIF-8@RC NFM) was designed and fabricated by combining electrospinning and in situ surface modification technologies. Benefiting from its favorable surface wettability, enhanced tensile strength, interconnected porous structure, and relatively large specific surface area, the resulting ZIF-8@RC NFMs exhibit a relatively high adsorption capacity for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) of 105 mg g-1 within 3 h. Moreover, a Langmuir isotherm model and a pseudo-second-order model have been demonstrated to be more appropriate for the description of the TCH adsorption process of ZIF-8@RC-3 NFMs. Additionally, this composite fibrous material could keep a relatively stable adsorption capability under various ionic strengths. The successful fabrication of the novel ZIF-8@RC NFMs may shed light on the further development of wastewater adsorption treatment materials.

Influence of Substrate Location on Mechanical Behaviour of Glass Fibre Composite Materials with Embedded Printed Electronics

Influence of Substrate Location on Mechanical Behaviour of Glass Fibre Composite Materials with Embedded Printed Electronics

Exploring the Potential Applications of Wool Fibers in Composite Materials: A Review.

The use of renewable resources in composite materials is a vital strategy for enhancing sustainability in material science. Wool fibers are promising due to their unique properties, including thermal insulation and self-extinguishing characteristics. However, a substantial portion of wool is deemed unsuitable for textiles and is often discarded as waste. This review investigates the integration of wool fibers into polymer composites, aiming to improve sustainability and material performance. By analyzing recent advancements, this study highlights the potential of wool fibers to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties of composites. The findings support the development of eco-friendly materials that contribute to waste reduction and promote sustainable practices across various industries.

End effect and cut strategy of single-oriented one-dimensional fiber composites with high thermal conductivity

Fiber composite materials with high thermal conductivity are increasingly important in practical applications, particularly for efficient heat-dissipating shell packaging materials. This paper uses random position generation and finite element simulation to investigate the end effect in single-oriented one-dimensional fiber composites, significantly reducing their thermal conductivity. The analysis of the end region reveals that the end effect is caused by the deviation in fiber number at both ends of the composite material. A relationship between the end region thickness, fiber length, and composite thickness is established. A new optimal end-cutting strategy is proposed to enhance thermal conductivity by simulating the representative volume element. This strategy can improve the thermal conductivity by up to five times. Additionally, a new model for calculating the thermal conductivity of single-oriented fiber composites is presented. The model was experimentally validated by testing the thermal conductivity of a prepared sample, showing an error rate of less than 3 %, thereby confirming the model's accuracy.

Efficient uranium adsorption of low-cost and eco-friendly MQ2-collagen fibers (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se) composite materials prepared by co-ball milling

Efficient uranium adsorption of low-cost and eco-friendly MQ2-collagen fibers (M = Mo, W; Q = S, Se) composite materials prepared by co-ball milling

Fe3C@C composite fiber mats prepared by electrospinning with heat treatment and their application to Li-S batteries

The main challenges facing Li-S batteries stem from the low conductivity of sulfur and the dissolution of lithium polysulfides. This study addresses these issues by synthesizing Fe3C@C nanofibers through electrospinning followed by heat treatments, which are then applied as an interlayer in Li-S cells. The pre-oxidation temperature is adjusted to achieve the desired material properties, in which Fe3C nanoparticles are embedded in graphitic carbon nanofibers, resulting in a high specific surface area and mesopore volume. This configuration provides excellent polysulfide adsorption and catalytic properties for their further conversion. Consequently, when used as an interlayer, the electrochemical performance of the cell, including discharge capacity (first: 1174 vs. 850 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), stability (852 vs. 400 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles), and rate-capability (620 vs. 100 mAh g−1 at 2 C), is significantly enhanced compared to cells without interlayer.

