Flexural Strength Research Articles

Hybrid polymer composites of Terminalia chebula filler reinforced thermal and mechanical characterization of bagasse/tamarind seed

The development of manufacturing industries is crucial for national progress, with a growing emphasis on green and sustainable practices. This study investigates the development and performance of hybrid polymer composites based on poly lactic acid (PLA) reinforced with lignocellulosic fillers: bagasse fiber (BF), tamarind seed fiber (TSF), Terminalia chebula fiber (TCF), and a hybrid filler of bagasse, tamarind seed, and Terminalia chebula (BTSTCF). Five types of composites were fabricated with varying filler compositions: PLA, PLA/BF, PLA/TSF, PLA/TCF, and PLA/BTSTCF, consisting of 30% BF, TSF, or TCF with 70% PLA, and an additional 10% of each filler in the BTSTCF composite. The results demonstrated that the PLA/BTSTCF hybrid composite outperformed others regarding mechanical strength, thermal stability, and interfacial adhesion. Specifically, it exhibited superior flexural strength, impact strength, and tensile strength. The findings indicate that incorporating a combination of bagasse, tamarind seed, and Terminalia chebula fillers into PLA significantly enhances its properties and performance. This study contributes to advancing sustainable and green manufacturing practices and holds promise for economic growth through the development of high-performance, eco-friendly materials.

Направления обеспечения качества гипсоизвестковых вяжущих при реставрации

Purpose: to consider issues related to the standard definition of the strength characteristics of an air binder and a cement binder. To show a technological solution to the problem of regulating the strength of an air binder stone by stabilizing care during setting and hardening. Methods: during the research, GOST 23789- 2018 “Gypsum binders. Test methods”. Results: a distinctive feature of restoration plaster solutions is that structure formation and strength gain occur only in an air-dry environment. As a result, the availability of approved and applied standards for the manufacture and use of restoration plaster solutions does not fully guarantee the creation of a reliable and safe environment for the life of an architectural heritage monument. It has been established that the mechanical characteristics (compressive and bending strength limits), as well as elastic parameters should be the same or lower in historical and restoration solutions in order to avoid changes in stress distribution. Practical significance: developed taking into account the comprehensive care of hardening stone, gypsum-lime binders can have a wide range of applications. They can be used as mortars for the preservation of architectural heritage and in the reconstruction of modern buildings, self-supporting partitions, fire protection elements or drywall (in places where a higher mechanical load is expected).

Highly Deformable and Robust Ionic Structure for Multi‐Tissue Adaptive Hemostatic Sponges

AbstractAccidental trauma is always accompanied by tissue defects with noncompressible hemorrhages. Deformable and tough biomaterials are desirable for self‐compressible hemostasis, although their preparation is challenging. Here, a critical‐size calcium phosphate (C–CaP) with polymer‐like high deformability and mineral‐like high bending strength is prepared, which is hybridized with silk fibroin (SF) to fabricate a hemostatic sponge (SF‐C). C–CaP endows SF‐C with an ultrahigh elastic modulus (36.0 kPa) among analogous materials, leading to an ultrafast water absorption rate (1.2 g cm−3 s−1) and space‐filling rate (200.0%/s). The deformability of the SF‐C sponge further enables self‐adaptability to defects with micrometre‐scale precision. Consequently, SF‐C achieves rapid hemostasis in both damaged soft tissues and hard tissues in rats, resulting in less blood loss and a shorter hemostatic time than those of clinical materials. This study provides a promising hemostatic material for the treatment of hemorrhages in defective tissues and expands the current knowledge by revealing the critical‐sized ionic structure and unique mechanics of C–CaP.

