Improvement In Strength Research Articles

Acute effects of motor imagery interventions and physical exercise on tongue strength and pain in healthy adults: a randomized, crossover trial

Abstract Background Motor imagery (MI) has increasingly been used in physiotherapy. Oral rehabilitation may be a potential application area for MI. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of orofacial and tongue muscle strengthening exercises in the form of physical exercise and motor imagery on pain and tongue strength in healthy adults. Thirty asymptomatic adults were included in this trial. MI skills were evaluated using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised and the mental chronometer. The pain and strength were assessed using an algometer and a tongue pressure device. Following the baseline evaluations, three interventions: physical exercise, kinesthetic motor imagery, and visual motor imagery, were applied randomly on different days. Pain and tongue strength were re-evaluated immediately after the interventions. Results The physical exercise program did not significantly improve pain and tongue strength (p > 0.05). Following the kinesthetic MI training, a significant increase was detected (p = 0.016, d = 0.51) in the left masseter muscle pain threshold. Visual MI training resulted in improvements in anterior tongue strength (p = 0.002, d = 0.66) and left masseter muscle pain (p = 0.024, d = 0.40). Conclusions The present study suggests that different motor imagery strategies may have different effects on tongue muscle strength and pain threshold in healthy adults.

Redispersible Acrylic Ester Polymers: Effect of Polymer Property Changes Due to Polymerization Method Modification and Functional Additives on the Performance of Polymer Cement Mortar

This paper presents an experimental study aimed at improving the performance of polymer cement mortar by evaluating the properties of acrylic ester redispersible polymers, synthesized using a change in polymerization method from emulsion monomer to monomer dropwise addition methods, along with the use of a functional additive in the form of a foaming agent. To achieve the research objectives, a polymer with a glass transition temperature of −11 °C was synthesized by fixing the monomer ratio, particle-size distribution, and glass transition temperature, and the physical properties of the polymer cement mortar were assessed. The results showed that polymers synthesized using the modified polymerization method increased elongation at break and possessed a 35% smaller average particle size. The use of the foaming agent also resulted in enhanced tensile strength. The polymer cement mortars made with these respective polymers demonstrated improvements in compressive strength 11~25%, flexural strength 53~77%, bond strength 78~113%, volumetric changes 65~88%, and water absorption 30~70%. These findings suggest that changes in the polymerization method and the incorporation of functional additives influence the average particle size and air entrainment control properties of the polymers, thereby positively impacting the performance of the cement hydrates.

AHP SO01 - Establishing Physiotherapy led Prehabilitation for patients undergoing major hepatobiliary surgery in a Regional Centre - A Service Improvement

Abstract Background Prehabilitation is increasingly on the agenda for major surgical patients and will be an essential service in an ageing population with increasing cancer prevalence. By 2040 5.3 million people in the UK will be living with cancer physical fitness can have an impact on both treatment options and survival rates. Prehabilitation has been mentioned in both the Major Conditions Strategy and the Long-Term Plan. Currently within the trust, there are no established multiprofessional prehabilitation services. New funding allowed a service improvement project to develop a ‘model’ for a specialist physiotherapy prehabilitation pathway pilot in patients undergoing major hepatobiliary surgery. Method Patients undergoing major surgery complete Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing, providing data indicating fitness levels and guides risk stratification. Patients deemed to be at high risk due to poor fitness, (anaerobic threshold 10.9 or below), were referred to the prehabilitation physiotherapist. Patients attended a 1:1 assessment with a Physiotherapist, were provided with an individualised home exercise programme, including cardio-vascular and muscle strengthening. Weekly follow up virtual follow was provided. Outcome measures taken at initial appointment included five sit to stand (5STS) time, Grip strength and EQ-5D. These were repeated before surgery, and after hospital discharge. Patients had the opportunity to provide feedback. Results Average improvement in all outcome measures was demonstrated. Outcome MeasuresPre-intervention averagePost intervention averageAverage changeEQ-5D Score8.17.30.8EQ-5D Health score687465 STS (seconds)14.711.5-3.1Grip (kg)29.831.31.5Sarcopenic 5 STS (seconds)20.913.1-7.9 Patient and staff feedback was positive, finding patients reported they felt prepared for the post operative period, and staff noted and increased in their patients preparedness. It is too early to say if Prehabilitation has had an impact on hospital length of stay or post operative complications, though early results are promising. Conclusion Physiotherapy led prehabilitation is beneficial for patients undergoing major HPB surgery, demonstrating improvements in physical strength and fitness following an individualised home exercise programme with regular virtual support, especially those who have sarcopenia.

