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Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2024 | Viewed by 11475

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Dr. Grzegorz Mieczkowski

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Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 45C Wiejska Str., PL-15351 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: mechanical engineering; strength of materials; composite materials; piezoelectric actuators; supply systems; alternative fuels
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Dr. Dariusz Szpica

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Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 45C Wiejska Str., PL-15351 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: mechanical engineering; combustion; supply systems; fuels; alternative fuels; alternative sources of propulsion
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Dr. Andrzej Borawski

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Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, 45C Wiejska Str., PL-15351 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: mechanical engineering; friction; tribology; supply systems; alternative fuels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Composites are now being used in many key areas of the economy, such as the automotive, aerospace, defence and construction industries. Compared to common homogeneous materials, composites exhibit better thermal, electrical, tribological or mechanical properties. This is due to the fact that in composite materials, the best features of the matrix (e.g., ductility, fracture toughness, low specific weight) and the particles embedded therein (e.g., high strength, high elastic modulus, wear resistance, desired thermal or electrical conductivity) are combined. Moreover, the coexistence, within a single composite material, of two different phases implies the presence of physical phenomena that are characteristic of each of them. The combination of these phenomena can lead to the occurrence of a new physical phenomenon; thus, such a composite exhibits new functional attributes.

Undoubtedly, the final durability/functional attributes of a composite are most influenced by the mechanical and physical properties of its individual material phases. However, the manufacturing technology used and the distribution, geometry and size of the particles embedded in the matrix are also important. It should be noted that a change in even one of the above-mentioned factors impacts the effective properties of the composite. Thus, there is a well-reasoned need to determine such properties before implementing and manufacturing newly engineered composite materials. Most often, it is achieved through experimental research. This approach has both advantages and disadvantages. A major advantage is related to the capture of mechanical parameters directly in the tests. As for the disadvantages, experimental research is time-consuming and has high costs. Nevertheless, the laboratory step of establishing the mechanical and physical properties of the composite is crucial and cannot be omitted in any way. Therefore, it is advisable to pre-determine the structure of the composite, with the desired mechanical and physical properties, using other methods (e.g., predictive models), and then carry out laboratory testing of the produced composite.

The scope of this Special Issue will provide a forum for reports on the following topics:

Manufacturing of composite materials;
Analytical and numerical modelling of composite materials;
Test methods for composite materials and structures;
Experimental procedures for establishing averaged mechanical and physical properties of composites;
Analytical and numerical models for predicting averaged mechanical and physical properties of composites;
New trends in composite materials.

Dr. Grzegorz Mieczkowski
Dr. Dariusz Szpica
Dr. Andrzej Borawski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

composites
composite design
identification and prediction of effective physical and mechanical properties of composites

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Composites in Vehicles Brake Systems-Selected Issues and Areas of Development

by Andrzej Borawski, Grzegorz Mieczkowski and Dariusz Szpica

Materials 2023, 16(6), 2264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16062264 - 11 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1012

Abstract

Modern composite materials, thanks to their excellent properties, are widely used [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

Research

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14 pages, 4173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Engineered Cementitious Composites with Super-Sulfated Cement: Mechanical, Physical, and Durability Performance

by Shahin Zokaei, Hocine Siad, Mohamed Lachemi, Obaid Mahmoodi, Emircan Ozcelikci and Mustafa Şahmaran

Materials 2024, 17(10), 2240; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102240 - 10 May 2024

Viewed by 173

Abstract

This study aimed to bridge a research gap by exploring the utilization of super-sulphated cement (SSC) in engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) as a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based mixtures. The SSC was designed with slag, gypsum, and a small amount of OPC. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of incorporating SSC, both with and without fly ash (FA), at various FA/SSC ratios between 0 and 1.5. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the performance of the ECC-SSC mixtures, including the compressive and flexural strengths, ductility, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rapid chloride permeability, and drying shrinkage. Additionally, advanced microstructural evaluation techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to analyze the reaction products in selected mixtures. The results showed that the ECC mixture produced with SSC exhibited comparable strength to the ECC-OPC. In general, all the SSC-based ECCs fulfilled the criteria for various engineering applications, especially when the fly ash to SSC ratios were 0 and 0.8. In addition, ECCs with FA/SSC ratios of 1.2 and 1.5 showed ultra-ductile performance higher than the control ECC. Interestingly, all the FA-based ECC-SSC presented lower shrinkage characteristics than the control OPC-based ECC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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21 pages, 4862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterisation of Hemihydrate Gypsum–Polyacrylamide Composite: A Novel Inorganic/Organic Cementitious Material

by Yuan Chen, Zerui Mi, Jiatong Yang, Xuan Zheng, Huihu Wang, Marie-Christine Record, Pascal Boulet, Juan Wang, Jan-Michael Albina and Yiwan Huang

Materials 2024, 17(7), 1510; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071510 - 26 Mar 2024

Viewed by 478

Abstract

This study combined inorganic α-hemihydrate gypsum (α-HHG) with organic polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel to create a novel α-HHG/PAM composite material. Through this facile composite strategy, this fabricated material exhibited a significantly longer initial setting time and higher mechanical strength compared to α-HHG. The effects of the addition amount and the concentration of PAM precursor solution on the flowability of the α-HHG/PAM composite material slurry, initial setting time, and mechanical properties of the hardened specimens were investigated. The structural characteristics of the composite material were examined using XRD, FE-SEM, and TGA. The results showed that the initial setting time of the α-HHG/PAM composite material was 25.7 min, which is an extension of 127.43% compared to that of α-HHG. The flexural strength and compressive strength of the oven-dried specimens were 23.4 MPa and 58.6 MPa, respectively, representing increases of 34.73% and 84.86% over values for α-HHG. The XRD, FE-SEM, and TGA results all indicated that the hydration of α-HHG in the composite material was incomplete. The incompleteness is caused by the competition between the hydration process of inorganic α-HHG and the gelation process of the acrylamide molecules for water, which hinders some α-HHG from entirely reacting with water. The enhanced mechanical strength of the α-HHG/PAM composite material results from the tight interweaving and integrating of organic and inorganic networks. This study provides a concise and efficient approach to the modification research of hemihydrate gypsum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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15 pages, 3794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Liquid Crystalline Polyurethane/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Nanofibers via Electrospinning

by Artur Bukowczan, Konstantinos N. Raftopoulos and Krzysztof Pielichowski

Materials 2023, 16(23), 7476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16237476 - 1 Dec 2023

Viewed by 772

Abstract

A series of fibrous meshes based on liquid crystalline polyurethane/POSS composites were prepared. Two types of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) of different structures were chosen to show their influence on electrospun fibers: aromatic-substituted Trisilanolphenyl POSS (TSP-POSS) and isobutyl-substituted Trisilanolisobutyl POSS (TSI-POSS) in amounts of 2 and 6 wt%. The process parameters were selected so that the obtained materials showed the highest possible fiber integrity. Moreover, 20 wt% solutions of LCPU/POSS composites in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) were found to give the best processability. The morphology of the obtained meshes showed significant dependencies between the type and amount of silsesquioxane nanoparticles and fiber morphology, as well as thermal and mechanical properties. In total, 2 wt%. POSS was found to enhance the mechanical properties of produced mesh without disrupting the fiber morphology. Higher concentrations of silsesquioxanes significantly increased the fibers’ diameters and their inhomogeneity, resulting in a lower mechanical response. A calorimetric study confirmed the existence of liquid crystalline phase formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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26 pages, 9995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly Multilayer Coating Harnessing the Functional Features of Curcuma-Based Pigment and Rice Bran Wax as a Hydrophobic Filler

by Massimo Calovi and Stefano Rossi

Materials 2023, 16(22), 7086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16227086 - 8 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 955

