Innovative Composite Materials Research Articles

Integrating Metal–Organic Frameworks and Polyamide 12 for Advanced Hydrogen Storage Through Powder Bed Fusion

This paper introduces a pioneering approach that combines ex situ synthesis with advanced manufacturing to develop ZIF-67-PA12 Nylon composites with mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), with the goal of enhancing hydrogen storage systems. One method involves producing MOF-PA12 composite powders through an in situ process, which is then commonly used as a base powder for powder bed fusion (PBF) to fabricate various structures. However, developing the in situ MOF-PA12 matrix presents challenges, including limited spreadability and processability at higher MOF contents, as well as reduced porosity due to pore blockage by polymers, ultimately diminishing hydrogen storage capacity. To overcome these issues, PBF is employed to form PA12 powder into films, followed by the ex situ direct synthesis of ZIF-67 onto these substrates at loadings exceeding those typically used in conventional MMM composites. In this study, ZIF-67 mass loadings ranging from 2 to 30 wt.% were synthesized on both PA12 powder and printed film substrates, with loadings on printed PA12 films extended up to 60 wt.%. ZIF-67-PA12-60(f) demonstrated a hydrogen capacity of 0.56 wt.% and achieved 1.53 wt.% for ZIF-67-PA12-30(p); in comparison, PA12 exhibited a capacity of 0.38 wt.%. This was undertaken to explore a range of ZIF-67 Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to assess their impact on the properties of the composite, particularly for hydrogen storage applications. Our results demonstrate that ex situ-synthesized ZIF-67-PA12 composite MMMs, which can be used as a final product for direct application and do not require the use of in situ pre-synthesized powder for the PBF process, not only retain significant hydrogen storage capacities, but also offer advantages in terms of repeatability, cost-efficiency, and ease of production. These findings highlight the potential of this innovative composite material as a practical and efficient solution for hydrogen storage, paving the way for advancements in energy storage technologies.

Nanocellulose‐polypropylene composites with novel antimicrobial complex salt

AbstractPolypropylene composites with different contents of zinc‐ammonium salts (3, 5 and 7 wt%) and nanocellulose (1 wt%) after enzymatic bioconversion were characterized by structural, dispersion‐morphological, thermal, antimicrobial and mechanical analysis. It was shown that the use of a newly synthesized salt significantly affected the formation of the supermolecular structure of the polymer matrix and increased the nucleation activity, thermostability and flexibility of the composite materials. Moreover, the addition of the inorganic filler allowed to obtain composites with very good antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. An interesting relationship between the degree of filler dispersion in the polymer matrix and the formation of polymorphic varieties was elucidated in the study, which contributes to the improvement of final performance characteristics of composite materials. It is noteworthy that a hybrid filler in the form of nanometric cellulose and a biocidal additive containing zinc‐ammonium complex salt was used for the first time. Research has shown that such polymer composites can find application during the manufacture of smart packaging materials with enhanced barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor as well as improved biocidal characteristics, which will notably extend food storage time. At the same time, the presented process of obtaining the innovative composite materials is an excellent example of sustainable technologies for the design of antimicrobial treatments, while guaranteeing the possibility of further processing of these composite materials through material recycling.Highlights Zinc‐ammonium complex with antimicrobial properties was obtained The strength properties and thermal stability of the composites were improved Degree of filler dispersion in polymer affects formation of polymorphic varieties The composites can be applied in the production of smart packaging materials

