Low Elastic Modulus Research Articles

Factors Affecting Properties of Polymer Grouted Sands

The aim of this research was to undertake laboratory testing to investigate the beneficial effects of epoxy resin grouts on the physical and mechanical properties of sands with a wide range of granulometric characteristics. Six sands of different particle size and uniformity coefficients were grouted using epoxy resin solutions with three ratios of epoxy resin to water (3.0, 2.0 and 1.5). A set of unconfined compressive strength tests were conducted on the grouted samples at different curing periods and a set of long-term unconfined compressive creep tests in dry and wet conditions after 180 days of curing were also carried out in order to evaluate the development of the mechanical properties of the sands, as well as the impact of water on them. The findings of the investigation showed that epoxy resin resulted in appreciable strength values in the specimens, especially those of fine sands or well graded sands, grouted with the different epoxy resin grouts. Whilst the higher compressive strength and elastic modulus values at the age of 180 days were obtained for the finer sand, which ranged from 2.6 to 5.6 MPa and 216 to 430 MPa, respectively, the lower compressive strength and elastic modulus values were attained for the coarser sand with low values of the coefficient of uniformity, which varied from 0.68 to 2.2 MPa and 75 to 185 MPa, respectively. Moreover, all grouted sands showed stable long-term creep behaviour, with high values of the creep limit ranging from 67.5 to 80% of compressive strength. The presence of water had a negative marginal effect in the majority of the grouted specimens. In terms of physical properties, the permeability and porosity were estimated. The permeability of fine sands or well graded sands was decreased by two to four orders of magnitude. Using laboratory results and regression analysis, three mathematical equations were developed that relate each of the dependent variables of compressive strength, elastic modulus and coefficient of permeability to particular explanatory variables.

Synthesis of PVA@S-BNNSs flexible fiber backbone by electrostatic spinning assisting the construction of excellent ductile epoxy thermal interface materials

With the emergence of flexible electronics technologies based on stretchable, foldable, and bendable properties, there is a growing need for new thermal interface materials (TIMs) that possess better flexibility and stretchability. Epoxy resins, as thermal management materials commonly used to improve heat transfer and heat transport, need to have high thermal conductivity as well as excellent flexibility and a degree of stretchability. In order to devise TIMs that can be employed with flexible electronic devices, here we propose a strategy to form a flexible thermal conductive network structure with the shape of a “rice plant” inside the flexible epoxy resin matrix. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) flexible network skeleton constructed by the electrostatic spinning technique is regarded as the branches of the rice plant, and the ultra-sonicated boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) are assumed to be the granular rice seeds. As a result, a perfect interconnected thermal conductivity path can be constructed, and the thermal conductivity is greatly enhanced with a relatively low boron nitride loading. Additionally, the prepared EP/PVA@S-BNNSs epoxy composites can exhibit a low elastic modulus and 153 % elongation at the break, demonstrating superior electrical insulation and excellent ductility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in flexible electronic and wearable devices.

High temperature oxidation behaviors of C/C composites with SiOC coatings

The oxidation behaviors of C/C composites with various silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) coatings prepared at various deposition temperatures (1300 - 1513 K) were studied. The SiOC coating improved the oxidation resistance of C/C composites by forming dense SiO2 glass, but such an improvement was sensitive to the deposition temperature. The SiOC coatings prepared at low temperatures exhibited limited oxidation resistance improvement given the appearance of penetrating cracks, fundamentally caused by their thin, amorphous (high elastic modulus), dense, and brittle characteristics. The SiOC coatings prepared at high temperatures had thick, polycrystalline (low elastic modulus), loose, and resilient structures, thus exhibiting higher oxidation resistance.

