Multifunctional Composite Materials Research Articles

Multifunctional composite with hybrid carbon fiber and carbonaceous coconut particle reinforcement

The utilization of multifunctional composite materials presents significant advantages in terms of system efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and miniaturization, making them highly valuable for a wide range of industrial applications. One approach to harness the multifunctionality of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is to integrate it with a secondary material to form a hybrid composite. In our previous research, we explored the use of carbonaceous material derived from coconut shells as a sustainable alternative to inorganic fillers, aiming to enhance the out-of-plane mechanical performance of CFRP. In this study, our focus is to investigate the influence of carbonized coconut shell particles on the non-structural properties of CFRP, specifically electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, thermal stability, and water absorption resistance. The carbonized material was prepared by thermal processing at 400 °C. Varying proportions of carbonized material, ranging from 1% to 5% by weight, were thoroughly mixed with epoxy resin to form the matrix used for impregnating woven carbon fabric with a volume fraction of 29%. Through measurements of scattering parameters, we found that the hybrid composites with particle loadings up to 3% exhibited EMI shielding effectiveness suitable for industrial applications. Also, incorporating low concentrations of carbonized particle to CFRP enhances the thermal stability of hybrid CFRP composites. However, the inclusion of carbonized particle to CFRP has a complex effect on the glass transition temperature. Even so, the hybrid composite with 2% particle loading exhibits the highest glass transition temperature and lowest damping factor among the tested variations. Furthermore, when subjected to a 7-day water immersion test, hybrid composites with 3% or less amount of carbonized particle showed the least water absorption. The favorable outcome can be attributed to good interfacial bonding at the matrix/fiber interface. Conversely, at higher particle concentrations, aggregation of particles and formation of interfacial and internal pores was observed, ultimately resulting in deteriorated measured properties. The improved non-structural functionalities observed in these biocomposites suggest the potential for a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to their inorganic-based counterparts. This advancement in multifunctional composites could pave the way for enhanced applications of biocomposites in various industries.

Thermodynamic study on expanded graphite-based multifunctional composite phase change materials for personal thermal management and medical protection

Thermodynamic study on expanded graphite-based multifunctional composite phase change materials for personal thermal management and medical protection

Multifunctional magnetic composite nanomaterial for Colorimetric-SERS Dual-Mode detection and photothermal sterilization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

In this study, a colorimetric and SERS dual-mode detection and photothermal sterilization method targeting Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) was proposed by preparing a multifunctional composite magnetic material (Fe3O4@MOF(Fe-Cu)-GNS-MBA-Apt) and integrating it with magnetophoretic chromatography technology. The composite magnetic material modified with aptamer demonstrated specific capture of V. parahaemolyticus in food matrices through magnetic separation. The dual-mode quantitative detection of V. parahaemolyticus was achieved by combining magnetophoretic chromatography for the separation of free materials and bacteria-material complexes and the peroxidase-like activity and SERS effect of the composite material. Under optimized conditions, the dual-mode sensor exhibited detection limits of 9 cfu·mL−1 (101 ––105 cfu·mL−1) in the colorimetric modality and 7 cfu·mL−1 (101 ––105 cfu·mL−1) in the SERS modality. Furthermore, the photothermal properties of the material allowed for the sterilization of bacteria in the detection solution within 4 min of near-infrared irradiation. Moreover, the developed method, based on the multifunctional materials, characterized by its rapid, sensitive, and efficient, was successfully applied to fresh shrimp samples, thus validating its potential for rapid pathogen diagnosis and contributing to the establishment of a safety control system of food and environmental detection process.

An Advanced Review: Polyurethane-Related Dressings for Skin Wound Repair.

The inability of wounds to heal effectively through normal repair has become a burden that seriously affects socio-economic development and human health. The therapy of acute and chronic skin wounds still poses great clinical difficulty due to the lack of suitable functional wound dressings. It has been found that dressings made of polyurethane exhibit excellent and diverse biological properties, but lack the functionality of clinical needs, and most dressings are unable to dynamically adapt to microenvironmental changes during the healing process at different stages of chronic wounds. Therefore, the development of multifunctional polyurethane composite materials has become a hot topic of research. This review describes the changes in physicochemical and biological properties caused by the incorporation of different polymers and fillers into polyurethane dressings and describes their applications in wound repair and regeneration. We listed several polymers, mainly including natural-based polymers (e.g., collagen, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid), synthetic-based polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylamide), and some other active ingredients (e.g., LL37 peptide, platelet lysate, and exosomes). In addition to an introduction to the design and application of polyurethane-related dressings, we discuss the conversion and use of advanced functional dressings for applications, as well as future directions for development, providing reference for the development and new applications of novel polyurethane dressings.

