Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene/carbon composites for advanced supercapacitors:Synthesis,progress,and perspectives

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional(2D)layered transition metal carbides/nitrides that show promising potential for energy storage applications due to their high-specific surface areas,excellent electron conductivity,good hydrophilicity,and tunable terminations.Among various types of MXenes,Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) is the most widely studied for use in capacitive energy storage applications,especially in supercapacitors(SCs).However,the stacking and oxidation of MXene sheets inevitably lead to a significant loss of electrochemically active sites.To overcome such challenges,carbon materials are frequently incorporated into MXenes to enhance their electrochemical properties.This review introduces the common strategies used for synthesizing Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x),followed by a comprehensive overview of recent developments in Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)/carbon composites as electrode materials for SCs.Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)/carbon composites are categorized based on the dimensions of carbons,including 0D carbon dots,1D carbon nanotubes and fibers,2D graphene,and 3D carbon materials(activated carbon,polymer-derived carbon,etc.).Finally,this review also provides a perspective on developing novel MXenes/carbon composites as electrodes for application in SCs.

A Review on the Advancement of Renewable Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites: Prospects, Challenges, and Industrial Applications

Naturalfibre(NFR)reinforced functional polymer composites are quickly becoming an indispensable sustainable material in the transportation industry because of their lightweight,lower cost in manufacture,and adaptability to a wide variety of goods.However,the major difficulties of using thesefibres are their existing poor dimensional stability and the extreme hydrophilicity.In assessing the mechanical properties(MP)of composites,the interfacial bonding(IB)happening between the NFR and the polymer matrix(PM)plays an incredibly significant role.When compared to NFR/syntheticfibre hybrid composites,hybrid composites(HC)made up of two separate NFR are less prevalent;yet,these hybrid composites also have the potential to be valuable materials in terms of environmental issues.A new dimension to theflexibility of composites reinforced with NFR is added by the cost-effective manufacture of hybrid composites utilising NFR.The purpose of this study is to offer an over-view of the keyfindings that were presented on hybrid composites.The emphasis was focused on the factors that influence the performance of the naturalfiber composites,diverse approaches to enhancing MP,physical,electri-cal,and thermal characteristics of the HC.HC study in polymer science gains interest for applications in con-struction and automotive industries.

Recent Advances in Interface Modification of Cu/graphite Composites and Layered Ternary Carbides of Modified Layer Candidate

We review the fundamental properties and significant issues related to Cu/graphite composites.In particular,recent research on the interfacial modification of Cu/graphite composites is addressed,including the metal-modified layer,carbide-modified layer,and combined modified layer.Additionally,we propose the use of ternary layered carbide as an interface modification layer for Cu/graphite composites.

Exploration on the Optimization Strategy for the Layup of Composite Material Pressure Vessels Based on Advanced Algorithms

This study aims to explore the influence of the laying angle on the pressure shell structure made of composite materials under the condition of a fixed shape. By using a composite material composed of a mixture of T800 carbon fiber and AG80 epoxy resin to design pressure vessels, this material combination can significantly improve the interlaminar shear strength and heat resistance. The article elaborates on the basic concepts and failure criteria of composite materials, such as the maximum stress criterion, the maximum strain criterion, the Tsai-Hill criterion, etc. With the help of the APDL parametric modeling language, the arc-shaped, parabolic, elliptical, and fitting curve-shaped pressure vessel models are accurately constructed, and the material property settings and mesh division are completed. Subsequently, APDL is used for static analysis, and the genetic algorithm toolbox built into Matlab is combined to carry out optimization calculations to determine the optimal laying angle. The research results show that the equivalent stress corresponding to the optimal laying angle of the arc-shaped pressure vessel is 5.3685e+08 Pa, the elliptical one is 5.1969e+08 Pa, the parabolic one is 5.8692e+08 Pa, and the fitting curve-shaped one is 5.36862e+08 Pa. Among them, the stress distribution of the fitting curve-shaped pressure vessel is relatively more uniform, with a deformation of 0.568E−03 m, a minimum equivalent stress value of 0.261E+09 Pa, a maximum equivalent stress value of 0.537E+09 Pa, and a ratio of 0.48, which conforms to the equivalent stress criterion. In addition, the fitting curve of this model can adapt to various models and has higher practical value. However, the stress distribution of the elliptical and parabolic pressure vessels is uneven, and their applicability is poor. In the future, further exploration can be conducted on the application of the fitting curve model in composite materials to optimize the design of pressure vessels. This study provides important theoretical support and practical guidance for the design of composite material pressure vessels.

Research advance in wood composites in China

Wood composites can generally be classified in three parts: laminated composites, mixed composites and penetrated composites. Every part has its own characteristic and can be further divided. This paper introduces the history and the state of development of wood composites in China. The research about glue-laminated timber is rare and the industry hardly comes to being. A great of achievements have been obtained in mixed composites and it is well industrialized. Many studies on scrimber have been done and the Chinese researchers are looking for a feasible way to develop the scrimber industry in China. Chinese researchers also spent so much energy in studying wood plastic composites (WPC), but it has not been industrialized due to the high cost.

A High Efficiency Hardware Implementation of S-Boxes Based on Composite Field for Advanced Encryption Standard

The SubBytes (S-box) transformation is the most crucial operation in the AES algorithm, significantly impacting the implementation performance of AES chips. To design a high-performance S-box, a segmented optimization implementation of the S-box is proposed based on the composite field inverse operation in this paper. This proposed S-box implementation is modeled using Verilog language and synthesized using Design Complier software under the premise of ensuring the correctness of the simulation result. The synthesis results show that, compared to several current S-box implementation schemes, the proposed implementation of the S-box significantly reduces the area overhead and critical path delay, then gets higher hardware efficiency. This provides strong support for realizing efficient and compact S-box ASIC designs.

A Review of Recent Advances in Hybrid Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites(NFRCs)have demonstrated great potential for many different applications in various industries due to their advantages compared to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites,such as low environmental impact and low cost.However,one of the drawbacks is that the NFRCs present relatively low mechanical properties and the absorption of humidity due to the hydrophilic characteristic of the natural fibre.One method to increase their performance is hybridization.Therefore,understanding the properties and potential of using multiple reinforcement’s materials to develop hybrid composites is of great interest.This paper provides an overview of the recent advances in hybrid natural fiber reinforced polymer composites.First,the main factors that affect the performance of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites were briefly discussed.The effect of hybridization on the mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composites reinforced with several types of natural fibers(i.e.,sisal,jute,curauá,ramie,banana,etc.)or natural fibers combined with synthetic fibers is pre-sented.Finally,the water absorption behaviour of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites is also discussed.It was con-cluded that the main challenges that need to be addressed in order to increase the use of natural-natural or natural-synthetic hybrid composites in industry are the poor adhesion between natural fibers and matrix,thermal stability and moisture absorption of natural fibers.Some of these challenges were addressed by recent develop-ment in fibers treatment and modification,and product innovation(hybridization).

Advancements and Challenges in Organic–Inorganic Composite Solid Electrolytes for All‑Solid‑State Lithium Batteries

To address the limitations of contemporary lithium-ion batteries,particularly their low energy density and safety concerns,all-solid-state lithium batteries equipped with solid-state electrolytes have been identified as an up-and-coming alternative.Among the various SEs,organic–inorganic composite solid electrolytes(OICSEs)that combine the advantages of both polymer and inorganic materials demonstrate promising potential for large-scale applications.However,OICSEs still face many challenges in practical applications,such as low ionic conductivity and poor interfacial stability,which severely limit their applications.This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research advancements in OICSEs.Specifically,the influence of inorganic fillers on the main functional parameters of OICSEs,including ionic conductivity,Li+transfer number,mechanical strength,electrochemical stability,electronic conductivity,and thermal stability are systematically discussed.The lithium-ion conduction mechanism of OICSE is thoroughly analyzed and concluded from the microscopic perspective.Besides,the classic inorganic filler types,including both inert and active fillers,are categorized with special emphasis on the relationship between inorganic filler structure design and the electrochemical performance of OICSEs.Finally,the advanced characterization techniques relevant to OICSEs are summarized,and the challenges and perspectives on the future development of OICSEs are also highlighted for constructing superior ASSLBs.

Ceramic particles reinforced copper matrix composites manufactured by advanced powder metallurgy:preparation, performance, and mechanisms

Copper matrix composites doped with ceramic particles are known to effectively enhance the mechanical properties,thermal expansion behavior and high-temperature stability of copper while maintaining high thermal and electrical conductivity.This greatly expands the applications of copper as a functional material in thermal and conductive components,including electronic packaging materials and heat sinks,brushes,integrated circuit lead frames.So far,endeavors have been focusing on how to choose suitable ceramic components and fully exert strengthening effect of ceramic particles in the copper matrix.This article reviews and analyzes the effects of preparation techniques and the characteristics of ceramic particles,including ceramic particle content,size,morphology and interfacial bonding,on the diathermancy,electrical conductivity and mechanical behavior of copper matrix composites.The corresponding models and influencing mechanisms are also elaborated in depth.This review contributes to a deep understanding of the strengthening mechanisms and microstructural regulation of ceramic particle reinforced copper matrix composites.By more precise design and manipulation of composite microstructure,the comprehensive properties could be further improved to meet the growing demands of copper matrix composites in a wide range of application fields.

Mechanics of advanced fiber reinforced lattice composites

Fiber reinforced lattice composites are lightweight attractive due to their high specific strength and specific stiffness.In the past 10 years,researchers developed three-dimensional（3D） lattice trusses and two-dimensional （2D） lattice grids by various methods including interlacing, weaving,interlocking,filament winding and molding hot- press.The lattice composites have been applied in the fields of radar cross-section reduction,explosive absorption and heat-resistance. In this paper,topologies of the lattice composites, their manufacturing routes,as well as their mechanical and multifunctional applications,were surveyed.

Recent advances on 3D printing graphene-based composites

3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the way of manufacturing by designing complex structures in a customized feature which cannot be realized by traditional processing methods. Incoming materials are trying to adopt 3D printing techniques which directly fabricate sophisticated entities with multifunctionality like mechanical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties etc. For the realization of advanced materials, 3D printing techniques are emerging from single material to composite materials manufacturing by simply introducing the nano- and micro-reinforcements with the matrix. In this review, we provide an outline of 3D printing graphene-based composites according to various AM techniques including fused deposition modeling (FDM), direct ink writing (DIW), stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS). First a brief introduction of various AM techniques is given to get a basic understanding of the principles of 3D printing, and then the fabrication process, structural characteristics and applications of different 3D printing techniques for graphene-based composites are summarized. In addition, some effective simulation and characterization methods are also included. We hope that this review would clarify the potential of AM techniques for composite materials and can open new prospects for designing of novel materials.

Recent advances in multi-layer composite polymeric membranes for CO_2 separation: A review

The development of multilayer composite membranes for CO_2 separation has gained increasing attention due to the desire for energy efficient technologies. Multilayer composite membranes have many advantages, including the possibility to optimize membrane materials independently by layers according to their different functions and to reduce the overall transport resistance by using ultrathin selective layers, and less limitations on the material mechanical properties and processability. A comprehensive review is required to capture details of the progresses that have already been achieved in developing multilayer composite membranes with improved CO_2 separation performance in the past 15-20 years.In this review, various composite membrane preparation methods were compared, advances in composite membranes for CO_2/CH_4 separation,CO_2/N_2 and CO_2/H_2 separation were summarized with detailed data, and challenges facing for the CO_2 separation using composite membranes,such as aging, plasticization and long-term stability, were discussed. Finally the perspectives and future research directions for composite membranes were presented.

Nonlinear stability of advanced sandwich cylindrical shells comprising porous functionally graded material and carbon nanotube reinforced composite layers under elevated temperature

The nonlinear stability of sandwich cylindrical shells comprising porous functionally graded material(FGM) and carbon nanotube reinforced composite(CNTRC)layers subjected to uniform temperature rise is investigated. Two sandwich models corresponding to CNTRC and FGM face sheets are proposed. Carbon nanotubes(CNTs) in the CNTRC layer are embedded into a matrix according to functionally graded distributions. The effects of porosity in the FGM and the temperature dependence of properties of all constituent materials are considered. The effective properties of the porous FGM and CNTRC are determined by using the modified and extended versions of a linear mixture rule, respectively. The basic equations governing the stability problem of thin sandwich cylindrical shells are established within the framework of the Donnell shell theory including the von K’arm’an-Donnell nonlinearity. These equations are solved by using the multi-term analytical solutions and the Galerkin method for simply supported shells.The critical buckling temperatures and postbuckling paths are determined through an iteration procedure. The study reveals that the sandwich shell model with a CNTRC core layer and relatively thin porous FGM face sheets can have the best capacity of thermal load carrying. In addition, unlike the cases of mechanical loads, porosities have beneficial effects on the nonlinear stability of sandwich shells under the thermal load. It is suggested that an appropriate combination of advantages of FGM and CNTRC can result in optimal efficiency for advanced sandwich structures.

Recent advances in catalytic combustion of AP-based composite solid propellants

Composite solid propellants(CSPs) have widely been used as main energy source for propelling the rockets in both space and military applications. Internal ballistic parameters of rockets like characteristic exhaust velocity, specific impulse, thrust, burning rate etc., are measured to assess and control the performance of rocket motors. The burn rate of solid propellants has been considered as most vital parameter for design of solid rocket motors to meet specific mission requirements. The burning rate of solid propellants can be tailored by using different constituents, extent of oxidizer loading and its particle size and more commonly by incorporating suitable combustion catalysts. Various metal oxides(MOs),complexes, metal powders and metal alloys have shown positive catalytic behaviour during the combustion of CSPs. These are usually solid-state catalysts that play multiple roles in combustion of CSPs such as reduction in activation energy, enhancement of rate of reaction, modification of sequences in reaction-phase, influence on condensed-phase combustion and participation in combustion process in gas-phase reactions. The application of nanoscale catalysts in CSPs has increased considerably in recent past due to their superior catalytic properties as compared to their bulk-sized counterparts. A large surface-to-volume ratio and quantum size effect of nanocatalysts are considered to be plausible reasons for improving the combustion characteristics of propellants. Several efforts have been made to produce nanoscale combustion catalysts for advanced propellant formulations to improve their energetics. The work done so far is largely scattered. In this review, an effort has been made to introduce various combustion catalysts having at least a metallic entity. Recent developments of nanoscale combustion catalysts with their specific merits are discussed. The combustion chemistry of a typical CSP is briefly discussed for providing a better understanding on role of combustion catalysts in burning rate enhancement. Available information on different types of combustion nanocatalysts is also presented with critical comments.

Tempura-like carbon/carbon composite as advanced anode materials for K-ion batteries

Graphite as a promising anode candidate of K-ion batteries(KIBs)has been increasingly studied currently,but corresponding rate performance and cycling stability are usually inferior to amorphous carbon materials.To protect the layer structure and further boost performance,tempura-like carbon/carbon nanocomposite of graphite@pitch-derived S-doped carbon(G@PSC)is designed and prepared by a facile and low-temperature modified molten salt method.This robust encapsulation structure makes their respective advantages complementary to each other,showing mutual promotion of electrochemical performances caused by synergy effect.As a result,the G@PSC electrode is applied in KIBs,delivering impressive rate capabilities(465,408,370,332,290,and 227 m A h g^(-1)at 0.05,0.2,0.5,1,2,and 5 A g^(-1))and ultralong cyclic stability(163 m A g^(-1)remaining even after 8000 cycles at 2 A g^(-1)).On basis of ex-situ studies,the sectionalized K-storage mechanism with adsorption(pseudocapacitance caused by S doping)-intercalation(pitch-derived carbon and graphite)pattern is revealed.Moreover,the exact insights into remarkable rate performances are taken by electrochemical kinetics tests and density functional theory calculation.In a word,this study adopts a facile method to synthesize high-performance carbon/carbon nanocomposite and is of practical significance for development of carbonaceous anode in KIBs.

Recent advances of composite electrolytes for solid-state Li batteries

All-solid-state lithium batteries(ASSLBs)are recognized as high energy density batteries system without safety issues within the next generation of batteries.The development of solid electrolytes is the crucial step of ASSLBs.The composite electrolyte has stable physical and electrochemical characteristics,and its comprehensive performance surpasses the individual solid electrolyte,bringing unique vitality to the solid electrolyte.However,their intrinsic weakness limits the development of composite electrolytes.In this review,we provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities of composite electrolytes,with special focus on mechanisms of ion transport,nanostructure design towards high ionic conductivity,interfacial issues within electrolytes and electrodes.Furthermore,future development is prospected,which can shed light on researchers in this field and accelerate the industrial production of composite electrolytes.

Interface-dominated mechanical behavior in advanced metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites(MMCs)incorporate a reinforcing or functional secondary phase into a metal matrix to achieve specific properties.Of the parameters which may affect the mechanical behavior of MMCs,the structure and properties of the reinforcement/matrix interface play a crucial role.This article reviews recent developments in measuring the interfacial properties in advanced MMCs,with an emphasis on the use of micro-/nano-mechanical testing approaches.It is shown that,with the novel in situ and ex situ experimental capability,researchers can now obtain some of the critical interfacial properties as well as the effects of reinforcement/matrix interfaces on the composites’deformation and failure mechanisms that were unattainable previously by conventional methodologies.Moreover,the micro-/nano-mechanical testing platform allows for both fundamental and applied research on the composites’mechanical performance under service conditions,which is considered a promising and emerging research direction.

Characterization of Formacell Lignin Derived from Black Liquor as a Potential Green Additive for Advanced Biocomposites

Black liquor is obtained as a by-product of the pulping process,which is used to convert biomass into pulp by removing lignin,hemicelluloses and other extractives from wood to free cellulose fibers.Lignin represents a major constituent in black liquor,with quantities varying from 20%to 30%,of which a very low share is used for manufacturing value-added products,while the rest is mainly burned for energy purposes,thus underestimating its great potential as a raw material.Therefore,it is essential to establish new isolation and extraction methods to increase lignin valorization in the development of bio-based chemicals.The aim of this research work was to determine the effect of KOH or ethanol concentration as an isolation agent on lignin yields and the chemical characteristics of lignin isolated from formacell black liquor of oil palm empty fruit bunch(OPEFB).Isolation of lignin was carried out using KOH with various concentrations ranging from 5%to 15%(w/v).Ethanol was also used to precipitate lignin from black liquor at concentrations varying from 5%to 30%(v/v).The results obtained showed that the addition of KOH solution at 12.5%and 15%concentrations resulted in better lignin yield and chemical properties of lignin,i.e.,pH values of 3.86 and 4.27,lignin yield of 12.78%and 14.95%,methoxyl content of 11.33%and 10.13%,and lignin equivalent weights of 476.25 and 427.03,respectively.Due to its phenolic structure and rich functional groups that are favorable for modifications,lignin has the potential to be used as a green additive in the development of advanced biocomposite products in various applications to replace current fossil fuel-based material,ranging from fillers,fire retardants,formaldehyde scavengers,carbon fibers,aerogels,and wood adhesives.

A Mini-Review and Perspective on Current Best Practice and Emerging Industry 4.0 Methods for Risk Reduction in Advanced Composites Manufacturing

The manufacturing of composite structures is a highly complex task with inevitable risks, particularly associated with aleatoric and epistemic uncertainty of both the materials and processes, as well as the need for in-situ decision-making to mitigate defects during manufacturing. In the context of aerospace composites production in particular, there is a heightened impetus to address and reduce this risk. Current qualification and substantiation frameworks within the aerospace industry define tractable methods for risk reduction. In parallel, Industry 4.0 is an emerging set of technologies and tools that can enable better decision-making towards risk reduction, supported by data-driven models. It offers new paradigms for manufacturers, by virtue of enabling in-situ decisions for optimizing the process as a dynamic system. However, the static nature of current (pre-Industry 4.0) best-practice frameworks may be viewed as at odds with this emerging novel approach. In addition, many of the predictive tools leveraged in an Industry 4.0 system are black-box in nature, which presents other concerns of tractability, interpretability and ultimately risk. This article presents a perspective on the current state-of-the-art in the aerospace composites industry focusing on risk reduction in the autoclave processing, as an example system, while reviewing current trends and needs towards a Composites 4.0 future.