The effects of cross-linked starch on the properties of thermoplastic starch

In order to improve the poor tensile properties and high water absorption of thermoplastic starch (TPS), cross-linked starch was added into the TPS matrix. The cross-linked starch contents ranged from 0 wt% to 20 wt%. The TPS/cross-linked starch composites were analyzed for the morphology of their fractured surfaces, the thermal decomposition temperatures, ability to absorb water and mechanical properties. The results showed that the incorporation of cross-linked starch into the TPS matrix caused considerable improvement to tensile strength. The maximum tensile strength was obtained with addition of 20 wt% cross-linked starch. Moreover, water absorption of the TPS samples was clearly reduced by the inclusion of cross-linked starch. The thermal degradation temperatures of the composites were also higher than those of the TPS matrix.     

Ablation behavior and mechanism of SiC/Zr–Si–C multilayer coating for PIP-C/SiC composites under oxyacetylene torch flame

To improve the ablation resistance of PIP-C/SiC composites, SiC/Zr–Si–C multilayer coating was prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) and hydrogen as the precursors and molten salt reaction using KCl–NaCl, sponge Zr and K₂ZrF₆, then the ablation capability of the coated composites was tested under oxyacetylene torch flame. The linear and mass ablation rates were much lower than those of uncoated samples. The linear and mass ablation rates of the three coating coated samples reached 0.0452 mm/s and 0.031 g/s, decreased by 27.3% and 27.1%, respectively. Moreover, the linear and mass ablation rates of the five coating coated samples reached 0.0255 mm/s and 0.0274 g/s, decreased by 59.0% and 35.5%. The gases released during ablation could take away a lot of heat, which was also helpful to the protection of the composites.     

The effect of processing temperature and placement rate on the short beam strength of carbon fibre–PEEK manufactured using a laser tape placement process

The ability of a modern near infra-red laser tape placement system to produce high-quality laminates is investigated by performing short beam strength tests on samples manufactured at different process temperatures from 400 °C to 600 °C at placement rates of 100 mm/s and 400 mm/s. The temperature history in tape placement is highly dynamic and the correlation between the process control temperature, laser power and the consolidation temperature is not well understood. The complete temperature history was therefore estimated with a previously developed optical-thermal model and validated using long wave infra-red imaging. Short beam strengths equivalent to conventional manufacturing methods were found for placement rates of 400 mm/s. Failure modes of the samples were elucidated by scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces. Signs of degradation were observed on samples prepared with a 600 °C process temperature at 100 mm/s, however none was evidenced at 400 mm/s for the same process temperature.     

Lightweight carbon-bonded carbon fiber composites with quasi-layered and network structure

Lightweight carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) composites were fabricated with chopped carbon fibers and dilute phenolic resin solution by pressure filtration, followed by carbonization at 1000 °C in argon. The as-prepared CBCF composites had a homogenous fiber network distribution in xy direction and quasi-layered structure in z direction. The pyrolytic carbon derived from phenolic resin was mainly accumulated at the intersections and surfaces of chopped carbon fibers. The composites possessed compressive strengths ranged from 0.93–6.63 MPa in xy direction to 0.30–2.01 MPa in z direction with a density of 0.162–0.381 g cm^− 3. The thermal conductivity increased from 0.314–0.505 to 0.139–0.368 Wm^− 1 K^− 1 in xy and z directions, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the CBCF composites prepared by this technique can significantly contribute to improve the thermal insulation and mechanical properties at high temperature.     

Studies on the structure and properties of thermoplastic starch/luffa fiber composites

Thermoplastic starch (TPS)/luffa fiber composites were prepared using compression molding. The luffa fiber contents ranged from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.%. The tensile strength of the TPS/luffa fiber composite with 10 wt.% of luffa fiber had a twofold increase compared to TPS. The temperature values of maximum weight loss of the TPS/luffa fiber composites were higher than for TPS. The water absorption of the TPS/luffa fiber composites decreased significantly when the luffa fiber contents increased. The strength of adhesion between the luffa fiber and the TPS matrix was clearly demonstrated by their compatibility presumably due to their similar chemical structures as shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra.     

Novel method for determination of critical fiber length in short fiber carbon/carbon composites by double lap joint

A novel approach is introduced for the experimental determination of critical fiber length in carbon fiber reinforced carbon (CFRC) composites. Critical fiber length is investigated using double lap joint samples. The transition of failure mode from bonding failure to fiber fraction with increasing overlap length correlates with the critical fiber length. Tested overlap lengths were in the range of 4–100 mm. For CFRC at hand, failure mode changes at an overlap length of 26 ± 2 mm. Hence critical fiber length is derived as l_c = 52 ± 4 mm.     

Broad bandwidth of thin composite radar absorbing structures embedded with frequency selective surfaces

The three-layer ultrathin radar absorbing structure (RAS) involving a frequency selective surface (FSS) exhibiting excellent broad bandwidth properties is designed and fabricated. The EW and flaky carbonyl iron powders were used to produce two kinds of silicone rubber matrix magnetic composites for the top and the bottom layer, respectively. The electromagnetic parameters of the composites were measured in the frequency range of 2–18 GHz. The middle layer is an FSS in the form of double-square loops with four micro-split gaps in the middle of the outer loop. The results show that the proposed RAS can provide a 10 dB absorbing bandwidth of 13.2 GHz from 4.8 to 18 GHz (1.7 mm thickness) and a 10 dB absorbing bandwidth of 14.1 GHz from 3.9 to 18 GHz, covering C-band, X-band and Ku-band (2.0 mm thickness). A good match between simulation and measurement results demonstrates the validity of our design.     

Oxygen implantation and diffusion in pure titanium by an rf inductively coupled plasma

The superficial oxidation of pure titanium, 9 mm diameter, 5 mm thick disc samples by implantation and diffusion from inductively coupled plasmas is reported. Such rf plasmas were generated in a 15 l cylindrical Pyrex-like glass chamber containing pure circulating oxygen. A quarter wavelength solenoidal antenna capable of transmitting 500 W at 13.54 MHz was externally wound around the chamber and connected to an rf generator capable of up to 1200 W through an automatic matching network. The oxidation process was carried out for 6 h periods while varying the gas pressure between 1 × 10² and 5 × 10^?1 Pa and the sample bias up to ?3000 V DC. It was found that the sample temperature was a function both of the plasma density and the bias voltage. Without bias, the plasma heated the sample up to ～200 °C, and with maximal bias voltage, the substrate was heated to 680 °C. At the latter temperature, the presence of the rutile phase was particularly evident in X-ray diffraction patterns. According to EDX data, the average oxygen to titanium ratio rose, from ～0.06 for an untreated reference sample, to a ～1.7 value for samples treated up to 680 °C.     

Annealing effect on the microstructure and photoluminescence of ZnO thin films

Zinc oxide thin films have been obtained by pulsed laser ablation of a ZnO target in O₂ ambient at a pressure of 0.13 Pa using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. ZnO thin films deposited on Si (1 1 1) substrates were treated at annealing temperatures from 400 °C up to 800 °C after deposition. The structural and optical properties of deposited thin films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectra, resistivity and IR absorption spectra. The results show that the obtained thin films possess good single crystalline with hexagonal structure at annealing temperature 600 °C. Two emission peaks have been observed in photoluminescence spectra. As the post-annealing temperature increase, the UV emission peaks at 368 nm is improved and the intensity of blue emission at 462 nm decreases, which corresponds to the increasing of the optical quality of ZnO film and the decreasing of Zn interstitial defect, respectively. The best optical quality for ZnO thin films emerge at post-annealing temperature 600 °C in our experiment. The measurement of resistivity also proves the decrease of defects of ZnO films. The IR absorption spectra of sample show the typical Zn–O bond bending vibration absorption at wavenumber 418 cm⁻¹.     

