Improvement Of Mechanical Properties Research Articles

Unveiling the Potential of Halloysite Nanotubes: Insights into Their Synthesis, Properties, and Applications in Nanocomposites

AbstractHalloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique properties and wide range of applications. This review explores HNT‐based nanocomposites, focusing on their preparation methods and improvements in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Various synthesis techniques, including solution mixing, melt compounding, in situ polymerization, and surface modification, are discussed, along with their benefits and limitations. The role of HNT characteristics such as aspect ratio, dispersion, and surface chemistry in enhancing nanocomposite properties is examined. HNTs significantly boost mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness, due to their reinforcement effects. Improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion between HNTs and the polymer matrix enhance these properties. HNTs also act as thermal barriers, improving heat resistance and dimensional stability, while enhancing barrier properties against gases and moisture. These synergistic effects allow for the customization of nanocomposites for specific applications in packaging, automotive, electronics, and biomedical fields. Future research should focus on optimizing synthesis methods and processing techniques to further improve HNT‐based nanocomposites’ performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of HNT‐based nanocomposites, offering valuable insights for advancing nanomaterials science and engineering.

High-Performance Flexible Pressure Sensor with Micropyramid Structure for Human Motion Signal Detection and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding.

Flexible pressure sensors have a wide range of applications in the field of human motion signal detection, but the electromagnetic radiation generated during the monitoring process has become an unavoidable problem. Nowadays, it is still a challenge to develop high-performance pressure sensors with excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance. Herein, the Ti3C2TX MXene/carbon fiber/multiwalled carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane (MXene/CMP) films with a micropyramidal structure were developed by the technology of vacuum high-temperature hot pressing and spray deposition. Benefiting from the dielectric loss of the conductive fillers and the presence of the microstructure, the MXene/CMP film exhibits excellent EMI shielding performance, and the EMI shielding efficiency (SE) can reach 49.37 dB. Besides, the introduction of CF effectively improves the mechanical properties of the MXene/CMP films, and the MXene nanosheets deposited on the surface of the film can reduce stress concentration, which in turn delays the expansion of cracks. Furthermore, the MXene/CMP sensor exhibits high sensitivity (89.76 kPa-1) and fast response/recovery time (61/60 ms). The deformation of microstructure and the construction of conductive networks enable the sensor to realize the monitoring of human motion signals (such as finger bending, knee bending, wrist bending, etc.). Meanwhile, the sensor maintains sensing stability even after 2000 pressure cycles, which can be attributed to the improvement in mechanical properties. In summary, the developed high-performance flexible pressure sensor with micropyramid structure has great application prospects in wearable devices and healthcare.

Effect of La on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Friction Behavior of In Situ Synthesized TiB2/6061 Composites

In situ synthesized 3 wt.%TiB2/6061 composites with different La contents were fabricated by an Al-K2TiF6-KBF4 system at 850 °C with ball milling and stirring casting. The effects of La content (0 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%) on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites at room temperature were investigated. The results showed that the addition of La could refine α-Al grains and modify the morphology of TiB2 particles significantly. In 0.3 wt.%La-3 wt.%TiB2/6061 composites, there are chamfering planes on the surface of TiB2 particles, which are caused by the adsorption of La on the {112¯0}, {12¯12} and {101¯1} crystal planes. The values of YS, UTS and EL of the composites with 0.3 wt.% La were 216.8 MPa, 273.0 MPa and 11.2%, which were 69.2%, 34.8% and 5.7% higher than those of the 3 wt.%TiB2/6061 composites. The improvement of mechanical properties was mainly attributed to the grain refinement, distributed particles and transformation of particle morphology. In friction behavior, 0.3 wt.%La-3 wt.%TiB2/6061 composites have the best wear resistance properties with the smallest and shallowest grooves on the surface after wearing. The main mechanisms of the composites are adhesive wear and abrasive wear. In summary, the best content of La addition in 3 wt.%TiB2/6061 composites is 0.3 wt.%.

Effect of oscillation frequency on microstructure and properties of WC-Co cemented carbide prepared by hot oscillating pressing

In this study, a novel hot oscillating pressing (HOP) was used to prepared WC-Co cemented carbides under various oscillation frequencies. The effects of sintering frequencies on the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of cemented carbides were systematically investigated. The results show that applying a specific oscillation frequency during the sintering process can greatly aid in the densification process, improve the uniformity of microstructure, help the grain refinement, and prevent the formation of abnormally large WC grains. The mechanical properties of the alloys showed a noticeable improvement as the oscillation frequency increased. The hardness and fracture toughness of cemented carbides were not significantly improved when the oscillation frequency was ≥5 Hz, with the optimal values reaching 1913 kg/m2 and 13.11 MPa.m1/2, in turn. The improvement in mechanical properties of cemented carbide can be mainly attributed to higher density, grain refinement, microstructure uniformity and the increase of dislocation/twins caused by plastic deformation.

Developing high elongation of Ca-containing Zn alloys with superior osteogenic and antibacterial properties

The development of high-strength zinc (Zn) alloys significantly contributes to the field of orthopedics by enhancing their osteogenic properties. Calcium (Ca) is pivotal for bone composition; however, its incorporation into the Zn matrix often hampers elongation due to the formation of large-sized CaZn13 phases. In this study, two Zn alloys with different Ca contents were prepared, and their microstructures, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and biocompatibility were investigated. Results indicate that the Zn alloy with high Ca content exhibits large-sized and high-volume-fraction CaZn13 phases, which do not significantly change during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The grain sizes of ECAPed Zn alloys decreased from 36.75 μm and 35.81 μm of as-cast state to 4.32 μm and 1.71 μm, respectively. Refined microstructures contributed to the improvement of mechanical properties of Zn alloys, which have elongation over 15 % higher than that of all Zn-Mg-Ca alloys reported so far. The high elongation of Zn alloys originates from the inhibition of the propagation of microcracks which generated from the Zn/CaZn13 interphase. Moreover, the formation of large-sized CaZn13 phases leads to the severe local corrosion through enhancing galvanic effect, finally increasing corrosion rate. During degradation, the release of metallic ions, such as Zn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, are beneficial to the cell viability and osteogenic properties. And the accelerated release of Zn2+ plays a role in antibacterial performance. These results are very helpful for promoting the application of biodegradable Zn alloys in the field of orthopedics.

Study on the preparation and modification mechanism of GO/SBR composite modified emulsified asphalt

This paper employs graphene oxide (GO) and anionic styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex as modifiers for road-emulsified asphalt. A silane coupling agent (KH550) is used to modify GO, resulting in the development of a novel GO/SBR composite-modified emulsified asphalt. A mathematical model was optimized to determine the optimal material ratio, which was verified through performance tests. Techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate the modification mechanism. The results indicated that both the median particle size and storage stability of the GO/SBR composite-modified asphalt were enhanced, with significant improvements in mechanical properties compared to ordinary emulsified asphalt. Microscopic analysis revealed enhanced dispersion of modified GO in asphalt, and the interaction between modified GO and emulsified asphalt was determined to be purely a physical reaction. This study provides valuable insights into the application of GO in road engineering.

Effects of ultrasonic shot peening followed by surface mechanical rolling on mechanical properties and fatigue performance of 2024 aluminum alloy

Aiming to improve the mechanical properties and fatigue performance of 2024 aluminum alloy, the experimental investigations on composite treatment consisting of ultrasonic shot peening (USP) followed by surface mechanical rolling (SMR) were carried out. The experimental results were compared with the specimens only treated by USP or SMR in terms of surface roughness, microhardness gradient and microstructure observation. The uniaxial tension test and low cycle fatigue test were conducted on the as-received specimen and the ones treated by USP, SMR and USP/SMR composite treatment, respectively. The tensile mechanical properties were effectively improved by USP. The introduction of SMR following USP can significantly increase the number of cycles to failure. Combining fracture morphology analysis and DEM-FEM coupling simulation of USP/SMR composite treatment, it was concluded that the improvement of tensile mechanical properties is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the compressive residual stresses and gradient-structured layer produced by USP, and the decrease in surface roughness resulting from SMR is the main reason for the significant improvement of fatigue performance. This work could provide an insight into the surface strengthening mechanism for USP/SMR composite treatment of materials with respect to the improvement of mechanical properties and fatigue performance.

Effects of bamboo leaf ashes on concrete compressive strength, water absorption, and chloride penetration

Bamboo leaves are an agro-waste from the bamboo industry that carries a significant environmental impact, primarily due to its phytotoxic activity. In this paper the pozzolanic potential of bamboo leaf ashes are assessed. Bamboo leaves were calcined at five different temperatures - 500, 600, 700, 900, and 1000 °C. The obtained ashes were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, differential thermal gravimetric analysis, Modified Chapelle's method, and Pozzolanic Activity Index. The ash calcined at 600 °C, exhibiting the highest pozzolanic activity, was used in concrete production as a partial replacement for Portland cement at levels of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 %. Concrete compressive strength, water absorption, and chloride diffusivity were assessed. The results indicate that the use of BLA significantly improves the concrete performance, increasing 28-day compressive strength by up to 18 % and reducing the non-steady state chloride penetration by up to 71.2 %. Overall, the use of bamboo leaf ashes obtained at 600 °C leads to significant improvements in mechanical and durability-related properties of concrete, indicating the viability of using this agro-waste as a supplementary cementitious material.

Study on the mechanism of improvement of mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si aluminum alloys by Cu and Ce

First, the stability and tensile properties of the Al/Mg2Si interface doped with alloying elements in the Al–Mg–Si system of aluminum alloys are calculated from first principles. Then, the two experimental alloys with different components were heat treated and the properties were characterized. Calculations show that when the interface is doped with Cu, the tensile stress that the interface can withstand increases to 3.13 GPa; when the interface is doped with Cu and Ce, the tensile strain that the interface can withstand increases to 20% and the tensile stress that the interface can withstand increases to 4.17 GPa; when the interface is doped with Cu and Sc, the tensile strain that the interface can withstand increases to more than 25% and the tensile stress that the interface can withstand increases to 5.08 GPa or more. Characterization of the organization and properties of the experimental alloys showed that Ce not only increased the peak solid solution temperature of the alloys, but also increased the tensile and yield strengths of the alloys in the extruded state by 16% and 13.74%, respectively. During hot extrusion, Ce was able to promote the precipitation of precipitated phases. During aging, the addition of Ce promoted the aging precipitation of the alloy, which not only increased the number of precipitated phases in the alloy, but also refined the precipitated phases and enhanced the aging strengthening effect of the alloy. This study provides technical guidance for the development of new aluminum alloy materials with high strength and low cost.

Effect of cryogenic thermal cycling treatment on the mechanical properties of FINEMET amorphous nanocrystalline alloy

The brittleness of FINEMENT amorphous nanocrystalline alloys caused by annealing is an urgent problem to be solved because it limits the scope of their engineering application. We are herein to investigate the rejuvenation behavior of the as-annealed samples that not only are in a relaxed state but also the nanocrystals are precipitated in the amorphous matrix. The results show that the thermal temperature for cryogenic thermal cycling (CTC) treatment should not be larger than 483 °C in order to recover the enthalpy of relaxation. Further, the more suitable temperature for CTC treatment differs with the time that the as-annealed ribbon is employed. Meanwhile, the improvement of mechanical properties of the rejuvenated samples was examined with the help of hardness, flat plate bending, and nanoindentation experiments, and the results correspond well to the maximum of the relaxation enthalpy recovery. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations were used to visualize the changes in the local structure and found that the increased local five-fold symmetric clusters have increased the amorphousness of the amorphous nanocrystalline ribbon through CTC treatment.

Grain refinement and mechanical properties improvement of additively manufactured Al-Cu alloy through pre-deformation in thermo-mechanical treatment

Inferior mechanical properties induced by porosity and coarse grains of wire-arc additively manufactured Al-Cu alloy restrict its industrial application. The inter-layer cold rolling, conventional heat treatment (T6) and thermo-mechanical heat treatment (T8) was applied to Al-Cu alloy, and the effect of pre-stretched strain in T8 treatment was investigated. The pre-stretched strain induces equal increments of hardness and YS for both the as-deposited and cold-rolled conditions before aging treatment, while the increments for cold-rolled samples are larger after aging treatment. The cold-rolled sample shows better tensile properties than the as-deposited sample with the same pre-stretched strain in T8 treatment, proving that T8 treatment further increased the strengths compared to the T6 treatment. It shows the best tensile properties with the pre-stretched strain of 5 %, exceeding the properties of 2219-T87 plate. With the increased pre-stretched strain, the density of the θ′ phases significantly increases; while further increase to 10 % pre-stretched strain induces severe coarsening of θ′ phases. Therefore, an optimized pre-stretched strain leads to high-density and tiny dispersed θ′ phases, thus resulting in the best tensile properties. Grain refinement induced by inter-layer cold rolling and uniformly precipitated phases resulted from proper pre-stretched strain both contribute to the strengths enhancement. The strengthening mechanism of hybrid additive manufacturing and inter-layer cold rolling followed by T8 treatment was discussed.

Multi-response optimisation of wear parameters of B4C reinforced Al-Fe-Si composites: Using Taguchi-grey relational analysis

The current research investigates the effect of boron carbide (B4C) reinforcement on the mechanical and sliding wear behaviour of Al-Fe-Si (AA8011) composites, fabricated using an ultrasonic-assisted stir-casting technique with varying B4C weight fractions from 0% to 10%. Microstructural analysis, including SEM and EDS, confirmed the presence of reinforcement, improved particle dispersion, and grain refinement. The study found that the density of AA8011–B4C composites decreases while porosity increases with higher B4C content. Notably, the AA8011-6 wt.%B4C composite exhibited a significant improvement in mechanical properties, with yield strength, tensile strength, and hardness rising by 91%, 55%, and 38%, respectively, compared to the unreinforced alloy. The optimisation of wear test parameters of AA8011-6 wt.% B4C composites using Taguchi-grey relational analysis and analysis of variance, revealed that the lower wear and coefficient of friction were achieved at a load of 30 N, a disc velocity of 5 m/s, and a sliding distance of 1000 m. The wear test optimisation achieved a 95.67% grey relational grade improvement within the 95% predicted confidence interval.

The promising application of pectin/ɛ-polylysine as coating material on anodized titanium surfaces for orthopedic implants: Preparation, characterization and biomedical properties

The increasing demands for implants due to aging and orthopedic necessitate advancements in coating technologies to enhance implant performance, especially when it comes to the infections and inflammation at the implantation site. The development of bioactive coatings with antibacterial properties, superior adhesion, and the controlled release of antibacterial agents is of significant importance. This study investigates the application of pectin/ɛ-polylysine (ɛ-PL) composite coatings on anodized titanium surfaces, with the aim of improving the bioactivity, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of the anodized surface. The multifunctional nature of these coatings addresses critical challenges associated with successful implantatins and offers promising solutions for biomedical applications. The anodization was first carried out at 40 V, followed by the dip coating of the pectin/ɛ-PL layer. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, and laser profilometry were used to investigate the surface structure and the roughness of the applied layer. Corrosion tests, and MTT/anti-bacterial assays were utilized to investigate the electrochemical and biomedical properties of applied coating layers. Results indicated that pectin-1 % ɛ-PL exhibited excellent anti-bacterial properties, with cell viability above 50 %. Apatite crystals were also formed on coated specimens after 2-weeks of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), implying that applied coating layers are bioactive. Adhesion tests showed a remarkable improvement in mechanical properties of pectin top layer with the addition of ɛ-PL. Overall, the pectin-ɛ-PL composite coating exhibited some interesting properties, making it a promising easy-to-apply top coat on anodized surfaces in biomedical applications.

Improvement of Mechanical Properties of 3D Bioprinted Structures through Cellular Overgrowth

The common use of hydrogel materials in 3D bioprinting techniques is dictated by the unique properties of hydrogel bioinks, among which some of the most important in terms of sustaining vital cell functions in vitro in 3D cultures are the ability to retain large amounts of liquid and the ability to modify rigidity and mechanical properties to reproduce the structure of the natural extracellular matrix. Due to their high biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, and the possibility of optimizing rheological properties and bioactivity at the same time, one of the most commonly used hydrogel bioink compositions are polymer solutions based on sodium alginate and gelatin. In 3D bioprinting techniques, it is necessary for hydrogel printouts to feature an appropriate geometry to ensure proper metabolic activity of the cells contained inside the printouts. The desired solution is to obtain a thin-walled printout geometry, ensuring uniform nutrient availability and gas exchange during cultivation. Within this study’s framework, tubular bioprinted structures were developed based on sodium alginate and gelatin, containing cells of the immortalized fibroblast line NIH/3T3 in their structure. Directly after the 3D printing process, such structures are characterized by extremely low mechanical strength. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the viability and spreading ability of the biological material contained in the printouts during their incubation for a period of 8 weeks while monitoring the effect of cellular growth on changes in the mechanical properties of the tubular structures. The observations demonstrated that the cells contained in the 3D printouts reach the ability to grow and spread in the polymer matrix after 4 weeks of cultivation, leading to obtaining a homogeneous, interconnected cell network inside the hydrogel after 6 weeks of incubation. Analysis of the mechanical properties of the printouts indicates that with the increasing time of cultivation of the structures, the degree of their overgrowth by the biological material contained inside, and the progressive degradation of the polymer matrix process, the tensile strength of tubular 3D printouts varies.

Polyimide Aerogel Fiber Bundles for Extreme Thermal Management Systems in Aerospace Applications.

Aerogel fibers are an emerging class of ultralightweight materials, which, compared to conventional bulk monolithic and aerogel films, provide better flexibility and extensibility. Despite the recent advancements in this field, due to their highly porous structure, their mechanical properties can be deteriorated. Inspired by the textile industry, we report the development of aerogel fiber bundles with twisted structures as a promising strategy to enhance the mechanical performance and practicality of aerogel fibers. Polyimide (PI) aerogel fibers were prepared via the sol-gel confined transition method. The fibers showed a unique nanostructured assembly with high specific surface area, excellent optical transparency, outstanding flexibility at diverse extreme conditions, self-extinguishing behavior, and superior thermal insulation performance. Using PI aerogel fibers as the backbone, aerogel fiber bundles in various configurations were designed and fabricated. A systematic study was performed to analyze the effect of design parameters on the mechanical performance of the bundles. Results revealed an optimal twist level for bundles, leading to a peak in mechanical properties across various bundle configurations. The observed improvement in mechanical properties was attributed to increased fiber-to-fiber binding strength, enhanced friction, and interlocking mechanism of fibers, underscoring the potential of the optimized twist level for enhancing the performance of aerogel fiber bundles. Overall, the development of aerogel fiber bundles holds great promise in revolutionizing the production of high-performance ultralightweight materials for thermal management applications.

Effect of particle size and replacement ratio on mechanical performance of cementitious mortar containing ground recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (GRABS) waste plastics

While waste plastics have been used as a natural sand aggregate replacement in cementitious mortar as a sustainable option to mitigate global accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, fundamental mechanical properties like compressive, tensile, and shear must be known to advance design and practical application of these cement-concrete composites as suitable building construction materials. Experimental testing is conducted to reveal to what extent the cementitious composite properties are altered, thereby influencing their overall mechanical performance, when both ungraded and graded ground recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (GRABS) plastic are employed as substitutes for natural aggregates. The novelty of this research lies in its pioneering investigation to quantify the effects of varying particle sizes and volume fractions of waste plastics acquired through mechanical recycling and their influences on the mechanical properties of mortars containing plastics as a composite material. The results from fresh and hardened material properties are compared to conventional mortar properties to examine the impact of various GRABS particle sizes and volume fractions on the overall material strength. While replacing sand with waste plastic generally reduced mechanical properties, the resulting mixes still met the minimum compressive strength (4060 psi [28 MPa]) as per ASTM C150 standards for Portland cement. Notably, graded plastic particles with sizes less than 0.024 in [0.6 mm] demonstrated an overall improvement in mechanical properties compared to ungraded particles. Failure mechanisms responsible for compressive, tensile, and shear damage development are discussed by analyzing the fracture surfaces, which provide insight into the intricate relationship between waste plastic size and distribution on the mechanical behavior of mortar. The findings indicate that GRABS waste plastics, when combined with sand at appropriate particle sizes and volume fractions, have the potential to create tailored mixes to meet minimum mix design standards for construction applications.

Enhanced mechanical properties of molybdenum alloy originating from composite strengthening of Re and CeO2

To enhance the mechanical properties of molybdenum alloys at both room and high temperatures, Mo−14Re−1CeO2 alloy was synthesized using the powder metallurgy method, and the corresponding microstructure and mechanical properties were characterized. The results indicate that the ultimate tensile strength of Mo−14Re−1CeO2 reaches 657 MPa, with a total elongation of 35.2%, significantly higher than those of pure molybdenum (453 MPa, and 7.01%). Furthermore, the compression strength of Mo−14Re−1CeO2 at high temperature (1200 °C) achieves 355 MPa, which is still larger than that of pure molybdenum (221 MPa). It is revealed that there is a coherent interface between CeO2 and the Mo−14Re matrix with CeO2 particles uniformly distributed in both intergranular and intragranular regions. The improvements in mechanical properties are primarily attributed to the formation of Mo−Re solid solution, grain refinement, and dispersion strengthening effect of CeO2.

Section thickness effect on microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of permanent steel mold cast eutectic Al-1.8Fe alloy

Abstract A eutectic aluminum alloy, with a composition of 1.8 wt% iron, underwent casting using permanent steel mold casting (PSMC) across three distinct section thicknesses: 2mm, 8mm, and 20mm. The microstructure of the as-cast alloy was analysed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The microstructure analyses indicated that the cast Al-1.8Fe alloy consisted of the primary Al phase, eutectic Al phase, micron-sized eutectic Al-Fe phase, and nano-sized eutectic Al-Fe phase. The results of tensile testing revealed notable improvements in mechanical properties for the cast Al-1.8Fe alloy as the section thickness decreased from 20mm to 2mm. Specifically, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Yield Strength (YS), elongation (ef), modulus, toughness, resilience, and electrical conductivity increased from 85.99 MPa, 28.33 MPa, 15%, 63 GPa, 8.58 MJ/m3, 6.37 kJ/m3, 48.44 %IACS to 157.74 MPa, 84.83 MPa, 19%, 66.4 GPa, 23.87 MJ/3, 54.17 kJ/m3, 51.09 %IACS, respectively. Conversely, porosity levels decreased from 5.17% to 1.87% as thickness increased from 2mm to 20mm. The enhanced mechanical properties and electrical conductivity observed in the 2mm sample are attributed to its fine microstructure and low porosity. Additionally, SEM fractography revealed that fracture behavior in PSMC Al-1.8Fe was influenced by section thickness.

Improvement in mechanical properties of extruded Mg alloy through shape control of extrusion billet

Improvement in mechanical properties of extruded Mg alloy through shape control of extrusion billet

Pharmacological antagonism of Ccr2+ cell recruitment to facilitate regenerative tendon healing.

Successful tendon healing requires sufficient deposition and remodeling of new extracellular matrix at the site of injury, with this process mediating in part through fibroblast activation via communication with macrophages. Moreover, resolution of healing requires clearance or reversion of activated cells, with chronic interactions with persistent macrophages impairing resolution and facilitating the conversion to fibrotic healing. As such, modulation of the macrophage environment represents an important translational target to improve the tendon healing process. Circulating monocytes are recruited to sites of tissue injury, including the tendon, via upregulation of cytokines including Ccl2, which facilitates recruitment of Ccr2+ macrophages to the healing tendon. Our prior work has demonstrated that Ccr2-/- can modulate fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation. However, this approach lacked temporal control and resulted in healing impairments. Thus, in the current study we have leveraged a Ccr2 antagonist to blunt macrophage recruitment to the healing tendon in a time-dependent manner. We first tested the effects of Ccr2 antagonism during the acute inflammatory phase and found that this had no effect on the healing process. In contrast, Ccr2 antagonism during the early proliferative/granulation tissue period resulted in significant improvements in mechanical properties of the healing tendon. Collectively, these data demonstrate the temporally distinct impacts of modulating Ccr2+ cell recruitment and Ccr2 antagonism during tendon healing and highlight the translational potential of transient Ccr2 antagonism to improve the tendon healing process.