Machining of TiAl6V4 Using Lubricants Containing Renewable Microalgae-Born Performance Additives

Abstract Titanium and its alloys represent a special class of materials. A density of 4.81 g/cm3, a tensile strength of over 1,200 MPa, a fatigue strength greater than that of steel, a low modulus of elasticity and its self-passivating, inert surface make titanium an ideal material for lightweight structures in aerospace, marine applications, the chemical industry and medical implants. Although titanium is inert in its oxidised state, its nascent surface created in machining reacts with almost everything in its environment, including the tool. Moreover, its poor thermal conductivity results in high thermal stress on the tools. Overall, these properties lead to high wear rates and result in the requirement for finding a particularised solution for processes such as milling that involve the need to overcome such challenges. Such processes therefore require lubricants with well-selected performance additives. However, most of these performance additives are based on mineral oil and thus come from a non-renewable resource. In the presented work, environmental-friendly alternatives to conventional mineral oil-based performance additives were investigated. Due to the working mechanisms of performance additives in machining, this work focusses on sulphur- and phosphorus-containing polysaccharides and proteins from microalgae. It has been successfully shown that lubricants using extracts from microalgae as performance additives can be used for high-speed milling (HSC) of TiAl6V4. The investigated extracts were able to reach the performance level of conventional additives in terms of tool lifetime and wear. The results obtained show that appropriate alternatives to mineral oil-based additives exist from renewable raw-material sources.

Experimental investigation of bond and cracking behaviours in gfrp-reinforced concrete members

Although Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars are becoming commonplace, their mechanical properties – low modulus of elasticity and high tensile strength – result in design of GFRP-reinforced concrete members (GFRP-RC) often being governed by deflection and crack control at the serviceability limit state. Bond performance of GFRP bars impacts the crack control provided and, due to the empirical nature of bond characterization in design, bond of GFRP remains described in relation to that of steel. To describe the bond performance of GFRP bars, a bond-dependent coefficient, kb, is adopted in design guides and standards. The bond and cracking behaviours of GFRP bars embedded in concrete – including the estimation of kb – were investigated through 80 pull-out and 12 prism tension tests. The evaluation of kb using ASTM D7913 pull-out, confirming the bond performance using a smaller number of prism tension tests, is proposed. The results showed that values of kb determined from pull-out test were about 15–20 % greater than those estimated by prism test. Nonetheless, kb values determined from both tests are similar and follow the same trends. These data obtained in this experimental programme supplemented an extant database of 137 comparable pull-out test results covering a range of GFRP bar and concrete parameters. The study concludes that ASTM D7913 pull-out tests are suitable for assessing minimum GFRP reinforcing bar bond criteria although more complex prism tests are likely required to accurately assess kb.

Investigation of the Chemical Composition, Microstructure, Density, Microhardness, and Elastic Modulus of the New β Ti-50Nb-xMo Alloys for Biomedical Applications.

β-type titanium alloys with a body-centered cubic structure are highly useful in orthopedics due to their low elastic modulus, lower than other commonly used alloys such as stainless steel and Co-Cr alloys. The formation of the β phase in titanium alloys is achieved through β-stabilizing elements such as Nb, Mo, and Ta. To produce new β alloys with a low modulus of elasticity, this work aimed to produce our alloy system for biomedical applications (Ti-50Nb-Mo). The alloys were produced by arc-melting and have the following compositions Ti-50Nb-xMo (x = 0, 3, 5, 7, and 12 wt% Mo). The alloys were characterized by density, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, microhardness, and elastic modulus. It is worth highlighting that this new set of alloys of the Ti-50Nb-Mo system produced in this study is unprecedented; due to this, there needs to be a report in the literature on the production and structural characterization, hardness, and elastic modulus analyses. The microstructure of the alloys has an exclusively β phase (with bcc crystalline structure). The results show that adding molybdenum considerably increased the microhardness and decreased the elastic modulus, with values around 80 GPa, below the metallic materials used commercially for this type of application. From the produced alloys, Ti-50Nb-12Mo is highlighted due to its lower elastic modulus.

