Innovative Composite Materials Research Articles

Study of the characteristics of broadband matching antennas for fifth-generation mobile communications based on new composite materials

The presented research aims to analyze in detail the characteristics of broadband matching antennas specifically designed for 5G mobile communications applications, with an emphasis on innovative composite materials. The study focuses on a compact planar loop antenna designed for use on smartphones, covering the LTE/WWAN frequency bands 824 to 960 MHz, 1,710 to 2,690 MHz, and 3,300 to 3,600 MHz for full coverage of modern 5G networks. Experimental and numerical methods are used to broadly analyze the frequency range associated with 5G networks. The features of the use of composite materials in the implementation of antenna devices in 5G technologies are noted. A broadband matching circuit (BMC) with elements with lumped parameters and a reduced sensitivity invariant has been synthesized. A 3D model of the adaptive selective surface controller (SSC) was developed using CST Studio. The study results highlight the benefits of new composite materials in improving the performance of 5G antennas. This research makes a significant contribution to the development of 5G technologies by optimizing antenna design for efficient data transmission in modern mobile networks and can be a valuable resource for engineers and designers working in this field.

Chasing Graphene-Based Anticancer Drugs: Where are We Now on the Biomedical Graphene Roadmap?

Graphene and graphene-based materials have attracted growing interest for potential applications in medicine because of their good biocompatibility, cargo capability and possible surface functionalizations. In parallel, prototypic graphene-based devices have been developed to diagnose, imaging and track tumor growth in cancer patients. There is a growing number of reports on the use of graphene and its functionalized derivatives in the design of innovative drugs delivery systems, photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapy, and as a platform to combine multiple therapies. The aim of this review is to introduce the latest scientific achievements in the field of innovative composite graphene materials as potentially applied in cancer therapy. The "Technology and Innovation Roadmap" published in the Graphene Flagship indicates, that the first anti-cancer drugs using graphene and graphene-derived materials will have appeared on the market by 2030. However, it is necessary to broaden understanding of graphene-based material interactions with cellular metabolism and signaling at the functional level, as well as toxicity. The main aspects of further research should elucidate how treatment methods (e.g., photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, combination therapy) and the physicochemical properties of graphene materials influence their ability to modulate autophagy and kill cancer cells. Interestingly, recent scientific reports also prove that graphene nanocomposites modulate cancer cell death by inducing precise autophagy dysfunctions caused by lysosome damage. It turns out as well that developing photothermal oncological treatments, it should be taken into account that near-infrared-II radiation (1000-1500 nm) is a better option than NIR-I (750-1000 nm) because it can penetrate deeper into tissues due to less scattering at longer wavelengths radiation.

Highly flexible composite phase-change material PA-EG-AgNPs achieved through self-assembly of nano-silver for enhanced photothermal performance

This study presents an innovative composite phase-change material (cPCM) based on paraffin-expanded graphite (PA-EG), where AgNPs self-assemble onto the PA-EG surface. In comparison with the base material, the resulting composite, PA-EG12Ag-G, achieves a notably elevated thermal conductivity of 2.987 W/(m·K), emphasizing its superior heat conduction. Remarkably, the photothermal conversion efficiency sees a significant boost of 20.1 %, underlining its enhanced capacity for converting light to heat, attributed to the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. The cPCM also features a substantial phase change enthalpy of 130.5 J/g, ensuring exceptional heat storage capability. With a phase transition temperature of 46.3 °C, it gives multiple-choice for applications. Moreover, the material maintains outstanding room-temperature flexibility, making it being well-suited for practical use, such as a thermal management or solar thermal energy storage. The improvement in photothermal efficiency, facilitated by the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs, adds a novel dimension to the material's capabilities, enhancing its potential for diverse applications.

Innovative Composite Material with Pseudo-Porous Structure

Innovative Composite Material with Pseudo-Porous Structure

SIZE-DEPENDENT VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF CRACKED MICRO BEAMS REINFORCED WITH FUNCTIONALLY GRADED BORON NITRIDE NANOTUBES IN COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

The Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures made up of nitrogen and boron atoms stacked hexagonally. Comparable to carbon nanotubes, BNNTs have exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal capabilities. The increasing prevalence of micro-electromechanical systems in different technological fields underscores the necessity of gaining a comprehension of their mechanical behavior. The behaviour of Functionally Graded Boron Nitride Nanotube-Reinforced Composite (FG-BNNTRC) concerning microbeam cracks during free movement is investigated in this study. BNNT can be added to a matrix of polymers in four distinct manners to give reinforcements. The BNNTRC substance features are expected by the standard of integrating fractured microbeams. This study's primary goal is to investigate the free vibration properties of FG-BNNTRC cracked micro beams. It is crucial to focus on evaluating how different BNNT reinforcing structures, volume %, dimension/thickness ratio, and length scale elements affect vibration frequencies. This paper evaluates the vibration of fractured microbeams having length dependency using the modified couple stress theory. Following examining the effects of various causes, it emerges that the frequencies exhibit noticeable variances. The study shows that when the thickness of the beam becomes closer to the length scale parameter, the size impact gets stronger. The thickness of the beam grows, and the size impact decreases. The results are significant consequences with the design in addition to developing innovative composite materials for micro-scale applications, demonstrating the details of the complex interplay among nanoscale reinforcements and structural integrity.

Experimental and Computational Analyses of Sustainable Approaches in Railways

Railway transportation is widely recognized as an environment-friendly and sustainable means for conveying freight and passengers over long distances. This article investigates the effectiveness of utilizing scrap tire rubber granules and geosynthetics to enhance track performance in response to the growing demands for railway transport and the consequent escalation of train-induced loading. A multi-faceted methodology, incorporating experimental, numerical, and analytical techniques, is employed to examine the efficacy of these sustainable approaches. Results from three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analyses conducted on slab tracks for high-speed railways reveal that the addition of a resilient layer, comprising scrap tire rubber granules, reduces vertical stress within the track substructure. Laboratory investigations on an innovative composite material consisting of soil, scrap rubber granules, and polyurethane demonstrate its potential to enhance track performance. Findings from two-dimensional (2D) FE analyses conducted on pile-supported railway embankments highlight an enhanced transfer of load to the pile head following the installation of a geogrid layer at the embankment base. Finally, the results from the analytical approach indicate a reduction in track settlement and a decrease in the track geometry degradation rate on reinforcing the ballast layer with 3D cellular geoinclusion. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive assessment of the innovative composite material under drained and cyclic loading conditions, the investigation of the influence of train loading on geosynthetic tension and the load transfer mechanism in railway embankments, and the development of an innovative computational methodology capable of assessing the effectiveness of 3D cellular inclusions in improving the ballasted railway track performance. The findings from this article underscore the effectiveness of these sustainable approaches in mitigating the challenges posed by increased loads on railway tracks, providing valuable insights for the ongoing efforts to optimize railway transportation infrastructure.

Metal-organic frameworks@silk composites as efficient levofloxacin carriers against nosocomial infections and pathogens

This study presents a novel, biodegradable and biocompatible levofloxacin (LVX) release system based on metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and silk. The synergic effect between the silk fibroin and metal-organic frameworks not only provides the matrix for the efficient MOF distribution but, above all, builds an innovative composite material that may be used as a nanocomposite fibre building patients’ hospital clothes and healthcare employees’ uniforms against nosocomial infections and pathogens. In this study, a series of composite zirconium-based MOFs, varied in terms of the defectivity and the presence of functional groups and silk fibroin were tested in terms of LVX release kinetics, biocompatibility and biocidal activity towards all reference Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The obtained materials were characterized by using various characterization techniques including low-temperature N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopies, and DFT modelling. The results indicate that the developed LVX@UiO-66 25 % HCl@SILK sponge composite material possesses high biocidal activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, in vivo experiments have indicated that developed material may be considered potentially safe for living organisms.

Interface structure and tensile failure behaviour of novel SiCf/Ti–Ti2AlNb hybrid laminated composite material

Inspired by the microstructures of shells, SiC fibers (SiCf) are introduced into Ti layers, creating hybrid layers of SiCf/Ti, which are combined with Ti2AlNb foils to prepare multilayer SiCf/Ti–Ti2AlNb hybrids in a hot-pressed sintering instrument. The solid-phase bonding interface, mainly including the α+β biphasic structures and B2-rich phases, guarantees an ideal interface connection between the SiCf/Ti and Ti2AlNb layers after the sintering. Herein, the SiC fibers-made SiCf/Ti–Ti2AlNb presents a higher tensile strength and elasticity modulus on the tensile instrument of Model No. Byes (2010), compared with Ti/Ti2AlNb. During the tensile process, the brittle fractures of SiCf first occur, and the loads are transferred to the bonding interface of the Ti2AlNb and Ti layers, generating the crack propagation and resulting in SiCf/Ti–Ti2AlNb fracture. This is mainly because the crack is extended in succession to the bonding interface that is composed of brittle phases such as O and α2, as well as ductile phases such as α, β and B2. This produces the ductile and brittle ruptures at the bonding interface, forming the ductile-brittle mixture fractures at the SiCf/Ti and Ti2AlNb interfaces. In the case of vertical fractures related to the fiber length, brittle fractures are observed on the SiC fibers, which produce high forces that affect their bonding interfaces, resulting in axial interstices and transverse fractures. These obtained results demonstrate a novel method for structural design and fabrication of the innovative composite materials.

Empirical investigation of temperature effects on the mechanical properties of glass textile reinforced concrete

Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) is an innovative composite material that combines fine-grained concrete with textile fibers, resulting in improved mechanical properties for building materials. This research focuses on the impact of elevated temperatures on the mechanical characteristics of Glass TRC. Specifically, it investigates the tensile strength and bonding between glass rovings and fine-grained concrete. The study includes pullout tests on bonding TRC specimens and uniaxial tensile tests on tensile specimens exposed to temperatures of 30°C, 80°C, 150°C, and 200°C. The experimental results reveal that at 30 °C, the fiberglass mesh exhibits strong adhesion to fine-grained concrete, with an average bonding strength of 23.2 N/mm and an anchor length of approximately 120 mm. However, as the temperature increased to 150 °C and 200 °C, the bonding strength decreased by 33.4% and 46.2%, respectively. The tensile strength of TRC was 1470 MPa at 30 °C, but it decreased by 21.9% and 30.4% at temperatures of 150ºC and 200ºC.

Trimetallic Oxide Electrocatalyst for Enhanced Redox Activity in Zinc-Air Batteries Evaluated by In Situ Analysis.

Researchers are investigating innovative composite materials for renewable energy and energy storage systems. The major goals of this studies are i) to develop a low-cost and stable trimetallic oxide catalyst and ii) to change the electrical environment of the active sites through site-selective Mo substitution. The effect of Mo on NiCoMoO4 is elucidated using both in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Also, density functional theory strategies show that NiCoMoO4 has extraordinary catalytic redox activity because of the high adsorption energy of the Mo atom on the active crystal plane. Further, it is demonstrated that hierarchical nanoflower structures of NiCoMoO4 on reduced graphene oxide can be employed as a powerful bifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction/evolution reactions in alkaline solutions, providing a small overpotential difference of 0.75V. Also, Zn-air batteries based on the developed bifunctional electrocatalyst exhibit outstanding cycling stability and a high-power density of 125.1mW cm-2 . This work encourages the use of Zn-air batteries in practical applications and provides an interesting concept for designing a bifunctional electrocatalyst.

Biological properties of polycaprolactone and barium titanate composite in biomedical applications.

The ceramic-polymer composite materials are widely known for their exceptional mechanical and biological properties. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polymer material extensively used in various biomedical applications. At the same time, barium titanate (BT), a ceramic material, exhibits piezoelectric properties similar to bone, which is essential for osseointegration. Furthermore, a composite material that combines the benefits of PCL and BT results in an innovative composite material with enhanced properties for biomedical applications. Thus, this review is organised into three sections. Firstly, it aims to provide an overview of the current research on evaluating biological properties, including antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and osseointegration, of PCL polymeric matrices in its pure form and reinforced structures with ceramics, polymers and natural extracts. The second section investigates the biological properties of BT, both in its pure form and in combination with other supporting materials. Finally, the third section provides a summary of the biological properties of the PCLBT composite material. Furthermore, the existing challenges of PCL, BT and their composites, along with future research directions, have been presented. Therefore, this review will provide a state-of-the-art understanding of the biological properties of PCL and BT composites as potential futuristic materials in biomedical applications.

Case Study - Concrete Mixer’s Power Consumption and Wear Resistance on Mixing Blade

Abstract: Concrete mixers play a pivotal position in the construction industry, facilitating the efficient blending of cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures to create the fundamental building material of our modern world. However, the process of mixing concrete is energy-intensive and exerts significant wear and tear on the mixing blades, leading to maintenance costs and environmental concerns. This abstract explores strategies and innovations aimed at reducing power consumption and minimizing wear on mixing blades in concrete mixers, contributing to sustainability in construction practices. To address power consumption, advancements in motor efficiency, coupled with variable frequency drives (VFDs), have emerged as effective tools for optimizing energy use. In terms of blade wear, engineering developments in blade materials have been instrumental in enhancing durability. Hardened steel alloys and innovative composite materials have been introduced to mitigate wear and prolong blade lifespan.

