Properties Of Smart Materials Research Articles

Efficiency of utilizing building information modeling tools for examining smart materials behavior in a hot climate

The significance of smart materials aligns seamlessly with promoting the seventh goal of Sustainable Development, given their adaptability and energy-efficient properties in the construction sector. Using BIM tools to simulate environmental performance can enhance understanding of the behavior of smart materials within building components. Therefore, this study proposes integrating genetic algorithms (GA) with Building Information Modeling (BIM) through the Dynamo plugin. Where genetic algorithms help link the properties of smart materials and external stimuli, which outperforms traditional simulation tools for energy analysis.A comparison between the analysis process in Dynamo and Green Building Studio (GBS) emphasizes Dynamo's efficiency in simulating energy performance within the BIM environment in a shorter process. The effectiveness of simulating smart materials in Dynamo was validated in a hot climate through two scenarios of Phase change materials (BioPCM 29) and thermochromic materials (TCM), that were used in a lecture hall in an educational building in the Faculty of Engineering at Port Said University. Through the heat transfer rate indicator, energy consumption reduction rates were calculated. Integrating (BioPCM 29) into walls, ceilings, and glazing demonstrated a notable reduction in energy consumption for cooling in the summer months by a rate ranging between 23.3% and 23.4%. While (TCM) helped reduce consumption by 19.3%–19.4% in the same period of months. These findings affirm the research objective, highlighting BIM's potential as a tool to compare the environmental performance of smart materials and thus reach the optimal choice from the initial design stages.

TEM and X-ray diffraction studies of structure of TiNi SMA treated by low-energy high-current electron beam

Advanced scientific and technological achievements in the surface engineering of TiNi shape memory alloys are closely related with their mechanical performance. Electron-beam treatments could be applied in order to modify surface properties of smart materials and promote stress-induced martensitic transformations. The fundamental issue of electron-beam processing is residual elastic stresses arising from the ultrafast quenching (∼108 K/s) of thin (∼2–4 μm) surface layers. We report the experimental results on phase composition, structure and residual elastic stresses formed in the binary TiNi SMA irradiated by a low-energy (< 25 keV) high-current (∼ 25 kA) electron beam. Microstructure, fracture mechanisms and phase analysis of the as-cast and deformed tensile specimens have been studied by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. After electron-beam treatment, both martensitic B19′ and R phases are found in the near surface layer. The X-ray diffraction studies indicate that compressive stresses in the B2 phase of the irradiated TiNi alloy reach –460 MPa. In the fractured specimen (after tensile test) the residual stresses decrease to –160 MPa and release through the B2→B19′→B2 martensitic transformation. In-depth gradient distribution of the defect substructures responsible for the mechanical behavior of TiNi alloys was revealed.

Finite Element Analysis of Laminated Composite Shells with Piezoelectric Elements

The concept of incorporating some degree of smartness or intelligence in a system is gaining wide acceptance for utilisation in a variety of practical applications from aircraft to medical diagnostics because of the capability of smart materials to execute specific functions intelligently in response to changes in environmental stimuli. In this paper, the effectiveness of a simple finite element model in ANSYS is established for analyzing laminated composite shells with piezoelectric elements under static and dynamic loading. The substrate in smart shell is discretised using SOLSH190 element and the piezoelectric layer is discretised using coupledfield element, SOLID5. The basic behaviour of a smart composite shell depends on the behaviour of substrate with the response reduced/controlled by the properties of smart materials used, which is predicted effectively by the present finite element model.

Dimensional influence of basalt fiber reinforcements on the consolidation behaviour of rice husk ash stabilized soils

