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Fibers, Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2017) – 13 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Silica glass optical fibers are known for their application in telecommunication. This article reviews the latest developments in advanced materials for optical fibers ranging from novel twists on the more conventional silica, to crystalline semi-conductors, particle-containing glasses and chalcogenides as well as new process innovations for their fabrication. View this paper
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2397 KiB  
Article
The Design of Temperature-Responsive Nanofiber Meshes for Cell Storage Applications
by Tomohiro Maeda, Young-Jin Kim, Takao Aoyagi and Mitsuhiro Ebara
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010013 - 21 Mar 2017
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7362
Abstract
Here we report on the fabrication and characterization of temperature-responsive electrospun nanofiber meshes using N-isopropylacrylamide homopolymer (PNIPAAm). The effect of molecular weight on fiber formation and their thermoresponsive shrinking/dissolution behaviors were investigated. The PNIPAAm fiber meshes showed much faster temperature-dependent shrinking or [...] Read more.
Here we report on the fabrication and characterization of temperature-responsive electrospun nanofiber meshes using N-isopropylacrylamide homopolymer (PNIPAAm). The effect of molecular weight on fiber formation and their thermoresponsive shrinking/dissolution behaviors were investigated. The PNIPAAm fiber meshes showed much faster temperature-dependent shrinking or dissolution than that of its corresponding film due to its unique fibrous structure. By utilizing these quick and dynamic shrinking/dissolution properties, we successfully demonstrated the temperature-modulated “on-off” capture/release systems for macroscopic or mesoscopic-scale objects. Finally, we explored the potential application of PNIPAAm meshes for cell storage. Full article
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3285 KiB  
Review
Glass and Process Development for the Next Generation of Optical Fibers: A Review
by John Ballato, Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, Jiangbo Zhao, Laeticia Petit and Johann Troles
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010011 - 10 Mar 2017
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 14326
Abstract
Applications involving optical fibers have grown considerably in recent years with intense levels of research having been focused on the development of not only new generations of optical fiber materials and designs, but also on new processes for their preparation. In this paper, [...] Read more.
Applications involving optical fibers have grown considerably in recent years with intense levels of research having been focused on the development of not only new generations of optical fiber materials and designs, but also on new processes for their preparation. In this paper, we review the latest developments in advanced materials for optical fibers ranging from silica, to semi-conductors, to particle-containing glasses, to chalcogenides and also in process-related innovations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Optical Fibers II)
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5323 KiB  
Article
Verification and Validation of a Three-Dimensional Orthotropic Plasticity Constitutive Model Using a Unidirectional Composite
by Canio Hoffarth, Bilal Khaled, Loukham Shyamsunder, Subramaniam Rajan, Robert Goldberg, Kelly S. Carney, Paul DuBois and Gunther Blankenhorn
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010012 - 04 Mar 2017
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7092
Abstract
A three-dimensional constitutive model has been developed for modeling orthotropic composites subject to impact loads. It has three distinct components—a deformation model involving elastic and plastic deformations; a damage model; and a failure model. The model is driven by tabular data that is [...] Read more.
A three-dimensional constitutive model has been developed for modeling orthotropic composites subject to impact loads. It has three distinct components—a deformation model involving elastic and plastic deformations; a damage model; and a failure model. The model is driven by tabular data that is generated either using laboratory tests or via virtual testing. A unidirectional composite—T800/F3900, commonly used in the aerospace industry, is used in the verification and validation tests. While the failure model is under development, these tests indicate that the implementation of the deformation and damage models in a commercial finite element program, LS-DYNA, is efficient, robust and accurate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Fibers)
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6017 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Experiments on Ballistic Impact into UHMWPE Yarns Using Flat and Saddle-Nosed Projectiles
by Stuart Leigh Phoenix, Ulrich Heisserer, Harm Van der Werff and Marjolein Van der Jagt-Deutekom
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010008 - 02 Mar 2017
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8456
Abstract
Yarn shooting experiments were conducted to determine the ballistically-relevant, Young’s modulus and tensile strength of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber. Target specimens were Dyneema® SK76 yarns (1760 dtex), twisted to 40 turns/m, and initially tensioned to stresses ranging from 29 to [...] Read more.
