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Advanced Composite Materials: Microstructures and Mechanical Properties

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 (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 18133

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Astronautical Science and Mechanics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
Interests: soft matter; shape memory polymers; composite materials

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Guest Editor
School of Mechatronic Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
Interests: continuous-discontinuous computation; particle-filled composites; multiscale rock mechanics

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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Testing Technology for Manufacturing Process, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
Interests: superhydrophobic coating; nanocomposites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid advancement of design and manufacturing technologies related to composite materials with excellent characteristics, including fiber-reinforced composites, nanocomposites, bio-composites, green/eco-composites, energy composites, and composites mimicking natural materials, etc., continues to provide increasingly extensive and important applications in a wide range of engineering fields. In particular, the use of carbon fiber composites in aerospace has been increasing due to their high specific strength and moduli. To be successfully applied in engineering, it is essential that a wide range of mechanical properties of composites are prefabricated, characterized, and analyzed theoretically. Therefore, the controllable design and intrinsic mechanisms of microstructures of composites with specific functions have also gained abundant attention research and shown great promise for use in engineering applications. To this end, this Special Issue aims collect and publish these valuable analytical, experimental, or computational research works regarding the mechanical properties of any kind of advanced composite material relevant to microstructure.

Prof. Dr. Fei Jia
Prof. Dr. Youjun Ning
Dr. Haidong Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • advanced composite material
  • microstructure
  • mechanical property
  • analytical
  • experimental
  • computational

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 8694 KiB  
Article
Stability of Silver-Nanowire-Based Flexible Transparent Electrodes under Mechanical Stress
by Yoohan Ma, Geon Woo Sim, Sungjin Jo, Dong Choon Hyun, Jae-Seung Roh, Dongwook Ko and Jongbok Kim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010420 - 3 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
Flexible transparent electrodes are integral to the advancement of flexible optoelectronic devices such as flexible displays and solar cells. However, indium tin oxide (ITO), a traditional material used in transparent electrodes, exhibits a significant increase in resistance under mechanical stress, which limits the [...] Read more.
Flexible transparent electrodes are integral to the advancement of flexible optoelectronic devices such as flexible displays and solar cells. However, indium tin oxide (ITO), a traditional material used in transparent electrodes, exhibits a significant increase in resistance under mechanical stress, which limits the long-term stability of flexible devices. Here, we prepare various types of silver nanowire (AgNW)-based transparent electrodes and investigate their stability in terms of electrical resistance and optical transmittance under compressive and tensile stresses. Under compressive stress, ITO on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate exhibits a significantly high electrical resistance of >3000 Ω after 1000 stress cycles, while the AgNW-coated electrode on a PET film exhibits a relatively smaller resistance of <1200 Ω. The AgNW-embedded electrode in a UV-curable polymer matrix (NOA63 or NOA71) exhibits an even lower electrical resistance of <450 Ω because AgNWs can easily maintain their network. A similar trend is observed under tensile stress. The AgNW-embedded electrode shows the highest resistance stability, whereas the ITO on the PET substrate shows the poorest stability. The optical transmittance is comparable regardless of the type of stress or electrode used. This superior stability of the AgNW-based electrodes, realized by integrating it with a polymer matrix, is promising for the development of durable and high-performance flexible optoelectronic devices. Full article
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17 pages, 9513 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Effect of Ultra-Fine Cement on the Microscopic Pore Structure of Cement Soil in a Peat Soil Environment
by Jing Cao, Chenhui Huang, Huafeng Sun, Yongfa Guo, Wenyun Ding and Guofeng Hua
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12700; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312700 - 27 Nov 2023
Viewed by 803
Abstract
Treating peat soil foundations around Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake in Yunnan is a complex problem in practical engineering projects. Peat soil solely reinforced with ordinary cement (OPC) does not satisfy demand. This study aims to solidify soil to achieve better mechanical properties. [...] Read more.
Treating peat soil foundations around Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake in Yunnan is a complex problem in practical engineering projects. Peat soil solely reinforced with ordinary cement (OPC) does not satisfy demand. This study aims to solidify soil to achieve better mechanical properties. The preparation of peat soil incorporates a humic acid (HA) reagent into cohesive soil, and cement and ultra-fine cement (UFC) are mixed by stirring to prepare cement soil samples. They are then immersed in fulvic acid (FA) solution to simulate cement soil in the actual environment. X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and pores and cracks analysis system (PCAS) tests are used to study the impact of the UFC on the microscopic pore structure of cement soil in a peat soil environment. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test is used for verification. The microscopic test results indicate that incorporating UFC enhances the specimen’s micropore structure. The XRD test results show the presence of C–S–H, C–A–S–H, and C–A–H. SEM and PCAS tests show that the UFC proportion increases by between 0% and 10%, and the percentage reduction in the macropore volume is the largest, at 38.84%. When the UFC admixture is 30%, the cumulative reduction in the percentage of macropore volume reaches 71.55%. The MIP test results show that the cumulative volume greater than 10 µm in pore size decreases from 7.68% to 0.17% with an increase in the UFC proportion. The UCS test results show that the maximum strength growth of cement soil is 12.99% when the UFC admixture is 0–10%. Incorporating UFC to form a compound curing agent solves the problem of the traditional reinforcement treatment of peat soil foundation being undesirable and decreases the amount of cement. This study provides practical guidance for reducing carbon emissions in actual projects. Full article
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19 pages, 6174 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Heat-Treated Shale under Different Temperatures
by Weiliang Gao, Guoqiang Deng, Guijuan Sun, Yongjun Deng and Yin Li
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12288; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212288 - 13 Nov 2023
Viewed by 830
Abstract
As a typical rock, shale’s reservoir depth is about 1500–4000 m, and the temperature of the shale reservoir at this depth is 150 °C. Therefore, in order to study the dynamic strength of shale at this temperature, it is necessary to consider the [...] Read more.
As a typical rock, shale’s reservoir depth is about 1500–4000 m, and the temperature of the shale reservoir at this depth is 150 °C. Therefore, in order to study the dynamic strength of shale at this temperature, it is necessary to consider the effects of temperature and strain rate on the dynamic strength of shale, and then establish the damage constitutive model of shale. This paper took black shale from the Sichuan Basin as the research object, combined it with the separated Hopkinson bar experiment and temperature control system, and conducted the Hopkinson bar experiment on shale at room temperature, 60 °C, 90 °C, 120 °C, and 150 °C, and at three groups of air pressures of 0.2 MPa, 0.3 MPa, and 0.4 MPa. The stress–strain curves of shale at the same strain rate and different temperature and at the same temperature and different strain rate were obtained. In the temperature difference range of this experiment, the dynamic strength of the sample presented two opposite trends (increasing and decreasing) with the increase in temperature, which was determined via the direction of the bedding. The peak strength linearly increased with the increase in strain rate. Based on the Weibull statistical distribution and the D–P failure criterion, a statistical damage constitutive model of shale dynamic strength considering the effects of temperature and strain rate was obtained. By modifying the parameters F0 and m, the dynamic strength statistical damage constitutive model of shale was in good agreement with the experimental results. Full article
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13 pages, 27440 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Influence of Initial Stress on the Bandgap Characteristics of Configuration-Controllable Metamaterials
by Fei Yao, Jixiao Wang, Qiang Fu and Hongyan Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11137; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011137 - 10 Oct 2023
Viewed by 782
Abstract
Configuration-controllable metamaterials are a kind of metamaterials whose bandgaps can be effectively adjusted through configuration control, but the configuration changes also produce initial stress. In this paper, the distribution of the initial stress of the configuration-controllable metamaterial under axial displacement and the influence [...] Read more.