A comprehensive review of Gum metal's potential as a biomedical material

The demand for low elastic modulus and biocompatible load-bearing implants has experienced a significant surge in recent times. Gum metal, a noteworthy category of β-Ti alloys, has gained substantial recognition in the biomedical field. This is primarily attributed to its remarkable blend of characteristics, encompassing non-toxic and biocompatible elements, a low elastic modulus, superelasticity, and high strength. Achieving these properties involves precise electronic criteria within their composition and substantial deformation, often through cold swaging. Recent years have seen innovative processing methods and alloy compositions to meet these requirements, expanding Gum metal's properties and applications. This review offers a thorough look at Gum metal, covering its discovery and highlighting its unique properties, with a particular focus on its relevance in the biomedical field. It critically analyzes the various phases of Gum metal and delves deeply into its deformation mechanism, unveiling its exceptional shape recovery capability even after significant deformation. Theoretical alloy design strategies for Gum metal are addressed, providing a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to optimize its performance for biomedical applications. The impact of oxygen on the Gum metal's properties is explored. The review also scrutinizes biocompatibility and corrosion behavior studies conducted on Gum metal, emphasizing its appropriateness for biomedical implants. Finally, various fabrication and processing routes for Gum metal are reviewed, offering insights into the techniques employed to harness its potential for practical applications.

Molecular structure design of polybenzoxazines with low surface energy and low modulus for marine antifouling application

The antifouling mechanism of low surface energy marine antifouling coatings is fouling release, and the key to fouling release is the adhesion strength of fouling organisms on the coating surface. Herein, we report an antifouling strategy to improve the fouling release performance of antifouling coatings by control the surface free energy and elastic modulus. Natural biomass cardanol-based benzoxazine monomers with different structures were designed by molecular structure and successfully synthesized via Mannich condensation. Detailed information of the chemical structure for the benzoxazines are analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies. In addition, the benzoxazines polymerization behavior is investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The properties such as surface free energy and elastic modulus of polybenzoxazine were adjusted by the structure of the amine source. Notably, polybenzoxazines with octadecylamine as amine source have higher contact angle and lower surface free energy, and their elastic modulus is significantly lower than that of the octylamine benzoxazine. The elastic modulus of the octylamine benzoxazine was 732.5 MPa, while that of octadecylamine benzoxazine was only 24.0 MPa. Therefore, the polybenzoxazine coating has less fouling adhesion and exhibits better fouling release performance, and thus has better antifouling properties. This non-releasing polybenzoxazines without antifouling agent is a green, eco-friendly antifouling coating with low surface energy and low elastic modulus designed by molecular structure.

Evaluation of stress distribution in an endodontically treated tooth restored with two different post and core systems in a maxillary central incisor: A finite element analysis study

Background:An endodontic post plays a crucial role in stabilizing and supporting a core restoration when insufficient coronal dentin remains after root canal treatment. It is inserted into the prepared root canal, strengthening the restoration and enabling it to endure chewing forces, thereby helping to preserve the tooth structure and overall durability of the restoration.Aim:To evaluate thebiomechanical behaviour and long-term safety of high-performance polymer PEEKas an intra-radicular dental post-core material through comparative finite element analysis (FEA) with other traditional (Nickel-Chromium) post-core material.Materials and methods:CBCT scanning of a maxillary central incisor and its supporting structures was used to construct a two-3D solid model of endodontically treated teeth for finite element analysis (FEA). PEEK has a lower elastic modulus than root dentin and showed comparably more favourable stress distribution and high failure resistance than conventional post-core material. Two materials, Nickel-Chromium and PEEK, with the same crown design, were simulated to compare traditionally used post-core materials and evaluate their post-core properties. A 3D model of the maxillary central incisor area, including restorative components, was created. The masticatory load of 100 N was simulated at a 5 mm distance from the incisal edge and applied at a 45 ̊ angle to the long axis of the tooth.Results:PEEK and metal post models demonstrated similar patterns and values of maximum equivalent stresses in the overall components of the model, except for the post and crown. In the apex region of the PEEK post-core case, the values of stresses were lower than those of metal posts.Conclusion:PEEKpost-core, with a lower elastic modulus than dentine, exhibited a favourable stress distribution profile at the intraradicular surface, indicating a lower possibility of root fracture than conventional post-core materials.

