Macro-mechanical Properties Research Articles

3D Printable One-Part Alkali-Activated Mortar Derived from Brick Masonry Wastes

The exponential growth in demand for housing has resulted in a greater focus on rapid construction methods that adhere to circular economy principles. 3D concrete printing is becoming a powerful tool to find solutions to the common challenges of affordable housing for more people, rapid construction, and the digitalization of the construction industry. However, a coherent synthesis of green and digital initiatives has not yet been achieved. For 3D printable materials, recycling of materials that have reached the end of their service life should also be enabled and supported, in line with circular economy goals that prioritize waste reduction and maximization of resource efficiency. With these objectives in mind, the current study focuses on the development of a one-part 3D printable alkali-activated mortar (3DPM) derived from brick masonry waste (BMW). BMWs were used as the main precursor and filler phase, whereas materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag, kaolin clay, and limestone have been utilized to enhance/control the mechanical and rheological properties. To investigate the evolution of alkali-activation and the effect of anisotropy, the macromechanical properties of the developed 3DPM were investigated by compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile, and direct tensile tests. The micromechanical properties were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and computed tomography (MicroCT) tests. Overall, the results revealed the presence of anisotropy, which can be reduced by optimizing the layer height. Through this optimization, reductions in pore content and distribution, validated by MicroCT, indicated that the disadvantage of the weak interlayer bond zone in stress transfer could be diminished. Micromechanical analysis showed that the gel formation responsible for the strength was the calcium-based gel structures. Considering these findings, it is believed that the BMW-based 3DPM can be an important alternative for the digitalization of the construction industry and its transition to a circular economy.

Investigating the pH-Dependence of gelation process in chitosan-glutaraldehyde hydrogels with diffusing wave spectroscopy

The gel time of functional hydrogels is an essential property that dictates their utility in various applications. To accurately assess this parameter, the chitosan-glutaraldehyde hydrogels were characterized here using two complementary analytical tools, rotational rheometer, and diffusing wave spectrometer (DWS). Rotational rheometers are widely used to continuously monitor the macro-mechanical properties of hydrogels during the gelation process. By observing the modulus change curve, one can gain insights into the instantaneous changes occurring within the gel network. This method provides a direct measurement of the gel's mechanical strength; however, it involves applying external forces to the sample, which may introduce artifacts such as measurement lag and potential sample deformation or destruction. Results of this study indicated that the application of external force during rotary rheometer measurements disrupted the gelation process. In contrast, DWS detected alterations in the microstructure by measuring light diffusion, allowing to track microstructural changes post-crosslinking, and curing without the interference of external stress. Thus, DWS offers a non-invasive approach to studying gelation as it detected the Brownian motion of particles within the hydrogel by monitoring the diffraction of light, thereby providing undisturbed dynamic information about the gel's behavior. The DWS technique is particularly useful for tracking microstructural changes that occur during hydrogel crosslinking and curing, without altering the gel's native state. An additional advantage of DWS is its ability to investigate the pH effect on gelation. By measuring changes in gelation time as a function of pH, we could achieve precise control over the gelation process. This fine-tuning of gelation kinetics is crucial for applications that require rapid or delayed gelation, offering a level of precision that is difficult to match with traditional rheological methods.

Crystal Chemistry at Interfaces Between Liquid Al and Polar SiC{0001} Substrates

Silicon carbide (SiC) has been widely added into light metals, e.g., Al, to enhance their mechanical performance and corrosion resistance. SiC particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (SiC-MMCs) exhibit low weight/volume ratios, high strength/hardness, high corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. They have potential applications in aerospace, automobiles, and other specialized equipment. The macro-mechanical properties of Al/SiC composites depend on the local structures and chemical interactions at the Al/SiC interfaces at the atomic level. Moreover, the added SiC particles may act as potential nucleation sites during solidification. We investigate local atomic ordering and chemical interactions at the interfaces between liquid Al (Al(l) in short) and polar SiC substrates using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) methods. The simulations reveal a rich variety of interfacial interactions. Charge transfer occurs from Al(l) to C-terminating atoms (Δq = 0.3e/Al on average), while chemical bonding between interfacial Si and Al(l) atoms is more covalent with a minor charge transfer of Δq = 0.04e/Al. The prenucleation at both interfaces is moderate with three to four recognizable layers. The information obtained here helps increase understanding of the interfacial interactions at Al/SiC at the atomic level and the related macro-mechanical properties, which is helpful in designing novel SiC-MMC materials with desirable properties and optimizing related manufacturing and machining processes.