Mechanical behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polyester in a humid environment

Glass fiber composite materials have been well known in certain maritime applications for a long time, being used in several applications in different fields. The characteristics of Glass fiber-reinforced Polyester (GFRP) depend on the contained fibers, the matrix used, and the fiber-to-total volume ratio. GFRP is a polymer material used in various fields; it is generally preferred for its ease of installation and its very long lifespan, even in the presence of aggressive fluids. The aim of this research is to study the evolution of mechanical properties (tensile strength and flexural strength) of GFRP preserved in different environments such as open air (control), drinking water, and seawater (harsh environment). Additionally, tests on GFRP are conducted through chemical characterization studies or SEM observation of the resin. Lastly, GFRP is considered to be chemically stable for a conservation period of one year in seawater. Finally, despite the conservation of GFRP for a year in a humid and sulphate environment, we note that the connection between the fibers and the matrix is ​​in good condition, or the conservation environment has no influence on the GFRP composite.

Ethylcellulose and bismuth sodium titanate-barium zirconate titanate (BNT-BZT) composite fibers for triboelectric energy harvesting

Green cellulose and toxic-free/rare earth-free nanomaterials are promising towards the development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as energy harvesters for sustainable electronics. In this study, ethylcellulose (EC) and bismuth sodium titanate-barium zirconate titanate (BNT-BZT) are used as raw materials. An EC and BNT-BZT composite fiber mat was prepared by electrospinning and used as a positive triboelectric layer in a friction nanogenerator, while fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) was used as a negative triboelectric layer. After optimizing the electrospinning parameters and characterizing the materials, the developed TENG output power was studied as a function of the BNT-BZT doping concentration in the EC. At 2 wt% of doping, the output voltage of the TENG has a 3-fold increase compared with that obtained with a pure EC mat as the positive triboelectric layer. In addition, the TENG showed good output performance and operating stability after exposure to high temperature (70 ºC) and relative humidity (90 %). The maximum output power density of 134 μW/cm2 was obtained at a load resistance of 210 MΩ, showing good prospects in powering Internet of Things (IoT) sensor nodes.

Optimization and Modelling of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Grass Fiber Reinforced with Slag-Based Composites Using Response Surface Methodology.

The construction industry's high energy consumption and carbon emissions negatively impact the ecological environment; large-scale construction projects consume much energy and emit a significant amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. Statistics show that 30% of energy loss and 40% of solid waste in the construction industry are generated during construction. Therefore, reducing emissions during construction has significant research potential and value. Many scholars have recently studied eco-friendly building materials to facilitate the use of high-carbon emission materials like cement. Adding fibers to composite materials has become a research hotspot among these studies. Although adding fibers to composite materials has many advantages, it mainly reduces the compressive strength of the composite material. This research used the response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the raw material ratios and thus improve the performance of plant fiber composite materials. Single-factor experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of grass size, grass content, and quicklime content on the composite materials' compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption. The influencing factors and levels for the response surface experiment were determined based on the results of the single-factor analysis. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), a second-order polynomial regression model was established to analyze the interaction effects of the three factors on the composite materials' compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption rate. The optimal ratio was determined: the optimized options for grass size, grass content, and quicklime content are 2.0 mm, 8.2 g, and 38 g, respectively. The actual values of compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption rate of the composite materials made according to the predicted ratio are 11.425 MPa, 2.145 MPa, and 21.89%, respectively, with a relative error of 8% between the actual and predicted values. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were also used to reveal the factors contributing to the relatively high strength of the optimized samples.

Research on computationally generative design of woven braced structure based on fiber composite material in architectural design industry

ABSTRACT With the intervention of computer algorithm-assisted design in the realm of contemporary architectural design, architectural spatial forms and corresponding design methods have improved significantly. However, the limitations of material strength and plasticity impose certain constraints on the architectural design of the new century. Based on this occurrence, this paper studies the development of a computational generative design system for woven braced structure composed of fiber-reinforced materials. Through experimental data of material performance, the research firstly argues feasibility of employing fiber composite materials to braced structure. The conclusion is that the structure designed and generated could produce a support of 1 ton per ㎡. Moreover, based on the ant colony algorithm and the algorithm principle of cellular automata on the Java platform, the study designs a generative system with iterative computing of force as the major axis to achieve the self-organization and adaptability of the braced structure. Above all, this paper proposes a design strategy engaging with computational generative design approach, as well as a design attempt for the material and form of architecture.