Global and Local Geometrical Imperfections of Pultruded GFRP Profiles Based on a Modal Approach

The ultimate capacity of pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymer (pGFRP) profiles depends significantly on geometrical imperfections (GIs), given their sensitivity to buckling phenomena arising from both thin walls and low elastic moduli. However, GIs are not yet comprehensively addressed in design guidance. This paper proposes a new approach to characterize the initial GIs of pGFRP profiles based on a modal approach. Given the lack of comprehensive knowledge in this area, this study presents a highly accurate and robust methodology to measure GIs and dimensional deviations (DDs) in pGFRP profiles using a 3D contact coordinate measurement machine (CMM). The modal approach encompasses the measurement of dimensional parameters and a point cloud transformation that enables the assessment of GIs associated with pure buckling modes of pGFRP profiles. This procedure allows the quantification of three types of global GIs associated to (i) minor-axis (weak axis), (ii) major-axis (strong axis) bending, and (iii) twist. Additionally, the procedure also includes the assessment of local GIs, considering the wall (plate-like) imperfections. The separation of GIs into these four types (shape and amplitude) is of major relevance as its paves the way to the development of analytical design formulas for the strength prediction of pGFRP members. The approach described in this paper also serves two important purposes: (i) the statistical analysis of DDs and GIs of pGFRP members, and (ii) the identification of distinct shapes and amplitudes of GIs that form the basis for reliable design considerations of pGFRP members.

Synergistic advancements in high-performance flexible capacitive pressure sensors: structural modifications, AI integration, and diverse applications.

The development of flexible pressure sensors for monitoring human motion and physiological signals has attracted extensive scientific research. However, achieving low monitoring limits, a wide detection range, large bending stresses, and excellent mechanical stability simultaneously remains a serious challenge. With the aim of developing a high-performance capacitive pressure sensor (CPS), this paper introduces the successful preparation of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (S-PDMS) composite dielectric with a foam-like structure (high permittivity and low elasticity modulus) and MXene/SWNT (S-MXene) composite film electrodes with a micro-crumpled structure. The above structurally modified CPS (SMCPS) demonstrated an excellent response output during pressure loading, achieving a wide pressure detection range (up to 700 kPa), a low detection limit (16.55 Pa), fast response/recovery characteristics (48/60 ms), enhanced sensitivity across a wide pressure range, long-term stability under repeated heavy loading and unloading (40 kPa, >2000 cycles), and reliable performance under various temperature and humidity conditions. The SMCPS demonstrated a precise and stable capacitive response in monitoring subtle physiological signals and detecting motion, owing to its unique electrode structure. The flexible device was integrated with an Internet of Things module to create a smart glove system that enables real-time tracking of dynamic gestures. This system demonstrates exceptional performance in gesture recognition and prediction with artificial intelligence analysis, highlighting the potential of the SMCPS in human-machine interface applications.

Fabricating mesoscale polymer ribbons with tunable mechanical properties via evaporative deposition and dewetting.

Synthetic replication of the precise mesoscale control found in natural systems poses substantial experimental challenges due to the need for manipulation across multiple length scales (from nano- to millimeter). We address this challenge by using a 'flow coating' method to fabricate polymer ribbons with precisely tunable dimensions and mechanical properties. Overcoming barriers that previously limited the achievable range of properties with this method, we eliminate the need for substrate patterning and post-processing etching to facilitate the production of high aspect ratio, filament-like ribbons across a range of polymers-from glassy polystyrene to elastomeric poly(butadiene), as well as poly(butadiene-block-styrene). Our method uniquely enables the preservation of chemical fidelity, composition, and dimensions of these ribbons, leveraging polymers with elastic moduli from GPa to tens of MPa to achieve multi-scale features. We demonstrate the role of the elastocapillary length (γ/E) in determining morphological outcomes, revealing the increase in curvature with lower elastic modulus. This finding underscores the intricate relationship among surface tension, elastic modulus, and resultant structural form, enabling control over the morphology of mesoscale ribbons. The soft (MPa) polybutadiene-based ribbons exemplify our method's utility, offering structures with significant extensibility, resilience, and ease of handling, thus expanding the potential for future applications. This work advances our understanding of the fundamental principles governing mesoscale structure formation and unlocks new possibilities for designing soft materials with tailored properties, mirroring the complexity and functionality observed in nature.