Abstract

This work aims to highlight the multiple features shown by curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax, which can be selectively employed as bio-based additives for the realization of multilayer wood coatings with multiple functionalities, harnessing the capabilities of the two environmentally friendly fillers, in line with current environmental sustainability trends. The role of the two green materials on the morphology of the composite layers was examined through observations employing scanning electron and optical microscopy, revealing a strong alteration of the film’s appearance, both its color and reflectivity. Additionally, their influence on the paint’s resilience was assessed by exposing the samples to UV-B radiation and consecutive thermal shocks. The coating displayed a clear and uniform change in color because of substantial curcuma powder photo-degradation but it remained exceptionally stable when subjected to thermal stresses. Moreover, the protective properties of the coatings were evaluated by conducting liquid resistance tests and water uptake tests, while the hardness and the abrasion resistance of the coatings were assessed to evaluate the effect of the additives on the mechanical properties of the coatings. In conclusion, this study showcases the promising joint action of curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax in multilayer coatings. This combination offers vibrant yellow tones and an appealing appearance to the paint, enhances the surface’s water-repellent properties, and improves the mechanical resistance of the coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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21 pages, 12055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flexural Strengthening of Stone Masonry Walls Using Textile-Reinforced Sarooj Mortar

by Abdullah Hilal Al-Saidy, Manal Al-Busaidi, Sherif El-Gamal and Kazi Md Abu Sohel

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165703 - 20 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 848

Abstract

The majority of historical buildings and structures in Oman were built using unreinforced stone masonry. These structures have deteriorated due to ageing of materials, environmental degradation, and lack of maintenance. This research investigates the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of local building materials and the results of an experimental study on the out-of-plane bending effectiveness of an innovative strengthening method applied to existing masonry walls. The technique consists of the application of a basalt textile-reinforced sarooj mortar (TRM) on one face of the walls. Bending tests of masonry wall samples (1000 mm width, 2000 mm height, and 350 mm depth) were carried out on one unreinforced specimen and three different cases of reinforced specimens. The performance of unreinforced and reinforced specimens was analyzed and compared. The strengthened specimens were able to resist moments of out-of-plane bending 2.5 to 3 times greater than those of unreinforced specimen (160–233% increase). Moreover, the strengthened walls were able to sustain higher deformations (deflections) than the unreinforced specimen ranging from 20 to 130%. The results showed that using TRM was effective for the out-of-plane strengthening of stone masonry using a local material (sarooj) that is compatible with existing stone masonry building materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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10 pages, 1190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structure and Physical Properties of Conductive Bamboo Fiber Bundle Fabricated by Magnetron Sputtering

by Wenqing Wang, Jiayao Li, Jiangtao Shi, Yue Jiao, Xinzhou Wang and Changlei Xia

Materials 2023, 16(8), 3154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16083154 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1303

Abstract

The variety of conductive fibers has been constantly enriched in recent years, and it has made rapid development in the fields of electronic textiles, intelligent wearable, and medical care. However, the environmental damage caused by the use of large quantities of synthetic fibers cannot be ignored, and there is little research on conductive fibers in the field of bamboo, a green and sustainable material. In this work, we used the alkaline sodium sulfite method to remove lignin from bamboo, prepared a conductive bamboo fiber bundle by coating a copper film on single bamboo fiber bundles using DC magnetron sputtering, and analyzed its structure and physical properties under different process parameters, finding the most suitable preparation condition that combines cost and performance. The results of the scanning electron microscope show that the coverage of copper film can be improved by increasing the sputtering power and prolonging the sputtering time. The resistivity of the conductive bamboo fiber bundle decreased with the increase of the sputtering power and sputtering time, up to 0.22 Ω·mm; at the same time, the tensile strength of the conductive bamboo fiber bundle continuously decreased to 375.6 MPa. According to the X-ray diffraction results, Cu in the copper film on the surface of the conductive bamboo fiber bundle shows the preferred orientation of (111) the crystal plane, indicating that the prepared Cu film has high crystallinity and good film quality. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that Cu in the copper film exists in the form of Cu⁰ and Cu²⁺, and most are Cu⁰. Overall, the development of the conductive bamboo fiber bundle provides a research basis for the development of conductive fibers in a natural renewable direction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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15 pages, 3810 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Probabilistic Modelling of Fracture Toughness of Composites with Discontinuous Reinforcement

by Grzegorz Mieczkowski, Tadeusz Szymczak, Dariusz Szpica and Andrzej Borawski

Materials 2023, 16(8), 2962; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16082962 - 7 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1266

Abstract

The results presented in the paper are related to the prediction of the effective fracture toughness of particulate composites (K_ICeff). K_ICeff was determined using a probabilistic model supported by a cumulative probability function qualitatively following the Weibull distribution. Using this approach, it was possible to model two-phase composites with an arbitrarily defined volume fraction of each phase. The predicted value of the effective fracture toughness of the composite was determined based on the mechanical parameter of the reinforcement (fracture toughness), matrix (fracture toughness, Young’s modulus, yield stress), and composite (Young’s modulus, yield stress). The proposed method was validated: the determined fracture toughness of the selected composites was in accordance with the experimental data (the authors’ tests and literature data). In addition, the obtained results were compared with data captured by means of the rule of mixtures (ROM). It was found that the prediction of K_ICeff using the ROM was subject to a significant error. Moreover, a study of the effect of averaging the elastic–plastic parameters of the composite, on K_ICeff, was performed. The results showed that if the yield stress of the composite increased, a decrease in its fracture toughness was noticed, which is in line with the literature reports. Furthermore, it was noted that an increase in the Young’s modulus of the composite affected K_ICeff in the same way as a change in its yield stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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21 pages, 8593 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Durability and Thermal Behavior of Functional Paints Formulated with Recycled-Glass Hollow Microspheres of Different Size

by Massimo Calovi and Stefano Rossi

Materials 2023, 16(7), 2678; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072678 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

This study aims to assess the effect of hollow glass microspheres of different sizes derived from glass industry waste on the durability and thermal behavior of waterborne paint. The coatings were characterized by electron microscopy to investigate the distribution of the spheres and their influence on the layer morphology. The impact of the various glassy spheres on the mechanical feature of the coatings was assessed using the Buchholz hardness test and the Scrub abrasion test. The role of the spheres in altering the durability of the samples was analyzed by the salt spray exposure test and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Finally, a specific accelerated degradation test was carried out to explore the evolution of the thermal behavior of the composite coatings. Ultimately, this work revealed the pros and cons of using hollow glass spheres as a multifunctional paint filler, highlighting the size of the spheres as a key parameter. For example, spheres with adequate size (25–44 µm), totally embedded in the polymeric matrix, are able to reduce the thermal conductivity of the coating avoiding local heat accumulation phenomena. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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Review

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26 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon-Based Composites for Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts: Design, Fabrication, and Application

by Chang Gao, Haiyu Yao, Peijie Wang, Min Zhu, Xue-Rong Shi and Shusheng Xu

Materials 2024, 17(10), 2265; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102265 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024

Viewed by 75

Abstract

The four-electron oxidation process of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) highly influences the performance of many green energy storage and conversion devices due to its sluggish kinetics. The fabrication of cost-effective OER electrocatalysts via a facile and green method is, hence, highly desirable. This review summarizes and discusses the recent progress in creating carbon-based materials for alkaline OER. The contents mainly focus on the design, fabrication, and application of carbon-based materials for alkaline OER, including metal-free carbon materials, carbon-based supported composites, and carbon-based material core–shell hybrids. The work presents references and suggestions for the rational design of highly efficient carbon-based OER materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

23 pages, 425 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Modeling of Composite Structures

by Wenbin Yu

Materials 2024, 17(2), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020446 - 17 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2148

Abstract

This paper provides a brief review on modeling of composite structures. Composite structures in this paper refer to any structure featuring anisotropy and heterogeneity, including but not limited to their traditional meaning of composite laminates made of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. Common methods used in modeling of composite structures, including the axiomatic method, the formal asymptotic method, and the variational asymptotic method, are illustrated in deriving the classical lamination theory for the composite laminated plates. Future research directions for modeling composite structures are also pointed out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodology of the Design and Testing of Composite Structures)

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