Properties Of Composites Research Articles

Submerge-emerge alternation promotes sediment per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) release and bioaccumulation

Understanding the sediment release and plant bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) under submerge-emerge alternation (SE) is crucial to predicting their transport and fate in the riparian zones. In the present study, a simulational device was firstly constructed to explore the effects of SE on the transport of PFASs in riparian sediment-plant systems and the underlying mechanisms. The submerge (CS) and emerge (CE) situations were compared. The results showed that SE significantly enhanced the transport and bioaccumulation of PFASs in sediments. Compared with the initial concentration, PFASs in sediments decreased by 81.84 %, 50.48 %, and 21.68 % in the SE, CS, and CE groups, respectively. The bioaccumulation of PFASs in plant roots in the SE group was 1.26 and 4.16 times higher than that in the CS and CE groups, respectively, and the bioaccumulation of PFASs in leaves in the SE group was 2.05 and 1.71 times higher than that in the other two groups. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and molecular properties under SE were recognized as the dominant factors regulating the release of PFASs from sediments. Root morphology and low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in root exudates were closely associated with the bioaccumulation of PFASs in plants. Among the substitutes, hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) demonstrated greater hydrophobicity, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (Gen-X) had greater mobility, and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) accumulated more in plants. This study has expanded the understanding of the geochemical cycling of PFASs in riparian sediment-plant systems under submerge-emerge alternation.

Biocompatible supramolecular hydrogels based on polysaccharide-modified hyaluronic acid for targeted delivering of doxorubicin

ABSTRACT In this paper, Biocompatible supramolecular hydrogels, composed of β-cyclodextrin-modified hyaluronic acid, pluronic F127, α-cyclodextrin and doxorubicin, were constructed, which can be employed for targeted delivery system. The chemical composition and rheological properties of the obtained hydrogels were fully characterised. Considering the controlled complexation between DOX and the hydrogel skeletons, the controlled release of hydrogel G[5, 10, 5] was investigated to exhibit a better pH- and temperature-controlled release behavior. The data of DOX release kinetic was fitted well with Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Moreover, the cellular toxicity experiments indicated that the hydrogel DOX@G[5, 10, 5] exhibited a similar anticancer ability in comparison with free DOX. Due to the hyaluronic acid-targeted effects, the cytotoxicity of the hydrogel DOX@G[5,10,5] to HepG2 cells was lower than that to SKOV-3 cells upon increasing the concentration. Therefore, these hydrogels may act as a potential prospect for the targeting release of anticancer drugs.

A novel thermoplastic material: Pre‐polymerized PMMA liquid resin and continuous glass fiber‐reinforced composite initiated by benzoyl peroxide/N,N‐dimethylaniline

AbstractThermoplastic PMMA was rarely exploited in continuous fiber‐reinforced composites due to its viscous high‐temperature molten fluid as well as pessimistic wettability into fiber fabric. Redox‐active polymerization is a green route to develop a new liquid PMMA resin at room temperature to provide an in situ curing with the advantages of energy saving and consumption reduction. In this paper, BPO/DMA was adopted as a redox initiator pair, and the effect of MMA:BPO:DMA ratio on curing time, Mn, Tg, and mechanical properties of PMMA were systematically studied. When the ratio of MMA:BPO:DMA is 200:1.2:1, PMMA‐200 achieved optimistic mechanical properties at 20°C (tensile strength, 64.7 MPa; tensile modulus, 3352 MPa; bending strength, 125.3 MPa; bending modulus, 3023 MPa). Moreover, the mechanical properties were further improved at low temperatures. The maximum tensile strength and tensile modulus were up to 97.43 and 4297 MPa (−40°C) respectively. The tensile strength (0°, 1103 MPa; 90°, 52.3 MPa) and tensile modulus (0°, 47.5 GPa; 90°, 14.2 GPa) of glass‐fiber‐reinforced PMMA composite at 20°C were found to be comparable with epoxy resin‐based composites and even higher at lower temperature. In summary, redox‐initiated PMMA and its fiber‐reinforced composites are promising thermoplastic materials as new lightweight alternatives.Highlights Preparation method of PMMA resin and glass fiber composite. Research on the mechanical properties, molecular weight, glass transition temperature, curing time, etc. of PMMA resin. Testing of mechanical properties of PMMA glass fiber composites at room temperature and low temperature. Current applications and prospects of PMMA glass fiber composites.