The development of reinforcement techniques in soils with various fibers has been a common practice since the early days. Recently, fibers and materials considered waste are being used to develop sustainable solutions in designing new soil reinforcing and stabilizing materials. In this paper, an investigation has been carried out to evaluate the dimensional influence of basalt fiber on the compressibility and swelling of soils stabilized with rice husk ash (RHA) and cement. Incorporating a nominal dosage of basalt fibers into the soil–cement-RHA composite produces a strong composite with smart material properties. Specimen containing expansive clay soil, basalt fibers (lengths 3 mm, 6 mm, 12 mm), RHA (5%, 10%, and 15%), and cement (3%), in their specified combinations, were prepared and tested. The influence of fiber length and variation of RHA-cement content was quantified using the consolidation curves (compression curves and normalized compression curves), compression index, and swelling index, which provided a detailed behavioral modification upon consolidation. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were also used to examine the reconstituted soil structure and chemical components. It is demonstrated that a reconstituted clay soil combination of 12 mm basalt fibers, 5% RHA, and 3% cement, enhanced the ultimate yield pressures and the resistance to excessive swelling. This paper emphasized the projected responses during the loading and unloading phases on the specimen and discussed the consolidation characteristics of the newly reconstituted soil composites.

Photocontrolled multiple-state photochromic benzo[b]phosphole thieno[3,2-b]phosphole-containing alkynylgold(I) complex via selective light irradiation

Photochromic materials have drawn growing attention because using light as a stimulus has been regarded as a convenient and environmental-friendly way to control properties of smart materials. While photoresponsive systems that are capable of showing multiple-state photochromism are attractive, the development of materials with such capabilities has remained a challenging task. Here we show that a benzo[b]phosphole thieno[3,2‑b]phosphole-containing alkynylgold(I) complex features multiple photoinduced color changes, in which the gold(I) metal center plays an important role in separating two photoactive units that leads to the suppression of intramolecular quenching processes of the excited states. More importantly, the exclusive photochemical reactivity of the thieno[3,2‑b]phosphole moiety of the gold(I) complex can be initiated upon photoirradiation of visible light. Stepwise photochromism of the gold(I) complex has been made possible, offering an effective strategy for the construction of multiple-state photochromic materials with multiple photocontrolled states to enhance the storage capacity of potential optical memory devices.

Carbon Dots: An Emerging Smart Material for Analytical Applications.

Carbon dots (CDs) are optically active carbon-based nanomaterials. These nanomaterials can change their light emission properties in response to various external stimuli such as pH, temperature, pressure, and light. The CD’s remarkable stimuli-responsive smart material properties have recently stimulated massive research interest for their exploitation to develop various sensor platforms. Herein, an effort has been made to review the major advances made on CDs, focusing mainly on its smart material attributes and linked applications. Since the CD’s material properties are largely linked to their synthesis approaches, various synthesis methods, including surface passivation and functionalization of CDs and the mechanisms reported so far in their photophysical properties, are also delineated in this review. Finally, the challenges of using CDs and the scope for their further improvement as an optical signal transducer to expand their application horizon for developing analytical platforms have been discussed.

Magnetostrictive particulates of Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe2 integrated into carbon fiber reinforced polymer for structural damage monitoring

Smart materials usually are either mounted on surfaces or embedded inside; in this work, we study magnetic properties of smart materials that are integrated into the structure. Magnetostrictive particles of TbxDy1−xFe2 (x ∼ 0.3), commonly known as Terfenol-D, incorporated into carbon fiber reinforced polymers showed a 3000% enhancement in the coercive field compared to the reference pristine bulk Terfenol-D. Torque magnetometer measurements revealed a magnetic anisotropy with twofold symmetry. The lowest applied field at which a reversible torque without hysteresis occurred was ∼5.0 kOe, which yields 5 Oe anisotropic field for a carbon fiber reinforced polymer magnet. This value of the anisotropic field is confirmed using the Miyajima method. Angle dependent coercive field and saturation/remanent magnetization also confirmed the twofold symmetry of magnetization in this system. The high magnetostrictive coefficient, together with the enhanced coercive field, makes Terfenol-D integrated into carbon fiber reinforced polymers serve as an excellent candidate for in situ sensing of damage in various polymer composites under several mechanical loading conditions.

Synthesis of magnetorheological fluid and its application in a twin-tube valve mode automotive damper

The change in rheological properties of smart materials like magnetorheological fluid when brought under the influence of a magnetic field can be utilized to develop magnetorheological devices where the output has to be continuously and quickly varied using electronic control interface. In the present study, magnetorheological fluid is synthesized and used as a smart fluid in a twin-tube magnetorheological damper operating in valve mode. The behavior of the magnetorheological fluid is experimentally characterized in a rheometer and mathematically modeled using Herschel–Bulkley model. The parameters of the Herschel–Bulkley model are expressed as polynomial functions of strength of the magnetic field in order to find the shear stress developed by the magnetorheological fluid at any given strength of the magnetic field applied. The magnetorheological damper, which was designed for application in a passenger van, is tested in the damper testing machine. The performance of the damper at different damper velocities and current supplied is studied. The range of values for the parameters of the experimental testing are chosen to emulate the actual conditions of operation in its intended application. Nondimensional analysis is performed, which links magnetorheological fluid rheological properties and geometrical parameters of magnetorheological damper design with the force developed by the damper. Finite element method magnetics is used to find the strength of the magnetic field at the fluid flow gap. Analytical methods are used to calculate the damper force developed due to the field-dependent yield stress and compared with experimental force values. The resulting dynamic range of the magnetorheological damper is also assessed.

Self-lubricating bidirectional carbon fiber reinforced smart aluminum composites by squeeze infiltration process

Self-lubrication is one of the smart material properties required for producing components with enhanced wear resistance and low coefficient of friction. Bidirectional (BD) satin weave polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fiber (Cf) fabric preform was successfully infiltrated with Al 6061 alloy by squeeze infiltration process. The infiltrated composite shows uniform distribution of carbon fibers in the matrix with the elimination of porosities, fiber damage and close control on the formation of deleterious aluminum carbide (Al4C3) phase. Cf/Al composite exhibits remarkable wear resistance compared to unreinforced alloy due to the formation of self-lubricating tribolayer on the pin surface, which intercepts the contact of matrix metal to counter surface. The BD carbon fiber enhanced the hardness and compressive strength of the composite by restraining the plastic flow behavior of matrix. High resolution transmission electron microscopy shows the presence of Al2O3 and MgAl2O4 spinel, confirmed by EDS and SAD pattern, at the composite interface. The composite shows a lower density of 2.16 g/cm3 which is a major advantage for weight reduction compared to the monolithic alloy (2.7 g/cm3).

Prospective Design, Rapid Prototyping, and Testing of Smart Dressings, Drug Delivery Patches, and Replacement Body Parts Using Microscopy Aided Design and ManufacturE (MADAME).

Natural materials exhibit smart properties including gradients in biophysical properties that engender higher order functions, as well as stimuli-responsive properties which integrate sensor and/or actuator capacities. Elucidation of mechanisms underpinning such smart material properties (i), and translation of that understanding (ii), represent two of the biggest challenges in emulating natural design paradigms for design and manufacture of disruptive materials, parts, and products. Microscopy Aided Design And ManufacturE (MADAME) stands for a computer-aided additive manufacturing platform that incorporates multidimensional (multi-D) printing and computer-controlled weaving. MADAME enables the creation of composite design motifs emulating e.g., patterns of woven protein fibers as well as gradients in different caliber porosities, mechanical, and molecular properties, found in natural tissues, from the skin on bones (periosteum) to tree bark. Insodoing, MADAME provides a means to manufacture a new genre of smart materials, products and replacement body parts that exhibit advantageous properties both under the influence of as well as harnessing dynamic mechanical loads to activate material properties (mechanoactive properties). This Technical Report introduces the MADAME technology platform and its associated machine-based workflow (pipeline), provides basic technical background of the novel technology and its applications, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of the approach in context of current 3 and 4D printing platforms.

Dynamic experiences generated by sensory features through smart material driven design

Materials can be considered the interface of a product as they mediate between user, environment and object (Karana, Pedgley and Rognoli 2014). They characterize the physical world and generate a continuous flow of sensory interactions. In this age of mass production, engineers and designers are in a unique position to use the opportunities presented by materials development and apply them in creative ways to trigger meaningful user experiences.&#x0D; Dynamism is considered a very promising material experience in terms of creating meaningful interactions, and, consequently, user attachment to a product (Rognoli, Ferrara and Arquilla 2016). Dynamic products are those that show sensory features that change over time in a proactive and reversible way, activating one or more user’s sensory modalities and aiming at enhancing the user’s experience (Colombo 2016).&#x0D; Smart materials could be considered the most suitable candidates to provide dynamic experiences. They react to external stimuli, such as pressure, temperature or the electric field, changing properties such as shape or colour. They are capable of both sensing and responding to the environment, as well as exerting active control of their responses (Addington and Schodek 2004). Compared to understanding traditional materials, smart materials involve additional technical complexity.&#x0D; The aim of this paper is to share how the Material Driven Design (MDD) method (Karana et al. 2015) has been applied and to analyse a set of 10 projects, grouped into 5 case studies, developed by students from ELISAVA over the last 3 years to improve ways to implement the method. We have analysed the case studies in terms of the changes observed in the sensory features, using a sensory map proposed by Sara Colombo (Colombo 2016). By comparing different projects, the paper shows how the sensorial aspects are invoked by different smart material properties.&#x0D; The 5 case studies have integrated the smart materials into functional prototypes for different application sectors, such as healthcare, energy harvesting or fashion. We have found that only three sensory modalities (sound, sight and touch) were involved in the user experience, with sight being the most predominant sensory perception.&#x0D; This study aims to serve as a springboard for other scholars interested in designing dynamic products with smart materials.

A Novel Empirical Approach to Estimate the Acoustic Properties of Smart Materials: Part I

A Novel Empirical Approach to Estimate the Acoustic Properties of Smart Materials: Part I

Towards Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Smart Material Based on Chitosan Using Mn-IV Itaconic Acid as a Novel Redox Pair

The precipitation technique of Mn-IV/itaconic acid redox pair was chosen for grafting meth acrylic acid onto chitosan. This was done to maximize the graft yield and minimize the homopolymer formation to lower extent in addition to prepare water soluble chitosan instead of non-eco friendly acid soluble one. Evidence of grafting was confirmed instrumentally by (FTIR, SEM, and TGA), titrimetrically using carboxyl content and gravimetrically using dry weight method. The mechanism of grafting and factors affected grafting reaction were studied in details, and the optimum reaction conditions were obtained at [chitosan] 2 g, [MnO2] 25.9 mmol/100 g sample, [itaconic acid],100 mmol/L, [MAA] 50% bows,[liquor ratio], 25, reaction time, 2 h, and [reaction temperature], 65 °C. It is also seen from the obtained results that, the resultant copolymer showed the following findings: (a) only nitric acid solutions are proved to be a superior solvent for the grafted product; (b) superabsorbent towards water (197 g H2O/g polymer) and saline absorbency (60 g saline solution/g polymer) after cross-linked with epichlorohydrin, (c) higher water solubility (21%) at 48% graft yield and (d) 73.5% copper ion removal in comparison with 41% for chitosan.

Preparation, Characterization and Performance Analysis of BTO Based High Yield Strength Electro-Rheological Fluid in Artillery Gun Recoil System Using FEA Approach.

For artillery gun, the disadvantages of passive recoil system like low firing rate and not able to fire precisely at different firing angle as it is designed for the particular load can be overcome by proposed semi-active smart recoil system, because of its adjustable damping force depends on properties of smart material. In this paper, design, development and performance of this smart recoil system are given. Synthesis and characterization of high yield strength electrorheological (ER) fluid are done by using sol-gel, doping methods, and X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, rheometer techniques respectively. Based on the computational results it has been proved that smart recoil system performs significantly better compared to conventional recoil system.

Advanced Multi-Phase Microstructure Investigation of Carbonitrided Samples

Abstract Modern gas-carbonitriding processes are enabling smart material properties and an extension of materials’ strength, so that the limit of use of a given alloy and component can be expanded. Recently, a rapid development of the understanding of microstructure development during carbonitriding and in-depth investigation of the microstructure by the means of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was performed. The paper will show examples for the treatment of different case-hardening steels and the development of the microstructure in the final carbonitrided case. It will be shown that a multi-phase microstructure can be varied by process variations from a two-phase martensite and austenite microstructure to a multi-phase microstructure consisting of martensite, austenite, and precipitations. The kind of precipitations emerging and their specific arrangement will be discussed.

Enhancement of thermo‐rheological properties of smart materials based on SiO2 and PPG modificated with expanded graphite

AbstractThe influence of expanded graphite (EG) on the thermal and rheological properties of shear thickening fluids (STF) based on silica powder with poly (propylene glycol) matrix was studied. Capturing the benefits of this non‐Newtonian system in a fabricated material allows producing advance flexible protectors. However, in order to provide high protection potential in response to an external force, it is necessary to minimize negative effect of temperature on STF. The doping additives reduce the unfavorable effect of temperature increase on shear thickening flow during an impact through faster heat exchange and return to the initial state, characterized by the highest protective potential. EG in different volume fractions (0.10% ‐ 5.00%) as a partial substitution of STF and SiO2 was added to studied systems and measured at temperatures in the range from 25.0 to 50.0°C. The dilatant effect of fluids increased by 580% for 5% volume fraction EG at 50.0°C.

Numerical Modeling of Magnetic Nanoparticle and Carrier Fluid Interactions Under Static and Double-Shear Flows

Magnetic nanoparticles are widely utilized in smart materials, the most well-known application being magnetorheological fluids. In this paper, a comprehensive numerical model of magnetic nanoparticles and the carrier fluid interactions is presented. The soft sphere model approach is adopted to simulate the nanoparticle interactions at a coarse molecular level, with the consideration of both contact and noncontact particle interactions. Magnetic dipole theory is used to simulate the particle behavior under external magnetic fields. The carrier fluid flow is solved using the computational fluid dynamics approach with a two-way coupling with the nanoparticles. Based on the present model, simulations have been conducted for both static fluid and dynamic double-shear flow cases. Without the presence of an external magnetic field, local particle clusters are formed as a result of van der Waals attraction between the particles. When the external magnetic field is present, chain-like structures of nanoparticles are observed for both the static and dynamic cases parallel to the direction of the applied magnetic field. For the static case, the formation of the chain-like structures is rapid, and “steady state” is reached within a short time (~1 ms). In the double-shear flow case, the chain-like structures are found to be much thinner and shorter than the static case. The developed model provides a fundamental understanding of the real physics of magnetic nanoparticles and carrier fluid interactions. It also enables future investigations in optimizing physical and transport properties of smart materials.

Magnetic field angle dependent hysteresis of a magnetorheological suspension

Magnetorheological (MR) materials are of growing interest for a development and realisation of adaptive components and damping devices. The influence of the magnetic field orientation on the rheological properties of smart materials like MR fluids or magnetic hybrid composites is a key aspect which still is not fully understood, but occurs in almost every real life MR application. To cope with the practical needs and efficiently utilise these smart materials while taking into account their material phenomena experimentally validated practice-oriented models are needed. The authors use a coupled phenomenological approach to adjust and discuss a developed theoretical model based on experimentally obtained data. In addition the data helps to get a better understanding of internal processes and interrelations in MR suspensions.

Nitinol laser cutting: microstructure and functional properties of femtosecond and continuous wave laser processing

Thermal processing can affect the properties of smart materials, and the correct selection of the best manufacturing technology is fundamental for producing high tech smart devices, containing embedded functional properties. In this work cutting of thin superelastic Nitinol plates using a femtosecond (fs) and continuous wave (CW) laser was studied. Diamond shaped elements were cut to characterize the kerf qualitative features; microstructural analysis of the cross sections allowed identification of thermal damage characteristics introduced into the material during the laser processes. A thermally undamaged microstructure was observed for fs laser cutting, while CW was seen to be characterized by a large heat-affected zone. Functional properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and tensile testing of laser cut microelements and of the reference material. It was seen that the martensitic transformation behavior of Nitinol is not affected by fs regime, while cw cutting provokes an effect equivalent to a high temperature thermal treatment in the material surrounding the cutting kerf, degradating the material properties. Finally, tensile testing indicated that superelastic performances were guaranteed by fs regime, while strong reduction of the recoverable strain was detected in the CW processed sample.

ChemInform Abstract: Polymers with Pendant Ferrocenes

AbstractReview: 48 refs.