Polymer Matrix Composites Research Articles

Mechanical and Physical Characterization of Chemically Treated Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Polymer Matrix Composites using Deep Learning and Statistical Approach

Mechanical and Physical Characterization of Chemically Treated Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Polymer Matrix Composites using Deep Learning and Statistical Approach

Investigation on the Low‐Frequency Acoustic Performance of Polymer Matrix Composite With Metallic Hollow Spheres Under Different Acoustic Stack Structures

ABSTRACTIn this study, various polymer matrix composites (melamine and flexible polyurethane) combined with 316 L stainless steel hollow spheres were prepared using the casting method. The acoustic properties of the fabricated materials were evaluated under low‐frequency conditions (100–1700 Hz) using an impedance tube. The results indicate that sound absorption and insulation performance are significantly influenced by the incident surface material within this frequency range. Notably, sound waves entering through the polyurethane stainless steel hollow sphere surface yield optimal absorption performance, achieving a maximum sound absorption coefficient of 0.74 at 400 Hz. Conversely, the melamine foam surface provides the best sound absorption at higher frequencies within this range, reaching a coefficient of 0.43 at 1700 Hz. The findings highlight the effective sound absorption and insulation capabilities of the composite materials.

Structural design of a polymer matrix composite ship propeller

This work presents the structural design of a propeller, with its profile established using the OpenProp software for a 5 m long competition catamaran at a speed of 5.5 m/s. The materials selected using the Ashby method were polymer matrix composites, and the chosen manufacturing method was vacuum bagging. The determination of the stacking sequence was initially done using panel theory and the macromechanics of composite materials. The stacking sequence was then optimized using the finite element method with Abaqus CAE. Experimental validation was conducted through instrumented cantilever bending tests on both specimens and the blade. The finite element results showed errors of less than 5% compared to the experimental measurements, thus validating the simulations and allowing the blade to be designed with static safety factors greater than eight under operational service conditions.

Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐Hexafluoropropylene) Composites With Carbon Based Nanofillers for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

ABSTRACTIn the current work, a series of flexible polymer matrix composites (PMCs) based on poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) as the polymer matrix and carbon nanofillers, namely single‐walled nanotubes (SWCNT) or carbon blacks (CB), were fabricated via a facile preparation method of blending and solution casting. The electrical conductivity, morphology, dielectric constant, mechanics, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of the composite films were adjusted by varying the carbon type (CB = Ketjenblack, Vulcan, or SWCNT = Tuball) and amount (0.1–15 wt%). The influence of the conductive nanofillers on the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and microwave absorbing properties in the X‐band frequency range (8–12 GHz) were investigated. By increasing the carbon content, the EMI shielding properties of the composite films were improved due to an increase in the magnitude of the electromagnetic properties. As the loading of these carbon fillers approach the percolation threshold, the dielectric constant of the composite can dramatically increase because of the construction of a microcapacitor network. However, these nanofillers/polymer composites generally have high dielectric loss near the percolation threshold due to the direct connection between carbon nanofillers. The PVDF‐HFP/Tuball composite particularly contributed low dielectric loss to the electromagnetic (EM) wave, resulting in excellent microwave absorption properties with a SE per unit thickness of 337.5 dB/mm and 2.5× less weight compared with conventional aluminum with the same SE, demonstrating the promise of using these materials as practical EMI shields.

Calcium Silicate Promoting the Upcycling Potential of Polysulfone Medical Waste in Load-Bearing Applications

