Submit to Materials Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2025) | Viewed by 4941

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Spinelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Faculty of Transport Sciences and Technologies, University of Benevento “Giustino Fortunato”, via Raffaele Delcogliano 12, Benevento, Italy
2. OLEM, Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
Interests: electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal characterization of nanocomposites; 3D printing applications; carbon-based particles; nanotechnology; modeling, development and optimization of advanced materials

Prof. Dr. Vittorio Romano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: transport phenomena modelling, numerical analysis of transport phenomena by means of finite element method; chemical reactors; measuring of transport properties of materials for engineering applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers have traditionally been regarded as insulating materials due to their inherently low electrical and thermal conductivity, which limits their applicability in various advanced technological sectors. However, polymers are highly valued for their unique advantages, including lightweight characteristics, cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacturing, excellent corrosion resistance, and favorable strength-to-weight ratios. These properties make them suitable for a wide range of applications, despite their conductivity limitations.

Recent advancements in polymer science have leveraged the power of nanotechnology to address these conductivity issues. In particular, the incorporation of carbon-based nanofillers, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and other carbon nanostructures, into polymer matrices has proven highly effective in enhancing the thermal and electrical conductivity of these materials. Moreover, the addition of these nanofillers has also led to notable improvements in the mechanical properties, such as strength, stiffness, and durability, making carbon-based polymer composites increasingly attractive for various applications, including electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries.

Nevertheless, despite the significant progress achieved so far, many challenges remain. The desired enhancements in thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties have yet to be fully realized. This is largely due to a number of critical factors that influence the final performance of these nanocomposites, including the aspect ratio of the fillers, filler dispersion within the matrix, interfacial polarization, and filler–matrix compatibility. These factors introduce complexity into the development of carbon-based polymer composites, requiring further research to optimize their properties and reach their full potential.

To advance the field, future research must focus on a combination of experimental investigations and theoretical, as well as computational, studies to provide deeper insights into the behavior of carbon-based nanocomposites. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and optimizing the materials at the nano level, it will be possible to achieve the desired conductivity and mechanical improvements that are crucial for expanding the range of applications of these advanced materials.

The forthcoming Special Issue, titled “Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites”, seeks to compile the most recent research and academic contributions in this growing field. The Special Issue will focus on innovative approaches to enhance the thermoelectrical and mechanical properties of carbon-based polymers, offering a platform for discussing both theoretical and practical advancements in the development of these materials.

As a recognized expert in this area, we invite you to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting a short communication, full paper, or review article. Your valuable work will help enrich the discussion and contribute to the growing body of knowledge aimed at overcoming the current challenges in carbon-based polymer nanocomposites.

We look forward to your contributions and hope that this Special Issue will drive further innovations and breakthroughs in the field.

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Spinelli
Prof. Dr. Vittorio Romano
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. 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 2600 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

carbon-based nanocomposites
nanofillers
experimental characterization of nanocomposites
correlation among morphological, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties
computational study of nanocomposites
modelling and numerical analyses of heat transport in nanocomposites
theoretical studies on graphene-based nanocomposites

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research

2 pages, 157 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Thermo-Electric and Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Based Polymer

by Giovanni Spinelli and Vittorio Romano

Materials 2023, 16(19), 6472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196472 - 29 Sep 2023

Viewed by 909

Abstract

Although on the one hand polymers are arousing increasing interest due to their remarkable properties in terms of lightness, cost-effectiveness, easy processing, and mechanical resistance, on the other hand, they still present several restrictions in practical applications [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

13 pages, 34152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flexural and Pseudo-Ductile Performance of Unidirectional and Bidirectional Carbon Fabric-Reinforced Mortar

by Samy Yousef, Regina Kalpokaitė-Dičkuvienė, Sharath P. Subadra and Stasė Irena Lukošiūtė

Materials 2025, 18(5), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18050949 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 439