Hygrothermal aging and recycling effects on mechanical and thermal properties of recyclable thermoplastic glass fiber composites

Hygrothermal aging and recycling effects on mechanical and thermal properties of recyclable thermoplastic glass fiber composites

Mapping membrane biophysical nano-environments

The mammalian plasma membrane is known to contain domains with varying lipid composition and biophysical properties. However, studying these membrane lipid domains presents challenges due to their predicted morphological similarity to the bulk membrane and their scale being below the classical resolution limit of optical microscopy. To address this, we combine the solvatochromic probe di-4-ANEPPDHQ, which reports on its biophysical environment through changes in its fluorescence emission, with spectrally resolved single-molecule localisation microscopy. The resulting data comprises nanometre-precision localisation coordinates and a generalised polarisation value related to the probe’s environment – a marked point pattern. We introduce quantification algorithms based on topological data analysis (PLASMA) to detect and map nano-domains in this marked data, demonstrating their effectiveness in both artificial membranes and live cells. By leveraging environmentally sensitive fluorophores, multi-modal single molecule localisation microscopy, and advanced analysis methods, we achieve nanometre scale mapping of membrane properties and assess changes in response to external perturbation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin. This integrated methodology represents an integrated toolset for investigating marked point pattern data at nanometre spatial scales.

Nanostructure of TiO\(_{2}\) and WO\(_{3}\) multilayer films deposited on ITO glass for electrochromic enhanced photocatalytic activity

The photocatalytic activity (PA) by electrochromic (EC) enhancement of single and multilayer films of TiO2, WO3, TiO2/WO3, and WO3/TiO2 was investigated. All films were deposited from metal on an ITO glass substrate using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering via an oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique at 85°. Subsequently, a thermal oxidation (TO) process at 500℃ was applied for the samples to form metal oxide films. The morphology, elemental composition, crystal structure, and optical properties were studied by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and UV-vis spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic properties were investigated by showing the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) solution as an organic pollutant that was examined under ultraviolet irradiation of 300 µW∙cm‒2. The film samples were investigated by comparing the pre-color and colored states that were achieved through the EC process. The EC properties of WO3 led to increased charge insertion on the film surface. This observation was further supported by cyclic voltammetry (CV) testing, which revealed a higher current density for the thin film samples. The photodegradation results showed that the samples in the colored state exhibited a significantly higher degradation rate of MB compared to the pre-color state.

Predictions of the Optical Properties of Brown Carbon Aerosol by Machine Learning with Typical Chromophores.

The linkages between BrC optical properties and chemical composition remain inadequately understood, with quantified chromophores explaining less than 25% of ambient aerosol light absorption. This study characterized 38 typical chromophores in aerosols collected in Xi'an, with light absorption contributions to BrC ranging from 1.6 ± 0.3 to 5.8 ± 2.6% at 365 nm. Based on these quantified chromophores, an interpretable machine learning model and the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) method were employed to explore the relationships between BrC optical properties and chemical composition. The model attained high accuracy with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) exceeding 0.93 for the absorption coefficient (Absλ) and surpassing 0.57 for mass absorption efficiency (MAEλ) of BrC. It explains more than 80% of the variance in Abs and over 50% in MAE, significantly improving the understanding of BrC light absorption. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) with four and five rings exhibit significant positive effects on Absλ, suggesting that similar unidentified chromophores may also notably impact BrC optical characteristics. The model based on chromophore mass concentrations further simplifies studying BrC optical characteristics. This study advances understanding of the relationship between BrC composition and optical properties and guides the investigation of unrecognized chromophores.