Sound absorption performance of micro-perforated plate sandwich structure based on triply periodic minimal surface

The sandwich structure based on Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) is a lightweight and high-strength multifunctional composite material that combines the versatility of heat exchange, impact resistance, and energy absorption, and has been widely used in various fields such as aviation and aerospace. However, its sound absorption performance has not meant fully studied. In this paper, a Micro-perforated plate Diamond sandwich structure (MPP-DSS) was designed based on TPMS method, which was composed of aluminum alloy solid panel, aluminum alloy macroscopically ordered porous Diamond structure and aluminum alloy micro-perforated plate. The acoustic absorption performance in low and medium frequency band was studied by impedance tube method. The results show that MPP-DSS has higher absorption coefficient and bandwidth than traditional perforated plate structure with the same structural parameters. Increasing the thickness of micro-perforated plate can improve the sound absorption capacity of MPP-DSS in the low frequency range, but the width of the sound absorption band will be narrowed accordingly. Different from the resonant sound absorption mechanism of the traditional perforated plate structure, the sound absorption mechanism of MPP-DSS is the combined effect of resonant sound absorption and friction loss sound absorption. This study broadens the versatility of the TPMS structure and can serve as a reference for the design of integrated load-bearing and sound-absorbing structures.

Low-cost and highly thermally conductive silver modified mica-paraffin multifunctional composite phase change materials for photo-thermal conversion and electrical insulation

To improve the utilization efficiency of renewable energy and adaptability of composite materials, a new mineral-based composite phase change material (Ag-Mica/CNF/PW) was designed and prepared by chemically modifying natural mica, attaching silver nanoparticles to the mica surface as functionalized support material, and using paraffin wax as the phase change functional medium. As expected, the thermal conductivity of the composite phase change material (CPCMs) increased significantly to 0.9 W/m k, which was 330.1% higher relative to pure paraffin. With the addition of silver-modified mica, the volume resistivity of CPCMs reached 11.9 × 1012 Ω cm. The relative enthalpy efficiency achieved 104.8%, and the photothermal conversion efficiency reached 91.3%, proving that the silver-modified mica-based CPCM was successful and feasible. The heat resistance index of CPCMs was 137.2 °C, and the enthalpy loss rate after 50 cycles was only 0.7 %, indicating that CPCMs have excellent thermal stability. The designed CPCMs are a promising candidate for developing thermal storage and building thermal management, electrical insulation and solar energy conversion.

Glass Microspheres Thermo-Deformation Sintering Processes in the Technologies of Obtaining Materials for Underwater Technical Equipment

Abstract In this work, the important scientific and technical problem of creating multifunctional composite materials for shipbuilding and ocean engineering was solved. The work aimed to study the thermal deformation processes of sintering glass microspheres to obtain lightweight glass composites with a cellular structure that provides positive buoyancy and sound insulation properties. For this purpose, glass microspheres of Na2O‒SiO2 and Na2O‒B2O3‒SiO2 composition with a dispersion of 10 to 60 μm were used as raw materials. They were sintered to form a closed, porous structure. The theoretical substantiation of technological parameters is based on the concepts of solid state and glassy state chemistry and physicochemical concepts of glass softening processes. The process of hot-pressing glass microspheres without plasticisers and additives was investigated. The author’s own laboratory equipment was used for the experiments. The sintering intensity was determined from the results of shrinkage processes; the kinetic shrinkage curves were constructed in semilogarithmic coordinates. The glass composite samples were examined by optical and electron microscopy. As a criterion, the storage of spherical microspheres under the influence of simultaneous heating to 700 °C with the application of pressure in the range of 0,5 to 1,5 MPa was chosen. It was established that the formation of a predominantly closed-porous structure of glass composites with a density of 350...600 kg/m3 occurs by the mechanisms of viscous glass phase flow through liquefaction processes in the walls of microspheres. At the same time, shrinkage processes in the linear direction reach up to 50%. The acoustic properties were investigated by measuring the differences in sound pressure levels in octave frequency bands using a Kundt pipe. The water absorption of the glass composite samples was determined at hydrostatic pressures up to 20 MPa. The research results were compared with the characteristics of analogue composites, such as syntactic foams and foam glass. The developed materials can be used in the design and manufacture of technical equipment for research and maintenance of underwater infrastructure. The prospects for further research are related to the feasibility study and marketing research on implementing the developed glass composites.

Multifunctional Composite Materials Based on Anion Exchangers Modified with Copper Compounds-A Review of Their Synthesis Methods, Characteristics and Applications.

As copper and its compounds are of fundamental importance for the development of innovative materials, the synthesis of composites intended for water purification was undertaken in which submicron copper containing particles were dispersed within the matrix of a strongly basic anion exchanger, with a macroporous and gel-like structure. Due to their trimethylammonium functional groups, the host materials alone exhibited an affinity to anionic water contaminants and antimicrobial properties. The introduction of such particles as CuO, Cu2O, metallic Cu, CuO/FeO(OH), Cu4O3, Cu(OH)2, Cu4(OH)6SO4, Cu2(OH)3Cl increased these properties and demonstrated new properties. The composites were obtained unconventionally, in ambient conditions, using eco-friendly reagents. Alternative synthesis methods were compared and optimized, as a result of which a new group of hybrid ion exchangers was created (HIXs) containing 3.5-12.5 wt% of Cu. As the arrangement of the inorganic phase in the resin matrix was atypical, i.e., close to the surface of the beads, the obtained HIXs exhibited excellent kinetic properties in the process of oxidation and adsorption of As(III), as well as catalytic properties for the synthesis of triazoles via click reaction, and also antimicrobial properties in relation to Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, preventing biofilm formation. Using thermogravimetry, the effect of the inorganic phase on decomposition of the polymeric phase was evaluated for the first time and comprehensively, confirming the relationship and finding numerous regularities. It was also found that, depending on the oxidation state (CuO, Cu2O, Cu), copper-containing particles affected the textural properties of the polymeric phase endowing a tighter structure, limiting the porosity and reducing the affinity for water.

Multifunctional Composite Material with Efficient Microwave Absorption and Ultra-High Thermal Conductivity

The increasing demands for electronic devices to achieve high miniaturization, functional integration, and wide bandwidth will exacerbate the heat generation and electromagnetic interference, which hinders the further development of electronic devices. Therefore, both the issues of microwave absorption and heat dissipation of materials need to be addressed simultaneously. Herein, a multifunctional composite material is proposed by periodic arrangement of copper pillars in a matrix, based on the wave-absorbing material. As a result, the equivalent thermal conductivity of the composite structure is nearly 35 times higher than the wave-absorbing matrix, with the area filling proportion of the thermal conductivity material being 3.14%. Meanwhile, the reflectivity of the composite structure merely changes from −15.05 dB to −13.70 dB. It is proved that the designed composite structure possesses both high thermal conduction and strong microwave absorption. The measured results accord well with the simulation results, which demonstrates that the thermal conductivity of the composite structure can reach more than 10W⋅m−1⋅K−1 without significant deterioration of the absorption performance.

Hexagonal boron nitride-induced lamellar-structured flexible phase change film for temperature-controlled information storage and wearable thermal regulation

The development of multifunctional composite phase change materials has emerged as a popular research field to achieve efficient thermal energy storage and management across diverse application scenarios. Herein, a novel flexible reversible thermochromic phase change film (TC-PCMs/nBN/OBC) has been proposed. The film comprises a thermochromic compound, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and olefin block copolymers (OBC), and features a layered structure with h-BN embedded laterally in OBC. This design enhances thermal conductivity and confers reversible thermochromic ability, as well as excellent flexibility. The TC-PCMs/nBN/OBC film can perform multiple functions, including thermal storage, light-to-thermal conversion, and temperature-controlled information storage. Additionally, a sandwich-like structure of the multifunctional smart flexible device (TC-PCMs/10BN/OBC-CC) is fabricated using TC-PCMs/10BN/OBC and conductive cloth via easy layer-by-layer assembly. This flexible device is simple to prepare, retains the excellent comprehensive properties of TC-PCMs/nBN/OBC. Moreover, the presence of conductive cloth enabled this device to achieve good electric-to-thermal conversion efficiency (86.5 %). Overall, the results demonstrate that TC-PCMs/10BN/OBC can meet diverse application requirements.

Integrating multiple energy storage in 1D–2D bridged array carbon‐based phase change materials

AbstractIn response to global energy scarcity, frontiers in multifunctional composite phase change materials (PCMs) with photo‐/electro‐/magnetothermal triggers show great potential in multiple energy utilization. However, most available composite PCM candidates are inadequate for multiple energy storage applications simultaneously. Herein, a green synthetic route is proposed to develop bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐derived 1D–2D bridged array carbon‐based composite PCMs for simultaneous photo‐/electro‐/magnetothermal energy storage applications. As graphitization‐induced catalyst, Co nanoparticles greatly boost the formation of ZIF‐derived 1D–2D bridged array carbon framework with high graphitization and low interface electrical/thermal resistance. Benefiting from the broadband intense photon capture, fast photon/electron/phonon transport, and surface plasma resonance effect of Co nanoparticles, the resulting composite PCMs integrate advanced photo‐, electro‐, and magnetothermal storage functions. Furthermore, composite PCMs also exhibit long‐lasting shape stability, structural stability, thermal storage stability, and photo‐/electro‐/magnetothermal storage stability after undergoing multiple heating–cooling cycles. This study is promising to accelerate the major breakthroughs of advanced multifunctional carbon‐based composite PCMs toward multiple energy utilization.

A Review of the Carbon-Based Solid Transducing Layer for Ion-Selective Electrodes.

As one of the key components of solid-contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs), the SC layer plays a crucial role in electrode performance. Carbon materials, known for their efficient ion-electron signal conversion, chemical stability, and low cost, are considered ideal materials for solid-state transducing layers. In this review, the application of different types of carbon materials in SC-ISEs (from 2007 to 2023) has been comprehensively summarized and discussed. Representative carbon-based materials for the fabrication of SC-ISEs have been systematically outlined, and the influence of the structural characteristics of carbon materials on achieving excellent performance has been emphasized. Finally, the persistent challenges and potential opportunities are also highlighted and discussed, aiming to inspire the design and fabrication of next-generation SC-ISEs with multifunctional composite carbon materials in the future.

Multifunctional flexible composite phase change material with high anti-leakage and thermal conductivity performances for battery thermal management

Composite phase change material (CPCM) as passive battery thermal management system (BTMS) still confronted many challenges such as easy leakage, high rigid and low thermal conductivity. In this study, a multifunction flexible CPCM with high anti-leakage and thermal conductivity performances has been proposed which is utilized the polymerizing and crosslinking reaction with polyethylene glycol and hexamethylene diisocyanate to address the leakage of CPCM in essence. The results revealed that the CPCM exhibited excellent antileakage and elastic performance. Especially, the thermal conductivity of CPCM is obviously improved by 2.8 times owing to the synergistic effect of 3 wt% aluminum nitride and 2 wt% carbon nanotubes. Besides, the maximum temperature of the battery module with multifunction flexible CPCM can be controlled below 45 °C even at 1.5C discharge rate, and the corresponding temperature difference is maintained within 4.3 °C. With these outstanding properties, the multifunctional flexible PEAC can provide an efficient solution to improve the thermal safety of battery packs in applications, which will significantly promote the development of EVs.

Multifunctional Conductive Material Based on Intelligent Porous Paper Used in Conjunction with a Vitrimer for Electromagnetic Shielding, Sensing, Joule Heating, and Antibacterial Properties.

With the continuous improvement of living standards and advancements in science and technology, composite materials with multiple functionalities are gaining high practical value in modern society. In this paper, we present a multifunctional conductive paper-based composite with electromagnetic (EMI) shielding, sensing, Joule heating, and antimicrobial properties. The composite is prepared by growing metallic silver nanoparticles inside the cellulose paper (CP) modified with polydopamine (PDA). The resulting CP@PDA@Ag (CPPA) composite has high conductivity and EMI shielding properties. Furthermore, CPPA composites demonstrate exceptional sensing, Joule heating, and antimicrobial properties. In addition, Vitrimer, a polymer with excellent cross-linked network structure, is introduced into CPPA composites to obtain CPPA-V intelligent electromagnetic shielding materials with shape memory function. These excellent properties show that the prepared multifunctional intelligent composite has exceptional EMI shielding, sensing, Joule heating, and antibacterial and shape memory properties. In short, this multifunctional intelligent composite material has great application prospects in flexible wearable electronics.

Molecular conformation of polyelectrolytes inside Layer-by-Layer assembled films

Among all methods available for the preparation of multifunctional nanostructured composite materials with remarkable functional properties, Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly is currently one of the most widely used techniques due to its environmental friendliness, its ease of use and its versatility in combining a plethora of available colloids and macromolecules into finely tuned multicomponent architectures with nanometer scale control. Despite the importance of these systems in emerging technologies, their nanoscopic 3D structure, and thus the ability to predict and understand the device performance, is still largely unknown. In this article, we use neutron scattering to determine the average conformation of individual deuterated polyelectrolyte chains inside LbL assembled films. In particular, we determine that in LbL-films composed of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) multilayers prepared from 2 M sodium chloride solutions the PSS chains exhibit a flattened coil conformation with an asymmetry factor of around seven. Albeit this highly non-equilibrium state of the polymer chain, its density profiles follow Gaussian distributions occupying roughly the same volume as in the bulk complex.

Three-dimensional reconstruction and computational analysis of a structural battery composite electrolyte

Structural batteries are multifunctional composite materials that can carry mechanical load and store electrical energy. Their multifunctionality requires an ionically conductive and stiff electrolyte matrix material. For this purpose, a bi-continuous polymer electrolyte is used where a porous solid phase holds the structural integrity of the system, and a liquid phase, which occupies the pores, conducts lithium ions. To assess the porous structure, three-dimensional topology information is needed. Here we study the three-dimensional structure of the porous battery electrolyte material using combined focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy and transfer into finite element models. Numerical analyses provide predictions of elastic modulus and ionic conductivity of the bi-continuous electrolyte material. Characterization of the three-dimensional structure also provides information on the diameter and volume distributions of the polymer and pores, as well as geodesic tortuosity.

Multifunctional composite foam with high strength and sound‐absorbing based on step assembly strategy for high performance electromagnetic shielding

AbstractSoft polyurethane (PU) materials exhibit excellent structural stability, sound absorption and heat insulation, and they can be used to prepare multifunctional conductive composites with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding function. On the basis of a multistep assembly strategy, our study constructed composite foams with sound absorption and EMI shielding properties by designing different functional layers and expanded the application field of PU foam. First, carbon black particles are compounded with PU foam to improve the mechanical properties and conductivity of pure foam. Then, an aluminum layer and a knitted fabric layer were introduced to construct composite foam samples with a sandwich structure, endowing the materials with excellent EMI shielding performance. The resultant composite foam material exhibits effective EMI shielding performance and good sound absorption performance, which are 58.33 dB and >0.3, respectively. Moreover, the composite foam material demonstrates high bursting strength and compression resistance, suggesting that it can be used under different conditions. The employment of the multistep assembly strategy provides PU foam with a flexible range of applications, offering an innovative approach for preparing multifunctional conductive composite materials.

Optical Bioimaging and Therapy

Optical Bioimaging and Therapy

Preparation of multifunctional composite materials based on PEDOT via enzymatic cascade polymerization

Bioenzyme-catalyzed conductive polymer polymerization is an ecological and environmental protection method that aligns with the current sustainable development plan. Hence, a new strategy of in situ assembly of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on the surface of fabrics via free radical polymerization initiated by the cascade reaction of glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was introduced. With excellent photothermal conversion capability and sensitive humidity response, PEDOT endows the fabric with remarkable photothermal performance, humidity sensing performance, and UV resistance capability. It is worth noting that the PEDOT-coated fabric can reach a fantastic 54.2 °C within 20 s under 2 sun irradiation intensity and finally reach 98.4 °C. In addition, it can maintain stable and fast responses in repeated and long-term operations. Moreover, the PEDOT-coated fabric has a fast response and long-term working ability in high humidity. This work provides a new environmental protection and sustainability idea for designing and developing conductive polymer-based high-performance composites.

Development of a strong and conductive soy protein adhesive by building a hybrid structure based on multifunctional wood composite materials

In this study, a strong and multifunctional soy protein adhesive was designed and developed. It was then combined with wood units to prepare a clean and electromagnetic shielding wood-based panel via simple hot press. Specifically, bio-based raw material was prepared by grafting pyrrole (PY) and dopamine hydrochloride (DOPA) in sequence on to soy protein isolate (SPI), and then combined with AgNO3 and a self-synthesized bio cross-linker epoxidized quercetin (EQC), to develop a strong and conductive soy protein-based adhesive with mildew-proof and flame-retardant properties. A covalent cross-linked structure and noncovalent bond (hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds) were formed among SPI, EQC, DOPA, and Ag+. As well, a hybrid structure was formed via in situ polymerization of Ag NPs, resulting in an adhesive with improved water resistance. Thus, the dry and wet shear strengths of plywood bonded with resultant adhesive increased by 78% and 52.4%, respectively, relative to those of the SPI adhesive. The modified adhesive exhibited good mildew resistance (shelf life ＞ 15 d) due to the natural antibacterial properties of quercetin, and the dynamic equilibrium of Ag NPs and Ag+ in the presence of DOPA. Meanwhile, the LOI of the modified adhesive was 41.3%, which is higher than that of SPI, improving flame retardancy of the resultant plywood. Notably, the obtained adhesive exhibited conductivity owing to the presence of polypyrrole (up to 7.09 S/cm), which can be used to develop reflection-based particle board with electromagnetic shielding ability. This study provides a high-potential and feasible strategy for developing multifunctional biomass composites to replace metal and polymer materials, which is an important and practical approach to promote sustainable development of materials and reduce carbon emissions.