Polysulfone (PSF) medical waste can be effectively repurposed due to its excellent mechanical properties. Due to the increasing need for load-bearing bone implants, it is crucial to prioritize the development of biocompatible polymer–matrix composites. Calcium silicate (CaSi), known for its osteogenesis and antibacterial properties, is widely used in medical applications. In this study, recycled PSF plastics in fiber or nanoparticle forms and commercial PSF products were used to create PSF-based composites filled with three different amounts (10, 20, and 30 vol%) of CaSi. The green compact was heat-treated at various temperatures. Experimental results showed that the mechanical interlocking of the PSF matrix and CaSi filler occurred due to the liquefaction of PSF fibers or nanoparticles during heat treatment. When the composite contained 20% CaSi, the obtained three-point bending strength exceeded 60 MPa, falling within the reported strength of compact bone. There was a concurrent improvement in the biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of the PSF-based composites with the increasing amount of CaSi. Considering their mechanical properties and antibacterial activity, the 20% CaSi-containing PSF-based composites treated at 240 °C emerged as a promising candidate for bone implant applications. This study demonstrated the feasibility of upcycling medical waste such as PSF as a matrix, opening doors for its potential usage in the medical field.

Development of Bamboo Based Nylon 66 Composite through Friction Stir Processing-An Attempt

The concept of developing a bamboo-based Nylon 66 polymer matrix composite is a relatively novel and very new technical attempt through friction stir processing (FSP). This innovative approach can create a composite material that strengthen the mechanical properties of bamboo and the versatility of Nylon 66. However, successful implementation requires careful consideration of FSP process parameters such us tool rpm, traverse speed, tilt angle and tool design. Among the processing parameters, the tool rpm shows the significant role for severe plastic deformation and temperature generation which leads to the achieving excellent bond. Therefore, in this present study attempt has made to develop the polymer matrix composite (nylon 66 and bamboo powder) using FSW process at a variant rotational speed of 300,400 and 500 rpm with the constant traverse speed of 25 mm min-1. The deformation behavior and the peak temperature evolved under the tool shoulder during the stirring motion is studied using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation. It is found that, the specimen processed with higher rpm (500rpm) shows the higher volumetric strain and the peak temperature and it is evident that with increasing rpm the higher amount of severe plastic deformation occurred. Initially the process parameters are optimized without bamboo powder on the nylon 66 plate of 6 mm thickness and found that the 500 rpm processed specimen shows the defect free. Prior to the actual FSP, the small keyways taken on the center of the nylon 66 plate in order to add the bamboo powders in it. Actual processing was done with bamboo powder after adding natural bamboo powder of size 50µm. The result reveals that, the bamboo powder has partially expelled out during the period of FSP. This complete study concedes that the processing parameters needs to be optimized and also bamboo added method need to be studied for the successful development of bamboo-based polymer matrix composite.

Machinability characteristics study on hibiscus rosa-sinensis reinforced polymer composites using soft computing techniques

Abstract Understanding the drilling behaviour of composite materials is crucial for optimizing their manufacturing processes and enhancing their applicability across various industries. In this study, the drilling process of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Polymer matrix composites is investigated due to the significance of investigating such advanced and sustainable composite materials for their potential applications. Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Fibers are extracted and processed from the outer bark of the hibiscus plant, are incorporated into polymer matrices in varying weight percentages (0 Wt%, 10 Wt%, 20 Wt%) to form discontinuously reinforced polymer composites. Samples with uniform dimensions of 150 × 75 × 15 mm, are used for the drilling operation using Ace Micromatic DTC-400 instrument. The project focuses on analysing the influence of key drilling input parameters such as Spindle speed, Feed rate and HRS (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) Fiber weight percentage on the Thrust Force (N) and Torque (N-m) generated during drilling operations. Taguchi’s Design of Experiments with L27 orthogonal array is used to systematically optimize the input parameters to gain insights into the drilling behaviour of these composite materials. Further a second order mathematical model has been generated for Thrust Force and Torque using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Thrust Force and Torque during drilling are measured using 9257 BA KISTLER Dynamometer coupled with DynoWare 2825 A software. The findings of this study not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the drilling process but also hold significant implications for industries reliant on composite materials. From aerospace to automotive sectors, where lightweight and durable materials are essential, to construction and renewable energy industries seeking sustainable alternatives, the application potential of hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Fiber-reinforced composites is vast. By elucidating the intricate dynamics of drilling operations on these materials, this research paves the way for enhanced manufacturing processes and the development of advanced composite structures tailored to meet the demands of diverse industrial applications.

Fabrication and High Dielectric Properties of Sandwich-Structured Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Layered Composites with Multiscale Parallel Interfaces.

Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3/polyvinylidene fluoride (BST/PVDF) dielectric functional composites have been widely used in flexible wearable devices, capacitors, and energy storage devices. In addition to the ceramic phase type, polymer matrix type, composition, and interfacial connectivity of BST/PVDF composite materials, their morphology also significantly influences their electrical characteristics. Therefore, herein, sandwich-structured BST/PVDF layered composites were designed and prepared via tape-casting processing using different types of BST fillers [i.e., formless zero-dimensional (0D)-BST, rod-like one-dimensional (1D)-BST, and plate-like two-dimensional (2D)-BST]. The microstructures and electrical characteristics of sandwich-structured BST/PVDF composites were studied in relation to the BST morphology. The effects of the internal mechanisms of different interfacial models on the breakdown strength of BST/PVDF composites were discussed. According to our findings, unlike the 0D-BST and 1D-BST powders, 2D-BST powders form multiscale parallel interfaces in sandwich-structured composites due to their unique lamella-like morphology, which enhances the breakdown strength of sandwich-structured composites. Sandwich-structured BST/PVDF composites containing 2D-BST powders exhibit good electrical characteristics with an energy storage density of 19.71 J/cm3, an energy storage efficiency of 85.3%, a dielectric constant of 30.4 (1 kHz), a dielectric loss of 0.036 (1 kHz), and a dielectric tunability of 93.2%. This study provides a method for preparing functional composites with high dielectric tunability and high energy storage characteristics.

Ti3C2Tx-UHMWPE Nanocomposites-Towards an Enhanced Wear-Resistance of Biomedical Implants.

There is an urgent need to enhance the mechanical and biotribological performance of polymeric materials utilized in biomedical devices such as load-bearing artificial joints, notably ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). While two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced GO, or hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have shown promise as reinforcement phases in polymer matrix composites (PMCs), the potential of MXenes, known for their chemical inertness, mechanical robustness, and wear-resistance, remains largely unexplored in biotribology. This study aims to address this gap by fabricating Ti3C2Tx-UHMWPE nanocomposites using compression molding. Primary objectives include enhancements in mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biotribological performance, particularly in terms of friction and wear resistance in cobalt chromium alloy pin-on-UHMWPE disk experiments lubricated by artificial synovial fluid. Thereby, no substantial changes in the indentation hardness or the elastic modulus are observed, while the analysis of the resulting wettability and surface tension as well as indirect and direct invitro evaluation do not point towards cytotoxicity. Most importantly, Ti3C2Tx-reinforced PMCs substantially reduce friction and wear by up to 19% and 44%, respectively, which was attributed to the formation of an easy-to-shear transfer film.

An artifactual fibre overlap removal algorithm for micro-computed tomography image post-processing and 3D microstructure generation with graphics processing unit acceleration

A novel algorithm based on radial basis functions is proposed for the removal of artifactual fibre overlap within fibre structures extracted from micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images of fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites. The proposed algorithm is highly efficient and excels in preserving the original fibre structures extracted from the micro-CT images. Besides, graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration is applied to further enhance the efficiency of the fibre overlap removal process. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is also modified for the generation of periodic 3D microstructures. For practical application, the proposed algorithm is implemented for both the artifactual fibre overlap removal within micro-CT images from an injection moulded part and the microstructure generation for 3D printed samples. The unidirectional elastic modulus of the resultant microstructures is computed via numerical simulations and shows a close match to the experimental measurements with relative errors less than 2%. Overall, the proposed algorithm significantly facilitates the reconstruction of micro-CT image-based numerical models and can also be easily repurposed to generate complex microstructures, which is of great value for the development of data-driven models for characterization and design of composite materials that demands large amounts of data on material microstructures.

Characteristics of surface modified sugarcane bagasse cellulose: application of esterification and oxidation reactions

Research on polymer matrix composites has become increasingly important in both the academic and industrial sectors. The study of polymer-natural fiber composites, known for their eco-friendly properties, has gained significance. Sugarcane bagasse fibers, abundant as discarded agricultural byproducts, offer improved properties such as density, rigidity, strength, and cost-effectiveness, enhancing sustainability. As a result, experiments were performed on cellulose fibers pre-treated from sugarcane bagasse using 5% NaOH solution by simply soaking them for 4–5 h followed by washing with water. Further modifications involved esterification using phthalic anhydride and phthaloyl chloride via steam baths at 90 °C and oxidation using sodium percarbonate with a phase transfer catalyst (Adogen) at 80 °C. These chemically altered cellulose fibers exhibited significant peak changes in the FTIR spectra, a reduced crystallinity index in the XRD pattern, increased thermal stability as evidenced by TGA curve, and improved surface roughness in the SEM analysis. This paper emphasizes successful pretreatment procedures for isolating cellulose fibers from sugarcane bagasse and introduces three chemical treatments for surface functionalization which might find applications in the preparation of biocomposites.

Effects of SiO2-coated CNTs on the directional formation of SiC whiskers and improvement in the ablative resistance of polymer-matrix composites

As the development of hypersonic aerospace technology progresses, greater challenges are presented for solid rocket motors (SRMs) thermal protection, and the ablation performance of insulation materials needs to be further improved. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a new type of reinforcing nano-filler, readily react with the oxidative components in the working gas during SRMs operation, limiting their excellent performance. In this study, we propose to coat the commonly used reinforcing filler, SiO2, on the surface of CNTs to suppress their susceptibility to oxidation and investigate the effects of adding CNTs, SiO2, and CNTs@SiO2 to the matrix on material properties. The results show that the addition of CNTs@SiO2 significantly improves the ablation resistance of the insulation material, with the linear ablation rate of M-@SiO2-2 being 56 % lower than that of M-SiO2-2. Based on the analysis of the material's antioxidation performance and the strength of the resulting char layer after ablation, the reasons for the improvement of ablation performance are discussed. By conducting high-temperature tube furnace tests, the composition and structure of the char layer at different temperatures are studied, and it is found that CNTs in the CNTs@SiO2 formulation can directly provide the carbon source required for the carbon thermal reduction reaction, promoting the directional growth of SiC whiskers. Based on these findings, an ablation mechanism is proposed.

Impact of Manufacturing Methods on the Mechanical Characteristics of Polymer Matrix Composites with Glass and Epoxy Fiber Reinforcement

Impact of Manufacturing Methods on the Mechanical Characteristics of Polymer Matrix Composites with Glass and Epoxy Fiber Reinforcement

Characterization and property prediction of fibre structures within discontinuous-fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites using 3D fibre cells assisted by contrastive learning

Fibre-cell-based fibre structure characterization approach was proposed recently to characterize the fibre distribution within discontinuous-fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites (DFR PMCs) over a 2D domain. This approach determines the distribution state of each fibre based on the relative size and topological features of its fibre cell. In this study, the fibre-cell-based approach is extended for 3D fibre domains. A convolutional neural network (CNN) encoder is trained through contrastive learning to quantitatively represent topological features of 3D fibre cells. Subsequently, the feature–property correlations are established using an artificial neural network (ANN). For practical application, the ANN is integrated with an image analysis software to provide in situ predictions of local elastic modulus of a DFR PMC based on its fibre structures observed from micro-CT images. The predictions are also compared with the experimental measurements acquired through microindentation testing, and it shows a good agreement.

