Hybrid Matrix Research Articles

Experimental investigation on optimizing wire-cut EDM process parameters of hybrid MMC(AA7475/ZrO2/Gr) using artificial neural network

Abstract Wire cut Electrical discharge machining (WCEDM) is a widely used method for machining complex shapes in advanced materials like metal matrix composites (MMCs) and hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMCs). To address these challenges, this study focusses on the wire-cut EDM (WCEDM) process of a workpiece made from zirconium dioxide and graphite-reinforced aluminium alloy 7475 with a molybdenum electrode. The effects of input process variables such as peak current (IP), pulse-on-time (TON), and flushing pressure (PF) on the output response features are investigated. These output responses include material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR), and wire wear ratio (WWR). To optimise the process parameters, the Taguchi design technique is used. An artificial neural network (ANN) with a feed-forward back propagation architecture is utilised to find the best fit for the optimisation challenges. ANN predicted the results with an accuracy of 97.81% for MRR, 97.95% for SR and 95.865% for WWR. The results reveal that the WCEDM of AA7475/ZrO2/Gr with a molybdenum electrode achieved minimal WWR and SR, while maximizing the MRR.

Experimental Investigation The Effect of Bamboo Micro Filler on Performance of Bamboo-Sisal-E-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Composites

The numerous advantages of natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, such as their light weight, biodegradability, recyclability, availability, and low cost, have brought them to the forefront for various structural applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of varying the weight fractions of bamboo micro filler on the tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties of the Sisal-Bamboo-E-glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix hybrid composite prepared by manual hand layup method. To enhance the bond between natural and synthetic fibers and reduce the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers, bamboo and sisal fibers were treated with 5% NaOH for 6 and 8 hours, respectively. The E-glass fiber content was kept constant at 10%, while the weight fractions of sisal, bamboo fiber, epoxy matrix, and bamboo micro filler were varied. The bamboo micro filler size ranged from 75 to 100 μm. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted using a computer-controlled universal electromechanical testing machine, while impact testing was performed with a Charpy impact test machine. The results showed that the hybrid composite containing 15% sisal, 10% glass, 15% bamboo fiber, 57% epoxy, and 3% bamboo micro filler exhibited the highest tensile strength (87 MPa),flexural strength (77 MPa), high impact energy (8.9 J) and high toughness (24.64 J/cm2). Conversely, the highest water absorption capacity was observed in composites with 6% bamboo micro filler. Overall, the tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties of the hybrid composites were significantly influenced by the weight fractions of the fibers and bamboo micro filler.

Copper-Based Para-Phthalic Acid Metal-Organic Framework: An Efficient Anodic material for Super-capattery Hybrid Systems

The battery-supercapacitor hybrid, an asymmetric energy storage system, has garnered considerable attention due to its outstanding energy storage capabilities. Anodic materials have become a central focus, driven by the quest for enhanced energy density, power density, cycle life, and overall performance. In this study, we have synthesized copper-based para-phthalic acid (PTA) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via a facile hydrothermal method to be employed as the positive electrode material in a battery-supercapacitor hybrid matrix. The initial testing indicates the battery-type nature of the prepared electrode along with maximum specific capacity of 260.5 C g-1 at 0.7 A g-1. Subjection of Cu-PTA MOF electrode to real device configuration (Super-capattery device) results in considerable specific capacity of 152.2 C g-1 along with specific energy and power of 35.9 Wh kg-1 and 5950 W kg-1, respectively at 0.3 A g-1. The device also demonstrated a stability potential of 92.15% when tested for 5000 continuous charge-discharge cycles. The present study presents Cu-PTA MOF an exciting addition for advancing current state of research in the field of energy storage technology.

DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED COMPOSITIONS INCORPORATING WOLLASTONITE, THERMOVERMICULITE, SILICON IV OXIDE, AND AEROSIL

This study presents the development of innovative composite materials by incorporating wollastonite, thermovermiculite, silicon IV oxide (SiO₂), and aerosil. The primary objective was to formulate high-performance materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and structural properties suitable for industrial and construction applications. Wollastonite and thermovermiculite, known for their excellent reinforcing properties, were combined with SiO₂ and aerosil to create a hybrid matrix. The materials were synthesized and characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Experimental results revealed that the new compositions exhibited superior heat resistance, improved strength, and enhanced durability compared to traditional materials. The inclusion of aerosil, with its fine particle size and high surface area, contributed to improved dispersion and homogeneity within the matrix, resulting in enhanced thermal stability and mechanical performance. These advanced composites hold great potential for applications in areas requiring robust thermal and structural integrity, including insulation, construction materials, and high-temperature industrial components. Future work will focus on further optimizing these formulations and exploring their use in specialized engineering fields.

