Efficient and selective removal of Pb(Ⅱ) from landfill leachate using L-serine-modified polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric synthesized via radiation grafting technique

In this study,to efficiently remove Pb(Ⅱ) from aqueous environments,a novel L-serine-modified polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric sorbent(NWF-serine)was fabricated through the radiation grafting of glycidyl methacrylate and subsequent L-serine modification.The effect of the absorbed dose was investigated in the range of 5–50 kGy.NWF-serine was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,thermogravimetric analysis,and scanning electron microscopy.Batch adsorption tests were conducted to investigate the influences of pH,adsorption time,temperature,initial concentration,and sorbent dosage on the Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption performance of NWF-serine.The results indicated that Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption onto NWF-serine was an endothermic process,following the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model.The saturated adsorption capacity was 198.1 mg/g.NWF-serine exhibited Pb(Ⅱ) removal rates of 99.8% for aqueous solutions with initial concentrations of 100 mg/L and 82.1% for landfill leachate containing competitive metal ions such as Cd,Cu,Ni,Mn,and Zn.Furthermore,NWF-serine maintained 86% of its Pb(Ⅱ) uptake after five use cycles.The coordination of the carboxyl and amino groups with Pb(Ⅱ) was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis.

Polyethylene glycol fusion repair of severed rat sciatic nerves reestablishes axonal continuity and reorganizes sensory terminal fields in the spinal cord

Peripheral nerve injuries result in the rapid degeneration of distal nerve segments and immediate loss of motor and sensory functions;behavioral recovery is typically poor.We used a plasmalemmal fusogen,polyethylene glycol(PEG),to immediately fuse closely apposed open ends of severed proximal and distal axons in rat sciatic nerves.We have previously reported that sciatic nerve axons repaired by PEG-fusion do not undergo Wallerian degeneration,and PEG-fused animals exhibit rapid(within 2–6 weeks)and extensive locomotor recovery.Furthermore,our previous report showed that PEG-fusion of severed sciatic motor axons was non-specific,i.e.,spinal motoneurons in PEG-fused animals were found to project to appropriate as well as inappropriate target muscles.In this study,we examined the consequences of PEG-fusion for sensory axons of the sciatic nerve.Young adult male and female rats(Sprague–Dawley)received either a unilateral single cut or ablation injury to the sciatic nerve and subsequent repair with or without(Negative Control)the application of PEG.Compound action potentials recorded immediately after PEG-fusion repair confirmed conduction across the injury site.The success of PEG-fusion was confirmed through Sciatic Functional Index testing with PEG-fused animals showing improvement in locomotor function beginning at 35 days postoperatively.At 2–42 days postoperatively,we anterogradely labeled sensory afferents from the dorsal aspect of the hindpaw following bilateral intradermal injection of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase.PEG-fusion repair reestablished axonal continuity.Compared to unoperated animals,labeled sensory afferents ipsilateral to the injury in PEG-fused animals were found in the appropriate area of the dorsal horn,as well as inappropriate mediolateral and rostrocaudal areas.Unexpectedly,despite having intact peripheral nerves,similar reorganizations of labeled sensory afferents were also observed contralateral to the injury and repair.This central reorganization may contribute to the improved behavioral recovery seen after PEG-fusion repair,supporting the use of this novel repair methodology over currently available treatments.

Polyethylene glycol has immunoprotective effects on sciatic allografts, but behavioral recovery and graft tolerance require neurorrhaphy and axonal fusion