Abstract

This research aims to study the effect of introducing unidirectional (CFu) and bidirectional (CFb) carbon fabric into cement mortar (CM) on its flexural and pseudo-ductile performances. The experiments were performed on fabric/CM samples with a varying fabric distribution (single, double, and triple layers). The cohesion of fabrics in CM matrices and morphology of the damaged surfaces were examined using an optical microscope, while the flexural response was measured using a universal testing machine. The pseudo-ductile property, in the form of the ductility index (DI), was numerically modelled for CM matrices based on the measured flexural curves using different energy criteria models. Microstructure analysis showed a strong fabric cohesion in the matrices along with the production of more hydration products, which led to a transformation in the linear load–deformation relationship of mortar into the ideal shape of ductile material in the case of CFb/CM. In the case of the CFu/CM samples, two main drop points appeared with a long distance between them. In addition, the flexural load was significantly increased by introducing three layers of each type of fabric to CM, with an improvement of 75% (CFu/CM) and 68% (CFb/CM) compared to neat mortar. Similarly, the deformation till break was improved by 452% (CFu/CM) and 367% (CFb/CM). The DI analysis confirmed these results: the DI performance was improved by up to 140% by embedding. Based on these results, carbon fabric has high potential to enhance the strength and ductility of cementitious matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 5796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic In-Plane Compression and Fracture Growth in a Quasi-Isotropic Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite

by Yogesh Kumar, Mohammad Rezasefat, Zahra Zaiemyekeh, Haoyang Li, Patricia Dolez and James Hogan

Materials 2024, 17(24), 6296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246296 - 23 Dec 2024

Viewed by 833

Abstract

This study presents an experimental investigation of the quasi-static and dynamic behavior of a quasi-isotropic carbon-fiber-reinforced composite subjected to in-plane compressive loading. The experiments were performed at strain rates ranging from

4 \times 10^{- 5}

to ∼1200

s^{- 1}

to quantifythe [...] Read more.

4 \times 10^{- 5}

to ∼1200

s^{- 1}

to quantifythe strain-rate-dependent response, failure propagation, and damage morphology using advanced camera systems. Fiber bridging, kink band formation, dominance of interlaminar failure, and inter-fiber failure fracture planes are evidenced through post-mortem analysis. The evolution of the in-plane compressive strength, failure strength, and stiffness are quantified across the strain rates considered in this study. For an in-depth understanding of the failure propagation, crack speeds were determined in two subsets; (i) primary and secondary cracking, and (ii) the interfaces participating in the crack propagation. Lastly, a modified Zhu–Wang–Tang viscoelastic constitutive model was used to characterize the dynamic stress-strain and compressive behavior of the quasi-isotropic composite under in-plane compression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 9843 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Study of AC Conductivity and Relaxation Times Depending on Moisture Content in Nanocomposites of Insulation Pressboard–Innovative Bio-Oil–Water Nanodroplets

by Pawel Zukowski, Konrad Kierczynski, Pawel Okal, Marek Zenker, Rafal Pajak, Marek Szrot, Pawel Molenda and Tomasz N. Koltunowicz

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235767 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 696

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency–temperature dependence of the AC conductivity and relaxation times in humid electrical pressboard used in the insulation of power transformers, impregnated with the innovative NYTRO^® BIO 300X bio-oil produced from plant raw materials. Tests were carried out for a composite of cellulose–bio-oil–water nanodroplets with a moisture content of 0.6% by weight to 5% by weight in the frequency range from 10⁻⁴ Hz to 5·10³ Hz. The measurement temperatures ranged from 20 °C to 70 °C. The current conductivity in percolation channels in cellulose–bio insulating oil–water nanodroplets nanocomposites was analyzed. In such nanocomposites, DC conduction takes place via electron tunneling between the potential wells formed by the water nanodroplets. It was found that the value of the percolation channel resistance is lowest in the case of a regular arrangement of the nanodroplets. As disorder increases, characterized by an increase in the standard deviation value, the percolation channel resistance increases. It was found that the experimental values of the activation energy of the conductivity and the relaxation time of the composite of cellulose–bio-oil–water nanodroplets are the same within the limits of uncertainty and do not depend on the moisture content. The value of the generalized activation energy is ΔE ≈ (1.026 ± 0.0160) eV and is constant over the frequency and temperature ranges investigated. This study shows that in the lowest frequency region, the conductivity value does not depend on frequency. As the frequency increases further, the relaxation time decreases; so, the effect of moisture on the conductivity value decreases. The dependence of the DC conductivity on the moisture content was determined. For low moisture contents, the DC conductivity is practically constant. With a further increase in water content, there is a sharp increase in DC conductivity. Such curves are characteristic of the dependence of the DC conductivity of composites and nanocomposites on the content of the conducting phase. A percolation threshold value of x_c ≈ (1.4 ± 0.3)% by weight was determined from the intersection of flat and steeply sloping sections. The frequency dependence of the values of the relative relaxation times was determined for composites with moisture contents from 0.6% by weight to 5% by weight for a measurement temperature of 60 °C. The highest relative values of the relaxation time τ_ref occur for direct current and for the lowest frequencies close to 10⁻⁴ Hz. As the frequency increases further, the relaxation time decreases. The derivatives d(logτ_ref)/d(logf) were calculated, from the analysis of which it was determined that there are three stages of relaxation time decrease in the nanocomposites studied. The first occurs in the frequency region from 10⁻⁴ Hz to about 3·10⁻¹ Hz, and the second from about 3·10⁻¹ Hz to about 1.5·10¹ Hz. The beginning of the third stage is at a frequency of about 1.5·10¹ Hz. The end of this stage is above the upper range of the Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) meter, which is 5·10³ Hz. It has been established that the nanodroplets are in the cellulose and not in the bio-oil. The occurrence of three stages on the frequency dependence of the relaxation time can be explained when the fibrous structure of the cellulose is taken into account. Nanodroplets, found in micelles, microfibrils and in the fibers of which cellulose is composed, can have varying distances between nanodroplets, determined by the dimensions of these cellulose components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 12179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermo-Mechanical and Thermo-Electric Properties of a Carbon-Based Epoxy Resin: An Experimental, Statistical, and Numerical Investigation

by Giovanni Spinelli, Rosella Guarini, Liberata Guadagno, Luigi Vertuccio and Vittorio Romano

Materials 2024, 17(14), 3596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143596 - 21 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1293

Abstract

Due to their remarkable intrinsic physical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can enhance mechanical properties and confer electrical and thermal conductivity to polymers currently being investigated for use in advanced applications based on thermal management. An epoxy resin filled with varying concentrations of CNTs (up to 3 wt%) was produced and experimentally characterized. The electrical percolation curve identified the following two critical filler concentrations: 0.5 wt%, which is near the electrical percolation threshold (EPT) and suitable for exploring mechanical and piezoresistive properties, and 3 wt% for investigating thermo-electric properties due to the Joule effect with applied voltages ranging from 70 V to 200 V. Near the electrical percolation threshold (EPT), the CNT concentration in epoxy composites forms a sparse, sensitive network ideal for deformation sensing due to significant changes in electrical resistance under strain. Above the EPT, a denser CNT network enhances electrical and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for Joule heating applications. Numerical models were developed using multiphysics simulation software. Once the models have been validated with experimental data, as a perfect agreement is found between numerical and experimental results, a simulation study is performed to investigate additional physical properties of the composites. Furthermore, a statistical approach based on the design of experiments (DoE) was employed to examine the influence of certain thermal parameters on the final performance of the materials. The purpose of this research is to promote the use of contemporary statistical and computational techniques alongside experimental methods to enhance understanding of materials science. New materials can be identified through these integrated approaches, or existing ones can be more thoroughly examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Thermal, Electrical and Mechanical Aspects of Carbon-Based Composites

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Editorial

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI