Glass Fiber Research Articles

Anti-Self-Discharge Capability of Zn-Halogen Batteries Through an Entrapment-Adsorption-Catalysis Strategy Built Upon Separator.

Aqueous Zn-halogen batteries (Zn-I2/Br2) suffer from grievous self-discharge behavior, resulting in irreversible loss of active cathode material and severe corrosion of zinc anode, which ultimately leads to rapid battery failure. Herein, an entrapment-adsorption-catalysis strategy is reported, leveraging Zn─Mn atom pairs-modified glass fiber separator (designated as ZnMn-NC/GF), to effectively mitigate the self-discharge phenomenon. The in situ Raman and UV experiments, along with theoretical calculations, confirmed the single-atom Mn sites are responsible for polyiodides adsorption, while Zn─Mn atom pairs facilitated the conversion of reaction intermediates. As a result, the utilization rate of cathode active species is enhanced through this ZnMn-NC/GF separator. The fully charged Zn-I2 battery assembled with ZnMn-NC/GF maintained a Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 90.1% after being left for 120 h, as well as a capacity retention rate of 95.3% after 30000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1. Additionally, the Zn-Br2 battery designed with ZnMn-NC/GF separator can withstand more serious self-discharge problems of bromine species, with an average discharge voltage platform of 1.75 V at 0.5 A g-1. The self-discharge problem of aqueous Zn-halogen batteries is significantly suppressed by this entrapment-adsorption-catalysis strategy, which can serve as a crucial reference for the advancement of high-performance aqueous Zn-halogen batteries.

In situ experimental investigation of fiber orientation kinetics and rheology of polymer composites in shear flow

In this study, we experimentally investigate the fiber orientation kinetics and rheology of fiber-filled polymer melts in shear flow. A novel setup is designed with custom-built bottom and top geometries that are mounted on a conventional rotational rheometer. Shear flow between parallel sliding plates is applied by vertical movement of the top geometry. The axial force measurement data of the rotational rheometer are used to determine the shear stress growth coefficient. The fiber orientation kinetics are measured in situ with this setup using small angle light scattering. We consider a non-Brownian experimental system with short glass fibers for the suspended phase (L/D=8–15) and different polyethylene based materials for the matrix phase. The fiber orientation kinetics are investigated as a function of fiber volume fraction (ϕ=1%, 5%, and 10%) and as a function of the shear rate (γ˙=0.03, 0.55, and 5s−1). Within the studied range, these parameters do not influence the fiber orientation kinetics, and a multiparticle model, based on Jeffery’s equation for single particles, can describe these kinetics. Our results show that, up to the concentrated regime (ϕ≈D/L), fiber-fiber interactions do not influence the fiber orientation in shear flow. Finally, we investigate the shear stress growth coefficient of these composites and demonstrate that a simple rheological model for fiber composites, which assumes a constant, isotropic orientation distribution of the fibers, is able to describe the shear stress growth coefficient of the short fiber composite samples.

IMPROVEMENT OF EXPANSIVE SOIL BY USING FIBER GLASS _SILICA FUME MIXTURE

A fiber glass -silica fume and silica fume (SF) mix (F-SF) have been employed in this study in order to enhance and relate their effects on the expansive soil. Bentonite (B) was added with natural soil in a lab at a ratio of 50% by soil dry weight to create the soil used in this study. The (SF) was added alone at (8,9,10,11,12, and 13) % and 1 % of Fiber glass (F) was added to the (clay soil - SF) mixture. For both treated and untreated soil, odometer, shear box, and swelling tests were used to examine the behavior of the soil after the addition of (SF) and (F-SF) mixture. From the outcome of the experimental tests, we noticed that (SF) reducing both comparison index (Cc), reloading index (Cr), and swelling percentage (SW)%. Also, it is influenced on shear strength parameters by decreasing cohesion (c) and increasing internal angle friction (φ). As well as adding 1 % (F) to the (clay soil - SF) mixture modify the prepared soil by reducing (Cc), (Cr), (SW) % and increasing (c, φ). Based on all of the above results, we concluded that adding (SF) and (F-SF) mix. can enhance the engineering characteristics of swelling soil.

Investigation of Free Vibration Behavior for Composite Sandwich Beams with a Composite Honeycomb Core

The purpose of the current research is to determine the effect of fiber type, volume ratio, and matrix type on the vibration properties of sandwich beams made of composite face sheet and core. The typical sandwich structure consists of three layers: face sheets, core, and adhesive bonding, and in this research, the adhesive layer between the face sheets and core was abolished by preparing the overall mold with fibers inside and casting the resin to fill the face sheet and core parts. The face sheets of the composite beams are made from a polyester or epoxy matrix reinforced with glass fiber, carbon fiber, and hybrid fiber, and the core is a honeycomb consisting of random glass fibers immersed in a resin matrix (polyester or epoxy). 22 composite sandwich beams were constructed to conduct vibration testing. The vibration results obtained experimentally were compared to the ANSYS R1 2022 software, and the results were in very good agreement. Hybrid fibers and polyester matrix achieved the highest values of natural frequency for (clamped-clamped) boundary conditions, where the natural frequency value of the hybrid fiber and polyester matrix reached (2037 Hz) at a volume fraction of (23.14%) experimentally and the natural frequency reached (1804.5 Hz) at a volume fraction of (21.95%) experimentally for the simply supported boundary condition.

A Numerical Study of the Behavior of Concrete Columns constructed with Recycled Aggregate reinforced with GFRP Rebars

This research presents the findings of a numerical simulation conducted using the ABAQUS/CAE Finite Element (FE) software, with the purpose of investigating the behavior of short concrete columns constructed using recycled aggregate reinforced by Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars. The numerical validation technique included an analysis of the experimental data of twenty columns constructed utilizing recycled aggregate reinforced by steel or GFRP rebars. Additional aspects, such as the column length, acting as an indicator of column slenderness, and the configuration of the column section, were also investigated. The results revealed a significant correlation between the failure loads and axial displacement of the computational models and those derived from the experimental methods. It was found that the increase in the column length was inversely proportional to its load carrying capacity. The drop percentage in the load carrying capacity was 6% and 11% for columns with length of 1100 mm and 1500 mm, respectively, compared to the reference square column with 700 mm length. The drop percentage in the load carrying capacity was 6.9% and 12.7% for columns with lengths of 1100 mm and 1500 mm, respectively, compared to the reference circle column with 700 mm length.

Properties of GFRP Bars Subjected to High Temperature

This study evaluates the properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars exposed to high temperatures. An experimental program was carried out, which investigated 30 samples burned at different temperatures, 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C, and compared them with additional unburned samples. The chosen parameters in this study consist of the concrete cover thickness and the burning temperature. The experimental results demonstrated that at a temperature of 300 °C, burning did not significantly affect the tensile strength of the covered samples, as it exhibited a decrease between 0% and 7%. In contrast, at a temperature of 500 °C, burning significantly influenced the specific samples’ tensile strength, as its decrease ranged between 0 and 30%. At 700 °C, burning substantially impacted the covered samples’ tensile strength, causing a reduction ranging from 2% to 58%, contingent on the concrete cover thickness. It was generally observed that the samples’ tensile strength decreased as the burning temperature increased, and that although significant alterations in the tensile characteristics of the uncoated GFRP bars were noted at 300 °C, the critical threshold for the coated GFRP bars was identified around 500 °C.

Sandwich‐structured light‐transmitting composites based on waste textiles: Fabrication, optical properties, and bending failure behavior

AbstractCurrently, glass fiber‐reinforced resin composites, as an advanced optically transparent material, have garnered widespread attention and research. In the context of new‐era developments, there is a growing demand and expectation for the visual artistic expression of light‐transmitting composites. In this study, glass fiber fabric, silk fabric, and recycled polyester jacquard fabric were used as reinforcement materials, while epoxy resin was selected as the matrix material. A green decorative light‐transmitting composite with uniform light diffusion and soft light effects was prepared using the vacuum bag molding process. By altering the woven structure (plain weave, twill weave, satin weave), yarn density, and yarn twist of the silk fabric, the optical properties of the composites can be regulated. The unique triangular cross‐section, woven structure, and large folds of the plain‐woven silk fabric were particularly conducive to the reflection and refraction of light within the composite, thereby significantly enhancing the uniform light diffusion and soft light properties of the material. Furthermore, the bending failure behavior of the composites was investigated through three‐point bending tests, acoustic emission (AE) test, and micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT) scanning. The laminate specimens reinforced with plain‐woven silk fabric exhibited the best bending performance, with bending strength and modulus reaching 434.4 MPa and 19.0 GPa, respectively. The combination of AE and micro‐CT scanning techniques successfully established the correlation between AE signals and damage modes. This study identified the main failure modes for plain woven, twill woven, and satin woven silk reinforced composites as fiber breakage, interlayer delamination, and fiber/resin debonding, respectively.Highlights Waste textiles were recycled for use in transparent composites. Silk fabric's weave structure affected composites' optical properties. Fiber breakage was the main failure in bending of plain woven composites. Plain woven composites exhibited optimal diffuse light, superior flexural performance.

A Parametric Study of GFRP Composite Beams with Encased I-Section using 3D Finite Element Modeling

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) materials play a crucial role in the construction industry due to their lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and high strength. Furthermore, the GFRP reinforcement ratio is a significant factor in the strength design philosophy that governs the design of flexible members. This study presents a parametric investigation of the performance of concrete composite beams reinforced and encased with pultruded GFRP. This study investigates the effect of concrete compressive strength and GFRP reinforcement ratio on the structural behavior of composite beams with encased GFRP sections under static loads. To achieve this objective, five simply supported models were numerically simulated using the Abaqus software. The reference model comprised normal concrete with a 30 MPa compressive strength, 0.42% GFRP longitudinal reinforcing ratio, and transverse steel rebars, with the GFRP I-section encased in the center of the cross-section. The other models maintained similar properties and geometries but varied in reinforcement ratio (0.85% and 1.2%) and compressive strength (25 MPa and 20 MPa). The results showed that increasing the reinforcement ratio in composite beams with encased GFRP sections improved the ultimate capacity by approximately 29% and 41% for 0.85% and 1.2% ratios, respectively, compared to the reference beam. Conversely, reducing compressive strength below 30 MPa decreased maximum load by about 16% and 23% for 25 MPa and 20 MPa values, respectively, in relation to the reference beam.

Constructing powerful interface between glass fiber and silica aerogel via an interfacial molecular bridge allows for excellent acoustic-thermal insulation composites

Constructing powerful interface between glass fiber and silica aerogel via an interfacial molecular bridge allows for excellent acoustic-thermal insulation composites

Silica-Nanocoated Membranes with Enhanced Stability and Antifouling Performance for Oil-Water Emulsion Separation

Despite the potential of glass fiber (GF) membranes for oil-water emulsion separations, efficient surface modification methods to enhance fouling resistance while preserving membrane performance and stability remain lacking. We report a silica nanocoating method to modify GF membranes through a vapor deposition method. The high smoothness (<1 nm r.m.s.) and high conformality of the vapor-deposited silica nanocoatings enabled the preservation of membrane microstructure and permeability, which, combined with the enhanced surface hydrophilicity, led to an oil rejection rate exceeding 99% and more than a 40% improvement in permeate flux in oil-water emulsion separations. Furthermore, the silica nanocoatings provided the membranes with excellent wet strength and stability against organic solvents, strong acids, oxidants, boiling, and sonication. The silica-nanocoated membrane demonstrated enhanced fouling resistance, achieving flux recovery higher than 75% during repeated oil-water emulsion separations and bovine serum albumin and humic acid fouling tests.

Pultruded Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Composites under Eccentric Compression Loading

Pultruded Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Composites under Eccentric Compression Loading

High-strength polyurethane-reinforced glass fiber spacer fabric for cost-effective, lightweight, and high-temperature insulation applications

High-strength polyurethane-reinforced glass fiber spacer fabric for cost-effective, lightweight, and high-temperature insulation applications

Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters for Enhanced Mechanical Strength: Effects of Glass Fiber Reinforcement and Fill Ratio Using RSM and ANOVA

This research aimed to provide valuable insights for future studies and enhance manufacturing processes by investigating the effect of incorporating fibers into 3D printing to improve the mechanical properties of fabricated components. The experimental design was carried out using Design-Expert software, employing the Central Composite Design (CCD) methodology. Seventeen experiments were conducted, with predefined input parameters, layer height, filler ratio, and printing speed, analyzed through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using Design-Expert version 12. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the filler ratio had the most significant effect on fracture strength. The influence of different printing parameters printing speed, layer height, and filler ratio on the mechanical properties and print quality was systematically investigated. The results indicated that the filler ratio was the most critical factor, with a 100% fill ratio yielding the highest tensile strength. Conversely, a 50% fill ratio significantly reduced production costs, but at the expense of mechanical performance. Thus, if strength is the primary requirement, a higher fill ratio is recommended. The effect of printing speed was found to be less significant compared to layer height and filler ratio. The maximum recorded tensile strength was 540.65 N, achieved with a layer height of 0.5 mm, a 100% fill ratio, and a printing speed of 8 mm/s. In contrast, the lowest recorded tensile strength was 389.93 N, observed with a layer height of 0.4 mm, a 50% fill ratio, and a printing speed of 4 mm/s. After applying a transformation function, the data showed good alignment with the normal distribution on the probability plot, indicating that the assumption of normality was satisfied. Additionally, the incorporation of glass fibers significantly enhanced the mechanical strength of the printed samples.

Tension–Tension Fatigue Behavior of Ribbed Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Bars in Air

Tension–Tension Fatigue Behavior of Ribbed Glass Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Bars in Air

Dual functional roles of lithium oxide in mixed alkaline earth aluminosilicate fiber glasses

Dual functional roles of lithium oxide in mixed alkaline earth aluminosilicate fiber glasses

Measuring Improvement in Fly Ash Based Concrete Impregnated with Glass Fiber

Abstract: In cement and concrete, fly ash has been utilized as a mineral additive. Utilizing it offers a number of benefits, including enhanced workability and strength characteristics as well as environmental advantages linked to waste disposal and lower carbon dioxide emissions. Constantly 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5% of the cement's weight is reinforced with alkali-resistant glass Fibers. Glass Fibers improved split and flexural strength without increasing compressive strength and served as an effective crack arrester. For this study, concrete of M30 grade is utilized. Studying fly ash's viability as a mineral additive to replace cement and provide extra glass fibre reinforcement in concrete is the primary goal of this project. Concrete's several structural qualities, such as its compressive, split, and flexural strength, are satisfied by the use of glass Fibers as extra reinforcement and fly ash as a partial substitute for cement. The complete investigation came to the conclusion that the best combination of all the mixes was 10% FA + 3.5% GF, which gave the most tensile strength; 10% FA + 3.5% GF showed greater flexure strength; and 10% FA showed good compressive strength at 28 days compared to standard concrete. After seven days, fly ash blends no longer exhibit improved compressive strength or split tensile strength.

Effect of increased basalt fibre dosage on hybrid basalt fibre reinforced concrete's strength properties

Natural, eco-friendly fibers are increasingly being used as reinforcement in the creation of lightweight, low-effort polymer composites on a global scale. Because it is intelligent and has unique properties above glass fibers (GF), basalt fiber (BF) is one such material of interest that is currently in widespread use. Among these composites' clear advantages are their high specific mechanic properties, biodegradability, and non-grating nature. In this paper, basalt fibers used as reinforcement for composites are surveyed. The study also addresses how concrete's strength is affected by curing. In addition to this, an attempt is made to highlight the growing trend in research dissemination and activity in the area of basalt fibers. Further segments talk about the improvement in mechanical, warm and synthetic safe properties accomplished for applications in specific enterprises. The results of this study reveal that the optimum value of strength at 28th day of curing is obtained for a mix made with 5% of chopped basalt fiber 50% 6mm Long BF and 50% 12mm Long BF.

Maintenance of corroded silos: A case study

Silos used for storing fuels, foods, and chemicals are specialized structures designed to safely contain and dispense various types of chemicals commonly used in the construction industry, such as cement, aggregates, and additives. Most of the materials required for glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panel production are stored in silos. The required materials are taken from the silos with the help of pumps equipped with an automatic dosage system. Steel is prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture and oxygen in the air, resulting in the formation of rust. In the open air, especially in places with excessive humidity and rainfall, silos corrode faster over time. Therefore, punctured silos due to corrosion can lead to production stoppages and severe financial losses. Painting is one of the primary methods for protecting steel from corrosion as it creates a barrier between the metal surface and the environment, preventing direct contact with corrosive agents and extending the life of the steel structure. In this study, the maintenance work of two heavily corroded silos, which had been in use for 20 years by Fibrobeton GFRC company, was carried out step by step according to ASTM D3276, ISO 8501 and ISO 12944:2018 standards. Wet sandblasting was used to remove the paint from the surface, followed by cleaning of the oxide layer with a patented acid solution (TPE Patent Application No: 2017/11354) containing corrosion inhibitors, followed by the application of two coats of surface tolerant (Zn₃(PO₄)₂ based) epoxy paint and then acrylic paint with high UV resistance. During this maintenance process, attention was also drawn to the problems caused by not preparing the metal surface in accordance with the standards before painting.

Clinical performance of class II MOD fiber reinforced resin composite restorations: an 18-month randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundIn recent years, there have been suggestions for new restorative strategies that aim to effectively utilize modern adhesive technologies and protect the remaining intact tooth structure. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical performance of fiber reinforced resin composites in restoring Class II MOD cavities over 18 months.MethodsForty-five participants with class II MOD cavities were randomly enrolled. The participants were allocated to three groups (n = 15): Group (1) short glass fiber reinforced resin composite (EverX Posterior), Group (2) polyethylene fiber (Ribbond-Ultra) reinforced resin composite and Group (3) only conventional resin composite (Filtek Z250). The modified USPHS criteria were used to evaluate the restorations at baseline; and at three, six, 12 and 18 months. The categorical data were reported as frequencies and percentages. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using Chi-Square test after Bonferroni correction (P ≤ 0.016). Comparisons within each group were analyzed using Cochran’s Q test after Bonferroni correction (P ≤ 0.005).ResultsIntergroup comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in any of the evaluated criteria except for color match. Compared with the other groups, the short glass fiber-reinforced restoration group presented significantly fewer color matches at different follow-up periods.ConclusionsClass II direct fiber-reinforced resin composite restorations can offer acceptable performance similar to the nanohybrid resin composite through 18-month of clinical service.Clinical significanceFiber reinforcement of resin composites could be a reliable technique for restoring posterior cavities considering factors such as application complexity, cost and aesthetic considerations.Trial registrationThe trial was registered retrospectively on (19/05/2022) at https://clinicaltrials.gov with the ID (NCT05380973).

The Role of Advanced Materials in the Optimization of Wind Energy Systems: A Physics Based Approach

The transition towards renewable energy sources is essential for addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning wind energy as a vital component of sustainable power generation. This paper investigates the pivotal role of advanced materials in optimizing the efficiency and reliability of wind energy systems through a physics-based approach. Recent advancements in material science including carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs), and nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes are evaluated for their potential to significantly enhance mechanical properties, reduce weight, and improve energy conversion efficiencies of wind turbines. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals the historical context of wind turbine materials and emphasizes the transition from traditional construction methods using steel and wood to innovative composite materials. The study introduces a novel methodology for the integration of advanced materials into turbine design, supported by numerical simulations and experimental validations. The impact of these materials on key operational performance metrics, including power output, structural integrity, and aerodynamic efficiency, is quantified. Moreover, the application of smart materials for real time structural health monitoring is explored, highlighting the potential for predictive maintenance that can prolong the lifespan of wind turbines. The findings suggest that although the initial costs of advanced materials may be higher, their superior performance characteristics offer significant long-term economic benefits and sustainability advantages. The discussion concludes with recommendations for future research directions, including the optimization of hybrid material systems, advancements in manufacturing techniques, and comprehensive long-term durability assessments. This study underscores the critical necessity for continued innovation in materials science to enhance the resilience and environmental efficiency of wind energy systems, thereby contributing positively to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.