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Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications

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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 2022) | Viewed by 22299

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mourad Nachtane

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1. Arts et Métiers ParisTech Metz, CNRS, University of Lorraine, LEM3-UMR 7239 CNRS, 57070 Metz, France
2. Cetim Grand Est, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
Interests: composites materials; finite element method; damage modeling; impact and dynamic response; renewable marine energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Marwane Rouway

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Guest Editor

1. LPMAT Laboratory, FSAC, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20100, Morocco
2. REMTEX Laboratory, ESITH, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
Interests: nanocomposite modelling; tidal energy; additive manufacturing; polymers; textile composites; biocomposite; fiber reinforced composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ahmed El Moumen

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Guest Editor

Gradel 6, zae le Triangle Vert, L-5691, Ellange, Luxembourg
Interests: solid mechanics; manufacturing process; additive manufacturing; multi-scale modeling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

ICREAM' 22 is one of the largest renewable energy and materials conferences in the region of Maghreb. The conference discusses major research issues in the specified fields of interest and their applications in the business markets, in technical and industrial areas, from resource assessment to market and policy developments, drawing on leading experiences worldwide. In addition, this meeting is dedicated to cutting-edge research that addresses the scientific needs of academic researchers, industrial and professionals to explore new horizons of knowledge on various topics in interlink between materials and energy applications fields.

This Special Issue will publish selected papers from ICREAM' 22, which will be held 22–24 June in ENS Casablanca, Morocco. https://icream-22.sciencesconf.org/resource/page/id/8.

We encourage contributions of significant and original works of lightweight composites materials and their applications. The Special Issue will cover topics including but not limited to the following:

Mechanical Engineering;
Additive Manufacturing;
Composites Manufacturing Process;
Nanoparticles and Fibers Reinforced Composite Materials;
Renewable Energy Composites Applications;
Composites Hygrothermal Degradation;
Composites Recycling;
Natural Fibres and Thermoplastics-Based Composite;
Carbone Nanotubes and Graphene-Based Composite;
Composites Multi-scale Modeling;
Composite Damage Modeling;
Impact and Dynamic Response of Composite;
Micromechanics of Composites;
Homogenization of Composites;
Biocomposites and Nanocomposites Materials;
Artificial Intelligence for Composite Materials.

Dr. Mourad Nachtane
Dr. Marwane Rouway
Dr. Ahmed El Moumen
Guest Editors

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

composites
nanocomposite
biocomposite
tidal energy
additive manufacturing
nanoparticles
natural fibers
reinforced composites
carbon nanotubes
graphene composites
multi-scale damage
micromechanics
homogenization
thermoplastics
renewable energy
composites recycling
hygrothermal degradation
impact and dynamic response

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 4519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Tailor-Made Natural- and Synthetic-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Composites for Lightweight Structural Applications

by Meseret Tadesse, Devendra Kumar Sinha, Moera Gutu Jiru, Mohammed Jameel, Nazia Hossain, Pushkar Jha, Gaurav Gupta, Shaik Zainuddin and Gulam Mohammed Sayeed Ahmed

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(10), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7100443 - 18 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1362

Abstract

Natural and synthetic fibers offer a multitude of advantages within the automotive sector, primarily due to their lightweight properties, including appealing characteristics such as adequate mechanical strength, low density, improved acoustic–thermal insulation, cost-effectiveness, and ready availability. In this study, we aimed to strengthen epoxy-based composites with natural and synthetic fibers using bamboo and glass, respectively. Additionally, the reinforcement processing of this hybrid composite material was optimized using a Taguchi L9 (nine experimental runs) orthogonal array design with linear modeling through the Design of Experiment (DoE) principles. The fibers were alkali-treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and the composites were manufactured through the hand lay-up process at ambient temperature and characterized comprehensively using ASTM standard methods. The experimental results of the bamboo–glass fiber composite materials presented a significantly high tensile strength of 232.1 MPa and an optimum flexural strength of 536.33 MPa. Based on the overall Taguchi and linear modeling analysis, the NaOH treatment, fiber content, and epoxy resin concentration were optimized. These findings reveal that the ideal combination consists of 20% fiber content, 8% NaOH treatment, and 65% epoxy resin concentration. The statistical method Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to confirm the significance of these factors. The integration of the amount (%) of bamboo fiber used played a pivotal role in influencing the mechanical properties of this hybrid composite. Overall, this study demonstrates that the reinforcement of natural fiber with polymeric material composites on epoxy enhanced the composite characteristics and quality. Therefore, this bamboo–glass–epoxy-based composite can be recommended for lightweight structural applications, especially in the automotive sector, in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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23 pages, 36917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetics Design of Sandwich-Structured Composites