Surface Modification of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composite Posts by Hydrogen Peroxide: A Scoping Review

AbstractOn the rehabilitation of endodontic treated teeth using intraradicular retention, adhesive failures often occur between the intraradicular post and the resin-matrix cement. The main aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review on the surface modification of glass fiber-reinforced composite posts by hydrogen peroxide solutions. An electronic search was performed in the PubMed database, using combinations of keywords pursuing articles published between 2010 and 2024 in English language. Of the 13 selected studies, 12 investigated the bond strength between the glass fiber-reinforced composite (GFRC) post and the resin-matrix cement after the surface treatment of the post, 5 articles analyzed failures using a stereomicroscope, and 7 studies analyzed the surface topography by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Etching procedures with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) altered the surface of the GFRC post by selectively dissolving the matrix without damaging the fibers, resulting in a larger surface area of exposed fibers available to react with the adhesive system or silane. Studies revealed high bond strength values between the etched GFRC posts to the resin-matrix materials. Surface treatment of GFRC posts with hydrogen peroxide seems promising considering the feasibility on the surface modification resulting in the improvement of bond strength of intraradicular posts to resin-matrix cements.

Investigation on novel ultralight weight thermally insulated fireproof composite

Abstract This study highlights the performance of ultra-lightweight fireproof composite. Polyacrylonitrile based carbon fiber (CF) has been reinforced in Polyetherimide (PEI) polymer to develop the composite. The Surfac2e of CF and PEI film was modified by low-pressure plasma to improve the bonding strength between matrix and reinforcement. The polymeric composite was fabricated by compression molding with a pressure of 2 bar, temperature of 380 °C and holding time of 30 min. CF/PEI composite was used to make a hybrid composite by layering of silicone foam in between the layers. The hybrid composite was exposed to a Bunsen burner under sustained flame for a duration of 10 min. The composite panel’s flame-facing side reached 676.2 °C after 10 min of fire exposure, while the temperature on the other side only reached 58.2 °C. The fabricated hybrid composite was exposed to very low temperature in order to test its ability of thermal insulation under extreme cold temperature. Over the specific period of testing, the temperature of the dry ice decreased from 25 °C to −3.1 °C. After exposure to fire, only minimal loss of material was observed. The hybrid composite of carbon fiber and PEK film, sandwiched between silicone foam, exhibits excellent fire resistance due to its high limiting oxygen index. This composite is considered to be among the best thermally insulating and fire-resistant materials. Thermogravimetric analysis of carbon fiber and PEI-Carbon fiber composite was performed to determine the optimal processing temperature of compression molding for the composite, upon heating, it showed a modest weight decrease of 6.053%. The composite shows a significant improvement of impact resistance, compressive strength and thermal stability. A simulation model was developed under Ansys fluent software for both heating and cooling. The analysis of developed model also shows similar results.

Enhanced Mechanical and Multifunctional Properties of GNPs/CNTs Hybridized PLA Nanocomposites by Implementing Dual‐Processing of Pickering Emulsion‐Melt Blending Methods

AbstractPolylactic acid (PLA) composites with multifunctional properties and minimal filler content are increasingly in demand across various industries. However, achieving a balance between high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding remains challenging. In this study, a dual‐processing strategy combining Pickering emulsion templating and melt blending is presented to hybridize 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a PLA matrix. This approach successfully forms a stable dual‐filler network, ensuring uniform dispersion of the fillers. The results show that this method significantly enhances the performance of the resulting PM‐PGxCy composites (P: Pickering emulsion; M: melt blending; x and y: mass fractions of GNPs and CNTs, respectively). Specifically, the PM‐PG1.43C1.43 composite exhibits remarkable improvements in mechanical strength (56.2 MPa), electrical conductivity (43.5 S m−1), EMI shielding effectiveness (20.1 dB), and thermal conductivity (0.34 W m·K−1), outperforming composites prepared using either method alone. These findings indicate that the dual‐processing strategy effectively combines 1D and 2D fillers, facilitating superior interfacial interactions and enhancing the multifunctional properties of PLA‐based composites. This study offers a new approach to achieving high‐performance PLA composites with low filler content, offering significant potential for applications in electronics, packaging, and EMI shielding technologies.