Multi-scale structure and reinforcement mechanisms of multi-element composite ceramic coatings

Ceramic coating is of significant importance for improving metallic materials in terms of mechanical properties or durability, which is commonly encountered in the field of machinery, civil engineering, and aerospace, etc. However, ceramic materials optimization is a great challenge due to the complex multi-scale design from atomic to macro level. This paper investigates the multiscale characteristics of multi-element composite ceramic coating, including electronic properties, 3D pore structure, and engineering performances and gives their bottom-up connections, via first-principles calculations and multiscale experiments. The doping of Ti, Zr, and Ce in the alumina-based ceramic crystal improves the overlap of electronic clouds between oxygen and metal atoms, which modifies the atomic charges and enhances the ionic bonding. In terms of microstructure, it reveals the mechanisms of phase transformation toughening effect of ZrO2 and the grain refinement and grain boundary purification effects of CeO2, which facilitates the amelioration of pore structure and macro mechanical properties. It provides multiscale information on the phase stability of multi-element alumina-based ceramics, shedding light on the fundamental atomic level mechanisms that play a crucial role in customizable functional designs

Quantitative characterization and mapping relationship between microstructure, composition, orientation, and mechanical properties of nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718

Abstract This study explores the relationship between the microstructure, composition, orientation, and mechanical properties of the nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718. Employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe (EMP), nano-indentation, and other techniques, the study observes the structure, confirms the composition, determines orientation, and tests mechanical properties in specific micro-zones. Findings reveal a uniform grain distribution in Inconel 718, with a minor δ-phase presence at grain boundaries. There is a notable enrichment of Nb at the grain boundaries, whereas Fe and Cr levels are lower at these boundaries compared to the grain interiors. The indentation hardness and modulus at the grain boundaries are markedly higher than those within the grains. Moreover, grains with different orientations exhibit diverse microscale mechanical properties, such as hardness and elastic modulus. This research establishes a quantitative mapping relationship between the microstructure, composition, orientation, and mechanical properties of Inconel 718, providing a foundation for future multiscale (micro to macro) mechanical property investigations.

Reverse Hall–Petch Effect of Nano-Bainite in a High-Carbon Silicon-Containing Steel

High-strength steels are widely used in various mechanical production and construction industries for their low cost, high strength and high toughness. Among these, bainitic steels have better comprehensive performance relative to martensite and ferrite. In this paper, from the point of view of its microscopic fine structure and mechanical properties, the high-carbon silicon-containing steel Fe-0.99C-1.37Si-0.44Mn-1.04Cr-0.03Ni was austenitized at high temperature after a brief isothermal treatment at 280 °C and is briefly reviewed. We have used EBSD, TEM and 3D-APT to observe a unique transformation in which high-carbon silicon-containing steels form nanostructured bainite with nanometer widths. Intriguingly, as the isothermal duration decreases, the beam bainite width becomes increasingly finer. When the beam bainite width falls below 50 nm, there is a sudden shift in defect type from the conventional edge-type dislocations to a defect characterized by the insertion of a semi-atomic surface in the opposite direction, which leads to different degrees of reduction in the micro- and macro-mechanical properties of high-carbon silicon-containing steels from 1754 MPa to 1667 MPa. This sudden change in the sub-structural properties is typical of the reverse Hall–Petch effect.

Effect of Printing Orientation Angle and Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Binder-Jetting-Printed Parts in 17-4 PH Stainless Steel

The present work aims to study the effect of printing orientation angle and heat treatment on the mechanical properties and microstructure of 17-4 PH stainless steel 3D-printed parts obtained by the binder jetting process to assess the suitability of the process and material for rapid tooling applications. To this purpose, tensile specimens were printed at different printing orientation angles (0°, 45°, and 90°). Half of the specimens were left in the as-sintered condition after the 3D-printing operation, while the other half of the specimens was subjected to H900 heat treatment. Then, tensile and hardness tests were performed to investigate the macro-mechanical properties as a function of the printing orientation angles and postprocessing thermal treatment. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to observe the fracture surfaces and microscopical defects on the binder jetting printed parts to evaluate the fracture mechanisms. It was demonstrated that printing orientation angles do not affect the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts, while a significant improvement in the microstructure and mechanical properties is observed after the H900 heat treatment.

Determination of the REV size for heterogeneous rocks with different grain sizes: Deep learning and numerical approaches

Accurate determination of the representative elementary volume (REV) size plays a pivotal role in analysing the mechanical properties and failure processes of heterogeneous rocks in complex engineering environments. In this study, a novel microstructure modelling strategy (NMMS) for determining the REV size is proposed by combining deep learning and an improved phase-field method (PFM). Micro- and macroscale experiments are systematically conducted to determine the real microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of heterogeneous rocks with different grain sizes. On the basis of this experimental evidence, geometric models of different sizes were reconstructed through deep learning to avoid the limitations of human-based methods, and an improved PFM was used for numerical calculations. These models were then employed to perform numerical tests under uniaxial loading conditions, and the coefficient of variation was introduced to determine the REV size of heterogeneous rocks with different grain sizes. The research findings indicate that the final REV size is the maximum value of the REVs defined by the evaluation properties within an acceptable coefficient of variation. At a criterion of 5% for the coefficient of variation, the REV sizes are 60 mm×60 mm, 70 mm×70 mm, and 90 mm×90 mm for fine-medium-grained (FMG), medium-grained (MG), and coarse-grained (CG) rocks, respectively. Furthermore, the REV determined by the NMMS was applied to investigate the effects of microstructure on macromechanical properties and damage evolution under triaxial loading conditions. The numerical results show that the NMMS can accurately predict the macromechanical properties and microcracking patterns of heterogeneous rocks, especially the intracrystalline cracks in feldspar, the interfacial cracks in gravel, and the “voids” of cracks in biotite. This research can provide some basic references for the optimal choice of the REV size of heterogeneous rocks.

Tensile Performance and Aging Increase Factor Constitutive Model of High-Strength Engineered Cementitious Composites under Sulfate Salt Attack

This study investigates the uniaxial tensile behavior of high-strength engineered cementitious composites (HS-ECCs) in sulfate erosion environments. Five different sulfate erosion ages were established (0 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 120 days), and the development of the macro-mechanical properties of HS-ECCs was revealed from a microscopic perspective using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that, under the influence of sulfate erosion, the strength of HS-ECCs exhibits a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease, while ductility shows a continuous decline. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to changes in the microstructure and reaction products. Based on the test results, an aging growth factor was introduced to fit the stress–strain curve, demonstrating that the model can effectively predict the tensile performance of HS-ECCs with greater accuracy compared to traditional models. This study not only provides data references for the engineering application of HS-ECCs in sulfate environments but also offers a novel approach for constructing predictive models in other environmental contexts.

A Kriging-based method for calibrating the bonded-particle model parameters of iron ore

In order to successfully simulate the crushing process of iron ore in a gyratory crusher, it is crucial to precisely model the iron ore based on the bonded-particle model, this requires reasonably calibrated micromechanical parameters in the model. In this study, a calibration method for iron ore BPM bonding parameters was proposed. Firstly the combination of the design of experimental method and discrete element simulation tests was used to investigate the effects of normal stiffness per unit area, shear stiffness per unit area, critical normal stress, and critical shear stress on the compressive strength and critical strain properties of the BPM. Furthermore, a fitted mathematical model between micro-mechanical parameters and macro-mechanical property parameters of iron ore was established. According to this, a bonding parameter calibration method based on Kriging surrogate model for the iron ore bonded-particle model is proposed. Finally, the micromechanical parameters of the calibrated actual iron ore bonded-particle model were verified by simulation test, which confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method and provided a new idea for the subsequent related research.

Vaginal Tissue Engineering via Gelatin-Elastin Fiber-Reinforced Hydrogels.

The vagina is a fibromuscular tube-shaped organ spanning from the hymenal ring to the cervix that plays critical roles in menstruation, pregnancy, and female sexual health. Vaginal tissue constituents, including cells and extracellular matrix components, contribute to tissue structure, function, and prevention of injury. However, much microstructural function remains unknown, including how the fiber-cell and cell-cell interactions influence macromechanical properties. A deeper understanding of these interactions will provide critical information needed to reduce and prevent vaginal injuries. Our objectives for this work herein are to first engineer a suite of biomaterials for vaginal tissue engineering and second to characterize the performance of these biomaterials in the vaginal microenvironment. We successfully created fiber-reinforced hydrogels of gelatin-elastin electrospun fibers infiltrated with gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels. These composites recapitulate vaginal material properties, including stiffness, and are compatible with the vaginal microenvironment: biocompatible with primary vaginal epithelial cells and in acidic conditions. This work significantly advances progress in vaginal tissue engineering by developing novel materials and developing a state-of-the-art tissue engineered vagina.

Study on the thermo-mechanical properties of adaptive thermal control anchoring materials in high-geothermal tunnels

The heat conduction of the rock in high-geothermal tunnels can damage the grout during the initial hardening process, which directly affects the effectiveness of the anchoring support of the surrounding rock. This paper proposed the incorporation of phase change materials in grout to provide the new modified grouting material with the ability to control temperature by exploiting the phase change absorption and exothermic properties of the material. The changes in thermomechanical parameters of anchoring grout containing microencapsulated phase change material (m-PCM) under high geothermal environment were investigated. The influences of m-PCM content on the temperature control effect and mechanical properties of modified grout under different high geothermal environments were explored through macro-mechanical, micro-structural, and thermo-physical property tests on the specimens. The results indicated that m-PCM can effectively control the early hydration temperature of the grout in a high temperature environment, which can slow down the rate of change of the hydration temperature and reduce the peak temperature. The temperature control performance of modified grouts improved as the phase-change content increased, but the mechanical properties showed a significant decline after the initial increase. The results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis indicated that the high curing temperature had a negative impact on the internal structural integrity of the grout. The addition of a small amount of m-PCM reduced the fractal dimension and irregularity of the pore space in the grouting material, ultimately improving the strength of the grout body. The addition of a certain amount of m-PCM could significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of the grout, with the thermal conductivity of the specimens decreasing as the temperature increased. These study results provided valuable experimental data and theoretical support for the design of cement-based grouting materials in high-geothermal tunnels.

Influence mechanism of paper mechanical properties: numerical simulation and experimental verification based on a fiber network

Abstract Paper is a kind of renewable material that exists widely and has important application prospects. However, previous studies have mostly focused on the macromechanical properties of paper but lack micro theory based on paper fiber networks. We present a comprehensive experimental and computational study on the mechanical properties of fibers and fiber networks under the influence of microstructure. A beam-spring model was established based on a beam-fiber network to simulate the behavior of fiber networks. Simulations were performed to demonstrate the influence of fiber microstructural parameters such as fiber bond strength, stiffness, failure strength, size, and network density on mechanical features. Mechanical experiments verified that the fiber bond strength had a greater influence on the paper properties than did the fiber strength. This result is highly consistent with that of the model. All the simulations were validated by experimental measurements. Finally, we provided computational insights into the interfiber bond damage pattern with respect to different fiber microlevels and demonstrated that the proposed beam-spring model can be used to predict the response of fiber networks of paper materials. The above research can be used to optimize the formulation, process, and treatment of paper to meet specific application needs.

Test and simulation of corroded high strength steel wires: From scanned morphology feature to mechanical degradation

This paper presents a coupled experimental-numerical study aimed at understanding the mechanical behavior of corroded high-strength steel wires. Accelerated corrosion tests were conducted on steel wires to achieve varying corrosion levels, and the mechanical properties of the corroded wires were characterized by tensile test. The surface morphology of the corroded wires was derived by 3D optical scanning and point cloud models was generated that precisely captured the surface pits. These models were then converted into solid models by surface reconstruction and finite element discretization. Numerical simulations, based on reconstructed surface morphology, effectively predict key mechanical characteristics and align closely with experimental data. The research establishes relationships between statistical pit parameters and macro-mechanical properties, providing valuable insights for predicting the mechanical performance of corroded wires and evaluating the integrity of structures compromised by corrosion.

Design and performance of cost-effective green engineered cementitious composites with low drying shrinkage and self-healing

Despite its excellent mechanical properties and crack control ability, engineered cementitious composite (ECC) was still facing challenges such as high cost, high carbon footprint, high shrinkage, and insufficient self-healing ability in natural environments for engineering applications. This study designed and developed a new ECC with characteristics of low-cost, green, ultra-high ductility, low drying shrinkage and self-healing. The effects of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and light-burned magnesia oxide (LB-MgO) on the micro and macro mechanical properties of ECC were studied; the self-healing performance evaluation system of ECC in natural environment was established; the shrinkage regulation mechanism of SAP and LB-MgO on ECC was revealed; the microstructure, pore structure and hydration mechanism were analyzed. The study showed that the addition of SAP and LB-MgO can effectively reduce the fracture toughness and shrinkage of the matrix, improve the strain hardening strength index and energy index of ECC, and obtain the self-healing ability in the natural environment, which can continue to maintain its durability. This kind of ECC helps improve the long-term durability of the structure and meets high performance requirements while reducing material costs and environmental impact effectively.

Confinement effect of geocell on the mechanical characteristics of reinforced sand subgrade

Geocell has a confinement effect, limiting the deformation of soil and enhancing the strength of reinforced soil, and has a wide range of application prospects in traffic transportation subgrade engineering. To investigate the confinement effect of geocell on the mechanical characteristics of reinforced sand subgrade, this paper analyzes the macro-mechanical properties of reinforced sand subgrade using triaxial tests, investigates the micro-reinforcement mechanism employing discrete element method (DEM)-based simulations. The potential macro–micro linkages are studied. The experimental results revealed that the volumetric strain of the geocell-reinforced samples increased with the material’s elastic modulus, exhibiting a shear shrinkage phenomenon. The deformation pattern of the reinforced samples presented “segmental deformation,” which differed from that of the unreinforced sand samples. The geocell enhanced the cohesion intercept of the sand samples while having a minimal impact on friction angle. Through the analysis of numerical simulation results, it was found that the geocell constrained the displacement of the soil particles, altering the shear band development trend of the sample and resulting in “segmental deformation”. The geocell facilitated the concentration of force chains, enhancing their stability and resulting in improving the strength in the macro. Additionally, it was observed that the confinement effect of the geocell significantly reduced the fabric and force anisotropy of the granular soil, promoting consistent vertical alignment of force chains. This, in turn, enhanced the vertical force transmission capacity of the sample, explaining the micro-mechanism by which the confinement effect of the geocell increases the peak shear strength of the samples.

Effect of MWCNTs-OH on the mechanical properties of cement composites: From macro to micro perspective

This study is focused on elucidating the role and mechanism of hydroxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-OH) as a reinforcement material in cement-based composites. The dispersion of MWCNTs-OH within the cement composites was first assessed using Raman spectroscopy. Subsequently, SEM, FT-IR, TGA, XRD, and nano-indentation techniques were employed to investigate the structural transformation and phase changes occurring in the cement matrix upon incorporating MWCNTs-OH. The results reveal that MWCNTs-OH can significantly improve the macro-mechanical properties of cement composites by their capacity for pulling out, pore-filling, inducing multi-cracking, and promoting hydration. From a micro-perspective, observations of the micro-morphology demonstrate that MWCNTs-OH reinforces cement composites through crack-bridging and pull-out effects. Regarding the hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H), the addition of MWCNTs-OH has a negligible impact on the ratio of low-density C-S-H (LD-CSH) to high-density C-S-H (HD-CSH). Moreover, the results obtained from FT-IR and XRD tests provide evidence that the bonding between MWCNTs-OH and the cement matrix is predominantly governed by physical interactions.

Curing-dependent behaviors of sustainable alkali-activated fiber reinforced composite: Temperature and humidity effects

Despite alkali-activated fiber reinforced composite (AAFRC) attracting increasing attention due to the advantages of low-carbon and superior tensile performance, the curing-dependent behaviors in practical environments are lack of knowledge. This paper aims to fill this gap by comparably investigating the macro-mechanical properties and pore structures of AAFRC under the different temperatures of −5, 20, and 60 °C and humidities of 60 % and 95 % RH. The loss on ignition, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests were performed to decouple the influence mechanisms. The results showed that the high-temperature curing slightly decreased the tensile and compressive strength but increased the tensile strain capacity with the main reason of decreasing the matrix toughness by forming more micro-cracks. The low-temperature curing deteriorated both the strength and tensile strain capacity by hindering its geopolymerization reaction. A decrease in humidity during the curing process was unconducive to the mechanical strength and slightly affect the tensile strain capacity of AAFRC, which resulted from the loss of water impeded its reaction to proceed. The normalized energy consumption and carbon emission of the AAFRC cured under the standard curing decreased by 22.6 % and 70.2 % than the classic engineered cementitious composite (ECC-M45), respectively, showing great sustainability.

Study on mechanical properties and damage mechanism of alkali-activated slag concrete

The cement industry has become one of the important sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and the alkali-activated slag (AAS) has the same mechanical properties and lower carbon emissions as cement in the production process. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative binder for low-carbon buildings. The effect of alkali concentration (mass ratio of Na2O to binder) on the macro-mechanical properties and meso-damage mechanism of alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) under uniaxial compression was investigated in this work. Six kinds of concrete with alkali concentration of 2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 %, 10 % and 12 % were prepared. The microscopic characteristics of AASC were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS); the meso-damage evolution mechanism of AASC was discussed by statistical damage theory. The results showed that the peak stress and elastic modulus of AASC specimens increased, and the microstructure became denser with the increase of alkali concentration. However, the mechanical properties of the specimen deteriorated to some extent when the alkali concentration exceeded 6 %; for example, the peak stress decreased by 24.00 MPa when the alkali concentration was increased from 6 % to 12 % at the age of 28d. Based on the statistical damage theory, the effective stress concept was introduced to quantitatively analyze the mesoscopic damage evolution of AASC. Both fracture and yielding damage modes were considered. By exploring the regular changes of the mesoscopic parameters, the connection between the macroscopic mechanical properties and the mesoscopic damage mechanism was established. Based on the above mechanical properties and mesoscopic damage results, the alkali concentration of 6 % can be used as the best mixture proportions of AASC.

Multiscale verification method for prediction results of mechanical behaviors in unidirectional fiber reinforced composites

At present, there is almost no reliable multiscale experiment method that can be used to verify the multiscale mechanical behaviors of unidirectional (UD) fiber reinforced composites (FRC). Therefore, a multiscale method was developed for verifying the prediction results of the macro-mechanical properties and micro-damage modes in UD FRC. Firstly, the fiber volume fractions were determined using the fiber content test for three different FRC. Secondly, the random fiber distributed representative volume elements (RFDRVEs) were generated corresponding to these fiber volume fractions. Moreover, the RFDRVEs were used to predict the macro-mechanical properties and micro-damage modes of UD FRC. Ultimately, the standard mechanical tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to verify the accuracy of the prediction for the macro-mechanical properties and micro-damage modes of UD FRC. The results show that the proposed multiscale method is feasible for the verification of the multiscale prediction results based on RFDRVEs.