Tanyawan Suwandecha¹, Supachai Pisuchpen^2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.11, pp. 1811-1836, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056334 - 22 November 2024

Abstract This study investigated the development of mycelium-based biofoams as sustainable cushioning materials using Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus, combined with different sawdust substrates, and subjected to various pressing methods. The results indicated significant effects of mushroom species, sawdust type, and pressing method on the properties of biofoams. Growth rate, morphology, chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, water resistance, and cushioning factor were evaluated. The results indicated that Lentinus squarrosulus (LS) exhibited faster growth rates (up to 14.37 mm/day) and produced biofoams with superior properties compared to Pleurotus ostreatus (PO). Core wood (CW) sawdust generally resulted in biofoams with lower… More > Graphic Abstract

Aruna M. Pugalenthi^*, Khaoula Khlie

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.11, pp. 1879-1893, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055747 - 22 November 2024

Abstract With growing environmental concerns and the depletion of oil reserves, the need to replace synthetic fibres with sustainable alternatives in composite materials has become increasingly urgent. This study investigates the potential of Leptadenia pyrotechnica fibre as a sustainable reinforcement material in hybrid composites alongside E-glass fibres. The primary objectives are to assess these hybrid composites’ mechanical properties, structural integrity, and performance. To achieve this, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to analyze the microstructure and chemical composition of the composites. At the same time, mechanical testing focused on properties such… More >

Yu Gong^1,*, Jianyu Zhang¹, Libin Zhao², Ning Hu²

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.30, No.3, pp. 1-2, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.011451

Abstract Advanced carbon fiber reinforced composite materials are increasingly being used in aerospace and other fields. Composite laminate structure is one of the commonly used configurations, but due to weak interlayer performance, interlayer delamination is prone to occur [1]. The occurrence and growth of delamination will seriously affect the overall integrity and safety of composite structures, making it a focus of attention in the design of laminated structures. Accurately characterizing the delamination mechanical properties of composite laminates and simulating delamination propagation behavior is the basis for damage tolerance design and analysis of composite structures with delamination… More >

Ruizhe Huang¹, Zhaoliang Qu^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.30, No.1, pp. 1-1, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.011440

Abstract The surface brittle fracture of cermet coating seriously restricts its application. Accurate evaluation of the fracture toughness of cermet coating is a prerequisite for improving its life. This paper aims to propose an accurate characterization method for fracture toughness of cermet coating. By coupling instrumented indentation and X‑ ray computed tomography, the indentation-induced fracture behaviors under various loads within WC-12%Co coatings were studied. The indentation response was correlated with the damage evolution directly observed within the coating. The impact of substrate effects on indentation-induced fracture behaviors was further studied using finite element analysis (FEA). The… More >

Lixia Yang^1,*, Danqi Huang¹, Zongxin Liu², Lei Zhao¹, Xuejing Shen¹, Haizhou Wang¹

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.29, No.4, pp. 1-2, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.012690

Abstract Neutrons possess unique advantages in the study of element and component distribution, internal damage defects, crystal structure, and multi-scale stress field evolution of engineering materials due to their strong penetrating ability, sensitivity to light elements, and non-destructive properties. This study introduces the application of neutron diffraction technology for characterizing residual stress in full-size high-speed iron wheels and neutron imaging technology for three-dimensional characterization of hydrogen distribution in titanium alloys treated with hot hydrogen.
Residual stress plays a critical role in the design, manufacturing, assembly, and service life cycle of wheel structures. It is a significant factor… More >

Santhanakrishnan Mamallan¹, Venkateshwaran Narayanan^1,*, Canungo Bhimarao Ragothaman²

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.3, pp. 105-116, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.056744 - 30 September 2024

Abstract Glass fabric/polymer composites are widely used in various industrial applications due to their lightweight, exceptional strength, and fatigue resistance. Graphene nanoplatelets, a recently developed type of carbon material, stand out as unique nanofillers due to their 2D quantum confinement and expansive surface area within a polymer matrix. These features make them more effective than traditional carbon nanofillers at enhancing a range of properties. In this study, 3-weight % of graphene nanoplatelets with epoxy resin were used for investigation by varying sonication durations (0, 20, 40, and 60 min) using an ultrasonic bath sonicator. The laminates More >

Yusuf Olanrewaju Busari^1,2,*, Issah Sadiq Ibrahim¹, Kabir S. Ajao¹, Norliana Mohd Abbas², James Obafemi Adegbola¹, Hassan Kobe Ibrahim³, Abdallah Reghioua⁴, Yusuf Lanre Shuaib-Babata¹, Rachael Oluwatoyosi Idowu¹

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.3, pp. 117-129, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.055895 - 30 September 2024

Abstract The research paper focuses on manufacturing composite materials from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reinforced with soda-lime glass to provide a lightweight, less brittle, and high rust resistance when exposed to hazardous environment. In developing nations such as Nigeria, there is a significant surge in the volume of bottled water and other packaging materials used in households, leading to a rapid accumulation of biodegradable waste, that presents concerns such as the creation of landfills and health issues. PET are thermoplastic polymer that can be melted and shaped into various objects. This study involves the incorporation of… More >

Anuraag Moturi, Dharmesh R. Chejara^*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.3, pp. 179-190, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.055887 - 30 September 2024

Abstract A chitosan and guar protein isolate blend conjugate (Ch/GPI-Glu) based membrane has been designed and studied for its possible interaction with this biopolymer mixture. The designed conjugate chitosan/guar protein isolate blended membrane was investigated for its structural features using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses. IR Spectroscopic data suggested that chitosan and guar protein isolate contributed to a specific intermolecular interaction. The designed membrane was water-insoluble and it exhibited strong polymer–protein interaction. Further, the membrane was also found to have a smooth morphology More >

Johannes Fehrmann^1,*, Benoit Belleville¹, Barbara Ozarska¹, Maya Ismayati², Wahyu Dwianto²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.8, pp. 1475-1493, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.053741 - 06 September 2024

Abstract This study explored the thermo-chemical properties of industrial hemp hurd with different provenances, maturity stages, and retting protocols. The findings were then compared to hemp hurd used in the fabrication of citric acid-bonded ultra-low-density hemp hurd particleboard. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to document the variability of the hurd and comprehend the potential impact on biobased composite applications. The choice of cultivar, maturity stage, and processing modality significantly influenced the chemical composition, presence of functional groups, and thermal stability of the hurd. Py-GC/MS revealed substantial variations… More > Graphic Abstract

Selwin Maria Sekar¹, Rajini Nagarajan^1,*, Ponsuriyaprakash Selvakumar², Ismail Sikiru Oluwarotimi³, Kumar Krishnan⁴, Faruq Mohammad⁵, Mohammed Rafi Shaik⁵, Nadir Ayrilmis^6,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.8, pp. 1455-1474, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.052952 - 06 September 2024

Abstract An innovative microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) natural fibre powder-reinforced PLA biocomposite was investigated using the hand lay-up technique. The polymer matrix composite (PMC) samples were prepared by varying the weight percentages (wt.%) of both PLA matrix and MCC reinforcement: pure PLA/100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 wt.%, respectively. From the results obtained, MCC powder, with its impressive aspect ratio, proved to be an ideal reinforcement for the PLA, exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties. It was evident that the 80:20 wt.% biocomposite sample exhibited the maximum improvement in the tensile, flexural, notched impact, compressive strength and hardness… More >