Fiber Composite Materials Research Articles

Heat-resistant carbon fiber composite materials based on fusible oligoimide

In this work, oligoimide powder binders of the IDA type based on 4,4’-’oxydiphthalic anhydride and bis-(4-acetamido)diphenyl oxide with different molecular weights were obtained. CFRPs were obtained by electrostatic spraying of a powdered oligoimide binder onto a carbon fabric, followed by high-temperature calendering and hot pressing of prepregs. The thermal and mechanical characteristics of the obtained carbon composites are determined.

The mechanics of thin elastic sheet reinforced with fiber mesh subjected to combined flexure and extension

We present a three-dimensional continuum model aimed at investigating the mechanical performance of elastomeric materials reinforced with bidirectional fibers undergoing the combined out-of-plane bending moment and bilateral extension. To achieve this, we consider the Neo-Hookean strain energy model for the matrix material of the fiber composite and incorporate the strain energy of bidirectional fibers into the strain energy potential of the fiber composite. The bidirectional fibers’ strain energy is rigorously modeled by configuring the fiber kinematics on the fiber composite surface using differential geometry and accounting for stretching, bending, and twisting responses of the fibers via the computation of the first-order and second-order gradient of deformation. To establish equilibrium equations, we apply the variational principle to derive the constitutive relations, resulting in the normal and tangential shape equations of the fiber composite, and boundary conditions of bending and stretching. The model implementation emphasizes analyzing the combined out-of-plane bending and bilateral stretching effects on the fiber composite material, and the numerical results include the out-of-plane and in-plane deformation, strain-loading responses, bending, twisting, and stretching of fibers within the matrix material, as well as the deformation of the fiber network. Specifically, it is found that a larger bending moment results in intensified out-of-plane deformation while larger bilateral stretch decreases the out-of-plane deformation of fiber composite. In particular, bilateral stretches reduce the Lagrange strain (ɛ1) near the bilateral boundaries, unlike the intensity distribution of Lagrange strain (ɛ2) maintains almost unchanged due to no external tension applied on the upper and lower boundaries of the fiber while bending moments persist. These findings highlight the role of bilateral stretching acting as the prestress in reducing deflection, enhancing tensile strength and efficient use, and controlling crack generation of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. More importantly, despite the scarcity of experimental data on fiber composite deformation at the microscopic, the theoretical demonstration of the extension and flexure of fiber units provide reasonable explanations for the resulting deformation of the overall fiber meshwork, validating the mechanism that the fiber microstructure deformation determines the overall deformation of fiber composites when subjected to combined bending moment and tension. Special attention should be given to the potential dislocation between the embedded meshwork and matrix material located in the center of the domain. Furthermore, the proposed model provides qualitatively reasonable explanations on the shaping of Bamboo Polylactic acid (PLA) composites, out-of-plane deformation of woven fabric, Sikken-type stiffener deformation, and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics via a series of numerical results.

Evaluation of the application of chemically adapted gourd fibre in polyester composite fabrication

Purpose Gourd fibres (GF) are a natural biodegradable fibre material with excellent mechanical properties and high tensile strength. The use of natural fibres in composite materials has gained popularity in recent years due to their various advantages, including renewability, low cost, low density and biodegradability. Gourd fibre is one such natural fibre that has been identified as a potential reinforcement material for composites. However, it has low surface energy and hydrophobic nature, which makes it difficult to bond with matrix materials such as polyester. To overcome this problem, chemically adapted gourd fibre has been proposed as a solution. Chemical treatment is one of the most widely used methods to improve the properties of natural fibres. This research evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating chemically adapted gourd fibre into polyester composites for industrial fabrication. The purpose of this study is to examine the application of chemically modified GF in the production of polyester composite engineering materials. Design/methodology/approach This work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chemically adapted gourd fibre in improving the adhesion of gourd fibre with polyester resin in composite fabrication by varying the GF from 5 to 20 wt.%. The study involves the preparation of chemically treated gourd fibre through surface modification using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), permanganate (KMnO4) and acetic acid (CH3COOH) coupling agents. The mechanical properties of the modified fibre and composites were investigated. It was then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine the changes in surface morphology and functional groups. Findings FTIR characterization showed that NaOH treatment caused cellulose depolymerization and caused a significant increase in the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, showing improved surface functional groups; KMnO4 treatment oxidized the fibre surface and caused the formation of surface oxide groups; and acetic acid treatment induced changes that primarily affected the ester and hydroxyl groups. SEM study showed that NaOH treatment changed the surface morphology of the gourd fibre, introduced voids and reduced hydrophilic tendencies. The tensile strength of the modified gourd fibres increased progressively as the concentration of the modification chemicals increased compared to the untreated fibres. Originality/value This work presents the designed composite with density, mechanical properties and microstructure, showing remarkable improvements in the engineering properties. An 181.5% improvement in tensile strength and a 56.63% increase in flexural strength were got over that of the unreinforced polyester. The findings from this work will contribute to the understanding of the potential of chemically adapted gourd fibre as a reinforcement material for composites and provide insights into the development of sustainable composite materials.

A REVIEW ON DURABILITY OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE CELLULOSE-BASED BIOCOMPOSITES

Concerns about climate change have reignited enthusiasm for more sustainable applications of natural fibers in composite materials. Natural fiber composites (NFCs) are frequently marketed as an environmentally conscious item that may, in certain situations, provide appropriate levels of particular strength and stiffness while having a lower overall ecological impact. Nevertheless, concerns with their proclivity for deteriorating in a number of ways, including chemical, biological, thermal, mechanical, photochemical, and water-based degradation, continue to stymie the widespread utilization of these composites. It is established that hemicelluloses are accountable for biological dilapidation in addition to absorbing moisture, while lignin is accountable for ultraviolet radiation (UV) deterioration. The environmental degradation problems to be taken into account are those caused by environmental elements such as biological approach, temperature, UV light, and moisture, which might limit the usability of these composites. This review examines the latest researches into enhancing the performance characteristics of NFCs under the influence of these environmental elements so that they might be utilized more extensively. Also highlighted how chemical treatment affects fiber composition and fiber-matrix interfacial bonding characteristics. It concludes by examining possible future paths for the development of innovative natural fiber composites with a wider range of better uses.

Study of the structure of fibrous composite material using computational x-ray tomography

the article discusses the determination of the actual porosity and the actual volumetric content of the reinforcing material and binder in a sample of fibrous polymer composite material (FPCM) using the non-destructive method of computational x-ray tomography. It is shown that the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of X-ray radiation in the volume of the sample under study based on the set of integral shadow projections obtained by X-ray transmission in various directions and its root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) provide sufficient information about the parameters of the microstructure of the sample under study. To obtain quantitative characteristics of porosity and volumetric content of components, it is necessary to examine test samples made from similar components with previously known various parameters of the material structure in the required range of scatter of these characteristics. The proposed method can be used as a non-destructive control of the structure parameters of critically important products made of VPCM, both in general and in selected local areas of the product. Also, this method is recommended for determining the actual porosity and the actual volumetric content of the binder when carrying out research work on the influence of VPCM structure parameters on the durability and residual strength of samples when exposed to external factors during operation, in particular when carrying out certification work on elementary samples.

The Impact of High-Temperature Sintering on the Properties of Ceramic and Fiber Composite Materials and Its Optimization Strategies

The Impact of High-Temperature Sintering on the Properties of Ceramic and Fiber Composite Materials and Its Optimization Strategies

The Role of Carbon Fiber Composite Materials in Making Electric Aircraft a Reality

As the aerospace industry seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional aviation, electric aircraft have emerged as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Central to this transition is the development and integration of advanced materials that enhance the performance and efficiency of these next-generation aircraft. Compound materials possess various significant abilities, including the capability to withstand fatigue, resist corrosion, and manufacture lightweight components with minimal compromise to reliability, among others. Nanocomposites constitute a subset of materials within compounds, recognized for their superior mechanical properties compared to standard composite materials. The utilization of nanocomposites in the aerospace sector is presently encountering a research gap, primarily in identifying future application scopes. This paper reviews the critical role of carbon fiber composites and nanocomposites in electric aviation, highlighting their transformative impact on aircraft design, battery integration, and overall sustainability. By offering unparalleled strength-to-weight ratios, superior thermal management, and innovative structural possibilities, these materials significantly advance the capabilities of electric aircraft. Furthermore, it discusses the advancements in material technology, including high-temperature composites, hybrid composites, and nanocomposite materials, and addresses the challenges and future directions in composite application. The paper underscores the pivotal role of composite materials in achieving a greener, more efficient, and technologically advanced aerospace industry, marking a significant step towards sustainable air transportation.

Recent progress on MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composite materials for oxygen electrocatalysis

Based on the oxygen electrocatalytic mechanism, MOFs and their derivative-carbon fiber composites have shown excellent catalytic performance by optimizing the reaction regulation mechanism, which will promote the development of electrocatalysts.

Experimental study on the combustion characteristics of carbon fiber composite materials coated in different coatings

The special environment in which the aircraft operates in terms of flight and safety assurance has special requirements for coating performance. Based on the combustion characteristics of four kinds of high-performance aviation coatings coated with carbon fiber composites, for parameters such as average ignition time and heat release rate of the composite, the results show that the carbon fiber composite has the longest average ignition time, Minimum heat release rate, while the 2-ethyl-4-Mylimidazole cured epoxy coated fiber composite had the shortest average ignition time. The maximum heat release rate was observed.

Developing an alternative crossbar material from jute/E-glass fiber hybrid reinforced polymer matrix composite

Over the last three decades, the use of hybrid reinforced fiber composite materials for structural applications has increased. Minimizing the weight of vehicle components has been considered an important solution for improving fuel economy, increasing technical benefits, and reducing harmful emissions. This study used jute and E-glass fiber with a polyester matrix to develop the hybrid composite. Hand layups were employed for sample preparation of 40% fiber and 60% of the polyester matrix with four different stacking sequences. The mechanical property and water absorption test were influenced by fiber stacking sequences and jute fiber treatment. In this investigation, the result shows that the hybrid G-J-J-G hybrid of NaOH-treated jute fiber exhibited higher strength than a hybrid containing jute fiber at their outer layer and a hybrid of the same stacking sequence with untreated jute fibers. A hybrid with a G-J-J-G arrangement was used to develop alternative crossbar members by size optimization with a genetic algorithm. The sizing optimization of crossbar member results shows that the weight of the hybrid composite crossbar can be reduced by 46.47%, from 9.765 kg to 5.227 kg per single component of crossbar member, and comparatively, an average of 0.00544 L per 100 km of fuel was enabled to be saved. Thus, jute/E-glass hybrid reinforced polyester composite can effectively be an alternative to the current steel structure without compromising their application.

Investigation of mechanical properties and thermal properties on sugarcane fiber composite material reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate matrix material for sustainable applications

In this modern age composite materials are become the primary material for engineering production because composite materials have several specific properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, low cost, ease of fabrication, tensile strength, compressive strength, Impact strength, high resistance to thermal which does not realize in pure material or non-composite material. Fabricating composite materials involves producing something useful from waste materials. The experimental investigation involves the fabrication of sugarcane fiber-reinforced PET composites through a controlled manufacturing process. Because of its vast application, every Mechanical Engineer should have the knowledge about the fabricate and test the composite material. In this research, two waste materials are used - bagasse and waste plastic to fabricate a composite. The main purpose of the composite material is for heat insulation that is applicable for industrial roofing. The main purpose of the composite material is for heat insulation that is applicable for industrial roofing applications and manufacturing for sustainable components. The mechanical results after compression and shear tests are 4.57 and 0.37 MPa respectively. The maximum thermal test after an exposed surface temperature test is 54 °C

High injection molding welding strength and cross-sectional analysis of carbon fiber composite materials

In this study, carbon fibers, commonly used as reinforcement materials, were added to polyamide (nylon) PA6 to fabricate carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP), which were then subjected to injection molding welding. The aim of this research was to investigate the positive influence of carbon fibers on injection molding welding strength and explore the optimal injection conditions. Three different joining combinations and various injection parameters were examined. The tensile fracture surfaces after welding were observed using polarized microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The reinforcing mechanism of carbon fibers was analyzed. Ultimately, the optimal conditions were determined as a mold temperature of 120°C, an injection temperature of 380°C, and an injection velocity of 150 mm/s. The addition of carbon fibers exhibited significant strengthening effects on the injection molded joints, and it also provided the potential for injection molding welding between resins with poor compatibility.

Freestanding electrodes based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers and zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived ZnO for flexible supercapacitors

This study investigates the carbonization of electrospun fibers derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-7/polyacrylonitrile solutions containing urea or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The carbonization yields highly flexible composites comprising nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers and ZnO. Notably, using PVP as a nitrogen source generates a composite exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance. Specifically, it delivers a high capacitance of 382.5 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, this composite demonstrates capacitance retentions of approximately 101 % and 80 % after 10,000 cycles and a 90° bending test, respectively. The charge-storage capability of the PVP-based ZnOP/C composite surpasses that obtained without PVP by 1.4 times. Additionally, a composite fiber mat of ZnOP/C obtained via one-step electrospinning exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity and an energy density of 49 μWh cm−2 at a power density of 2 mW cm−2. These findings highlight the potential of this material as an electrode for supercapacitors.

Tailored twisted CNT bundle with improved inter-tube slipping performances

The exceptional mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have encouraged the development of high-performance synthetic fibers in composite materials. To understand the effect of twisting on the mechanical and slipping performances of CNT bundles, molecular dynamics simulation is applied to investigate the tensile performances, failure modes, and pull-out responses of twisted CNT bundles. A molecular model comprising nineteen parallel aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is twisted into bundles at angles of 0°, 10°, and 20°, and further tensile and pull-out simulations are performed. The tensile simulation indicates that compared with the non-twisted CNT bundle showing a tensile strength of about 82 GPa with obvious inter-tube slipping, the 10°-twisted bundle exhibits a tensile strength of approximately 70 GPa with SWCNTs fracture as the main failure mode, which indicates that twisting improves the inter-tube slipping performance without causing excessive strength reduction. Comparatively, when the twisting angle is 20°, no inter-tube slipping is observed and the tensile strength of the CNT bundle is measured to be 55 GPa, which decreases by approximately 32.9 %. The pull-out simulations further reveal that the pull-out forces increase as the twisting angle increases and the weakened bundle strength of twisted bundle is attributed to the repulsive van der Waals forces caused by the reduced distances between inter-tubes. Essentially, twisting is unfavorable for the overall mechanical strength while torsional densification mitigates the inter-tube slipping, which indicates that a trade-off need to be achieved. This paper provides insights into the tensile and slipping performances of twisted CNT bundles and forms a basis for enhancing the assembled CNTs bundle as the next-generation reinforcing phase in composite materials.

Research on the lightweight design and multilevel optimization method of B‐pillar of hybrid material based on side‐impact safety and multicriteria decision‐making

AbstractThis paper designs and optimizes a new structure hybrid material B‐pillar assembly. Establish a finite element analysis model for the side impact test of an electric vehicle to verify the model's accuracy. Construct a finite element model of the hybrid material B‐pillar assembly. Combined with the static performance analysis of the B‐pillar, the laminate design of the carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate and optimization. For the outer and inner panels of the B‐pillar, the surrogate model method and the multiobjective optimization method are combined to set 11 design variables and 13 responses. The optimal Latin hypercube design method was used to randomly sample each design variable and fit the radial basis function (RBF) approximate model. The modified second‐generation non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (MNSGA‐II) was used to carry out multiobjective optimization of the mixed material B‐pillar assembly, and the multicriteria decision‐making method was used to obtain the optimal solution for the Pareto solution set. A drop weight impact test was performed on the hybrid material B‐pillar assembly. The results showed that the peak collision force of the hybrid material B‐pillar was reduced by 43.7% compared with the original steel B‐pillar, the specific energy absorption was increased by 17.5%, and the side impact safety performance was better. After optimization, the weight of the mixed material B‐column was reduced by 26.44%. The improvement rates of the intrusion amount at P2 and the intrusion speed at P1 were 23.99% and 0.63%, respectively, and the lightweight effect and side impact safety were significantly improved.Highlights The finite element analysis parameters of carbon fiber composite materials were constructed through experiments, and the basis for simulation analysis under various working conditions of the B‐pillar based on performance‐driven optimization was established. A hybrid material B‐pillar design method is proposed, which consists of a variable‐thickness high‐strength steel B‐pillar outer plate, a variable‐thickness high‐strength steel B‐pillar inner plate, and a carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate. The super layer of the carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate was optimized and the laying plan of the carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate was determined. Performance‐driven optimization is adopted to realize the collaboration of multilevel design and optimization methods such as B‐pillar conceptual design, detailed design, and multiobjective optimization. A modified NSGA‐II algorithm was proposed and combined with the multicriteria decision‐making method and the entropy‐weighted gray relation analysis method to determine the Pareto optimal solution and the optimal design scheme for the mixed material B‐pillar.

Bio-inspired copper ion-chelated chitosan coating modified UHMWPE fibers for enhanced interfacial properties of composites

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are broadly applied in lightweight and high-strength composite fiber materials. However, the development of UHMWPE fibers is limited by their smooth and chemically inert surfaces. To address the issues, a modified UHMWPE fibers material has been fabricated through the chelation reaction between Cu2+ and chitosan coatings within the surface of fibers after plasma treatment, which is inspired by the hardening mechanism, a crosslinked network between metal ions and proteins/polysaccharides of the tips and edges in arthropod-specific cuticular tools. The coatings improve the surface wettability and interfacial bonding ability, which are beneficial in extending the application range of UHMWPE fibers. More importantly, compared to the unmodified UHMWPE fiber cloths, the tensile property of the modified fiber cloths is increased by 18.89% without damaging the strength, which is infrequent in modified UHMWPE fibers. Furthermore, the interlaminar shear strength and fracture toughness of the modified fibers laminate are increased by 37.72% and 135.90%, respectively. These improvements can be attributed to the synergistic effects between the surface activity and the tiny bumps of the modified UHMWPE fibers. Hence, this work provides a more straightforward and less damaging idea of fiber modification for manufacturing desirable protective and medical materials.

Material choice to optimise the performance index of isogrid structures

Three key qualities should define the structures used in the aviation industry: they should be light, rigid, and strong. These goals can be met by selecting lightweight, high-performance materials like titanium alloy or composites, but careful structural design is also crucial to improve mechanical performance. The structures known as isogrids, which consist of a skin reinforced by a lattice frame, offer an effective way to meet the aforementioned specifications. The structural performances of isogrid-stiffened cylinders composed of various materials were compared in the current work. The structures under investigation were composed of titanium alloy, carbon fibre composite material, or a combination of both. A FEM model was proposed and validated by comparison with experimental results obtained from a composite material structure, and then it was used to simulate the behaviour of all the other structures. While there was some variation in the strength of the parts, it was discovered that the stiffness was almost uniform throughout all of the structures that were examined. But when the weight of the various constructions was taken into account, some very intriguing findings emerged: the composite material-only structure proved to be the most effective because it had the highest specific performances.

Use of a commingling process for innovative flax fibre reinforced unidirectional composites

Optimisation of textile preforms play a crucial role in the development of high-performance biobased composites materials. In this context, the main ambition of this work is to quantify and assess the mechanical properties and behaviour of biocomposite materials made from unidirectional commingled preforms based on flax and poly-(propylene) fibres. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature examining the effect of the commingling process on the ultrastructure and the mechanical properties of flax fibres. At the scale of the elementary fibre, fibre mechanical properties are observed to be stable after commingling. However, repeated drawing in the commingling process leads to increased cellulose crystallinity and a larger fraction of elementary fibres exhibiting quasi-linear tensile behaviour. The composite materials produced with these commingled flax/poly-(propylene) preforms contain few cortical residues and show a remarkable degree of fibre individualisation. Moreover, they exhibit high Young's modulus and a stress at break of 24 GPa and 194 MPa, respectively, for a fibre volume fraction of 36 %. A substantial drop in properties is however noted at high fibre fractions due increased heterogeneity of the materials. Remarkably, the biocomposites achieved unprecedented transverse modulus and stress at break of 2.3 GPa and 16.5 MPa, respectively. Our results validate the potential and interest in commingling processes for designing a new family of plant fibre composite materials.

Fracture parameters of woven jute fibre reinforced axial flow fan blade material: an experimental investigation and FEA analysis

Airflow required for the heat and mass transfer in industrial applications is often provided by axial flow fans. Glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP) are most often used to make these fan blades. The usage of glass fibres in composite materials is growing. By 2025, the global market for glass fibres will be worth 16.5 billion pounds. However, non-biodegradable composite reinforcement has major ecological and human health concerns, especially when reaching the end of its operational lifespan. Until now, industries have shown a strong inclination to use GFRP without adequately contemplating the potential consequences associated with their disposal. The economic viability of glass fibre recycling is questionable. However, natural fibres like jute and fibres extracted from vegetable plants are of much popular among academics and researchers due to their sustainability and ease of use. So, they’re suitable for making polymer composites. The amount of natural fibres that may be added to GFRP composites without materially altering their mechanical characteristics is a crucial factor in improving their decreased embodied emissions and biodegradability after service life. In this work the material represents an 18-ft axial flow fan blade material made of GFRP. This study used the term denotes the specific material utilised in the fabrication of 18-feet axial flow fan blades for industrial purposes. By substituting one layer of with woven jute and changing its position in it, the materials through are produced. All the materials are tested for fracture parameters like plane strain fracture toughness and Critical strain energy release rate as per ASTM D-5045. The results were validated by using finite element models implemented in a commercially available software ANSYS R19.2. The optimal layup sequence for fan blade material with single-layer woven jute reinforcement was found, which preserves fracture properties, also improves biodegradability after service life.

Mode I fracture behavior of glass fiber composite-steel bonded interface – Experiments and CZM

Debonding is characterized as the governing failure mode in the innovative wrapped composite joints made with glass fiber composite material wrapped around steel hollow sections without welding. The prerequisite for predicting debonding failure of wrapped composite joints is to obtain fracture behavior of the composite-steel bonded interface. The mode I fracture behavior of the bonded interface was experimentally investigated using glass fiber composite-steel double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens. The crack length a and the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) during the test were accurately measured by analyzing the digital image correlation (DIC) data while the strain energy release rate (SERR) was calculated through the extended global method (EGM). The cohesive zone modeling (CZM) was utilized in the finite element model with the proposal of a four-linear traction-separation law to simulate the mode I fracture process. An approach is introduced to determine the critical stages of the proposed four-linear cohesive law by combining accurate measurements of crack length a and CTOD, along with SERR values. The validity of the four-linear cohesive law and the introduced approach to determine the critical stages were confirmed by good agreement in both global and local behavior between the testing and the FEA results.