by Carsten Kunzmann, Hamaseh Aliakbarpour and Maziar Ramezani

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(8), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7080315 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

In the context of energy efficiency and resource scarcity, lightweight construction has gained significant importance. Composite materials, particularly sandwich structures, have emerged as a key area within this field, finding numerous applications in various industries. The exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and the stiffness-to-weight ratio of sandwich structures allow the reduction in mass in components and structures without compromising strength. Among the widely used core designs, the honeycomb pattern, inspired by bee nests, has been extensively employed in the aviation and aerospace industry due to its lightweight and high resistance. The hexagonal cells of the honeycomb structure provide a dense arrangement, enhancing stiffness while reducing weight. However, nature offers a multitude of other structures that have evolved over time and hold great potential for lightweight construction. This paper focuses on the development, modeling, simulation, and testing of lightweight sandwich composites inspired by biological models, following the principles of biomimetics. Initially, natural and resilient design templates are researched and abstracted to create finished core structures. Numerical analysis is then employed to evaluate the structural and mechanical performance of these structures. The most promising designs are subsequently fabricated using 3D printing technology and subjected to three-point bending tests. Carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon filament was used for printing the face sheets, while polylactic acid (PLA+) was used as the core material. A honeycomb-core composite is also simulated and tested for comparative purposes, as it represents an established design in the market. Key properties such as stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and flexibility are assessed to determine the potential of the new core geometries. Several designs demonstrated improved characteristics compared to the honeycomb design, with the developed structures exhibiting a 38% increase in stiffness and an 18% enhancement in maximum load-bearing capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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12 pages, 3107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Thermophysical Properties of the Thermal Conductivity of Pigmented Polymer Matrix Composites with Barium Titanate: A Comparative Numerical and Experimental Study

by Abdessamad Belhaouzi, Houda Laaouidi, Souad Zyade, Yosra Raji, Youssef Halimi and Mohamed Tahiri

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(6), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7060220 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1116

Abstract

This research paper focuses on investigating the thermal conductivity behavior of polymer matrix composite materials, specifically those composed of PSU and BaTiO₃, both experimentally and numerically. The thermal conductivity of composites has been studied using a variety of theoretical and semi-empirical methods. However, in cases where the filler concentration is minimal, these models provide a superior estimate. To numerically resolve the thermal heat transfer for an elementary cell, the finite element method is employed in this study. The impact of contact resistance, barium titanate percentage, and quenching temperature on the composite’s effective thermal conductivity and dynamic behavior is given consideration. The results demonstrate that the suggested numerical model is in good agreement with experimental measurements as well as Hatta–Taya and Hashin–Shtrikman’s analytical models. The results provide significant insight into the thermal conductivity behavior of composites, which can inform the development of more effective thermal management solutions for composite materials. Effective thermal management is critical for the successful application of polymer matrix composite materials in various engineering applications. Thermal conductivity is a key factor in thermal management and is influenced by factors such as the concentration of filler particles, their shape, size, and distribution, and the matrix material’s properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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22 pages, 10099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Composite Materials Characterisation with Hopkinson Bars: Design and Development of New Dynamic Compression Systems

by Mostapha Tarfaoui

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7010033 - 11 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1723

Abstract

The split Hopkinson pressure bars (SHPB) system is the most commonly employed machine to study the dynamic characteristics of different materials under high strain rates. In this research, a numerical investigation is carried out to study different bar shapes such as square, hexagonal, and triangular cross-sections and to compare them with the standard cylindrical bars. The 3D finite element model developed for circular cross-sectional shapes was first validated with the experimental results and then compared with the other proposed shapes. In most scientific research, cylindrical cross-section bars with a square cross-section specimen are traditionally used as they have several advantages, such as in situ imaging of the side surfaces of the specimen during stress wave propagation. Moreover, the flat surfaces of the proposed shapes counter the problem of debonding strain gauges, especially at high impact pressures. Comparison of the results showed an excellent confirmation of the sample dynamic behaviour and different geometric shapes of the bar geometries, which validates the choice of the appropriate system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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26 pages, 7901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Homogenization of Transversely Isotropic CNT/GNP Reinforced Biocomposite for Wind Turbine Blades: Numerical and Analytical Study

by Amine El Bahi, Marwane Rouway, Mostapha Tarfaoui, Ahmed El Moumen, Nabil Chakhchaoui, Omar Cherkaoui and Lhaj El Hachemi Omari

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7010029 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1585

Abstract

One of the biggest problems facing the use of carbon nanotubes in reinforced composites is agglomeration within the matrix phase. This phenomenon—caused by Van der Waals forces—leads to dispersion problems and weakens the properties of the composites. This research presents a multi-stage homogenization approach used to investigate the influence of the aspect ratio, volume fraction, and agglomeration of the nanofillers on the effective mechanical properties of a polymer biocomposite containing randomly dispersed carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets. The first stage consisted in evaluating the properties of the reinforced polymers by the CNT/GNP. The second step consisted in combining the reinforced polymers with different natural and synthetic unidirectionally oriented fibers. It was found that agglomeration has a huge influence on the mechanical properties of the composite. The novelty of this work consisted of the consideration of the parameters influencing the elastic properties using different micromechanics approaches and numerical techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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19 pages, 2036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Adsorption of Methyl Orange on Nanoporous Carbon from Agricultural Wastes: Characterization, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Regeneration and Adsorption Mechanism

by Yosra Raji, Ayoub Nadi, Marwane Rouway, Sara Jamoudi Sbai, Wafaa Yassine, Abdelfattah Elmahbouby, Omar Cherkaoui and Souad Zyade

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(12), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6120385 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1939

Abstract

Nanoporous carbon derived from Moringa oleifera seed waste was synthesized by an original process of flash pyrolysis followed by zinc chloride impregnation. The N₂-adsorption–desorption results of the optimized sample revealed a BET surface area of 699.6 m²/g and a pore size of 2 nm. It was evaluated for the adsorption of a mono azo dye, methyl orange (MeO), from aqueous solution. Four isothermal models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevic and Temkin) were applied to fit the experimental data. The results revealed that Langmuir is the most appropriate isothermal adsorption model to describe the adsorption process (X² = 1.16); with an adsorption capacity 367.83 mg/g at 298 K, the interaction of MeO dye with the nanoporous carbon surface is a localized monolayer adsorption. The adsorption kinetics was consistent with the pseudo-second-order model and found to correlate well with the experimental data (X² = 9.06). The thermodynamic study revealed a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process, and the substances are adsorbed in a random manner. The desorption of MeO dye from MO_C-ZnCl₂ by sodium hydroxide solution was achieved to a level of about 84%, and the nanoporous carbon was recycled and reused at the fifth cycle. This work demonstrates that MO_C-ZnCl₂ could be employed as an alternative to commercially available activated carbon in the removal of dyes from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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18 pages, 3817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Heat-Release Properties of Elastic Nanocomposites

by Alexander V. Shchegolkov, Mourad Nachtane, Yaroslav M. Stanishevskiy, Ekaterina P. Dodina, Dovlet T. Rejepov and Alexandre A. Vetcher

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(11), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6110333 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1695

Abstract

Of great importance in materials science is the design of effective functional materials that can be used in various technological fields. Nanomodified materials, which have fundamentally new properties and provide previously unrealized properties, have acquired particular importance. When creating heating elements and materials for deformation measurement, it is necessary to understand the patterns of heat release under conditions of mechanical deformation of the material, as this expands the potential applications of such materials. A study of elastomers modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been carried at the MWCNTs concentration of 1–8 wt.%. The modes of heat release of nanomodified elastomers at a voltage of 50 V at different levels of tension are reported. The increment of the MWCNTs concentration to 7 wt.% leads to an increment in the power of heat emissions. It is worth noting the possibility of using the obtained elastomer samples with MNT as sensitive elements of strain sensors, which will allow obtaining information about physical and chemical parameters following the principles of measuring the change in electrical resistance that occurs during stretching and torsion. The changes in conductivity and heat emission under different conditions have been studied in parallel with Raman mapping and infrared thermography. The reported studies allow to make the next step to develop flexible functional materials for the field of electric heating and deformation measurement based on elastic matrices and nanoscale conductive fillers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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21 pages, 14395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Chemical Activation of Aggregates on the Properties of Lightweight Vibro-Centrifuged Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

by Alexey N. Beskopylny, Sergey A. Stel’makh, Evgenii M. Shcherban’, Levon R. Mailyan, Besarion Meskhi, Nikita Beskopylny and Diana El’shaeva

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(9), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6090273 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

One of the most essential building materials for sustainable development is concrete. However, there is a problem with a lack of inexpensive, efficient ways to make it high-strength and ultra-dense. A promising direction is the additional processing or activation of the cheapest component of the concrete mixture—inert aggregate. The article is devoted to a promising method for the simultaneous activation of both large and small aggregates using vibro-centrifuge technology. It has been established that the activation of concrete aggregates with aqueous solutions of natural bischofite at a concentration of 6 g of dry matter per 1 L of water is the most rational and contributes the maximum increase in strength characteristics and the best values of strain characteristics. Strength characteristics increased up to 16% and ultimate strains increased to 31%, respectively, and the modulus of elasticity increased to 9%. A new improved lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete was created and an innovative technology is proposed that makes it possible to achieve savings in manufacturing due to a significant improvement in structural properties and reducing the working sections of reinforced concrete elements. Regularities between the fundamental chemical processes of the surface activation of aggregates and the physical processes of structure formation of compacted and hardened concrete were revealed. An improvement in the structure of concrete at the micro- and macro-levels was recorded due to a point decrease in crack formation at the interfaces of the “cement matrix-aggregate” and “cement matrix-fiber” phases, and a decrease in the number of micropore defects was also found. Economic efficiency reached 25–27%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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Review

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40 pages, 14077 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

An Overview of the Recent Advances in Composite Materials and Artificial Intelligence for Hydrogen Storage Vessels Design

by Mourad Nachtane, Mostapha Tarfaoui, Mohamed amine Abichou, Alexandre Vetcher, Marwane Rouway, Abdeouhaed Aâmir, Habib Mouadili, Houda Laaouidi and Hassan Naanani

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(3), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7030119 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8698

Abstract

The environmental impact of CO₂ emissions is widely acknowledged, making the development of alternative propulsion systems a priority. Hydrogen is a potential candidate to replace fossil fuels for transport applications, with three technologies considered for the onboard storage of hydrogen: storage in the form of a compressed gas, storage as a cryogenic liquid, and storage as a solid. These technologies are now competing to meet the requirements of vehicle manufacturers; each has its own unique challenges that must be understood to direct future research and development efforts. This paper reviews technological developments for Hydrogen Storage Vessel (HSV) designs, including their technical performance, manufacturing costs, safety, and environmental impact. More specifically, an up-to-date review of fiber-reinforced polymer composite HSVs was explored, including the end-of-life recycling options. A review of current numerical models for HSVs was conducted, including the use of artificial intelligence techniques to assess the performance of composite HSVs, leading to more sophisticated designs for achieving a more sustainable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications)

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