Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for J. Compos. Sci. Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2024 | Viewed by 14611

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiangfa Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
Interests: polymer matrix composites (PMCs); mulitifunctinal nanofibers; electrospinning; energy conversion and storage; surface and interface engineering; mechanical properties; solid mechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Oksana Zholobko

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
Interests: smart polymeric systems; high-temperature polymers; multifunctional nanofibers and membranes; electrospinning; material characterization; energy conversion and storage; hydrogel chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs), composed of synthetic or natural polymeric resins reinforced with high performance fibers and particles, have found broad applications in aerospace and aeronautical structures, ground vehicles, offshore and civil infrastructures, sports utilities, amongst others. due to their unique high specific strength and stiffness, sound anticorrosion capability, and low-cost manufacturing. This Special Issue will focus on the general topics on the materials, processing, characterization, and modeling of PMCs, fibers, and fibrous materials. The topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

Processing and characterization of PMCs
Fabrication and characterization of micro- and nanofibers of polymers, carbon, or other materials
PMCs and fibers from biodegradable and/or renewable materials
New concepts of structural and multifunctional PMCs and fibers
PMCs and fibrous materials for emerging applications in biomedical engineering, environmental protection, renewable energy harvesting, conversion, storage, etc.
Interface toughening, damage self-healing, and surface treatment techniques for PMCs and fibers
Theoretical, analytical, and computational modeling of the mechanical and multifunctional performances of PMCs, fibers, and fibrous materials

Dr. Xiangfa Wu
Dr. Oksana Zholobko
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

polymer matrix composites (PMCs)
self-healing composites
biodegradable composites
natural fiber-reinforced composites
multifunctional composites
fibrous materials
micro/nanofibers
interface toughening
surface treatment of fibers
mechanical properties
composite processing
modelling

Published Papers (13 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 5616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Punching Shear of FRP-RC Slab–Column Connections: A Comprehensive Database

by Yazan Almomani, Roaa Alawadi, Ahmad Tarawneh, Abdullah Alghossoon and Ahmad Aldiabat

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040145 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 373

Abstract

Several design standards have been developed in the last two decades to estimate the punching capacity of two-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement. FRP-RC design standards include the recently published ACI 440.11-22, CSA/S806-12, and JSCE-2007. These models are either based on empirical data or semi-empirical methods and calibrated using different databases. Additionally, these standards do not have provisions for connections with shear reinforcement. Therefore, a reliable worldwide database for developing and assessing the applicability of such provisions with test results is vital. This study presents a worldwide and up-to-date database for punching shear of FRP-RC slabs. The database includes 197 tested connections, comprising interior and edge connections, with and without shear reinforcement, and a wide range of materials and cross-sectional properties. The database was used to evaluate the accuracy of the mentioned standards in predicting the punching shear capacity. For connections without shear reinforcement, it was determined that the three design standards yielded similar performance with different conservatism levels. ACI 440.11-22 yielded the most conservative results, with average V_exp/V_pred ratios of 2.04 compared to 1.28 and 1.3 for other models. For connection with shear reinforcement, specimens with E_vf> 100 GPa resulted in V_exp/V_pred ratios less than 1.0 for ACI and CSA standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Static and Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) Single-Lap Shear Joints Joule-Bonded with Conductive Epoxy Nanocomposites

by Yuheng Huang, Ian A. Kinloch and Cristina Vallés

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(3), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8030112 - 21 Mar 2024

Viewed by 723

Abstract

The potential of electrically conductive graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)/epoxy, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNCTs)/epoxy and hybrid GNPs-MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposites as adhesives for out-of-autoclave (OoA) and in-the-field CFRP repair via Joule heat curing was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a good dispersion of the nanoparticles in the matrix in all the nanocomposite adhesives above their percolation thresholds, which led to a homogeneous distribution of the heat generated during Joule CFRP repair. The joints bonded with neat epoxy and the nanocomposites showed similar lap shear strengths, with the addition of nanoparticles enhancing the fatigue performance of the adhesively bonded joints relative to when neat epoxy was used as an adhesive and oven-cured. The interfacial and cohesive failure mechanisms were found to coexist in all the cases, with an increasing dominance of the cohesive when nanofillers were embedded into the adhesive. No effect of the specific type of nanofiller incorporated into the epoxy as the conductive component was observed on the mechanical performance of the bonded joints, with the adhesives containing MWCNTs showing similar results to those filled with GNPs at considerably lower loadings due to their lower percolation thresholds. The independence of the properties regardless of the curing method highlights the promise of these Joule-cured adhesives for industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 3340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promotive Effect of Non-Woven Polylactide/Natural Rubber Composites on Growth and Biochemical Constituents of Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