Structural transformation and photoluminescence behavior during calcination of the layered europium-doped yttrium hydroxide intercalate with organic-sensitizer

We report, for the first time, structural transformation and photoluminescence behavior by calcination of layered europium-doped yttrium hydroxide (LYH:Eu) intercalate with organic sensitizer terephthalate (TA). The calcined samples displayed tunable luminescent performance dependent on calcined temperatures. Calcination under low temperatures (200 and 300 °C) retained layered structure, while high temperatures (>400 °C) yielded oxide phase. The optimal fluorescence occurred in 200 °C-calcination, possibly resulting from an optimal arrangement of TA. Above 200 °C, the luminescence intensity was first weakened and then enhanced, due to gradual departure of TA and following occurrence of oxide phase. The energy transfer presented an intrinsic transition from TA-to-Eu³⁺ in the organic intercalate to O²⁻-to-Eu³⁺ charge transfer in as-transformed oxide. The predominant luminescence property of the hybrid material can provide valuable guide for developing tunable luminescent materials, especially flexible materials resulting from the containing organic component.     

The AMWCNTs supported porous nanocarbon composites for high-performance supercapacitor

The porous nanocarbons supported by acid-treated multiwall carbon nanotubes (PC@ACNTs) were prepared by the combination of the hydrothermal polymerization of glucose on ACNTs, carbonization under N₂ protection and final activation with ZnCl₂. The materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectra. The results indicated that the ACNTs distributed uniformly into the framework of the porous carbon. The composites showed the high BET specific surface area up to 1712 m² g⁻¹ and good conductivity. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the composites processed good performances for electrochemical energy storage (210 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹), and high stability (>99.9%), much higher than the corresponding ACNTs, porous carbons and the samples prepared by using raw MWCNTs as source. The good performance of PC@ACNTs composites was relative with the synergy of good conductivity of ACNTs and large specific surface areas of PC.     

Effects of sintering temperature on morphology and mechanical characteristics of 3D printed porous titanium used as dental implant

Porous titanium samples were manufactured using the 3D printing and sintering method in order to determine the effects of final sintering temperature on morphology and mechanical properties. Cylindrical samples were printed and split into groups according to a final sintering temperature (FST). Irregular geometry samples were also printed and split into groups according to their FST. The cylindrical samples were used to determine part shrinkage, in compressive tests to provide stress-strain data, in microCT scans to provide internal morphology data and for optical microscopy to determine surface morphology. All of the samples were used in microhardness testing to establish the hardness. Below 1100 °C FST, shrinkage was in the region of 20% but increased to approximately 30% by a FST of 1300 °C. Porosity varied from a maximum of approximately 65% at the surface to the region of 30% internally. Between 97 and 99% of the internal porosity is interconnected. Average pore size varied between 24 μm at the surface and 19 μm internally. Sample hardness increased to in excess of 300 HV0.05 with increasing FST while samples with an FST of below 1250 °C produced an elastic–brittle stress/strain curve and samples above this displayed elastic–plastic behaviour. Yield strength increased significantly through the range of sintering temperatures while the Young's modulus remained fairly consistent.     

Influence of the process parameters on the mechanical properties of engineering biocomposites using a twin-screw extruder

The utilization of bio-based engineering polymers as a matrix material for cellulosic fiber reinforced composites has become an important focus in materials research. This is due to a rising demand for sustainable materials from renewable resources. In addition to this aspect, the bio-based materials provide an advantage for lightweight applications with their lower density. In this investigation, the completely bio-based polyamide 10.10, with a melting point above 200 °C, was used as a polymer matrix. Chopped man-made cellulose fibers (Cordenka CR-Type) were investigated as reinforcement for use in injection molded applications. A co-rotating twin-screw extruder with a screw-diameter of 18 mm was used for compounding. It was verified that reinforcing polyamide 10.10 with 20 wt% and 30 wt% cellulosic fibers is possible, resulting in an increase of impact and tensile properties. Furthermore, it was shown that the temperatures and screw-configurations of the twin-screw extruder only result in different fiber length distributions but in minor differences of the morphological structure and mechanical properties of PA 10.10 with 20 wt% fibers. Compounds with 30 wt% cellulose fibers show significant higher impact properties that those with 30 wt% glass fibers.     

Variation of strength and stiffness of fibre reinforced polymer reinforcing bars with temperature

This paper presents the results of tensile mechanical properties of FRP reinforcement bars, used as internal reinforcement in concrete structures, at elevated temperatures. Detailed experimental studies were conducted to determine the strength and stiffness properties of FRP bars at elevated temperatures. Two types of FRP bars namely: carbon fibre reinforced polyester bars of 9.5 mm diameter and glass fibre reinforced polyester bars of 9.5 mm and 12.7 mm diameter were considered. For comparison, conventional steel reinforcement bars of 10 mm and 15 mm diameter were also tested. Data from the experiments was used to illustrate the comparative variation of tensile strength and stiffness of different types of FRP reinforcing bars with traditional steel reinforcing bars. Also, results from the strength tests were used to show that temperatures of about 325 °C and 250 °C appear to be critical (in terms of strength) for GFRP and CFRP reinforcing bars, respectively. A case study is presented to illustrate the application of critical temperatures for evaluating the fire performance of FRP-reinforced concrete slabs.     

Facile synthesis and microwave absorbability of C@Ni–NiO core–shell hybrid solid sphere and multi-shelled NiO hollow sphere

We reported the preparation of C@Ni–NiO core–shell hybrid solid spheres or multi-shelled NiO hollow spheres by combining a facile hydrothermal route with a calcination process in H₂ or air atmosphere, respectively. The synthesized C@Ni–NiO core–shell solid spheres with diameters of approximately 2–6 μm were in fact built from dense NiO nanoparticles coated by random two-dimensional metal Ni nanosheets without any visible pores. The multi-shelled NiO hollow spheres were built from particle-like ligaments and there are a lot of pores with size of several nanometers on the surface. Combined Raman spectra with X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), it suggested that the defects in the samples play a limited role in the dielectric loss. Compared with the other samples, the permeability of the samples calcined in H₂ and air was increased slightly and the natural resonance frequency shifted to higher frequency (7, 11 and 14 GHz, respectively), leading to an enhancement of microwave absorption property. For the sample calcined in H₂, an optimal reflection loss less than − 10 was obtained at 7 GHz with a matching thickness of 5.0 mm. Our study demonstrated the potential application of C@Ni–NiO core–shell hybrid solid sphere or multi-shelled NiO hollow sphere as a more efficient electromagnetic (EM) wave absorber.     

Novel phenolic impregnated 3-D Fine-woven pierced carbon fabric composites: Microstructure and ablation behavior

The processing, microstructure and ablative properties of novel phenolic impregnated 3-D Fine-woven pierced carbon fabric ablator (PICA) with different bulk density were investigated. The density of PICA material ranges from 0.352 to 0.701 g/cm³ that having uniform resin distribution within the fibrous substrate. An oxyacetylene torch was used to explore the ablative characteristics in terms of linear/mass ablation rate and microscopic pattern of ablation. Surface and in-depth temperatures during ablation were measured by using optical pyrometers and thermocouples. The experimental results showed that the linear ablation rate varied between 0.019 and 0.036 mm/s and the mass ablation rate increased from 0.045 to 0.061 g/s for the tested PICA composites. It suggests that the PICA composites with lower density may significantly contribute to improving the thermal insulation and ablative properties.     

Degradation of thermocouple in a temperature programmed sulphidation reactor

Sulphidation due to sulphur bearing gases such as H₂S with refinery materials is a serious problem in the petroleum industry. Measuring instruments such as thermocouples (TCs) used in the refining industry to measure and control temperatures in critical areas are also susceptible to sulphidation when exposed to the sulphur bearing process media. The paper presents an investigation carried out to understand the failure of a TC in a temperature programmed sulphidation (TPS) reactor. The TC was incorrectly installed in the reactor without the external protective sheath. As a result of incorrect installation, the TC was exposed directly to sulphidizing gas of H₂S (5% H₂S in H₂) at a programmed temperature profile (150–1000 °C). The qualitative H₂S consumption with a change in temperature indicated that the H₂S reaction with the TC started at about 400 °C, which corresponds to a physical phenomena on the metal surface. The TPS result indicated that the first H₂S consumption peak in the range 600–780 °C corresponded to the surface phenomena, mostly due to the H₂S chemisorption reaction on the metal surface. However, the bulk phenomena of sulphidation or corrosion require diffusion as a function of further increase in temperature, hence a mass consumption peak in the range of 780–900 °C is recorded. Detailed investigations of corroded TC were carried out using TPS, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The investigation revealed that the failure of the TC was due to catastrophic sulphidation taken place as a result of incorrect installation. The results further suggest that the TPS technique has the potential to study the sulphidation behavior of metals and alloys.     

Martensitic transformation behaviors of rapidly solidified Ti–Ni–Mo powders

For the fabrication of bulk near-net-shape shape memory alloys and porous metallic biomaterials, consolidation of Ti–Ni–Mo alloy powders is more useful than that of elemental powders of Ti, Ni and Mo. Ti₅₀Ni_49.9Mo_0.1 shape memory alloy powders were prepared by gas atomization, and transformation temperatures and microstructures of those powders were investigated as a function of powder size. XRD analysis showed that the B2–R–B19 martensitic transformation occurred in powders smaller than 150 μm. According to DSC analysis of the as-atomized powders, the B2–R transformation temperature (T_R) of the 25–50 μm powders was 18.4 °C. The T_R decreased with increasing powder size, however, the difference in T_R between 25–50 μm powders and 100–150 μm powders is only 1 °C. Evaluation of powder microstructures was based on SEM examination of the surface and the polished and etched powder cross sections and the typical images of the rapidly solidified powders showed cellular morphology. Porous cylindrical foams of 10 mm diameter and 1.5 mm length were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 800 °C and 5 MPa. Finally these porous TiNi alloy samples are heat-treated for 1 h at 850 °C, and then quenched in ice water. The bulk samples have 23% porosity and 4.6 g/cm³ density and their T_R is 17.8 °C.     

Fabrication and characterization of 3-D Cf/ZrC composites by low-temperature liquid metal infiltration

Three-dimensional braided carbon fiber-reinforced ZrC matrix composite, 3-D C_f/ZrC, were prepared by liquid metal infiltration process at 1200 °C using a Zr₂Cu intermetallic compound as infiltrator. The microstructure and properties of the composites were investigated. The results indicated that ZrC with a yield of 35.2 ± 1.8 vol.% was certified as the major phase of the composites. The formation of ZrC was controlled by a solution-precipitation mechanism. The obtained composites exhibited good mechanical properties, with a flexural strength of 293.0 ± 12.1 MPa, a flexural modulus of 82.7 ± 6.4 GPa and a fracture toughness of 9.8 ± 0.9 MPa m^1/2. The mass and linear ablation rates of the composites exposed to oxyacetylene torch were 0.0013 ± 0.0005 g s⁻¹ and −0.0009 ± 0.0003 mm s⁻¹, respectively. The formation of a dense ZrO₂ protective layer and the evaporation of residual Cu contributed mainly to the excellent ablation resistance.     

Effect of temperature on low velocity impact damage and post-impact flexural strength of CFRP assessed using ultrasonic C-scan and micro-focus computed tomography

The effect of temperature on the low velocity impact resistance properties and on the post-impact flexural performance of CFRP laminates were studied. With this aim, 150 × 75 mm cross-ply carbon fibre/epoxy laminates with a [0/90/90/0]_2s layup, therefore with a total of sixteen layers, were impacted at ambient temperature (30 °C) and at elevated temperatures (55, 75 and 90 °C) at a velocity of 2 m/s using a drop weight impact tower. This was followed by flexural tests carried out at ambient temperature using a three-point bending rig. Damage assessment of impact and post-impact behaviour were carried out using ultrasonic C-scan and microfocus X-ray computed tomography (μCT). Interrupted flexural tests using μCT allowed delamination propagation to be observed. In general, lower projected damage was observed at elevated temperatures, which resulted also in a possible hindrance to delamination and shear cracks propagation during impact and in a greater amount of retained flexural strength after impact.