Configuration-controllable metamaterials are a kind of metamaterials whose bandgaps can be effectively adjusted through configuration control, but the configuration changes also produce initial stress. In this paper, the distribution of the initial stress of the configuration-controllable metamaterial under axial displacement and the influence of initial stress on the band gap characteristics of the structure were analyzed using numerical and experimental methods. The results show that initial stress has a significant influence on the bandgap characteristics, and the position and width of the bandgap change with the magnitude of the initial stress. The bandgap distribution of the structure after considering the initial stress is more consistent with the reported experimental results. The influence of initial stress on bandgap cannot be ignored. When the compressive loading displacement is 10 mm, the frequency range of the first bandgap is 262 Hz–310 Hz and that of the second bandgap is 394 Hz–405 Hz. And the frequency range of the first and second bandgaps will be converted into 254 Hz–291 Hz and 391 Hz–400 Hz when considering initial stress. The initial stress generated by compression deformation reduces the frequency of the structural bandgap. The beginning and ending frequencies of the first bandgap will move toward low frequencies, and the first bandgap will close when the compression displacement reaches 30 mm. The initial stress generated by tensile deformation increases the frequency of the structural bandgap. The beginning and ending frequencies of the first bandgap move toward high frequencies, and the bandgap will close when the tensile displacement is 30 mm. Full article
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18 pages, 8197 KiB  
Article
Effect of Desert Sand on the Section Bonding Properties of Polyethylene Fiber−Engineered Cementitious Composites
by Yanfeng Niu, Fengxia Han, Qing Liu and Xu Yang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6078; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106078 - 15 May 2023
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
Xinjiang is in northwest China and has abundant desert sand. Replacing natural sand with sand from deserts is an urgent need and could be used in making polyethylene fiber−engineered cementitious composite (PE−ECC). The interfacial bonding properties of desert sand PE−ECC (DSPE−ECC) were made [...] Read more.
Xinjiang is in northwest China and has abundant desert sand. Replacing natural sand with sand from deserts is an urgent need and could be used in making polyethylene fiber−engineered cementitious composite (PE−ECC). The interfacial bonding properties of desert sand PE−ECC (DSPE−ECC) were made using the optimal mix proportion (30% desert sand content, 2% fiber volume) and the laboratory’s previous research results. Normal sand PE−ECC (NSPE−ECC) and DSPE−ECC at different test ages (3, 7, 14, and 28 days) were subjected to uniaxial tensile tests, and a method for determining bonding properties is proposed. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the development of PE−ECC fiber and matrix and the formation of hydration products. The results indicated that the cracking loads of the DSPE−ECC at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days increased by 16.72%, 28%, 23.23%, and 10.05%, respectively. Desert sand had low water content and high water absorption, which slowed down the rate of C2S, C3S combining with water molecules to form C−S−H, and had a great influence on the bonding properties of ECC at 3 days. However, the bonding properties of DSPE−ECC were only slightly less than those of NSPE−ECC at 28 days, and the bonding properties had gradually stabilized. Therefore, the addition of desert sand enhanced the fiber/matrix’s bonding properties, and the bonding properties stablized with the increase in curing ages. Full article
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20 pages, 6276 KiB  
Article
Study on Thermal Error Modeling for CNC Machine Tools Based on the Improved Radial Basis Function Neural Network
by Zhiming Feng, Xinglong Min, Wei Jiang, Fan Song and Xueqin Li
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5299; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095299 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1842
Abstract
The thermal error modeling technology of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools is the core of thermal error compensation, and the machining accuracy of CNC machine tools can be improved effectively by the high-precision prediction model of thermal errors. This paper analyzes several [...] Read more.
The thermal error modeling technology of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools is the core of thermal error compensation, and the machining accuracy of CNC machine tools can be improved effectively by the high-precision prediction model of thermal errors. This paper analyzes several methods related to thermal error modeling in the latest research applications, summarizes their deficiencies, and proposes a thermal error modeling method of CNC machine tool based on the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and radial basis function (RBF) neural network, named as IPSO-RBFNN. By introducing a compression factor to make the PSO algorithm balance between global and local search, the structure parameters of RBF neural network are optimized. Furthermore, in order to pick up the temperature-sensitive variables, an improved model, which combines the K-means clustering algorithm and correlation analysis method based on back propagation (BP) neural network is proposed. After the temperature-sensitive variables are selected, the IPSO-RBFNN method is adopted to establish the thermal error model for CNC machine tool. Based on the experimental data of the CNC machine tool under the name of DMG-DMU65, the predictive accuracy of the IPSO-RBFNN model in Z direction reaches 2.05 μm. Compared with other neural network method, it is improved by 10.48%, which indicates that it has better prediction ability. At last, the experiment verification for different thermal error terms at different velocities proves that this model has stronger robustness. Full article
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19 pages, 7710 KiB  
Article
The Mesoscopic Numerical Simulation of GAP/CL20/AP Composite Solid Propellant Based on MPM and FEM
by Xiaoyong Gu, Xiangyang Liu, Chunying Dong, Guanglong Zhang, Liming Zhang and Fengjian Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4552; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074552 - 3 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1596
Abstract
In this paper, first, the meso-debonding process of a GAP/CL20/AP composite solid propellant under uniaxial tension was analyzed using the advantages of the material point method (MPM) and the finite element method (FEM) for the first time; then, the numerical simulation results were [...] Read more.
In this paper, first, the meso-debonding process of a GAP/CL20/AP composite solid propellant under uniaxial tension was analyzed using the advantages of the material point method (MPM) and the finite element method (FEM) for the first time; then, the numerical simulation results were compared with the experiments. Based on the basic principle of modeling with the material point method, grains of different sizes were generated quickly and efficiently. Next, the grains were dispersed into particles, and the position information of the particles was mapped onto the background grid, so the background grids were used to determine the position of the grains. After that, the generated AP and CL20 grains were imported into the commercial software Abaqus through python scripting codes for numerical calculation. Based on macro-mechanical tests and a micro-numerical simulation, this paper studies the micro-internal mechanism that affects the macro-mechanical properties of composite solid propellants. Three interface parameters needed to be determined by parameter inversion, and the value of the objective interpolation function minR was 0.05078%. From a comparison, it was found that the numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results in the aspects of micro-crack cracking characteristics and the nominal stress–strain curve of propellants. After that, the influence of interface parameters on the stress–strain curve are discussed. The research in this paper has high scientific value and engineering application value and can provide important reference and guidance for the design of composite solid propellants and its mechanical property analyses, so as to solve the structural integrity problem of solid rocket motor charges. Full article
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13 pages, 23083 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Performance of Polystyrene-Based Nanocomposites Filled with Carbon Allotropes
by Olga A. Moskalyuk, Andrey V. Belashov, Anna A. Zhikhoreva, Yaroslav M. Beltukov and Irina V. Semenova
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 4022; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13064022 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1356
Abstract
Numerous studies have been performed on different aspects of the mechanical behavior of polymer nanocomposites; however, the results obtained still lack a comprehensive comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of composites containing nanofillers of different shapes and concentrations and subjected to different static [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have been performed on different aspects of the mechanical behavior of polymer nanocomposites; however, the results obtained still lack a comprehensive comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of composites containing nanofillers of different shapes and concentrations and subjected to different static and dynamic loads. Carbon nanofillers were shown to provide the most significant improvement in the elastic properties of polymer composites. In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of polystyrene-based nanocomposites filled with carbon allotropes of different shapes: spherical fullerene particles, filamentary multi-walled nanotubes, and graphene platelets, fabricated by the same technology. The influence of shape and concentration of dispersed carbon fillers on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of composites in different stress–strain states was evaluated based on the results of tensile and three-point bending tests, and ultrasonic and dynamic mechanical analysis. Comparison of the static and dynamic elastic properties of nanocomposites allowed us to analyze their variations with frequency. At low concentrations of 0.1 wt% and 0.5 wt% all nanofillers did not provide significant improvement of elastic characteristics of composites. More efficient reinforcement was observed at the concentration of 5 wt%. Among the filler types, some increase in composite rigidity was observed with the addition of filamentary particles. The introduction of the layered filler provided the most pronounced rise in the composite rigidity. The weak frequency dependence of the mechanical loss tangent, which is characteristic of amorphous thermoplastics, was demonstrated for all the samples. Full article
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23 pages, 12083 KiB  
Article
Effect of Tribological Layer Formation on Wear Resistance of PI- and PEI-Based Nanocomposites in Point and Line Contacts
by Sergey V. Panin, Jiangkun Luo, Dmitry G. Buslovich, Vladislav O. Alexenko, Lyudmila A. Kornienko, Anton V. Byakov, Artur R. Shugurov, Konstantin S. Panin and Filippo Berto
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3848; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063848 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1112
Abstract
The tribological performance of both PI- and PEI-based nanocomposites, reinforced with chopped carbon fibers (CCF) and additionally loaded with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as well as carbon nanotubes (CNT), was investigated. Metal (GCr15 steel) counterparts were utilized in the point (“ball-on-disk”) and linear (“block-on-ring”) [...] Read more.
The tribological performance of both PI- and PEI-based nanocomposites, reinforced with chopped carbon fibers (CCF) and additionally loaded with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as well as carbon nanotubes (CNT), was investigated. Metal (GCr15 steel) counterparts were utilized in the point (“ball-on-disk”) and linear (“block-on-ring”) tribological contacts. In the point contact, the PEI/10CCF/1HNT nanocomposite was characterized by the maximum wear resistance and the absence of microabrasive damage of the steel counterpart (Ra = 0.02 µm). The effect of tribological layer formation through creep and mixing mechanisms was proposed to make it possible to protect (shield) the contacting surfaces. In the linear contact at the higher Ra counterpart roughness of 0.2 µm, the tribological layer was formed on both PI- and PEI-based nanocomposites. This was governed by the development of both creep and mixing processes under the cyclic action of the tangential load transmitted from the sliding counterpart and being localized on the wear track. Due to the combination of both higher manufacturability and lower cost, the PEI-based nanocomposite loaded with CCFs and HNTs is a promising inexpensive material for fabricating components of metal–polymer friction units. Full article
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11 pages, 2344 KiB  
Communication
Prediction of the Elastic Properties of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Reinforced Polypropylene Composites Using a Numerical Homogenisation Approach
by Jong-Hwan Yun, Yu-Jae Jeon and Min-Soo Kang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3638; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063638 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
The elastic properties of polypropylene (PP) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) textile composites were predicted using finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional (3D) model of composites was generated by introducing a cloth made from UHMWPE fibers into a PP matrix. Regarding the [...] Read more.
The elastic properties of polypropylene (PP) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) textile composites were predicted using finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional (3D) model of composites was generated by introducing a cloth made from UHMWPE fibers into a PP matrix. Regarding the weaving type, the reinforcement was fabricated by replicating plain and twill-woven materials. Additionally, the elastic properties of the composites were compared and evaluated by varying the volume fraction of UHMWPE in the composites from 45% to 75%. The elastic modulus of the composites containing textiles prepared using the plain weaving method was greater than that of the composites containing textiles prepared using the twill weaving method. Along the axial direction, the shear modulus calculation results for the plain-woven reinforcement textiles were distinct. However, the shear moduli in both directions were similar in the twill-woven reinforcement materials. Moreover, the future development of composites should quantify the simulation by measuring the tensile strength and shear strength of real materials. Full article
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24 pages, 4915 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Fracture Behavior for Transversely Isotropic Slate Using Semi-Circular Bend Method
by Erqiang Li, Yanqing Wei, Zhanyang Chen and Longfei Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042418 - 13 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1378
Abstract
Slate with inherently transverse isotropy is abundant in metamorphic rock, in buildings, and in geotechnical engineering worldwide; the tensile and shear fracture behavior of layered slate is vital to know for engineering applications. In this paper, the Brazilian and semi-circular bend (SCB) tests [...] Read more.
Slate with inherently transverse isotropy is abundant in metamorphic rock, in buildings, and in geotechnical engineering worldwide; the tensile and shear fracture behavior of layered slate is vital to know for engineering applications. In this paper, the Brazilian and semi-circular bend (SCB) tests of layered slate were performed. The fracture characteristics of the slate were investigated by numerical simulations developed by the hybrid finite and cohesive element method (FCEM). Results showed that the measured experimental tensile strength, and mode I fracture toughness of layered slate all showed a typical V-type trend as the bedding angle increased from 0° to 90°, and with divider type. The developed empirical relationship between tensile fracture toughness and tensile strength KIC = 0.094σt + 0.036 fitted experimentally and strongly correlated. The mechanical response and fracture patterns predicted by FCEM agreed well with those of the laboratory experiments. Moreover, the shear fracture behavior and mode II fracture toughness of the layered slate were explored by systematic numerical simulations. Research results provide potential insights for further prediction and improvement of the complex fracture behavior of anisotropic rock masses for rock engineering. Full article
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15 pages, 4851 KiB  
Article
Strength Characteristics of Biochar-Amended Clay Covered Soil Mixed with Methane-Oxidizing Bacteria
by Mingyu Li, Wenjing Sun and Zhanyang Chen
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12954; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412954 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1482
Abstract
Adding biochar to soil can improve the soil’s physical–chemical properties, microscopic pore structure, and bacterial habitat. This affects the soil’s strength characteristics and the oxidization of methane. Using a Humboldt pneumatic direct shear instrument, this study investigated the effect of the amount of [...] Read more.
Adding biochar to soil can improve the soil’s physical–chemical properties, microscopic pore structure, and bacterial habitat. This affects the soil’s strength characteristics and the oxidization of methane. Using a Humboldt pneumatic direct shear instrument, this study investigated the effect of the amount of biochar in the soil, the soil’s methane-oxidizing bacteria, aeration time, and carbon content on the strength characteristics of a biochar-amended clay. The results show that when the biochar content is low, the soil’s stress–strain curve shows a strain hardening state as the strain increases. When the biochar content is greater than 10%, the methane-oxidizing bacteria increase as the shear strain increases. The stress–strain curves of the biochar–clay mixture all showed a softened state. Under the same biochar content, the soil’s stress–strain curves show strain softening as the methane filling time increases. However, with an increase in the amount of biochar, cohesion gradually increased and the internal friction angle did not change significantly. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the biochar–clay mixture with methane oxidizing bacteria revealed the influence of the evolution law of the samples’ micropore structure on the soil’s stress–strain curve and strength properties. Full article
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12 pages, 4636 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Elastic Properties According to the Aspect Ratio of UHMWPE Fibers Added to PP/UHMWPE Composites
by Dong-Han Yun, Jong-Hwan Yun, Yu-Jae Jeon and Min-Soo Kang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(22), 11429; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122211429 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1811
Abstract
This study comparatively analyzed the behavior of elastic properties by aspect ratio of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that are added when creating a composite material of polypropylene and UHMWPE. The volume fraction (VF) of UHMWPE fibers added to polypropylene was [...] Read more.
This study comparatively analyzed the behavior of elastic properties by aspect ratio of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that are added when creating a composite material of polypropylene and UHMWPE. The volume fraction (VF) of UHMWPE fibers added to polypropylene was fixed at 5%. The elastic properties were lumped for analysis according to the aspect ratio of the UHMWPE fibers oriented on the polypropylene matrix; they were analyzed using the Halpin–Tsai model, which involves a theoretical approach and finite element analysis based on the homogenization method. Finite element analysis was performed for fiber aspect ratios of 0.2 to 30 UHMWPE via the homogenization technique using the ANSYS Material Designer. For theoretical comparison, UHMWPE fiber aspect ratios of 0.2 to 100 were comparatively analyzed using the Halpin–Tsai model. When the aspect ratio of UHMWPE fiber was 0.2, it was calculated as 1518 MPa, and when the aspect ratio was 30, it was 2365 MPa, and it increased by 55.8%. As the aspect ratio increased, E22 and G12 converged to a constant value (1550 MPa). In the future, when the volume fraction of UHMWPE changes from 0 to 50%, a study must be conducted to analyze the predicted behavior of the elastic properties when the aspect ratio of the UHMWPE fiber changes. Full article
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