by Yulia V. Tertyshnaya, Anastasia N. Skorokhodova, Anastasia Yu. Anpilova and Anatoliy A. Olkhov

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(3), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8030102 - 13 Mar 2024

Viewed by 779

Abstract

Presently, modern trends focused on eco-friendly “green” technologies are increasing the widespread use of biodegradable polymers and polymer composites in agricultural production. In this work, non-woven materials, polylactide/natural rubber (PLA/NR) composites with a different natural rubber content, were used as substrates for growing purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the multisoil compound in a phytochamber. It was shown that non-woven PLA/NR fabrics stimulate the growth and development of purple basil plants during the growing season. Compared to the control sample, the germination and biometric indicators of basil were higher when using PLA/NR substrates. The production of basil’s photosynthetic pigments also increased. While using PLA/NR fabrics with a rubber content of 10 and 15 wt.%, the number of chlorophyll a was enhanced by 1.8–2.2 times and chlorophyll b by 2.5–3.2 times. In the process of the hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation of the polymer matrix, organic compounds are formed that provide additional nutrition for basil plants. Non-woven PLA/NR composites became brittle after the experiment. The PLA/NR morphology, structure, and rheological properties changed, which indicates the course of biodegradation processes in the polymer matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 10216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash Blended Cementitious Composites Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes and Polypropylene Fibers

by Muhammad Ayyan Iqbal, Umbreen Us Sahar, Alireza Bahrami, Noor Yaseen and Iffat Siddique

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8030094 - 04 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1029

Abstract

Cement-based composites, as primary construction materials, have undergone significant advancements over the years, yet researchers still face challenges in terms of their durability and impact on the environment. The goal of this research is to develop environmentally friendly cementitious composites blended with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and reinforce them with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and polypropylene (PP) fibers. Because of the high cost associated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and PP fibers, as well as CO₂ emission, which affect the economic and environmental aspects of this field, an agricultural waste such as SCBA was introduced in the current study that is both economically and environmentally viable. For this purpose, five mixes were designed by varying the CNTs content whilst keeping the PP fibers and SCBA contents constant at 1.5% and 15% by weight of the binder (ordinary Portland cement + SCBA), respectively. The developed blends were tested for various mechanical and durability properties, i.e., compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength, water absorption, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Moreover, the microstructures of the newly developed low-carbon SCBA-based composites reinforced with PP fibers and CNTs were studied through scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that the developed blends incorporating 15% SCBA, 1.5% PP fibers, and 0.08% CNTs, by weight of the binder, demonstrated the compressive, flexural, and impact strengths as 15.30 MPa, 0.98 MPa, and 0.11 MPa, respectively. The investigated blends proved to be cost-effective and environmentally beneficial, rendering them suitable for utilization in general construction and maintenance works. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of Talc and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene-Modified Talc Composite Drawn Fibers

by Costas Tsioptsias, Konstantinos Leontiadis, Xanthi Ntampou and Ioannis Tsivintzelis

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(3), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8030091 - 03 Mar 2024

