Components Of Composite Materials Research Articles

A fine-segmentation algorithm for XCT images of multiphase composite building materials based on deep learning

In response to the challenges presented by the variable internal structures and complex components of multiphase composite building materials, this study introduces a novel image segmentation network named UT-FusionNet. Building on the U-Net model, UT-FusionNet integrates Transformer module and tensor concatenation and fusion mechanism to overcome the limitations of convolutional networks in relation to the receptive field. UT-FusionNet is employed to segment CT images of conventional concrete, grout consolidation bodies, and fiber-reinforced concrete. The results demonstrate that UT-FusionNet achieves superior segmentation accuracy and robustness, with Accuracy (ACC), Intersection over Union (IoU) and Dice scores exceeding 90 % across all subtasks. The mean accuracy metrics are 99.44 %, 96.70 %, and 98.31 %, respectively. This innovative end-to-end network offers robust support for detailed structural analysis, damage detection, and digital modeling of multiphase composite building materials through deep learning.

Engineering of N doped carbon@FeCo alloy hollow spheres: Remarkable mid-frequency electromagnetic wave absorption performance exhibited by unique porous and wrinkled surface structure

The modulation of the shape and design of microstructures plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficient absorption of electromagnetic waves in absorbers. The electromagnetic parameters and scattering effects of these materials are directly influenced by their morphological characteristics. In this study, polystyrene microspheres were used as templates for a two-step in-situ growth process: Initially, Fe₃O₄ was coated onto the surfaces of these microspheres, followed by the in-situ growth of Fe-Co Prussian blue analogs. The rational design of electrical parameters during the conversion process was calculated and analyzed using Density Functional Theory. The precursor was calcined at various temperatures to generate a unique porous wrinkled surface hollow nanostructure. This nanostructure not only facilitates multiple reflections and scattering of incident electromagnetic waves but also promotes the occurrence of multiple interface polarizations. Doping with nitrogen and oxygen elements introduced abundant dipole polarization, thereby enhancing the electromagnetic wave attenuation capability of the composite material. The Fe3O4@PBA composite material synthesized at 600°C achieved a minimum reflection loss of −57.01 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 4.58 GHz (7.52–12.1 GHz) at a thickness of 4 mm, covering nearly the entire X-band. This method provides a means to enhance magnetic loss by temperature adjustment to control the magnetic components in composite materials, providing a systematic approach to designing the microstructure of materials used for absorbing electromagnetic waves.

Deep Learning Assisted High Resolution Microscopy Image Processing for Phase Segmentation in Functional Composite Materials

In the domain of battery research, the processing of high-resolution microscopy images is a challenging task, as it involves dealing with complex images and requires a prior understanding of the components involved. The utilization of deep learning methodologies for image analysis has attracted considerable interest in recent years, with multiple investigations employing such techniques for image segmentation and analysis within the realm of battery research. However, the automated analysis of high-resolution microscopy images for detecting phases and components in composite materials is still an underexplored area.The presentation discusses the formulation of a sophisticated deep learning-assisted workflow tailored for the meticulous processing of high throughput, high-resolution microscopy images to detect, map and analyze the evolution of periodic components from a stack of high-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) image. The developed methodology employs deep learning techniques and utilizes Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) patterns extracted from TEM images to analyze feature positions and ascertain periodic components. The approach incorporates innovative strategies to process high-resolution images, capitalizing on the symmetry within FFT patterns to enhance model performance. This methodology streamlines the detection and mapping of components while the intensity profiles derived from the frames provide valuable insights into the evolution of periodic components within the sample during the imaging period.High-resolution images obtained through a beam damage analysis investigation of lithium fluoride (LiF), a prevalent constituent within the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) of cycled lithium metal anodes, were employed to assess the program's scalability and robustness. The study elucidated decomposition products and their spatial distribution. Furthermore, the intensity profile of periodic components detected across multiple frames aided in evaluating the beam damage mechanism of the LiF component.Our research has resulted in an open-source Python GUI program that the research community can freely access and experiment with. Figure 1

