Metallurgical and Materials Data

Advanced Polymer Composite Materials: Fabrication Techniques, Mechanics and Diverse Applications

Saeideh Alipoori — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Advanced polymer composite materials have attracted significant attention across a broad range of industries, such as aerospace and automotive, electronics, biomedical fields, and construction, due to their superior mechanical properties, thermal stability, and lightweight nature. These materials are prepared by combining polymer with reinforcing agents such as fibers, nanoparticles, or fillers, which increase properties like tensile strength, durability, and stretchability. Fabrication techniques of polymer composites, ranging from traditional methods such as injection molding and extrusion to modern techniques like additive manufacturing, help to have precise control over material properties to enhance the performance of nanomaterials like carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. The mechanical performance of polymer composites, such as tensile strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance, is closely related to the type of reinforcement, polymer, and processing technique. For future research and more development of polymer composites, sustainability, recyclability, and large-scale production are the remaining critical challenges.

The Decadal Trends in Biopolymer Production and Utilization: A Comprehensive Review

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in biopolymer technology, focusing on their environmental and economic impact across various industries. Key biopolymers discussed include cellulose, lignin, starch, algal polysaccharides, and protein-based polymers such as whey and casein, alongside essential biopolymers like chitin, chitosan, pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, natural polyesters, and polyamides. These biopolymers have experienced rising demand due to their renewable nature and biodegradability, supporting the shift toward sustainable materials in sectors such as food technology, biomedical applications, and eco-friendly packaging.

By synthesizing insights from industry reports, market trends, and scientific studies, the review highlights the growth trajectory, environmental benefits, and economic viability of biopolymers. The analysis emphasizes how these materials contribute to reducing fossil fuel dependency and waste, positioning them as critical components of the green economy. Furthermore, it addresses challenges such as production costs and scalability, advocating for ongoing research and technological development to maximize their potential. This work underscores the increasingly vital role of biopolymers in sustainable development and sets the stage for further innovation in the field.

Modified Testing Protocol for Texture Analysis of Alginate Cryogel Material

Jovana Ružić, Sladjana Meseldžija, Jelena Spasojević, Aleksandra Nešić — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Alginate cryogels are biopolymer materials with wide applications in the food industry, where their textural properties play an important role as a key quality parameter. Textural properties are determined based on data obtained from compression tests. Therefore, the adequate design of the compression testing protocol ensures reliable texture results. The influence of crosshead speed on compression test results was investigated by varying the crosshead speed from 0.5 to 5 mm/min. The results indicate that crosshead speed has a negligible effect on compression results. Notably, after 95% deformation at maximum load, the compressed specimen exhibits recovery to a certain degree of its initial height. This suggests that full plastic deformation does not occur in alginate cryogel material, affirming its status as a highly resilient material. Furthermore, textural properties were calculated using two compression cycles with a 5 mm/min crosshead speed and varying degrees of deformation. The obtained data revealed that the testing protocol for texture measurement provides valid results when using data at 30% deformation, regardless of crosshead speed.

Electrospun MOF-loaded polyamide membranes for Y3+ radioisotopes removal

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The environmental impact of radionuclides, found in nuclear waste, nuclear power plants, agriculture, industrial effluents, research centers, and nuclear medicine facilities, is highly important, especially in the emerging nuclear era. Prior to its stabilization and permanent disposal, the development of appropriate techniques for radionuclide removal from the environment is a critical topic. Particular attention is given to materials that are easy to synthesize, manipulate, and demonstrate high pollutant removal efficiency. Among different radionuclides, yttrium isotopes are one the most common products associated with nuclear power activities. Polyamide (PA) and PA-MOF (MOF - metal-organic framework) nanofibrous composite membranes (containing 1% and 10% MOF), obtained via electrospinning, were investigated as sorption materials for yttrium ions. The highest removal efficiency of 76% was achieved using PA from simulated seawater samples at pH 5.7. Microstructural and morphological characterization of the prepared membrane samples confirmed the existence of both crystalline and amorphous phases of polyamide and wrinkled fiber arrangement with a diameter of less than 0.5 µm. Agglomerates of MOF particles, ranging in size from 2 to 8 µm, are embedded between the PA fibers. Changes in the lattice vibrations corresponding to the CH₂- groups, observed in the range 1420-1475 cm^-1, indicated that hydrogen bonding interactions were favorable for the sorption process of yttrium ions on the prepared materials.

Biocomposite Films Intended for Agriculture Application Based on Polysaccharide/Guinoa Saponin/Ag Nanoparticles

Aleksandra Nesic, Rodrigo Segura, Sergio Benavides, Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to develop novel alginate-based composite films intended for agricultural practices. The films were prepared by the solution casting method using alginate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and saponin-silver nanoparticles. The film formation was supported by hydrogen bonds formed between the components, as evidenced by FTIR/ATR analysis. The addition of hydroxyethyl cellulose decreased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of alginate films, and this trend was further promoted with the addition of saponin-silver nanoparticles. However, the composite film still possessed a satisfactory mechanical resistance of 31 MPa, which is higher than that of commercial synthetic agricultural films. In addition, all composite films were not phytotoxic, demonstrated a high positive effect on the germination of radish seeds (131%), and acted as plant growth promoters. The obtained results showed that the combination of both polysaccharides with saponin-silver nanoparticles resulted in interesting bio-inspired films with the potential to replace commercially used synthetic agricultural films.