Influence of various cleaning solutions on the geometry, roughness, gloss, hardness, and flexural strength of 3D-printed zirconia

This study aimed to investigate the impact of various cleaning solutions on the geometry, roughness, gloss, hardness, and flexural strength of 3D-printed zirconia. Cleaning solutions, including isopropyl alcohol (IPA, 99.9%), ethyl alcohol (EtOH, 99.9%), and tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM, ≥ 97.5%), were diluted to a concentration of 70% and categorized into six groups: IPA99, EtOH99, TPM97, IPA70, EtOH70, and TPM70. Zirconia discs, printed via digital light processing, were sintered after cleaning. The geometry, roughness, gloss, hardness, and flexural strength were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). The thickness of TPM70 was the highest. The diameter of TPM70 was significantly larger than that of EtOH99 and IPA70 (p < 0.05). The weight of the TPM groups was significantly higher than that of IPA70 (p < 0.05). The roughness Ra of TPM70 was significantly greater than that of IPA99, EtOH99, and EtOH70 (p < 0.05). The differences in surface gloss, hardness, and flexural strength among the different groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Different cleaning solutions did not affect the surface gloss, hardness, and flexural strength of 3D-printed zirconia. High and low concentrations of the same cleaning solution did not affect the surface gloss, hardness, and flexural strength. IPA70, TPM97, and EtOH can be considered viable post-printing cleaning alternatives to the traditional gold standard, IPA99.

Preparation and Application of a Novel Liquid Oxygen-Compatible Epoxy Resin of Fluorinated Glycidyl Amine with Low Viscosity

A liquid oxygen-compatible epoxy resin of fluorinated glycidyl amine (TFEPA) with a low viscosity of 260 mPa·s in a wide range of temperatures, from room temperature to 150 °C, was synthesized and used to decrease the viscosity of phosphorus-containing bisphenol F epoxy resins. And the forming process and application performances of this resin system and its composite were investigated. The viscosity of the bisphenol F resin was decreased from 4925 to 749 mPa·s at 45 °C by mixing with 10 wt.% TFEPA, which was enough for the filament winding process. Moreover, the processing temperature and time windows were increased by 73% and 186%, respectively. After crosslinking, the liquid oxygen compatibility was preserved, and its tensile strength, elastic modulus, and breaking elongation at −196 °C were 133.31 MPa, 6.59 GPa, and 2.36%, respectively, which were similar to those without TFEPA. And the flexural strength and modulus were 276.14 MPa and 7.29 GPa, respectively, increasing by 21.73% in strain energy at flexural breaking, indicating an enhanced toughness derived from TFEPA. Based on this resin system, the flexural strength and toughness of its composite at −196 °C were 862.73 MPa and 6.88 MJ/m3, respectively, increasing by 4.46% and 10.79%, respectively.

Impact of repeated heat-pressing on the microstructure and flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics

BackgroundThe leftover material from the heat-pressing of IPS e.max Press ceramic is often discarded, despite some laboratories exploring its potential for reuse. However, there is a lack of data on the performance of IPS e.max Press ceramic when combined with the button portions. This study investigated the impact of repeated heat-pressing on the crystal structure and flexural strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDGC).MethodsSpecimens (N = 30, n = 10 per group) were categorized based on the number of heat-pressing cycles: G0 (control group, no heat-pressing), G1 (one cycle of heat-pressing), and G2 (two cycles of heat-pressing). The crystal structure of LDGC bars was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Flexural strength was tested, and microstructures were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the ImageJ processing program. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple pairwise comparisons of means were performed with Tukey’s post-hoc test.ResultsG2 exhibited significantly lower flexural strength and crystallinity, as well as larger crystal size, compared to G1 and G0 (p < 0.05). Flexural strength values decreased significantly with an increased number of heat-pressing cycles.ConclusionsThe mechanical properties of LDGC significantly degraded after repeated heat pressing. Therefore, it is not clinically advisable to repeatedly press the lithium disilicate ingot together with the leftover material.

AN ANALYSIS ON THE USE OF MODIFIED EXPANDED PERLITE AND PUMICE IN INORGANIC BONDED FIBROUS COMPOSITE BOARDS

It is often stated that there is an energy efficiency difference between optimum energy use and actual energy use in the world. In the construction industry, various building materials are produced and used to optimize energy efficiency in buildings. Among these building materials, inorganic bonded fibrous composite boards, whose energy efficiency criteria have begun to be improved, are widely used both in Türkiye and in the world. This article presents an experimental analysis of the utilization of modified expanded perlite and pumice as key constituents in the development of inorganic bonded fibrous composite boards. The study investigates the influence of these modified porous materials on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composite boards. For this purpose; composite mortars were produced using micronized quartz sand, a hybrid fiber consisting of cellulose and glass fiber, modified expanded perlite (MEP) with stearic acid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 wt.%) and modified pumice (MPU) with stearic acid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 wt.%). In order to make a comparison, a control mortar that did not contain modified expanded perlite and modified pumice was produced. Through a series of experiments, it is concluded that the density values of all other mixture designs with MEP and MPU aggregate additives under equivalent conditions are lower than the control sample. The water absorption values of the samples always remained below the control sample, and with the increase in the MPU ratio and decrease in the MEP ratio, the water absorption values of the samples also decreased. The average modulus of rupture (MOR) value of control sample in the analysis made after 14 days of curing under ambient conditions is 3.73 MPa. The highest MOR value of the test samples is 3.51 MPa, which is the mixture using the highest MPU. The thermal conductivity value of the control mixture is 0.352 W/mK. The thermal conductivity value of test mixtures with MEP and MPU aggregates varies between 0.175 W/mK and 0.287 W/mK.

Incorporating an artificially synthesized fluoride complex into urethane-acrylate-based 3D printing resin: Effects on mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial actions, and its long-term fluoride-releasing properties

ObjectivesTo synthesize a 3D printing resin with antibacterial and long-term fluoride-releasing properties. Methods(4,4-Bis-4-[2‑hydroxy-3-(2-methacryloyloxy)propoxy]-phenyl-pentanol-amine)-N,N-diacetic acid zirconium (IV) fluoride complex was synthesized from 4,4-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-pentanoic acid and monitored using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized complex was incorporated into a urethane-acrylate-based (UA) resin at 5 wt% and 10 wt% (5F-UA and 10F-UA groups, respectively). The UA resin without the synthesized complex was considered as the control group. All groups were 3D printed using a DLP printer, followed by 10 min of washing and 20 min of curing. Surface characteristics were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were assessed by measuring its flexural strength and Vickers hardness. The antibacterial property was investigated with direct and indirect contact tests and a WST-8 metabolic activity assay. The suspension was fully mixed and diluted for counting the number of colony-forming units. The cell viability test was performed using a cell proliferation assay. The amount of fluoride released was measured daily for 28 days using ion chromatography. One-way analysis of variance was performed for statistical analyses using SPSS software. ResultsThe amount of fluoride released increased with the concentration of fluoride complex in the resin. The fluoride ions were constantly released at a low concentration from the 3D printed specimens (5F-UA: around 0.13 ppm daily; 10F-UA: around 0.22 ppm daily). The antibacterial efficacy was acceptable in both the 5F-UA and 10F-UA groups, and higher in the latter. No cytotoxicity of the resin was detected. The mechanical properties were significantly influenced by the addition of the fluoride-releasing complex. ConclusionsThe present 3D printing UA resin incorporating a fluoride complex effectively inhibited the growth of S. mutans and demonstrated the ability to slowly release fluoride over an extended period of time. Clinical significanceThis study provided informative composition of a fluoride-releasing UA-based 3D printing resin, ideal for dental applications such as crowns, bridges, removable partial dentures, and orthodontic appliances, which can benefit from sustained fluoride release and antimicrobial properties. Further modifications to the resin composition can be easily achieved to enhance the resin qualities.

Bioinspired surface modification of mussel shells and their application as a biogenic filler in polypropylene composites

This study explores the potential of mussel shells (MS) as biogenic fillers in polymer composites. The chemical composition and crystal structures of MS were characterised. To improve MS filler dispersion and adhesion within a polypropylene (PP) matrix, three surface modification methods were evaluated: polydopamine (PDA) coating, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) modification, and PDA/MAPP co-modification. The PDA coating, inspired by the adhesive properties of mussel foot proteins, successfully functionalized the MS surface, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermodynamic analysis, based on contact angle measurements, revealed that MAPP and PDA/MAPP modifications reduced surface energies and potential energy differences. These changes enhanced filler dispersion and interfacial bonding by increasing hydrophobicity and reducing agglomeration in the PP matrix. Consequently, PP composites with 20% PDA/MAPP-modified MS fillers exhibited a 2.9% increase in tensile strength and a 7.5% increase in flexural strength compared to neat PP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed reduced filler-matrix debonding and fewer voids. The proposed mechanism attributes these macroscopic property enhancements to the ability of the PDA coating to facilitate chemical and hydrogen bonding between MS fillers and MAPP.

Optimization of mixing ratio for the production of particle board from bamboo leaves, saw dust and urea formaldehyde

This study investigated the best mix sawdust, bamboo leaves, and urea formaldehyde to create particleboard by optimizing the mixing ratio. Finding the optimal ratio of sawdust, urea formaldehyde, and bamboo leaves for the binders used in particle board production was the aim of this study. The particle boards' mechanical and physical tests were investigated. The surface morphology of particleboards and its elemental compositions were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The result observed from mechanical and physical tests conducted particle boards showed that best particleboard of composition 100 % sawdust, 50 % bamboo leaves and 2.5 g urea had the highest density of 675.643 kg/m3, modulus rupture of 3.84 N/mm2 and modulus elasticity of 2756 N/mm2. The optimal level generated by the experimental design of composition 50 % sawdust, 50 % bamboo leaves and 2.0 g urea were validated. MOR of 13.02 N/mm2 and MOE observed were 881.39 N/mm2. The SEM and EDS results revealed that optimal particleboard of validated experiment had surface with more fibrous network structures than particle board of the best process level. The particleboard that was produced from validated experiment complied with the American National Standard ANSI/A208.1–999.

Effect of sintering cycle on the strength and translucency of multilayered zirconia.

A newly introduced sintering protocol promises to offer higher translucency while not significantly compromising the flexural strength of the material. However, the effect of the novel sintering protocol has not been thoroughly validated. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the effect of two sintering protocols on the translucency and flexural strength of two multilayered zirconia materials. Two types of multilayered zirconia materials (ZirCAD Prime and Prime esthetic) were selected. Presintered disk specimens were obtained from Translucent, Gradient, and Dentin layers (n = 20). The disks were allocated to 2 groups: standard sintering protocol (peak temperature 1500°C) and high translucency sintering protocol (peak temperature 1600°C). After the sintering process, 10 specimens from each group were randomly selected. The optical values (L*, a*, b*) were measured and used to assess translucency using the relative translucency parameter (RTP00) and translucency differences (ΔRTP00). Then, all 20 specimens were tested for biaxial flexural strength. The outcomes were analyzed. The analysis of variance is used to analyze any significant effects on translucency and flexural strength. Then, any significant difference in the translucency and flexural strength between all pairs of materials was analyzed using Bonferroni-corrected Student's t-test (α = 0.05). The high translucency sintering protocol significantly decreased biaxial strength in the Prime translucent and dentine layer, Prime esthetic translucent, and gradient layer. RTP00 was significantly reduced in the Prime gradient and Prime esthetic gradient layer when sintered with a high translucency protocol. The lowest ΔRTP00 was observed in the Prime dentine layer, while the highest ΔRTP00 was observed in the Prime esthetic dentin layer. High translucency protocol significantly lowers the biaxial flexural strength of both multilayered materials, but the alteration in translucency is within clinically acceptable thresholds (TAT00 = 2.62).

Multi-objective optimization of micro crystalline cellulose and montmorillonite filled poly lactic acid bio–composite and its characterizations

In this research study, the synthesis of poly lactic acid (PLA) based bio composite material factors contributions were investigated through the Taguchi-based grey relational analysis (GRA) technique. Effects of micro crystalline cellulose (MCC) and montmorillonite (MTT) nano clay filler, sorbitol (S) plasticizer, and temperature (T) operating factor on the PLA matrix through melt-mixing preparation method. The tensile strength (TS), Young modulus (YM), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), hardness, impact strength (IS), water absorption (WA), and density properties of bio composite material were investigated for each experimental setup (orthogonal array, L16). Additionally, neat PLA and optimal sample structural, thermal, and morphological properties were examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (X-RD), thermal gravimetry analysis/differential thermal gravimetry (TGA/DTG), and DSC and SEM analyses. The obtained result for optimal mechanical and physical properties of MCC/MTT/S/PLA bio composite was MCC at level 3 (6%), MTT at level 4 (9%), S at level 2 (10%), and T at level 4 (175 °C). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that MTT has the greatest significant effect on mechanical and physical properties of MCC/MTT/S/PLA bio composite followed by MCC, T, and S. The confirmation test indicates that the improvement of weighted grey relational grade (GRG) from 0.7896 to 0.846 and the FTIR, XRD, thermal gravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicates that the good interaction between PLA and fillers, improvement of thermal and morphological properties of optimal (6MCC/9MTT/10S/175 °C) bio composite samples. Therefore, the multi-response characteristics of MCC/MTT/S/PLA bio composite can be highly improved by this technique.

Al(SO4)(OH)·5H2O Stemming from Complexation of Aluminum Sulfate with Water-Soluble Ternary Copolymer and further Stabilized by Silica Gel as Effective Admixtures for Enhanced Mortar Cementing

A water-soluble ternary copolymer bearing carboxyl, sulfonic, and amide functional groups was synthesized using ammonium persulfate-catalyzed free radical polymerization in water, resulting in high monomer conversion. This copolymer was then complexed with aluminum sulfate, forming an admixture containing Al(SO4)(OH)·5H2O, which was subsequently combined with silica gel. Characterization revealed that the synthesized copolymer formed a large, thin membrane that covered both the aluminum compounds and the silica gel blocks. The introduction of this complex admixture, combining the copolymer and aluminum sulfate, not only reduced the setting times of the cement paste but also enhanced the mechanical strengths of the mortar compared to using aluminum sulfate alone. The complex admixture led to the formation of katoite, metajennite, and C3A (tricalcium aluminate) in the mortar, demonstrating significant linking effects, whereas pure aluminum sulfate could not completely transform C3S within 24 h. Further addition of silica gel to the complex admixture further shortened the setting times of the paste, slightly reduced compressive strength, but improved flexural strength compared to the initial complex admixture. The silicon components appeared to fill the micropores and mesopores of the mortar, accelerating cement setting and enhancing flexural strength, while slightly decreasing compressive strength. This study contributed to the development of new cementing accelerators with improved hardening properties.

A theoretical approach based on machine learning for estimation of physical properties of LLDPE in moulding process

This study explores the prediction of mechanical characteristics of linear polyethylene based on oven residence time, employing various regression models and hyper-parameter tuning through the Whale Optimization Algorithm. The dataset comprises one input variable (oven residence time) and three output parameters (Tensile Strength, Impact Strength, and Flexure Strength). The models investigated include Multilayer Perceptron, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Regression, Polynomial Regression, and Theil–Sen Regression. The results showcased distinct performances across the models for each output parameter. The Polynomial Regression (WOA-PR) method has been identified as the most suitable option for predicting Tensile Strength due to its ability to achieve the lowest errors in terms of Mean Absolute Error, Root Mean Square Error, and Average Absolute Relative Deviation. K-Nearest Neighbors (WOA-KNN) outperforms other models in predicting Impact Strength due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Additionally, Support Vector Regression (WOA-SVR) emerges as the best model for predicting Flexure Strength, showcasing notable performance in minimizing prediction errors. These findings underscore the significance of model selection and optimization techniques in accurately predicting the mechanical properties of polymers, paving the way for enhanced manufacturing processes and material design.

Enhancing bending strength in continuous drive friction welding of PEEK polymer cylinders through the innovative progressively increased welding area method

The continuous drive friction welding (CDFW) stands out for its low energy consumption within the welding realm. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) represents a high-performance engineering thermoplastic, falling under the polyaryletherketone family. Renowned for its outstanding mechanical, thermal, and chemical attributes, PEEK finds utility across a diverse array of industries. However, the discovery of numerous voids at the weld interface has revealed limitations in the mechanical properties of PEEK welded samples. This study introduces an innovative approach named progressively increased welding area (PIWA) method, to mitigate voids within the weld interface. In general, the Taguchi method was used to optimize the process parameters of CDFW of dissimilar PEEK round rods to reduce random efforts by the trial-and-error method. It was found that the proposed PIWA method can definitely enhance the bending strength of rotational friction welded samples due to reduction of voids inside the weld interface. The optimal process parameters for the CDFW with the PIWA method involve a rotational speed of 2500 rpm, a cone angle of 120°, a cone top width of 8 mm, and a feed rate of 0.1 mm/s. The most influential factor affecting the bending strength of the PEEK welded samples is the feed rate, followed by cone angle, rotational speed, and cone top width. Specifically, the contribution ratios for feed rate, cone angle, rotational speed, and cone top width are about 71 %, 20 %, 7 %, and 2 %, respectively. The confirmation tests showed that the bending strength of the PEEK welded samples using optimal process parameters can be increased by approximately 68 % compared with the maximum bending strength of 180 MPa using the conventional method with a cone angle of 180° The proposed PIWA method has industrial applicability and practical value because this technique can enhance the mechanical properties of PEEK welded samples under low environmental pollution and energy consumption.

Comparison of Flexural Strength and Wear of Injectable, Flowable and Paste Composite Resins

Comparison of Flexural Strength and Wear of Injectable, Flowable and Paste Composite Resins

Durability Properties of Steel Textiles and Bonding Properties at the Interface of Steel Textiles with Reinforced Mortar-Reinforced Concrete Systems.

Aging and deterioration of building structures have been persistent concerns in the field of engineering. To address these challenges while supporting modern green and sustainable development goals, this study introduces an innovative reinforcement system that employs steel textiles as the primary reinforcing material. The steel textiles were engineered by optimizing the compatibility between steel fibers and a hot melt adhesive (HMA). These textiles were then used to reinforce concrete structures, creating a steel textile-reinforced mortar (STRM)-reinforced concrete system. The study also examined the durability of the steel textiles and the interfacial bonding performance within the STRM-reinforced concrete system. The results showed that the compatibility between steel fibers and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (HMA-2) is better, and the steel textiles prepared with it have superior hydrothermal and corrosion resistance. After the system had been maintained for 28 days, the overall flexural strength of the STRM-reinforced concrete system was increased by 100.03%, the interfacial shear load by 49.54%, the interfacial shear stiffness by 61.2%, and the positive tensile bond performance by 26.1%. This proves that STRM has a good reinforcement effect on the concrete reinforcement system.

Achieving excellent mechanical and antioxidant properties in MoAlB ceramics through spark plasma sintering-high-frequency (SPS-HF) sintering

A fully dense MoAlB ceramic was synthesized utilizing MoAlB powder through SPS-HF technology. The Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of the MoAlB ceramic reached 14.08GPa, 6.70MPa m1/2 and 407MPa, respectively. The electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of the MoAlB ceramic at room temperature were measured to be 3.20 × 106 S⋅m−1 and 23.50W⋅m−1⋅K−1, respectively. The ceramic exhibited excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance at 800-1200 ℃ for up to 64h. Even after 64h of oxidation at 800 ℃ and 1000 ℃, the thickness of the oxide layer was only 2.09µm and 2.20µm, respectively. The oxidation behavior was controlled by a diffusion process. The rapid formation of a continuous and dense Al2O3 oxide layer effectively inhibited the inward diffusion of oxygen and the oxide layer is well bonded to the matrix.

Achieving high thermal conductivity and strong bending strength diamond/aluminum composite via nanoscale multi-interface phase structure engineering

Diamond/aluminum composites, as a new generation of thermal management materials, are caught in the dilemma between inhibiting the formation of Al4C3 and improving the performance. Herein, we proposed a strategy for nanoscale multi-interface phase structure engineering, utilizing a combination of magnetron sputtering and vacuum heat treatment to obtain diamond particles with nanoscale TiC-Ti layers. Prolonging the vacuum heating time increases the content of TiC, but results in significant differences in the morphology and coverage of TiC formed on the diamond(100) and (111) facets. First-principles calculations reveal that the work of adhesion and C-Ti reaction tendency of diamond(100)/Ti are stronger than those of diamond(111)/Ti, clarifying the difference in interfacial properties between diamond/Ti and diamond/TiC. Diamond-TiC-Ti configuration obtained in advance contributes to fabricating the composite with diamond-TiC-Al(Al3Ti) structure, and the multi-interface phase structure is beneficial to improve the interface bonding, adjust the acoustic mismatch, and inhibit the formation of Al4C3. (800 °C 0.5 h)@Ti-coated diamond(100 μm)/aluminum composite with the multi-interface phase exhibits excellent thermal conductivity(646 W m−1 K−1) and outstanding bending strength(358 MPa), exceeding 90 % of the theoretical prediction of the differential effective medium model. The performance of (800 °C 0.5 h)@Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composite is about 30 % higher than that of traditional Ti-coated diamond/aluminum composite. The TiC layer formed by increasing the heat treatment time is thicker and discontinuous, leading to a decrease in the thermal conductivity of the composite and a weakening effect of Al4C3 inhibition. We clarified the formation mechanism of interface structure related to diamond orientation by multi-scale characterization. Based on the thermal conductivity prediction models, the interface structures corresponding to different diamond orientations were considered, and the predicted values showed good consistency with the experimental results. By interface modification engineering, we overcome the dilemma of introducing modified layer to inhibit Al-C reaction while leading to additional interface thermal resistance, providing insights into the interfacial thermal transport mechanism.

Material properties of particleboards produced from Ciol®-treated wood shavings

ABSTRACT This study investigated the potential of wood particles from Ciol®-treated wood in particleboard production. Ciol® is a renewable formulation from water, citric acid, and sorbitol, which has been commercially developed as a promising alternative for wood modification. Radiata pine wood was impregnated with 60% and 85% concentrations of the Ciol® solution for 150 mins. The impregnated boards were cured and subsequently planned. Particleboards were thereafter produced from the wood shavings using urea formaldehyde (UF) and melamine urea formaldehyde resin (MUF). The boards were produced with or without the use of ammonium nitrate as a hardener. The wood particles and produced boards were characterized via analytical techniques and standard test methods. The effect of Ciol® treatment and its concentration on the properties of the shavings and the particleboards was investigated as well as the effect of the resin type on the panel properties. The use of MUF without the hardener gave the best bending strength of 13 N/mm² and modulus of elasticity of 3187 N/mm². However, there was no significant difference in the results obtained when the hardener was added to MUF resins. Recycling Ciol®-treated wood shavings in particleboard production proved to be a promising approach with MUF resins.