Properties Of Composites Research Articles

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.

Investigation on the heat transfer characteristics of thermal control system based on phase change material coupled with three-dimensional arrayed pulsating heat pipe

The rapid development of electronic devices necessitates reliable thermal control systems for efficient thermal management. The combination of pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) with phase change materials (PCMs) facilitates uniform and efficient thermal regulation. This study presents a novel coupled thermal control module that integrates a three-dimensional arrayed pulsating heat pipe (3D-APHP) with a dual-plane and arrayed structure and solid-solid PCM composites. The heat transfer characteristics of the 3D-APHP, the phase change characteristics of the PCM composites, and the interaction between the 3D-APHP and PCM composites under different heating powers and filling rates were experimentally investigated. The results show that the latent heat absorption properties of the PCM composites significantly reduce the temperature fluctuation range and pulsation amplitude of the 3D-APHP, enhancing the temperature uniformity and lowering the overall temperature of the 3D-APHP by approximately 3–10 °C. The efficient thermal conductivity mechanism of the 3D-APHP ensure that the axial temperature difference of the PCM composites is controlled within 10 °C and the radial temperature difference is controlled within 1.5 °C, effectively promoting uniform heat distribution and enhancing the overall temperature rise rate. Additionally, in passive operating mode, the overall temperature difference of the 3D-APHP is smaller and the heat transfer stability is enhanced; in passive/active coupling operating mode, the average temperature of the evaporation section of the 3D-APHP decreases and the thermal response speed increases. The working characteristics of these two modes can be applied to different scenarios, highlighting the innovative integration of PHPs and PCMs in advanced thermal management solutions.

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

EFFECT OF CRICKET POWDER ADDITION ON TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND QUALITY OF SAUSAGES

Edible insects are increasingly explored as alternative protein sources for the feed and food industry due to their potential for sustainable, high-quality protein production. The use of a powdered form of an insect in a ready-to-eat food can increase the willingness to consume insects. This study evaluates the chemical composition, colour, texture and sensory properties of sausages with the addition of cricket powder (3%, 6%, and 12% of cricket powder). The addition of cricket powder significantly increased the protein content of the sausages (p < 0.05). As the addition of cricket powder increased, the sausages became darker both on the surface and on the cut (p < 0.05). The textural properties were not affected by the addition of cricket powder (p > 0.05). For sensory descriptors, sausages without cricket powder scored the highest, and the scores decreased as the amount of cricket powder increased (p < 0.05) except odour where no significant differences were found (p < 0.05). The results showed that cricket powder can be used at lower levels in meat products without affecting sensory quality.

Changes in starch properties during malting and their correlations with the malting quality of multiple barley cultivars

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThere is still a lack of information about detailed dynamic changes in starch properties during malting among multiple barley varieties and correlations of starch properties with malting qualities. In this work, compositional, physicochemical, morphological, and structural properties of starches from four barley varieties at six time points across the malting process were first investigated to better understand the starch modification of barley malting. Furthermore, a total of 30 barley varieties were used to investigate the relationship between malting qualities and starch properties. The results provide a reference for breeding high‐malting quality barley based on starch properties.FindingsSignificant decreases in starch contents, paste viscosities, relative crystallinity, as well as the ratio of 1045/1022 cm−1 of starch, were exhibited, while comparatively small changes were found in the thermal parameters during malting. Amylose and amylopectin polymers were both hydrolyzed in malting. After malting, pits and holes were discovered on the surface of some starch granules. Four parameters of peak viscosity (PV), breakdown, peak time (PeT), and pasting temperature (PT) had significant correlations with diastatic power (DP), while the above four indicators together with amylose content, total starch content, onset temperature, peak temperature, and swelling power had significant correlations with malt extract (ME).ConclusionsThe trend of changes in starch properties among all four genotypes was similar. However, the variety with better malting quality showed a greater degree of measurements in some starch characters. Starch properties are mainly related to the two malting quality indicators of DP and ME.Significance and NoveltyPV, breakdown, PeT, and PT had significant correlations with malting qualities.

Performance Prediction of High-Entropy Perovskites La0.8Sr0.2MnxCoyFezO3 with Automated High-Throughput Characterization of Combinatorial Libraries and Machine Learning.

