An innovative approach for bond strength modeling in FRP strip-to-concrete joints using adaptive neuro–fuzzy inference system

Engineering with Computers - In this study, a new computational approach for determination of the bond strength of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) strip-to-concrete joints is presented based on...     

Prediction of nanofiber diameter for improvements in incorporation of multilayer electrospun nanofibers

The fabrication of novel multilayer electrospun nanofiber web is demonstrated. Under optimized processing conditions, the interface between these webs can be sustained for long time, yielding layers with distinct compartments. Simultaneous control over internal fiber architecture makes these multilayer nano-webs potential candidates for applications such as clothing and industrial filters.     

Hybridizing MWCNT with nano metal oxides and TiO2 in epoxy composites: Influence on mechanical and thermal performances

In this study, the effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and its hybrids with iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on mechanical characteristics and thermal properties of epoxy binder was evaluated. Furthermore, simultaneous effects of using MWCNT with TiO₂ as pigment and CaCO₃ as filler for epoxy composites were determined. To investigate effects of nano‐ and micro‐particles on epoxy matrix, the samples were evaluated by TGA and DTA. It was found that the hybrid of MWCNT with nano metal oxides caused considerable increment in the tensile and flexural properties of epoxy samples in comparison to the single MWCNT containing samples at the same filler contents. Significant improvement in the thermal conductivity of epoxy samples was obtained by using TiO₂ pigment along with MWCNT. The TiO₂ pigment also caused considerable improvement in mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix and the MWCNT containing nanocomposite. The best mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites were obtained at 1.5 wt % of MWCNT and 7 wt % of TiO₂ that it should be attributed to particle network forming of the particles which cause better nano/micro dispersion and properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43834.     

Determination of total phenols in tea infusions,tomato and apple juice by terbium sensitized fluorescence method as an alternative approach to the Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method

A fast screening of total phenols in tea infusions, tomato and apple juice samples using terbium sensitized fluorescence is described. The proposed method is based on the fluorescence sensitization of terbium (Tb³⁺) by complexation with flavonols (quercein as a reference standard) (at pH 7.0), which fluoresces intensely with an emission maximum at 545 nm when excited at 310 nm. Quercetin and terbium cations (at pH 7.0) form a stable complex and the resulted emission at 545 nm can be used for the determination of the total phenols concentration expressed in terms of “quercetin equivalent”. Based on the obtained results, a sensitive, simple and rapid spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of total phenols. In the optimum conditions, the calibration graph was linear from 0.01 to 2 μg mL⁻¹, with the limit of detection of 0.002 μg mL⁻¹. The relative standard deviation values were in the range of 0.75–2.3%. The total concentrations of quercetin equivalent in five tested samples were found in the range of 6.6–27.9 μg mL⁻¹ and the results compare favorably with those obtained by spectrophotometric method (r = 0.999).     

Concave type-2 fuzzy sets: properties and operations

In this article, concave type-2 fuzzy sets are investigated. The calculation of union and intersection of concave type-2 fuzzy sets using the min t-norm and the max t-conorm are explored and it is proved that the set of concave type-2 fuzzy sets is closed under those operations. It is also shown that the set of LR-normal concave type-2 fuzzy sets forms a commutative semiring under join and meet.     

Adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference modelling and sensitivity analysis for capacity estimation of fiber reinforced polymer‐strengthened circular reinforced concrete columns

In this study, a fuzzy logic‐based model for predicting the ultimate strength of FRP‐confined circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns is presented. The adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model was generated using valid experimental data with seven input variables. Input parameters were considered in such a way that all the parameters affecting the compressive strength of the column were simultaneously involved. Different models for compressive strength of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)‐confined concrete including the model in American Concrete Institute (ACI), to calculate the maximum stress endured by the column under axial load, were presented and compared with the results of the ANFIS model. Also, for similarity to other models, the ACI equation for calculating the maximum compressive strength tolerated by a column was considered without reducing coefficients as ACI‐N and was compared with other models. The results obtained from the ANFIS model were compared with results from other models. ANFIS model showed the highest accuracy among all models in predicting the experimental results.     

Emulsion Based Nanoarchitectonics for Styrene–Butyl Acrylate Copolymerization upon Pickering Mechanism

Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials - The modification of graphene oxide (GO) with octadecylamine was performed to emulsify dimethyl formamide droplets in octane via...