Optimizing the grasping behavior of a soft robot's gripper

AbstractIn this study, smart composite materials based on 4D printing technology were used to determine the grasping ability of four‐claw gripper of soft robot. First, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is used to prepare polylactic acid (PLA) strips on the surface of a rectangular bamboo substrate to create a single‐claw gripper for a smart composite soft robot, while using stimulus (heat) to deform and recover its original shape. Here, the authors first evaluate the deformation and recovery angle of the single‐claw gripper of the smart composite soft robot, as well as various processing parameters such as heating temperature and time. This study then used FDM to print PLA ribbons on cross‐shaped bamboo sheets to design the four‐claw gripper of soft robot and its gripper technology was actuation type. Then, the four‐claw gripper of soft robot was used to grab the table tennis ball to test its grasping ability. Finally, four processing parameters (width of claw, pitch of PLA ribbon, heating temperature, and heating time) were applied to determine the grasping ability of the four‐claw gripper of soft robot. The optimal processing parameters for the grasping ability of the four‐claw gripper of soft robot were width of claw of 20.2 mm, pitch of PLA ribbon of 1 mm, heating temperature of 200°C, and the heating time of 15 s. The authors also applied the operation window of two processing parameters to discuss the success of the grasping ability of the four‐claw gripper of soft robot. The innovation of this study is the use of PLA/bamboo composite materials as the four‐claw gripper of soft robot and these materials are cheap, easy to obtain, and can be recycled naturally. This study uses a simple thermal stimulus to enable the four‐claw gripper of soft robot to easily grasp irregular objects.Highlights The innovative composite material of polylactic acid and bamboo fabricated by 3D printing. Width of claw and heating temperature are the key factors on grasping ability. Operating window of grasping ability appears on four‐claw gripper of soft robot.

Development of a MOF-5/g-C3N4 nanocomposite: an effective type 2 heterojunction photocatalyst for rhodamine B dye degradation.

The field of environmental and water remediation faces a significant challenge in removing organic dyes from wastewater, particularly Rhodamine B (RhB), a stubborn dye used in various industries. Traditional treatment methods struggle with its resistance to decomposition, posing risks to water quality, human health, and aquatic life. This study demonstrates a novel approach to enhance photocatalytic efficiency for RhB degradation by constructing a MOF-5/g-C3N4 composite through a facile mechanical grinding method, which is unprecedented. The composite addresses the limitations of g-C3N4, such as rapid recombination of electron-hole pairs, low electron transfer rates, and small surface area, by forming a heterojunction with MOF-5. The composite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of RhB under sunlight, with a degradation of 91.5% achieved within 90min. Optimization studies highlight the importance of pH and catalyst dosage in the degradation process. The reusability test shows consistent performance over five successive cycles, maintaining a degradation efficiency of over 90%. Total organic carbon (TOC) analyses confirm the mineralization of the dye solution to 82.05% after 90min of irradiation, demonstrating the environmental benignity of the composite. Trapping experiments suggest the involvement of superoxide radicals, electrons, and holes in the photocatalytic mechanism. This study introduces a promising strategy for addressing challenges in dye degradation through innovative composite materials.

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.

Flexural behavior of textile reinforced concrete using waste fishing net as continuous reinforcement

The present study investigated the flexural properties of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) incorporated with waste fishing nets as reinforcement with a view to providing a potential solution to the environmental impact caused by these nets. Locally available waste fishing nets having two different mesh sizes and thicknesses were used as textile reinforcement for investigation. The fishing nets composed of nylon fibres were selected due to their potential as a sustainable and cost-effective reinforcement material. TRC composite with A.R. Glass textile was used as a reference specimen and that with A.R. Glass textile and waste fishing net were considered for the flexural tests. The influence of different layers of textiles was also investigated. The epoxy coating was used to coat the waste fishing nets along with A.R. glass textile to develop a hybrid textile. Properties of TRC composites incorporated with uncoated nets were compared with the composites using coated nets in order to understand the effect of coating on the reinforcement. The efficiency of textiles as reinforcement was also analyzed in detail by determining the strength and ductility ratio. Investigating the flexural behaviour of TRC with epoxy-coated waste fishing nets aims to understand this innovative composite material’s mechanical properties and performance.

