Special Issue "Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications"

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2021.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Luigi Solazzi
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Italy
Interests: composite material; pressure vessel; design multilayer cylindrical components; experimental tests; applied composite material; dynamic load; load movement; impulse loading; structural vibration;dynamic behaviour; dynamic analyses; lifting equipment; crane; finite element analyses

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Composite materials are widely used in various areas of science. Especially in the last several decades, the use of composite materials has seen a significant increase and application in sectors that were unthinkable a few years ago.

Composite materials are used in various areas, such as mechanical engineering (automotive, machine tools, handling and transport systems, naval, aerospace, aeronautics, etc.), but also in the civil engineering sector (widely used in the field of improvement and structural reinforcement). These materials are also used in other sectors (e.g., in medicine, for building prostheses).

The peculiar reasons for using composite materials are related to making components lightweight, improving their stiffness performance, eco-sustainability, and eco-compatibility, and the possibility of creating or designing materials for specific applications.

Based on these factors, the science of composite materials has also evolved by defining different types of composite materials characterized, for example, by the types of fibers (long, short, but also nanocomposite materials, etc.), and for each typology specific design methods and different damage criteria have been defined.

It is very important to underline that, even if the composite materials find application in different fields, many problems in various disciplines can be solved using the same methods.

This Special Issue aims to focus on research relating to the application of composite materials on three different points. These are: theoretical developments, especially with reference to materials and composite performance; different criteria design (considering also aspects related to static, fatigue, and fracture phenomena, for example); and real and innovative applications (a very important aspect related, for example, to the junction of composite materials with other materials).

This Special Issue will cover the following topics (but not limited to these):

  • Design by composite material;
  • Static, fatigue, and fracture performance;
  • Damage criteria;
  • Experimental tests;
  • Lightweighting components;
  • Joint design;
  • Manufacturing processes;
  • Innovative applications.
  • Theoretical studies (analytical and numerical).

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit review articles, original papers, and communications to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Luigi Solazzi
Guest Editor

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 papers will be 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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2000 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

  • lightweighting
  • design criteria using composite materials
  • innovative applications with composite materials