Compare the Properties of Composite Material by Date Leaves with Different Additives

Almost no product is made today without the use of composite materials, which have demonstrated their value over time in a variety of applications. Examples include household products, automobiles, oil and gas stations and spacecraft. Instead of using timber, leaves will be used to create a solid material. The goal of this study is to identify the distinguishing features of composite materials made from dates palm waste, as well as the overall effects on the properties when changing the mixture's proportions and the amount to which those materials are vulnerable to outside influences. It also aims to identify the best material that can be produced and used in home furnishings, manufacturing, architectural design, practical applications, and other science-related fields. This project will address the use of natural fibers from dates palm waste and some other materials to convert them into a strong, lightweight, low-cost composite material to replace wood, aluminum, synthetic fibers, and other materials in industries and uses. It will also explore the manufacturing processes, testing methods, and the outcomes of comparing it with other materials. The UHU (adhesive) matrix has the lowest hardness value compared to others. Structure tests show composites' internal composition; it plays an important role in understanding the properties of composites. The water absorption test demonstrates the duration required for composites to become saturated with water, with optimal results falling within the range of 13 to 24 hours for saturation.

Enhancing the Interfacial Properties of Polyethylene-Based Carbon Fiber Composites Through Low-Temperature Thermally Reduced Graphene

Enhancing the Interfacial Properties of Polyethylene-Based Carbon Fiber Composites Through Low-Temperature Thermally Reduced Graphene

Cryogenic Impact on Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Hydrogen Storage Vessels

Carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (CF/EP) composites are attractive materials for hydrogen storage tanks due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and outstanding chemical resistance. However, cryogenic temperatures (CTs) have a substantial impact on the tensile strength and interfacial bonding of CF/EP materials, producing problems for their long-term performance and safety in hydrogen storage tank applications. This review paper investigates how low temperatures affect the tensile strength, modulus, and fracture toughness of CF/EP materials, as well as the essential interfacial interactions between carbon fibers (CFs) and the epoxy matrix (EP) in cryogenic environments. Material toughening techniques have evolved significantly, including the incorporation of nano-fillers, hybrid fibers, and enhanced resin formulations, to improve the durability and performance of CF/EP materials in cryogenic conditions. This review also assesses the hydrogen barrier properties of various composites, emphasizing the importance of reducing hydrogen permeability in order to retain material integrity. This review concludes by highlighting the importance of optimizing CF/EP composite design and fabrication for long-term performance and safety in hydrogen storage systems. It examines the prospects for using CF/EP composites in hydrogen storage tanks, as well as future research directions.

Chromatic aberration in homogeneous diameter expansion growth of AlN crystals by the PVT method

AbstractHomogeneous diameter expansion growth is the preferred method for preparing large-sized AlN single crystals using the PVT method. However, chromatic aberration between the expansion and seed regions, as well as localized chromatic aberrations within the expansion region, are commonly observed, but not deeply investigated yet. This paper investigates the homoepitaxial lateral growth of AlN crystals using Al-polar face seeds and analyzes the crystal structure, composition, and optical properties of both the expansion and seed regions. XRD and Raman spectroscopy indicate no significant differences in crystallization quality between the expansion and seed regions. XPS and photoluminescence characterizations reveal that the light yellow color of the seed region is mainly due to $$V_{Al}$$ V Al defects. In contrast, the deeper yellow color in the expansion region is caused by $$V_{Al}$$ V Al –$$O_N$$ O N complex defects. Additionally, etching results exhibit a polarity reversal from the Al-polar to N-polar growth face in localized chromatic aberration region. The bonding angle of approximately $${90}^\circ$$ 90 ∘ at the $$B_{1}$$ B 1 bond (formation by the half-filled orbitals of the Al and N atoms) site, which occurs during the bonding of Al and N atoms, results in the polarity reversal during m-plane lateral growth. This work provides implications for the preparation of large-sized AlN single crystals.