Mechanical behavior of recycled carbon fiber epoxy and vinylester composites produced by resin infusion with flexible tooling technology (RIFT)

This research aims to define a technological process to design and manufacture high-performance components with innovative composite materials and to assess a line of recycling and recovery of processing waste. The material under study is a felt (non-woven fabric) of short carbon fibres produced by recycling composite material scraps. The activities focus on determining the most suitable production processes and the related process parameters that best lend themselves the uses of recycled carbon felt. Thus, two different laminates were manufactured, adopting epoxy and vinylester resinand the same recycled carbon withthe same stacking sequence. Consequently, the same thickness was obtained,andthe process feasibility and its limits were determined. In addition, the quasi-static and FIMEC tests were conducted to investigate their behaviour under tensile and flexural loading, respectively, and highlight theinfluence of the different matrices used. The results revealed the perfectly elastic behaviour of the material, the strong anisotropy for the epoxy sample and a significant difference in mechanical response in terms of strength and modulus

Synthesis, characterization, and enhanced sunlight-active photocatalytic property of single-site octahedral iron(III) oxide complex – Grafted graphene oxide

The reported study delves into the synthesis and analysis of an innovative composite material formed by grafting single-site octahedral iron(III) oxide complex onto graphene oxide (GO). The formation of the composite employs an innovative approach, utilizing a one-pot adsorption procedure to synthesize iron(III) oxide complex-modified graphene oxide (Fe-GO), with [Fe(bipy)Cl4][bipyH] serving as the precursor complex. Employing an array of analytical techniques including XRD, FTIR, DRS, PL, SEM, EDAX, XPS, and MB analyses, we meticulously uncover the intricate structural attributes of the resulting Fe-GO composite. Mössbauer spectroscopy confirms the presence of distorted octahedral Fe3+ single-sites grafted onto the GO surface, a crucial aspect firmly established in our synthesized specimen. This innovative approach not only enhances the photoactive properties of GO but also offers a resource-efficient avenue for such improvements. The photochemical efficacy of the synthesized samples is rigorously assessed by Rhodamine B degradation in water under authentic sunlight exposure. Remarkably, the Fe-GO composite outperforms pristine graphite, GO, and metal oxide photocatalysts (TiO2 and SnO2 based materials), underscoring its exceptional photocatalytic performance. The catalyst's durability and recyclability are thoroughly examined over five cycles, affirming its lasting effectiveness. Collectively, our findings highlight the substantial promise of iron-complex-decorated GO as an efficient solar-responsive photocatalyst, surpassing existing commercially available counterparts. This investigation opens a viable path towards the development of economically sustainable photocatalysts, tailored to meet the demands of various environmental applications reliant on solar-driven reactions.

Fabrication & investigation of properties of hybrid surface composite of magnesium matrix reinforced with aluminum & zinc by friction stir processing

Pure magnesium, despite its advantages, lacks crucial strength and corrosion resistance. With a continuous quest for improved materials and techniques, this study investigates innovative composite materials and the use of FSP for broader industrial applications. The study succeeded in producing this composite with enhanced properties compared to pure magnesium. Notably, the composite exhibited better corrosion resistance, increased strength and hardness. The grain size in the stir zone was significantly smaller, the grain structure was fine without defects, and recrystallized grains were present, resulting in more grain boundaries. Importantly, the properties of this surface composite approached or even surpassed those of some conventionally cast magnesium metal matrix composites. This suggests the potential for using this surface composite and FSP in industrial applications with further process parameter optimization. These findings highlight the promising prospects of surface composites and FSP in replacing traditional methods and bulk composites in specific industries.

Characterization of Composite Freeze-Dried Aerogels with Simulant Lunar Regolith for Space Applications.

Recently, the goal of space exploration has shifted from the incognito of the solar system to the Moon. Concepts like human permanence on the Moon and thermal protective structures made with ISRU (in situ resource utilization) of raw materials have started to be implemented. By limiting the need to launch supplies from the Earth, the paradigm of spaceflight is changed, privileging the vanguard of the utilisation of resources in situ. Still, the main challenges of surviving the radiation dose and the cryogenic temperatures of the lunar night remain. Recent studies have demonstrated how innovative composite materials can help reduce the temperature stress on exploration vehicles. This research presents the material properties of aerogel insulating materials combined with LHS (lunar highlands simulant) regolith obtained by freeze frying. Organic-based aerogels with different percentages of LHS have been analysed in terms of material, morphology, and thermal properties.

Physicochemical and biological analysis of composite biomaterials containing hydroxyapatite for biological applications.

Bone tissue regeneration is one of the main areas of tissue engineering. A particularly important aspect is the development of new innovative composite materials intended for bone tissue engineering and/or bone substitution. In this article, the synthesis and characterization of ceramic-polymer composites based on polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(vinyl alcohol) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) have been presented. The first part of the work deals with the synthesis and characterization of the ceramic phase. It was demonstrated that the obtained calcium phosphate is characterized by a heterogeneity and porosity indicating simultaneously its large specific surface area. Additionally, in the wound healing test, it was shown that the obtained powder supports the regeneration of L929 cells. Next, HAp-containing composite materials were obtained in the waste-free photopolymerization process and characterized in detail. It was proved that the obtained composites were characterized by sorption properties and stability during 12-day incubation in simulated physiological liquids. Importantly, the obtained composites showed no cytotoxic effect against the L929 murine fibroblasts - the cell viability was 94.5%. Then, confocal microscopy allowed to observe that murine fibroblasts effectively colonized the surface of the obtained polymer-ceramic composites, covering the entire surface of the biomaterial. Thus, the obtained results confirm the high potential of the obtained composites in the application of bone tissue regenerative medicine.

Comparison of calculation models for flexural capacity of RC beams strengthened with TRC in China and Germany

AbstractThe new innovative composite material textile reinforced concrete (TRC) has been intensively investigated in Germany since the end 1990s. It has become increasingly important in the construction industry. Compared with conventional steel reinforcement, TRC has advantages such as higher load‐bearing capacity, higher strength‐to‐weight ratio, better ductility, and non‐corrosive behavior. This made them a subject of extensive research and diverse applications both nationally and internationally. In 2004, Xu et al. started research on bond properties of TRC in China in cooperation with Hans‐Wolf Reinhardt et al. from the University of Stuttgart in Germany. Since then, there have been numerous researches on TRC in China. This article introduces a calculation method for the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with TRC in China. For comparison, the dimensioning procedure in Germany is also presented. Subsequently, the two models are compared with each other in a case study. Both models in China and Germany have the same mathematical background and also provide similar results. However, they have some differences in definitions of material characteristics (e.g., design concrete compressive strength, strain, and stress distribution) and consideration of the damage resulting from the preloading stage.

Experimental investigation of innovative composite Maxsorb III adsorbent for cooling and water desalination

This study presents an innovative composite Maxsorb III/CaCl2 (70 wt % of Maxsorb III to 30 wt % of CaCl2) for a relatively high adsorption capacity, cooling capacity, and freshwater production. The raw Maxsorb III (Max) has undergone acid treatment (2 mol HCl) as a pretreatment then it is impregnated with salt hydrates (Max/CaCl2). Raw and composite Max is characterized using XRD, adsorption isotherm utilizing nitrogen, and water vapor adsorption kinetics and isotherm. The isotherm outcomes showed that Max/CaCl2 had a water uptake of 1.35 kgH2O/kgMax/CaCl2. A simulation model of a desalination system employing the adsorption technique, either with or without heat recovery, has been conducted using MATLAB software to show the performance of an adsorption system utilizing the innovative composite adsorbent material. The results showed that Max/CaCl2 attained SDWP of 25.4 m3/tonMax/CaCl2 per day with SCP 717.4 W/kgMax/CaCl2 and COP 0.704 at 85 °C. Additionally, water productivity utilizing condenser-evaporator heat recovery can reach 36.7 m3/tonMax/CaCl2 at 85 °C and 43 m3/tonMax/CaCl2 at 95 °C. The results indicated that the innovative composite material has a promising performance within the AD system and overcomes traditional adsorbents such as activated carbon, silica gel, and zeolite.

Review of Recent Advances in the Electrical/Mechanical Characteristics of Nanocomposites and Multi-scale Modeling of Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites have been considered innovative composite materials that have multi-functionality and high performance. Because the incorporation of nanoscale fillers may significantly improve the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of composites, numerous extensive studies on the characterization of nanocomposites with nanoscale fillers have been performed. In particular, the development of nanocomposites using carbon-based nanoscale fillers (e.g., carbon nanotubes, carbon black, graphene nanoplates) have attracted much interest in the composite field. This paper provides a review of recent advances in the electrical/mechanical characteristics of nanocomposites, which are essential for their practical applications. Furthermore, this paper revisits the recent research on multi-scale modeling, which is a promising approach for predicting the characteristics of nanocomposites. The current challenges and future development potentials for multi-scale modeling are also discussed.