Utilization of photocatalytic degradation and efficiency of engineered geopolymer composite tile doped with nano-particles under ultraviolet light

This study investigates the impact of nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) on the self-cleaning and microstructural performance of engineered geopolymer composites (EGC) for urban cleanliness enhancement. The research focuses on achieving homogeneous dispersion of nano-ZnO through ultrasonication to prevent agglomeration and assess its effects on workability, setting time, mechanical, and microstructural properties of EGC. Results show that incorporating ZnO nanoparticles at 5 % and 10 % concentrations as a surface coating on engineered geopolymer composite creates a highly effective photocatalytic material. This enhanced composite demonstrates significant capability in degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light exposure over a 15-day period, breaking down organic pollutants into simpler, potentially less toxic substances. The efficiency of degradation depends on factors such as nano-ZnO concentration, UV radiation intensity, and initial pollutant concentration. The optimal dosage of nano-ZnO in EGC is found to be 0.5 %, which enhances hydration and pozzolanic activity, promoting a densified microstructure at the nanoscale. This innovative composite material shows promise as a self-cleaning finishing material for urban buildings, offering potential improvements in both aesthetics and environmental sustainability.

Gold Nanoparticles Modulate Excimer and Exciplex Dynamics of PDDCP-Conjugated Polymers.

How plasmonic nanostructures modulate the behavior of exciplexes and excimers within materials remains unclear. Thus, advanced knowledge is essential to bridge this gap for the development of optoelectronic devices that leverage the interplay between plasmonic and conjugated polymer hybrid materials. Herein, this work aims to explore the role of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in modulating exciplex and excimer states within the conjugated polymer poly(2,5-di(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy) cyanoterephthalylidene) (PDDCP), known for its photoluminescent and semi-conductive properties, aiming to create innovative composite materials with tailored optical features. The spectral analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of AuNPs on the PDDCP, varying AuNP volume percentages to measure changes in the absorption profile, molar extinction coefficient (ε), absorption cross-section (σa), and optical bandgap (Eg). Fluorescence spectra of the mixture at different volume ratios were also examined to assess exciplex formation, while amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) profiles were analyzed to study the behavior and photochemical stability of the polymer-NP hybrid material. Increasing AuNP volume induced both blue and red shifts in the absorption profile of the PDDCP. Higher AuNPs concentrations correlated with decreased ε and σa, inversely impacting Eg. The emission spectra obtained at varied AuNP volume ratios indicated significantly enhanced exciplex and excimer formations. The ASE profiles remained consistent but showed reduced intensity with increasing AuNPs concentrations, indicating their influence on hybrid material behavior and stability. The findings suggest that AuNPs affect PDDCP's optical characteristics, altering the absorption profile, bandgap, and fluorescence spectra. Furthermore, the observed reduction in ASE intensity highlights their influence on the behavior and photochemical stability of the hybrid material. These results contribute to a better understanding of the versatile applications of plasmonic-conjugated hybrid polymers.

Accelerated cartilage regeneration through immunomodulation and enhanced chondrogenesis by an extracellular matrix hydrogel encapsulating Kartogenin

Articular cartilage is crucial for the functional integrity of joints yet vulnerable to a spectrum of injuries. The adverse immune microenvironment ensuing from injury, coupled with the intrinsic property of the tissue characterized by limited cellularity, poses a significant challenge to the reconstruction of cartilage defect. In this study, an extracellular matrix hydrogel derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) with encapsulation of Kartogenin (KGN) has been designed for the cartilage repair and regeneration. The SIS hydrogel, which possessed a three-dimensional porous structure akin to the natural cartilage, has provided a scaffold essential for the progenitor cells engaged in the repair process and sustained release of KGN. As shown by in vitro experiments, the KGN could recruit host endogenous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and induce them to differentiate into chondrocytes, thus enabling in situ cartilage regeneration without cell transplantation. Notably, the bioactive component of SIS was further revealed to possess excellent immunomodulatory capacity to induce the phenotypic shift from M1 to M2 macrophages, which could enhance the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs indirectly. Additionally, in vivo experiments showed that the regenerated tissues of the composite SIS hydrogel group were close to the natural hyaline cartilage. Leveraging the combined effects of KGN and SIS hydrogel, this innovative composite material shows great potential as a biomaterial for effective cartilage repair and regeneration.