Equated volume load: similar improvements in muscle strength, endurance, and hypertrophy for traditional, pre-exhaustion, and drop sets in resistance training

Equated volume load: similar improvements in muscle strength, endurance, and hypertrophy for traditional, pre-exhaustion, and drop sets in resistance training

Multi-scale inhomogeneity and anomalous mechanical response of nanoscale metallic glass pillar by cryogenic thermal cycling

The mechanical responses and structure variations of Ta80Co20 nanoscale metallic glass (MG) film samples upon cryogenic thermal cycling (CTC) treatment were studied. The simultaneous improvements of strength and deformation ability bring about a super-high strength of 4.5 GPa and a large plastic strain of about 80% after CTC treatment. The significant increase in inter-element bonding and hardness makes the activation and percolation of shear transformation zones to be more difficult and delays the yielding event, leading to the ultra-high strength. Although the TaCo MG pillar reaches a relaxation energy state, the micro- and nanoscale inhomogeneities remain induced by the local densely packed units along with crystal-like ordering embedded in the matrix. The multi-scale inhomogeneity can effectively hinder the sliding of the shear bands and improve their propagation stability, which is considered to be the origin of its excellent plasticity. Our study reveals another prospect of CTC treatment on nanoscale MG samples of constructing an anomalous inhomogeneous structure and obtaining simultaneous enhancement of strength and plasticity. Graphical abstract

Durable polymer composites preparation with oxy-delignified banana fiber for automotive parts: A study on mechanical and thermal properties

An innovative process route has been developed to produce modified banana fiber that are used as reinforcement in polypropylene composites for automotive parts. Banana fiber (BF) is modified through, Alkaline peroxide (APF), and oxygen delignification (ODF) treatment to obtain better adhesion and enhanced thermo-mechanical properties. The fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites (10–30 % loading), were prepared through a specified configuration in a co-rotating twin screw extruder followed by injection molding. The results show that the ODF treatment with a 15 % NaOH concentration resulted in an 11-kappa number, which was lower than APF and untreated fiber. The highest improvement in tensile (31.27 ± 2.56) and flexural strength (44.880 ± 1.05 MPa) was achieved for ODF polymer composite and were 20.40 % and 35.6 % higher compared to the untreated fiber. The addition of natural fiber decreased the melt flow index to 7.56 gm/10 min with a slight decrease in hydrophilicity. The thermal stability was increased with enhanced melting, crystallization temperatures, and surface morphology.

Effects of Kinesio tape on individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled study

ObjectiveCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neuromuscular disorder with an incidence rate of 4.9%. Research on the impact of Kinesio taping (KT) on electroneurography in individuals with CTS is limited, highlighting a significant gap in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of KT on palm numbness, pain intensity, hand grip strength, and median nerve electroneuromyography in individuals with mild to moderate CTS.MethodThis was a randomized, controlled, parallel design study. Twenty-seven participants diagnosed with CTS through hospital outpatient clinics were randomly assigned to either the control or KT group. The outcome measurements included hand grip strength, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), and electroneurography, assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. The statistical method used was non-parametric analysis, comparing differences with the median and interquartile range (IQR).ResultsBoth the KT and control groups significantly improved the numbness grades, hand grip strength, and the BCTQ. The kinesio-taping group demonstrated an improvement in grip strength with a median increase of 2.21 kg (IQR: 0.65–3.79 kg), compared to the control group, which showed a median increase of only 0.70 kg (IQR: 0.22–1.45 kg). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.039), with an effect size of r = 0.33.ConclusionThis study suggested that KT can be a supplementary treatment to relieve pain intensity, enhance hand grip strength, and improve sensory conduction velocity, motor latency, and motor amplitude.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN82192319, ISRCTNregistry (No. ISRCTN82192319).