Investigating the Tribological Behavior of Bioinspired Surfaces in Agro-waste and Alumina Reinforced AA6063 Matrix Composites

The tribological behavior of three bioinspired (BI) agro-waste ashes—bean pod ash (BPA), cassava peel ash (CPA), and coconut husk ash (CHA)—integrated as reinforcements in an alumina-reinforced AA6063 matrix hybrid and monolithic composite was investigated. Studies utilizing agro-wastes for bioinspired surfaces are limited despite these wastes posing significant environmental challenges. Consequently, there has been a growing effort to valorize these residues for sustainable engineering applications. This study uses a two-step stir-casting methodology to engineer bioinspired materials with lightweight properties, exceptional hardness, and wear-resistant characteristics. Microstructural investigations revealed a homogeneous distribution of natural and synthetic reinforcements within the AA6063 matrix. Lightweight AMCs were successfully fabricated, exhibiting densities ranging from 2.57 to 2.74 g/cm³ and hardness values between 81.28 and 107.47 BHN. The average surface roughness of these composites varied from 2.4 to 3.4 μm, with ANOVA tests confirming a statistically significant difference (p < 0.005). Wear rates and the coefficient of friction were observed to range from 2.52 x 10-3 to 5.50 x 10-3 mm³/m and 0.2476 to 0.5403, respectively. Reinforcing the AA6063 alloy with bioinspired agro-wastes significantly enhanced the hardness and tribological performance of the as-cast BI-AMCs. Notably, the wear rates and friction coefficients were significantly reduced, with the monolithic BI-AMCs demonstrating superior results. Furthermore, adding bioinspired agro-wastes, such as BPA, CPA, and CHA, improved the surface texture of AA6063 more effectively than Al2O3, leading to slightly smoother surfaces. These nuanced bioinspired tribological behaviors present opportunities for tailored load-bearing and aesthetic applications derived from agro-waste-based composites. This study advances our understanding of bioinspired tribological phenomena and paves the way for the development of innovative materials with diverse applications and enhanced performance.

Development of novel nano-B4C and CNF reinforced aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposite

Development of novel nano-B₄C and CNF reinforced aluminium matrix hybrid nanocomposite

Application of information technology in transportation operation: A benchmarking approach by ISM MICMAC analysis

This study compares the obstacles to the efficient integration of Information Technology into Transportation services. In order to comprehend the significance and connections between the identifying criteria, a hybrid Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and Matrix Impact Cross Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis was performed. Based on the experts’ opinion, Government factors, financial restrictions, sector restrictions, firm-related restrictions, and a shift in demand are the five factors that emerged. According to the ISM-based study model, the Information Technology - enabled applications in Transportation services operations is driven by governmental restrictions, then financial constraints, construction industry constraints, and firm-related constraints.

Mechanical and metallurgical properties of a glass fiber-reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite produced by infiltration and after aging and abrasion

Abstract Within the scope of this study, composite structures were produced by reinforcing Al7075 with 6 mm size glass fiber (GF) scrap at different weight rates (2–3 %) using the infiltration method. Mechanical and metallurgical examination of unreinforced Al7075 samples and reinforced Al7075 composite samples were carried out. After the aging heat treatment of the samples, pin-on-disc wear and hardness tests were performed. FESEM and EDS analyses were conducted to examine the hardness and microstructural changes caused by the applied processes on the samples. It was observed that GF reinforcement increased the hardness of the material and there was full wettability between Al 7075 and GF. Thus, wear resistance increased. The highest hardness and wear resistance were obtained in the 6 h aged 2 wt.% GF-reinforced Al 7075 matrix hybrid composite sample. In addition, it was observed that the distribution of GF scrap added as reinforcement at a rate of 2 wt.% in Al 7075 was homogeneous, and the hardness measurements taken from different areas were similar.

Long-term hybrid stability and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition by fucosterol in resin-dentin bonding biomechanics

Fucosterols have been widely studied for their antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, they have not yet been studied in the field of dentistry. This study aimed to determine whether pretreatment of dentin with fucosterol before resin restoration enhances bond stability in resin-dentin hybrid layers. After applying 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% fucosterol to demineralized dentin, microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and nanoleakage tests were performed before and after collagenase aging, and the surface was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The fucosterol-treated group showed better bond strength and less nanoleakage both before and after collagenase aging, and the corresponding structures were confirmed using SEM. MMP zymography confirmed that the activity of MMPs was relatively low along the concentration gradient of fucosterol, and the FTIR analysis confirmed the production of collagen crosslinks. In addition, fucosterol exhibits cytotoxicity against Streptococcus mutans, the main cause of dental decay. The results of this study suggest that fucosterol pretreatment improves bond strength and reduces nanoleakage at the resin-dentin interface, possibly through a mechanism involving collagen cross-link formation via the inhibition of endogenous and exogenous MMP activity. This study demonstrates the potential of fucosterol as an MMP inhibitor in dentin, which contributes to long-term resin-dentin bond stability and can be used as a restorative material.

Exploring tribological and corrosion properties of Al-5052/SiC+CeO2 hybrid surface composites fabricated using friction stir processing

In this study, advanced aluminium metal matrix hybrid surface composites were synthesized using the five-pass friction stir processing (FSP) technique. A blend of Hybrid reinforcement particles, silicon carbide and cerium oxide, were incorporated into the Al-5052 matrix at varying SiC: CeO2 ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. The multi-pass FSP methodology ensured thorough mixing and uniform nanoparticle distribution, resulting in tailored microstructures. The optimal 75:25 SiC: CeO2 ratio exhibited superior microstructural, anti-corrosion, and tribological properties, with the lowest wear rates of 8.3 × 10−9 and 8.8 × 10−9 mm3/m at 15 N and 25 N loads, respectively, and the lowest corrosion rate of 8.06 mm per year compared to other hybrid blends.

Silicon carbide-embedded AZ91E alloy nanocomposite hybridised with chopped basalt fibre: performance measures

ABSTRACT This study uses vacuum stir casting to manufacture magnesium alloy hybrid nanocomposites of silicon carbide nanoparticles (50 nm) and chopped basalt fibre. The different weight percentages (0 wt%, 3 wt%, 6 wt% and 9 wt%) of chopped basalt fibres with a constant weight percentage of 7.5 wt.% silicon carbide nanoparticles were added into molten AZ91E magnesium alloy at 600 rpm constant stirring speed. During the final casting process, 0.1 MPa vacuum pressure was applied to all the composites to reduce the casting defects. The prepared hybrid composite was characterised by physical, mechanical, microstructural and wear properties. The Quanta FEG model SEM apparatus was used to examine the distribution of silicon carbide nanoparticles and basalt fibre. The mechanical characteristics, such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength and impact strength, were obtained for 7.5 wt% SiCnp/9 wt% basalt fibre reinforced AZ91E magnesium alloy matrix hybrid nanocomposite. Adding chopped basalt fibre enhanced the wear properties of conventional AZ91E magnesium alloy.

Characterizing the effects of SiC and Al2O3 on the mechanical properties of Al6082 hybrid metal matrix composites: An experimental and neural network approach

The use of advanced materials in the field of aerospace and automotive applications has led to use of metal matrix composites (MMC’s) due to their excellent mechanical properties. Aluminium metal matrix composite is one of the materials which can be strengthened by reinforcing it with hard ceramic particles. In the current work Al6082 matrix hybrid composites reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) was developed by using stir casting technique. The weight percentage of SiC was varied from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% and keeping 3 wt.% Al2O3 constants. The tensile, hardness, density and impact tests were conducted, and the results obtained revealed that the addition of silicon carbide and Al2O3 particles in Al6082 enhances the mechanical properties of the prepared hybrid composites. The artificial neural network (ANN) model, which was trained using a dataset consisting of experimental results, has effectively captured the correlation between the weight percentage (wt.%) of silicon carbide (SiC) and the mechanical properties of the composite material. Through the examination of this model, valuable insights can be obtained regarding the distinct contributions of SiC to the mechanical properties of Al6082.

The Development and Pre-Clinical Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of a New Transdermal Ureasil-Polyether Hybrid Matrix Loaded with Flavonoid-Rich Annona muricata Leaf Extract.

This study aimed to develop a novel ureasil-polyether transdermal hybrid matrix (U-PEO) loaded with Annona muricata concentrated extract (AMCE), which exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity. The extract was obtained by maceration, a method that allowed for the extraction of a high concentration of flavonoids (39.27 mg/g of extract). In vivo tests demonstrated that 10 mg/kg of AMCE inhibited inflammation for 6 h. The physicochemical characterization of U-PEO with AMCE was conducted via a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while its surface was recorded using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The in vitro macroscopic swelling and release tests demonstrated the hydrophilic profile of the material and the percentage of AMCE released. The TGA results demonstrated that the system exhibited physical compatibility due to the thermal stability of U-PEO. Additionally, the AFM analysis revealed a rough and porous surface, with a particular emphasis on the system with AMCE. The release resulted in the liberation of 23.72% of AMCE within 24 h. Finally, the preclinical tests demonstrated that U-PEO with AMCE was also capable of effectively inhibiting inflammation for 6 h, a duration comparable to that of a commercial formulation. The results permit the advancement of the study towards the development of a transdermal system, thereby rendering its application in clinical studies feasible.

Experimental investigation of the microstructural and wear behaviours of silicon carbide and boron nitride-reinforced AZ91D magnesium matrix hybrid composites

Experimental investigation of the microstructural and wear behaviours of silicon carbide and boron nitride-reinforced AZ91D magnesium matrix hybrid composites

Joint experimental-computational: Revealing the role of sodium poly(heptazineimide) in the selective separation of CO2 in PEBAX-based mixed matrix membranes

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with the dual properties of porous materials and polymer matrix membranes have become one of the most optimal solutions to the gas separation problem. However, the adapted porous material and the explicit transport mechanism of gases within the mixed matrix membrane hinder its further commercialization. Thanks to their porous nature and tunable gas adsorption properties, heteroatom-doped porous materials, especially nitrogen-doped porous materials, are widely used to design and prepare advanced CO2 separation membranes. Herein, a layered two-dimensional nano-sheet with a nitrogen content of 44.7 % was successfully synthesized via thermal polymerization. And nano-sheets were homogeneously dispersed in a Pebax matrix to make a composite film. Since the CO2 affinity of the nitrogen functional site and the PEO flexible chain, realizing the synergistic improvement of CO2 permeability and selectivity. A comprehensive combined permeation experimental/simulation characterization reveals the CO2 transport pathway within the membrane, indicating the mechanism of action of nitrogen-doped porous packing on CO2 diffusion. Among these, the CO2 permeability of the mixed matrix film containing 5 wt% sodium poly(heptazine imide) (NaPHI) reached 153 Barrer at a feed gas pressure of 9 bar, nearly 149 % compared to the pure Pebax film. The selectivity of CO2/N2 was enhanced to 105, exhibiting a remarkable increase of 159 % and exceeding the 2019 Robeson limit. Importantly, the present work further reveals and demonstrates the gas separation mechanism of nitrogen-doped porous filler/polymer hybrid matrix membranes, which provides new ideas for the design and application of heteroatom-doped porous fillers in the field of gas separation.

Single‐Anion Conductive Solid‐State Electrolytes with Hierarchical Ionic Highways for Flexible Zinc‐Air Battery

AbstractFlexible zinc‐air batteries are leading power sources for next‐generation smart wearable electronics. However, flexible zinc‐air batteries suffer from the highly‐corrosive safety risk and limited lifespan due to the absence of reliable solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs). Herein, a single‐anion conductive SSE with high‐safety is constructed by incorporating a highly amorphous dual‐cation ionomer into a robust hybrid matrix of functional carbon nanotubes and polyacrylamide polymer. The as‐fabricated SSE obtains dual‐penetrating ionomer‐polymer networks and hierarchical ionic highways, which contribute to mechanical robustness with 1200 % stretchability, decent water uptake and retention, and superhigh ion conductivity of 245 mS ⋅ cm−1 and good Zn anode reversibility. Remarkably, the flexible solid‐state zinc‐air batteries delivers a high specific capacity of 764 mAh ⋅ g−1 and peak power density of 152 mW ⋅ cm−2 as well as sustains excellent cycling stability for 1050 cycles (350 hours). This work offers a new paradigm of OH− conductors and broadens the definition and scope of OH− conductors.

Single-Anion Conductive Solid-State Electrolytes with Hierarchical Ionic Highways for Flexible Zinc-Air Battery.

Flexible zinc-air batteries are leading power sources for next-generation smart wearable electronics. However, flexible zinc-air batteries suffer from the highly-corrosive safety risk and limited lifespan due to the absence of reliable solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Herein, a single-anion conductive SSE with high-safety is constructed by incorporating a highly amorphous dual-cation ionomer into a robust hybrid matrix of functional carbon nanotubes and polyacrylamide polymer. The as-fabricated SSE obtains dual-penetrating ionomer-polymer networks and hierarchical ionic highways, which contribute to mechanical robustness with 1200 % stretchability, decent water uptake and retention, and superhigh ion conductivity of 245 mS ⋅ cm-1 and good Zn anode reversibility. Remarkably, the flexible solid-state zinc-air batteries delivers a high specific capacity of 764 mAh ⋅ g-1 and peak power density of 152 mW ⋅ cm-2 as well as sustains excellent cycling stability for 1050 cycles (350 hours). This work offers a new paradigm of OH- conductors and broadens the definition and scope of OH- conductors.

