Effects of equivalent beam element on the in-plane shear performance of 3D stochastic fibrous networks

The stochastic fibrous network structure in papers, nonwovens, and fibrous tiles have been used and studied widely. The connections in stochastic fibrous networks not only transmit loads between fibers but are also crucial to the mechanical performance of the networks. In this study, a finite element model for three-dimensional (3D) stochastic fibrous networks is built and the connections are treated as equivalent beam elements. Subsequently, the in-plane shear performance of 3D stochastic fibrous networks is investigated. The stress–strain curve and failure analysis obtained from the finite element model agree with the experimental results, thus validating the finite element model. Our simulation suggests that the connections between fibers are crucial on the macromechanical performance of the networks, especially when the damage accumulation is dominated by connections. Flexible connections increase the energy absorption capacity of the material significantly. The diameter of the connecting beam not only affects the strength and modulus of the network, but also changes the elasto-plastic behavior of the network.     

Influence of hybridization of glass fiber and talc on the mechanical performance of polypropylene composites

The effect of the hybridization of short glass fibers (GFs) and talc mineral filler on the tensile mechanical performance of injection‐molded propylene‐ethylene copolymer composites (PP_cop) with and without weld lines (WLs) was studied in this work. The fibrous reinforcement imparts high‐tensile stiffness and strength to the molding but originates a highly anisotropic composite. The negative effect of this anisotropy is even worse when WLs occur in the molding, as the high aspect ratio GFs tend to be oriented on the weak plane of the WL. Through hybridization of GF and talc, combined in different proportions, it is possible to obtain improved mechanical properties in comparison to the standard GF reinforced PP_cop composites. The combination of GF with talc was shown to be beneficial for the WL strength of PP_cop composites, once a synergism effect was achieved with the expected optimization of the fibers/particles packing efficiency of the hybrid reinforcement. At a given constant total reinforcement concentration, the experimental data of both tensile modulus and strength properties of the hybrid composites without WL were above the predictions derived from the estimated rule of mixtures. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Mechanical and thermal characterization of iron(II) 2,2′‐bipyridine complex supported polyacrylonitrile fiber as a novel photocatalyst

In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of amidoximated polyacrylonitrile fibers immobilized with iron(II) 2,2′‐bipyridine complex (Fe(bpy)₃²⁺) have been investigated to support their commercial application for wastewater treatment. The mechanical properties were evaluated with respect to breaking strength and elongation at break in both dry and wet conditions. Dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques were used to determine the thermal behavior. The results indicate the effect of Fe(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilization on the breaking strength of the dry fiber samples were negligible, and the corresponding elongation at break decreased gradually with Fe(bpy)₃²⁺ content increasing. In addition, water treatment greatly affected the mechanical properties of the fibrous materials. Thermal studies reveal that Fe(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilization led to better fiber thermal stabilization in terms of higher storage modulus at high temperature regions, larger glass transition temperature, and smaller weight loss. The 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands were found to be responsible for the better mechanical and thermal performance of the fibrous materials by enhancing the intermolecular crosslink. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1052–1058, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Electrospinning of Tough and Elastic Liquid Crystalline Polymer–Polyurethane Composite Fibers: Mechanical Properties and Fiber Alignment

Tough and elastic microfiber composites composed of an elastic polyurethane (Hydrothane) and a liquid crystalline polymer (Vectran) are fabricated via electrospinning. The composite fibers (HVC) are examined as a function of the mixing ratio of the polymers and evaluated on the bases of fiber formation, morphology, thermal properties, mechanical performance, and fiber alignment. The fiber diameters of the HVCs decrease as the content of Vectran increases. When the fibers are aligned via a rotating target, they have even smaller diameters and increased uniformity than when a static target is employed. Surprisingly, the aligned fibers’ mechanical properties are different than those of random orientation; the HVC fibers of random orientation display increases in strength, toughness, and elastic modulii when increasing amounts of Vectran are incorporated in the fibers. The aforementioned mechanical properties of the aligned fibers decrease somewhat as the content of Vectran is increased. Further, the durability of the aligned fibers is examined by extensional durability tests over ten cycles. The tests indicate that the HVC fibers are very durable and can function as tunable, tough, and elastic fibrous polymer scaffolds and have potential applications in high‐performance composites, polymeric filtration devices, and fibrous bioengineering materials.     

Microstructure,mechanical behavior and oxidation resistance of disorderly assembled ZrB2-based short fibrous monolithic ceramics

Axially aligned fibrous monolithic ceramics present non-catastrophic fracture behavior via crack deflection and delamination along cell boundaries. However, severe in-plane anisotropy and time-consuming preparation procedures prevent their extensive promotion. The introduction of high content of weak phase components with poor oxidation resistance in weak interface destroys the excellent oxidation resistance of ceramic matrix. In this work, ZrB₂-based short fibrous monolithic (SFM) ceramics with in-plane isotropic mechanical properties and excellent oxidation resistance were easily prepared by hot pressing randomly assembled short ceramic fibers. The microstructure and mechanical behavior of ZrB₂-based SFM ceramics densified at various temperatures were systematically investigated. The mechanical properties of ZrB₂-based SFM ceramics slightly improved with the increase of sintering temperature. ZrB₂-based SFM ceramics exhibited excellent oxidation resistance and remained intact without macroscopic cracks after ablation for 615 s in oxyacetylene flame with maximum temperatures exceeding 2150 °C. The oxidation behavior was analyzed in detail.     

A constitutive law for poly(butylene terephthalate) nanofibers mats

A three‐dimensional structural constitutive equation is proposed to describe the mechanical properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) nanofibers mats. The model is formulated under the assumption that the mechanical response of the fibrous mat is determined by the individual fibers. The inelasticity, which has been observed when subjecting the fibrous mat to tensile tests, is assumed to be due to the gradual breakage of linear elastic fibers. The constitutive relation also takes the material anisotropy associated with the fibers' architecture into account. Uniaxial experimental data were used to assess the proposed model. The results demonstrate that the model is well suited to reproduce the typical tensile behavior of the fibrous mat. In agreement with the empirical observations, the model predicts that almost all the fibers fail when the poly(butylene terephthalate) fibrous mat sample breaks. Nevertheless, multiaxial stress–strain data and quantification of the fibers' orientation are required to completely validate the constitutive law. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5280–5283, 2006     

Surface energetics of carbon fibers and its effects on the mechanical performance of CF/EP composites

To exploit the reinforcement potential of the fibers in advanced composites, it is necessary to reach a deeper understanding on the interrelations between fiber surface chemical and energetic characteristics, wetting properties, and mechanical performance. In this study CF/EP was chosen as a model thermoset composite material, whereby a hot-curing epoxy (EP) system served as the matrix. The fibers selected were PAN-based high-tenacity carbon fibers (CF) of varying surface treatment level and/or coating. Surface free energies for the carbon fibers were determined by dynamic contact angle measurements in a variety of test liquids of known polar and dispersive surface tension utilizing a micro-Wilhelmy wetting balance and following the methods proposed by Zisman and Owens and Wendt, respectively. Surface treatment resulted in an increase of the polar fraction of the fiber surface free energy, whereas its dispersive part remained unaffected. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) as determined in the microdroplet pull-off test was enhanced both by intensification of the surface treatment and sizing the CF with an EP component. A linear relationship between IFSS and the polar fraction of the fiber surface free energy γ^p_s was found. Further attempts were made to find correlations between surface free energy of the CF and laminate strengths measured in shear and transverse tension. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Fibrous particle deposition in human nasal passage: The influence of particle length, flow rate, and geometry of nasal airway

Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVFs) have been used as a substitute for asbestos in industrial and residential applications. This shift has raised the concerns of the potential hazards associated with inhalation of these fibers. The human nose is an important protective organ that captures harmful particles and then clears them from human respiratory tract. However, studies have shown that some or even most of the inhalable fibrous particles can penetrate human nose and deposit into the deep lung. The understanding of fibrous particle deposition in the human nasal passage has important occupational health and possible drug delivery applications. To study the deposition pattern and influential factors, three realistic human nasal models were used and a dielectrophoretic classifier was applied to generate test aerosol of glass fibers with a narrow length distribution. These models were made by using stereolithography based on MRI data from two human subjects. Regional and total deposition efficiencies were measured for five different flow rates: 4, 8, 12, 15, and 18 Lpm and four different fiber length ranges: 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, and 40–. This study found that deposition of glass fibers (with about diameter) in human nasal passage is mainly due to inertial impaction and these fibers orientated themselves normal to the flow direction before deposition occurs. An effective aerodynamic diameter is defined such that the deposition efficiencies of glass fibers are comparable with those of spherical particles. Non-dimensional parameters were defined and an empirical model based on the experimental results is proposed to calculate fibrous particle deposition efficiency in human nose. Empirical expressions were also developed to estimate the pressure drop across the nasal model. Thus, empirical equations are now available for the prediction of total deposition in the human nasal tract for the fibrous particles under constant inspiring flow rates. In addition, this study suggested that these equations can also be used to predict the deposition of spherical particles.     

Spinnability of ultrasonically synthesized poly(vinyl alcohol-b-acrylonitrile) emulsions

The relationship between spinnability and composition of poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyacrylonitrile block copolymer emulsions prepared by an ultrasonic technique is presented. Theoretical analysis and experimental investigation by multiple techniques show that the micellar structure characteristics of the block copolymer emulsions and the behavior of emulsion in shear flowing and coagulating in spinning process are the key factors affecting the spinnability. The mechanical properties of the final fibers are related to the composition, molecular weight, spinnability of the copolymers, and the processability of the as-spun fibers.     

The effect of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles and ammonia/ethylene plasma treatment on the interfacial and mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

A nanoparticle dispersion is known to enhance the mechanical properties of a variety of polymers and resins. In this work, the effects of silica (SiO₂) nanoparticle loading (0–2 wt%) and ammonia/ethylene plasma-treated fibers on the interfacial and mechanical properties of carbon fiber–epoxy composites were characterized. Single fiber composite (SFC) tests were performed to determine the fiber/resin interfacial shear strength (IFSS). Tensile tests on pure epoxy resin specimens were also performed to quantify mechanical property changes with silica content. The results indicated that up to 2% SiO₂ nanoparticle loading had only a little effect on the mechanical properties. For untreated fibers, the IFSS was comparable for all epoxy resins. With ethylene/ammonia plasma treated fibers, specimens exhibited a substantial increase in IFSS by 2 to 3 times, independent of SiO₂ loading. The highest IFSS value obtained was 146 MPa for plasma-treated fibers. Interaction between the fiber sizing and plasma treatment may be a critical factor in this IFSS increase. The results suggest that the fiber/epoxy interface is not affected by the incorporation of up to 2% SiO₂ nanoparticles. Furthermore, the fiber surface modification through plasma treatment is an effective method to improve and control adhesion between fiber and resin.     

Porous fibers surface decorated with nanofillers: From melt-spun PP/PVA blend fibers with silica nanoparticles

Biphasic polypropylene (PP)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers containing silica nanoparticles with various surface hydrophobicity were melt-spun. The localization of nanoparticles relates on the thermodynamic factors, and the design promotes a surface-decorated fibrous scaffold with nanoparticles after selective extraction. The influence of silica nanoparticles on the melt flow index was observed, and the interface-located Aerosil R972 silica nanoparticles lead to an increase in viscosity. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrates the preponderant interfacial localization of Aerosil R972 nanoparticles within the biphasic fibers. The porous morphology of the obtained fibers was investigated by SEM, selective extraction experiment, X-ray diffraction analysis, and dynamical mechanical analysis. The specific interface area of PP₇₀-PVA₃₀ fibers with a draw ratio (DR) of 2 is 3.2 m² g⁻¹ and is further enlarged with the increase of DR. The incorporation of nanoparticles contributes to the increase of interconnectivity of the PVA phase. The further increment of DR modifies the crystalline structure, and results in better mechanical properties. The Aerosil R972-containing fibers with the DR of 3 provide almost completely accessible PVA phase, with enough mechanical strength to be transformed into textile products, and retains a good mechanical property after selective extraction. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48470.     

Surface modification of aramid fibers with CaCl2 treatment and secondary functionalization of silane coupling agents

Aramid fibers have excellent mechanical properties as the main reinforcing filler in high-performance composites. However, the adhesion properties between fibers and most polymer matrices were poor. In this study, aramid fiber (AF) was modified by KH550 through surface coating based on the treatment with CaCl₂ solution. The new surface treated with complexing agents could act as an active platform for secondary reactions for further modification. The surface morphology and composition of the treated aramid fibers were tested by scanning electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the interlaminar shear strength and the tensile strength of aramid fiber-reinforced polymer (AFRP) of were evaluated. The results showed that the silane coupling agent KH550 was successfully grafted onto the surface of aramid fibers after treatment with CaCl₂. Interlayer shear strength is greatly improved and the tensile strength of AFRP through further grafting with KH550 on the surface treated with CaCl₂ was improved by 48.7%, compared with untreated aramid fiber. In the current scenario, this study is of immense importance because it validates the possibility of secondary modification after fiber complexation modification and useful modification methods, and provides a new direction for the modification of AF.     

