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16 pages, 5172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Impact Behaviour of Pseudo-Ductile Thin-Ply Angle-Ply Hybrid Composites

by Alessia Prato, Marco L. Longana, Ambreen Hussain and Michael R. Wisnom

Materials 2019, 12(4), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12040579 - 15 Feb 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3024

Abstract

This work experimentally explores the post-impact behaviour of thin-ply angle-ply pseudo-ductile carbon fibre laminates subjected to tensile load. Indentation and low-speed impact tests were performed on standard tensile test specimens. Non-destructive tests were used to investigate the damage propagation. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) [...] Read more.

This work experimentally explores the post-impact behaviour of thin-ply angle-ply pseudo-ductile carbon fibre laminates subjected to tensile load. Indentation and low-speed impact tests were performed on standard tensile test specimens. Non-destructive tests were used to investigate the damage propagation. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was adopted to detect the strain distribution during tensile tests. Post-damage pseudo-ductile behaviour was retained in angle-ply hybrid composites subjected to tensile loading conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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13 pages, 4307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructures and Properties of Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RE Composite Solders Reinforced with Cu-Coated Graphene Nanosheets Synthesized by Pyrolysis

by Meng Zhang, Ke-ke Zhang, Fu-peng Huo, Hui-gai Wang and Yang Wang

Materials 2019, 12(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12020289 - 17 Jan 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2538

Abstract

Composite solder is a promising route to improve the properties and reliability of Sn-based lead-free solder. In this study, Cu-coated graphene nanosheets (Cu-GNSs) were synthesized using pyrolysis. Cu-GNSs reinforced Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RE composite lead-free solders were prepared via powder metallurgy. The size, distribution, and adsorption [...] Read more.

Composite solder is a promising route to improve the properties and reliability of Sn-based lead-free solder. In this study, Cu-coated graphene nanosheets (Cu-GNSs) were synthesized using pyrolysis. Cu-GNSs reinforced Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RE composite lead-free solders were prepared via powder metallurgy. The size, distribution, and adsorption type of Cu nanoparticles on the GNSs were studied. The relation of the Cu-GNSs content and microstructure to the physical, wettability, and mechanical properties of composite solders was discussed. The results show that Cu nanoparticles (with a mean size of 13 nm) present uniform distribution and effective chemisorptions on the GNS. Microstructural evolution of composite solders is dependent on the addition of Cu-GNSs. With increasing Cu-GNSs addition, β-Sn grains become finer and the eutectic phase proportion becomes larger, while the morphology of the eutectic phase transforms from dispersion to network-type. The improvement of the tensile strength of the composite solder can be attributed to grain refinement and load transfer. While the existence of Cu-GNSs can effectively improve the wettability and slightly change the melting point, it can also lead to the decline of elongation and electrical conductivity of the composite solder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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31 pages, 11612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Propagating, Evanescent, and Complex Wavenumber Guided Waves in High-Performance Composites

by Victor Giurgiutiu and Mohammad Faisal Haider

Materials 2019, 12(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12020269 - 15 Jan 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5322

Abstract

The study of propagating, evanescent and complex wavenumbers of guided waves (GWs) in high-performance composites using a stable and robust semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method is presented. To facilitate understanding of the wavenumber trajectories, an incremental material change study is performed moving gradually [...] Read more.

The study of propagating, evanescent and complex wavenumbers of guided waves (GWs) in high-performance composites using a stable and robust semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method is presented. To facilitate understanding of the wavenumber trajectories, an incremental material change study is performed moving gradually from isotropic aluminum alloy to carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The SAFE results for an isotropic aluminum alloy plate are compared with the exact analytical solutions, which shows that N = 20 SAFE elements across the thickness provides <0.5% error in the highest evanescent wavenumber for the given frequency-wavenumber range. The material change study reveals that reducing the transverse and shear moduli moves the wavenumber solution towards one similar to composite material. The comparison of the propagating, evanescent and complex wavenumber trajectories between composites and aluminum alloy show that antisymmetric imaginary Lamb wave modes always exist in composites although they may not exist in isotropic aluminum alloy at some frequencies. The wavenumber trajectories for a unidirectional CFRP plate show that the range of real wavenumber is much smaller than in the isotropic aluminum alloy. For laminated CFRP composite plates (e.g., unidirectional, off-axis, transverse, cross-ply and quasi-isotropic laminates), the quasi Lamb wave and shear horizontal (SH) wave trajectories are also identified and discussed. The imaginary SH wave trajectories in laminated composites are distorted due to the presence of ±45 plies. The convergence study of the SAFE method in various CFRP laminates indicates that sufficient accuracy can always be achieved by increasing the number of SAFE elements. Future work will address the stress-continuity between composite layers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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23 pages, 30335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Three-Phase Model Characterizing the Low-Velocity Impact Response of SMA-Reinforced Composites under a Vibrating Boundary Condition

by Mengzhou Chang, Fangyun Kong, Min Sun and Jian He

Materials 2019, 12(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12010007 - 20 Dec 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3029

Abstract

Structural vibration induced by dynamic load or natural vibration is a non-negligible factor in failure analysis. Based on a vibrating boundary condition, the impact resistance of shape memory alloy (SMA)-reinforced composites was investigated. In this investigation, a modified Hashin’s failure criterion, Brinson’s model, [...] Read more.

Structural vibration induced by dynamic load or natural vibration is a non-negligible factor in failure analysis. Based on a vibrating boundary condition, the impact resistance of shape memory alloy (SMA)-reinforced composites was investigated. In this investigation, a modified Hashin’s failure criterion, Brinson’s model, and a visco-hyperelastic model were implemented into a numerical model to characterize the mechanical behavior of glass fiber/epoxy resin laminates, SMAs, and interphase, respectively. First, a fixed boundary condition was maintained in the simulation to verify the accuracy of the material parameters and procedures by a comparison with experimental data. Then, a series of vibrating boundaries with different frequencies and amplitudes was applied during the simulation process to reveal the effect on impact resistances. The results indicate that the impact resistance of the composite under a higher frequency or a larger amplitude is lower than that under a lower frequency or a smaller amplitude. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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18 pages, 5361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Damage Determination in Ceramic Composites Subject to Tensile Fatigue Using Acoustic Emission

by Gregory N. Morscher and Zipeng Han

Materials 2018, 11(12), 2477; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11122477 - 06 Dec 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3241

Abstract

Acoustic emission (AE) has proven to be a very useful technique for determining damage in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). CMCs rely on various cracking mechanisms which enable non-linear stress–strain behavior with ultimate failure of the composite due to fiber failure. Since these damage [...] Read more.

Acoustic emission (AE) has proven to be a very useful technique for determining damage in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). CMCs rely on various cracking mechanisms which enable non-linear stress–strain behavior with ultimate failure of the composite due to fiber failure. Since these damage mechanisms are all microfracture mechanisms, they emit stress waves ideal for AE monitoring. These are typically plate waves since, for most specimens or applications, one dimension is significantly smaller than the wavelength of the sound waves emitted. By utilizing the information of the sound waveforms captured on multiple channels from individual events, the location and identity of the sources can often be elucidated. The keys to the technique are the use of wide-band frequency sensors, digitization of the waveforms (modal AE), strategic placement of sensors to sort the data and acquire important contents of the waveforms pertinent for identification, and familiarity with the material as to the damage mechanisms occurring at prescribed points of the stress history. The AE information informs the damage progression in a unique way, which adds to the understanding of the process of failure for these composites. The AE methodology was applied to woven SiC fiber-reinforced melt-infiltrated SiC matrix composites tested in fatigue (R = 0.1) at different frequencies. Identification of when and where AE occurred coupled with waveform analysis led to source identification and failure progression. For low frequency fatigue conditions, damage progression leading to failure appeared to be due to fiber failure at or near the peak stress of the stress cycle. For higher frequency fatigue conditions, significantly greater amounts of AE were detected compared to low frequency tests a few hours prior to failure. Damage progression leading to failure included AE detected events which occurred on the unloading part of the fatigue cycle near the valley of the stress cycle. These events were associated with 90 tow longitudinal split and shear cracks presumably due to local compressive stresses associated with mating crack surface interactions during unloading. The local region where these occurred was the eventual failure location and the “valley” events appeared to influence the formation of increased local transverse cracking based on AE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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14 pages, 4759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shear Behavior of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams

by Kaize Ma, Ting Qi, Huijie Liu and Hongbing Wang

Materials 2018, 11(10), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11102023 - 18 Oct 2018

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 3250

Abstract

Hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC) is based on a multilevel-reinforcement material design that improves both the compressive strength and tensile strength. Investigations of the mechanical performance of HFRC with two types of steel fibers were conducted experimentally. The investigated parameters were the volume [...] Read more.

Hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC) is based on a multilevel-reinforcement material design that improves both the compressive strength and tensile strength. Investigations of the mechanical performance of HFRC with two types of steel fibers were conducted experimentally. The investigated parameters were the volume fractions of the short steel fibers and long steel fibers. The compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the HFRC were researched. The group with volume fractions of 1.5% for the long steel fibers and 0.5% for the short steel fibers exhibited the best flexural strength. The synergetic effect clearly was improved by combining different types of steel fiber. Four HFRC deep beams and one reinforced concrete (RC) deep beam were conducted to consider the shear behavior of these beams. The primary variables included the volume fraction of steel fibers and the web reinforcement ratio. The shear behavior was evaluated based on the cracking pattern, load-deflection behavior, and shear capacity. All of the beams failed due to the formation of diagonal cracks. The results indicated that hybrid fibers contribute greatly to the shear behavior of deep beams. The hybrid fibers led to the formation of multiple diagonal cracks in the deep beams and enhanced the damage tolerance. With the same web reinforcement ratio, the ultimate load and deformation of the HFRC deep beams were better than those of the RC deep beam. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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18 pages, 5294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Tribological Performance of Copper-Based Powder Metallurgical Friction Materials with Cu-Coated or Uncoated Graphite Particles as Lubricants

by Xin Zhang, Yongzhen Zhang, Sanming Du, Zhenghai Yang, Tiantian He and Zhen Li

Materials 2018, 11(10), 2016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11102016 - 18 Oct 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3502

Abstract

The tribological performance of copper-based powder metallurgical material is much influenced by the interfacial bonding between the components and matrix. By adding Cu-coated or uncoated graphite particles as a lubricant, two types of copper-based powder metallurgical materials were prepared via spark plasma sintering [...] Read more.

The tribological performance of copper-based powder metallurgical material is much influenced by the interfacial bonding between the components and matrix. By adding Cu-coated or uncoated graphite particles as a lubricant, two types of copper-based powder metallurgical materials were prepared via spark plasma sintering (SPS). The hardness, relative density, and thermal conductivity of the two specimens were firstly measured. Using an inertial braking test bench and temperature measuring instrument, the average friction coefficients, instantaneous friction coefficients, and friction temperatures of the two specimens were tested under different test conditions, and the wear rates were calculated accordingly. Based on the analysis of surface morphologies and elements distribution after the tests, the mechanisms of wear and formation of friction films were discussed. The results show that with the lubricant of Cu-coated graphite, the hardness, relative density, thermal conductivity, and interfacial bonding between the graphite and matrix can be greatly improved. Under the same test condition, the average friction coefficient, wear rate, and friction temperature of the specimen with added Cu-coated graphite are both lower than those of the specimen with added uncoated graphite. The two specimens show different variation trends in the instantaneous friction coefficient during the tests, and the variation of the instantaneous friction coefficient at a high initial test speed is also different from that at a low initial test speed for each specimen. The two specimens also show differences in the continuity of friction film and the content of graphite and oxide in the friction film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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14 pages, 4264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Large-Strain Hyperelastic Constitutive Model of Envelope Material under Biaxial Tension with Different Stress Ratios

by Zhipeng Qu, Wei He, Mingyun Lv and Houdi Xiao

Materials 2018, 11(9), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11091780 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3654

Abstract

This paper reports the biaxial tensile mechanical properties of the envelope material through experimental and constitutive models. First, the biaxial tensile failure tests of the envelope material with different stress ratio in warp and weft directions are carried out. Then, based on fiber-reinforced [...] Read more.

This paper reports the biaxial tensile mechanical properties of the envelope material through experimental and constitutive models. First, the biaxial tensile failure tests of the envelope material with different stress ratio in warp and weft directions are carried out. Then, based on fiber-reinforced continuum mechanics theory, an anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive model on envelope material with different stress ratio is developed. A strain energy function that characterizes the anisotropic behavior of the envelope material is decomposed into three parts: fiber, matrix and fiber–fiber interaction. The fiber–matrix interaction is eliminated in this model. A new simple model for fiber–fiber interaction with different stress ratio is developed. Finally, the results show that the constitutive model has a good agreement with the experiment results. The results can be used to provide a reference for structural design of envelope material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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16 pages, 3912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Freeze–Thaw Durability of Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites under Combined Flexural Load and Chloride Environment

by Liqiang Yin, Changwang Yan and Shuguang Liu

Materials 2018, 11(9), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11091721 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3990

Abstract

Cement-based materials are usually not exposed to an independent deterioration process but are exposed to a combination of mechanical load and environmental effects. This paper reports the frost resistance durability of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) under combined flexural loading at different levels and [...] Read more.

Cement-based materials are usually not exposed to an independent deterioration process but are exposed to a combination of mechanical load and environmental effects. This paper reports the frost resistance durability of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) under combined flexural loading at different levels and under chloride attack. The loss of mass, dynamic elastic modulus, and microstructure characteristics of SHCC specimens were determined, and the influence of loading level on frost resistance was analyzed. In addition, the effect of freeze–thaw action on the flexural performance and diffusion properties of chloride in SHCC under the combined loads was investigated. The results show that the process of degradation was accelerated due to the simultaneous action of flexural loading and freeze–thaw cycles in the chloride environment, and SHCC suffered more serious damage at a higher loading level. However, flexural strength decreased by only 13.87% after 300 freeze–thaw cycles at load level S = 0.36. The diffusion properties of chloride in SHCC under constant flexural loading were affected by the freezing and thawing cycle. The free chloride concentration C_f increased with the development of freezing and thawing at the same diffusion depth, and a bilinear relationship was found between the chloride diffusion coefficient D_c and the number of freeze–thaw cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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12 pages, 3425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Fluorescent Biosensor for Adenosine Triphosphate Detection Based on a Metal–Organic Framework Coating Polydopamine Layer

by Peipei Xu and Guangfu Liao

Materials 2018, 11(9), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11091616 - 05 Sep 2018

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 4748

Abstract

In this work, a novel and sensitive fluorescent biosensor based on polydopamine coated Zr-based metal–organic framework (PDA/UiO-66) is presented for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection. This PDA/UiO-66 nanoparticle which holds a great potential to be excellent fluorescence quencher can protect the 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-labeled probe [...] Read more.

In this work, a novel and sensitive fluorescent biosensor based on polydopamine coated Zr-based metal–organic framework (PDA/UiO-66) is presented for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection. This PDA/UiO-66 nanoparticle which holds a great potential to be excellent fluorescence quencher can protect the 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-labeled probe from cleaved by DNase I dispersed in solution and the flurescence of labeled FAM is quenched. When ATP molecules exist, aptamers on the PDA/UiO-66 nanoparticles can hybridize with ATP molecule to form complex structure that will be desorbed from the PDA/UiO-66 and digested by DNase I. After that, the released ATP molecule can react with another aptamer on the PDA/UiO-66 complexes, then restarts a new cycle. Herein, the excellent strong fluorescence quenching ability and uploading more amount of aptamer probes of PDA/UiO-66 composites make them efficient biosensors, leading to a high sensitivity with detection limit of 35 nM. Compared with ATP detection directly by UiO-66-based method, the LOD is about 5.7 times higher with PDA/UiO-66 nanoparticle. Moreover, the enhanced biocompatibility and bioactivity with PDA layer of the composites render a proposed strategy for clinical diagnosis field of detecting small biological molecules in vivo in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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9 pages, 3192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Non-Stoichiometric (TiNb)C_0.5 with High Hardness and Fracture Toughness under HTHP

by Zhichao Zhang, Hu Tang, Yujiao Ke, Yu Li, Xiaochen Jiao, Changjian Geng, Yucheng Zhao and Mingzhi Wang

Materials 2018, 11(7), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11071219 - 16 Jul 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3496

Abstract

Nonstoichiometric TiC_0.5 and (TiNb)_0.5 powders were prepared by the mechanical alloying process using Ti, Nb, and TiC powders as raw materials. Furthermore, the as-prepared TiC_0.5 and (TiNb)_0.5 powders were used as initial materials to fabricate TiC_0.5 and (TiNb) [...] Read more.

Nonstoichiometric TiC_0.5 and (TiNb)_0.5 powders were prepared by the mechanical alloying process using Ti, Nb, and TiC powders as raw materials. Furthermore, the as-prepared TiC_0.5 and (TiNb)_0.5 powders were used as initial materials to fabricate TiC_0.5 and (TiNb)_0.5 compacts under high pressures and high temperatures (HTHP) of 5.5 GPa and 1200–1550 °C for 5 min. Phase identification and microstructure of the mechanical-alloyed powders and the sintered TiC_0.5 and (TiNb)_0.5 compacts were realized by an X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that the as-prepared TiC_0.5 and (TiNb)_0.5 powders have a similar crystal structure of face-centered cubic (FCC) to TiC. The sintered (TiNb)_0.5 compact has good Vickers hardness (~16 GPa), and notably, excellent fracture toughness (~7.3 MPa·m^1/2). The non-stoichiometric compound not only reduced the sintering temperature of covalent compounds, but also greatly enhanced the mechanical properties of the materials. Thus, we have provided a novel synthetic strategy for the production of a compound with high-strength covalent bonds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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23 pages, 5916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Characterization of Defects in Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic by Refining the Guided Lamb Waves

by Kumar Anubhav Tiwari and Renaldas Raisutis

Materials 2018, 11(7), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11071173 - 09 Jul 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4468

Abstract

In this paper, the disbond-type defect presented on glass fiber reinforced plastic material is analyzed by refining the guided Lamb wave signals. A segment of wind turbine blade is considered as a test sample. The low-frequency ultrasonic measurement system is used for the [...] Read more.

In this paper, the disbond-type defect presented on glass fiber reinforced plastic material is analyzed by refining the guided Lamb wave signals. A segment of wind turbine blade is considered as a test sample. The low-frequency ultrasonic measurement system is used for the non-destructive testing of the test sample using guided waves. The P-1 type macro-fiber composite transducer as a transmitter and contact-type piezoceramic transducer as a receiver are used for the testing of a sample. The disbond type defect having a diameter of 81 mm is detected from the experimental results. To improve the accuracy in locating and sizing the defects and estimation of the time of flight and phase velocity of ultrasonic guided waves in defective region, signal processing algorithm is developed by utilizing the promising properties of various ultrasonic signal processing techniques such as wavelet transform, amplitude detection, two-dimensional Fast-Fourier transform, Hilbert transform and variational mode decomposition. The discrete wavelet transform is used to denoise the guided wave signals and then, the size and location of defects are estimated by amplitude detection. The reflected wave signals from the opposite edge of the sample are removed by applying the two-dimensional Fast-Fourier transform to the experimental B-scan signal. Afterwards, variational mode decomposition and Hilbert transform are used for the phase velocity and time-delay estimation by comparing the instantaneous amplitudes of the defective and defect-free signal. The validation and the demonstration of reproducibility of the algorithm is performed by extracting the features of a 51 mm defect from another experimental B-scan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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15 pages, 2066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Dielectric and Mechanical Properties of Ternary Composites via Plasticizer-Induced Dense Interfaces

by Yefeng Feng, Cheng Peng, Yandong Li and Jianbing Hu

Materials 2018, 11(7), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11071111 - 29 Jun 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3142

Abstract

High overall performance, including high dielectric constant, low loss, high breakdown strength, fine flexibility, and strong tensile properties, is difficult to achieve simultaneously in polymer nanocomposites. In our prior work, we modified the surfaces of alpha-SiC nanoparticles and chemically cross-linked the polymeric matrix [...] Read more.

High overall performance, including high dielectric constant, low loss, high breakdown strength, fine flexibility, and strong tensile properties, is difficult to achieve simultaneously in polymer nanocomposites. In our prior work, we modified the surfaces of alpha-SiC nanoparticles and chemically cross-linked the polymeric matrix to simultaneously promote the dielectric and mechanical properties of composites. In this work, a novel strategy of high-temperature plastification towards a polymeric matrix has been proposed to fabricate ternary nanocomposites with balanced dielectric and mechanical characteristics by the solution cast method in order to reduce costs and simplify steps during large-scale preparation. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) with inner double bonds as matrix, unfunctionalized alpha-SiC nanoparticles (NPs) as filler, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as plasticizer were employed. By introducing DBP and high-temperature treatment, the dispersion of NPs and the degree of compactness of the interface regions were both improved due to the reduced cohesion of the fluoropolymer, resulting in an increase in the dielectric constant (by 30%) and breakdown strength (by 57%) as well as the lowering of loss (by 30%) and conductivity (by 16%) in nanocomposites. Moreover, high-temperature plastification contributed to the promotion of flexible and tensile properties. This work might open the door to large-scale fabrication of nanocomposite dielectrics with high overall properties through the cooperation of the plasticizer and high temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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13 pages, 7237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Tensile and Compressive Properties of Carbon/Glass Interlayer and Intralayer Hybrid Composites

by Weili Wu, Qingtao Wang and Wei Li

Materials 2018, 11(7), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11071105 - 28 Jun 2018

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 4086

Abstract

Tensile and compressive properties of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites were investigated in this paper. The tensile modulus and compression modulus of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites are the same under the same mixed ratio, the tensile strength is much superior to the [...] Read more.

Tensile and compressive properties of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites were investigated in this paper. The tensile modulus and compression modulus of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites are the same under the same mixed ratio, the tensile strength is much superior to the compression strength, and while the tensile modulus and strength increase along with the carbon fiber content, the compression values change slightly. The influence of stacking structures on the tensile and compressive strengths is opposite to the ratio of T/C (tensile/compression) strength for interlayer hybrid composites, and while the tensile and compression strengths with glass fiber sandwiching carbon fiber can reach the maximum value, the ratio of T/C strength is minimum. For structures with carbon fiber sandwiching glass fiber, or with asymmetric structures, the tensile and compressive strengths are at a low value. For intralayer hybrid structures, while the carbon/glass (C/G) dispersion degree is high, the tensile and compression strengths are low. The experimental tensile and compressive strengths for interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites are greater than the theoretical values, which demonstrates that strength conforms well to the positive hybrid effect. The tensile fracture strain is greater than the compression fracture strain for hybrid composites, with both of them basically maintained at the same level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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10 pages, 44684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Particle Shape of WC Governing the Fracture Mechanism of Particle Reinforced Iron Matrix Composites

by Zulai Li, Pengfei Wang, Quan Shan, Yehua Jiang, He Wei and Jun Tan

Materials 2018, 11(6), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11060984 - 11 Jun 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3362

Abstract

In this work, tungsten carbide particles (WC_p, spherical and irregular particles)-reinforced iron matrix composites were manufactured utilizing a liquid sintering technique. The mechanical properties and the fracture mechanism of WC_p/iron matrix composites were investigated theoretically and experimentally. The crack [...] Read more.

In this work, tungsten carbide particles (WC_p, spherical and irregular particles)-reinforced iron matrix composites were manufactured utilizing a liquid sintering technique. The mechanical properties and the fracture mechanism of WC_p/iron matrix composites were investigated theoretically and experimentally. The crack schematic diagram and fracture simulation diagram of WC_p/iron matrix composites were summarized, indicating that the micro-crack was initiated both from the interface for spherical and irregular WC_p/iron matrix composites. However, irregular WC_p had a tendency to form spherical WC_p. The micro-cracks then expanded to a wide macro-crack at the interface, leading to a final failure of the composites. In comparison with the spherical WC_p, the irregular WC_p were prone to break due to the stress concentration resulting in being prone to generating brittle cracking. The study on the fracture mechanisms of WC_p/iron matrix composites might provide a theoretical guidance for the design and engineering application of particle reinforced composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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15 pages, 3041 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development and Characterization of High Performance Shape Memory Alloy Coatings for Structural Aerospace Applications

by Dimitrios A. Exarchos, Panagiota T. Dalla, Ilias K. Tragazikis, Konstantinos G. Dassios, Nikolaos E. Zafeiropoulos, Maria M. Karabela, Carmen De Crescenzo, Despina Karatza, Dino Musmarra, Simeone Chianese and Theodore E. Matikas

Materials 2018, 11(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11050832 - 18 May 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3730

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative approach, which enables control of the mechanical properties of metallic components by external stimuli to improve the mechanical behavior of aluminum structures in aeronautical applications. The approach is based on the exploitation of the shape memory effect of [...] Read more.

This paper presents an innovative approach, which enables control of the mechanical properties of metallic components by external stimuli to improve the mechanical behavior of aluminum structures in aeronautical applications. The approach is based on the exploitation of the shape memory effect of novel Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) coatings deposited on metallic structural components, for the purpose of relaxing the stress of underlying structures by simple heating at field-feasible temperatures, therefore enhancing their structural integrity and increasing their stiffness and rigidity while allowing them to withstand expected loading conditions safely. Numerical analysis provided an insight in the expected response of the SMA coating and of the SMA-coated element, while the dependence of alloy composition and heat treatment on the experienced shape memory effect were investigated experimentally. A two-phase process is proposed for deposition of the SMA coating in an order that induces beneficial stress relaxation to the underlying structure through the shape memory effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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11 pages, 2811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Macro-Scale Strength and Microstructure of ZrW₂O₈ Cementitious Composites with Tunable Low Thermal Expansion

by Jianshu Ouyang, Yangbo Li, Bo Chen and Dahai Huang

Materials 2018, 11(5), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11050748 - 07 May 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3837

Abstract

Concretes with engineered thermal expansion coefficients, capable of avoiding failure or irreversible destruction of structures or devices, are important for civil engineering applications, such as dams, bridges, and buildings. In natural materials, thermal expansion usually cannot be easily regulated and an extremely low [...] Read more.

Concretes with engineered thermal expansion coefficients, capable of avoiding failure or irreversible destruction of structures or devices, are important for civil engineering applications, such as dams, bridges, and buildings. In natural materials, thermal expansion usually cannot be easily regulated and an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) is still uncommon. Here we propose a novel cementitious composite, doped with ZrW₂O₈, showing a wide range of tunable thermal expansion coefficients, from 8.65 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ to 2.48 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹. Macro-scale experiments are implemented to quantify the evolution of the thermal expansion coefficients, compressive and flexural strength over a wide range of temperature. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging was conducted to quantify the specimens’ microstructural characteristics including pores ratio and size. It is shown that the TEC of the proposed composites depends on the proportion of ZrW₂O₈ and the ambient curing temperature. Macro-scale experimental results and microstructures have a good agreement. The TEC and strength gradually decrease as ZrW₂O₈ increases from 0% to 20%, subsequently fluctuates until 60%. The findings reported here provide a new routine to design cementitious composites with tunable thermal expansion for a wide range of engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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9 pages, 1950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Saturated Imaging for Inspecting Transparent Aesthetic Defects in a Polymeric Polarizer with Black and White Stripes

by Cilong Yu, Peibing Chen, Xiaopin Zhong, Xizhou Pan and Yuanlong Deng

Materials 2018, 11(5), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11050736 - 07 May 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3501

Abstract

Machine vision systems have been widely used in industrial production lines because of their automation and contactless inspection mode. In polymeric polarizers, extremely slight transparent aesthetic defects are difficult to detect and characterize through conventional illumination. To inspect such defects rapidly and accurately, [...] Read more.

Machine vision systems have been widely used in industrial production lines because of their automation and contactless inspection mode. In polymeric polarizers, extremely slight transparent aesthetic defects are difficult to detect and characterize through conventional illumination. To inspect such defects rapidly and accurately, a saturated imaging technique was proposed, which innovatively uses the characteristics of saturated light in imaging by adjusting the light intensity, exposure time, and camera gain. An optical model of defect was established to explain the theory by simulation. Based on the optimum experimental conditions, active two-step scanning was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of this detection scheme, and the proposed method was found to be efficient for real-time and in situ inspection of defects in polymer films and products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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18 pages, 42685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flexural Progressive Failure of Carbon/Glass Interlayer and Intralayer Hybrid Composites

by Qingtao Wang, Weili Wu, Zhili Gong and Wei Li

Materials 2018, 11(4), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11040619 - 17 Apr 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4545

Abstract

The flexural progressive failure modes of carbon fiber and glass fiber (C/G) interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites were investigated in this work. Results showed that the bending failure modes for interlayer hybrid composites are determined by the layup structure. Besides, the bending failure [...] Read more.

The flexural progressive failure modes of carbon fiber and glass fiber (C/G) interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites were investigated in this work. Results showed that the bending failure modes for interlayer hybrid composites are determined by the layup structure. Besides, the bending failure is characterized by the compression failure of the upper layer, when carbon fiber tends to distribute in the upper layer, the interlayer hybrid composite fails early, the failure force is characterized by a multi-stage slightly fluctuating decline and the fracture area exhibits a diamond shape. While carbon fiber distributes in the middle or bottom layer, the failure time starts late, and the failure process exhibits one stage sharp force/stress drop, the fracture zone of glass fiber above the carbon layers presents an inverted trapezoid shape, while the fracture of glass fiber below the carbon layers exhibits an inverted triangular shape. With regards to the intralayer hybrid composites, the C/G hybrid ratio plays a dominating role in the bending failure which could be considered as the mixed failures of four structures. The bending failure of intralayer hybrid composites occurs in advance since carbon fiber are located in each layer; the failure process shows a multi-stage fluctuating decline, and the decline slows down as carbon fiber content increases, and the fracture sound release has the characteristics of a low intensity and high frequency for a long time. By contrast, as glass fiber content increases, the bending failure of intralayer composites is featured with a multi-stage cliff decline with a high amplitude and low frequency for a short-time fracture sound release. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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13 pages, 18575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance and Degradation Mechanism of Diclofenac Sodium under the System of Hetero-Structural CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ with H₂O₂

by Xiaojuan Chen, Ning Li, Song Xu, Hailong Wang and Yumin Cai

Materials 2018, 11(4), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11040511 - 28 Mar 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4335

Abstract

Two kinds of CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ with different heterojunction structures were prepared based on the combination of hydrothermal and in-situ precipitation methods with surfactant additives (sodium citrate and sodium stearate), and their characteristics were systematically resolved by X-ray [...] Read more.

Two kinds of CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ with different heterojunction structures were prepared based on the combination of hydrothermal and in-situ precipitation methods with surfactant additives (sodium citrate and sodium stearate), and their characteristics were systematically resolved by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)/ High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL). Meanwhile, the photocatalytic properties of the catalysts were determined for diclofenac sodium (DS) degradation and the photocatalytic mechanism was also explored. The results indicate that both of the two kinds of CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ exhibit higher photocatalytic efficiency, mineralization rate, and stability than that of pure CuBi₂O₄ or Ag₃PO₄. Moreover, the catalytic activity of CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ can be further enhanced by adding H₂O₂. The free radical capture experiments show that in the pure CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ photocatalytic system, the OH^• and O₂^•− are the main species participating in DS degradation; however, in the CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ photocatalytic system with H₂O₂, all OH^•, h⁺, and O₂^•− take part in the DS degradation, and the contribution order is OH^• > h⁺ > O₂^•−. Accordingly, the photocatalytic mechanism of CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ could be explained by the Z-Scheme theory, while the catalysis of CuBi₂O₄/Ag₃PO₄ with H₂O₂ follows the heterojunction energy band theory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 4668 KiB

Open AccessReview

Durability Modeling Review of Thermal- and Environmental-Barrier-Coated Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites Part I

by Ali Abdul-Aziz

Materials 2018, 11(7), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11071251 - 20 Jul 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5184

Abstract

This paper is a Part I of a literature review documentation describing the currently available and used techniques that are being explored by material scientists and researchers in the field of materials characterizations and testing for both thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TBCs [...] Read more.

This paper is a Part I of a literature review documentation describing the currently available and used techniques that are being explored by material scientists and researchers in the field of materials characterizations and testing for both thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TBCs and EBCs, respectively). This review contains relevant information regarding the most common coating applications and their impact on the durability and life of both the coatings and the substrate materials. It also includes a description of the methodologies of coating applications and their pros and cons. A discussion of the applicability, failure modes and modeling approaches that are presently available and utilized by active researchers in the field is also included. Part II will illustrate an in-depth assessment of various aspects of the available and developing life prediction models for both TBC and EBC and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on their thermal and mechanical stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Detection and Characterization of High Performance Composites)

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