Tailoring Natural and Fly Ash-Based Zeolites Surfaces for Efficient 2,4-D Herbicide Adsorption: The Role of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide Modification

Global development has led to the generation of substantial levels of hazardous contaminants, including pesticides, which pose significant environmental risks. Effective elimination of these pollutants is essential, and innovative materials and techniques offer promising solutions. This study examines the modification of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) and fly ash-based NaA and NaX zeolites with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to create inexpensive adsorbents for removing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide from water. Detailed characterization of these materials was performed, along with an evaluation of the effects of pH, contact time, temperature, and initial 2,4-D concentration on their sorption capacities. The modified samples exhibited significant changes in elemental composition (e.g., reduced SiO2 and Al2O3 content, presence of Br) and textural properties. The adsorption of the pesticide was found to be an exothermic, spontaneous process of pseudo-second-order kinetics and was consistent with the Langmuir model. The highest sorption capacities were observed for samples modified with 0.05 mol L−1 CTAB, particularly for CliCTAB-0.05.

Magnetic activated carbonaceous materials from sugarcane bagasse: Preparation, characterization, and hexavalent chromium removal

The presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in effluents remains a global concern due to its toxic properties. Even though adsorption has been employed for its removal from water, developing sustainable materials with higher adsorption capacities is still pivotal to tackling such contamination. In this study, two magnetic carbons (MC) were produced by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sugarcane bagasse in the presence of iron (III) nitrate at 230 and 270 °C. Both MCs were thermochemically activated at 500 and 700 °C using KOH (1:2; w:w). The materials were characterized in terms of composition, structure, morphology, texture, and surface properties and then evaluated in adsorption studies of Cr (VI). After HTC, some iron phases such as α-Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3, and Fe3O4 were observed, while thermochemical activation additionally revealed Fe0 and Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3. Activation increased the amount of meso- and macropores, specific surface area, pHzpc, surface hydrophilicity, and carbon and nitrogen contents. The adsorption kinetics study indicated that the pseudo-second-order model describes better the behavior of the materials. The investigation of adsorbent dose showed that doses below 1.00 g L−1 were more efficient in Cr (VI) removal. MC-230 and MC-270 thermochemically activated at 700 °C exhibited the highest Cr (VI) adsorption capacities (10.5 and 15.5 mg g−1, respectively). Therefore, the improved adsorption capacity for Cr (VI) of the materials thermochemically activated at 700 °C was mainly due to their enhanced textural properties.

The effect of the carcass fat thickness on the qualitative technological and sensory attributes of beef

The established correlations between subcutaneous fat thickness and the quality attributes of carcasses and beef are relevant for producers and the processing industry. The purpose of the study is to establish the characteristics of slaughter, chemical composition, sensory physical, and technological properties of beef made of young bulls belonging to the Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed aged 18 to 24 months, depending on the thickness of the fat on the carcass. The colour of muscle and adipose tissue, the conformation of carcasses, the development of subcutaneous fat, marbling, chemical composition, and sensory attributes of beef and broth made of it were determined in the context of different fat thicknesses on the carcass. With an increase in the thickness of subcutaneous fat, the fleshiness (conformation) of carcasses increases by 55.2% (P>0.95), the cover of carcasses with fat increases by 43.5 (P>0.99), and muscle penetration improves by 45.8% (P>0.95). With the thickening of subcutaneous fat from 0.5 to 1.1 cm or more, there is a tendency of tendons and ligaments in carcasses to increase by 53.6%, with adipose tissue increasing by 25.6%, points for the juiciness of boiled beef increasing by 20.8%, its tenderness increasing by 12.5%, and the reduction in the m. longissimus dorsi 'loin eye' area increased by 7.3%, marbling increased by 19.0%, reduction of moisture content in meat increased by 27.8%, and its boiling properties increased by 7.9%. With an increase in the thickness of subcutaneous fat in beef, there was a tendency for the reduction of its acidity (pH), the amount of dry matter, the total content of fat and minerals, deterioration of taste, aroma, residue after chewing boiled meat, flavour, and aroma, concentration, and transparency of broth made of it. The practical significance of these studies is to obtain knowledge that allows the assessment of the quality characteristics of carcasses and beef by the thickness of subcutaneous fat for their further use by producers and processing industries.

Chlorella vulgaris on two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper phase can-1mnn-3Nb3O3n+1 (n = 4, 5, 6) perovskite nanosheets for hydrogen generation

Amid the increasing focus on sustainable energy, hydrogen generation through photocatalysis has garnered substantial attention in recent years. Given their distinctive electronic, optical, and structural properties, two-dimensional perovskite nanosheets have surfaced as promising contenders as photocatalysts. Here we present a systematic exploration of Ruddlesden-Popper phase Can-1Mnn-3Nb3O3n+12− (n = 4,5,6) perovskite (CMNO) nanosheets with distinct layers (n = 4, 5, and 6), synthesized via exfoliation approach, for enhanced physicochemical properties and catalytic performances. Rigorous characterizations supported by the Tauc plot and Mott-Schottky analysis reveal the crystal structures, varied bandgaps, and an n-type semiconductor behavior from the CMNO nanosheets. In a novel approach to enhance its photo-absorption, Chlorella vulgaris microalgae, strategically layered onto the CMNO nanosheets, consequently exhibit significant improvements in the onset potential and current density, especially for the CMNO (n = 6) nanosheet. This research lays a foundation for understanding the tailored composition and layer-dependent properties of CMNO nanosheets, propelling their potential application in efficient hydrogen generation through photoelectrochemical water splitting for sustainable energy technologies.

Analysis of aging effects on the mechanical and vibration properties of quasi-isotropic basalt fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Eco-friendly natural fiber composites, such as basalt fiber composites, are gaining traction in material science but remain vulnerable to environmental degradation. This study investigates the mechanical and vibrational properties of quasi-isotropic basalt fiber composites subjected to aging in two different environments: ambient (30 ºC) and subzero (-10 ºC), both in distilled water until moisture saturation. Aged specimens absorbed 8.66% and 5.44% moisture in ambient and subzero conditions, respectively. Mechanical testing revealed significant strength reductions in tensile, flexural, impact, and short beam shear tests, with ambient-aged specimens showing the largest decline (up to 31.7% in flexural strength). Vibrational analysis showed reduced natural frequencies, particularly under ambient conditions (27.27%). Sound absorption tests showed that pristine specimens had the highest transmission loss, while moisture-rich ambient-aged specimens had the lowest. SEM analysis confirmed surface degradation, with fiber pull-out and matrix debonding contributing to property loss. This research provides valuable insights into the environmental limitations of basalt fiber composites, emphasizing the need for enhanced durability in eco-friendly materials.

Mechanical assessment for enhancing hybrid composite performance through silane treatment using RSM and ANN

The study utilized Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to identify the optimal combination of three key factors for producing polymer composites: nanoparticle percentage, silane concentration, and silane dipping duration. RSM and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied to explore the relationships between these variables and their effects on composite properties. Additionally, the ANN was used to analyze multiple factors, revealing a strong correlation between predicted and observed results. The findings highlighted that silane treatment was the most influential factor in enhancing the composite's flexural strength. Fiber-related properties, particularly the duration of silane dipping, significantly impacted both flexural strength and hardness. Nanoparticles further strengthened the fiber matrix by encouraging effective agglomeration. The ANN demonstrated 95% accuracy in predicting flexural strength and hardness, and its predictions were validated by comparing them with experimental data and the regression model's outcomes. Silane concentration also notably influenced flexural properties. The RSM analysis identified the optimal combination for maximizing flexural strength and hardness: 5% nanoparticles, 10% silane concentration, and a 20-minute silane dipping time.

Revealing the structural microenvironment of high metastatic risk uveal melanomas following decellularisation

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare aggressive intraocular tumour that spreads most commonly to the liver in tumours with loss of one copy of chromosome 3 (HR-M3); current treatments for metastatic disease remain largely ineffective. Pre-clinical research is increasingly using three-dimensional models that better recapitulate the tumour microenvironment (TME). One aspect of the TME is the acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) that influences cell proliferation, migration and response to therapy. Although commercial matrices are used in culture, the composition and biochemical properties may not be representative of the tumour ECM in vivo. This study identifies UM metastatic risk specific ECM proteins by developing methodology for decellularisation of low- and high- metastatic risk tissue samples (LR-D3 vs. HR-M3). Proteomic analysis revealed a matrisome signature of 34 core ECM and ECM-associated proteins upregulated in HR-M3 UM. Combining additional UM secretome and whole cell iTRAQ proteomic datasets revealed enriched GO and KEGG pathways including ‘regulating ECM binding’ and ‘PI3K/Akt signalling’. Structural analyses of decellularised matrices revealed microarchitecture of differing fibre density and expression differences in collagen 4, collagen 6A1 and nidogen 1, between metastatic risk groups. This approach is a powerful tool for the generation of ECM matrices relevant to high metastatic risk UM.

Experimental data and thermodynamic modeling for n-propane + Brazil nut oil at high pressures

This research aimed to uncover essential phase transition data for the pseudo-binary system of n-propane and Brazil nut oil. Over a range of temperatures from 313 to 343 K and pressures up to 3.42 MPa, our study identified various phase equilibria, including liquid-vapor, liquid-liquid, and liquid-liquid-vapor, using the visual synthetic-static variable volume method. The observed phase transitions fall under the type III classification proposed by Scott van Konynenburg. Leveraging the cubic Peng-Robinson equation of state with the van der Waals mixing rule, we were able to construct isopleths for the proposed system. Additionally, we examined the fatty acid profile of Brazil nut oil to accurately quantify its composition and estimate critical properties of the pseudo component in line with Kay's rule. This research provides critical insights into the behavior of phase diagrams for pressurized fluid-based extraction and separation processes, which are crucial for achieving maximum yield and minimizing energy expenditure.

Magnesium Stearate Fatty Acid Composition, Lubrication Performance and Tablet Properties

Magnesium stearate (MgSt) is a common tablet lubricant. As variations in MgSt properties are known to influence tablet attributes, the impact of MgSt fatty acid composition, particularly the significance of the stearate and palmitate contents, and its effects on tablet properties warrant further investigation. This study investigated the effect of MgSt with different stearate and palmitate contents but comparable physical properties (e.g. particle size, crystallinity, specific surface area and morphology) on lubrication performance and resulting tablet quality attributes, including mechanical strength, disintegratability and drug release. The influence of MgSt concentration and blending duration on the resulting tablet properties was also examined. Tablets produced using the lower stearate content MgSt had slightly higher tensile strength. The effect of MgSt stearate content was more apparent in the disintegration time and drug release, whereby MgSt of lower stearate content resulted in tablets with longer disintegration time and slower drug release. The lower stearate content also resulted in a lower lubrication performance, leading to a lesser reduction in tablet ejection force. As expected, a longer blending time of the tablet formulation blend with MgSt yielded tablets with reduced tensile strength, shorter disintegration time and slower drug release. Tablets with higher MgSt concentration showed a greater reduction in tensile strength, longer disintegration time and faster drug release. The study findings reinforced observations by other researchers and provided a better understanding of the fatty acid composition effects of MgSt on lubrication performance and the resulting tablet properties.Graphical