Journal Description
Journal of Composites Science
Journal of Composites Science
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science and technology of composites published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Engineering (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.3 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.5 (2022)
Latest Articles
Comprehensive Composite Mould Filling Pattern Dataset for Process Modelling and Prediction
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 153; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040153 - 18 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Resin Transfer Moulding process receives great attention from both academia and industry, owing to its superior manufacturing rate and product quality. Particularly, the progression of its mould filling stage is crucial to ensure a complete reinforcement saturation. Contemporary process simulation methods focus
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The Resin Transfer Moulding process receives great attention from both academia and industry, owing to its superior manufacturing rate and product quality. Particularly, the progression of its mould filling stage is crucial to ensure a complete reinforcement saturation. Contemporary process simulation methods focus primarily on physics-based approaches to model the complex resin permeation phenomenon, which are computationally expensive to solve. Thus, the application of machine learning and data-driven modelling approaches is of great interest to minimise the cost of process simulation. In this study, a comprehensive dataset consisting of mould filling patterns of the Resin Transfer Moulding process at different injection locations for a composite dashboard panel case study is presented. The problem description and significance of the dataset are outlined. The distribution of this comprehensive dataset aims to lower the barriers to entry for researching machine learning approaches in composite moulding applications, while concurrently providing a standardised baseline for evaluating newly developed algorithms and models in future research works.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Modelling of Composites, Volume III)
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Preparation of New Sm-Doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 Tri-Composite for Photoremoval of Dissolved Organic Waste and Dielectric-Energy Storage
by
Hanan A. Althikrallah, Ghayah M. Alsulaim, Shada A. Alsharif and Kholoud M. Alnahdi
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 152; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040152 - 18 Apr 2024
Abstract
Photocatalysis is considered as simple, green, and the best strategy for elimination of hazardous organic contaminants from wastewater. Herein, new broad spectrum photocatalysts based on pure and Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 ternary composites were simply prepared by co-precipitation approach. The X-ray diffraction
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Photocatalysis is considered as simple, green, and the best strategy for elimination of hazardous organic contaminants from wastewater. Herein, new broad spectrum photocatalysts based on pure and Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 ternary composites were simply prepared by co-precipitation approach. The X-ray diffraction results proved the formation of a composite structure. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images displayed that most particles have a spherical shape with average mean sizes within 26–29 nm. The optical properties of both samples signified that the addition of Sm ions significantly improves the harvesting of the visible light spectrum of CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 ternary composites. The photocatalytic study confirmed that 97% of norfloxacin and 96% of methyl green pollutants were photo-degraded in the presence of the Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 catalyst after 50 and 40 min, respectively. The total organic carbon analysis revealed the high mineralization efficiency of the Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 catalyst to convert the norfloxacin and methyl green to carbon dioxide and water molecules. During three cycles, this catalyst presented a high removal efficiency for norfloxacin and methyl green contaminants. As a dielectric energy storage material, the Sm-doped CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 ternary composite has large dielectric constant values, mainly at low frequencies, with low dielectric loss compared to a pure CuO/ZnO/CuMn2O4 composite.
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(This article belongs to the Section Composites Applications)
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Post-Process Considerations for Photopolymer 3D-Printed Injection Moulded Insert Tooling Applications
by
Gavin Keane, Andrew V. Healy and Declan M. Devine
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 151; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040151 - 17 Apr 2024
Abstract
Injection moulding (IM) is a manufacturing technique used to produce intricately detailed plastic components with various surface finishes, enabling the production of high-tolerance functional parts at scale. Conversely, stereolithography (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing offers an alternative method for fabricating moulds with shorter lead
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Injection moulding (IM) is a manufacturing technique used to produce intricately detailed plastic components with various surface finishes, enabling the production of high-tolerance functional parts at scale. Conversely, stereolithography (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing offers an alternative method for fabricating moulds with shorter lead times and reduced costs compared to conventional manufacturing. However, fabrication in a layer-by-layer fashion results in anisotropic properties and noticeable layer lines, known as the stair-step effect. This study investigates post-processing techniques for plaques with contrasting stair-step effects fabricated from commercially available SLA high-temperature resin, aiming to assess their suitability for IM applications. The results reveal that annealing significantly enhances part hardness and heat deflection temperature (HDT), albeit with a trade-off involving reduced flexural strength. Experimental findings indicate that the optimal stage for abrasive surface treatment is after UV curing and before annealing. Plaques exhibiting contrasting stair-step effects are characterized and evaluated for weight loss, dimensional accuracy, and surface roughness. The results demonstrate that abrasive blasting effectively removes the stair-step effect without compromising geometry while achieving polished surface finishes with roughness average (RA) values of 0.1 μm through sanding. Overall, a combination of abrasive blasting and sanding proves capable of precisely defining surface roughness without significant geometry loss, offering a viable approach to achieving traditional IM finishes suitable for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Composites)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of the Energy Director Material on the Structure and Properties of Ultrasonic Welded Lap Joints of PEI Plates with CF Fabric/PEI Prepreg
by
Defang Tian, Vladislav O. Alexenko, Sergey V. Panin, Alexey A. Bogdanov and Dmitry G. Buslovich
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 150; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040150 - 16 Apr 2024
Abstract
To estimate the possibility of using both low-melting TecaPEI and neat PEI films as energy directors (EDs) for ultrasonic welding (USW) of carbon fiber (CF) fabric–polyetherimide (PEI) laminates, some patterns of structure formation and mechanical properties of their lap joints were investigated by
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To estimate the possibility of using both low-melting TecaPEI and neat PEI films as energy directors (EDs) for ultrasonic welding (USW) of carbon fiber (CF) fabric–polyetherimide (PEI) laminates, some patterns of structure formation and mechanical properties of their lap joints were investigated by varying the process parameters. The experiment was planned by the Taguchi method with the L9 orthogonal matrix. Based on the obtained results, USW parameters were optimized accounting for maintaining the structural integrity of the joined components and improving their functional characteristics. The use of the low-melting EDTecaPEI film enabled US-welding the laminates with minimal damage to the fusion zone, and the achieved lap shear strength (LSS) values of ~7.6 MPa were low. The use of EDSolverPEI excluded thermal degradation of the components as well as damage to the fusion zone, and improved LSS values to 21 MPa. With the use of digital image correlation (DIC) and computed tomography (CT) techniques, the structural factors affecting the deformation behavior of the USW lap joints were justified. A scheme was proposed that established the relationship between structural factors and the deformation response of the USW lap joints under static tension. The TecaPEI film can be used in USW procedures when very high interlayer adhesion properties are not on demand.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing of Fibrous Composites for Engineering Applications, Volume II)
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A Review on Abrasive Wear of Aluminum Composites: Mechanisms and Influencing Factors
by
Nima Valizade and Zoheir Farhat
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040149 - 15 Apr 2024
Abstract
Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) find extensive use across diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, and electronics, owing to their remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. However, their limited wear resistance poses a challenge for applications requiring high tribological performance. Abrasive
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Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) find extensive use across diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, and electronics, owing to their remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. However, their limited wear resistance poses a challenge for applications requiring high tribological performance. Abrasive wear emerges as the predominant form of wear encountered by AMCs in various industrial settings, prompting significant research efforts aimed at enhancing their wear resistance. Over the past decades, extensive research has investigated the influence of various reinforcements on the abrasive wear behavior of AMCs. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the impact of different variables on the wear and tribological response of aluminum composites. This review explores possible wear mechanisms across various tribosystems, providing examples drawn from the analysis of existing literature. Through detailed discussions on the effects of each variable, conclusions are drawn to offer insights into optimizing the wear performance of AMCs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Aluminum Matrix Composites: From Fundamentals to Applications, Volume II)
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The Morphological and Thermal Characteristics of Hollow-Glass-Microsphere-Coated Phase Change Material–Cow Pie Embedded Recycled Plastic Tiles for Cool Roofs
by
S. Krishna Satya and P. S. Rama Sreekanth
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 148; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040148 - 13 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study addresses the global plastic waste crisis and the urban heat island effect by developing an innovative solution: recycled plastic roof tiles embedded with phase change material (PCM) and coated with hollow-glass-microsphere-based white paint. The samples were fabricated with cow pie fibers,
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This study addresses the global plastic waste crisis and the urban heat island effect by developing an innovative solution: recycled plastic roof tiles embedded with phase change material (PCM) and coated with hollow-glass-microsphere-based white paint. The samples were fabricated with cow pie fibers, OM37 and OM42 PCM materials with different wt./vol. values, i.e., 15/50, 20/50, 25/50, 30/50 ratios. The fabricated tiles were coated with hollow glass microspheres to provide a reflective layer. The tiles’ effectiveness was evaluated through morphological examination and thermal analysis. The SEM analysis revealed an excellent bonding ability for the PCM blend, i.e., OM37 and OM42 at a 20/50 ratio (wt./vol.) with cow pie fibers. Adding cow pie fibers to the PCM shifted the melting points of OM37 and OM42, indicating an increased heat storage capacity in both blends. The thermal conductivity results revealed decreased thermal conductivity with an increased cow pie fiber percentage. The recycled plastic roof tile of the PCM composite at a 20/50 (wt./vol.) ratio showed good thermal properties. Upon testing in real-time conditions in a physical setup, the roof tiles showed a temperature reduction of 8 °C from outdoors to indoors during the peak of summer. In winter, cozy temperatures were maintained indoors due to the heat regulation from the roof.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Modelling of Composites, Volume III)
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Electrochemical Deposition and Properties of Ni Coatings with Nitrogen-Modified Graphene Oxide
by
Vitaly Tseluikin, Asel Dzhumieva, Alena Tribis, Sergey Brudnik, Denis Tikhonov, Andrey Yakovlev, Anton Mostovoy and Marina Lopukhova
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040147 - 13 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this study, a method for producing nitrogen-modified graphene oxide (NMGO) using hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of triethanolamine is presented. The composition and structure of NMGO are characterized using X-ray phase analysis (XPA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and
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In this study, a method for producing nitrogen-modified graphene oxide (NMGO) using hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of triethanolamine is presented. The composition and structure of NMGO are characterized using X-ray phase analysis (XPA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Ni-based metal matrix coatings (MMCs) modified with NMGO were obtained from a sulfate-chloride electrolyte in the galvanostatic mode. The process of electrochemical deposition of these coatings was studied using chronovoltammetry. The microstructure of Ni–NMGO MMCs was studied using the XPA and SEM methods. It has been established that the addition of NMGO particles into the Ni matrix results in an increase in the microhardness of the resulting coatings by an average of 1.30 times. This effect is a consequence of the refinement of crystallites and high mechanical properties of NMGO phase. The corrosion-electrochemical behavior of studied electrochemical deposits in 0.5 M sulfuric acid was analyzed. It has been shown that the corrosion rate of Ni–NMGO MMCs in a 3.5% sodium chloride environment decreases by approximately 1.50–1.70 times as compared to unmodified Ni coatings. This is due to NMGO particles that act as a barrier preventing the propagation of the corrosion and form corrosive galvanic microelements with Ni, promoting anodic polarization.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites)
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The Three-Dimensional Printing of Composites: A Review of the Finite Element/Finite Volume Modelling of the Process
by
Theodor Florian Zach and Mircea Cristian Dudescu
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 146; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040146 - 12 Apr 2024
Abstract
Composite materials represent the evolution of material science and technology, maximizing the properties for high-end industry applications. The fields concerned include aerospace and defense, automotive, or naval industries. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are increasingly growing in market shares due to the elimination of
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Composite materials represent the evolution of material science and technology, maximizing the properties for high-end industry applications. The fields concerned include aerospace and defense, automotive, or naval industries. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are increasingly growing in market shares due to the elimination of shape barriers, a plethora of available materials, and the reduced costs. The AM technologies of composite materials combine the two growing trends in manufacturing, combining the advantages of both, with a specific enhancement being the elimination of the need for mold manufacturing for composites, or even post-curing treatments. The challenge of AM composites is to compete with their conventional counterparts. The aim of the current paper is to present the additive manufacturing process across different spectrums of finite element analyses (FEA). The first outcomes are building definition (support definition) and the optimization of deposition trajectories. In addition, the multi-physics of melting/solidification using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are performed to predict the fiber orientation and extrusion profiles. The process modelling continues with the displacement/temperature distribution, which influences porosity, warping, and residual stresses that influence characteristics of the component. This leads to the tuning of the technological parameters, thus improving the manufacturing process.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Composites)
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Punching Shear of FRP-RC Slab–Column Connections: A Comprehensive Database
by
Yazan Almomani, Roaa Alawadi, Ahmad Tarawneh, Abdullah Alghossoon and Ahmad Aldiabat
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 145; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040145 - 12 Apr 2024
Abstract
Several design standards have been developed in the last two decades to estimate the punching capacity of two-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement. FRP-RC design standards include the recently published ACI 440.11-22, CSA/S806-12, and JSCE-2007. These models are
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Several design standards have been developed in the last two decades to estimate the punching capacity of two-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement. FRP-RC design standards include the recently published ACI 440.11-22, CSA/S806-12, and JSCE-2007. These models are either based on empirical data or semi-empirical methods and calibrated using different databases. Additionally, these standards do not have provisions for connections with shear reinforcement. Therefore, a reliable worldwide database for developing and assessing the applicability of such provisions with test results is vital. This study presents a worldwide and up-to-date database for punching shear of FRP-RC slabs. The database includes 197 tested connections, comprising interior and edge connections, with and without shear reinforcement, and a wide range of materials and cross-sectional properties. The database was used to evaluate the accuracy of the mentioned standards in predicting the punching shear capacity. For connections without shear reinforcement, it was determined that the three design standards yielded similar performance with different conservatism levels. ACI 440.11-22 yielded the most conservative results, with average Vexp/Vpred ratios of 2.04 compared to 1.28 and 1.3 for other models. For connection with shear reinforcement, specimens with Evf> 100 GPa resulted in Vexp/Vpred ratios less than 1.0 for ACI and CSA standards.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)
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Characteristics of Lightweight Concrete Fabricated with Different Types of Strengthened Lightweight Aggregates
by
Laith Mohammed Ridha Mahmmod, Anmar Dulaimi, Luís Filipe Almeida Bernardo and Jorge Miguel de Almeida Andrade
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 144; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040144 - 12 Apr 2024
Abstract
The vast majority of different waste building units have negative environmental impacts around the world. Crushed building units can be recycled and utilized in the concrete industry to solve these problems and maintain natural resources. This study investigated the feasibility of employing crushed
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The vast majority of different waste building units have negative environmental impacts around the world. Crushed building units can be recycled and utilized in the concrete industry to solve these problems and maintain natural resources. This study investigated the feasibility of employing crushed autoclaved aerated concrete (CAAC) and crushed clay brick (CCB) as a lightweight aggregate (LWA) to fabricate environmentally friendly recycled lightweight concrete (LWC). In addition, a lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) was also used as an LWA, namely to study how the high porosity of an LWA can adversely affect the properties of LWC. Through the experimental program, all types of LWAs were pre-treated and strengthened with two cementitious grouts, and then the performance of the produced LWC was assessed by determining the slump of fresh concrete, the dry density, the unconfined compressive strength, and the splitting tensile strength at ages of 3, 7, 28, and 56 days. The laboratory results revealed that both CCB and CAAC can be reused as full substitutions for normal-weight coarse aggregate to manufacture LWC with appropriate properties. The obtained data show that the properties of an LECA, CCB, and CAAC were improved, and the porous structure can be strengthened by pre-treatment and coating with grouts. In the same way, the mechanical performance of produced LWC is also enhanced.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications, Volume II)
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A Numerical Assessment of the Influence of Local Stress Ratio in the Fatigue Analysis of Post-Buckled Composite Single-Stringer Specimen
by
Antonio Raimondo and Chiara Bisagni
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 143; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040143 - 11 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a numerical approach for investigating fatigue delamination propagation in composite stiffened panels loaded in compression in the post-buckling field. These components are widely utilized in aerospace structures due to their lightweight and high-strength properties. However, fatigue-induced damage, particularly delamination at
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This paper presents a numerical approach for investigating fatigue delamination propagation in composite stiffened panels loaded in compression in the post-buckling field. These components are widely utilized in aerospace structures due to their lightweight and high-strength properties. However, fatigue-induced damage, particularly delamination at the skin–stringer interface, poses a significant challenge. The proposed numerical approach, called the “Min–Max Load Approach”, allows for the calculation of the local stress ratio in a single finite element analysis. It represents the ratio between the minimum and maximum values of the stress along the delamination front, enabling accurate evaluation of the crack growth rate. The methodology is applied here in conjunction with the cohesive zone model technique to evaluate the post-buckling fatigue behavior of a composite single-stringer specimen with an initial delamination. Comparisons with experimental data validate the predictive capabilities of the proposed approach.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Modelling of Composites, Volume III)
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Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Bovine Bone Powder Using Heterotheca inuloides: An In Vitro Study
by
Sergio Arturo Gama-Lara, Alfredo Rafael Vilchis-Néstor, Adriana Moreno-Rodríguez, Liliana Argueta-Figueroa, Marco Antonio Zamora-Antuñano and Martha Stephanie Pérez-Mendoza
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 142; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040142 - 11 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper reports on the biosynthesis, characterization, as well as the bactericide and cytotoxic properties of silver nanoparticles supported on bovine bone powder (Ag-NPs/BBP). The silver nanoparticles were obtained through the bioreduction of AgNO3, using an infusion of Heterotheca inuloides leaves
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This paper reports on the biosynthesis, characterization, as well as the bactericide and cytotoxic properties of silver nanoparticles supported on bovine bone powder (Ag-NPs/BBP). The silver nanoparticles were obtained through the bioreduction of AgNO3, using an infusion of Heterotheca inuloides leaves and flowers as a reducing agent and bovine bone powder as a support. The ratio of Ag-NPs/bovine bone powder was set as 1:10. The characterization was performed with SEM–EDS, XRD, UV–Vis, and TEM, which showed the formation of nanoparticles with an average size of 22.6 ± 10.8 nm and a quasi-spherical Ag-NPs morphology supported on the BBP surface. The nanocomposite exhibited a band gap of 2.19 eV. The minimal inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. epidermidis were determined for each strain. In addition, the cytotoxic evaluation of the Ag-NPs/BBP on J774.2 mouse macrophage cells was performed. The Ag-NPs/BBP exhibited a bactericide effect on the strains studied, and the cytotoxicity had a dose-dependent behavior on the cells studied. Therefore, it was found that the ecofriendly synthesized Ag-NPs supported on bovine bone powder resulted in an effective bactericidal system against the strains studied, without significant cytotoxicity.
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(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposites)
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Numerical Investigation on the Capability of Modeling Approaches for Composite Cylinders under Low-Velocity Impact Loading
by
Shiva Rezaei Akbarieh, Dayou Ma, Claudio Sbarufatti and Andrea Manes
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 141; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040141 - 10 Apr 2024
Abstract
Composite pressure vessels can be exposed to extreme loadings, for instance, impact loading, during manufacturing, maintenance, or their service lifetime. These kinds of loadings may provoke both visible and invisible levels of damage, e.g., fiber breakage matrix cracks and delamination and eventually may
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Composite pressure vessels can be exposed to extreme loadings, for instance, impact loading, during manufacturing, maintenance, or their service lifetime. These kinds of loadings may provoke both visible and invisible levels of damage, e.g., fiber breakage matrix cracks and delamination and eventually may lead to catastrophic failures. Thus, the quantification and evaluation of such damages are of great importance. Considering the cost of relevant full-scale experiments, a numerical model can be a powerful tool for such a kind of study. This paper aims to provide a numerical study to investigate the capability of different modeling methods to predict delamination in composite vessels. In this study, various numerical modeling aspects, such as element types (solid and shell elements) and material parameters (such as interface properties), were considered to investigate delamination in a composite pressure vessel under low-velocity impact loading. Specifically, solid elements were used to model each layer of the composite pressure vessel, while, in another model, shell elements with composite layup were considered. Compared with the available experimental data from low-velocity impact tests described in the literature, the capability of these two models to predict both mechanical responses and failure phenomena is shown.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Modelling of Composites, Volume III)
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Preliminary Investigations and Support for the Mechanical and Dynamic Characteristics of a Natural Rubber Reinforcement in E-Glass/CNT/Epoxy Composite
by
Selvaraj Anidha, Santhosh Mozhuguan Sekar, Elango Natarajan, Manickam Muthukkumar, Kalaimani Markandan, Chun Kit Ang and Gérald Franz
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 140; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040140 - 10 Apr 2024
Abstract
The present investigation reports the synthesis and mechanical properties of a hybrid polymer composite consisting of E-Glass fiber, epoxy and 2 wt.% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a varying percentage of natural rubber (NR). The prepared hybrid polymer composites were examined in terms of
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The present investigation reports the synthesis and mechanical properties of a hybrid polymer composite consisting of E-Glass fiber, epoxy and 2 wt.% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a varying percentage of natural rubber (NR). The prepared hybrid polymer composites were examined in terms of their surface morphology, thermal properties as well as mechanical properties. The findings from the present study indicate that natural rubber enhances the mechanical properties of the hybrid polymer composites and, in particular, 10 wt.% is the optimum percentage of NR that yields the highest strength of 88 MPa, while the strength is 52 MPa with 5 wt.% NR. In order to evaluate the damping properties, a dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out on the E-Glass/CNT with NR composites at various frequencies along with a thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the composite reinforced with 10 wt.% natural rubber exhibited a higher glass transition temperature of 376.86 °C and storage modulus of 2468 MPa when compared to the other composites, which indicates the enhanced cross-linking density and higher polymer modulus of the composite. X-ray diffraction analysis was also conducted and the results are reported to improve the general understanding of crystalline phases.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Polymer Nanocomposites)
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Radiation-Induced Defect Formation Kinetics in Inconel–Cu Multimetallic Layered Composites
by
Rajesh Ramesh and Kasra Momeni
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 139; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040139 - 10 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the stability of Inconel–Cu Multimetallic Layered Composites (MMLCs) in nuclear reactor applications using Molecular Dynamics simulations. The focus is on understanding the underlying mechanisms governing the properties of MMLCs for advanced nuclear reactors, specifically, the mechanochemistry of the interface between
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This study investigates the stability of Inconel–Cu Multimetallic Layered Composites (MMLCs) in nuclear reactor applications using Molecular Dynamics simulations. The focus is on understanding the underlying mechanisms governing the properties of MMLCs for advanced nuclear reactors, specifically, the mechanochemistry of the interface between Inconel and copper alloys. The selection of Inconel–Cu MMLCs is primarily due to copper’s superior thermal conductivity, enhancing heat management within reactors by preventing hotspots and ensuring uniform temperature distribution. This research examines Incoloy 800H and two Inconel variants (718 and 625), assessing their stability at 1000 K after exposure to 10 keV collision cascades up to 0.12 dpa. Notable findings include defect clustering on the {1 2 0} family of planes of Inconel and Cu, with Stacking Faults and Lomer–Cottrell locks on the Inconel side.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Composites, Volume II)
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Dynamic Behavior and Permanent Indentation in S2-Glass Woven Fabric Reinforced Polymer Composites under Impact: Experimentation and High-Fidelity Modeling
by
Mohammad Rezasefat, Yogesh Kumar, Amanda Albertin Xavier da Silva, Sandro Campos Amico, James David Hogan and Andrea Manes
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 138; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040138 - 09 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper studies the behavior of S2-glass woven fabric reinforced polymer composite under low-velocity impact at 18–110 J energy. A macro-homogeneous finite element model for the prediction of their response is implemented, considering the non-linear material behavior and intralaminar and interlaminar failure modes
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This paper studies the behavior of S2-glass woven fabric reinforced polymer composite under low-velocity impact at 18–110 J energy. A macro-homogeneous finite element model for the prediction of their response is implemented, considering the non-linear material behavior and intralaminar and interlaminar failure modes for the prediction of impact damage. The model accurately predicted the permanent indentation caused by impact. By applying the Ramberg-Osgood formulation, different initial stiffness values are examined to assess the post-impact unloading response. This approach reveals the significant role of initial stiffness in inelastic strain accumulation and its consequent effect on permanent indentation depth. A higher initial stiffness correlates with increased inelastic strain, influencing the impactor rebound and resulting in greater permanent indentation. By accurately predicting permanent indentation, and damage accumulation for different impact energies, this study contributes to a better understanding of the impact behavior of composite materials, thereby promoting their wider application.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Modelling of Composites, Volume III)
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Tailoring Basalt Fibers and E-Glass Fibers as Reinforcements for Increased Impact Resistance
by
Elango Natarajan, Santhosh Mozhuguan Sekar, Kalaimani Markandan, Chun Kit Ang and Gérald Franz
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 137; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040137 - 09 Apr 2024
Abstract
The usage of basalt fiber in the engineering industries has gained significant interest due to its characteristics such as alkali resistance and enhanced mechanical properties. Similarly, E-glass-fiber-reinforced composites have been widely used in the fabrication of electrically resistive industrial components such as switches,
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The usage of basalt fiber in the engineering industries has gained significant interest due to its characteristics such as alkali resistance and enhanced mechanical properties. Similarly, E-glass-fiber-reinforced composites have been widely used in the fabrication of electrically resistive industrial components such as switches, circuit panels, and covering cases. In the present study, the tensile, flexural, thermogravimetric, and low-velocity impact characteristics of various percentages of basalt/E-glass-fiber-reinforced polymer composites fabricated via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding were investigated. The results show that a higher volume percentage of basalt (39%) significantly enhances the impact resistance up to 45% with a moderate improvement in flexural properties. The higher the vol % of E-glass (40%), the more the tensile and flexural properties are increased, i.e., 185 N/mm2 and 227.87 N/mm2, respectively. It is concluded that by choosing the optimum hybridization method, impact resistance and other mechanical properties can be improved significantly. The thermogravimetric analysis results show that PC313534 (35 vol % basalt and 34 vol % E-glass) possesses the lowest decomposition temperature of 381.10 °C. The results from the present study indicate that the polymer composite fabricated in the present study is suitable for applications where higher structural-load-resistive properties are required.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Polymer Composites, Volume III)
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Development of a Novel Lightweight Utility Pole Using a New Hybrid Reinforced Composite—Part 1: Fabrication and Experimental Investigation
by
Qianjiang Wu and Farid Taheri
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 136; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040136 - 05 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper is the first part of a two-part paper that discusses the development of a novel lightweight and cost-effective hybrid 3D composite material and its and utilization for constructing utility poles. The main objective was to generate a material/pole with a comparable
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This paper is the first part of a two-part paper that discusses the development of a novel lightweight and cost-effective hybrid 3D composite material and its and utilization for constructing utility poles. The main objective was to generate a material/pole with a comparable performance to the commercially available poles made of 2D fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and examine its feasibility. The novel hybrid composite was configured using a recently developed and marketed 3D E-glass fabric–epoxy composite reinforced with wood dowels, referred to as 3D dowel-reinforced FRPs (3D-drFRPs) hereafter. Firstly, the compressive and flexural properties of the 3D-drFRPs are evaluated. Then, the development of the 3D pole is discussed followed by the fabrication details of two 3D-drFRPs using the standard test method, and their responses are compared. For the second part, robust finite element (FE) models were developed in an LS-DYNA environment and calibrated based on the experimental results. A sophisticated nonlinear FE model was used to simulate the performances of ASTM standard-size compression and three-point bending specimens and tapered 2D and prismatic 3D poles. Moreover, the responses of equivalent 2D and 3D poles were simulated numerically, as the task could not be accommodated experimentally due to our laboratory’s deficiencies. The integrity of the numerical simulation results was validated against experimental results, confirming the accuracy of the developed model. As an example, the stiffness values for the 3-pt bending specimens and the 3D poles obtained through the simulations were very close to the experimentally obtained results, with small margins of errors of 3.2% and 0.89%, respectively. Finally, a simplified analytical calculation method was developed so practicing engineers can determine the stiffnesses of 3D-DrFRP poles very accurately and quickly.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials from Natural and Synthetic Sources: Fabrication, Characterization and Practical Application)
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The Polyurethane-Polystyrene Composite—Influence of the Blowing Agent Type on the Foaming Process, the Structure and the Properties
by
Elżbieta Malewska, Aleksander Prociak, Natalia Świdzińska-Grela and Maria Kurańska
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 135; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040135 - 05 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this study, polyurethane-polystyrene composites (RPURF-EPS) were obtained with the co-expansion method. This method consists of utilizing the heat of the exothermic reaction of polyurethane (PUR) formation to expand polystyrene beads (PSBs). The materials were obtained using polyurethane systems based on the selected
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In this study, polyurethane-polystyrene composites (RPURF-EPS) were obtained with the co-expansion method. This method consists of utilizing the heat of the exothermic reaction of polyurethane (PUR) formation to expand polystyrene beads (PSBs). The materials were obtained using polyurethane systems based on the selected blowing agents, such as cyclopentane, a mixture of fluorocarbons and water. The analysis of the foaming process was carried out using a special device called FOAMAT. The characteristic start, rise, gelation and curing times were defined. The rise profile, the reaction temperature, the pressure and the dielectric polarization were measured. The influence of selected blowing agents on the cell structure and physical–mechanical properties of reference rigid polyurethane foam (RPURF) and RPURF-EPS, such as apparent density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity, were evaluated. Based on the research, the blowing agents that have the most beneficial influence on the properties and structure of the composites and that provide the most efficient expansion of PSBs in a light porous composite were found.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Polymer Composites, Volume III)
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Obtaining and Characterizing New Types of Materials Based on Low-Density Polyethylene and Thermoplastic Starch
by
Maria Daniela Stelescu, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Ludmila Motelica, Anton Ficai, Roxana-Doina Trusca, Maria Sonmez, Mihaela Nituica and Mihai Georgescu
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 134; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jcs8040134 - 05 Apr 2024
Abstract
Significant interest is devoted to the development of new polymer blends by using concepts of the circular economy. Such materials have predetermined properties, are easy to recycle, ecological, and have a low carbon footprint. This research presents obtaining and characterization of polymer blends
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Significant interest is devoted to the development of new polymer blends by using concepts of the circular economy. Such materials have predetermined properties, are easy to recycle, ecological, and have a low carbon footprint. This research presents obtaining and characterization of polymer blends based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and thermoplastic starch (TPS). In the first stage, TPS was obtained through the gelatinization process, and, in the second stage, mixtures of LDPE and TPS were obtained through a melt mixing process at 150 °C for 7 min. The physical–mechanical characteristics of the samples, like hardness, elongation at break, rebound resilience, and tensile strength, were determined. The sample containing maleic anhydride grafted low-density polyethylene (LDPE-g-MA) as a compatibilizer shows improvements in elongation at break and tensile strength (by 6.59% and 40.47%, respectively) compared to the test sample. The FTIR microscopy maps show that samples containing LDPE-g-MA are more homogeneous. The SEM micrographs indicate that TPS-s is homogeneously dispersed as droplets in the LDPE matrix. From the thermal analysis, it was observed that both the degree of crystallinity and the mass loss at high temperature are influenced by the composition of the samples. The melt flow index has adequate values, indicating good processability of the samples by specific methods (such as extrusion or injection).
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2024)
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