Perovskite oxides form a large family of materials with applications across various fields, owing to their structural and chemical flexibility. Efficient exploration of this extensive compositional space is now achievable through automated high-throughput experimentation combined with machine learning. In this study, we investigate the composition-structure-performance relationships of high-entropy La0.8Sr0.2MnxCoyFezO3±𝞭 perovskite oxides (0 < x, y, z <1; x+y+z≈1) for application as oxygen electrodes in Solid Oxide Cells. Following the deposition of a continuous compositional map using thin-film combinatorial pulsed laser deposition, compositional, structural, and performance properties are characterized using six different techniques with mapping capabilities. Random forests effectively model electrochemical performance, consistently identifying Fe-rich oxides as optimal compounds with the lowest area-specific resistance values for oxygen electrodes at 700 °C. Additionally, the models identify a statistical correlation between oxygen sublattice distortion-derived from spectral analysis of Raman-active modes-and enhanced performance.

Children's Preference Patterns and Opportunities for Sensory‐Led Reformulation of Chocolate Chip Cookies

ABSTRACTIn the context of the rising prevalence childhood obesity, this study investigated children's preferences for chocolate chip cookies, a high impact food category. The objective was to explore drivers of preferences and to identify potential pathways for reformulation. A home use test was conducted in four cities in France with 151 school‐aged children on eight commercial chocolate chips cookies. An external preference mapping analysis was performed using descriptive analysis data from a trained sensory panel and analyses of cookies' composition and physicochemical properties. Texture emerged as a critical driver of preference, with a majority of children favoring softer textures. Preferences were not particularly driven by sweetness, challenging the assumption that children always prefer the sweetest products. Cluster analysis revealed distinct preference patterns that were linked to children's BMI and demographic factors. Notably, children with higher BMIs showed preferences for sweeter cookies and higher sugar content.

Влияние структуры и состава технически чистой бескислородной меди различных производителей на ее электропроводность и механические свойства

The composition, structure, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of oxygen-free copper grade C10100 with a purity of 99.997% produced by Sichuan Huazi Technology Co., Ltd (China) intended for use in the production of niobium-titanium superconductors as a stabilizing component of a multi-filament composite were studied. It was shown that the recrystallization onset temperature of deformed copper samples in the form of wire is about 150 °C, and as a result of collective recrystallization at temperatures above 300 °C, the grain size reaches a value of more than 180 μm. The RRR parameter characterizing the electrical conductivity of copper at the cryogenic temperature of samples in a fully recrystallized state reaches a value of 1300 units, which is three times higher than the level typical for copper grade C10100 produced by leading manufacturers of cryogenic copper for superconductors. Maximum plasticity (up to 50%) of copper wire samples is achieved after short annealing (less than 5 minutes) at a temperature of 300°C. Increasing the annealing temperature to 600°C leads to a decrease in mechanical properties due to grain growth and the well-known effect of temperature plasticity failure.

A novel corrosion inhibitor for copper in sulfuric acid media: Complexation of iodide ions with Benincasa Hispida leaf extract

In the context of green and low-carbon development, the rapid development of industry brings the problem of metal corrosion costs increase, metal corrosion protection methods are of great concern. Extracts from Benincasa hispida leaves (BHLE), which were obtained through pressurised liquid extraction, were employed as a inhibitor for copper corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4. Their composition and anti-corrosion properties were subsequently analyzed and evaluated. The electrochemical analysis results indicated that BHLE functions as a cathodic-type corrosion inhibitor. The anti-corrosion performance intensifies with the increase in concentration but diminishes gradually as the temperature rises, when the concentration of BHLE is 400 mg/L, the corrosion inhibition efficiency can reach 91.82 %, when the concentration of added potassium iodide reaches 16 mg/L the slow-release efficiency of the compounded corrosion inhibitor reaches 96.92 %. The addition of I− strengthens the inhibition efficiency through the adsorption form dominated by competitive adsorption. The adsorption of BHLE onto the surface of copper follows the Langmuir monolayer adsorption model.

The critical role of size effect on internal damage and mechanical properties of flax fiber reinforced composites

The effect of the size on the strength of laminated artificial fiber reinforced composites has been extensive discussed during the design of large composites structure. With the trial as the structures in aerospace, civil engineering, automobile industry, the scaling of the properties of plant fiber reinforced composite should be studied. In this paper, the size effect and failure mechanism of tensile and impact properties of flax fiber reinforced composites were valuated. The effects of different area, thickness and volume on the tensile properties of composites were explored. Additionally, the failure mechanism of size effect on tensile specimens was proposed through the damage morphologies of composites. It is found that the twist of fiber bundle plays an important role in the size effect of composite thickness. Besides, the relationship between impact properties and size effect of composites was conducted, including the size of hammer, different impact energy and sample size. The curves of different types of impact samples were normalized to verify the linear rule in response stage. The crack length after impact was measured and the size effect of crack length was discussed. The size effect of crack area was studied by calculating the crack area with ultrasonic C-scan. Different “size effects” between flax fibers and artificial fibers were explored. The results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the structural design of plant fiber reinforced composites.

A Monte Carlo Approach for Simulating Electrical Conductivity in Highly Porous Ceramic Composites: Impact of Internal Structure.

Porous ceramic composites play an important role in several applications. This is due to their unique properties resulting from a combination of various materials. Determination of the composite properties and structure is crucial for their further development and optimization. However, composite analysis often requires complex, expensive, and time-demanding experimental work. Mathematical modeling represents an effective tool to substitute experimental approach. The present study employs a Monte Carlo 3D equivalent electronic circuit network model developed to analyze a highly porous composite on the basis of minimum easily obtainable input parameters. Solid oxide cell electrodes were used as a model example, and this study focuses primarily on materials with a porosity of 55% and higher, characterized by deviation of behavior from those of lower void fraction share. This task is approached by adding to the original Monte Carlo model an additional parameter defining the void phase coalescence phenomenon. The enhanced model accurately simulates electrical conductivity for experimental samples of up to 75% porosity. Using sample composition, single-phase properties, and experimentally determined conductivity, this model allows us to estimate data of the internal structure of the material. This approach offers a rapid and cost-effective method to study material microstructure, providing insights into properties, such as electrical conductivity and heat conductivity. The present research thus contributes to advancing predictive capabilities in understanding and optimizing the performance of composite materials with potential in various technological applications.

Evaluation of the thermomechanical properties of novel epoxy composites reinforced with Geonoma baculifera fibers

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have shown a great potential as reinforcements in composites in recent decades. Among other reasons, environmental concerns and the depletion of oil reserves justify research on natural composites as they offer an environmentally friendly alternative and align with the principles of sustainable development. Among the plethora of NLFs available in nature, the ubim fiber (Geonoma baculifera) has not yet been investigated as a reinforcement for composites in potential engineering applications. Therefore, this study evaluates, for the first time, the mechanical properties of epoxy composites with 10, 20, and 30 vol% of ubim fibers. These properties were assessed through Izod impact, tensile and flexural tests as well as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The data were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated a transition from a purely brittle fracture mechanism to a ductile-brittle combination as the fiber volume in the composite increased. Tensile tests of the composites demonstrated an increasing trend in strength and elastic modulus with fiber volume. The results of the flexural tests also displayed a similar trend in strength and elasticity modulus for the composites. The results of DMA tests showed that composite materials with a 30 vol% of ubim fibers exhibited a high glass transition temperature and a low tan δ value, suggesting higher stiffness of this composite compared to others. Overall, the results indicated that the incorporation of 30 vol% ubim fibers into the composites significantly improved their mechanical properties compared to other tested fiber fractions. Additionally, their functional characteristics, such as simplicity in the manufacturing process, low cost, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio, make these composites particularly suitable for applications in sectors such as the automotive industry, construction panels, and packaging. These factors contribute to the development of an efficient, sustainable, recyclable and environmentally friendly composite.

Enhancing thermal stability of Nb nanowires in a NiTiFe matrix via texture engineering

Metallic nanowires, renowned for their high strength and large elastic strain limits, have shown significant potential in rendering extraordinary structural and functional properties in composites. However, their integrity at high temperatures is often compromised due to fragmentation and spheroidization, processes driven by excess interfacial energy. Here, we demonstrate in a NiTiFe/Nb nanocomposite that the fragmentation and spheroidization of Nb nanowires can be significantly suppressed by tailoring the interfacial crystallographic orientation relationship between the nanowires and the matrix. By doping Fe into NiTi, we inhibit the typical deformation-induced amorphization of the NiTi-based matrix during severe deformation processing. The common (111)NiTi//(110)Nb texture is inherently suppressed and (110)NiTiFe//(110)Nb texture is formed instead. Such a change in texture allows Nb nanowires to retain their integrity up to 700 °C in the NiTiFe matrix, in contrast to the 550 °C in the counterparts. Simulation results indicate that the enhanced thermal stability of Nb nanowires is attributed to the reduced interfacial energy between (110)NiTiFe and (110)Nb. Additionally, Fe doping elevates the migration energy barrier for Nb diffusion, imposing further resistance to fragmentation and spheroidization.

Revolutionizing applications: the impact of controlled surface chemistry on marble powder.

A large amount of marble powder is abundantly available as a byproduct and waste in the marble industry, and its reinforcement has been attempted in several applications through surface modification. This article examines the use of MP in the production of rubber, paper, foam stabilizers, asphalt, paint, textiles, and adhesives. This article aims to provide a foundation for the surface modification of MP to enhance its properties and broaden its range of applications. Data on modifiers such as organic acids, coupling agents, polymers, and surfactants have been gathered, along with comprehensive reaction details for various techniques, including wet modification, dry modification, in situ modification, ultrasonication, and sol-gel methods. A general overview of MP modification and its impact on composite properties is provided in this review paper, mainly focusing on the distinctive features of composites, contemporary field challenges, and the correlation between the properties and applications of MP.

Impact of graphene nanoparticles on DLP-printed parts' mechanical behavior

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is one of the most promising techniques among the additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for polymer resin. The polymer parts produced through this technique demonstrate a diverse range of characteristics that can be specifically designed for various fields of application. Specific attributes can be attained by utilizing polymer composites composed of multiple materials in numerous ratios. This research delves into evaluating and comparing different properties, including microstructure, surface texture, and mechanical behavior, of resin-based polymer composites fabricated using the DLP 3D printing technology. To achieve this, specimens have been printed using photopolymer resin as the base material, with varying percentages of graphene nanoparticles added to the resin. Tensile tests and particle analysis based on optical microscope images validate that optimizing parameters, especially the energy setting of the printer, significantly impact the printed samples' strength, surface texture, layering, and microstructure. The findings indicate that at a specific percentage of graphene, such as 0.5%, there is an increase in tensile strength by 38.1%, Young's modulus by 54.7%, and Yield strength by 11.2%, accompanied by an improved surface roughness. A graphene concentration of 0.75% results in diminished tensile strength, yield strength, and Young's modulus. The significance of fine-tuning printing parameters to achieve desired properties in resin-based polymer composites manufactured via 3D printing is highlighted.

Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyester Composites with Nano Clay Reinforcement

Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyester Composites with Nano Clay Reinforcement

Development of supercritical technology to obtain improved functional dietary fiber for the valorization of broccoli by-product.

This research aimed to enhance the functional value of dietary fiber from broccoli leaves using supercritical fluid technology. By optimizing pressure, temperature, and time parameters through response surface methodology, the study sought to improve the bioactive properties of the fiber and develop a predictive model for its chemical composition and functional properties. Structural analysis indicated that modified samples had a higher concentration of oligosaccharides than control samples did, with significant increases in galacturonic acid and neutral sugars after supercritical fluid technology treatment, highlighting enhanced pectin release due to cell wall degradation. Functional properties, such as water solubility, glucose absorption capacity, and antioxidant activity, improved significantly under optimized conditions (191 bar, 40 °C, 1 h). Multivariate analysis confirmed the effectiveness of supercritical fluid technology in enhancing the dietary fiber properties, achieving a global desirability value of 0.805. These results underscore the potential of supercritical technology for valorizing broccoli leaf by-products, enhancing their health-promoting characteristics and functional applications in the food industry. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis and characterization of sheets like ZnO/MWCNT nanocomposites as a positive electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor application

One practical approach to addressing the disparity between global energy needs and availability is through the advancement of effective energy storage systems, such as batteries and supercapacitors. These devices can store excess power and release it when demand surpasses supply, ensuring a stable energy flow. In the present work, the sheet-like ZnO/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and used as positive electrode materials for supercapacitors. This investigation aims to design an effective electrode material for supercapacitors by harnessing the combined benefits of ZnO nanostructures and MWCNTs. The synergistic interaction between these materials is expected to significantly boost the electrode’s capabilities. The formation, crystal structural, morphological, elemental composition, and energy storage properties of prepared ZnO/MWCNTs electrodes were studied by various analytical methods (XRD, FTIR, TEM, XPS, CV, GCD, and EIS). The electrochemical performances of ZnO/MWCNTs electrode demonstrated specific capacitance (Cs) of 162.2 F/g at the current density of 2 A/g. The life cycle performances of prepared ZnO/MWCNTs electrode exhibited a 94 % after 2000 GCD cycles at 10A/g. The constructed ZnO/MWCNT//AC device attains a peak energy density of 19.50 W h/kg with a corresponding power density of 1280 W/kg.