Epoxy resin reinforced with carbonized chicken feathers: An innovative composite material with sustainable potentials

This article explores a novel method for enhancing the mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites by incorporating carbonized chicken feathers as a filler material. The fabrication process involves carbonizing chicken feathers at 600°C and incorporating 5-10 wt% of the fillers into an epoxy matrix. The composites showed enhanced mechanical properties and samples containing 10 wt% filler exhibit the best properties. The performance corresponds to 49% increase in tensile strength, 16% rise in Young’s modulus, 40% improvement in flexural modulus, and 57% in flexural strength. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy were employed to characterize the filler. This characterization provides valuable insights into the structure and chemical composition of the pulverized carbonized chicken feathers that contributed to the attained improvement in composites’ properties. Microstructural examination of the developed composite under scanning electron microscope also provides insights into matrix-filler interface and dispersion of the fillers within the composite matrix. The study not only highlights the unique combination of carbonized feathers’ inherent strength and compatibility with the epoxy matrix but also underscores the eco-friendly nature of utilizing agricultural waste. The findings suggest promising applications in industries demanding lightweight, high-strength materials, which can contribute to sustainable engineering solutions.

Novel carbon quantum dots enhanced carbon nanotubes-graphene hybrid nanocomposite for VOCs detection

In recent years, researchers have shown a significant interest in exploring carbon-based nanomaterials for their potential applications in sensing technologies. This study introduces the development of an innovative composite material through the integration of quantum dots with carbon nanotubes and graphene. This nanohybrid composite serves as a sensing material for detecting ethanol at room temperature. The carbon quantum dots (CQD) used in this study were synthesized through a solvothermal process and integrated with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene nanoplates (GNP) to investigate the synergistic effects on the composite's structure and its sensing properties. The resulting hybrid composite was applied as a sensitive film onto the surface of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor. The hybrid nanocomposite-based sensor demonstrated significantly enhanced sensing sensitivity. At an ethanol concentration of 500 ppm, the CQD-enhanced CNT-GNP composite exhibited approximately 10- and 15-fold higher responses compared to CNT- and GNP-coated sensors, respectively. The response/recovery times of the CQD-enhanced CNT-GNP composite sensor were approximately 2/0.5 min, respectively. The sensor maintained reasonable repeatability and good recovery. The findings highlight the remarkable synergistic effects observed in the sensing performance of carbon-based nanohybrids, demonstrating the promising potential of this approach to enhance the sensitivity of such sensors.

Aqueous arsenic (III) removal using a novel solid waste based porous filter media block: Traditional and machine learning (ML) approaches

Arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is one of the main obstacles preventing people from having easy access to potable water. Gypsum-based a porous filter media block (PFMB) made with moringa bark was proposed to remove arsenic (III) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption isotherms using Langmuir (R2 = 0.976) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.967) and kinetics using pseudo-first and second order and intraparticle diffusion models were achieved. The removal rates of PFMB using 10 g/L in batch experiments were found to be 98.4 % and 94.2 % for 0.50 and 1.0 ppm, respectively. The efficiency was evaluated by varying the material composition, pH, and experimental conditions using a machine learning model with an R2 = 0.95. A new approach to forecasting adsorption capacity based on material composition and experimental data allows the effective determinate to be found from a wider perspective. The model explanation with shapley additive value (SHAP) and partial dependence plots (PDP) showed the initial concentration, and time were the most influential factors in the adsorption process. Arsenic (III) adsorption on the innovative composite material appears promising, which will ensure the reuse and effective disposal of solid waste. ANN can be used to evaluate and predict new conditions without lab experimentation.

An enhanced multifunctional chitosan-based active packaging film reinforced with cinnamon essential oil encapsulating onion peel anthocyanins

The fabrication of bio-hybrid composites utilizing polymers, nanomaterials, essential oils, and other substances is gaining popularity due to its multi-functionality and application across various fields. Many industries today effectively employ innovative composite and multilayer materials by considering their benefits in several areas. In particular, the food industry uses innovative, multi-functional packaging materials based on biodegradability to accomplish multiple tasks. Many researchers have recently shown interest in an innovative and intelligent food packaging film with indicators for real-time food safety and protection. It is preferable to use anthocyanins, as an indicator in the active packaging film to track the freshness of food by observing color changes in the packaged film upon a shift in pH. In the current investigation, ethanol was used as a solvent to obtain anthocyanin-rich onion peel extracts (AROPE), using conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques, which were then used as an indicator in the packaging films. To develop antioxidant and pH-sensing films, anthocyanin-rich onion peel extract was blended into the chitosan and cinnamon essential oil matrix. Films displayed significant color variations in acidic and alkaline environments over short periods making them easy to perceive with the naked eye. For real-world applications, the fabricated films mechanical, structural, and physical characteristics were further explored. Because of their sensory qualities, colors, and antimicrobial benefits, these novel chitosan-based films could be ideal for food packaging to enhance food security.

Improvement of thermomechanical and dielectric properties of thermoplastic polyurethane using bismuth sodium titanate/carbon nanotube hybrid fillers

AbstractThe development of innovative composite materials through the amalgamation of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with bismuth sodium titanate (BNT) and carbon nanotube (CNT) fillers was investigated. Before the composite fabrication, the fillers' surfaces were treated to enhance their compatibility with the TPU matrix. Hybrid fillers of BNT and CNTs were fabricated by mixing the two types of filler particles through ball milling and subsequently annealing the mixture at 250°C. Melt‐blending and injection molding were utilized to synthesize the composites at 210°C processing temperature. The prepared composites showed significantly enhanced thermal conductivity, dielectric constant, thermal stability, and thermomechanical properties compared with the neat TPU matrix. For instance, the dielectric constant was enhanced by 340% upon the inclusion of 40 wt.% BNT and CNT fillers compared to the neat TPU matrix (40CBNT‐TPU has 13.2). In particular, the inclusion of BNT‐CNT particles in the TPU matrix improved the thermal conductivity of the TPU matrix by 1180% tremendously as compared to neat TPU (40CBNT‐TPU has 2.6 W/(m.K)).Highlights Crystalline bismuth sodium titanate (BNT) is fabricated. Degradation of 8 wt.% of the IPDI‐treated BNT proves surface treatment. Dielectric constant (DC) improved by 340% compared to neat TPU. Thermal conductivity (TC) enhanced 11.4 times compared to neat TPU. Improvement in TC and DC will make it applicable in electronic materials.

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.

Antimony Trisulfide with Graphene Oxide Coated Titania Nanotube Arrays as Anode Material for Lithium-ion Batteries

AbstractThe performance of the Lithium Ion Batteries (LiBs) is significantly influenced with the synergetic chemical properties of two different materials in a composite form. The specific capacity of both titanium dioxide arrays (TNAs) and Antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3) bottleneck the performance of LiB due to the low conductivity after the implantation as anode material. Herein, a novel multifunctional composite composed of highly dispersed Sb2S3 on freestanding tubular TNAs host via chemical bath deposition method (CBD) for use as anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The loading quantity of Sb2S3 with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was regulated to achieve adjustable outcomes. The composite anode consisting of TNAs/ Sb2S3/G in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has a specific capacity that is three times greater than conventional anodes. Furthermore, this composite anode maintains stable cyclic performance even after undergoing 300 cycles. The initial coulombic efficiency of the composite electrode is 100%, whereas the bare TNAs had a coulombic efficiency of 45%. The cycle performance analysis demonstrated that the TNAs/ Sb2S3/G composite has superior specific capacity and efficiency, even under high current density conditions of 500 µA/cm2. The rate performance is greatly improved, indicating the efficacy of this innovative composite anode material for high-performance LIBs.

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

This article will discuss a new generation of composite material, patented by scientist Nadezhda Iushkina and which is a new technology in many areas of application. The article will reveal the main characteristics of the material as well as ways of its use.

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.