Characterization of Novel Cellulosic Salvadora Persica Fiber for Potentiality in Polymer Matrix Composites

ABSTRACT Natural fiber is expected to make polymer composites light and environmentally friendly. In this paper Salvadora persica natural fiber is characterized in view of its use in composite materials for the first time. Average diameter of the fiber was 250 µm and density was 1.3 g/cm3. The surface of the fiber was irregular with impurities and surface features such as shallow tubs, cell walls and lignin were revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals Crystallinity Index (C.I) of 58% and Crystallite Size of 3.58 nm. The chemical bonds pertaining to different constituents of the natural fiber such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. In the thermal degradation of the fiber during the Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), three stages were identified. The maximum thermal degradation temperature (Tfinal) was determined to be 357°C. Tensile strength, Young’s modulus and percentage elongation of the fiber were 430 ± 100 MPa, 16 ± 3.9 GPa and 4.2 ± 0.91% respectively.

Comparison studies on acoustic behaviour of natural fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites

Comparison studies on acoustic behaviour of natural fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites

Development of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites: A Critical Review

AbstractFiber reinforced composites are made by reinforcing fibers in a polymeric matrix and shaping them to fit. Natural fibers, on the other hand, such as jute sisal, hemp, flax etc. are increasingly commonly utilized as reinforcements and perform similarly to artificial fibers. Man‐made fibers like as carbon, glass, and kevlar are utilized as reinforcements in the start and have shown to be the best in terms of characteristics, reinforcing capacity, and usefulness. Research investigations also show that when man‐made and natural reinforcements are combined in a hybrid form, the composite characteristics increase significantly. The composite material obtains all of the better qualities of individual fibers as a result of this combination, and when the composite is subjected to varying loads, each fiber gives its own maximal resistance. The chemical and physical properties are further enhanced by including particular reinforcements into polymer matrix composites, which provide whole new features (which has transformed the aerospace, marine, defence, and automobile industry). As a result, the composite would be better in all attributes. The current study provides a thorough examination of the different challenges concerning the synthesis and mechanical characterization of natural fiber reinforces hybrid polymer composites. Future difficulties, as well as areas of use for polymer matrix composites, have been investigated that may aid in the elimination of plastic waste and the reduction of environmental pollution.

Mechanochemically assisted synthesis, inversion degree and magnetization of spinel compounds across the (Zn,Mg)Fe2O4 system for flexible smart devices

Magnetic spinel oxides are multifunctional materials used or under consideration for a range of applications across electronics, communication technologies, remediation and health. They can also present high magnetostriction coefficients, and are being investigated as active inorganic fillers in polymer matrix composites for flexible sensors and actuators. However, state-of-the-art materials for these later applications are NiFe2O4- and CoFe2O4-based compositions, and it is necessary to find environmentally-friendly alternatives free of toxic elements that provide comparable responses, ideally biocompatible. This work presents a study of the spinel phases across the (Zn,Mg)Fe2O4 system and of their suitability to be used as magnetic component in hybrid composites. Spinel single phase materials with variable particle size across the submicron range, down to the verge of the nanoscale, have been obtained by mechanochemically assisted synthesis for five selected compositions spanning the whole ZnFe2O4-MgFe2O4 system. Evolution of the crystal lattice and inversion degree (amount of Fe3+ at tetrahedral site) has been obtained from Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray diffraction data, and correlated with the development of magnetic ordering. Ferrimagnetic compositions are identified, among which Zn0.25Mg0.75Fe2O4 stands out for its magnetization characteristics comparable to NiFe2O4. This spinel compound is thus a promising environmentally-friendly candidate for flexible devices, in principle also biocompatible.

The Influence of Inorganic Particles on Characteristics of Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract The study presents simplified approximations that allow the evaluation of the unidirectional longitudinal and transverse modulus of a composite material, starting from the elastic properties of the constituents (inorganic particles, matrices) as well as its relative properties. In calculations, the response of the composite material is assimilated with an associated system of particles and matrices

Structural Analysis and Mass Optimization of Mobility Walkers Using Lightweight Polymer Matrix Composites

Structural Analysis and Mass Optimization of Mobility Walkers Using Lightweight Polymer Matrix Composites