Yarn shooting experiments were conducted to determine the ballistically-relevant, Young’s modulus and tensile strength of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber. Target specimens were Dyneema® SK76 yarns (1760 dtex), twisted to 40 turns/m, and initially tensioned to stresses ranging from 29 to 2200 MPa. Yarns were impacted, transversely, by two types of cylindrical steel projectiles at velocities ranging from 150 to 555 m/s: (i) a reverse-fired, fragment simulating projectile (FSP) where the flat rear face impacted the yarn rather than the beveled nose; and (ii) a ‘saddle-nosed projectile’ having a specially contoured nose imparting circular curvature in the region of impact, but opposite curvature transversely to prevent yarn slippage off the nose. Experimental data consisted of sequential photographic images of the progress of the triangular transverse wave, as well as tensile wave speed measured using spaced, piezo-electric sensors. Yarn Young’s modulus, calculated from the tensile wave-speed, varied from 133 GPa at minimal initial tension to 208 GPa at the highest initial tensions. However, varying projectile impact velocity, and thus, the strain jump on impact, had negligible effect on the modulus. Contrary to predictions from the classical Cole-Smith model for 1D yarn impact, the critical velocity for yarn failure differed significantly for the two projectile types, being 18% lower for the flat-faced, reversed FSP projectile compared to the saddle-nosed projectile, which converts to an apparent 25% difference in yarn strength. To explain this difference, a wave-propagation model was developed that incorporates tension wave collision under blunt impact by a flat-faced projectile, in contrast to outward wave propagation in the classical model. Agreement between experiment and model predictions was outstanding across a wide range of initial yarn tensions. However, plots of calculated failure stress versus yarn pre-tension stress resulted in apparent yarn strengths much lower than 3.4 GPa from quasi-static tension tests, although a plot of critical velocity versus initial tension did project to 3.4 GPa at zero velocity. This strength reduction (occurring also in aramid fibers) suggested that transverse fiber distortion and yarn compaction from a compressive shock wave under the projectile results in fiber-on-fiber interference in the emerging transverse wave front, causing a gradient in fiber tensile strains with depth, and strain concentration in fibers nearest the projectile face. A model was developed to illustrate the phenomenon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Fibers)
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170 KiB  
Editorial
Glass Fibers: Quo Vadis?
by Edith Mäder
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010010 - 24 Feb 2017
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6090
Abstract
Since the early 1930s, the process of melting glass and subsequently forming fibers, in particular discontinuous fiber glass or continuous glass filaments, evolved into commercial-scale manufacturing.[...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glass Fibers)
6840 KiB  
Article
Role of Inelastic Transverse Compressive Behavior and Multiaxial Loading on the Transverse Impact of Kevlar KM2 Single Fiber
by Subramani Sockalingam, John W., Gillespie and Michael Keefe
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010009 - 22 Feb 2017
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7569
Abstract
High-velocity transverse impact of ballistic fabrics and yarns by projectiles subject individual fibers to multi-axial dynamic loading. Single-fiber transverse impact experiments with the current state-of-the-art experimental capabilities are challenging due to the associated micron length-scale. Kevlar® KM2 fibers exhibit a nonlinear inelastic [...] Read more.
High-velocity transverse impact of ballistic fabrics and yarns by projectiles subject individual fibers to multi-axial dynamic loading. Single-fiber transverse impact experiments with the current state-of-the-art experimental capabilities are challenging due to the associated micron length-scale. Kevlar® KM2 fibers exhibit a nonlinear inelastic behavior in transverse compression with an elastic limit less than 1.5% strain. The effect of this transverse behavior on a single KM2 fiber subjected to a cylindrical and a fragment-simulating projectile (FSP) transverse impact is studied with a 3D finite element model. The inelastic behavior results in a significant reduction of fiber bounce velocity and projectile-fiber contact forces up to 38% compared to an elastic impact response. The multiaxial stress states during impact including transverse compression, axial tension, axial compression and interlaminar shear are presented at the location of failure. In addition, the models show a strain concentration over a small length in the fiber under the projectile-fiber contact. A failure criterion, based on maximum axial tensile strain accounting for the gage length, strain rate and multiaxial loading degradation effects are applied to predict the single-fiber breaking speed. Results are compared to the elastic response to assess the importance of inelastic material behavior on failure during a transverse impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Fibers)
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10687 KiB  
Article
Molecular Dynamics Modeling of the Effect of Axial and Transverse Compression on the Residual Tensile Properties of Ballistic Fiber
by Sanjib C. Chowdhury, Subramani Sockalingam and John W. Gillespie
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010007 - 14 Feb 2017
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11046
Abstract
Ballistic impact induces multiaxial loading on Kevlar® and polyethylene fibers used in protective armor systems. The influence of multiaxial loading on fiber failure is not well understood. Experiments show reduction in the tensile strength of these fibers after axial and transverse compression. [...] Read more.
Ballistic impact induces multiaxial loading on Kevlar® and polyethylene fibers used in protective armor systems. The influence of multiaxial loading on fiber failure is not well understood. Experiments show reduction in the tensile strength of these fibers after axial and transverse compression. In this paper, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explain and develop a fundamental understanding of this experimental observation since the property reduction mechanism evolves from the atomistic level. An all-atom MD method is used where bonded and non-bonded atomic interactions are described through a state-of-the-art reactive force field. Monotonic tension simulations in three principal directions of the models are conducted to determine the anisotropic elastic and strength properties. Then the models are subjected to multi-axial loads—axial compression, followed by axial tension and transverse compression, followed by axial tension. MD simulation results indicate that pre-compression distorts the crystal structure, inducing preloading of the covalent bonds and resulting in lower tensile properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Fibers)
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5988 KiB  
Article
Development of Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Porous Supports for High Flux Composite Membranes: Air Plasma and Piranha Etching
by Ilya Borisov, Anna Ovcharova, Danila Bakhtin, Stepan Bazhenov, Alexey Volkov, Rustem Ibragimov, Rustem Gallyamov, Galina Bondarenko, Rais Mozhchil, Alexandr Bildyukevich and Vladimir Volkov
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010006 - 13 Feb 2017
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 10106
Abstract
For the development of high efficiency porous supports for composite membrane preparation, polysulfone (PSf) hollow fiber membranes (outer diameter 1.57 mm, inner diameter 1.12 mm) were modified by air plasma using the low temperature plasma treatment pilot plant which is easily scalable to [...] Read more.
For the development of high efficiency porous supports for composite membrane preparation, polysulfone (PSf) hollow fiber membranes (outer diameter 1.57 mm, inner diameter 1.12 mm) were modified by air plasma using the low temperature plasma treatment pilot plant which is easily scalable to industrial level and the Piranha etch (H2O2 + H2SO4). Chemical and plasma modification affected only surface layers and did not cause PSf chemical structure change. The modifications led to surface roughness decrease, which is of great importance for further thin film composite (TFC) membranes fabrication by dense selective layer coating, and also reduced water and ethylene glycol contact angle values for modified hollow fibers surface. Furthermore, the membranes surface energy increased two-fold. The Piranha mixture chemical modification did not change the membranes average pore size and gas permeance values, while air plasma treatment increased pore size 1.5-fold and also 2 order enhanced membranes surface porosity. Since membranes surface porosity increased due to air plasma treatment the modified membranes were used as efficient supports for preparation of high permeance TFC membranes by using poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne] as an example for selective layer fabrication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hollow Fiber Membrane)
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2545 KiB  
Article
Mammalian Skeletal Muscle Fibres Promote Non-Muscle Stem Cells and Non-Stem Cells to Adopt Myogenic Characteristics
by Taryn Morash, Henry Collins-Hooper, Robert Mitchell and Ketan Patel
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010005 - 23 Jan 2017
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6988
Abstract
Skeletal muscle fibres are unique cells in large animals, often composed of thousands of post-mitotic nuclei. Following skeletal muscle damage, resident stem cells, called satellite cells, commit to myogenic differentiation and migrate to carry out repair. Satellite stem cells migrate on muscle fibres [...] Read more.
Skeletal muscle fibres are unique cells in large animals, often composed of thousands of post-mitotic nuclei. Following skeletal muscle damage, resident stem cells, called satellite cells, commit to myogenic differentiation and migrate to carry out repair. Satellite stem cells migrate on muscle fibres through amoeboid movement, which relies on dynamic cell membrane extension and retraction (blebbing). It is not known whether blebbing is due to the intrinsic properties of satellite cells, or induced by features of the myofibre surface. Here, we determined the influence of the muscle fibre matrix on two important features of muscle regeneration: the ability to migrate and to differentiate down a myogenic lineage. We show that the muscle fibre is able to induce amoeboid movement in non-muscle stem cells and non-stem cells. Secondly, we show that prolonged co-culture on myofibres caused amniotic fluid stem cells and breast cancer cells to express MyoD, a key myogenic determinant. Finally, we show that amniotic fluid stem cells co-cultured on myofibres are able to fuse and make myotubes that express Myosin Heavy Chain. Full article
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264 KiB  
Editorial
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Fibers in 2016
by Fibers Editorial Office
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010004 - 12 Jan 2017
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5119
Abstract
The editors of Fibers would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...] Full article
7845 KiB  
Review
Recent Developments in Micro-Structured Fiber Optic Sensors
by Yanping Xu, Ping Lu, Liang Chen and Xiaoyi Bao
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010003 - 10 Jan 2017
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 14839
Abstract
Recent developments in fiber-optic sensing have involved booming research in the design and manufacturing of novel micro-structured optical fiber devices. From the conventional tapered fiber architectures to the novel micro-machined devices by advanced laser systems, thousands of micro-structured fiber-optic sensors have been proposed [...] Read more.
Recent developments in fiber-optic sensing have involved booming research in the design and manufacturing of novel micro-structured optical fiber devices. From the conventional tapered fiber architectures to the novel micro-machined devices by advanced laser systems, thousands of micro-structured fiber-optic sensors have been proposed and fabricated for applications in measuring temperature, strain, refractive index (RI), electric current, displacement, bending, acceleration, force, rotation, acoustic, and magnetic field. The renowned and unparalleled merits of sensors-based micro-machined optical fibers including small footprint, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interferences, durability to harsh environment, capability of remote control, and flexibility of directly embedding into the structured system have placed them in highly demand for practical use in diverse industries. With the rapid advancement in micro-technology, micro-structured fiber sensors have benefitted from the trends of possessing high performance, versatilities and spatial miniaturization. Here, we comprehensively review the recent progress in the micro-structured fiber-optic sensors with a variety of architectures regarding their fabrications, waveguide properties and sensing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors)
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8990 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Fiber Type and Axial Stiffness of FRCM on the Flexural Strengthening of RC Beams
by Abdulla Jabr, Amr El-Ragaby and Faouzi Ghrib
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010002 - 06 Jan 2017
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8542
Abstract
The use of externally-bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets has been successfully used in the repair and strengthening of both the shear and flexural capacities of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, slabs and columns since the 1990s. However, the externally-bonded FRP reinforcements still present many [...] Read more.
The use of externally-bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets has been successfully used in the repair and strengthening of both the shear and flexural capacities of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, slabs and columns since the 1990s. However, the externally-bonded FRP reinforcements still present many disadvantages, such as poor performance in elevated temperature and fire, lack of permeability and strength degradation when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. To remedy such drawbacks, the fiber-/fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) has been recently introduced. The FRCM system consists of a fiber mesh or grid embedded in a cementitious bonding material. The present research investigates the flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with FRCM. The experimental testing included eight large-scale concrete beams, 150 mm × 250 mm × 2400 mm, internally reinforced with steel bars and strengthened in flexure with FRCM. The investigated parameters were the internal steel reinforcement ratio and the FRCM systems. Two steel reinforcement ratios of 0.18 and 0.36 of the balanced reinforcement ratio, as well as three FRCM systems using glass, carbon and PBO fibers were investigated. Test results are presented in terms of load-deflection, load-strain and load-crack width relationships. The test results indicated that the PBO FRCM significantly increased the ultimate capacity of the strengthened RC beams with both low and moderate internal reinforcement ratios compared to the glass and carbon FRCM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for Infrastructure Applications)
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2378 KiB  
Article
A Fiber Optic Fabry–Perot Cavity Sensor for the Probing of Oily Samples
by Vasileia Melissinaki, Maria Farsari and Stavros Pissadakis
Fibers 2017, 5(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib5010001 - 03 Jan 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7568
Abstract
A micro-optical Fabry–Perot cavity fabricated by non-linear laser lithography on the endface of a standard telecom fiber is tested here as a microsensor for identifying oily liquids. The device operates within the 1550 nm spectral region, while the spectra recorded in reflection mode [...] Read more.
A micro-optical Fabry–Perot cavity fabricated by non-linear laser lithography on the endface of a standard telecom fiber is tested here as a microsensor for identifying oily liquids. The device operates within the 1550 nm spectral region, while the spectra recorded in reflection mode correlate to the refractive index of the oily liquids used, as well as, to the diffusion dynamics in the time domain of the oily samples inside the porous photo-polymerized sensing head. The operation of the microresonator sensing probe is explained by using a three-layer Fabry–Perot model and basic diffusion physics to estimate diffusivities for three series of refractive index matching oils with different chemical compositions that had been used in those experiments. The distinct spectro-temporal response of this sensing probe to the different oil samples is demonstrated and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors)
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