Recent advances to engineer tough basalt fiber reinforced composites: A review

AbstractBasalt fibers, known as “green materials without pollution in the 21st century”, have gained widespread attention due to its good mechanical properties. Basalt fiber‐based composites have applications in various fields such as construction, transportation, energy, and protection. However, as an inorganic fiber material, basalt fiber is hard and brittle and prone to catastrophic failure, reducing the safety of the material. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the toughness of basalt fiber‐based composites. This paper reviews the contributions made by researchers in recent years to enhance the toughness of basalt fiber reinforced composites. It mainly focuses on four aspects: physical and chemical modification of fibers surface, mixed application of multiple fibers, different textile and 3D printing technology, and design of biomimetic structures. Through these methods, the toughness of basalt fiber‐reinforced composite materials was increased by 10%–90%. In today's advocacy for green industrial development, the research and application of basalt fibers are very important for advancing the process of green development. These contributions can promote the application of basalt fiber in engineering fields.Highlights Basalt fiber is a green material without pollution. Basalt fiber reinforced composites is the key material for engineering field. Strengthening interfacial adhesion can significantly improve the toughness of composites. Basalt fibers can serve as an alternative to glass fibers in composite materials. The hybridization of basalt fibers with soft fibers can effectively enhance the toughness of composites.

Rigid-flexible coupling dynamic modelling and dynamic accuracy analysis of planar cam four-bar mechanism with multiple clearance joints

Combination mechanism of conjugate cam and four-bar is a complex type of multi-body system, in which the coupling problems such as cam profile law, flexible deformation of connecting rods, and multiple joint clearance collision make it difficult to model and optimise its dynamics. Just as the beating-up mechanism of high-speed rapier looms for multi-layer weaving is a representative conjugate cam four-bar mechanism. In response to the current development of textile machinery in the direction of high-speed and precision, and in order to improve the work efficiency and operational accuracy of the conjugate cam four-bar beating-up mechanism, the following work is done for the purpose of taking into account the multi-joint clearance and the flexible rod based on the mechanism. Firstly, based on Kane's equation, a multi-body dynamic model with multiple clearances is established combined with clearance collision theory. Secondly, a dynamic model of a rigid-flexible coupling system with multiple revolute clearances is established using finite element method combined with modal synthesis technology. Subsequently, the variables separation method and mode superposition method are used to solve the dynamic equations of the coupled system. Finally, numerical examples are used to analyse the effects of clearance quantity, clearance size, mode truncation order, cam speed, and component material properties on the dynamic response and accuracy of the system. The results show that, in the rotational speed range of 600–800 rpm, the dynamic performance of the system is little affected by the speed; Through comparative analysis of multiple materials, it is found that selecting carbon fibre composite materials has the smallest impact on the motion accuracy of the system. In this paper, the clearance collision model, finite element model and rigid-flexible coupling dynamic model are integrated, which are applied to the cam-linkage combined multi-body mechanism, and the dynamic problems of the actual machine are analysed and solved.

Mechanical performance simulation and optimal design of carbon fiber composite B-pillar

This study primarily concentrates on the layer optimization and structural refinement of carbon fiber composite B-pillars. In the initial phase, an initial layer configuration for the carbon fiber composite material B-pillar was devised, followed by comprehensive finite element numerical simulations. The weight of the B-pillar was effectively diminished by 44.9% compared to its metal counterpart, while maintaining consistent performance across diverse operational conditions. Subsequently, an advanced layer thickness optimization model was formulated, incorporating the innovative ‘super layer’ concept. Integration of simulation software, such as ISIGHT and ABAQUS, facilitated the determination of optimal layer thickness and ratio for the composite material. The layer order was systematically optimized through the application of a discrete particle swarm optimization algorithm based on exchange order, adeptly addressing issues related to discontinuous design variables and potential combinations. The incorporation of a ply drop-off structure laying scheme was derived, resulting in an impressive weight reduction of 57.5%. In the final phase, adherence to NCAP side collision testing standards enabled a comprehensive evaluation, where in various indicators including deformation mode, intrusion amount, and intrusion speed were employed. The results substantiate that the composite B-pillar exhibits equivalent side impact resistance to the original metal B-pillar, ensuring robust passenger protection.

Preparation of superhydrophobic carbon fiber composite surface with excellent durability

AbstractSuper‐hydrophobic surface has excellent waterproof, self‐cleaning and delayed icing properties, and is widely used in various fields, but its lack of durability restricts its large‐scale use. In this paper, carbon fiber composite material with excellent mechanical properties is selected as the substrate, PTFE nanoparticles with excellent hydrophobicity are used as the surface energy substance, and metal screen is selected as the template, combined with hot pressing molding process, a super‐hydrophobic surface with multi‐level micro‐nano structure is successfully constructed. The test shows that the water contact angle of the surface is 169°, and the rolling angle is about 2°. The contact angle of the surface is also over 150° for other liquids, and it bounces off the external water droplets for three times, so it can easily take away pollutants and keep the surface dry and clean under the action of water flow. In the same icing environment, compared with the original surface, it can prolong the freezing time of droplets by 5 times. After repeated rubbing, the surface still has superhydrophobic properties until the whole surface is completely destroyed. The preparation method used in this study is simple, and the prepared superhydrophobic surface has excellent performance, which is expected to promote the application of superhydrophobic surface in practical working conditions.Highlights The preparation method is fast, efficient, low‐energy and environment‐friendly, and the used materials are simple and economical, and can be reused. The prepared surface has excellent hydrophobic performance for different media. The prepared superhydrophobic surface has low adhesion and droplet rebound performance. The prepared superhydrophobic surface has excellent delayed icing performance. The prepared superhydrophobic surface has excellent wear resistance.

Development of flexible, lead-free electrospun fibers comprising PVDF and NiFe2O4 for harvesting mechanical and stray magnetic fields

This research focuses on crafting highly flexible and efficient mechanical and magneto-mechano-electrical (MME) nanogenerators using electrospun poly (vinylidene fluoride)-nickel ferrite (PVDF-NiFe2O4) composite fibers, tailored for self-powered and wireless sensor networks. Nickel ferrite nanoparticles, averaging 40 nm in crystallite size, were synthesized through the autocombustion method and integrated as fillers within the PVDF matrix. Analysis via XRD and FTIR confirmed a greater presence of the ferroelectric β-phase in the PVDF electrospun fibers, accentuated by the incorporation of NiFe2O4. Notably, the mat containing 5 wt% of NiFe2O4 boasted an estimated 86 % β-phase. SEM micrographs depicted the formation of uniform bead-free fiber with a diameter of 900 nm. VSM analysis verified the ferrimagnetic properties of the composite fiber mats, registering a maximum saturation magnetization of 4.6 emu/cm3. Under mechanical tapping, the nanogenerator yielded an output voltage of 16.5 V and a power of 0.8 μW. The study also compared the performance of two MME nanogenerator geometries (rectangular and truncated) under an AC magnetic field of 10 Oe. Remarkably, the MME nanogenerator with a truncated geometry exhibited superior performance, generating 6.2 V, a 50 % increase over the rectangular counterpart.