Fibrous monolithic ceramic with a single alumina phase: Fracture and high-temperature tribological behaviors

Fabrication of fibrous monolithic ceramic with bamboo-like structures is a promising method to improve the mechanical properties of ceramics through extrinsic reinforcement. Nevertheless, heterogeneous boundaries are easily oxidized at high temperatures, which seriously limits the long-term use of these materials when employed in high-temperature and high/low-temperature alternating environments. In this study, a “plain” ceramic—a single-component and complex-structure Al₂O₃ ceramic—was successfully designed and prepared using nano-sized Al₂O₃ as polycrystalline fibers and micro-sized Al₂O₃ as boundaries to obtain a structure with a fibrous monolithic architecture. Self-toughening of Al₂O₃ ceramics can be achieved by introducing hierarchical architectures derived from the difference between grain sizes of fibers and boundaries, which gives the ceramics high fracture toughness and reliability. Moreover, the material demonstrated a low friction coefficient and high wear-resistance properties when coupled with C/C composites at room temperature, 800°C, and in the alternating temperature enviroment between room temperature and 800°C.     

Synthesis and characterization of spider‐web‐like electrospun mats of meta‐aramid

The effect of salt formation during condensation polymerization on the morphology of electrospun meta‐aramid fibers was investigated. The presence of a by‐product salt (CaCl₂) improved the electrospinability of the meta‐aramid solution and induced the formation of a spider‐web‐like structure in the mat. The effect of the concentration of the solution and the applied voltage on the formation of the spider‐web‐like fibrous structure was investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images indicated that thin fibers were uniformly distributed with thick fibers throughout the mats in the form of a spider‐web‐like structure. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the electrospun mat was affected by CaCl₂. The observed enhancement in the thermal and mechanical properties of the mats, which was attributed to the formation of the spider‐web‐like structure, may increase the number of potential applications of meta‐aramids, such as water/air filtration, protective clothing and electrical insulation. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

The study of elongation and shear rates in spinning process and its effect on gas separation performance of Poly(ether sulfone) (PES) hollow fiber membranes

The influence of elongation and shear rates induced by the geometry of spinnerets on gas performance of PES hollow fiber membranes has been studied. Different elongation and shear rates were introduced in various spinnerets with flow angles of 60°, 75° and 90° by changing the flow rate of dope solution. The PES hollow fiber membranes were fabricated under the wet-spun condition without extra drawing force and their gas performances were tested by using O₂ and N₂. The flow profiles of dope solution and the elongation and shear rates at the outermost point of the outlet of spinnerets were simulated by the computational fluid dynamics model. A hypothetic mechanism is assumed to explain the effects of elongation and shear rates on the changes of conformation of polymer chain. While trying to correlate the elongation and shear rates with the gas performance of hollow fibers, we have come to some preliminary conclusions that the elongation rate has more contribution portion in permselectivity than in permeance and the shear rate has more contribution portion in permeance than in permselectivity.     

Study on depositing SiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of jute fiber via hydrothermal method and its reinforced polypropylene composites

To improve the interfacial compatibility of jute fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites, hydrothermal method was used to deposit SiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of pretreated jute fibers and the effect of reaction factors (tetraethoxysilane [TEOS] concentration, ammonia concentration, and reaction temperature) on the deposition of SiO₂ nanoparticles were evaluated. The results of FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM showed that the amorphous SiO₂ nanoparticles with an average particle size of 65.0 nm were successfully deposited on the surface of jute fibers at the TEOS/H₂O volume ratio of 1:2, ammonia of 0.55 M, reaction temperature of 100 °C (0.15 MPa) for 5 h. Compared with the sol–gel method, SiO₂ nanoparticles obtained by the hydrothermal method possessed smaller particle size and were less agglomerated, which can better fill in the surface defects of the jute fibers and result in a 12.9% increase in the tensile strength. The study on the mechanical properties and interface performance of the jute fiber reinforced PP composites indicated that the interfacial compatibility between jute fibers and PP was obviously improved. The tensile and impact strength of the composites reinforced with nano‐SiO₂ deposited jute fibers were increased by 26.87% and 25.65%, respectively, compared with the untreated jute fibers. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:43–54, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fibrous Monolithic Ceramics: I, Fabrication, Microstructure, and Indentation Behavior

Monolithic ceramics have been fabricated from coated green fibers to create fibrous microstructures. The fibrous monoliths consist of high aspect ratio polycrystalline regions (cells) of a primary phase regions (cell boundaries) designed to improve fracture resistance. The cells are the remnants of the green fiber which consists of ceramic powder and a polymer binder. The coating applied on the green fiber forms the cell boundaries. Fabrication and microstructure are described for fibrous monoliths in the SiC/graphite, silicon nitride/BN, alumina/alumina–zirconia, alumina/aluminum titanate, alumina/nickel and Ce-TZP/alumina–Ce–zirconia systems. The SiC/graphite fibrous monolith displays noncatastrophic failure in flexure, with shear delamination along the weak graphite layers. Indentations in SiC/graphite cause cells to spall, with crack arrest and extrusion of graphite from the cell boundaries. Crack deflection and spalling of cells are also observed in alumina/alumina–zirconia fibrous monoliths. In the Ce-TZP/alumina system, transformed regions around indentations are significantly modified by the alumina-containing cell boundaries.     

Non-Hall-Petch hardness dependence in ultrafine fibrous MgAl2O4-MgO eutectic ceramics fabricated by the laser-heated floating zone (LFZ) method

MgAl₂O₄-MgO eutectic ceramics were fabricated by the laser-heated floating zone (LFZ) method with various growth rates to assess its possible beneficial effect on microstructural aspects and mechanical properties. It was determined that the growth rate optimizing the microstructure and mechanical properties is 750 mm/h; below this value, coarsening of the fibrous microstructure takes place with a degradation of these properties. In the extreme case of 50 mm/h growth rate, the presence of undesirable transverse cracks was unavoidable. Thanks to the high growth rate of 750 mm/h, ultra-fine fibrous microstructure MgAl₂O₄-MgO eutectic ceramics can thus be fabricated with greater hardness (15.5 GPa from Vickers indentation and 22 GPa from nanoindentation) and flexural strength (?345 MPa). It is reported that hardness scales with the interfiber spacing λ according to a law of the type lnλ/λ, contrary to the assumed Hall-Petch-like dependence. This proposed law can be explained in terms of dislocation hardening induced by the MgO fibers.     

Electrospun Nanofibers: Materials,Synthesis Parameters,and Their Role in Sensing Applications

Since the last decade, electrospinning is garnering more attention in the scientific research community, industries, applications like sensing (glucose, H₂O₂, dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, neurotransmitter, etc.), biomedical applications (wound dressing, wound healing, skin, nerve, bone tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems), water treatment, energy harvesting, and storage applications. This review paper provides a brief overview of the electrospinning method, history of the electrospinning, factors affecting the electrospun nanofibers, and their morphology with different materials and composites (metals, metal oxides, 2D material, polymers and copolymers, carbon-based materials, etc.) used in the electrospinning technique with optical spinning parameters. Moreover, this paper deliberates the application of electrospun nanofibers and fibrous mats for sensing (electrochemical, optical, fluorescence, colorimetric, mechanical, photoelectric, mass sensitive change, resistive, ultrasensitive, etc.) in most illustrative representations. In the end, the challenges, opportunities of the electrospun nanofibers, and new direction for future progress are also discussed.     

Investigation of mechanical properties of unidirectional steel fiber/polyester composites: Experiments and micromechanical predictions

The article introduces steel fiber reinforced polymer composites, which is considered new for composite product developments. These composites consist of steel fibers or filaments of 0.21 mm diameter embedded in a polyester resin. The goal of this investigation is to characterize the mechanical performance of steel fiber reinforced polyester composites at room temperature. The mechanical properties of unidirectional steel fiber reinforced polyester composites (SFRP) are evaluated experimentally and compared with the predicted values by micro‐mechanical models. These predictions help to understand the role of material and process parameters on material properties. Two types of SFRP were studied: polyester resin reinforced by both steel fabric containing unidirectional fibers and steel fibers wound on a metal frame with 0° orientations. The effects of the fiber volume fraction and the role of polymer yarns (weft) on mechanical properties were analyzed through tensile, compressive, and shear tests. These tests were performed as per the standard test procedures. In particular, issues related to processing difficulties, polymer yarns effect on properties, standardized testing, and properties under various loading conditions were addressed. Microscopic observations were analyzed to assess the laminate quality and the macroscopic fracture surfaces of shear test specimens were studied by standard techniques. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:627–644, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers