Fabrication Of Composites Research Articles

Recent advances on the fabrication and application of sound absorption coating-based textile composites

Noise pollution has been considered as a serious threat to the health of humans. The application of sound absorption materials is an effective noise reduction approach. Fibrous materials exhibit the unique micro-structures including small diameter, large specific surface area, and high porosity, which has been widely developed for sound absorption. Recently, rapid growth has been observed in the coating treatment of fibrous based materials and composites for acoustic applications, which can be attributed to the advantages of a facile production process, cost-effectiveness, and good sound absorption capability. This review aims to provide a brief overview on different coating layers of fibrous materials for improved sound absorption properties. The details of various factors affecting the acoustic behavior of coating materials are described. Among them, polymer coating is a widely used acoustic treatment method, adding particles and nanofiber materials to the polymer matrix, and carrying out structural design, which can further improve the sound absorption performance of textile materials. According to the different needs of the application field, different coating treatment methods have their own advantages. In summary, coating materials are promising to be used in buildings and interiors for efficient noise reduction and control.

The effect of resin properties on toughness translation in interleaved composites

Interleaving is a well-recognized method for enhancing the interlaminar fracture toughness of composite materials. However, theoretical toughness is often not realized since cracks tend to propagate through regions of lower toughness. While most studies have focused on the effect of interleaf properties, e.g., thickness and interleaf resin properties, on composite interlaminar fracture toughness, the effect of matrix resin properties on interleaved composite toughness has been overlooked. Recently, we hypothesized that there is a relationship between toughness translation and the ratio of matrix to interleaf resin toughness. In this work, we use additive manufacturing to test this hypothesis with a range of resins in interleaved composite. Toughness is quantified via mode I delamination resistance. Our results confirm our hypothesis that the ratio of matrix to interleaf resin fracture toughness, i.e., the ratio of [Formula: see text], is directly correlated to the degree of toughness translation. More specifically, a ratio of approximately 0.5 is required for effective interleaving; below 0.5, the toughness translation is significantly below the theoretical value. This approach has important implications for the design and fabrication of tough composites via choice of resins.

Diatom-inspired silicification process for development of green flexible silica composite aerogels

In this study, we have developed novel biomimetic silica composite aerogels and cryogels for the first time, drawing inspiration from the natural diatom’s silicification process. Our biomimetic approach involved the modification of tyrosinase-mediated oxidized silk fibroin (SFO) surfaces with polyethyleneimine (PEI). This modification introduced ample amine groups onto the SF polymer, which catalyzed the silicification of the SFO-PEI gel surface with silicic acid. This process emulates the catalytic function of long-chain polyamines and silaffin proteins found in diatoms, resulting in a silica network structure on the primary SFO-PEI network gel’s surface. The SFO-PEI gel matrix played a dual role in this process: (1) It provided numerous amine functional groups that directly catalyzed the silicification of silicic acid on the porous structure’s exterior surface, without encapsulating the created silica network in the gel. (2) It served as a flexible mechanical support facilitating the creation of the silica network. As a result, the final ceramic composite exhibits a mechanically flexible nature (e.g., cyclic compressibility up to 80% strain), distinguishing it from conventional composite aerogels. By mimicking the diatom’s silicification process, we were able to simplify the development of silica-polymer composite aerogels. It eliminates the need for surfactants, multi-step procedures involving solvent exchange, and gel washing. Instead, the reaction occurs under mild conditions, streamlining the composite aerogels fabrication process.

Exploring the use of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites in electronic circuit boards

Sustainable banana fiber has become potential alternative reinforcement materials instead of synthetic fibers for the development of the polymer composites. These natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites can be utilized for numerous applications. The current study aims to fabricate the epoxy/banana fiber composites under varying fraction of banana fibers. Compression molding process was employed to fabricate the composites since it is frequently used for production of large-scale composite parts like automotive components. Various weight percentages of banana fiber (50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% by weight) and epoxy (50%, 40%, 30%, and 20% by weight) were utilized for the development of the composites. Results revealed that the combination of the epoxy (40 wt. %)/banana fiber (60%) has the higher tensile strength of 22.67 MPa, flexural strength of 39.56 MPa, impact strength of 2.97 kJ/m2, and Barcol hardness of 35.24 among the various combinations of the epoxy and banana fiber composites. This work highlights the viability of sustainable materials within the materials engineering field, promoting the development of eco-friendly alternatives in composite fabrication.

Mechanical and quasi-static puncture behavior of hybrid glass/Kevlar/carbon fiber laminate composites with graphene nanoparticles

The growing adoption of hybrid polymer composite laminates in engineering applications requires enhanced mechanical performance without increasing the composite weight. This research aims to develop lightweight and high strength laminate composites utilizing hybridization and particle addition. The bidirectional Kevlar fibers (K), carbon fibers (C), glass fibers (G), and epoxy matrix were utilized in the fabrication process. Furthermore, graphene nanoparticles (GPNPs) were included at 0, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weight percentages in the composite laminate. The quasi-static sequence method ( 0 2 C / 45 2 K / 0 2 G / 0 2 G / 45 2 K / 0 2 C ) was employed in composite fabrication. The mechanical characterization analysis of tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength, and quasi-static punch shear tests was investigated. The hybrid composite laminate with the addition of 4 wt.% graphene nanoparticles exhibited increased mechanical characteristics, with tensile, flexural, inter-laminar shear, and punch shear strength outcomes of ca. 266 MPa, ca. 362 MPa, ca. 82 MPa, and ca. 198 MPa, respectively, compared to laminates with other weight percentages. The particle addition aided in the effective load distribution as well as supported in the development of improved bonding between the fiber layers.

Fabrication of new TiO2-SnSe composites with enhanced antibacterial performance against E. coli and S. aureus

In this work, TiO2, SnSe and their composites with different mass ratios of SnSe were fabricated by using cost-effective chemical route. The structural, optical, morphological, and antibacterial properties of the composites were systematically evaluated and compared with those of TiO2 and SnSe. Formation of anatase phase of TiO2 and orthorhombic structure of SnSe were confirmed through their respective X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The results were supported by Raman analysis, which showed the characteristic vibrational modes of TiO2 and SnSe. For the TiO2-SnSe composites, broadening and a systematic shift towards higher wavenumbers was observed with the increase of SnSe concentration. Furthermore, a change in the surface morphology of TiO2-SnSe composites from agglomerated nanoparticles to plates-like nanostructures was observed for varying content of SnSe. Compared to pure TiO2, the TiO2-SnSe composites exhibited a significant shift in the spectral response towards visible region. A red-shift in the energy bandgap values from 3.25 eV (pure TiO2) to 2.42 eV (TiO2-75% SnSe) was observed. The antibacterial performance of TiO2, SnSe and their composites was evaluated against the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains under visible light. Compared to TiO2 and SnSe, the composites revealed a superior antibacterial activity by exhibiting larger zones of inhibition. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration of TiO2-75% SnSe for S. aureus and E. coli was respectively determined to be 0.25 ± 0.01 and 1.50 ± 0.01 mg/mL, which was substantially lower than the TiO2. Moreover, TiO2-SnSe composites were found to be biocompatible, as more than 80% of RBCs remained viable.

Enhancing mechanical and wear performances of magnesium matrix composites using low-cost squid quill ash

The increasing demand for lightweight, cost-effective aerospace and automotive components with higher performance promotes interest in the use of naturally occurring materials, such as magnesium composites with natural and low-cost reinforcements. This research focuses on stir casting to reinforce magnesium matrix composites with squid quill ash (SQA) particles, aiming to improve their mechanical and wear performances. The results show that the mechanical and wear properties of magnesium matrix composites can be improved significantly by increasing the SQA content. Incorporating 10% SQA reinforcements in AZ91 magnesium alloy leads to a maximum increase in hardness, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength by 32.34%, 18.86%, and 12.34%, respectively. When compared to the matrix alloy, the wear resistance of the composites reinforced with 5 wt% and 10 wt% of SQA particles is improved by 14.05% and 30.81%, respectively. These findings demonstrated the feasibility of using SQA particles in the production of magnesium matrix composites. This not only reduces environmental impact by repurposing SQA, but also provides a practical method for the economical utilization of SQA particles in the fabrication of magnesium matrix composites for aerospace and automotive applications.

Recycling of agro-industrial waste by fabricating laminated Al-metal matrix composites: a numerical simulation and experimental study

AbstractThe utilization of agriculture waste as a recycling process in aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMCs) has gained significant attention as a novel approach in environmental toxicology. This technique aims to mitigate environmental hazards to humans by reducing the negative impact of waste materials. It has been recognized as an effective means to fabricate and enhance the properties of AMMCs. Furthermore, the use of these agro-industrial waste materials has the potential to mitigate both human and environmental risks, including pollution, while also leading to cost savings in manufacturing processes. The present investigation involves the fabrication of a novel metal matrix composite incorporating rice husk ash particles as reinforcement. The initial phase of the work involved the fabrication of novel composites. Subsequently, the focus shifted towards investigating the mechanical, physical, and wear characteristics of these composites. The forming process of the accumulative rolling was investigated by the numerical simulation using the ABAQUS program. Additionally, this study emphasizes the present utilization and prospective advancements of composites reinforced with agricultural and industrial wastes in diverse sectors, particularly in the fabrication of materials for vessels, autos, and construction industries. Furthermore, an examination of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces in the vicinity of layer interfaces has been conducted to investigate the quality of bonding.

Interlaminar shear and impact properties of particle reinforced jute fiber/epoxy hybrid composites

In today’s world, there is a growing emphasis on using fiber-reinforced composites carefully across diverse sectors like automotive, construction, machinery and appliances. These materials are valued for their capacity to be efficiently repurposed, recycled or disposed of with minimal ecological consequences. Thus, integrating sustainable, eco-friendly and environmental mindful approaches into developing new materials and processes has become increasingly imperative. This study aims to analyze the impact strength, inter laminar shear strength and water absorption capacity of the jute fiber composite filled with the particles like alumina (Al2O3), boron carbide (B4C) and silicon carbide (SiC). The response surface methodology (RSM), employing three levels and three parameters, enables the identification of distinct combinations of input parameters essential for the fabrication of suitable polymer composites. The effects of process factors on interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact strength and % weight increase are examined. For each output measures, the connotation of the input parameters is determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). To establish multiple performance indexes, a hybrid model called adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based on Grey theory is developed. The model’s capability is validated and the results confirm the effective prediction of the preferred performance indicator.

Fabrication of SiC particle dispersed AZ91D magnesium alloy composite by injection molding method and their properties

Fabrication of SiC particle dispersed AZ91D magnesium alloy composite by injection molding method and their properties

4D Fabrication of Two-Way Shape Memory Polymeric Composites by Electrospinning and Melt Electrowriting.

This work presents a new method for 4D fabrication of two-way shape memory materials that are capable of reversible shapeshifting right after manufacturing, upon application of proper heating and cooling cycles. The innovative solution presented here consists in the combination of highly stretched electrospun shape memory polymer (SMP) nanofibers with a melt electrowritten elastomer. More specifically, the stretched nanofibers are made of a biocompatible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with crystallizable soft segments, undergoing melt-induced contraction and crystallization-induced elongation upon heating and cooling, respectively. Reversible actuation during crystallization becomes possible due to the elastic recovery of the elastomer component, obtained by melt electrowriting of a commercial TPU filament. Thanks to the design freedom offered by additive manufacturing, the elastomer structure also has the role of guiding the shape transformation. Electrospinning and melt electrowriting process parameters are set up so to obtain smart 4D objects capable of two-way shape memory effect (SME), and the possibility of reversible and repeatable actuation is demonstrated. The two components are then combined in different proportions with the aim of tailoring the two-way SME, taking into account the effect of design parameters such as the SMP content, the elastomer pattern, and the composite thickness.

Potential of recycled polypropylene: A study on effect of natural fiber on the morphology and properties of biocomposite

This research explores the innovative fabrication and characterization of recycled polypropylene composites that reinforced by natural fibers, specifically date palm micro fibers (DPF). Employed a twin-screw extruder for the mixing, and injection molding technique for the samples fabrication. DPF was incorporated at varying weight percentages (0, 2, 5, and 10 wt%). A comprehensive analysis, including thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), was conducted to assess thermal stability, chemical interactions and crystalline structure. Mechanical properties were evaluated through shore-D hardness and uniaxial tensile tests. Notably, the study revealed that an increased DPF filler content resulted in superior mechanical properties, such as enhanced shore-D hardness and tensile strength. This improvement was attributed to the alignment of DPF fillers and the recycled polypropylene matrix. The significance of this research lies in showcasing the promising potential of DPF as an eco-friendly reinforcement material in recycled polypropylene biocomposites, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for various engineering applications. The work contributes to advancing greener solutions in material science and highlights the unique advantages of DPF in enhancing composite materials.

Highly Reactive Graphene Dispersant and Its Effective Reinforcement for Phase Change Coatings.

High efficient dispersant that meanwhile possesses additional functions is highly desirable for the fabrication of graphene-based composite. In this paper, a new reactive dispersant, multi-silanols grafted naphthalenediamine (MSiND), is synthesized, which shows superiority compared with conventional dispersants. It can not only stabilize graphene in water at a high concentration of up to 16mgmL-1, but also simultaneously be applicable for ethanol medium, in which the graphene concentration can be as high as 12mgmL-1 at the weight ratio of 1:1 (MSiND:graphene). The dispersion is compatible with multi-matrixes and affinity to various substrates. In addition, MSiND exhibits excellent reactivity due to the existence of high-density silanol groups. Tough graphene coatings are constructed on glass slides and non-woven fabric simply by direct painting and dip-coating. Moreover, with the assistance of MSiND, graphene-doped phase-change coatings on hydrophobic non-woven fabric (e.g., functional mask) are prepared via the spray method. The composite coatings show enhanced mechanical strength and excellent energy storage performance, exhibiting great potential in heat preservation and thermotherapy.

Experimental and numerical investigation of nanomaterial-based structural composite

Abstract In this work, we discussed multi-phase composites fabrication and analytical as well as experimental analysis. Shear mixing of multi-walled nanotube (MWCNT) and epoxy is used to create nanocomposites. Ultrasonication, magnetic stirring, and moulding using the hand layup technique were the procedures used for sample preparation. Curing and cutting were performed as well, all in accordance with ASTM standards. This research uses an experimental method for assessing material qualities and backs up its findings with an analytical one for verification. It can be shown that the outcomes of both experiments and analyses are consistent. The structural analysis of a composite sample is probed by using a further analytical validation strategy. In this research, we examined the effects of varying the MWCNT content of the matrix. The tensile strength was shown to rise up to 0.5% MWCNT content in the matrix. For 0.7% MWCNT reinforcement in the matrix, tensile strength drops as a result of agglomeration. This research also explored the use of ANSYS for critical buckling analysis on many different multi-phase nanocomposite samples. The critical buckling resistance capability of the various configurations of composite materials was examined, and the model’s efficacy was shown via validation against existing literature.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of anatomically customized fiber posts using E-glass short fiber-reinforced composite to restore weakened endodontically treated premolars

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to assess the influence of combining different forms of fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) on the mechanical behavior and bond strength of compromised endodontically treated teeth (ETT).Materials and methodsEighty extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into five experimental groups according to the type of intra-radicular restoration and the canal preparation design which was either non-flared (Group 1), flared (Groups 2–5), closed-apex (Groups 1,3,5) or open-apex (Groups 2,4). Standard prefabricated fiber posts were used as intra-radicular restoration for Groups 1–3 while Groups 4–5 were restored with anatomically customized relined fiber posts. After composite core fabrication, all samples were sent for an artificial aging process. Fracture resistance and push-out bond strength tests were then carried out through a universal testing machine followed by mode of failure analysis via a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope.ResultsPairwise Log-Rank comparisons revealed that the survival rate of Group 2 and Group 3 was significantly lower than all other groups after artificial aging. The highest fracture resistance value (1796 N) was recorded in Group 5 and was significantly higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05), while Group 2 exhibited the lowest fracture resistance (758 N), which was significantly lower compared to the other groups. Group 5 and Group 4 demonstrated a significantly higher push-out bond strength, at all root thirds, than Group 3, Group 2, and Group 1 (p < 0.05). The most frequently observed failure mode in the tested groups occurred between the resin cement and radicular dentin.ConclusionThe use of short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC) to reline the prefabricated FRC post has been proven to have superior fracture resistance with favorable failure patterns and increased push-out bond strength values compared to standard prefabricated FRC posts.

Juice Vesicles Bioreactors Technology for Constructing Advanced Carbon-Based Energy Storage.

The construction of high-quality carbon-based energy materials through biotechnology has always been an eager goal of the scientific community. Herein, juice vesicles bioreactors (JVBs) bio-technology based on hesperidium (e.g., pomelo, waxberry, oranges) is first reported for preparation of carbon-based composites with controllable components, adjustable morphologies, and sizes. JVBs serve as miniature reaction vessels that enable sophisticated confined chemical reactions to take place, ultimately resulting in the formations of complex carbon composites. The newly developed approach is highly versatile and can be compatible with a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, and metal compounds. The growth and self-assembly mechanisms of carbon composites via JVBs are explained. For illustration, NiCo alloy nanoparticles are successfully in situ implanted into pomelo vesicles crosslinked carbon (PCC) by JVBs, and their applications as sulfur/carbon cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries are explored. The well-designed PCC/NiCo-S electrode exhibits superior high-rate properties and enhanced long-term stability. Synergistic reinforcement mechanisms on transportation of ions/electrons of interface reactions and catalytic conversion of lithium polysulfides arising from metal alloy and carbon architecture are proposed with the aid of DFT calculations. The research provides a novel biosynthetic route to rational design and fabrication of carbon composites for advanced energy storage.

Effect of jute stick charcoal powder on characterization of aluminum metal matrix composite

The present work indicates the fabrication of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) reinforced jute stick charcoal powder (JSCP) using stir casting process and investigates different properties of fabricated composites. Mechanical properties such as flexural strength, tensile strength, hardness, and impact tests are investigated. Additionally, the morphology of the MMCs were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to identify the phase of the MMCs. From the investigation it was found that the tensile and flexural strength of the Al+3% JSCP composite decreased by 27.1% and 1.32% respectively compared to the Al+1% JSCP composite. On the other hand, impact strength and hardness were slightly greater for Al+3% JSCP composite. SEM analysis revealed micro-cavities and charcoal powder particle size and distribution differences. XRD patterns of the prepared composite revealed the presence of JSCP and lattice parameter of the composite. The investigation of surface roughness under different cutting speed reveals that, composite with 1% JSCP exhibited a higher surface roughness than the composite with 3% JSCP because the micro-cavity and porosity was less in Al+3% JSCP.

Characteristics and Influence Factors of Pb(II) Adsorption by Graphene Oxide-Montmorillonite Composite.

This study presents the fabrication of a novel porous composite of graphene oxide-montmorillonite (GO-MMT) through the modification of montmorillonite using the freeze-drying method for the purpose of Pb removal. The characterization of the GO-MMT composite was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. The results from batch adsorption experiments revealed that the GO-MMT composite exhibited a superior capacity for Pb removal compared to MMT. Furthermore, a single factor experiment confirmed that the dosage of the GO-MMT composite or GO, pH, temperature, and reaction time all significantly influenced the adsorption of Pb by the GO-MMT composite, MMT, or GO. This superiority can be attributed to the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups, the site-blocking effect, and the ion exchange mechanism exhibited by the GO-MMT composite.

Synergistic Brilliance: Engineered Bacteria and Nanomedicine Unite in Cancer Therapy.

Engineered bacteria are widely used in cancer treatment because live facultative/obligate anaerobes can selectively proliferate at tumor sites and reach hypoxic regions, thereby causing nutritional competition, enhancing immune responses, and producing anticancer microbial agents in situ to suppress tumor growth. Despite the unique advantages of bacteria-based cancer biotherapy, the insufficient treatment efficiency limits its application in the complete ablation of malignant tumors. The combination of nanomedicine and engineered bacteria has attracted increasing attention owing to their striking synergistic effects in cancer treatment. Engineered bacteria that function as natural vehicles can effectively deliver nanomedicines to tumor sites. Moreover, bacteria provide an opportunity to enhance nanomedicines by modulating the TME and producing substrates to support nanomedicine-mediated anticancer reactions. Nanomedicine exhibits excellent optical, magnetic, acoustic, and catalytic properties, and plays an important role in promoting bacteria-mediated biotherapies. The synergistic anticancer effects of engineered bacteria and nanomedicines in cancer therapy are comprehensively summarized in this review. Attention is paid not only to the fabrication of nanobiohybrid composites, but also to the interpromotion mechanism between engineered bacteria and nanomedicine in cancer therapy. Additionally, recent advances in engineered bacteria-synergized multimodal cancer therapies are highlighted.

Silicon carbide nanoparticles featured AZ63/BN alloy nanocomposite made by using liquid stir vacuum die cast: characteristics study

ABSTRACT With the unique class, the reinforcements play a precious role during the composite fabrication, expanding the specific properties. The novel research intensively enhances the micro-structural and mechanical behaviour of magnesium alloy (AZ63/3 wt% boron nitride) nanocomposite featured 2, 4, and 6 wt% of nano-size silicon carbide (SiC) particles via liquid state vacuum stir cast route. The exposure of SiC and BN on composite density, voids contribution, changes in AZ91D microstructure, impact toughness, hardness, and stress-strain individuality of AZ63 alloy nanocomposite is evaluated with ASTM policy. The composite composed with 3 wt% BN and 6 wt% SiC proved their identity. It showed the lower contribution of voids-free homogenous dispersion particle results in a maximum impact strength of 14.7J/mm2, hardness of 74HV, and superb tensile strength of 247MPa. This optimum behaviour will be recommended for automotive roof frame applications.