Domain Decomposition and Model Order Reduction for Electromagnetic Field Simulations in Carbon Fiber Composite Materials

The computation of the electric field in composite materials at the microscopic scale results in an immense number of degrees of freedom. Consequently, this often leads to prohibitively long computation times and extensive memory requirements, making direct computation impractical. In this study, one employs an innovative approach that integrates domain decomposition and model order reduction to retain local information while significantly reducing computation time. Domain decomposition allows for the division of the computational domain into smaller, more manageable subdomains, enabling parallel processing and reducing the overall complexity of the problem. Model order reduction further enhances this by approximating the solution in a lower-dimensional subspace, thereby minimising the number of unknown variables that need to be computed. Comparative analysis between the results obtained from the reduced model and those from direct resolution demonstrates that our method not only reduces computation time but also maintains accuracy. The new method effectively captures the essential characteristics of the electric field distribution in composite materials, ensuring that the local phenomena are accurately represented. This study provides a contribution to the field of computational electromagnetics by presenting a feasible solution to the challenges posed by the high computational demands of simulating composite materials at the microscopic scale. The proposed methodology offers a promising direction for future research and practical applications, enabling more efficient and accurate simulations of complex material systems.

Post-consumer high-density polyethylene matrix reinforced by sugarcane bagasse fibers treated in stearic acid solution

The study aimed to advance composite technology by exploring the potential of recycled materials, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites reinforced with sugarcane bagasse fibers. This research not only addresses environmental concerns by utilizing recyclable materials but also aims to offer significant technical, economic, and social advantages. The investigation focused on formulating and evaluating these composites, considering varying proportions of untreated sugarcane bagasse fibers and examining the effects of chemical treatment with stearic acid at different temperatures. Using a conical twin-screw extruder and injector, the researchers produced and analyzed the composites both morphologically and mechanically. The principal findings indicated that the inclusion of untreated fibers improved the stiffness and tensile strength of the composites. Nevertheless, adhesion between the fibers and the matrix was compromised, especially with higher fiber concentrations. Chemical treatment at 40 °C significantly improved fiber/matrix interactions, thereby enhancing the reliability and mechanical properties of the composites. This treatment led to substantial increases in tensile and compressive strengths, particularly noticeable in composites containing 10%–15% fiber by weight. These results not only demonstrate the feasibility of using recycled HDPE and sugarcane bagasse fibers in composite materials but also suggest avenues for further exploration. Future research could delve deeper into optimizing chemical treatment processes to achieve even better adhesion and mechanical performance. Moreover, exploring broader applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, naval, civil engineering, and packaging could unlock new opportunities for these sustainable composites. This study thus paves the way for advancing composite technology towards more environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions.

MODERN APPROACHES TO THE USE OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS IN CONSTRUCTION

A review of the literature on scientific approaches in the development of composite materials and building structures made of composites is carried out. When creating and manufacturing traditional and new composite materials, for example, by additive manufacturing, and when creating structures and structures in engineering calculations, new techniques, finite element computational software systems, and neural network technologies are used, which are used in the creation of modern metal and composite materials, analysis of mechanical characteristics of materials, forecasting loads on the structure, optimization of structures and calculation of their construction characteristics. The distinctive features of modern composite materials are shown. The main types of composite materials are considered: talc, diatomite, calcium carbonate, gibbsite, barium sulfate, feldspar, nepheline, aragonite, calcium carbonate, wool, silk, cotton, linen, jute, wood pulp, asbestos, fiberglass, metal fibers, quartz fibers, basalt fibers, polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, carbon fibers, viscose fibers. The physical and mechanical characteristics of composite materials (based on epoxy, aluminum, carbon, magnesium, and nickel matrices) and traditional (steel, aluminum, brick, concrete) building materials are presented. The disadvantages of such composite materials as carbon fiber, fiberglass, organoplastics, textolite, carbon concrete, and polystyrene concrete are presented. Deformation diagrams of some types of fibers for composite materials are considered: high-modulus carbon fibers, high-strength carbon fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers, and basalt fibers. The advantages of the system of external reinforcement of building structures with composite materials are described. Examples of reinforcement of building structures are considered: reinforced concrete reinforcement; reinforcement of floor slabs; reinforcement of columns; and reinforcement of brick walls.