International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A composite material is made of two or more constituents with different characteristics, resulting in synergistic properties that cannot be achieved from either component alone. The term ‘biocomposites’ specially refers to those composites that can be employed in bioengineering. By modifying the type and distribution of the reinforcing phases in the composites it is possible to allow the modification of a variety of biological and mechanical properties, which enhances the performance of biomedical devices and their interactions with surrounding tissues. In this light, the latest developments of composites will be the main topic of this Special Issue. It will cover basic scientific and engineering aspects of composites. There are no limits in terms of composition, type of matrix (natural or synthetic polymers, metals, ceramic materials), nature and dimensions of the fillers. Short communications, full papers, and reviews are all welcome. Research on green materials or processings is strongly encouraged.

Dr. Donatella Duraccio
Dr. Maria Giulia Faga
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biocomposites
polymer composites
metal composites
ceramic composites
hybrid composites
synthesis, characterization, and properties of composites
structure-property relationships of composites

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Poly(propylene carbonate) on Properties of Polylactic Acid-Based Composite Films

by Kang Chen, Xinyu Zhang, Zanru Wang, Ce Sun, Haiyan Tan and Yanhua Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094730 - 26 Apr 2024

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Abstract

To enrich the properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite films and improve the base degradability, in this study, a certain amount of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was added to PLA-based composite films, and PLA/PPC-based composite films were prepared by melt blending and hot-press molding. The effects of the introduction of PPC on the composite films were analyzed through in-depth studies on mechanical properties, water vapor and oxygen transmission rates, thermal analysis, compost degradability, and bacterial inhibition properties of the composite films. When the introduction ratio coefficient of PPC was 30%, the tensile strength of the composite film increased by 19.68%, the water vapor transmission coefficient decreased by 14.43%, and the oxygen transmission coefficient decreased by 18.31% compared to that of the composite film without PPC, the cold crystallization temperature of the composite film increased gradually from 96.9 °C to 104.8 °C, and PPC improved the crystallization ability of composite film. The degradation rate of the composite film with PPC increased significantly compared to the previous one, and the degradation rate increased with the increase in the PPC content. The degradation rate was 49.85% and 46.22% faster on average than that of the composite film without PPC when the degradation was carried out over 40 and 80 days; the composite film had certain inhibition, and the maximum diameter of the inhibition circle was 2.42 cm. This study provides a strategy for the development of PLA-based biodegradable laminates, which can promote the application of PLA-based laminates in food packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Developments of Composites in Bioengineering: Structure, Morphology, Properties and Application)

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Review

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23 pages, 19088 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tribological Properties of Blocky Composites with Carbon Nanotubes

by Chaoxiang Hu, Yunqing Gu, Qianfeng Qiu, Hongxin Ding, Jiegang Mou, Denghao Wu, Longbiao Ma, Maosen Xu and Chengqi Mou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3938; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073938 - 01 Apr 2024

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Abstract

A large amount of primary energy is lost due to friction, and the study of new additive materials to improve friction performance is in line with the concept of low carbon. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have advantages in drag reduction and wear resistance with their hollow structure and self-lubricating properties. This review investigated the mechanism of improving friction properties of blocky composites (including polymer, metal, and ceramic-based composites) with CNTs’ incorporation. The characteristic tubular structure and the carbon film make low wear rate and friction coefficient on the surface. In addition, the effect of CNTs’ aggregation and interfacial bond strength on the wear resistance was analyzed. Within an appropriate concentration range of CNTs, the blocky composites exhibit better wear resistance properties. Based on the differences in drag reduction and wear resistance in different materials and preparation methods, further research directions of CNTs have been suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Developments of Composites in Bioengineering: Structure, Morphology, Properties and Application)

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