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

Article
Multi-Criterial Analysis Tool to Design a Hybrid Ballistic Plate
Materials 2021, 14(14), 4058; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14144058 - 20 Jul 2021
Viewed by 465
Abstract
The presented research focuses on the concept of an advanced ballistic personal protection design, taking into account safety as well as performance requirements. The application of the multi-criterial analysis (MCA) allows for a comprehensive comparison of all the properties of materials and to [...] Read more.
The presented research focuses on the concept of an advanced ballistic personal protection design, taking into account safety as well as performance requirements. The application of the multi-criterial analysis (MCA) allows for a comprehensive comparison of all the properties of materials and to select the optimal personal ballistic protection system, considering their mechanical and ballistic properties. The newly developed hybrid ballistic composites, consisting of two or three various components (variations of ballistic and/or non-ballistic textiles; hybrid ballistic plates—HBP), were evaluated via a multi-criterial analysis that considered a wide range of properties, describing behavior and safety usage, as well as the economical aspect of their fabrication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Local Resonant Attenuation of Stress Waves in Particulate Composites
by and
Materials 2021, 14(11), 2991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112991 - 01 Jun 2021
Viewed by 654
Abstract
The attenuation of stress waves due to the local resonance is numerically studied using the finite element method (FEM) in this work. The natural frequency of a representative composite unit embedded with coated particles is analyzed and the major factors that influence the [...] Read more.
The attenuation of stress waves due to the local resonance is numerically studied using the finite element method (FEM) in this work. The natural frequency of a representative composite unit embedded with coated particles is analyzed and the major factors that influence the natural frequency are examined. Local resonance is inspired when the frequency of the incident stress wave is close to the natural frequency of the particles in the composite. Significant reduction in the amplitude of the stress is obtained when the local resonance occurs, because a large amount of the incident energy is converted to the kinetic energy of the particles, which is rapidly dissipated through the strong oscillations of those particles. It is also observed that the attenuation for the incident stress waves with a range of frequencies can be achieved by using the particles with various local natural frequencies in a composite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Statistical and Microstructural Analyses of Al–C–Cu Composites Synthesized Using the State Solid Route
Materials 2021, 14(8), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14081969 - 14 Apr 2021
Viewed by 416
Abstract
Aluminum powder with different C and C–Cu mixtures powders were fabricated by powder metallurgy, using high-energy mechanical milling as a pre-treatment of powders. To evaluate the combined effect of the C–Cu mixture and the process conditions, such as sintering temperature/time and milling time, [...] Read more.
Aluminum powder with different C and C–Cu mixtures powders were fabricated by powder metallurgy, using high-energy mechanical milling as a pre-treatment of powders. To evaluate the combined effect of the C–Cu mixture and the process conditions, such as sintering temperature/time and milling time, on the yield stress and hardness, two experimental designs were carried out. The results were analyzed with Minitab Statistical Software using contour plots. From the results, better mechanical properties were found at a Cu/C ratio of 0.33 and samples with high C content (3 wt. %). In samples subject to long sintering time (3 h), the mechanism of precipitation of the second phase was mainly present, resulting in an improvement in mechanical properties. From the difference found between the elastic limit and the microhardness tests, it was found that there was an inefficient sintering process affecting the elastic limit test results. Additionally, X-ray analyses using the Rietveld program, were used for microstructural characterization and mechanical parameters of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Strengthening and Weakening Effects of Particles on Strength and Ductility of SiC Particle Reinforced Al-Cu-Mg Alloys Matrix Composites
Materials 2021, 14(5), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14051219 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 448
Abstract
The strengthening and weakening effects of SiC particles on composite strength and ductility were studied. Al-Cu-Mg alloys matrices with three different mechanical properties were used. Their yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation range from 90 to 379 MPa, 131 to 561 MPa, and [...] Read more.
The strengthening and weakening effects of SiC particles on composite strength and ductility were studied. Al-Cu-Mg alloys matrices with three different mechanical properties were used. Their yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation range from 90 to 379 MPa, 131 to 561 MPa, and 18% to 31%, respectively. SiC particles with sizes of 4, 8, 12, 15, 20, and 30 μm were used to reinforce these three matrices, separately, and the composites of eighteen combinations of the particle sizes and matrix strengths were manufactured. Yield strength, ultimate strength, elongation, and fracture morphology of these composites were characterized. Based on the analysis, the strengthening to weakening behavior on strength and ductility were comprehensively discussed. The critical particle size having the best ductility was obtained. The strengthening limit and match range of the particle and the matrix to achieve effective strengthening were defined as a function of the particle size and matrix strength. This work offers an important reference for optimization of mechanical properties of the particle-reinforced metal matrix composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Effect of Different Coupling Agents on Interfacial Properties of Fibre-Reinforced Aluminum Laminates
Materials 2021, 14(4), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14041019 - 21 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 547
Abstract
Metal composite interface properties significantly affect the integrity, bonding properties, and interface structure of Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs). Interfacial bonding strength’s effect on Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Aluminium Laminate (CARALL) mechanical behaviours was investigated via three-point bending and low-velocity impact tests. AA6061 sheets were subjected [...] Read more.
Metal composite interface properties significantly affect the integrity, bonding properties, and interface structure of Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs). Interfacial bonding strength’s effect on Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Aluminium Laminate (CARALL) mechanical behaviours was investigated via three-point bending and low-velocity impact tests. AA6061 sheets were subjected to surface pretreatments under three conditions (anodizing and A-187 and A-1387 surface modifications) to obtain different interfacial bonding strengths. The bonding interfaces of CARALL were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Interfacial bonding strength between aluminium alloy and epoxy resin was determined by the tension-shear test. CARALL’s energy absorption capacity and failure mode were analysed after low-velocity impact and three-point bending under different aluminium alloy volume contents and surface pretreatments. Upon modification of metal surfaces, the interfacial bonding strength increased, and the highest was obtained by silane coupling agent A-1387. Improved strength maintained FML’s integrity under quasi-static and dynamic loadings. A-1387 improved the bonding ability of aluminium alloy and Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastics (CFRP). The composite interface strongly resisted crack propagation because of its functional group characteristics. When the volume content of aluminium alloy was less and greater than that of CFRP, the energy absorption capacity of CARALL weakened and strengthened, respectively, with increasing interfacial bonding strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Effect of the Particle Size and Matrix Strength on Strengthening and Damage Process of the Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites
Materials 2021, 14(3), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030675 - 01 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 589
Abstract
Roles of the particle, strengthening, and weakening during deformation of the particle reinforced metal matrix composite, were studied using in situ technique. Composites with three different strengths Al-Cu-Mg alloy matrices reinforced by three sizes SiC particles were manufactured and subjected to in situ [...] Read more.
Roles of the particle, strengthening, and weakening during deformation of the particle reinforced metal matrix composite, were studied using in situ technique. Composites with three different strengths Al-Cu-Mg alloy matrices reinforced by three sizes SiC particles were manufactured and subjected to in situ tensile testing. Based on in situ observation, damage process, fraction and size distribution of the cracked particles were collected to investigate the behavior of the particle during composite deformation. The presence of the particle strengthens the composite, while the particle cracking under high load weakens the composite. This strengthening to weakening transformation is controlled by the damage process of the particle and decided by the particle strength, size distribution, and the matrix flow behavior together. With a proper match of the particle and matrix, an effective strengthening can be obtained. Finally, the effective match range of the particle and the matrix was defined as a function of the particle size and the matrix strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
A New Viscoelasticity Dynamic Fitting Method Applied for Polymeric and Polymer-Based Composite Materials
Materials 2020, 13(22), 5213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13225213 - 18 Nov 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 524
Abstract
The accurate analysis of the behaviour of a polymeric composite structure, including the determination of its deformation over time and also the evaluation of its dynamic behaviour under service conditions, demands the characterisation of the viscoelastic properties of the constituent materials. Linear viscoelastic [...] Read more.
The accurate analysis of the behaviour of a polymeric composite structure, including the determination of its deformation over time and also the evaluation of its dynamic behaviour under service conditions, demands the characterisation of the viscoelastic properties of the constituent materials. Linear viscoelastic materials should be experimentally characterised under (i) constant static load and/or (ii) harmonic load. In the first load case, the viscoelastic behaviour is characterised through the creep compliance or the relaxation modulus. In the second load case, the viscoelastic behaviour is characterised by the complex modulus, E*, and the loss factor, η. In the present paper, a powerful and simple implementing technique is proposed for the processing and analysis of dynamic mechanical data. The idea is to obtain the dynamic moduli expressions from the Exponential-Power Law Method (EPL) of the creep compliance and the relaxation modulus functions, by applying the Carson and Laplace transform functions and their relationship to the Fourier transform, and the Theorem of Moivre. Reciprocally, once the complex moduli have been obtained from a dynamic test, it becomes advantageous to use mathematical interconversion techniques to obtain the time-domain function of the relaxation modulus, E(t), and the creep compliance, D(t). This paper demonstrates the advantages of the EPL method, namely its simplicity and straightforwardness in performing the desirable interconversion between quasi-static and dynamic behaviour of polymeric and polymer-composite materials. The EPL approximate interconversion scheme to convert the measured creep compliance to relaxation modulus is derived to obtain the complex moduli. Finally, the EPL Method is successfully assessed using experimental data from the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Collation Efficiency of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and Alginate Membranes with Iron-Based Magnetic Organic/Inorganic Fillers in Pervaporative Dehydration of Ethanol
Materials 2020, 13(18), 4152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13184152 - 18 Sep 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 556
Abstract
Hybrid poly(vinyl alcohol) and alginate membranes were investigated in the process of ethanol dehydration by pervaporation. As a filler, three types of particles containing iron element, i.e., hematite, magnetite, and iron(III) acetyloacetonate were used. The parameters describing transport properties and effectiveness of investigated [...] Read more.
Hybrid poly(vinyl alcohol) and alginate membranes were investigated in the process of ethanol dehydration by pervaporation. As a filler, three types of particles containing iron element, i.e., hematite, magnetite, and iron(III) acetyloacetonate were used. The parameters describing transport properties and effectiveness of investigated membranes were evaluated. Additionally, the physico-chemical properties of the resulting membranes were studied. The influence of polymer matrix, choice of iron particles and their content in terms of effectiveness of membranes in the process of ethanol dehydration were considered. The results showed that hybrid alginate membranes were characterized by a better separation factor, while poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes by a better flux. The best parameters were obtained for membranes filled with 7 wt% of iron(III) acetyloacetonate. The separation factor and pervaporative separation index were equal to 19.69 and 15,998 g⋅m−2⋅h−1 for alginate membrane and 11.75 and 14,878 g⋅m−2⋅h−1 for poly(vinyl alcohol) membrane, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Ceramization Mechanism of Ceramizable Silicone Rubber Composites with Nano Silica at Low Temperature