Effect of sintering temperature, additive ratios, and reinforcement of boron and boron carbide particle sizes on the mechanical and tribological properties of the synthesized Cu-Cr hybrid composites

In this study, hybrid composites were generated by combining Copper (Cu) powder with Chromium (Cr) powder at a fixed weight of 1 %, as well as Boron (B) and Boron carbide (B4C) powders at specific weight ratios (1 %, 2 %, 3 %, and 4 %), with variable particle sizes (1 µm and 44 µm). Powder metallurgy production parameters were employed to produce two sets of samples at sintering temperatures of 750 °C and 850 °C. Analysis of the microstructure of the samples was performed, as well as hardness and abrasion tests. A variety of B/B4C ratios and particle diameters were employed to characterize Cu-based hybrid composites using SEM-EDS and XRD. Weight loss graphs and coefficient of friction values were generated for each sample subsequent to wear tests. The results of the tests indicated a 76.25 % increase in hardness values with B reinforcement and a 60.71 % increase with B4C reinforcement in comparison to a pure Cu sample. As the sintering temperature increased and the size of the reinforcement particles decreased, the hardness of the material increased, resulting in identical results in the wear testing. A tribo-layer was observed to have formed between the wear pin and the samples in the new hybrid composites with Boron matrix in the SEM images taken after wear. The wear resistance properties of Cu matrix hybrid composites were found to be enhanced by this tribolayer.

Validation of DOE Factorial/Taguchi/Surface Response Models of Mechanical Properties of Synthetic and Natural Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Material.

A validation of the factorial, Taguchi and response surface methodology (RSM) statistical models is developed for the analysis of mechanical tests of hybrid materials, with an epoxy matrix reinforced with natural Chambira fiber and synthetic fibers of glass, carbon and Kevlar. These materials present variability in their properties, so for the validation of the models a research methodology with a quantitative approach based on the statistical process of the design of experiments (DOE) was adopted; for which the sampling is in relation to the design matrix using 90 treatments with three replicates for each of the study variables. The analysis of the models reveals that the greatest pressure is obtained by considering only the source elements that are significant; this is reflected in the increase in the coefficient of determination and in the predictive capacity. The modified factorial model is best suited for the research, since it has an R2 higher than 90% in almost all the evaluated mechanical properties of the material; with respect to the combined optimization of the variables, the model showed an overall contribution of 99.73% and global desirability of 0.7537. These results highlight the effectiveness of the modified factorial model in the analysis of hybrid materials.

LDH-Indomethacin Nanoparticles Antitumoral Action: A Possible Coadjuvant Drug for Cancer Therapy.

Indomethacin (INDO) has a mechanism of action based on inhibiting fatty acids cyclooxygenase activity within the inflammation process. The action mechanism could be correlated with possible anticancer activity, but its high toxicity in normal tissues has made therapy difficult. By the coprecipitation method, the drug carried in a layered double hydroxides (LDH) hybrid matrix would reduce its undesired effects by promoting chemotherapeutic redirection. Therefore, different samples containing INDO intercalated in LDH were synthesized at temperatures of 50, 70, and 90 °C and synthesis times of 8, 16, 24, and 48 h, seeking the best structural organization. X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrational Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectrophotometric analysis in UV-VIS, and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) were used for characterization. Our results indicate that higher temperatures and longer synthesis time through coprecipitation reduce the possibility of INDO intercalation. However, it was possible to establish a time of 16 h and a temperature of 50 °C as the best conditions for intercalation. In vitro results confirmed the cell viability potential and anticancer activity in the LDH-INDO sample (16 h and 50 °C) for gastric cancer (AGP01, ACP02, and ACP03), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), melanoma (SK-MEL-19), lung fibroblast (MRC-5), and non-neoplastic gastric tissue (MN01) by MTT assay. Cell proliferation was inhibited, demonstrating higher and lower toxicity against MDA-MB-231 and SK-MEL-19. Thus, a clinical redirection of INDO is suggested as an integral and adjunctive anticancer medication in chemotherapy treatment.