Investigation of dermal collagen nanostructures in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) patients.

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) represent a group of rare genetic disorders affecting connective tissues. Globally, approximately 1.5 million individuals suffer from EDS, with 10,000 reported cases in Canada alone. Understanding the histological properties of collagen in EDS has been challenging, but advanced techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) have opened up new possibilities for label-free skin imaging. This approach, which explores Type I collagen fibrils at the nanoscale, could potentially enhance EDS diagnosis and our knowledge of collagen type I-related connective tissue disorders. In the current study, we have employed AFM to examine ex-vivo skin biopsies from four individuals: one with classical EDS (cEDS), one with hypermobile EDS (hEDS), one with hEDS and Scleroderma (hEDS-Scleroderma), and one healthy control. Picrosirius red (PS) staining was used to highlight collagen differences in the samples. For each case, 14 images and 1400 force curves were obtained, with seven images and 700 force curves representing healthy collagen (PS-induced red staining) and the rest showcasing disrupted collagen (yellow staining). The results showed that PS staining was uniform throughout the control section, while cEDS and hEDS displayed localized areas of yellow staining. In the case of hEDS-Scleroderma, the yellow staining was widespread throughout the section. AFM images revealed irregular collagen fibrils in the disrupted, yellow-stained areas, contrasting with aligned and well-registered collagen fibrils in healthy, red-stained regions. Additionally, the study assessed the ability of non-AFM specialists to differentiate between healthy and disrupted collagen in AFM images, yielding substantial agreement among raters according to Fleiss's and Cohen's kappa scores (0.96 and 0.79±0.1, respectively). Biomechanical analysis revealed that normal healthy collagen exhibited a predominant population at 2.5 GPa. In contrast, EDS-affected collagen displayed subpopulations with lower compressive elastic modulus, indicating weaker collagen fibrils in EDS patients. Although these findings pertain to a limited number of cases, they offer valuable insights into the nanoscale collagen structure and biomechanics in individuals with EDS. Over time, these insights could be developed into specific biomarkers for the condition, improving diagnosis and treatment for EDS and related connective tissue disorders.

Rheology of amino-functionalized graphene oxide suspensions in hydrogels

This work investigates the effects of amino-functionalized graphene oxide (AFGO) suspensions on the rheological behavior of Carbopol® hydrogels at pHs 5, 7, and 9. The AFGO concentration and media pH were evaluated and related to the suspension's microstructure and rheology. Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were synthesized using the modified Hummers method and functionalized with triethylenetetramine via microwave-assisted reaction to produce AFGO. The nanosheets were characterized by different techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The suspensions were characterized by rheological tests through steady-state and dynamic flow, zeta potential, and cryo-SEM for microstructure analysis. All samples presented a viscoplastic behavior and were modeled by the Herschel–Bulkley equation. Concerning the base hydrogels, the sample prepared at pH 9 showed lower viscosity, yield stress, and elastic modulus. At all pHs, the increase in the nanosheet concentration promotes a drop in the yield stress, viscosity, storage, and loss moduli. The cryomicrographs showed the impact of pH on the base hydrogel structure. It was also possible to observe that increasing nanoadditive concentration affects the Carbopol microgel swelling and weakens the suspension microstructure.

Patterned liquid metal embedded in brush-shaped polymers for dynamic thermal management.

Interface thermal resistance has become a crucial barrier to effective thermal management in high-performance electronics and sensors. The growing complexity of operational conditions, such as irregular and dynamic surfaces, demands thermal interface materials (TIMs) to possess high thermal conductivity and soft elasticity. However, developing materials that simultaneously combine soft elasticity and high thermal conductivity remains a challenging task. Herein, we utilize a vertically oriented graphene aerogel (VGA) and rationally design liquid metal (LM) networks to achieve directional and adjustable pathways within the composite. Subsequently, we leverage the advantages of the low elastic modulus and high deformation capabilities of brush-shaped polydimethylsiloxane (BPDMS), together with the bicontinuous thermal conduction path constructed by VGA and LM networks. Ultimately, the designed composite of patterned liquid metal/vertically oriented graphene aerogel/brush-shaped PDMS (LM-VGA/BPDMS) shows a high thermal conductivity (7.11 W m-1 K-1), an ultra-low elastic modulus (10.13 kPa), excellent resilience, and a low interface thermal resistance (14.1 K mm2 W-1). This LM-VGA/BPDMS soft composite showcases a stable heat dissipation capability at dynamically changing interfaces, as well as excellent adaptability to different irregular surfaces. This strategy holds important application prospects in the fields of interface thermal management and thermal sensing in extremely complex environments.

Numerical Analysis of Double Geopolymer Concrete Layer with Different Properties

Researchers have been working to find alternatives to conventionally produced concrete in recent years. Geopolymer concretes are also the focus of these studies. There are not enough studies on modelling geopolymer concretes, which are the subject of many experimental studies. In this study, which is believed to close the gap in the literature, stress and strain analyses of geopolymer concrete with two different properties under load in two different systems were performed. The locations of the concrete with different properties were also changed in the model, and the results obtained in both cases were compared. It was observed that when the geopolymer concrete with a lower modulus of elasticity and 100% slag content was on top, the stress values decreased, and the strain rates increased.

Exopolysaccharide from marine microalgae belonging to the Glossomastix genus: fragile gel behavior and suspension stability

ABSTRACT With the aim to find new polysaccharides of rheological interest with innovated properties, rhamnofucans produced as exopolysaccharides (EPS) in a photobioreactor (PBR) and an airlift bioreactor (ABR) by the marine microalgae Glossomastix sp. RCC3707 and RCC3688 were fully studied. Chemical characterizations have been conducted (UHPLC – MS HR). Analyses by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled online with a multiangle light scattering detector (MALS) and a differential refractive index detector showed the presence of large structures with molar masses higher than 106 g.mol−1. The rheological studies of these EPS solutions, conducted at different concentrations and salinities, have evidenced interesting and rare behavior characteristic of weak and fragile hydrogels i.e. gel behavior with very low elastic moduli (between 10−2 and 10 Pa) and yield stresses (between 10−2 and 2 Pa) according to the EPS source, concentration, and salinity. These results were confirmed by diffusing wave spectroscopy. Finally, as one of potential application, solutions of EPS from Glossomastix sp. have evidenced very good properties as anti-settling stabilizers, using microcrystalline cellulose particles as model, studied by multiple light scattering (MLS) with utilization in cosmetic or food industry. Compared to alginate solution with same viscosity for which sedimentation is observed over few hours, microalgae EPS leads to a stable suspension over few days.

Polyisobutylene Encapsulated PEDOT: Pss Electrode Honeycomb Skeleton Electrolyte for Moisture Resistant Electro‐Ionic Soft Artificial Muscles

AbstractAdvances in electro‐ionic soft actuators hold significant potential as next‐generation bioelectronic interfaces due to mechanical compliance and operation in agreement with soft biological tissues and low voltages. However, current devices call for encapsulation strategies to accommodate high mechanical demands and long‐term stability in environmental changes. In this study, a durability of polyvinylidene‐fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐co‐HFP) honeycomb skeleton electrolyte encapsulated with a biocompatible polyisobutylene (PIB) thin film is being investigated. A low water vapor transmission rate (0.61 g m−2 day−1) and elastic modulus (10 kPa) are measured from a 7.5 µm‐thick thin‐modified PIB‐encapsulation layer. The PIB‐encapsulated soft actuator maintains 68% of its mechanical durability after 40 000 cycles of zero‐to‐tension fatigue loading at room temperature. A cantilever actuation test of the PIB‐encapsulated 3mm‐wide 30mm‐long actuator film shows a large tip displacement (15.90 mm) at a low voltage (±1.5 V) under 0.1 Hz, 37 °C, 50% relative humidity (RH). Most importantly, while the unencapsulated actuator immediately degrades in a few cycles at 37 °C, 50%RH, and 0.1% applied strain, PIB‐encapsulated soft actuator performs up to 6500 dynamic actuation cycles without any functionality degradation. Exceptional durability against mechanical fatigue and stability at elevated temperature and humidity meet the prerequisite for future soft biomedical robots that enable long‐lasting safe operations.

Waterproof and Flexible Perovskite Photodetector Enabled By P-type Organic Molecular Rubrene with High Moisture and Mechanical Stability.

Metal halide perovskite films have gained significant attention because of their remarkable optoelectronic performances. However, their poor stability upon the severe environment appears to be one of the main facets that impedes their further commercial applications. Herein, a method to improve the stability of flexible photodetectors under water and humidity environment without encapsulation is reported. The devices are fabricated using the physical vapor deposition method (Pulse Laser Deposition & Thermal Evaporation) under high-vacuum conditions. An amorphous organic Rubrene film with low molecular polarity and high elastic modulus serves as both a protective layer and hole transport layer. After immersed in water for 6000min, the photoluminescence intensity attenuation of films only decreased by a maximum of 10%. The demonstrator device, based on Rubrene/CsPbBr3/ZnO heterojunction confirms that the strategy not only enhances device moisture and mechanical stability but also achieves high sensitivity in optoelectronic detection. In self-powered mode, it has a fast response time of 79.4 µs /207.6 µs and a responsivity 124mAW-1. Additionally, the absence of encapsulation simplifies the fabrication of complex electrodes, making it suitable for various applications. This study highlights the potential use of amorphous organic films in improving the stability of perovskite-based flexible devices.

Experimental investigation of concrete frames reinforced with GFRP bars under reversed cyclic loading

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) have been widely investigated and successfully used as internal reinforcement in new reinforced concrete (RC) members and structures such as slabs, beams, bridges, multi-storey car parks and others as means to overcome the corrosion problem of steel. The linear-elastic behaviour, brittle failure and low modulus of elasticity are some of the significant mechanical characteristics of FRP rebars which raise concerns on their capability to allow structural members to dissipate energy in seismic zones and thus limit their use in earthquake resistant RC structures (such as moment resisting frames). The behaviour of concrete frames reinforced with FRP bars is still in its early stages of research and development with only a few researchers exploring such structures under in-place cyclic loading (seismic loading). As a result, design codes do not provide guidance for RC moment frames internally reinforced with FRP. This study attempts to partially fill the gap by investigating the behaviour of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) RC frames under in-plane loading. Six 1/3 scaled RC frames were constructed and tested under reversed cyclic loading to simulate seismic loading conditions. Three were reinforced with GFRP bent bars and three (their counterparts) with conventional steel. The testing was conducted in displacement-controlled mode with the loading history according to ACI 374.1–05. Test parameters included longitudinal reinforcement ratio and arrangement in the columns and presence of links in the joints. The experimental results are presented as hysteretic curves, lateral load / drift graphs, stiffness degradation and cumulative energy dissipated with the overall indication of the feasibility of GFRP RC frames in seismic regions. All GFRP specimens successfully reached 2.75% loading drifts. The energy dissipation of GFRP specimens was lower at initial drifts compared to the steel reinforced samples, but it become greater at final drift. GFRP frames had approximately the same load bearing capacity as their counterparts and even greater in one case. Ultimate loads for G frames were reached at higher level of displacement than for S frames.