Viewed by 783

Abstract

A large amount of the polypropylene (PP) produced worldwide is used in the form of fibers. In this work, a new modification route for talc and PP is investigated, which is based on the in situ polymerization of a silane–siloxane monomer mixture on the surface of talc particles or PP pellets, respectively. The obtained modified talc and PP samples were used for the development of PP-talc composite drawn fibers. Tensile tests, thermogravimetry (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization of the materials. It was observed that such a modification procedure resulted in the exfoliation of some talc particles. Enhanced tensile strength was observed for composite drawn fibers of a low talc content (1% with respect to PP) and a low modifier content (2% with respect to talc), while co-aggregation of talc and silicone may occur at high silicone and talc contents, resulting in the inferior mechanical performance of the corresponding composites. It was concluded that the produced silicone polymer simultaneously acts as a modifier, antioxidant, and compatibilizer. The proposed modification route is promising and should be further optimized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 9395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Highly Ultraviolet-Protective Polypropylene/TiO₂ Nonwoven Fiber

by Md. Abu Hanif, Hyokyeong Shin, Danbi Chun, Hong Gun Kim, Lee Ku Kwac, Sang-Won Han, Sung-Soo Kang and Young Soon Kim

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8030086 - 25 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1027

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been a rise in public consciousness of the adverse effects of expanded skin contact with sunlight, particularly the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. UV radiation causes serious health problems like skin cancer, early aging, erythema, pigmentation, etc., due to contact with the skin. Therefore, the highly efficient UV-protection materials were manufactured using polypropylene and TiO₂ (PPTO) through cost-effective and easy methods. The designated 7.5 PPTO and 15 PPTO were prepared, varying the amount of TiO₂, as well as without using TiO₂ (PPNF), which was also manufactured as a control material. All the as-synthesized nonwoven fibers were carefully characterized employing a variety of microscopic and spectroscopic methods, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. In conclusion, 15 PPTO showed the highest UV-protection ability (87.5%) compared to 7.5 PPTO and PPNF. In addition, 15 PPTO exhibited 1.76 and 1.32 times higher protection than 7.5 PPTO and PPNF, respectively, when exposed to UB-B radiation. The enhanced activity may be due to the amount of TiO₂ because TiO₂ increased the product’s absorption and reflection capability. Overall, the PPTO nonwoven fibers can be applied to block harmful UV radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Enhancement of the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy-Based Coir Fiber Composites through Alkaline Treatment and Nanoclay Reinforcement

by Puneethraj Hebbalu Puttaswamygowda, Sathyashankara Sharma, Achutha Kini Ullal and Manjunath Shettar

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020066 - 08 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

This study explores the synergistic effects of incorporating coir fibers and nanoclay into epoxy resin composites. Coir, a renewable and cost-effective natural fiber, undergoes an alkaline treatment to influence its ability to form strong interfacial bonding with the epoxy matrix. To further enhance the mechanical properties of the composite, montmorillonite nanoclay, surface-modified with aminopropyltriethoxysilane and octadecyl amine, is introduced. The research investigates different combinations of coir fiber content (20, 30, and 40 wt%) and nanoclay loading (0, 2, and 4 wt%) with epoxy resin. The composites are fabricated through an open molding process, and the mechanical properties are evaluated using tensile and flexural tests according to the ASTM D638 and D7264 standards, respectively. The tensile and flexural strengths of the 40 wt% coir fiber-reinforced epoxy composite are found to be 77.99 MPa and 136.13 MPa, which are 44% and 23% greater than pure epoxy, respectively. Furthermore, the strengths displayed a 23% improvement in tensile strength with 4 wt% and a 31.4% improvement in flexural strength with 2 wt% nanoclay as additional reinforcement. Scanning electron microscopy is employed for fractographic analysis of the fractured specimens from the tensile test. The study underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between natural fibers, nanoclay, and epoxy resin for optimizing the composite’s performance in real-world applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Unfolding Properties of Smart Grid-Reinforced Membrane Origami

by Haotian Hu, Zhenmeng Xia, Qiang Tao, Zixin Ye, Kaifeng Yuan and Leying Song

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(2), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8020064 - 07 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1310