Materials 2020, 13(17), 3708; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13173708 - 21 Aug 2020
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Ceramizable composite is a kind of polymer matrix composite that can turn into ceramic material at a high temperature. It can be used for the ceramic insulation of a metal conductor because of its processability. However, poor low-temperature ceramization performance is a problem [...] Read more.
Ceramizable composite is a kind of polymer matrix composite that can turn into ceramic material at a high temperature. It can be used for the ceramic insulation of a metal conductor because of its processability. However, poor low-temperature ceramization performance is a problem of ceramizable composites. In this paper, ceramizable composites were prepared by using silicone rubber as a matrix. Ceramic samples were sintered at different temperatures no more than 1000 °C, according to thermogravimetric analysis results of the composites. The linear contraction and flexural strength of the ceramics were measured. The microstructure and crystalline phase of ceramics were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the composites turned into ceramics at 800 °C, and a new crystal and continuous microstructure formed in the samples. The flexural strength of ceramics was 46.76 MPa, which was more than twice that of similar materials reported in other research sintered at 1000 °C. The maximum flexural strength was 54.56 MPa, when the sintering temperature was no more than 1000 °C. Moreover, glass frit and nano silica played important roles in the formation of the ceramic phase in this research. A proper content of nano silica could increase the strength of the ceramic samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Study on the Interface Constitutive Relation between Carbon Fiber Fabric and Steel
Materials 2020, 13(15), 3263; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13153263 - 23 Jul 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 571
Abstract
Peeling failure at the interface is one of the main failure modes for CFRP (Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer)-reinforced steel structures. However, there are very few reported studies on the bond-slip relationship at the CFRP-steel interface. A series of simple shear tests were carried out [...] Read more.
Peeling failure at the interface is one of the main failure modes for CFRP (Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer)-reinforced steel structures. However, there are very few reported studies on the bond-slip relationship at the CFRP-steel interface. A series of simple shear tests were carried out in the present paper. The influence of the fiber fabric’s width and thickness, the surface roughness of the steel sheet, and the thickness of the adhesive layer on the bonding performance of the CFRP fabric to steel interface was considered. The interface constitutive model and bonding strength model were further established under multiple factors. The results show that with the decrease of the surface roughness, the interface’ ultimate peeling load increases gradually, and the failure has a tendency to develop from a glue-steel interface to a glue-CFRP interface. The test pieces that were subjected to sand blasting obtained the peak value of the ultimate peeling load. This indicates that sand blasting can effectively enhance the interface bonding strength. The theoretical values obtained via the interface prediction model are consistent with the experimental values. This proves that the newly developed interface prediction model can effectively predict the local bonding slip and bonding strength of the interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
A Comprehensive Study on the Mechanical Properties of Different 3D Woven Carbon Fiber-Epoxy Composites
Materials 2020, 13(12), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13122765 - 18 Jun 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 835
Abstract
In this work, the tensile, compressive, and flexural properties of three types of 3D woven composites were studied in three directions. To make an accurate comparison, three 3D woven composites are made to have the same fiber volume content by controlling the weaving [...] Read more.
In this work, the tensile, compressive, and flexural properties of three types of 3D woven composites were studied in three directions. To make an accurate comparison, three 3D woven composites are made to have the same fiber volume content by controlling the weaving parameters of 3D fabric. The results show that the 3D orthogonal woven composite (3DOWC) has better overall mechanical properties than those of the 3D shallow straight-joint woven composite (3DSSWC) and 3D shallow bend-joint woven composite (3DSBWC) in the warp direction, including tension, compression, and flexural strength. Interestingly their mechanical properties in the weft direction are about the same. In the through-thickness direction, however, the tensile and flexural strength of 3DOWC is about the same as 3DSBW, both higher than that of 3DSSWC. The compressive strength, on the other hand, is mainly dependent on the number of weft yarns in the through-thickness direction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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Article
Rivet-Inspired Modification of Aramid Fiber by Decorating with Silica Particles to Enhance the Interfacial Interaction and Mechanical Properties of Rubber Composites
Materials 2020, 13(11), 2665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13112665 - 11 Jun 2020
Viewed by 747
Abstract
A rivet–inspired method of decorating aramid fiber (AF) with silica particles (SiO2) is proposed to produce SiO2@AF hybrid materials that have largely enhanced interfacial interaction with the rubber matrix. AF was firstly surface-modified with polyacrylic acid (PAA) to obtain [...] Read more.
A rivet–inspired method of decorating aramid fiber (AF) with silica particles (SiO2) is proposed to produce SiO2@AF hybrid materials that have largely enhanced interfacial interaction with the rubber matrix. AF was firstly surface-modified with polyacrylic acid (PAA) to obtain PAA–AF, and SiO2 was silanized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to obtain APES–SiO2. Then, SiO2@AF was prepared by chemically bonding APES–SiO2 onto the surface of PAA–AF in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). With the incorporation of SiO2@AF into the rubber matrix, SiO2@AF hybrid materials with high surface roughness can play a role as ‘rivets’ to immobilize large numbers of rubber chains on the surface. The tear strength and tensile strength of rubber composite that filling 4 phr SiO2@AF are dramatically increased by 97.8% and 89.3% compared to pure rubber, respectively. Furthermore, SiO2@AF has superiority in enhancing the cutting resistance of rubber composites, in contrast with unmodified AF and SiO2. SiO2@AF is suitable to be applied as a novel reinforcing filler in rubber composites for high performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Materials: Theory, Design and Applications)
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