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Applied Sciences
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Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials
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Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 29225
Related Special Issue: Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Hybrid Composites

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ignazio Blanco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: materials; polymers; thermal properties; nanocomposites; composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer composites represent the platform materials of the 21st century and make up an important slice of the market for the production of modern plastics. Their design is based on adding a second component to a polymer matrix to enhance its properties. Among the various possible composites, organic–inorganic hybrid materials offer advantageous performance relative to either of the non-hybrid counterparts. The dramatic improvement of physical properties, compared with pure materials, in which inorganic particles or nanoparticles are inserted into an organic polymeric matrix, could bridge the gap between ceramics and polymers. For this Special Issue, we are interested in articles that explore polymer-based hybrid systems. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Synthesis and characterization of polymeric hybrid materials
  • Hybrid composites in electronics and energy applications
  • Hybrid composites in space applications
  • Biomedical applications of hybrid polymeric materials

Prof. Dr. Ignazio Blanco
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Composites
  • Nano-composites
  • Polymer blends
  • Polymer hybrids
  • Biomimetic materials
  • Biopolymers

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 193 KiB  
Editorial
Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials
by Ignazio Blanco
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3443; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13063443 - 08 Mar 2023
Viewed by 841
Abstract
Polymer composites represent the platform materials of the 21st century, and they make up an important slice of the market for the production of modern materials [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 5192 KiB  
Article
Sol-Gel Synthesis of Caffeic Acid Entrapped in Silica/Polyethylene Glycol Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrids: Drug Delivery and Biological Properties
by Luigi Vertuccio, Liberata Guadagno, Antonio D’Angelo, Veronica Viola, Marialuigia Raimondo and Michelina Catauro
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2164; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13042164 - 08 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1653
Abstract
The failure of medical devices, such as bones prosthesis, is mainly due to inflammatory and infectious phenomena. Entrapping anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents inside the biomaterial matrix could avoid these phenomena. In this context, inorganic/organic silica (S)/polyethylene glycol (P)/caffeic acid (A) hybrid systems were [...] Read more.
The failure of medical devices, such as bones prosthesis, is mainly due to inflammatory and infectious phenomena. Entrapping anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents inside the biomaterial matrix could avoid these phenomena. In this context, inorganic/organic silica (S)/polyethylene glycol (P)/caffeic acid (A) hybrid systems were synthesized via the sol-gel method with different weight percentages of P and A. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) revealed that caffeic acid undergoes an oxidizing phenomenon in the sol-gel synthesis condition. Additionally, the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer on hybrid surfaces was demonstrated by employing the Kokubo test and analyzing the samples using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and FT-IR. Moreover, further characterization of the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized biomaterials was carried out using the Kirby–Bauer test. Finally, UV-Vis measurement was useful to evaluate the caffeic acid kinetic release in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. The kinetic study disclosed that the hybrid materials without polyethylene glycol had faster release rates than the ones obtained without the organic polymer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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11 pages, 5523 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Multifunctional Composites with Hydrophobicity, High Thermal Conductivity and Wear Resistance Based on Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Resin Composites
by Haichao Huang, Yexiang Cui, Zhen Fu, Shuaipeng Wang, Yan Du, Fang Liu and Yanji Zhu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 9363; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12189363 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1479
Abstract
The design and preparation of hydrophobic, wear-resistant, and thermally conductive multifunctional composites is an important direction of scientific research and application. In this study, A-CF/EP/FEP composites were prepared by incorporating APDMS-modified carbon felt (A-CF) into an epoxy resin (EP) and fluorinated ethylene propylene [...] Read more.
The design and preparation of hydrophobic, wear-resistant, and thermally conductive multifunctional composites is an important direction of scientific research and application. In this study, A-CF/EP/FEP composites were prepared by incorporating APDMS-modified carbon felt (A-CF) into an epoxy resin (EP) and fluorinated ethylene propylene resin (FEP) mixed resin. The low surface energy of FEP, good adhesion of EP, and the supporting of carbon felt framework endow the A-CF/EP/FEP composites with hydrophobicity, wear resistance, and thermal conductivity at the same time. Firstly, the water contact angle (WCA) of A-CF/EP/FEP composites with 20 wt% FEP reaches 109.9 ± 2.6°, and the WCAs of all composites with different FEP contents (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%) is greater than 90°, indicating the composites have a hydrophobic surface. Secondly, the A-CF/EP/FEP composites have high wear resistance and maintain long-term hydrophobicity after tribological tests, because the residual debris and nanoparticles generated by external loading adhere to the friction interface, regenerating the microstructure of the hydrophobic surface. Finally, the A-CF/EP/FEP composites have high thermal conductivity up to 0.38 W/(m·K), which is 1.81 and 2.0 times that of pure EP and EP/FEP composites, respectively. This is because a relatively complete heat conduction network is formed after the addition of A-CF to the composites. The synergy among epoxy resin, FEP, and the A-CF filler plays a particularly important role in constructing hydrophobic surfaces and improving wear resistance and thermal conductivity. The EP enhances adhesion, the FEP supplies low surface energy, and the A-CF framework improves the wear resistance of A-CF/EP/FEP composites. This work provides ideas for the design and preparation of multifunctional composites and will underlie the application of high-performance epoxy resin and its composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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17 pages, 5639 KiB  
Article
Vegetable Oil-Based Resins Reinforced with Spruce Bark Powder and with Its Hydrochar Lignocellulosic Biomass
by Roxana Dinu, Iuliana Bejenari, Irina Volf and Alice Mija
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10649; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112210649 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1699
Abstract
A bio-based polymeric matrix was developed by the copolymerization of a vegetable oil-based epoxy, epoxidized linseed oil (ELO), with dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA). To obtain eco-friendly bio-composites, this matrix was combined with a natural filler: spruce bark powder (SB) with its hydrochar (HC) [...] Read more.
A bio-based polymeric matrix was developed by the copolymerization of a vegetable oil-based epoxy, epoxidized linseed oil (ELO), with dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA). To obtain eco-friendly bio-composites, this matrix was combined with a natural filler: spruce bark powder (SB) with its hydrochar (HC) in various proportions ranged from 1 to 30 wt.%. The reactivities of these formulations were studied by DSC analysis that highlighted that both fillers have a high catalytic effect on the ELO–DDSA crosslinking reaction. The complementary studies by TGA, DMA, tensile tests, water absorption and Shore tests had shown that both HC and SB bring improvements to the mechanical properties of the composites, fulfilling multiple roles: (i) Both act as co-reactants in the copolymerization mechanism; (ii) HC acts as reinforcement, consolidating the network and providing stiffness and rigidity; and (iii) SB acts as plasticizer for reducing the brittle character of the epoxy resins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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11 pages, 4249 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Activity and Iron Release of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Biomaterials Synthesized via the Sol-Gel Route
by Michelina Catauro, Ylenia D’Errico, Antonio D’Angelo, Ronald J. Clarke and Ignazio Blanco
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9311; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11199311 - 07 Oct 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1781
Abstract
The aim of this work was the synthesis of hybrid materials of iron (II)-based therapeutic systems via the sol-gel method. Increasing amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6, 12, 24, 50 wt%) were added to SiO2/Fe20 wt% to modulate the release kinetics [...] Read more.
The aim of this work was the synthesis of hybrid materials of iron (II)-based therapeutic systems via the sol-gel method. Increasing amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6, 12, 24, 50 wt%) were added to SiO2/Fe20 wt% to modulate the release kinetics of the drug from the systems. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to study the interactions between different components in the hybrid materials. The release kinetics in a simulated body fluid (SBF) were investigated, and the amount of Fe2+ released was detected via ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) after reaction with ortho-phenanthroline. Furthermore, biological characterization was carried out. The bioactivity of the synthesized hybrid materials was evaluated via the formation of a layer of hydroxyapatite on the surface of samples soaked in SBF using spectroscopy. Finally, the potential antibacterial properties of seven different materials against two different bacteria—E. coli and S. aureus—were investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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18 pages, 7734 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Dispersion, Interfacial Adhesion of Isotropic and Anisotropic Filler in Polymer Composite
by Sneha Samal and Ignazio Blanco
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11188561 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1713
Abstract
The movement of isotropic and anisotropic particles of iron and graphite within the polymer matrix was predicted and examined by the COMSOL simulation method. The interfacial adhesion of filler particles within the matrix was investigated under surface features observation. Carbonyl Iron (CI) particles, [...] Read more.
The movement of isotropic and anisotropic particles of iron and graphite within the polymer matrix was predicted and examined by the COMSOL simulation method. The interfacial adhesion of filler particles within the matrix was investigated under surface features observation. Carbonyl Iron (CI) particles, considered to be regular with a uniform size of (1–5 µm), were mixed with irregular particles of graphite (20–150 µm) with 30 V% in quantity in a silicone rubber matrix. The particle–matrix and particle–particle interactions were analyzed from the inner surface features. The drag of non-spherical particles and particle Reynolds numbers (Rep) were taken into consideration in point force models for both the Stokes (Rep ≪ 1) and Newton regime for particle shape. Newton regime is based on the aspect ratio for particles with regular and irregular shapes. The boundary area of the irregular particles holds like an anchor inside the polymer matrix for strong adhesion; however, regular particles have partial attachment due to the gravitational pull of attraction from the bottom contact points. However, uniform distribution of isotropic particles has been observed in comparison to the anisotropic particles within the polymer matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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15 pages, 10584 KiB  
Article
Physico-Chemical Properties of a Hybrid Biomaterial (PVA/Chitosan) Reinforced with Conductive Fillers
by A. Olarte-Paredes, J.N. Salgado-Delgado, E. Rubio-Rosas, A.M. Salgado-Delgado, H. Hernández-Cocoletzi, R. Salgado-Delgado, E. Moreno-Carpintero and Victor M. Castaño
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3040; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11073040 - 29 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2290
Abstract
In this study, a novel hybrid material based on Polyvinyl Alcohol-Chitosan (PVA-Chi) was made, reinforced with conductive fillers such as the polypyrrole (PPy), Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), carbon black (CB), and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). In order to observe the mechanical and electrical responses [...] Read more.
In this study, a novel hybrid material based on Polyvinyl Alcohol-Chitosan (PVA-Chi) was made, reinforced with conductive fillers such as the polypyrrole (PPy), Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), carbon black (CB), and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). In order to observe the mechanical and electrical responses of this composite material, for obtaining composite materials, and to characterize them for the development of applications in engineering, FTIR analysis made clear the different functional groups present in the matrix and the fillers used. Using quaternary mixtures (4 fillers) increased the contact angle, which increased hydrophobicity of the biocomposite. The Nyquist diagram of the analyzed samples showed a decrease in resistance and energy diffusion; the latter because of transferring electrons caused by the conductive polymers CB and the MWCNT. In the mechanical tension tests, Young’s modulus values of 18.386 MPa were obtained, in contrast with the material matrix of PVA-Chi, which showed values of 11.628 MPa. Morphological analysis by SEM showed the materials got were homogeneous. The materials got showed higher electrical conductivity in the OH’s presence and NH2 groups, which could have possible applications in biopolymer electrodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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14 pages, 5613 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Metal/Polymer Filaments for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) to Print Metal Parts
by Claudio Tosto, Jacopo Tirillò, Fabrizio Sarasini and Gianluca Cicala
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1444; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11041444 - 05 Feb 2021
Cited by 64 | Viewed by 5837
Abstract
The exploitation of mechanical properties and customization possibilities of 3D printed metal parts usually come at the cost of complex and expensive equipment. To address this issue, hybrid metal/polymer composite filaments have been studied allowing the printing of metal parts by using the [...] Read more.
The exploitation of mechanical properties and customization possibilities of 3D printed metal parts usually come at the cost of complex and expensive equipment. To address this issue, hybrid metal/polymer composite filaments have been studied allowing the printing of metal parts by using the standard Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) approach. The resulting hybrid metal/polymer part, the so called “green”, can then be transformed into a dense metal part using debinding and sintering cycles. In this work, we investigated the manufacturing and characterization of green and sintered parts obtained by FFF of two commercial hybrid metal/polymer filaments, i.e., the Ultrafuse 316L by BASF and the 17-4 PH by Markforged. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS) analyses of the mesostructure highlighted incomplete raster bonding and voids like those observed in conventional FFF-printed polymeric structures despite the sintering cycle. A significant role in the tensile properties was played by the building orientation, with samples printed flatwise featuring the highest mechanical properties, though lower than those achievable with standard metal additive manufacturing techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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11 pages, 9308 KiB  
Article
Development of a Natural Matrix Hybrid Hydrogel Patch and Evaluation of Its Efficacy against Atopic Dermatitis
by Gyeong Sik Hong, Jeong Yeon Choi, Jang Soo Suh, Jeong Ok Lim and Jin Hyun Choi
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8759; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10238759 - 07 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2226
Abstract
Although there is no cure for atopic dermatitis (AD), treatments to relieve AD symptoms are available. A previously developed topical patch for AD treatment minimizes skin irritation but does not sufficiently adhere and absorb to specific areas. Centella asiatica extract (CAE) is a [...] Read more.
Although there is no cure for atopic dermatitis (AD), treatments to relieve AD symptoms are available. A previously developed topical patch for AD treatment minimizes skin irritation but does not sufficiently adhere and absorb to specific areas. Centella asiatica extract (CAE) is a natural polymer for atopic treatment. This study fabricated a CAE-loaded hyaluronic acid-dextran (HA-Dex) hybrid hydrogel patch for use as an AD treatment and evaluated the effect of varying CAE concentrations in the patch. The CAE-loaded HA-Dex hybrid hydrogel patch was fabricated into a sheet-type scaffold using a freeze-drying process and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). Fibroblasts (L929 cells) were used to evaluate cell survival, and physical properties were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, a universal testing machine, and high-performance liquid chromatography. A 0.4 wt% CAE-loaded HA-Dex hybrid hydrogel patch produced the most stable release profile and the highest level of cellular activity. These hydrogel patches provided moisture and released CAE over an extended period of time, making them ideal for relieving atopic itching. This delivery system enables the extended release of CAE to localized areas and could potentially be used to apply a variety of products to treat AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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14 pages, 7429 KiB  
Article
Effect of Cu, Cr, S Doped TiO2 for Transparent Plastic Bar Reinforced Concrete
by Seung-Hoon Seo and Byoung-Il Kim
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7334; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10207334 - 20 Oct 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1942
Abstract
In this study, after firing and powdering Cu, Cr, and S with NP-400 TiO2, an NOx removal rate test was performed according to the ISO test method to analyze the photocatalytic reactivity in visible light. The distribution of the photocatalyst [...] Read more.
In this study, after firing and powdering Cu, Cr, and S with NP-400 TiO2, an NOx removal rate test was performed according to the ISO test method to analyze the photocatalytic reactivity in visible light. The distribution of the photocatalyst and visible light reactivity on the surface of the test specimen were confirmed through SEM (Scanning electron microscope), EDS (Energy dispersive spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), UV-visible absorption spectrum and energy band gap tests. The flowability of UHPC (Ultra high performance concrete) slightly decreased due to the increase in the photocatalyst mixing rate, but both J-Ring and L-Box test results showed that there is no problem when concrete is placed. As a result of SEM and EDS tests, good microstructure and peak values were confirmed in the test specimens doped with Cu, and as a result of the XRD test, anatase and rutile peaks were confirmed in the Cu, Cr, and S specimens. In the UV-visible absorption spectrum analysis, it was confirmed that only the specimen doped with Cu maintains a high absorption power of 0.8 up to 700 nm, and the inherent band gaps are reduced to 2.9 eV, thereby increasing the possibility of reaction in visible light. Finally, as a result of the NOx removal test by the ISO test method, about 15.8% was removed for 5 h in the specimen doped with Cu, and the removal efficiency is estimated to be possible up to about 25% when applied with the TPBRC (transparent plastic bar reinforced concrete). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

30 pages, 6116 KiB  
Review
A Detailed Review on Foam Concrete Composites: Ingredients, Properties, and Microstructure
by Osman Gencel, Turhan Bilir, Zeynep Bademler and Togay Ozbakkaloglu
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5752; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12115752 - 06 Jun 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6194
Abstract
With the development of new cement-based raw materials, foaming agents and fillers used for special applications of foam concrete, the use of foam concretes has become widespread. Foam concrete is a type of concrete that stands out with its lightness, waste potential, controlled [...] Read more.
With the development of new cement-based raw materials, foaming agents and fillers used for special applications of foam concrete, the use of foam concretes has become widespread. Foam concrete is a type of concrete that stands out with its lightness, waste potential, controlled low strength, thermal insulation, acoustics performance, and durability. The knowledge base is still developing for this particular building material. This article describes in detail the fresh, hardened, and physical properties of foam concrete. The properties of materials such as cement, aggregate, foam, and fiber used in foam concrete production are explained and their effects on microstructure are discussed. In addition, physical properties, such as fresh state properties, fresh state and consistency, stability, workability, drying shrinkage, air void system, and water absorption, as well as strength and durability properties are emphasized. The main findings of the presented study are to show the current level of the cement-based foam concretes and their shortcomings, which needs more investigations. The effect of fibers on the characteristics of foam concrete and acoustic characteristic of foam concretes are seen as the main topics to be focused on in the studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Materials)
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