Structural Design Strategy Research Articles

Correlating the microstructure of titanium hydride with its hydrogenation conditions via thermodynamics and kinetics

Titanium hydride is widely considered as an important hydrogen storage material due to its high capacity, stability and low cost. The microstructure of titanium hydride, which is usually induced by the hydrogenation of titanium, strongly influences its storage performance. However, the relationship between the hydrogenation conditions and the derived microstructure of titanium hydride is still unclear, limiting the development of its structure design strategy. In this work, the microstructure of titanium hydride is correlated with its hydrogenation conditions through the thermodynamics and kinetics. By evaluating the effect of the hydrogenation temperature, pressure and cooling rate, three classes of the hydrogenation processes were clarified as kinetic-limited, continuous and stepwise. Besides, according to the SEM and FIB-STEM results, these different processes are confirmed to greatly vary the bulk microstructure. It is concluded that a fast and continuous transition induces a broken bulk morphology, while a stepwise process leads to a larger bulk grain size. In summary, this study presents a framework for designing titanium hydride structures by modifying phase transition processes through careful adjustment of hydrogenation parameters, namely, a condition-process-structure relationship. This relationship offers crucial guidance in managing the grain refinement or coarsening of hydrides within hydrogen storage components and metallurgical applications.

Rational MOF Membrane Design for Gas Detection in Complex Environments.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hold significant promise in the realm of gas sensing. However, current understanding of their sensing mechanisms remains limited. Furthermore, the large-scale fabrication of MOFs is hampered by their inadequate mechanical properties. These two challenges contribute to the sluggish development of MOF-based gas-sensing materials. In this review, the selection of metal ions and organic ligands for designing MOFs is first presented, deepening the understanding of the interactions between different metal ions/organic ligands and target gases. Subsequently, the typical interfacial synthesis strategies (gas-solid, gas-liquid, solid-liquid interfaces) are provided, highlighting the potential for constructing MOF membranes on superhydrophobic and/or superhydrophilic substrates. Then, a multi-scale structure design strategies is proposed, including multi-dimensional membrane design and heterogeneous membrane design, to improve sensing performance through enhanced interfacial mass transfer and specific gas sieving. This strategy is anticipated to augment the task-specific capabilities of MOF-based materials in complex environments. Finally, several key future research directions are outlined with the aim not only to further investigate the underlying sensing principles of MOF membranes but also to achieve efficient detection of target gases amidst interfering gases and elevated moisture levels.

Single-Nanometer Spinel with Precise Cation Distribution for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction.

Designing spinel nanocrystals (NCs) with tailored structural composition and cation distribution is crucial for superior catalytic performance but remarkably challenging due to their intricate nature. Here, an aggregation growth restricted hot-injection method is presented by meticulously investigating the fundamental nucleation and aggregation-driven growth kinetics governing spinel NC formation to address this challenge. Through controlled collision probability of nuclei during growth, this approach enables the synthesis of spinel NCs with unprecedented, single nanometer (1.2nm). Single-nanometer CoMn2O4 spinel via this method exhibits a highly tailored structure with a maximized population of highly active octahedral Mn atoms, thereby optimizing oxygen intermediate adsorption during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Consequently, it exhibits a remarkable half-wave potential of 0.88V in ORR and leads to a superior power density (170.9mW cm-2) in zinc-air battery, outperforming commercial Pt/C and most reported spinel oxides, revealing a clear structure-property relationship. This structure design strategy is readily adaptable for the precise synthesis and engineering of various spinel structures, opening new avenues for developing advanced electrocatalysts and energy storage materials.

Recent Advances in MXene-Based Aerogels for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

Developing lightweight, high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials those can absorb the adverse electromagnetic radiation or waves are of great significance. Transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) are a novel type of 2D nanosheets associated with a large aspect ratio, abundant polar functional groups, adjustable conductivity, and remarkable mechanical properties. This contributes to the high-efficiency assembly of MXene-based aerogels possessing the ultra-low density, large specific surface area, tunable conductivity, and unique 3D porous microstructure, which is beneficial for promoting the EMW absorption. Therefore, MXene-based aerogels for EMW absorption have attracted widespread attention. This review provides an overview of the research progress on MXene-based aerogels for EMW absorption, focusing on the recent advances in component and structure design strategies, and summarizes the main strategies for constructing EMW absorbing MXene-based aerogels. In addition, based on EMW absorption mechanisms and structure regulation strategies, the preparation methods and properties of MXene-based aerogels with varieties of components and pore structures are detailed to advance understanding the relationships of composition-structure-performance. Furthermore, the future development and challenges faced by MXene-based aerogels for EMW absorption are summarized and prospected.

Atomic-level design of biomimetic iron-sulfur clusters for biocatalysis.

Designing biomimetic materials with high activity and customized biological functions by mimicking the central structure of biomolecules has become an important avenue for the development of medical materials. As an essential electron carrier, the iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters have the advantages of simple structure and high electron transport capacity. To rationally design and accurately construct functional materials, it is crucial to clarify the electronic structure and conformational relationships of Fe-S clusters. However, due to the complex catalytic mechanism and synthetic process in vitro, it is hard to reveal the structure-activity relationship of Fe-S clusters accurately. This review introduces the main structural types of Fe-S clusters and their catalytic mechanisms first. Then, several typical structural design strategies of biomimetic Fe-S clusters are systematically introduced. Furthermore, the development of Fe-S clusters in the biocatalytic field is enumerated, including tumor treatment, antibacterial, virus inhibition and plant photoprotection. Finally, the problems and development directions of Fe-S clusters are summarized. This review aims to guide people to accurately understand and regulate the electronic structure of Fe-S at the atomic level, which is of great significance for designing biomimetic materials with specific functions and expanding their applications in biocatalysis.

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Films: Structure Design and Prospects.

The popularity of portable and wearable flexible electronic devices, coupled with the rapid advancements in military field, requires electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with lightweight, thin, and flexible characteristics, which are incomparable for traditional EMI shielding materials. The film materials can fulfill the above requirements, making them among the most promising EMI shielding materials for next-generation electronic devices. Meticulously controlling structure of composite film materials while optimizing the electromagnetic parameters of the constructed components can effectively dissipate and transform electromagnetic wave energy. Herein, the review systematically outlines high-performance EMI shielding composite films through structural design strategies, including homogeneous structure, layered structure, and porous structure. The attenuation mechanism of EMI shielding materials and the evaluation (Schelkunoff theory and calculation theory) of EMI shielding performance are introduced in detail. Moreover, the effect of structure attributes and electromagnetic properties of composite films on the EMI shielding performance is analyzed, while summarizing design criteria and elucidating the relevant EMI shielding mechanism. Finally, the future challenges and potential application prospects of EMI shielding composite films are prospected. This review provides crucial guidance for the construction of advanced EMI shielding films tailored for highly customized and personalized electronic devices in the future.

Asymmetric sandwich poly(lactic acid) composite films fabricated by one-step phase separation approach towards absorption-dominant electromagnetic interference shielding and hydrophobicity

The absorption-dominant electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding polymer composites with excellent hydrophobicity and environmental friendliness are highly demanded to alleviate secondary electromagnetic radiation in high-humidity surroundings. Herein, cobalt–nickel@carbon nanotubes-polylactic acid-silver nanowires (CoNi@CNTs-PLA-AgNWs) films with asymmetrical sandwich architectures were successfully fabricated via a one-step magnetic field-assisted non-solvent-induced phase separation methodology. AgNWs are mainly spread on the rough top layer, but CoNi@CNTs are primarily distributed in the porous bottom layer of CoNi@CNTs-PLA-AgNWs composite films. Owing to the unique asymmetrical magnetic-electric dual networks, 150CoNi@CNTs-PLA-7AgNWs film displays the fantastic averaged EMI SET of 53.7 dB and optimal A of 0.61, illuminating the dominance of absorption in EMI shielding and efficiently alleviating the secondary electromagnetic pollution. In order to enhance the stability of EMI shielding in damp environment, CoNi@CNTs-PLA-AgNWs composite films are dip-coated in 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FDTS) solution for hydrophobic modification. The excellent water repellency is achieved on both top and bottom surface of CoNi@CNTs-PLA-AgNWs films with WCA > 150° and > 120°, respectively, while maintaining the superior EMI shielding performance. Such facile one-step asymmetrical sandwich structure design strategy provides valuable insight into preparing and controlling hydrophobic absorption-dominant EMI shielding composites, which is anticipated to have numerous implications for smart and portable electronic devices in high-humidity environment.

Flexible supercapacitors based on in-situ synthesis of composite nickel manganite@reduced graphene oxide nanosheets cathode: An integration of high mechanical flexibility and energy storage

Supercapacitors have attracted considerable attention in the context of electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and industrial equipment. Nevertheless, further work is required to enhance the energy storage performance and improve the adaptability of supercapacitors under mechanical loads. To address these challenges, we propose a novel design strategy for composite micro-nano structures of reduced graphene oxide coated in situ growth of nickel manganite nanoarrays on the carbon fiber surface (CF@NiMn2O4@rGO). This design enables the fabrication of flexible supercapacitor electrodes with optimised electrochemical and mechanical properties. The CF@NiMn2O4@rGO cathode exhibits a synergistic effect that enhances energy storage, as evidenced by a high specific capacitance of 1003.35 F g−1 (at 10 mA cm−2) and exceptional cycling stability over more than 4000 cycles. Furthermore, the flexible carbon fiber (CF) and in-situ grown nickel manganite@reduced graphene oxide (NiMn2O4@rGO) contribute to improved mechanical properties of the electrode. The assembled supercapacitor exhibits both high energy density and cycling stability. Notably, the flexible bending angle ranging from 0° to 180° has minimal impact on the energy storage performance of this flexible supercapacitor. Even under a bending angle of 180°, it successfully powers a small light bulb. This novel nanostructured material presents an innovative approach for designing flexible supercapacitors.

Functional and structural construction of photothermal-responsive PEEK composite implants to promote bone regeneration and bone-implant integration

Although poly (ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) has been widely used in orthopedic surgeries, its clinical efficacy is challenged by ineffective bone regeneration and insufficient osteointegration. Herein, inspired by the Mortise-and-tenon joint in traditional Chinese architectural art, a novel strategy has been developed to construct photothermal-responsive PEEK composite implants, with tapered lock-groove edges as proof of concept, by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) loaded with polydopamine-coated nano-zirconia (PDA@ZrO2) into PEEK (namely PGPZ composite). The PGPZ composite exhibits improved mechanical properties, good cytocompatibility and blood compatibility, excellent antibacterial ability and osteogenic activity remotely controlled by near-infrared irradiation (NIR). The cranial defects experiment on rabbits reveals that repeated NIR treatment on PGPZ composite implant significantly accelerates endogenous bone regeneration. More importantly, abundant newly-formed bone has materialized in the lock grooves, forming interlocked Mortise-and-tenon joints with the implant. This study not only pave the way for further clinical applications of the PEEK composite implants with improved bioactivities to promote bone regeneration and osteointegration, but also providing a novel strategy for structural and functional design of various tissue engineering implants.

Metal‐Organic Cages: Synthetic Strategies and Photocatalytic Application

AbstractMetal‐organic cages (MOCs) are a class of compounds formed through the coordination of metal ions with organic ligands to create well‐defined and cage‐like structure. These unique structures offer versatile environments for catalyzing a wide range of chemical reactions. The catalytic capabilities of MOCs are significantly influenced by the nature of the metal ions, functional ligands, and the cage structure. Notably, the confined spaces within MOCs can lead to enhanced reaction efficiencies, particularly in processes such as light‐induced hydrogen generation and the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂. Furthermore, MOCs show great potential in photo‐organic synthesis due to the cage structure, which provides a confined environment and allows for encapsulating organic molecules, making them useful for improving the selectivity and efficiency of catalytic process. This review reports the development of MOCs for photocatalysis, focusing on the structural design and regulation strategy to build functional MOCs for photocatalytic hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, organic transformation. Insights into the photocatalysis are discussed including the challenges and further research direction in MOC‐based photocatalysis.

Bioinspired smart dual-layer hydrogels system with synchronous solar and thermal radiation modulation for energy-saving all-season temperature regulation

All-season thermal management with zero energy consumption and emissions is more crucial to global decarbonization over traditional energy-intensive cooling/heating systems. However, the static single thermal management for cooling or heating fails to self-regulate the temperature in dynamic seasonal temperature condition. Herein, inspired by the dual-temperature regulation function of the fur color changes on the backs and abdomens of penguins, a smart thermal management composite hydrogel (PNA@H-PM Gel) system was subtly created though an “on-demand” dual-layer structure design strategy. The PNA@H-PM Gel system features synchronous solar and thermal radiation modulation as well as tunable phase transition temperatures to meet the variable seasonal thermal requirements and energy-saving demands via self-adaptive radiative cooling and solar heating regulation. Furthermore, this system demonstrates superb modulations of both the solar reflectance (ΔR = 0.74) and thermal emissivity (ΔE = 0.52) in response to ambient temperature changes, highlighting efficient temperature regulation with average radiative cooling and solar heating effects of 9.6 °C in summer and 6.1 °C in winter, respectively. Moreover, compared to standard building baselines, the PNA@H-PM Gel presents a more substantial energy-saving cooling/heating potentials for energy-efficient buildings across various regions and climates. This novel solution, inspired by penguins in the real world, will offer a fresh approach for producing intelligent, energy-saving thermal management materials, and serve for temperature regulation under dynamic climate conditions and even throughout all seasons.

Ag-doped MgCo2O4/MXene composite: Tailoring the electrochemical properties via 2D layered material for next generation supercapacitor study

The major concern of the modern era is to conserve and store energy for future use because of the continuous depletion of natural resources. Spinel cobaltites have attracted a lot of attention to be studied in the energy storage and conversion arena because of their prospective applications and excellent electrochemical performance. Achieving excellent chemo-mechanically robust electrode materials requires creative structural design and effective multicomponent strategy implementation. Herein, MgCo2O4 (MC) and Ag-MgCo2O4 (AMC) were fabricated by hydrothermal treatment. Further, Ag-MgCo2O4 (AMC) coupling with MXene sheets was accomplished by ultrasonication treatment. After structural, morphological, functional, and compositional analyses, prepared materials were studied for supercapacitor measurements. AMC/MXene exhibited remarkable outcomes because of Ag ions insertion into the spinel oxide structure, providing electron transport paths by creating voids and interfacial contact between the electrolyte and available active sites, and 2D MXene layers boosting the transportation of ions during the charging and discharging stages. The specific capacitance at 1 Ag−1 was found to be 1722 Fg−1 for AMC/MXene. The bulk (solution) resistance Rs was found to be the lowest 0.63 Ω for AMC/MXene among other fabricated materials in this study. Hence, developing AMC/MXene offers an advanced method to build high-performance 2D electrode materials with hybrid structures for energy storage applications.

The Effect of Reynolds Numbers on Flow-Induced Vibrations: A Numerical Study of a Cylinder on Elastic Supports

In the field of fluid dynamics, the Reynolds number is a key parameter that influences the flow characteristics around bluff bodies. While its impact on flow around stationary cylinders has been extensively studied, systematic research into flow-induced vibrations (FIVs) under these conditions remains limited. This study utilizes numerical simulations to explore the FIV characteristics of smooth cylinders and passive turbulence control (PTC) cylinders supported elastically within a Reynolds number range from 0.8 × 104 to 1.1 × 105. By comparing the vibration responses, lift coefficients, and wake structures of these cylinders across various Reynolds numbers, this paper aims to elucidate how Reynolds numbers affect the flow and vibration characteristics of these structures. The research employs images of instantaneous lift changes and vortex shedding across multiple sections to visually demonstrate the dynamic changes in flow states. The findings are expected to provide theoretical support for optimizing structural design and vibration control strategies in high-Reynolds-number environments, emphasizing the importance of considering Reynolds numbers in structural safety and design optimization.

Bioinspired Bouligand-Structured Cellulose Nanocrystals/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Hydrogel for Enhanced Impact Resistance.

Impact-protective materials are gaining importance because of the widespread occurrence of impact damage. Hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates owing to their lightweight and flexible nature. However, achieving soft impact-resistant hydrogels with exceptional stiffness, strength, and toughness remains a challenge. Inspired by the Bouligand structure found in the smasher dactyl club of stomatopods, we propose a straightforward multiscale hierarchical structural design strategy. This strategy integrates self-assembly and salting-out techniques to enhance the impact resistance of soft hydrogels. Rigid cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) self-assemble into Bouligand-like structures within soft poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix via supramolecular interactions. This rational structural design combines the CNC Bouligand structure with a cross-linked network of soft PVA crystalline domains, resulting in a composite hydrogel with impressive mechanical properties: high tensile fracture strength (30.2 MPa), elastic modulus (62.7 MPa), and fracture energy (75.6 kJ m-2), surpassing those of other tough hydrogels. Moreover, the multiscale hierarchical structure facilitates various energy dissipation mechanisms, including crack twisting, tortuous crack paths, and PVA chain orientation, resulting in notable force attenuation (80.4%) in the composite hydrogel. This biomimetic design strategy opens new avenues for developing soft and lightweight impact-resistant materials.

Enhanced piezoelectric properties of additively manufactured BCZT with an oriented ceramic lamellar structure formed via vat photopolymerization

Advances in additive manufacturing have enabled the creation of piezoceramic materials with complex architectures. However, the lack of a clear structural design strategy limits their performance and application in high-performance piezoelectric transducer devices. This work outlines the additive manufacture of a novel sandwich architecture based on a porous (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (BCZT) layer containing oriented ceramic lamellae. The d33 charge coefficients and g33 voltage coefficients of the optimized porous ceramic were 1.16 times and 2.11 times higher than those of the dense counterparts respectively. After electroding the aligned lamellar ceramic with an indium tine oxide film a piezoelectric sensor was obtained which, when subject to a pressure of 7.5 MPa, produced a open circuit voltage of 173 V. This paper provides a new structural design strategy to effectively improve the performance of piezoelectric ceramics, and provides new opportunites for the design and production of additive manufactured piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesting devices.

Constructing three-dimensional GO/CNT@NMP aerogels towards primary lithium metal batteries

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) can serve as cathode material for a viable primary lithium metal battery due to its richness in oxygen-containing functional groups. However, its application is hindered by non-conductivity of GO. Herein, a proposed electrode structure design strategy is carried to regulate the electron and ion conductivity of the graphene oxide aerogel (GO/CNT@NMP) electrode while retaining the original energy density. GO/CNT@NMP exhibits a discharge specific capacity of 703 mAh g−1 and an ultra-high energy density of 1655.76 Wh kg−1 at a low rate of 0.02 A g−1. Additionally, it achieves a maximum discharge rate of 1.4 A g−1, five times higher than the initial maximum discharge rate of GO. Characterization and electrochemical tests reveal that the excellent performance of GO/CNT@NMP can be attributed to its porous structure, high electrical conductivity, and large layer spacing. This study presents a potent strategy for the advancement of ultra-fast primary batteries, aiming to integrate ultra-high energy density and high-rate discharge capabilities.

Rational Construction of Heterostructures with n‐Type Anti‐Barrier Layer for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage

AbstractAs a type of 2D materials, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have emerged as potential candidates for electrochemical energy storage materials. To address their challenges of limited active sites and sluggish charge transfer kinetics, etc., this work presents an ingenious synchronous topochemical pathway (STP) method that enables the in situ anchoring of numerous nanosized Co9S8 on the rigid layers of LDHs. These n‐type anti‐barrier layers, generated by the ohmic contact between a quasi‐metal (Co9S8) and n‐type semiconductor (LDHs), alter the energy band structure and electron states near the Fermi level, optimizing the intrinsic conductivity and deprotonation reaction barriers of LDH materials. The prepared NiCoAl‐LDHs@Co9S8 (LCS) electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical capacity (473.2 mAh g−¹ at 1 A g−¹) and operational stability (91.2% capacity retention after 20,000 cycles). Furthermore, an aqueous battery device constructed with LCS cathode and Fe‐Ni sulfide (FNS) anode demonstrates an impressive energy density of 118.5 Wh kg−¹ at a power density of 800 W kg−¹. This generalized structural design strategy achieves multiple enhancements in active sites, charge transfer efficiency, and structural stability of LDH materials, providing insights into the potential relationships between energy band and electrochemical performance in energy storage materials.

Bimetallic Coupling Strategy Modulating Electronic Construction to Accelerate Sulfur Redox Reaction Kinetics for High-Energy Flexible Li-S Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered the most promising energy storage battery due to their low cost and high theoretical energy density. However, the low utilization rate of sulfur and slow redox kinetics have seriously limited the development of Li-S batteries. Herein, the electronic state modulation of metal selenides induced by the bi-metallic coupling strategy is reported to enhance the redox reaction kinetics and sulfur utilization, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries. Theoretical calculations reveal that the electronic structure can be modulated by Ni-Co coupling, thus lowering the conversion barrier of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs)and Li+, and the synergistic interaction between NiCoSe nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) is facilitating to enhance electron transport and ion transfer kinetics of the NiCoSe@NPC-S electrodes. As a result, the assembled Li-S batteries based on NiCoSe@NPC-S exhibit high capacities (1020mAhg-1 at 1C) and stable cycle performance (80.37% capacity retention after 500 cycles). The special structural design and bimetallic coupling strategy promote the batteries working even under lean electrolyte (7.2µLmg-1) with a high sulfur loading (6.5mgcm-2). The proposed bimetallic coupling strategy modulating electronic construction with N-doping porous carbon has jointly contributed the good redox reaction kinetics and high sulfur utilization.

Overcoming strength-ductility and functional period-degradability tradeoffs: Multifunctional biodegradable polyesters with ionic cluster skeleton and PDMS skin

To overcome the strength-ductility and functional period-degradability tradeoffs of biodegradable polyesters, we proposed a nanophase structure design strategy to construct a soft-hard dual phase in poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) copolymers by simultaneously introducing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and isophthalate-5-sulfonate (SIPM) on PBS macromolecular chains to improve the stiffness, toughness, and multifunctionality. The high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX) tests indicated that PBS copolymers possessed continuous “ionic cluster skeleton” and “PDMS skin”. The hybrid liquid state theory and self-consistent field approach for copolymers further demonstrated the mechanism of microphase separation for PDMS blocks and SIPM segments. The copolymers showed excellent yield strength of 52 MPa, great impact strength of 171 J/m, large extensibility of 491 %, and long functional period in the acidic environment. The novel stereo nanostructure endowed the materials with advanced multifunctions that can be applied in various applications, such as the biomedical field and flexible electronic devices. Compared with PBS, copolymers possessed excellent in vitro attachment and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the ionic skeleton and PDMS skin improved the ionic conductivity of the materials. The copolymer film was innovatively employed as anion-exchanging separators of supercapacitors with acid-organized electrolytes. It has been testified that this newly designed strategy of a novel stereo nanophase structure was efficient in endowing the biodegradable polyesters with excellent combined properties and multifunctions.

Micro-buckling resistant unidirectional glass fiber composites with excellent transverse and longitudinal flexural properties from cross-linking by nano-/micro-aramid fibers

This study aims at obtaining an effective structural design strategy for stronger and more reliable Unidirectional glass fiber (UD-GF) composites by in-situ formed cross-linking from randomly distributed nano-/micro- Aramid pulp (AP) fibers. The flexural strength and stiffness have shown substantial improvements in both the transverse and longitudinal directions due to the AP cross-linking and the “brick-slurry” structure. With AP of 8 g/m2, up to 60–70 % improvement in flexural strengths (both transverse and longitudinal directions) and up to 20–37 % improvement in “effective modulus” have been observed. The noticeable longitudinal improvements have been attributed to the resin reinforcement and interlayer cross-linking provided by ultra-thin AP interlayers, and the resultant improvement in micro-buckling resistance under compression. Since sparsely distributed nano-/micro-AP can be readily incorporated in pultrusion and pre-preg manufacturing processes, this study is not only important for micro-mechanism study, but also provides a plausible improvement in manufacturing.