Mussel-inspired PTW@PDA composites for developing high-energy gun propellants with reduced erosion and enhanced mechanical strength

The severe erosion and inadequate mechanical strength are prominent challenges for high-energy gun propellants.To address it,novel PTW@PDA composites was prepared by polydopamine(PDA)-modifying onto potassium titanate whisker(PTW,K_(2)Ti_(6)O_(13)),and after was incorporated into gun propellant as erosion-reducing and mechanical-reinforcing fillers.The interfacial characterizations results indicated that as-prepared PTW@PDA composites exhibits an enhanced surface compatible with propellant matrix,thereby facilitating their dispersion into propellants more effectively than raw PTW materials.Compared to original propellants,PTW@PDA-modified propellants exhibited significant less erosion,with a Ti-Kbased protective coating being detected on the eroded steel.And 0.5 wt%and 1.0 wt%addition of PTW@PDA significantly improved impact,compressive and tensile strength of propellants.Despite the inevitably reduction in relative force,PTW@PDA slightly increase propellant burning rate while exerting little adverse impact on propellant dynamic activity.This strategy can provide a promising alternative to develop high-energy gun propellant with less erosion and more mechanical strength.

Reinforcement of Clay Soils through Fracture Grouting

Fracture grouting is widely used for building foundation reinforcement,however the underpinning mechanisms are still not clear.Using numerical results about a single-hole fracture grouting process as a basis,a model composed of soil and grouting veins has been created to analyze the reinforcement mechanism.The influence weights of the grouting vein skeleton and compaction effect have been studied,thereby obtaining relevant information on the compressive modulus of the considered composite soil.The research results show that the compaction effect plays a leading role in the soil fracture grouting reinforcement.The grouting pressure,the hardened grouting vein modulus,and the shape of the grouting veins all influence the compressive modulus of the composite soil.

From 1D Nanofibers to 3D Nanofibrous Aerogels: A Marvellous Evolution of Electrospun SiO_(2) Nanofibers for Emerging Applications

One-dimensional(1D)SiO_(2) nanofibers(SNFs),one of the most popular inorganic nanomaterials,have aroused widespread attention because of their excellent chemical stability,as well as unique optical and thermal characteristics.Electrospinning is a straightforward and versatile method to prepare 1D SNFs with programmable structures,manageable dimensions,and modifiable properties,which hold great potential in many cutting-edge applications including aerospace,nanodevice,and energy.In this review,substantial advances in the structural design,controllable synthesis,and multifunctional applications of electrospun SNFs are highlighted.We begin with a brief introduction to the fundamental principles,available raw materials,and typical apparatus of electrospun SNFs.We then discuss the strategies for preparing SNFs with diverse structures in detail,especially stressing the newly emerging three-dimensional SiO_(2) nanofibrous aerogels.We continue with focus on major breakthroughs about brittleness-to-flexibility transition of SNFs and the means to achieve their mechanical reinforcement.In addition,we showcase recent applications enabled by electrospun SNFs,with particular emphasis on physical protection,health care and water treatment.In the end,we summarize this review and provide some perspectives on the future development direction of electrospun SNFs.

ANALYSIS OF GEOSYNTHETICS REINFORCED EMBANKMENT ON SOFT SOIL BY FEM

The reinforcement effects of geosynthetics in thick soft subsoil case and thin soft subsoil case are studied in this paper,and a Duncan Chang nonlinear numerical model based on the finite element method (FEM) is developed.Moreover,an important conclusion that the thickness of soft subsoil affects greatly the geotechnical behavior of geosynthetic reinforced embankments is drawn.A series of embankment built on soft subsoil is calculated using the FEM program.The results of the computer program,such as the lateral displacements,settlements,and stress level and shear stresses in the subsoil,are presented in great detail and the comparison of those results disposes clearly the huge discrepancy of reinforce benefit between the thick subsoil embankment and thin subsoil embankment.Reinforcement mechanism of geosynthetics is also discussed in this paper and several conclusions are reached.This paper also gives recommendations for design.

Vacuum preloading combined electroosmotic strengthening of ultra-soft soil

To assess the effectiveness of vacuum preloading combined electroosmotic strengthening of ultra-soft soil and study the mechanism of the process, a comprehensive experimental investigation was performed. A laboratory test cell was designed and applied to evaluate the vacuum preloading combined electroosmosis. Several factors were taken into consideration, including the directions of the electroosmotic current and water induced by vacuum preloading and the replenishment of groundwater from the surrounding area. The results indicate that electroosmosis together with vacuum preloading improve the soil strength greatly, with an increase of approximately 60%, and reduce the water content of the soil on the basis of consolidation of vacuum preloading, howeve~ further settlement is not obvious with only 1.7 mm. The reinforcement effect of vacuum preloading combined electroosmosis is better than that of electroosmosis after vacuum preloading. Elemental analysis using X-ray fluorescence proves that the soil strengthening during electroosmotic period in this work is mainly caused by electroosmosis-induced electrochemical reactions, the concentrations of Al2O3 in the VPCEO region increase by 2.2%, 1.5%, and 0.9% at the anode, the midpoint between the electrodes, and the cathode, respectively.

Blast response of clay brick masonry unit walls unreinforced and reinforced with polyurea elastomer

Clay brick masonry unit(CBMU) walls are widely used in building structures,and its damage and protection under explosion loads have been a matter of concern in the field of engineering protection.In this paper,a series of full-scale experiments of the response characteristics of 24 cm CMBU walls unreinforced and reinforced with polyurea elastomer subjected to blast loading were carried out.Through setting 5.0 kg TNT charges at different stand-off distances,the damage characteristics of masonry walls at different scaled distances were obtained.The reinforcement effect of different polyurea coating thicknesses and methods on the blast resistance performance of masonry walls under single and repeated loads were also explored.Five failure grades were summarized according to the dynamic response features of masonry walls.Based on the stress wave propagation pattern in multi-media composite structures,the internal stress distribution of masonry walls were analyzed,and the division basis of the masonry walls’ failure grades was then quantified.Combined with Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM)images,the deformation characteristics of soft and hard segments of polyurea and effects of detonation products on microstructures were revealed respectively,which provides an important reference for the design and application of polyurea in the blast resistance of clay brick masonry walls.

THE REINFORCING MECHANISM OF TiB2 IN TiB2/A357 COMPOSITE

Mechanical properties were tested for in situ TiB2/A357 composite fabricated by LSM (mixed salts reaction) method. Micro structures of as cast and plastic deformed TiB2/A357 were investigated. The results show that there is a low misfit between (200) Al and (101)TiB2 with [011]//Al [101]TiB2. There is a change from fully dendritic structure of the α-Al of A357 to a rosette-type structure of TiB2/A357. Significant increases in proof stress and Young's modulus can be obtained at low TiB2 additions. There exist dislocation loops around neighboring TiB2 particles with about 0.1μm in diameter and dislocation multiplication near TiB2 particles.

Effect of Porous Activated Charcoal Reinforcement on Mechanical and In-Vitro Biological Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Scaffolds

The present work focused on developing an innovative composite material by reinforcing polymer matrix with highly porous activated charcoal. Polyvinyl alcohol-activated charcoal（PVA-AC） composite scaffolds were developed by varying the AC concentrations（0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 wt%） in PVA matrix by freeze drying method. The developed scaffolds were characterized for their physicochemical, mechanical and in-vitro biological properties. In addition, the effect of AC on the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast MG 63 cells was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide（MTT） assay, alkaline phosphatase（ALP） activity assay and alizarin red stain-based（ARS） assay. All the PVA-AC composite scaffolds exhibited good bioactivity, hemocompatibility and protein adsorption properties. The scaffolds with high AC concentration（2.5 wt%） showed controlled drug release kinetics that are suitable for long term healing. The mechanical properties of all the PVA-AC composite scaffolds were improved when compared to the pure PVA scaffold. The high porosity, swelling degree and hydrophilicity of PVA-AC composite scaffolds facilitated cell attachment and proliferation. This is due to porous AC present in the sample that supported the osteoblast differentiation and formed mineralized nodules without the addition of any extra agents. From the above studies, it can be concluded that PVA-AC composite scaffolds are promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering applications.

Tailoring Anti-Impact Properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete by Incorporating Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Replacing micro-reinforcing fibers with carbon nanotubes(CNTs)is beneficial for improving the impact properties of ultra-high performance concrete(UHPC);however,the weak wettability and dispersibility of CNTs and the weakly bonded interface between CNTs and UHPC limit their effectiveness as composites.Therefore,this study aims to enhance the reinforcement effect of CNTs on the impact properties of UHPC via functionalization.Unlike ordinary CNTs,functionalized CNTs with carboxyl or hydroxyl groups can break the Si-O-Ca-O-Si coordination bond in the C-S-H gel and form a new network in the UHPC matrix,effectively inhibiting the dislocation slip inside UHPC matrix.Furthermore,functionalized CNTs,particularly carboxyl-fu nctionalized CNTs,co ntrol the crystallization process and microscopic morphology of the hydration products,significantly decreasing and even eliminating the width of the aggregate-matrix interface transition zone of the UHPC.Moreover,the functionalized CNTs further decrease the attraction of the negatively charged silicate tetrahedron to Ca2+in the C-S-H gel,while modifying the pore structure(particularly the nanoscale pore structure)of UHPC,leading to the expansion of the intermediate CS-H layer.The changes in the microstructures of UHPC brought about by the functionalized CNTs significantly enhance its dynamic compressive strength,peak strain,impact toughness,and impact dissipation energy at strain rates of 200-800 s^(-1).Impact performance of UHPC containing a small amount of carboxyl-functionalized CNTs(especially the short ones)is generally better than that of UHPC containing hydroxyl-functionalized and ordinary CNTs;it is even superior to that of UHPC with a high steel fiber content.

Application of Vegetation Geosynthetic Technique to Slope Stability in the Three Gorges Reservoir

The vegetation geosynthetic reinforced slope is one of the new composite structures in civil engineering. It has a series of characteristics, such as low cost, convenient construction, optimal land utilization and flexible structure, and it has been widely used in hydraulic engineering, road, railway and harbor construction. The Three Gorges reservoir bank protection system is a challenging work. As the background, the interaction mechanism of soil and reinforced material has been studied. The test engineering is simulated by the numerical methods. The failure mechanism of the reinforced slope in the process is studied through analyzing the variation of the displacement, stress, plastic failure fields and factor of safety in the changing process of the water level. The reasonable evaluation of the protecting effect and bank slope stability is carried out. The research results could be used in the protective design and construction in the high slope in the Three Gorges reservoir region, and it also could provide reference to other protective engineerings in the littoral area.

Effects of Carbon Nanotubes by Electrophoretic Deposition on Interlaminar Properties of Two Dimensional Carbon/carbon Composites

Carbon nanotubes（CNTs） were deposited uniformly on carbon cloth by electrophoretic deposition（EPD）. Thereafter, CNT-doped clothes were stacked and densified by pyrocarbon via chemical vapor infiltration to fabricate two-dimensional（2 D） carbon/carbon（C/C） composites. Effects of EPD CNTs on interlaminar shear performance and mode Ⅱ interlaminar fracture toughness（GⅡc） of 2 D C/C composites were investigated. Results showed that EPD CNTs were uniformly covered on carbon fibers, acting as a porous coating. Such a CNT coating can obviously enhance the interlaminar shear strength and GⅡc of 2 D C/C composites. With increaing EPD CNTs, the interlaminar shear strength and GⅡc of 2 D C/C composites increase greatly and then decrease, both of which run up to their maximum values, i e, 13.6 MPa and 436.0 J·m-2, when the content of EPD CNTs is 0.54 wt%, 2.27 and 1.45 times of the baseline. Such improvements in interlaminar performance of 2 D C/C composites are mainly beneficial from their increased cohesion of interlaminar matrix, which is caused not only by the direct reinforcing effect of EPD CNT network but also by the capacity of EPD CNTs to refine pyrocarbon matrix and induce multilayered microstructures that greatly increase the crack propagation resistance through ＂crack-blocking and-deflecting mechanisms＂.

Application of CFG Pile Construction Technology for Soft Foundation Treatment

CFG pile has been widely applied as one of the common ground treatment techniques. As a concealed work, the construction quality of pile foundation not only relates to the success of the project, but also concerns the benefits of thousands of hot, seholds. Only strengthening the supervision and management during the construction and strictly designing and specifying CFG pile can ensure the construction quality of CFG pile. But most researches focus on operating mechanism and theoretical analysis, and there are fewer researches about the construction of CFG pile. The real construction of CFG pile has no specified operation and lacks of the construction guidance, which not only causes great problems and has great influence on the intensity of CFG pile, but also makes the real pile body have great difference from the design requirements. Therefore, the study on construction of CFG pile in the paper has great significance.

Investigation of the failure mechanism and theoretical model of bolt-reinforced shallow tunnel faces with different bolt lengths

Using fiberglass bolts to reinforce a tunnel face is a practical auxiliary technology for ensuring tunnel face stability in soft ground.The reinforcing effect and the economics of this technology are significantly affected by bolt length.However,to date,the failure mechanism of bolt-reinforced tunnel faces with different bolt lengths has rarely been investigated.To reveal the failure mechanism of bolt-reinforced shallow tunnel faces,in this study,the stability of bolt-reinforced tunnel faces with different bolt lengths was investigated by using laboratory tests and numerical simulations,and a simplified theoretical model for practical engineering was proposed.The face support pressure and failure pattern for different bolt lengths during the face collapse process were obtained,and the influence of bolt length on face stability was clearly revealed.More specifically,the results show that face stability increases with increasing bolt length,and the reinforcing effect of face bolts is governed by the shear failure at the soil-grout interface first in the stable zone of the tunnel face and then in the failure zone.Once the bolt length in the stable zone is larger than that in the failure zone,face stability will not be improved with increasing bolt length;thus,this bolt length is referred to as the optimal bolt length L_(opt).The L_(opt)value is slightly larger than the initial failure range(in the unreinforced condition)and can be approximately calculated by L_(opt)=(1-0.0133u)D(u is the friction angle of the soil,and D is the tunnel diameter)in practical engineering.Finally,a simplified theoretical model was established to analyse the stability of reinforced tunnel faces,and the results are in good agreement with both laboratory tests and numerical simulations.The proposed model can be used as an efficient tool for the design of face bolts.

Oleophobic interaction mediated slippery organogels with ameliorated mechanical performance and satisfactory fouling-resistance

Owing to their inherent semi-solid property and lubricant ability,organogels manifest various unique characteristics and serve as promising candidates for antifouling.However,the poor mechanical properties of organogels often limit their practical applications.Herein,we report a simple and effective method to prepare organogels with reinforced mechanical performance and surface lubricant ability with the synergistic roles played by oleophobic and oleophilic chains.The rigid oleophobic chains have a poor affinity to lubricating solvent,which gives rise to high oleophobic interactions between polymer networks;the soft oleophilic chains possess a high affinity to the low surface energy solvent,which lead to high solvent content to maintain the satisfactory lubricant capacity.The organogel of oleophobic methyl methacrylate(MMA)and oleophilic lauryl methacrylate(LMA)is chosen as a representative example to illustrate this concept.With the optimal composition,the as-prepared organogels offer satisfactory tensile fracture stress,fracture strain,Young’s modulus,toughness,and tearing fracture energy of 480 k Pa,550%,202 k Pa,1.14 MJ m,and 5.14 k J m,respectively,which are far beyond the classical PLMA organogels.Furthermore,the biofouling resistance tests demonstrate 4 to 9-fold reduction of protein and bacteria adhesion on the reinforced organogels surface in comparison to the glass substrate and solvent-free dry organogels.This simple and effective approach to toughen organogels,we hope,can be applied in various fields with different practical functional requirements in the future.

Simultaneous Improvements of Thermal Stability and Mechanical Properties of Poly(propylene carbonate) via Incorporation of Environmental-friendly Polydopamine

Inspired by the photoprotection, radical scavenging of melanin together with versatile adhesive ability of mussel proteins, polydopamine（PDA） nanoparticles were successfully prepared and incorporated into environmentally friendly polymer, poly（propylene carbonate）（PPC） via solvent blending. The prepared composites exhibited excellent thermal stability in air and nitrogen atmosphere and extraordinary mechanical properties. The composites displayed eminent increase of temperature at 5% weight loss（T5%） by 30-100 K with 0.3 wt%-2.0 wt% loadings, meanwhile, the tensile strength and Young＇s modulus were significantly improved from 11.5 MPa and 553.7 MPa to 40.5 MPa and 2411.2 MPa, respectively. The kinetic calculation indicated that improvement of T5% is presumably derived from suppressing chain-end unzipping. The glass transition temperature（Tg） of the PPC/PDA composites increased by 8-10 K. This is probably due to hydrogen bonding interaction since the abundant proton donors along PDA chains would interact with proton acceptors like C = O and C―O―C in PPC which would cause restriction of segmental motion of PPC chains.

Reinforcing DNA Supramolecular Hydrogel with Polymeric Multiple-Unit Linker

While supramolecular hydrogels have received growing interest due to their unique dynamic features,their relatively weak mechanical properties have largely limited their biomedical applications.In this study,we propose and demonstrate a strategy to reinforce the mechanical properties of supramolecular hydrogel by introducing polymeric multiple-unit linker(PMUL),which incorporates multiple supramolecular units into a polymeric backbone to crosslink supramolecular hydrogel.We demonstrated that PMUL can effectively improve the kinetic stability of supramolecular crosslinkers through multiple-unit interaction in a DNA supramolecular hydrogel model system,thus leading to higher mechanical strength.Meanwhile,the dynamic features of the supramolecular hydrogels have been well preserved,including shear-thinning,self-healing properties,and reversible thermal responsiveness.This strategy offers a simple but effective way for mechanical reinforcement of supramolecular hydrogels to construct novel biomaterials.

Revisiting Silica Networks by Small-angle Neutron Scattering and Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Imaging Techniques

The silicone rubber composites present remarkable mechanical properties due to the double network structure constructed with molecular network of matrix and filler network of silica.Nevertheless,the filler network structure and corresponding reinforcement mechanism are still under debate and need to be further probed with the aid of applicative advanced analysis techniques.Herein,small-angle neutron scattering(SANS)and synchrotron radiation X-ray nano-computed tomography(Nano-CT)techniques are employed to explore the evolution of filler networks of fumed,precipitated and sol-gel silica,respectively.Our studying results reveal the formation of filler network constructed by the interconnecting of branched silica aggregates.And the silica with highly associated structure,pertaining to amorphous morphology,small size,and large surface area,presents short distance and effective molecular chain bridge between aggregates,thus forming strong and steady filler networks.This work would provide deep-seated revisiting of filler networks and corresponding reinforcement mechanism and offer guidance for optimizing the mechanical properties of silicone rubber.