Composite Manufacturing Research Articles

Characterisation of Sodium Acetate Treatment on Acacia pennata Natural Fibres.

The present study concerns the physico-chemical, structural, mechanical and thermal characterization of Acacia pennata, a natural and almost inexpensive fibre, as a potential reinforcement in polymer composites. The effect of treating the fibre with sodium acetate to increase its qualities has been seen through the use of thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical property tester, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). According to XRD analysis, the elimination of lignin and wax-like impurities resulted in an increase in the AP fibre's crystalline index (79.73%). The fibre's thermal stability was also discovered to be 365 °C. Tensile strength (557.58 MPa) and elongation at break both increased by 2.9% after treatment with sodium acetate. The surface nature and quality of AP fibres improved after sodium acetate treatment. It was confirmed by the reduction of chemical compositions (such as hemicellulose, lignin and pectin). Given its density, the fibre can be suggested as a reinforcement in polymer composites for light-weight applications because its lightweight property will be more useful for composite manufacturing.

Design and manufacture of lead-free eco-friendly cement-based piezoelectric composites achieving superior piezoelectric properties for concrete structure applications

A complex-ion doping strategy fabricates lead-free BCZT ceramic. The excellent properties (d33 ∼ 577 pC/N, Kt ∼ 52%, TC ∼ 110 °C, d∗33 ∼ 620 pm/V, εr ∼ 1820, tanδ ∼ 0.02) were obtained in BCZT ceramic. The in-situ Raman spectroscopy and PFM were conducted to reveal the mechanisms for the superior properties achieved. BCZT ceramics were manufactured for cement-based piezoelectric composites, including 0–3, 2-2 and 1–3 types. 0–3 type (50% BCZT) showed the properties (d33 ∼ 46 pC/N, εr ∼ 310 and Kt ∼ 18.1%). 2-2 and 1–3 types exhibited good piezoelectric properties (d33 ∼ 285 pC/N, εr ∼ 720 and Kt ∼ 33.4% for 2-2 type; d33 ∼ 238 pC/N, εr ∼ 485 and Kt ∼ 29.5% for 1–3 type). Temperature-dependent electrical properties of BCZT-cement composites were systematically explored. Additionally, BCZT ceramic was designed and fabricated for PCD vibration energy harvesting. The output voltage (∼4.9 V) and output power (∼2.4 mW) were obtained. This work underpins the significance of lead-free BCZT ceramic and cement-based piezoelectric composites, and promotes their applications in smart structures.

Fast realization of high-strength, repeatable, damp-heat resistant bamboo-strip scarf bonding joints via hot-melt adhesives

Bamboo, which has excellent mechanical strength, is an ideal raw material for manufacturing high-performance bio-composites. However, due to a lack of fast, high-strength lengthening technology for bamboo units, the large-scale, mechanized, continuous production of bamboo woven materials has not been fully developed. In this work, bamboo strips (BS) with 0.5 mm thickness were used as a basic unit to prepare lengthened bamboo strips with the scarf jointing method. The effects of scarf jointed angles and hot-melt adhesive type on the scarf bonding performance were systematically investigated. The tensile strength of BS scarf joints appears to increase as the scarf joint angle decrease. Scarf joints prepared with low-cost thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film outperform those prepared with reactive polyurethane (PUR) or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) hot-melt adhesives in terms of maximum tensile strength (197.9 MPa), secondary repeated bonding performance, and damp-heat aging resistance, where tensile strength of 136 MPa was retained after a 120 h cycle aging test. Specimens bonded with PUR adhesive are resistant to damp-heat aging, but show unsatisfactory secondary repeated bonding performance. The tensile strength and damp-heat aging resistance of EVA bonded specimens are unacceptable due to an unreliable bonding interface. We developed a facile solution for high-strength BS lengthening with repeated bonding and damp-heat resistant characteristics, which may provide technical support for the large-scale, mechanized manufacturing of bamboo-based composites.

Evaluating the sustainability of lightweight drones for delivery: towards a suitable methodology for assessment

Drone technology is widely available and is rapidly becoming a crucial instrument in the functions of businesses and government agencies worldwide. The demand for delivery services is accelerating particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Both companies and customers want these services to be efficient, timely, safe, and sustainable, but these are major challenges. Last-mile delivery by lightweight short-range drones has the potential to address these challenges. However, there is a lack of consistency and transparency in assessing and reporting the sustainability of last-mile delivery services and drones. This paper critically reviews published papers on Life Cycle Assessments of drones to date. The study reveals a lack of comprehensive studies, and a need to examine composite and battery manufacturing developments and provides key considerations for future study development.Graphical

Design of super-toughened, heat-resistant and antistatic polyethylene terephthalate-based blend composites by constructing a tenacious interface

It's a great challenge to achieve the synchronous enhancement of the fracture toughness and strength via designing the microstructures of blend composites. Herein, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated into polyethylene terephthalate/ethylene butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (PET/PTW) blend. Effects of MWCNTs on the mechanical properties, phase morphology, crystallization behaviors, heat resistance and antistatic property of the blend were investigated. It is found that MWCNTs are selectively located at the two-phase interface of the blend and induce epitaxial crystallization of PET matrix, which better strengthens the interfacial adhesion of blend composites. Tenacious interface endows blend composites with superior fracture toughness and strength. The impact strength and tensile strength of the blend composite only containing 0.5 wt% MWCNTs are as high as 72.3 kJ/m2 (without fracture) and 38.9 MPa, respectively. The toughening mechanisms are attributed to the role of MWCNTs in compatibilizing, stress transferring and hindering the rapid propagation of cracks at the interface of the blend. Moreover, MWCNTs endow the blend composites with outstanding heat resistance and antistatic property, which enlarges the application fields of PET. This work offers a dexterous and effective blueprint for manufacturing of high mechanical performances PET-based blend composites.

A thermostable, dry formulation inactivated Hikojima whole cell/cholera toxin B subunit oral cholera vaccine

The feared diarrheal disease cholera remains an important global health problem. Use of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) from a global stockpile against both epidemic and endemic cholera is a cornerstone in the World Health Organisations (WHOs) global program for “Ending cholera by 2030”. Three liquid inactivated whole-cell OCVs (Dukoral®, ShancholTM, and Euvichol-Plus®) are WHO prequalified and have proved to be safe and effective. However, their multicomponent composition and cold-chain requirement increase manufacturing, storage and transport costs. ShancholTM and Euvichol-Plus® OCVs used in WHOs global vaccine stockpile also lack the protective cholera toxin B-subunit (CTB) antigen present in Dukoral®, which results in suboptimal efficacy.WHOs Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) has identified a thermostable, dry formulation vaccine as a priority for further OCV development. We describe here the development of such a vaccine, based on a lyophilized mixture of a single strain of formalin-killed Hikojima bacteria together with a low-cost, recombinantly produced CTB. The new vaccine, which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, could be stored for at least 26 months at 25 °C and for at least 8 months at 40 °C with preservation of cell morphology and with no loss of protective Ogawa and Inaba lipopolysaccharides or CTB. It also proved to be well tolerated and to have equivalent oral immunogenicity in mice as ShancholTM and Dukoral® OCVs with regard to both serum and intestinal-mucosal antibody responses.

Improved toughness and impact resistance of bio-inspired porcelain ceramic composites with shell-like structure

Combining high strength, excellent toughness, and outstanding impact resistance still remain challenges in architecture ceramics limited by their inherent brittleness. Inspired by the natural structure of shells, the multilayered ceramic/resin/fabric composite was fabricated via surface hydroxylation followed by a simple hot press process. It was found that the optimized ceramic/epoxy resin/Kevlar fabric composite showed up to 44.89%, 52.49%, 753.77%, and 148.33% improvements to 84.53 ± 5.0 MPa, 2.76 ± 0.04 MPa·m1/2, 53.19 ± 0.80 J·m1/2 and 1.49 ± 0.10 J, respectively in the strength, toughness, fracture work, and impact energy compared to traditional ceramic. This unique combination of properties in this composite was ascribed to the layered design, elastic contents, and appropriate bonding state, corresponding to several strengthening and toughening mechanisms, such as crack deflection, interfacial debonding, and fiber pull-out. ​These properties, including typical step-like fracture and non-catastrophic failure, advancing the applications of traditional ceramics in high-performance composites manufacturers.

Investigation of Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Sisal, Jute and Banana Peduncle Fibre Composite Materials

In this research work, different blend ratios of sisal, jute, and banana peduncle fibre (BPF) nonwoven textiles were reinforced for composite manufacturing. Nine different types of composite samples were produced using the fibre reinforcements. The mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, impact, water absorption and DMA were analysed per different ASTM standards. Results indicated that the jute-/BPF combination of 75%:25% as reinforcement significantly improved the composite material’s mechanical and functional properties (DMA, water absorption). The proper fibre blending ensured higher matrix resin reinforcement, interlaminar strength and compactness in the structure. The SEM analysis showed the internal fracture in the composite specimen.

Numerical prediction of microstructure evolution of high-speed railway axle formed using hot cross wedge rolling

The ununiform distribution of the grain size and coarse crystals is easy to be appeared in the high-speed railway axle (HSRA) formed by hot cross wedge rolling (CWR). It seriously reduces the comprehensive mechanical properties of the HSRA. It is vital to numerically predict microstructure evolution, so that the mixed and coarse crystals can be accurately controlled via process parameters optimization. In this study, the microstructure evolution model of the 40CrNiMo steel was developed and implemented into the DEFORM-3D software by programming a user subroutine to simulate hot upsetting. Microstructure of specimens after hot upsetting experiment was investigated to validate the finite element (FE) prediction model of microstructure evolution. The simulation results were close to the experimental results, which verifies that the established microstructure evolution model has a good predictability. The developed microstructure evolution model and the FE prediction system of hot CWR were used to simulate the forming of HSRA. Hot CWR simulations of HSRA was conducted at rolling temperature of 1000 °C and rolling sped of 1.5 r/min with initial grain size of 200um. Numerical prediction of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) volume fraction and average grain size in three segments of CWR, such as wedge entering segment, widening segment and finishing segment, were carried out to study the microstructure evolution of CWR. Results show that the maximum average grain size locates in the heart of hub axle section, which is smaller than grade 5 and above (d≤62.5μm). It indicates that the microstructure of HSRA after CWR meet the requirements of grain structure grade in international standard of EN13261. Effects of rolling temperatures, rolling speeds and initial grain sizes on the microstructure distribution after hot CWR were analyzed using FE simulations for 40CrNiMo steel. The rolling temperature of 1050 °C, rolling speed of 6 r/min and initial average grain size of less than 200μm are suggested to produce HSRA using CWR. Composite manufacturing processes, i.e. free forging plus hot CWR, are suggested to produce HSRA. The material saving as well as improving production productivity simultaneously become a reality. This provides a guiding reference for the actual production of HSRA.

Comparative study of epoxy resins of different manufacturers

A comparative evaluation of a number of physical and mechanical properties (tensile and compressive strength, deformation capacity, heat resistance, adhesive strength, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance) of cured composites based on six resins of diff erent manufacturers on the domestic market was made. For the fi rst time, a comprehensive study of a number of important physical and mechanical properties of composites based on epoxy resins from Russian and major foreign manufacturing companies on the domestic market was carried out, which made it possible to formulate recommendations for their application in practice. The recommendations on the choice of epoxy resin for the manufacture of a polymer composite, taking into account the specific operating conditions of the product made with its use, are formulated.

Work Function, Sputtering Yield and Microhardness of an Al-Mg Metal-Matrix Nanostructured Composite Obtained with High-Pressure Torsion

Severe plastic deformation has proven to be a promising method for the in situ manufacturing of metal-matrix composites with improved properties. Recent investigations have revealed a severe mixing of elements, as well as the formation of non-equilibrium intermetallic phases, which are known to affect physical and mechanical properties. In this work, a multilayered aluminum–magnesium (Al-Mg) nanostructured composite was fabricated using constrained high-pressure torsion (HPT) in a Bridgeman-anvil-type unit. A microstructure investigation and X-ray diffraction analysis allowed us to identify the presence of intermetallic Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 phases in the deformed nanostructured composite. The sputtering yield of the Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 phases was found to be 2.2 atom/ion and 1.9 at/ion, respectively, which is lower than that of Mg (2.6 at/ion). According to density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations, this is due to the higher surface-binding energy of the intermetallic phases (3.90–4.02 eV with the Al atom removed and 1.53–1.71 eV with the Mg atom removed) compared with pure Al (3.40–3.84 eV) and Mg (1.56–1.57 eV). In addition, DFT calculations were utilized to calculate the work functions (WFs) of pure Al and Mg and the intermetallic Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 phases. The WF of the obtained Al-Mg nanostructured composite was found to be 4 eV, which is between the WF value of Al (4.3 eV) and Mg (3.6 eV). The WF of the Al12Mg17 phase was found to be in a range of 3.63–3.75 eV. These results are in close agreement with the experimentally measured WF of the metal matrix composite (MMC). Therefore, an intermetallic alloy based on Al12Mg17 is proposed as a promising cathode material for various gas-discharge devices, while an intermetallic alloy based on Al3Mg2 is suggested as a promising optical- and acoustic-absorbing material.

Conservation of waste melon shell and fly ash utilized as reinforcements for aluminum alloy matrix in terrestrial ecosystem acquired green hybrid composites

AbstractNowadays, the environmental ecosystem is protected and maintains sustainability for waste material management like agriculture product end waste and industrial waste. The main scope of this research is to gather the agriculture end product of melon shell ash waste and industrial fly ash waste utilized as organic reinforcements for making a lightweight with superior strength green hybrid composite for fourth‐generation terrestrial ecosystem applications. The various volume percentage of waste melon shell ash and fly ash are governed by the ratio of 0:0, 1:4, 2:4, 3:4, and 4:4, respectively. The green aluminum alloy (Al6061) hybrid composite is synthesized via a semi‐solid stir technique. The developed green hybrid composites are subjected to physical and mechanical studies followed by ASTM standards. The developed composite contained a 4:4 ratio of melon and fly ash and found a light weight of 2.75 ± 0.11 g/cc with improved tensile strength and hardness percentages of 8.35% and 21.38% compared to cast aluminum alloy. This research may help basic knowledge for future investigations on modern green composite manufacturing via agricultural and industrial wastage.

Effect of building orientation and fibre type on the mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured ABS matrix composites

ABSTRACT Additive manufacturing of fibre-reinforced composites show high potential for fabrication of next-generation lightweight complex structural parts. In this study, the effects of building orientation and fibre type, i.e. carbon fibre (CF), and glass fibre (GF), on the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites fabricated by fused deposition modelling (FDM) were investigated. The mechanical properties, namely, tensile strength, elastic modulus, hardness, and toughness, were analyzed for flat, on-edge, and upright building orientations. Results revealed that building orientation significantly influences several mechanical properties; in-plane (flat and on-edge) orientations produced the best mechanical properties, whereas upright orientations produced the worst. However, building orientation had little effect on material hardness. Further, compared to the elastic modulus and tensile strength of pure ABS, those of CF-reinforced ABS (CF–ABS) increased by 800% and 500%, respectively, and those of GF-reinforced ABS (GF–ABS) increased by 400% and 400%, respectively, proving that reinforcing ABS with either CF or GF improves the tensile properties. The impact energy of CF–ABS (0.5 J) was lower than that of GF–ABS (1.1 J) because of the brittleness of CF. Fracture surface analysis was performed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which gave insight to the nature and mode of fracture of the failed specimens. The most common defects on the printed specimens were void formation, fibre pullout, and poor bonding between fibre and matrix.

Investigation on the mechanical properties of natural composites made with Indian almond fiber and neem seed particulates

Features such as environment friendly and low cost attract the industrialists toward natural composites. The utilization of agricultural wastes in the manufacturing of natural composites expands its usage in several industrial applications. Hence, the research on the extensive usage of agricultural wastes is still required. Consequently, in this research, an attempt has been made to fabricate the natural composites using the agricultural wastes like Indian almond fruit and neem seed. Indian almond fiber was extracted from the fruit and neem seed were converted into powder form. Composite was prepared by conventional hand layup technique. The fiber quantity was kept as constant and neem seed particle (NSP) volume fractions were varied from 2.5 to 10 wt%. Mechanical tests like tensile, flexural, impact and hardness were determined. Results indicated that the fiber and NSP showed good reinforcement effect. The Indian almond composite (IAC) with 7.5 wt% NSP, that is, IAC/7.5 wt% NSP composite, exhibited the better mechanical properties. Further, the IAC/10 wt% NSP composite displayed the less water absorption and least degradation. This study suggests that the IAC/7.5 wt% NSP composite could be used in industrial applications due to its good mechanical properties.

Employing NaYF4: Yb, Tm upconversion particles (UCPs) in combination with rGO and PANI nanomaterials for the fabrication of radiation-curable anticorrosion composites/coatings

Upconversion particles (UCPs) able to emit photons from the ultraviolet to near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum when excited by a NIR laser may be used as internal radiation sources for the manufacture of thick composites with uniform and deep polymerization. In this work, NaYF4: Yb, Tm-based UCPs were synthesized and employed to cure composites using a dual curing method via UV and blue light produced from the UCPs to activate the photo-initiators (PIs), and the resulting cure depth and degree of double bond conversion (DC) were measured. In addition, the influence of UCP content and laser power on cure depth and DC was investigated. The emission rate of the UCPs demonstrated a non-linear, wavelength-specific relationship with increasing laser power and exposure time. Using optimal conditions, 62 % DC with a 2.5 cm cure depth was achieved. For the first time, the ability of UCPs to cure composites in the presence of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles was studied. Results indicated that DC was almost consistent across samples (except the sample containing 1 wt% rGO), although the addition of nanomaterials decreased DC and cure depth. The addition of 0.5–0.5 wt% rGO-PANI increased the nanocomposites' compressive strength and strain at failure by 66 and 37 %, respectively. The nanocomposite formulations were applied to steel and the anti-corrosion properties were also investigated. The findings revealed low-frequency impedance (|Z|10 mHz) numbers higher than 1010 Ω.cm2 up to 4 w immersion duration, proving this coating's exceptional barrier anti-corrosion capabilities.

Preparation and characterization of hybrid resin from used urea-formaldehyde and isocyanate resin

Hybrid resins composed of polymeric 4-4 diphenyl methane diisocyanate (pMDI) and used urea-formaldehyde (UUF) resins were prepared and studied. In these hybrid resins, high ratios of pMDI (e.g., 20%) were evenly dispersed in UUF resins by using acetone as a solvent for pMDI. The viscosity of the hybrid resin containing 15% of pMDI only changed from 216 to 424 mPa s with 30 h of storage. Chemical composition analysis showed that the free isocyanate groups were reacted with hydroxyl groups in the hybrid resins within 2 h. From a curing kinetics analysis, even without obvious active isocyanate groups, these hybrid resins still showed lower curing peak temperatures and Kissinger activation energies than the UUF resin. Moreover, the hybrid resins presented significantly higher dry and wet tensile shear strengths than the UUF resin. The effective use time of the hybrid resin with 15% pMDI reached up to 12 h. This study provided a new method for modifying UF resin with pMDI. These results also proved the feasibility of applying the hybrid resins in wood-based composites manufacturing.

Re-use of jute fiber hybrid nonwoven breather within laminated composite applications: A case study

Jute/polyester hybrid nonwoven mats were developed as an alternative to the conventional nylon or polyester breather to reduce the use of synthetic polymers and associated waste generated during composite manufacturing. However, end-of-life breathers still face the challenge of waste management. In this study, a circular economy strategy for multiple applications of waste hybrid nonwoven breathers was thus proposed to study their recycling possibilities. Hybrid nonwoven breathers were first used to facilitate the autoclave forming of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, and non-destructive and mechanical tests were performed to determine the quality. The used breathers were then recycled and reused in three ways: directly as reinforcing material and in hybrid combinations with glass fibers and ramie fibers for the production of new composites. Results of quality checks show that the hybrid nonwoven breather is a viable alternative to commercial breathers. The thermal, mechanical, and damping properties of the composites incorporating reused material were investigated. The hybrid nonwoven breather/Glass fiber composites show superior thermal and mechanical properties as well as improved damping properties. The hybrid nonwoven breather/Ramie fiber composites have the advantages of low density and high loss factor reaching up to 0.1572. The product of specific modulus and loss factor was then used as the figure of merit to estimate the structural damping properties of the composites. Both glass fiber and ramie fiber hybrid composites presented a higher figure of merit with 0.86 and 0.83 GPa/(g/cm3), respectively. Therefore, hybrid nonwoven breathers can be adapted to replace synthetic materials in semi-structural applications.

A novel approach in wood waste utilization for manufacturing of catalyst-free polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC)

In recent decades, due to the increase in environmental awareness and noticeable environmental degradation, the area of wood waste management has attracted increasing attention. The purpose of this study is to develop a new type of highly filled polyurethane wood-composite (PU-WC) by the utilization of large amount of wood wastes without addition of a catalyst. Although wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are widely known, there is still a lack of knowledge about WPCs with a polyurethane matrix. Obtained results showed that composites with a wood content of up to 80% show mechanical properties to commonly used MDF boards. This may be caused proper adhesion between polyurethane matrix and the wooden filler which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The flexural strength of the manufactured composites varied between 19.25 and 25.11 MPa, while the flexural modulus varied between 966 and 1255 MPa. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the composites showed a shift of Tgβ (from −70.3 to −52.3 °C) and Tgα (from 94.9 to 117.8 °C) to higher temperatures with increasing filler amount. The observed shift could be interpreted as a reduction of polymer chain mobility and an increase in cross-linking density of composites with a higher amount of wood. This is caused by chemical reactions between isocyanates and reactive hydroxyl groups on the wood surface. Thermogravimetric analysis has shown that PU-WC degrades in one step with Tmax at around 360 °C and T2% significantly reduce with greater addition of wood. Water absorption tests that water absorption strongly depends on wood content and varies between 13 and 80%. Moreover, cyclic water absorption tests showed no considerable difference between the water adsorption of samples after each cycle. Our work suggests that PU-WC can be used successfully as a potential substitute for wood or different types of wood-plastic composites (WPC).

Manufacturing of wood plastic composite from polyethylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste/ultra high molecular weight polyethylene blends and rice husk fiber: Effect of blends ratio and peroxide/silane crosslink system

Lowering processing temperature of poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste (rPET) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by blending to avoid decomposition of rice husk fiber (RHF) during the manufacturing of wood plastic composite (WPC) was one of the main goals of the research study. (rPET/LDPE)-g-MA and (HDPE/LDPE/UHMWPE)-g-MA blends were prepared with good flowability at 240°C. The MA grafted chain in the blends were verified by FTIR. Good miscibility and compatibility of the blends were revealed by SEM. The effect of blends ratios employed as blended matrices on performance properties of the manufactured WPC were explored. MFI and HDT were increased with decreasing (rPET/LDPE)-g-MA ratio. The reversed domain phase between rPET and blended PE mixture was pronounced at 50:50 ratio. Mechanical performances were generally reduced upon decreasing the (rPET/LDPE)-g-MA ratios. The reduction of high strength rPET fraction in the blended matrices was taken as the main cause. Exceeding the reversed phase ratio, the declining of the toughness was retarded due to rising on the interfacial strength and UHMWPE toughener fraction. The effect of DCP/VTMS crosslinker on the properties of the macro crosslinked WPC (XWPC) was investigated. The elastomeric bridges on the sauna cured WPC samples were revealed by SEM. High crosslink density upon increasing the crosslinker fraction had an obvious effect on MFI, HDT, toughness and ductility of the macro crosslinked XWPC. However, the flexible characteristic of the elastomeric amorphous PE chains in the blended matrices at high DCP/VTMS usage was manifested as brittleness retardant for the macro crosslinked XWPC.

Additively Manufactured Ferroelectric Particulate Composites for Antimicrobial Applications (Adv. Mater. Technol. 7/2023)

Antimicrobial Ferroelectrics In article number 2202127, Zois Michail Tsikriteas, Hamideh Khanbareh, and colleagues present the additive manufacturing, characterization, and application of porous ferroelectric composites in antimicrobial surfaces for the first time. Significant antimicrobial performance is observed due to the high pore inter-connectivity, increased reactive surface area hence improved piezoelectric charge generation resulting in annihilation of Escherichia coli in contact with these novel materials.