Method to improve the bonding strength of polyethylene terephthalate core with glass fiber reinforced skins in a sandwich composite

AbstractComposite materials provide an alternative to conventional structural materials. Sandwich composites show high bending strength and superior strength‐to‐weight ratio. The major drawback in sandwich composites is debonding of skin from core, that causes failure of a component during the usage at different loads. To overcome this issue, the current work identifies a solution of introducing nylon screws (M6 × 32) to adhere firmly the skins consisting of glass fibers with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) core. The sandwich composites were fabricated by vacuum infusion process. Two flat sandwich composites were fabricated; one with nylon screws placed perpendicular to the skin and the other a plain sandwich composite. Mechanical characteristics of the specimens such as fracture toughness, flexural strength and shear strength were studied. Specimens with nylon screws showed 21.78% more fracture toughness compared to plain specimen. The presence of screws acts as hindrance to the propagation of cracks in the interfacial region resulting in the enhancement of debonding resistance of the specimens. Also, sandwich specimens with nylon screws exhibited 136% and 142% improvement in flexural and shear strength respectively when compared to plain sandwich specimens. The investigation of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of tested specimens indicates strong interfacial bonding between skin and the core of specimens with nylon screws.Highlights Introduction of light‐weight nylon screws in z‐direction enhanced the bonding between face sheets and foam core. Sandwich composites with nylon screws exhibited superior bending and shear strength compared to plain specimens. Crack propagation in the interfacial region is restricted by the presence of nylon screws. Investigation of fractured specimens indicated a strong interfacial bonding in the specimens with screws.

Experimental and numerical investigation on the effect of process parameters on joint strength and failure behavior of self-piercing riveted steel/aluminium hybrid joints

To further improve the joint strength and identify the potential failure behavior of self-piercing riveted (SPR) steel/aluminium hybrid joints under shear and cross-tension loading conditions, a simplified 2D-to-3D simulation process chain is proposed. The finite element models (FEM) for the failure process of SPR joints are established in LS-DYNA and verified against experimental results. The effects of rivet strength, sheet material and thickness, and riveting direction on the joint strength and failure behavior of SPR joints are investigated. The results show that when the rivet strength is less than 1.3 GPa, increasing the rivet strength can improve the joint strength of AS joints under shear load and SA joints under cross-tension load. The joint strength of two types of SPR joints increases gradually and then decreases with an increase in thickness ratio Rt. When the steel/aluminium sheet thickness ratio Rsa exceeds 1.47, the aluminium-to-steel direction should be chosen. Increasing material strength can improve the joint strength of two types of SPR joints, while their sensitivities to the material strength vary under different loading conditions. The sheet material, sheet thickness, and riveting direction can change the failure behavior of the joints, while the rivet strength does not alter the failure behavior. This work contributes to understanding the mechanism of joint strength improvement and enhances riveting quality in industrial practice.

Study of mechanical and rheogical properties of HDPE/iPP cross-linking polymer blends

The rapidly developing subject of polymer mix design presents prospects for the creation of materials with precisely customised qualities. It's crucial to comprehend the morphology that results from blending immiscible polymers for obtaining the required mechanical qualities. This study explores the complex interactions between structure and characteristics in both cross-linked and unmodified blends of HDPE and iPP. Our study provides important new information by combining mechanical testing and rheological evaluations. It is observed that materials that are cross-linked have a significantly higher viscosity, which suggests the establishment of a three-dimensional network and improved stability. Furthermore, HDPE exhibits enhanced behaviour after crosslinking. After crosslinking, the melt flow index decreases, indicating increased resistance to flow and deformation because more interchain links are formed. Higher PP concentration in unmodified blends results in greater flexibility and ductility, but cross-linking causes rigidity. On the other hand, cross-linking improves flexibility by reducing rigidity in mixes with a lower iPP concentration. Additionally, the combination of iPP and crosslinking agents results in a significant improvement in mechanical strength, which reinforces structural integrity. Crosslinking also improves impact resistance, making the materials appropriate for uses requiring strong performance in demanding circumstances.

Dipodal silane‐treated ramie woven matt reinforced polylactic acid biocomposites for improved mechanical and thermal properties

AbstractHot compression molding was used to produce biocomposites from ramie plain‐woven fabric‐reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). Prior to composite fabrication, alkali and dipodal silane (bis(3‐trimethoxysilylpropyl) amine) (BAS) were applied to improve fiber‐matrix adhesion. Mechanical tests revealed improvements in tensile and flexural strength due to interfacial adhesion. The flexural strength of ramie PLA composite samples treated only with silane (SR‐PLA) was the highest, at 136.35 MPa. Young's modulus was 7.51 GPa. BAS treatment was crucial for ensuring strong adhesion between the fabric and the PLA matrix. In combined alkali‐BAS‐treated composites (ASR‐PLA), the glass transition and crystallization temperatures disappeared completely, affecting PLA morphology. The maximum heat of absorption (373°C) was found in SR‐PLA composites, suggesting electrostatic interactions created a three‐dimensional network. In conclusion, the initial incorporation of dipodal silane resulted in the formation of six silanol linkages with ramie fabric, leading to enhancements in the mechanical and thermal characteristics of ramie–PLA composites.Highlights Alkali and BAS treated Fabrics ironed to remove treatment‐induced wrinkles. Carded PLA fiber with consistent density and weighted in four equal portions. Fabric and PLA lay alternatively in warp direction before compression molding. SR‐PLA composites exhibited improved thermal and mechanical properties.

Performance and life cycle of Portland limestone cement mixes admixed with gypsum

In this study, the life cycle and performance of normal concrete containing 35% limestone and 2% gypsum made in different ratios of water to binder (w/b) were examined. Its cost and CO2 emissions were found to be 13% and 35% lower compared to the control concrete. However, because of the greater replacement of cement with limestone filler, there is a reduction in its workability, the development of heat and strength, and the penetration resistance of water and chloride ions, especially in the early ages. The addition of gypsum marginally improved these concrete properties, but its quantity should be limited to 2% by weight of the binder. The use of gypsum beyond this limit led to a significant decrease in the properties of concrete. Anorthite, a calcium aluminosilicate mineral, was found in this concrete, and its fractured morphology was found to be more occupied with unreacted angular limestone particles. This low-carbon concrete showed an improvement in compressive strength with decreasing w/b ratios. The limestone reserve in India is abundant and spread evenly across its length and depth, and its use as the main replacement for cement in normal strength mixes would greatly reduce the impact of CO2 on the environment.

Characterisation of AZ31/TiC composites fabricated via ultrasonic vibration assisted friction stir processing

In this study, the effect of ultrasonic vibration during Friction Stir Vibration Processing (FSVP) on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of AZ31/TiC surface composites was investigated. Specifically, Titanium Carbide (TiC) particles were introduced as a reinforcement (15 vol%) into the magnesium alloy AZ31 using both Friction Stir Processing (FSP) and FSVP. Comprehensive examinations were carried out to analyse the microstructure, hardness, and tensile behaviour of the resulting composites. The study revealed significant improvements in mechanical properties due to the application of ultrasonic vibration during FSP. Firstly, the stir zone region was found to be free from voids, enhancing material flow and promoting even dispersion of TiC powders within the matrix. Secondly, refinement of grains was observed due to dynamic recrystallization and the pinning effect imposed by TiC particles, leading to the formation of more dislocations in the composite and indicating a considerable alteration in the material’s structure. Importantly, the vibration during FSP introduced an auxiliary energy source, resulting in a remarkable enhancement in both hardness and tensile strength. Compared to the AZ31/15 vol% TiC FSP composite, the composites produced via FSVP exhibited a grain size reduction of about 64% and improvements in hardness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of about 55% and 21%, respectively. Notably, these improvements were achieved without compromising the ductility of the composite, which remained at appreciable levels.

Preparation and characterization of core-shell structured CaCO3-SiO2 and hollow silica nanoparticles and evaluation of their effects on cement mortar properties

CaCO3-SiO2 particles having a core-shell nanostructure were produced by a modified Stöber process using CTAB as a surfactant. Then, a porous structure composed of a silica shell was formed after the removal of the CaCO3 cores as templates from the nanocomposite. To evaluate phase constitutions and microstructures of prepared nanoparticles, XRD, TEM, and FESEM–EDX techniques were utilized. The main aim of this work was to examine the usability of prepared CaCO3-SiO2 and SiO2 hollow shell nanoparticles instead of OPC in structural applications. In this way, the mixtures of cement mortar were made by partial replacement of 1% of cement mass with prepared nanoparticles. The amounts of calcium hydroxide (CH), bound water, and calcium carbonate for the prepared mortars have been calculated after 7 and 28 days of hydration through thermal analysis of TG/DTG. The results indicated that the CH content decreased by adding prepared nanoparticles as a cement replacement. As CaCO3-SiO2 and hollow SiO2 nanoparticles were used, the compressive strengths of mortars were enhanced by 34 and 59%, respectively, after 28 days, which were higher than the increasing influences on flexural strengths (29 and 55%). The increasing intensity of the XRD peaks related to the C-S-H phases and the decline of the orientation index of CH in a mortar containing silica shell suggest that hydration was further completed, leading to a strength improvement. The SEM micrographs indicated that the addition of prepared nanostructures improved the interface properties inside mortar and caused the microstructure to be denser.

Mechanical and microstructural characteristics of Al-Li2099-graphene MMCs for aerospace applications

ABSTRACT Aluminium-Lithium (Al-Li) alloys are known for its properties that are superior to conventional ones. The inclusion of graphene reinforcements to the metal matrix improved strength, stiffness, density reduction, tensile properties, wear, creep, and fatigue resistance. This study examined the combined result of graphene nanoparticles (GNP) and the Al-Li2099 alloy with an ultrasonic-aided stir-casting process. The nano-particulate metal matrix composites with various weight percentages (wt. %) of GNP were fabricated and investigated for physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties. The nanocomposites’ mechanical properties were examined in detail, and significant improvements in hardness, tensile, and compressive strength were observed with higher wt. % of GNP. Theoretical and empirical densities were measured, revealing that the nanocomposite’s densities decrease with the increase in wt. % of nano-reinforcements. Material characterisation of the composites was carried out using XRD, EDAX, SEM, and Fourier-Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM and EDAX confirmed the presence of GNP particulates in the matrix microstructure and elemental composition. The XRD results confirmed the presence of GNP particulates in the Aluminium Alloy (AA) 2099 and the composite, and no other intermetallic elements were detected. The results demonstrated that the GNP addition to the AA2099 significantly enhanced the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the nanocomposite.

Enhanced Thermal and Flexural Properties of Alkalized Date Palm/Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites: A Comparative Study of Untreated and Treated Fibers

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the thermal and mechanical behavior of hybrid composites made from date palm (DP) and kenaf fibers (KF) in an epoxy thermoset matrix. Both DP and KF fibers are abundant and renewable, reducing environmental impact. KF offers high tensile strength and stiffness, improving composite strength and rigidity, while DP fibers offer toughness and impact resistance, enhancing durability. The composites were developed in 30%, 50%, and 70% DP-KF compositions using layup and hot-pressing methods. Fiber treatment through alkalization was analyzed for its impact on mechanical and thermal properties to find the optimal fiber ratio. The hybrid composites were subjected to DMA, TGA, and flexural tests. The treated composites exhibited fewer impurities and increased cellulose content, resulting in enhanced flexural performance. This improvement was evident through higher storage modulus, lower loss modulus, and reduced tan δ when exposed to thermal stress. The 30% DP and 70% KF composites exhibited best performance. The treated 30DP-70KF exhibited improvement in the flexural strength and modulus by 13.8% and 2.7%, respectively. TGA demonstrated that treated 30DP-70KF composites had a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and better thermal degradation resistance. These findings highlight the potential of natural fiber hybrids in creating sustainable, high-performance composite materials for construction and industrial applications.

From Waste to Strength: A Comprehensive Review on Using Fly Ash in Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

This article explores the diverse applications of fly ash (FA), a by-product generated during the combustion of coal. The introductory segment thoroughly comprehends the origins, composition, and widespread occurrence of FA. FA, which comprises an estimated 38% of worldwide power generation, frequently encounters disposal and storage obstacles on account of its classification as non-hazardous waste in the majority of countries. The environmental issues linked to the dispersal of FA are underscored in the problem statement, which further emphasizes the urgency for sustainable alternatives. Due to the fugitive emissions and potential health hazards associated with metal melting in FA, it is critical to investigate novel applications and disposal techniques immediately. Environmental sustainability is a primary focus of research, with the development of synthetic FA composites being one such alternative. The analysis presents significant findings that underscore the wide-ranging applications of FA. These applications include its utilization as a filler in composites, as well as its incorporation into cement and geo-polymerization processes. Notably, (10-20) wt. % Nano-FA enhances epoxy-based composites, showcasing remarkable improvements in tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance. In thermoplastic composites, substantial enhancements occur within the (5–10) wt. % FA range, but exceeding optimal ranges weakens matrix-fiber interaction, leading to diminishing returns. The article emphasizes the criticality of FA in improving the mechanical and thermodynamic characteristics of substances, specifically within the domain of composites. The investigation into FA nanoparticles, including their processing techniques and surface treatments, unveils encouraging prospects for enhancing material characteristics.