An Experimental Study on the Performance of Materials for Repairing Cracks in Tunnel Linings under Erosive Environments

Addressing the current lining cracking problem in coastal tunnels, this paper independently introduces a novel type of repair material for tunnel lining cracks—the composite repair material consisting of waterborne epoxy resin and ultrafine cement (referred to as EC composite repair material). Through indoor testing, we have analyzed the change rule of the mass change rate, compressive strength, flexural strength, and chloride ion concentration of the repair material samples in erosive environments, with the dosage of each component in the EC composite repair material being varied. We have also investigated the working performance, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the repair material. The results of this study show that when the proportion of each component of ultrafine cement, waterborne epoxy resin, waterborne epoxy curing agent, waterborne polyurethane, defoamer, and water is 100:50:50:2.5:0.5:30, the performance of the EC composite repair material in a chloride ion-rich environment is optimal in all aspects. When the mixing ratio of each component of the EC composite repair material is as stated above, the repair material exhibits the best performance in a chloride ion erosion environment. With this ratio of components in the EC composite repair material, the fluidity, setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, and bond strength of the repair material in a chloride ion erosion environment can meet the requirements of relevant specifications, and it is highly effective in repairing tunnel lining cracks. The polymeric film formed by the reaction between the waterborne epoxy resin emulsion and the curing agent fills the pores between the hydration products, resulting in a densely packed internal structure of EC composite repair material with enhanced erosion resistance, making it very suitable for repairing cracks in tunnel linings in erosive environments.

Optimization of typical structural components of composite materials based on fatigue life

Abstract Optimizing the fatigue life of reinforced composite panels in hypersonic aircraft is crucial for enhancing performance and reliability. Employing the rainflow counting method and a linear cumulative damage model, we process stress-time history data under random loading. The optimization model, with structural fatigue life as the objective function and parameters as constraints, is tackled using genetic algorithms. This efficient approach, exemplified with needle-punched C/SiC composite reinforced panels, significantly improves fatigue life, offering substantial benefits to hypersonic aircraft.

Laboratory Tests on the Possibility of Using Flax Fibers as a Plant-Origin Reinforcement Component in Composite Friction Materials for Vehicle Braking Systems.

Braking systems are extremely important in any vehicle. They convert the kinetic energy of motion into thermal energy that is dissipated into the atmosphere. Different vehicle groups have different nominal and maximum speeds and masses, so the amount of thermal energy that needs to be absorbed by the friction pads and then dissipated can vary significantly. Conventional friction materials are composite materials capable of withstanding high temperatures (in the order of 500-600 °C) and high mechanical loads resulting from braking intensity and vehicle weight. In small vehicles traveling at low speeds, where both the amount of thermal energy and its density are limited, the use of slightly weaker friction materials with better ecological properties can be considered. This work proposes a prototype composite friction material using flax fibers as reinforcement instead of the commonly used aramid. A number of samples were prepared and subjected to laboratory tests. The samples were prepared using components of plant origin, specifically flax fibers. This component acted as reinforcement in the composite friction material, replacing aramid commonly used for this purpose. The main tribological characteristics were determined, such as the values of the coefficients of friction and the coefficients of abrasive wear rate. For this purpose, an authorial method using ball-cratering contact was used. The results were analyzed using statistical methods. It was found that the composite material using flax fibers does not differ significantly in its tribological properties from conventional solutions; so, it can be assumed that it can be used in the vehicle's braking system.

A Visual Measurement Method for Deep Holes in Composite Material Aerospace Components.

The visual measurement of deep holes in composite material workpieces constitutes a critical step in the robotic assembly of aerospace components. The positioning accuracy of assembly holes significantly impacts the assembly quality of components. However, the complex texture of the composite material surface and mutual interference between the imaging of the inlet and outlet edges of deep holes significantly challenge hole detection. A visual measurement method for deep holes in composite materials based on the radial penalty Laplacian operator is proposed to address the issues by suppressing visual noise and enhancing the features of hole edges. Coupled with a novel inflection-point-removal algorithm, this approach enables the accurate detection of holes with a diameter of 10 mm and a depth of 50 mm in composite material components, achieving a measurement precision of 0.03 mm.

Cu1.3Mn1.7O4/LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 composite with prospects for IT-SOFC/SOEC applications

Composite materials with the composition (100-x)Cu1.3Mn1.7O4/xLaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 (CMxLNF, where: x = 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt%) were evaluated as possible coating materials for SOFC/SOEC metallic interconnects. The introduction of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 into spinel matrices improved electrical conductivity compared to pure Cu1.3Mn1.7O4. The measured Seebeck coefficient values indicate that carrier concentration increased with LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 content, yet the activation energy of the carriers' mobility decreased. Extensive structural and microstructural studies of selected CM/LNF systems showed that composite material components exhibited high stability in relation to one another. Additionally, LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 significantly improved the chemical stability of Cu1.3Mn1.7O4 in the presence of chromia, as tested after 150 h of exposure to air at 800 °C. Finally, coatings based on selected composite powders were deposited electrophoretically on the steel and were oxidized for 1500 h in air at 750 °C, confirming that CM10LNF can be applied as effective protective-conducting coatings on low-chromium ferritic steel.

Preparation and electromagnetic waves absorption performance of hibiscus-like CuS/SiC NWs@PANI in the GHz band

With the increasing demand for electromagnetic (EM) waves absorbing materials in communication, military, and electronic devices, the exploration of lightweight, wideband, and highly absorptive materials in the GHz frequency range has become urgent. This article presents a successful synthesis of hibiscus-like copper sulfide (CuS)/silicon carbide nanowires (SiC NWs) @polyaniline (PANI) composite material using a combination of hydrothermal and in-situ polymerization techniques. With a filling amount of only 25 wt% of CuS/SiC NWs@PANI in the paraffin transmissive matrix, the material exhibits a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −31.6 dB at a thickness of 2.1 mm, while providing an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.5 GHz. As the filling amount increases to 35 wt%, the RLmin drastically reduces to −41.38 dB at a thickness of 2.3 mm. The CuS particles exhibit a unique multi-layered asymmetric hibiscus-like structure, which greatly enhances the reflection of EM waves. The conductive polymer PANI, forming a coating layer at the interface with CuS and SiC NWs, effectively enhances the conductive loss. The collaborative interactions among the components in the ternary composite material significantly boost the EM waves absorption performance. This article offers valuable insights into the preparation and real-world application of absorbent materials with distinctive microstructures, thus opening up new avenues for the design of composite absorbing materials.

Synthesis of nano- and ultra-fine refractory carbide powders by low-temperature calcium-carbothermic process and their grain growth during sintering

Metal carbides are widely used in various applications as catalysts, components of composite materials, cutting tools, and abrasive materials where the particle/grain size has a great impact on target properties. Here, we report a facile way to synthesize nano- and ultra-fine carbides of IVb-Vb groups, including high-entropy carbides, which are of interest nowadays due to their superior properties, by the combination of calcium-hydride reduction of metal oxides and the direct reaction of the reduced metals with carbon in one production step. By tailoring the synthesis parameters, it is possible to obtain the carbide powders of a size in the range of 50–1500 nm with high crystallinity. The average particle size is found to be dependent on the homologous synthesis temperature and follows a power law. We have also shown the possibility of obtaining ultrafine-grained bulk carbides (d = 0.24–0.9 μm) via spark-plasma sintering at a temperature of 1500–1650 °C with a relative density >95 % without using additives. The HEC (Ti,Zr,Nb,Hf,Ta)C has a higher activation energy of grain growth (collective recrystallization) compared to binary TaCx (x = 0.8 and 1), which confirms the effect of lattice distortion on diffusion coefficients. The suggested fabrication route can be widely used for nano and ultrafine carbide powder preparation on the industrial scale.

Structural Damage Diagnosis of Aerospace CFRP Components: Leveraging Transfer Learning in the Matching Networks Framework

This paper introduces a damage diagnosis method based on the reassignment method and matching networks (MNs) to study the structural health monitoring of aerospace composite material components. This aims to facilitate the mapping of signal features to complex failure modes. We introduce a signal processing technique based on the reassignment method, employing a sliding analysis window to re‐estimate local instantaneous frequency and group delay. By utilizing the short‐time phase spectrum of the signal, we correct the nominal time and frequency coordinates of the spectrum data, aligning them more accurately with the true support region of the analyzed signal. Subsequently, this paper developed a deep matching network (DMN) damage diagnosis model based on MNs. This model utilizes a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract damage‐related features from the signal and introduces the full context embedding (FCE) method to enhance the compatibility of sample embeddings. In this process, the embeddings of each sample in the training set should be mutually independent, while the embeddings of test samples should be regulated by the distribution of training set sample data. Ultimately, the damage category of test samples is determined based on cosine similarity. We validate our model using damage sample data collected from experiments and simulations conducted under varying components and operating conditions. Comparative assessments with five mainstream methods reveal an average accuracy exceeding 96%. This underscores the exceptional recognition accuracy and generalization performance of our proposed method in cross‐operating condition fault diagnosis experiments concerning aircraft composite material components.

Computer-based design and development of a fully automated assembly of aircraft doors made of thermoplastic composite material

For production of aircraft doors using innovative lightweight materials, a fully automated assembly process was developed. Therefor a door structure of an overwing-exit-door is to be joined from thermoplastic composite material components. The innovative material enable the use of new joining concepts. The assembly process was virtually simulated in order to forecast production time, process sequence, provision of operating resources and investment costs. Relevant manufacturing equipment was designed and accessibilities of the clamping and joining tools as well as collision areas were determined and optimized. To quality management, process control concept was developed with which geometric deviations of the components can be automatically compensated.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Functional Biphenyl Derivatives Designed for Anisotropic Nanomaterials

The synthesis and physicochemical properties of anisotropic functional biphenyl derivatives have been investigated. The biphenyl derivatives were obtained from commercially available 4',4-diphenyldicarboxylic acid, 4'-hydroxy-4-biphenylcarboxylic acid, 4'-hydroxy-4-cyanobiphenyl, 4'-pentyl-3'-chloro-4-hydroxybiphenyl using S-(–)-octan-2-ol, L-(–)-2-hydroxypropanoic (lactic) and 6-bromohexanoic acids. It was found that the synthesized compounds are able to interact specifically with nanoparticles and can be successfully used as effective components of anisotropic nanosized composite materials.

Synthesis and Study of the Properties of Corundum-Mullite Ceramic as a Component of Ceramic Composite Materials

Synthesis and Study of the Properties of Corundum-Mullite Ceramic as a Component of Ceramic Composite Materials

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical behavior of 3D printed waste slate particles filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites

This study analyses the feasibility of utilizing waste slate particles as a strengthening component in affordable 3D-printed composite materials to address environmental issues associated with waste management. Composite filaments were created by incorporating waste slate particles (5 %, 10 %, and 15 % by weight) into an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix and subsequently evaluated for mechanical properties. A twin-screw extruder obtained the composite filaments, while test samples were produced using a 3D printer by fused deposition modelling. The developed composites have a gradual variation in evaluated properties, about an 8 % increment in hardness, and a 40 % increment in flexural and tensile modulus was noted on the inclusion of 15 wt% of waste slate particles in the ABS matrix. The composites filled with 10 wt% and 5 wt% waste slate particles exhibited the maximum flexural strength (65.24 MPa) and tensile strength (42.11 MPa), respectively. These values were 5 % and 8 % higher than those of unfilled ABS. Furthermore, it was shown that the ABS matrix saw a decrease in elongation and impact strength as the dosage of slate particles increased. The fractured surface morphology indicated that filament breaking, filler pullout, and the creation of voids between neighbouring layers were the primary causes of material failure. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results show the reinforcing effect of slate particles by an increase of storage modulus with 13 % at 35 °C for the composite with 10 wt% slate particles and 20 % for that with 15 wt% slate particles. DMA results analyzed the composite's adhesion factor, degree of entanglement, reinforcement efficiency factor, and effectiveness factor to clarify the reinforcing mechanism of slate particles. The study determines that the most effective utilization of waste slate particles in an ABS matrix is achieved by including 10 wt%. The results of this study enhance the concept of recycling waste slate powder and reveal the potential for their utilization in several industries, including the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and architectural sectors of 3D printing.

Design and optimization of the dual-functional lattice-origami metamaterials

This study proposes a multi-scale composite lattice-origami metamaterial (MCLOM) to achieve excellent bandgap characteristics and energy absorption capacities. The MCLOMs are constructed by considering the high impedance mismatch of lattice structures, the spatial deformability of origami structures, and the tunability of the components in multi-scale composite materials. Firstly, elastic wave propagation characteristics are analyzed in the Bloch wave framework, revealing the realization of complete bandgaps and their generation mechanism by mode shape analysis and transmission spectrum. Subsequently, an optimization framework integrating the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is developed to maximize the first bandgap’s bandwidth by adjusting various component parameters. Under optimal distribution, the proposed metamaterials achieve remarkable improvements of 289% and 271% in the design objectives of two lattice-origami metamaterials with 90∘ dihedral angle compared to the initial distribution. It can be demonstrated that non-uniform distributions of multi-scale composite materials are dramatically effective for broadband wave attenuation. Additionally, while striving to widen the bandgap, the energy absorption capacities of structures are also crucial. The effect of the distribution of multi-scale composite materials with the optimal bandgap on the energy absorption performance is investigated. The results reveal that the optimal distribution of the lattice-origami metamaterials yields notable improvements of 48.26% and 34.86% under low-velocity impact, and 37.41% and 25.19% under medium-velocity impact. This work presents innovative concepts and approaches for devising and implementing novel dual-functional metamaterials, undoubtedly propelling the continual progress of material science and engineering technology in the times ahead.

Torsional Behavior of Concrete-Filled Circular Steel Tubes Strengthened with CFRP.

In order to study the torsional performance of steel tube concrete after reinforcement with a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), the mechanical properties of 18 specimens were studied from both experimental and finite element perspectives. The T-θ curve and τ-γ curve of the specimen were measured in the experiment, and the failure mode of the specimen was analyzed. Subsequently, a reasonable finite element model was established using ABAQUS software, and the variation in various parameters surrounding the performance of the specimen was analyzed. Based on the experimental and finite element results, a formula for calculating the bearing capacity of the specimen was established. According to both the experimental and numerical results, the torsional bearing capacity of C-CF-CFRP-ST, defined as the torque endured by the specimen with maximum shear strain, was determined to be 15,000 με, together with its corresponding calculation formula. After the test, it was demonstrated that the main components of the concrete-filled CFRP-steel tube composite material-the steel tube and the concrete-could be used as reusable resources.

A Mesostructure Multivariant-Assembly Reinforced Ultratough Biomimicking Superglue.

The imitation of mussels and oysters to create high-performance adhesives is a cutting-edge field. The introduction of inorganic fillers is shown to significantly alter the adhesive's properties, yet the potential of mesoporous materials as fillers in adhesives is overlooked. In this study, the first report on the utilization of mesoporous materials in a biomimetic adhesive system is presented. Incorporating mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) profoundly enhances the adhesion of pyrogallol (PG)-polyethylene imine (PEI) adhesive. As the MSN concentration increases, the adhesion strength to glass substrates undergoes an impressive fivefold improvement, reaching an outstanding 2.5 mPa. The adhesive forms an exceptionally strong bond, to the extent that the glass substrate fractures before joint failure. The comprehensive tests involving various polyphenols, polymers, and fillers reveal an intriguing phenomenon-the molecular structure of polyphenols significantly influences adhesive strength. Steric hindrance emerges as a crucial factor, regulating the balance between π-cation and charge interactions, which significantly impacts the multicomponent assembly of polyphenol-PEI-MSN and, consequently, adhesive strength. This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for the development of novel biomimetic materials.

Emerging Trends in Composite and Advanced Composite Materials Technology for Oil and Gas Industry

Composite and advanced composite materials are new age materials offering multiple benefits such as longer durability, lighter weight, high strength, tailor made properties etc. Lessons have been learnt from successful applications of composite and advanced composite materials and the results indicate that operators, designers and contractors are beginning to take a serious interest in their wide applications in Oil and Gas Industry. The most significant advances in the field of composite materials technology has been the use of glass-reinforced plastics (GRP) for pipelines and piping, structural applications for the top side secondary structures of offshore platforms and onshore installations. The introduction of carbon fibers has opened a new vista for composites applications in oil and gas industry particularly in deepwater operations such as drilling risers, production risers, umbilical, moorings etc. Numerous risers, mooring, pipeline, subsea and topside components made of polyester, titanium, glass/epoxy, and glass/carbon/epoxy materials are in the process of qualification for offshore use. These advanced composite material components have potential to extend capabilities of existing platform concept such as Semi submersibles, TLPs, FPSOs and SPARs. This paper presents the properties and advantages offered by composite and advanced composite materials, their current use and future potential applications in oil and gas industry.

Получение биокомпозитов с полимерной фазой пластифицированных ацетатов целлюлозы с различной степенью ацетилирования

It is anticipated that the creation of wood-polymer composites (WPC) made of naturally renewable polymers and their derivatives (biocomposites) would have a significant practical use due to the rise in prices for synthetic thermoplastic polymers derived from oil and gas. Furthermore, the necessity to replace synthetic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and others as components of composite materials is also associated with environmental hazards caused by their low degradation rate in the natural media (soil, water, and air). A further problem for manufacturers of WPC is the legislative requirement for autonomous neutralisation of production waste. One of the potential materials for practical application in the production of WPC are binders based on plasticised cellulose acetates. Russian and foreign scientists have studied the influence of the degree of acetylation of cellulose acetate on the properties of polymeric materials that do not contain lignocellulose fillers. There is no information found concerning the secondary use of cellulose acetate waste for the production of WPC. This article presents the results of an investigation into the hot pressing of biocomposites with a polymer phase of plasticised cellulose acetates of varying degrees of acetylation and fillers: wood flour and waste acetate photographic film. An experimental and statistical dependence of the effect of the degree of acetylation of cellulose acetate and filler content in the biocomposite on its properties was developed, sufficient to exceed a confidence level of 0.9. The experimental specifications included decomposition in activated soil, water absorption, bending strength, Brinell hardness, etc. Some test results showed that the derived biocomposites have the same level of properties as the reference WPC, which consists of a high-density polyethylene phase with a wood flour content of 50 %. The derived dependencies allow us to predict changes in the properties of biocomposites at different degrees of acetylation of plasticised cellulose acetate and filler content. Moreover, they solve the problem of choosing the optimal chemical combination for WPC for manufacturing a specific product by hot pressing. For citation: Shkuro A.E., Glukhikh V.V., Usova K.A., Chirkov D.D., Zakharov P.S., Vurasko A.V. Deriving Biocomposites of Polymer Phase Plasticised Cellulose Acetates with Varying Degrees of Acetylation. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 4, pp. 155–168. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-4-155-168