Abstract

Origami-based membrane structures have shown great potential to revolutionize the construction of deployable and lightweight space structures in the future. However, the efficient unfolding mechanism puts forward major challenges to the practical realization of space-deployable structures. Here, a smart grid-reinforced membrane origami (SGRMO) is presented. The unfolding action hinges upon the application of forces facilitated by shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs). Subsequent locking action ensues through the restoration of the initial rigidity, accomplished via cooling mechanisms. This novel structure achieves the required lightweight and functionality by employing the grid design concept and effectively reduces the decline in unfolding extent caused by irreversible plastic deformation at the crease. Its recovery properties, including unfolding angle, distance, and surface precision, are experimentally and analytically investigated under different conditions. The results indicate that the structure can be reliably unfolded into the predefined shapes. In the case of Miura-SGRMO, the optimal surface precision is attained when the angle-ψ registers at 30°. The results of this study are expected to serve as the design of ultra-large flexible solar arrays and deployable antenna structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 8618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transferability of the Structure–Property Relationships from Laser-Pretreated Metal–Polymer Joints to Aluminum–CFRP Hybrid Joints

by Jonathan Freund, Isabel Lützenkirchen, Miriam Löbbecke, Alexander Delp, Frank Walther, Shuang Wu, Thomas Tröster and Jan Haubrich

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(10), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7100427 - 12 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1180

Abstract

The transferability of structure–property relationships for laser-pretreated metal adhesive joints to laser-pretreated metal–carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonds was investigated. Single-lap shear tests were performed on hybrid AW 6082-T6–CFRP specimens pretreated with the same pulsed laser surface parameter sets on the metal surface as previously tested, AW 6082-T6–E320 metal adhesive joints. The fracture surfaces were characterized to determine the type of failure and elucidate differences and commonalities in the link between surface structures and single-lap shear strengths. Digital image analyses of the hybrid specimens’ fractured surfaces were used to quantify remaining CFRP fragments on the metallic joint side. The results indicate that high surface enlargements and the presence of undercut structures lead to single-lap shear strengths exceeding 40 MPa and 35 MPa for unaged and aged hybrid specimens, respectively. Whereas for the metal–polymer joints, the trend from high strength to weakly bonded specimens is largely continuous with the degree of surface structuring, hybrid metal–CFRP joints exhibit a drastic drop in joint performance after aging if the laser-generated surface structures are less pronounced with low surface enlargements and crater depths. Surface features and hydrothermal aging determine whether the specimens fail cohesively or adhesively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Use of COVID-19 Surgical Masks and Polyethylene Plastics in Developing Sustainable Concrete

by Suvash Chandra Paul, Md. Ahosun Habib Santo, Sowmik Ahmed Nahid, Asifur Rahman Majumder, Md. Fahim Al Mamun, Md Abdul Basit and Adewumi John Babafemi

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(9), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7090402 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1511

Abstract

Managing disposable waste surgical face masks and plastic made from polyethylene (PE) resin is a real challenge. Thus, these are considered a great threat to the environment. Generally, surgical face masks are made of microplastic made of polypropylene materials. Both polypropylene and PE are not easily decomposable in the soil. Consequently, the presence of these waste materials can have detrimental effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, exacerbating the ongoing crisis faced by the animal kingdom and the broader biosphere. Hence, it is imperative to identify alternate and efficient methods for waste management. Given its significant economic importance, the construction industry holds a prominent position among many industries globally. Consequently, waste masks within the construction sector might assume a crucial role in mitigating plastic pollution. Concrete, one of the most widely used construction materials, is being adapted with various waste materials as the partial or complete substitutes for natural constituents, such as cement and aggregates. This study focused on using different percentages of used COVID-19 surgical masks in fiber form and PE as partial replacements of natural coarse aggregates in producing sustainable concrete. Mask fibers were used in concrete production at percentages of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of the total volume of concrete. Similarly, PE aggregates replaced the coarse aggregates by volume at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% in concrete. The results showed that the strength of concrete reduced as the percentages of mask fiber and PE aggregates increased. However, the strength and crack-bridging capability of mask concrete are still acceptable for some structural and non-structural applications. The results obtained from this research could also help engineers to design sustainable concrete materials with mask fibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 9829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethiopian Bamboo Fiber Aging Process and Reinforcement: Advancing Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fiber-Epoxy Composites for Automobile Applications

by Yalew Dessalegn, Balkeshwar Singh, Barisso Bino Safayo, Mohammed Jameel, Nazia Hossain, Ahmad Rashedi and Gulam Mohammed Sayeed Ahmed

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(9), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7090375 - 07 Sep 2023

Viewed by 951

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the properties of Ethiopian bamboo fibre polymer composites as headliners in the automobile industry. Bamboo fibres are developed using the roll milling technique, and bamboo fibre epoxy composites (BFEPCS) are developed using a compression mould and a hot press machine. The mechanical properties are measured based on the recommended procedure of the ASTM. In total, 40% of the volume fraction of fibres is used to produce polymer composites. An accurate evaluation of its mechanical properties is thus critical for predicting its behaviour during a vehicle’s interior impact assessment. Conventional headliner materials are heavier, non-biodegradable, expensive, and non-sustainable during processing compared to the currently researched materials. Three representatives of bamboo plants are harvested in three regions of bamboo species, three groups of ages, and two harvesting months. Two-year-old bamboo fibres have the highest mechanical properties of all ages, and November has a higher mechanical properties compared to February. Inji-bara and Kom-bolcha have the highest and lowest mechanical properties, respectively. BFEPCs have high mechanical properties compared to BFPPCs. The mechanical properties of the current research findings have higher measured values compared to Jute felt PU, CFPU, GFMPU, BFPP, BFEP, PP foam, and TPU. The flexural strength of BFPCs has higher properties compared to their tensile strength. Ethiopian bamboo fibres and their polymer composites have the best mechanical properties for the composite industry, which is used for headliner materials in the automobile industry, compared to conventional headliner materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 26110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Low-Velocity Impact Performance of GFRP Trapezoidal Corrugated Sandwich Structures

by Yunfei Deng, Yao Deng, Wenquan Liu, Shitong Zhang and Kuo Tian

J. Compos. Sci. 2023, 7(7), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs7070272 - 30 Jun 2023

Viewed by 995

Abstract

Glass fiber trapezoidal corrugated sandwich structures are composed of trapezoidal cores and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) panels. A series of low-velocity impact tests were conducted to investigate the impact resistance performance, considering the effects of impact position, impactor shape, and impactor diameter on the damage mechanism of sandwich structures. When the impactor shape and impact energy remain constant, the maximum impact load at the node impact point is higher than at the base, while the displacement of impact at the base is significantly higher than that at the node. Secondly, when the impactor diameter and energy of the impactor are the same, the hemispherical impactor requires less penetration energy to impact the sandwich structure compared to the flat impactor. Comparing the shape of the impactor, it is found that the smaller the contact surface of the impactor, the more concentrated the stress, and the lower the required penetration energy. Finally, when the impactor shape and impact energy are the same, as the diameter of impactor increases, the damage expansion during impacting on the sandwich structure becomes more sufficient, resulting in decreased impact displacement and smaller impact damage caused to the sandwich structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on the Electrospinning of Polymer Nanofibers and Its Biomedical Applications

by Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran, Sivakamavalli Jeyachandran and Masanari Kimura

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8010032 - 15 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2237

Abstract

Polymeric nanofibers have emerged as a captivating medium for crafting structures with biomedical applications. Spinning methods have garnered substantial attention in the context of medical applications and neural tissue engineering, ultimately leading to the production of polymer fibers. In comparison with polymer microfibers, polymer nanofibers boasting nanometer-scale diameters offer significantly larger surface areas, facilitating enhanced surface functionalization. Consequently, polymer nanofiber mats are presently undergoing rigorous evaluation for a myriad of applications, including filters, scaffolds for tissue engineering, protective equipment, reinforcement in composite materials, and sensors. This review offers an exhaustive overview of the latest advancements in polymer nanofiber processing and characterization. Additionally, it engages in a discourse regarding research challenges, forthcoming developments in polymer nanofiber production, and diverse polymer types and its applications. Electrospinning has been used to convert a broad range of polymers into nanoparticle nanofibers, and it may be the only approach with significant potential for industrial manufacturing. The basics of these spinning techniques, highlighting the biomedical uses as well as nanostructured fibers for drug delivery, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and bio-sensing have been explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Polymer Composites and Fibers, Volume II

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI