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J. Compos. Sci.
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Multifunctional Composites, Volume III
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Multifunctional Composites, Volume III

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Composites Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 11144

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Phuong Nguyen-Tri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
2. Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
Interests: green chemistry; multifunctional composites; antiviral composites; polymer crystallization; nanomaterials; advanced materials for energy and environment; hybrid nanoparticles; conversion of biomass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the progress of the nanotechnology and production methods, composite materials are becoming lighter, cheaper, more durable, and more versatile. At present, great progress has been made in design, preparation, and characterization of composite materials, making them smarter and versatile. By creating new properties using suitable fillers and matrix, the functional composites can meet the most difficult standards of users, especially in high-tech industries. Advanced composites reinforced by high-performance carbon fibers and nanofillers are popular in the automotive and aerospace industries thanks to their significant advantages, such as high specific strength to weight ratio and noncorrosion properties. In addition to the improvement of the mechanical performance, composite materials today are designed to provide new functions dealing with antibacterial, self-cleaning, self-healing, super-hard, solar reflective for desired end-used applications. On the other hand, composite materials can contribute to reduce environmental issues by providing renewable energy technologies in conjunction with multifunctional, lightweight energy storage systems with high performance and noncorrosive properties. They are also used to prepare a new generation of batteries and directly contribute to H2 production or CO2 reduction in fuels and chemicals.

This Special Issue aims to collect articles reporting on recent developments dealing with preparative methods, design, properties, structure, characterization methods, as well as promising applications of multifunctional composites. It covers potential applications in various areas, such as anticorrosion, photocatalyst, absorbers, superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, antifouling/antibacterial, renewable energy, energy storage systems, construction, and electronics. Modeling and simulating processes involving the design and preparation of functional and multifunctional composites as well as those performing experimental studies involving these composites are welcomed to submit papers.

Prof. Dr. Phuong Nguyen-Tri
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antibacterial composites
  • hard and super-hard composites
  • self-cleaning composites
  • self-healing composites
  • photocurable composites
  • electrical conducting composites
  • composites for H2 production and storage
  • composites for CO2 storage, conversion, and utilization
  • photocatalytic composites
  • biodegradable composites
  • nanoscale characterization of composites
  • computer simulation of composite design and preparation
  • superabsorbant composites

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 7500 KiB  
Article
Strain-Energy-Density Guided Design of Functionally Graded Beams
by Yunhua Luo
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(8), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8080289 - 28 Jul 2024
Viewed by 813
Abstract
Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are revolutionizing various industries with their customizable properties, a key advantage over traditional composites. The rise of voxel-based 3D printing has furthered the development of FGMs with complex microstructures. Despite these advances, current design methods for FGMs often use [...] Read more.
Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are revolutionizing various industries with their customizable properties, a key advantage over traditional composites. The rise of voxel-based 3D printing has furthered the development of FGMs with complex microstructures. Despite these advances, current design methods for FGMs often use abstract mathematical functions with limited relevance to actual performance. Furthermore, conventional micromechanics models for the analysis of FGMs tend to oversimplify, leading to inaccuracies in effective property predictions. To address these fundamental deficiencies, this paper introduces new gradation functions for functionally graded beams (FGBs) based on bending strain energy density, coupled with a voxel-based design and analysis approach. For the first time, these new gradation functions directly relate to structural performance and have proven to be more effective than conventional ones in improving beam performance, particularly under complex bending moments influenced by various loading and boundary conditions. This study reveals the significant role of primary and secondary gradation indices in material composition and distribution, both along the beam axis and across sections. It identifies optimal combinations of these indices for enhanced FGB performance. This research not only fills gaps in FGB design and analysis but also opens possibilities for applying these concepts to other strain energy density types, like shearing and torsion, and to different structural components such as plates and shells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites, Volume III)
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12 pages, 3551 KiB  
Article
Spiral Structured Cellulose Acetate Membrane Fabricated by One-Step Electrospinning Technique with High Water Permeation Flux
by Allison A. Kim and Milan Babu Poudel
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040127 - 29 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1202
Abstract
A functionally graded membrane (FGM) with a special spiral-structured cellulose acetate (CA) membrane was prepared by electrospinning under different collection distances. The membrane morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FESEM images revealed that the high concentration shows the formation of fibers [...] Read more.
A functionally graded membrane (FGM) with a special spiral-structured cellulose acetate (CA) membrane was prepared by electrospinning under different collection distances. The membrane morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FESEM images revealed that the high concentration shows the formation of fibers with an irregular diameter, with a large diameter distribution range. The fiber collected at a short distance of 10 cm experiences the strong electrostatic force, resulting in the short flight time for the polymer jet. This causes the bending instability of the polymer jet forming the comparatively thick fiber diameters, whereas the fiber collected at 15 cm shows the presence of a smooth, homogeneous diameter. Furthermore, the water flux of the membrane was determined using 50 mL of Amicon stirred cells. The fiber collected at different distances showed diameter variation, which is used to design a special spiral structure on the membrane by auto-moving the collector between the fixed distances of 10–20 cm. This technique will reveal a new approach for the fabrication of a special spiral structure on the nanofibrous membrane for different biomedical applications from different polymers. Meanwhile, the fabricated FGM with a special spiral-structure CA membrane demonstrates high water permeation flux. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites, Volume III)
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14 pages, 5259 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Chemical Composition of Kulantau Vermiculite on the Structure of Modified Bitumen Compositions
by Kulash Syrmanova, Zhanat Kaldybekova, Aktolkyn Agabekova and Sholpan Baizhanova
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040118 - 22 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1209
Abstract
The article presents the chemical composition of vermiculite ores from the Kulantau deposits and the atomic structure of vermiculite during dehydration, in 1-, 2- and 3-layer hydrated states. It has been shown that vermiculites from deposits in the Turkestan region have significant differences [...] Read more.
The article presents the chemical composition of vermiculite ores from the Kulantau deposits and the atomic structure of vermiculite during dehydration, in 1-, 2- and 3-layer hydrated states. It has been shown that vermiculites from deposits in the Turkestan region have significant differences in mineralogical composition. Rational ways of using Kulantau vermiculite as an innovative modifying additive in bitumen compositions are considered, which are intended to improve the asphalt concrete mixture during its preparation. A slight increase in structuring resins is a result of the elevated content of high-molecular-weight asphaltenes in the modified bitumen, as indicated by the analysis of the provided spectra. In turn, the systematization or structuring of bitumen leads to an increase in the mixture density, accompanied by a simultaneous rise in internal friction coefficients, and resistance to loads (shear and impact), as well as an enhancement in compressive strength. The influence of the chemical composition of Kulantau vermiculite on the structure of bitumen compositions is characterized by high adsorption capacity and effectively absorbs products resulting from the oxidation of hydrocarbons. Vermiculite is characterized by high efficiency in the activation phase, large pore volume, and selectivity. The alteration of the bitumen’s group composition due to the selective diffusion of oils, as well as resins in the material, occurs as a result of the interaction between bitumen and a material characterized by a fine-porous structure and high specific surface area. This process modifies the properties of bituminous layers on the surface of particles and leads to the formation of robust bitumen films appearing on the grain surfaces. Thus, enhancing the longevity of coatings, improving the quality of binding bitumen, and reducing asphalt concrete coverings necessitate the use of vermiculite in creating modified bituminous compositions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites, Volume III)
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18 pages, 7858 KiB  
Article
Effects of Electrolyte Compositions and Electrical Parameters on Micro-Arc Oxidation Coatings on 7075 Aluminum Alloy
by Aqeel Abbas, Ting-Yi Wang and Hsin-Chih Lin
J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(11), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7110472 - 11 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
Aluminum alloys are widely used in a variety of industries nowadays for their high strength-to-weight ratio, good formability, low density, and recyclability. However, their poor corrosion and wear resistance properties restrict their applications. This study investigated the effects of electrical parameters and electrolyte [...] Read more.
Aluminum alloys are widely used in a variety of industries nowadays for their high strength-to-weight ratio, good formability, low density, and recyclability. However, their poor corrosion and wear resistance properties restrict their applications. This study investigated the effects of electrical parameters and electrolyte compositions on the microstructures of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film on a 7075 Al alloy substrate. The morphology, microstructure, and compositions of the MAO coatings were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Furthermore, measurements of microhardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance were also conducted. The cathodic current and duty ratio are proportional to film thickness, which consequently improves the wear and corrosion resistance. The microstructural observations of the aluminate-based coatings revealed that increasing cathodic current reduces the pancake-like structures, and a lot of small pores appear on the top of the coatings, which makes the surface smoother. Moreover, the aluminate-based coatings are mainly composed of α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3, while the silicate-based coatings mainly consist of γ-Al2O3 and a small amount of α-Al2O3 phase. Due to the phase compositions, the microhardness of the aluminate-based coatings can reach 1300~1500 HV and exhibit better wear resistance than silicate-based coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites, Volume III)
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22 pages, 8893 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning-Based Fatigue Life Prediction of Functionally Graded Materials Using Material Extrusion Technology
by Suhas Alkunte and Ismail Fidan
J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(10), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7100420 - 8 Oct 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
In this study, the research investigates the prediction of fatigue life for Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) specimens comprising Polylactic acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). For this, Machine learning (ML) techniques, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network [...] Read more.
In this study, the research investigates the prediction of fatigue life for Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) specimens comprising Polylactic acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). For this, Machine learning (ML) techniques, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) are utilized. A predictive in-house code is developed for each technique, thereby facilitating the fatigue performance of layered deposited specimens subjected to varying cyclic loadings. In order to verify the effectiveness of the ML technique, a comparative analysis among all is reported based on empirically determined fatigue life obtained values. RF is proven to be the most suitable technique with minimal error percentage in obtained results with optimally synchronized data sets in a minimum time frame. Subsequently, the application of ML in those predictions is reported for future aspects in augmenting the operational efficiency associated with fatigue life prediction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites, Volume III)
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29 pages, 6001 KiB  
Article
Static and Free Vibration Analyses of Functionally Graded Plane Structures
by J.S.D. Gaspar, M.A.R. Loja and J.I. Barbosa
J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(9), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7090377 - 8 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1190
Abstract
In recent years, the use of functionally graded materials has been the focus of several studies due to their intrinsic ability to be tailored according to the requirements of structures while minimising abrupt stress transitions commonly found in laminated composites. In most studies, [...] Read more.
In recent years, the use of functionally graded materials has been the focus of several studies due to their intrinsic ability to be tailored according to the requirements of structures while minimising abrupt stress transitions commonly found in laminated composites. In most studies, the materials’ mixture gradient is established through a structural component, i.e., thickness, which is known to visibly enhance structural behaviour. However, depending on the type of structure, it is important to exploit the possibility of building a structure using other gradient directions. The innovative characteristic of this work, which aims to study plane truss and frame-type structures made of functionally graded materials, lies in the specificity that the materials’ mixture gradient occurs as a function of a geometric structure feature, i.e., for example, the structure height, rather than the more usual approach, as a component dependence, i.e., through a member thickness or even along its length. The performance of the present model is illustrated through a set of case studies, and where possible, the results achieved are compared with more traditional solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites, Volume III)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2638 KiB  
Article
ZnO:V Nanoparticles with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activities
by Leila Alaya, Ahmad Mohammad Saeedi, Ahmad Abdulhadi Alsaigh, Meshal H. K. Almalki, Norah Hamad Alonizan and Mokhtar Hjiri
J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(5), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7050190 - 8 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2109
Abstract
In this study, we used sol-gel to synthesize undoped and V-ZnO nanoparticles with different vanadium concentrations (1, 3, and 5 at.%) under supercritical dry conditions of ethanol. XRD spectra showed that the obtained powders are well crystallized in the hexagonal wurtzite structure of [...] Read more.
In this study, we used sol-gel to synthesize undoped and V-ZnO nanoparticles with different vanadium concentrations (1, 3, and 5 at.%) under supercritical dry conditions of ethanol. XRD spectra showed that the obtained powders are well crystallized in the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles. The average crystallite size, estimated by the Debye-Scherer formula, was found to be equal to 31 nm for the pure sample, and it was decreased to 27 nm for the 3at.% vanadium-doped one. SEM and TEM photographs indicated the spherical and elongated shapes of the nanoparticles. The stretching bands located at 419 cm−1 confirmed ZnO material formation. The efficacy of the produced ZnO NPs against Gram+, Gram− bacteria, and fungi was tested. Vanadium-doped ZnO, with low concentrations (10 µg/mL), exhibited a large influence on bacterial and fungi growth inhibition. For example, the inhibition zones IZ of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria reached 16 and 15 mm, respectively, for ZnO:V1%, while the IZ of these two bacteria were 14 and 12 mm for the undoped ZnO. The use of V-dopant enhanced the production of the reactive oxygen species ROS by the photogeneration of electron-hole pairs due to light absorption by ZnO in the visible region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Composites, Volume III)
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