Behavioral recovery using(viable)peripheral nerve allografts to repair ablation-type(segmental-loss)peripheral nerve injuries is delayed or poor due to slow and inaccurate axonal regeneration.Furthermore,such peripheral nerve allografts undergo immunological rejection by the host immune system.In contrast,peripheral nerve injuries repaired by polyethylene glycol fusion of peripheral nerve allografts exhibit excellent behavioral recovery within weeks,reduced immune responses,and many axons do not undergo Wallerian degeneration.The relative contribution of neurorrhaphy and polyethylene glycol-fusion of axons versus the effects of polyethylene glycol per se was unknown prior to this study.We hypothesized that polyethylene glycol might have some immune-protective effects,but polyethylene glycol-fusion was necessary to prevent Wallerian degeneration and functional/behavioral recovery.We examined how polyethylene glycol solutions per se affect functional and behavioral recovery and peripheral nerve allograft morphological and immunological responses in the absence of polyethylene glycol-induced axonal fusion.Ablation-type sciatic nerve injuries in outbred Sprague–Dawley rats were repaired according to a modified protocol using the same solutions as polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts,but peripheral nerve allografts were loose-sutured(loose-sutured polyethylene glycol)with an intentional gap of 1–2 mm to prevent fusion by polyethylene glycol of peripheral nerve allograft axons with host axons.Similar to negative control peripheral nerve allografts not treated by polyethylene glycol and in contrast to polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts,animals with loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts exhibited Wallerian degeneration for all axons and myelin degeneration by 7 days postoperatively and did not recover sciatic-mediated behavioral functions by 42 days postoperatively.Other morphological signs of rejection,such as collapsed Schwann cell basal lamina tubes,were absent in polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts but commonly observed in negative control and loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts at 21 days postoperatively.Loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts had more pro-inflammatory and less anti-inflammatory macrophages than negative control peripheral nerve allografts.While T cell counts were similarly high in loose-sutured-polyethylene glycol and negative control peripheral nerve allografts,loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts expressed some cytokines/chemokines important for T cell activation at much lower levels at 14 days postoperatively.MHCI expression was elevated in loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts,but MHCII expression was modestly lower compared to negative control at 21 days postoperatively.We conclude that,while polyethylene glycol per se reduces some immune responses of peripheral nerve allografts,successful polyethylene glycol-fusion repair of some axons is necessary to prevent Wallerian degeneration of those axons and immune rejection of peripheral nerve allografts,and produce recovery of sensory/motor functions and voluntary behaviors.Translation of polyethylene glycol-fusion technologies would produce a paradigm shift from the current clinical practice of waiting days to months to repair ablation peripheral nerve injuries.

Polyethylene glycol fusion repair of severed sciatic nerves accelerates recovery of nociceptive sensory perceptions in male and female rats of different strains

Successful polyethylene glycol fusion(PEG-fusion)of severed axons following peripheral nerve injuries for PEG-fused axons has been reported to:(1)rapidly restore electrophysiological continuity;(2)prevent distal Wallerian Degeneration and maintain their myelin sheaths;(3)promote primarily motor,voluntary behavioral recoveries as assessed by the Sciatic Functional Index;and,(4)rapidly produce correct and incorrect connections in many possible combinations that produce rapid and extensive recovery of functional peripheral nervous system/central nervous system connections and reflex(e.g.,toe twitch)or voluntary behaviors.The preceding companion paper describes sensory terminal field reo rganization following PEG-fusion repair of sciatic nerve transections or ablations;howeve r,sensory behavioral recovery has not been explicitly explored following PEG-fusion repair.In the current study,we confirmed the success of PEG-fusion surgeries according to criteria(1-3)above and more extensively investigated whether PEG-fusion enhanced mechanical nociceptive recovery following sciatic transection in male and female outbred Sprague-Dawley and inbred Lewis rats.Mechanical nociceptive responses were assessed by measuring withdrawal thresholds using von Frey filaments on the dorsal and midplantar regions of the hindpaws.Dorsal von Frey filament tests were a more reliable method than plantar von Frey filament tests to assess mechanical nociceptive sensitivity following sciatic nerve transections.Baseline withdrawal thresholds of the sciatic-mediated lateral dorsal region differed significantly across strain but not sex.Withdrawal thresholds did not change significantly from baseline in chronic Unoperated and Sham-operated rats.Following sciatic transection,all rats exhibited severe hyposensitivity to stimuli at the lateral dorsal region of the hindpaw ipsilateral to the injury.However,PEG-fused rats exhibited significantly earlier return to baseline withdrawal thresholds than Negative Control rats.Furthermore,PEG-fused rats with significantly improved Sciatic Functional Index scores at or after 4 weeks postoperatively exhibited yet-earlier von Frey filament recove ry compared with those without Sciatic Functional Index recovery,suggesting a correlation between successful PEG-fusion and both motor-dominant and sensory-dominant behavioral recoveries.This correlation was independent of the sex or strain of the rat.Furthermore,our data showed that the acceleration of von Frey filament sensory recovery to baseline was solely due to the PEG-fused sciatic nerve and not saphenous nerve collateral outgrowths.No chronic hypersensitivity developed in any rat up to 12 weeks.All these data suggest that PEG-fusion repair of transection peripheral nerve injuries co uld have important clinical benefits.

Industrial-Scale Polypropylene–Polyethylene Physical Alloying Toward Recycling

Polypropylene(PP)and polyethylene(PE)play central roles in our daily life.However,their immiscibility presents a major hurdle in both industry and academia when recycling them into alloys with favorable mechanical properties.Moreover,typical compatibilizer-enabled approaches are limited due to increased environmental concerns.Herein,inspired by a traditional Chinese technique,we report a facile,industry-scale methodology that produces a PP/PE binary blend with a highly ordered honeycomb nanostructure without any additives.Due to its nanostructure,the blend exhibits enhanced tensile properties in com-parison with the parent components or with a sample prepared using an internal mixer.This approach has potential for applications not only in immiscible polymer blending,but also in non-sorting,compatibilizer-free waste plastics recycling.Through this technique,we expect that an environmentally friendly and sustainable plastic wastes recycling avenue can be found,and great economic benefits can be gained.

High Efficieney Synthesis of Isotaetie Polypropylene and Linear Polyethylene Using a New C_2-symmetric Carbon-bridged Zirconocene Catalyst

Ansa-Cyclohexyl-bis（4,5,6,7-tertrahydro-l-indenyl） zirconium dichloride （5） was used as catalyst for propylene and ethylene polymerization together with methyl aluminoxane （MAO） as the cocatalyst. Isotactic polypropylene （PP） was obtained with the highest activity of 6.37× 107g PP （molZr）^-1h^-1. The mesomeso （mmmmm） pentads sequence content of PP was determined by 13C NMR spectroscopy. The dependence of the microstructure on the reaction temperature and the AI/Zr molar ratio was examined and the catalytic activity of complex 5 was compared with that of the similar ansa-zirconocene 3. The high activity of the new zirconocene 5 for propylene isospectic polymerization at high temperature （60℃） is the result of its unique bridged-group structure. Complex 5/MAO displays also high catalytic activity of 0.46× 10^6 to 9.87× 10^6g PE（molZr）^-h^-in the homo-polymerization of ethylene, The visometric molecular weight of PE ranges from 0.97×10^4 to 11.16×10^4 g.mol^- under the given conditions.^13C NMR spectroscopy analysis proves the PE to be linear polyethylene （LPE）.

Toughening wood/polypropylene composites with polyethylene octene elastomer (POE)

Polyethylene octene elastomer (POE) as impact modifier was incorporated into wood/polypropylene composites (WPC) to enhance the impact strength of the composite. Two extruding routes, i.e. direct extruding route and two-stage extruding route, were adopted to produce Wood Powder/PP/POE ternary composites. The mechanical and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of POE can increase the impact strength of the composites, and the composites produced via two-stage extruding route showed superior mechanical properties. The results of the DMA confirmed the mechanical tests.

Mechanical, Thermal and Crystallization Properties of Polypropylene (PP) Reinforced Composites with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as Matrix

Our work aims to evaluate a complete outlook of virgin high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) polyblends. Virgin PP of 20, 30 and 50 weight% is compounded with virgin HDPE. The properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, Izod impact strength are examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarised light microscopy (PLM) are used to observe the surface and crystal morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests verify the non compatibility of both polymers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques are used to study the thermal behaviour of composites. The results manifest co-occurring spherulites for polyblends;indicating the composite to be a physical blend of continuous and dispersed phases, but on the other hand PP improves the tensile and flexural properties of HDPE.

TIME-DEPENDENT MORPHOLOGY OF POLYETHYLENE-POLYPROPYLENE BLENDS

The effect of time-temperature treatment on morphology of polyethylene-polypropylene (PE-PP) blends wasstudied to establish a relationship between thermal history, morphology and mechanical properties. Polypropylene (PP)homopolymers were used to blend with various polyethylenes (PE), including high density polyethylene (HDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and very and ultra low density polyethylene(VLDPE and ULDPE). The majority of the blends were prepared at a ratio of PE:PP = 80:20, while blends of PP and LLDPEwere prepared at various compositions. Thermal treatment was carried out at temperatures between the crystallizationtemperatures of PP and PEs to allow PP to crystallize first from the blends. On cooling further, PE crystallized too. A verydiffuse PP spherulite morphology in the PE matrix was formed in some partially miscible blends when PP was less than 20%by mass. Droplet-matrix structures were developed in other blends with either PP or PE as dispersed domains in a continuousmatrix, depending on the composition ratio. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed a fibrillar structureof PP spherulite in the LLDPE-PP (80:20) and large droplets of PP in the HDPE-PP (80:20) blend, providing larger surfacearea and better bonding in the LLDPE-PP (80:20) blends. This explains why the blends with diffuse spherulite morphologyshowed greater improvement in tensile properties than droplet-matrix morphology blends after time-temperature treatment.

Temperature Effect on the Conformation Transition of Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Polypropylene Blends Undergoing Continuous Volume Extensional Flow:A Mesoscopic Simulation

Due to the multiformity and complexity of chain conformation under external flow and the challenge of systematically investigating the transient conformation and dynamic evolution process of polymer chains at the molecular level by means of present experimental techniques,a universal description of both chain conformation and dynamics with respect to continuous volume extensional flow(CVEF)is still absent.Taking into account the temperature effect,we performed dissipative particle dynamics(DPD)simulations with the particles corresponding to the repeat units of polymers over a wide temperature range and analyzed the correlation with the conformational properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene/polypropylene(UHMWPE/PP)blend in response to the CVEF.With time evolution,the polymer chains become highly oriented parallel to the flow direction instead of the initial random coiling and self-aggregation.It is found that a high temperature is necessary for more substantial compactness to take place than low temperature.The low-k plateau and low-k peak in structure factor S(k)curves suggest a low degree of conformational diversity and a high degree of chain stretching.It is also concluded that the intra-molecular C-C bond interaction is the main driving force for the dynamics process of the chain conformations undergoing CVEF,where the motion of the alkyl chains is seriously restricted owing to the increase in bond interaction potential,resulting in a reduction of the difference in diffusion rates among alkyl chains.

Catalytic Degradation of Mixed Polypropylene, Low and High Density Polyethylene into Environmental Friendly and Useful Products

Using novel catalyst the pyrolysis of mixed plastics has been considered as an effective way to convert waste plastics into environmental friendly and industrially useful hydrocarbon gas and liquid products. Catalytic cracking is a promising alternative for plastic wastes recycling. More than 99% of a polymer mixed converted into combustible hydrocarbon in a catalytic converting reaction. The products are mainly middle distillates. In this work equally weighted mixed HDPE （high density polyethylene）, LDPE （low density polyethylene） and Polypropylene were degraded. The reaction occurred in a semi batch reactor at several temperatures and catalyst/polymer ratios in search for an optimum operating condition. The products are liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons with minor of residue. The liquid and gas products were in the range of middle distillate cuts of gasoline, kerosene and gas oil. Finally, with a metallic base, yielded 99.5% of given mixed to valuable middle distillate products that include 86% liquid hydrocarbon and 13.5% gas, ranging between C1 and C5 with less percent of residue. The optimum condition for this yield reports at a temperature of 450 ℃ and 10% of catalyst w/w at atmosphere pressure.

Preparation and Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Chlorinated Polyethylene Reinforced Polypropylene Foam

The foamed polypropylene（PP） with excellent mechanical and thermal insulating properties was reinforced by blending chlorinated polyethylene（CPE）, followed by compression molding foaming in cross-link. The effects of CPE on the foaming behavior, thermal and mechanical properties of the foamed PP were studied by the measurements of density, thermal conductivity, Vicat softening temperature, tensile strength, impact strength and SEM. The results showed that the foamed PP got the best properties when the weight ratio of CPE/PP was 20 wt%. The density of the obtained foamed PP was as low as 0.37 g/cm^3, the impact strength was 16.5 kJ/m^2, the tensile strength was 17.7 MPa, the thermal conductivity was 0.035 W/（m·K）, and the Vicat softening temperature was 112 ℃.

Agglomeration of coal and polyethylene mixtures during fixed‑bed co‑gasification

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the gasification of mixtures of brown coal and polyethylene(up to 20 wt%fraction)in a laboratory reactor.The work aims to study the agglomeration process during the heating and oxidation of the mixtures.The measurement results(gas composition,pressure drop)provide indirect information on the dynamics of thermal decomposition and structural changes in the fuel bed.We have shown that the interaction between polyethylene and a coal surface leads to the formation of dense agglomerates,in which the molten polymer acts as a binder.Clinkers form as a result of interfacial interactions between components and filtration flow rearranging.The hydrogen/carbon ratio in the solid residue of coal-polyethylene co-gasification increases from 0.07–0.2 to 1.11,indicating the formation of stable hydrocarbon compounds on the carbon surface.The conducted research makes it possible to identify possible interactions between chemical reactions and transfer processes that lead to agglomeration in mixtures of coal with polyethylene.

Brønsted-acid sites induced photocatalytic cracking of low-polarity polyethylene plastics

Polyolefins such as polyethylene(PE)are one of the largest-scale synthetic plastics and play a key role in modern society.However,polyethylene is extremely inert to chemical recycling owing to its lack of chemical functionality and low polarity,making it one of the most challenging environmental hazards globally.Herein,we developed a phosphorylated CeO_(2)catalyst by an organophosphate precursor and featured efficient photocatalysis of low-density polyethylene(LDPE)without the acid or alkaline pre-treatment.Compared to pristine CeO_(2),the surface phosphorylation allows to introduce Brønsted acid sites,which facilitate to form carbonium ions on LDPE via protonation.In addition,the suitable band structure of the phosphorylated CeO_(2)catalyst enables efficient photoabsorption and generates reactive oxygen species,leading to the C–C bond cleavage of LDPE.As a result,the phosphorylated CeO_(2)catalyst exhibited an outstanding carbon conversion rate of>94%after 48 h of photocatalysis under 50 mW/cm^(2)of simulated sunlight,with a high CO_(2)product selectivity of>99%.Furthermore,the PE microparticles with sizes larger than 10μm released from LDPE plastic wrap were directly and completely degraded by photocatalysis within 12 h,suggesting an attractive and environmentally benign strategy of utilizing solar energy-based photocatalysis for reducing potential hazards of LDPE plastic trashes.

Molecular Dynamics-Based Simulation of Polyethylene Pipe Degradation in High Temperature and High Pressure Conditions

High-density polyethylene(HDPE)pipes have gradually become the first choice for gas networks because of their excellent characteristics.As the use of pipes increases,there will unavoidably be a significant amount of waste generated when the pipes cease their operation life,which,if improperly handled,might result in major environmental contamination issues.In this study,the thermal degradation of polyethylene materials is simulated for different pressures(10,50,100,and 150 MPa)and temperatures(2300,2500,2700,and 2900 K)in the framework of Reactive Force Field(ReaxFF)molecular dynamics simulation.The main gas products,density,energy,and the mean square displacement with temperature and pressure are also calculated.The findings indicate that raising the temperature leads to an increase in the production of gas products,while changing the pressure has an impact on the direction in which the products are generated;the faster the temperature drops,the less dense the air;both temperature and pressure increase impact the system’s energy conversion or distribution mechanism,changing the system’s potential energy as well as its total energy;the rate at which molecules diffuse increases with temperature,and decreases with pressure.The results of this investigation provide a theoretical basis for the development of the pyrolytic treatment of polyethylene waste materials.

Comparison between local-made and imported porous polyethylene orbital implant:a randomized controlled equivalence trial and multicenter study

AIM:To compare the exposure rate,infection rate,percentage of enhancement,and success rate between Medpor and the three-dimensional printed polyethylene(3DP-PE)orbital implant in a preliminary report.METHODS:This prospective,randomized,equivalence,controlled trial was conducted at two institutes.The equivalent margin was±10%.The sample size for the equivalence trial was 174 participants per group.Patients who were eligible for enucleations received either Medpor or 3DP-PE implants based on a randomized block of six.The surgeries were performed by five oculoplastic surgeons.The assessor and patients were masked.The magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)of the orbit was performed at least 6mo after operation and the fibrovascular ingrowth was analyzed using the Image J software.Follow-up continued at least 1y after surgery.The intention to treat and per protocol approaches were used.RESULTS:Totally 128 patients met the criteria in the report.Fifty Medpor and 553DP-PE cases completed the trial.The most common cause of blindness was trauma.The mean follow-up times of Medpor and 3DP-PE were 33 and 40mo respectively.The exposure rate was not statistically significant between two groups(6.0%and 7.3%),P<0.05,95%CI(-9.8%,+12.0%).The success rates were 94%(Medpor)and 92.7%(3DP-PE).No postoperative infection was reported.Nine patients had MRI tests and two had implant exposures with 66.3% enhancement at 75mo(Medpor)and 58% enhancement at 57mo(3DP-PE)postoperatively.CONCLUSION:There is no statistically significant difference in exposure rate and success rate between Medpor and 3DP-PE in enucleation in the report.However,we cannot conclude that they are equivalent in terms of the exposure rate and success rate because the 95%CI is wider than±10%.The infection rate is equivalent in both groups.

Exploring the effect of cooling rate on non-isothermal crystallization of copolymer polypropylene by fast scanning calorimetry

Polypropylene is commonly used as a binder for ceramic injection molding,and rapid cooling is often encountered during processing.However,the crystallization behavior of polypropylene shows a strong dependence on cooling rate due to its semi-crystalline characteristics.Therefore,the influence of cooling rate on the quality of final product cannot be ignored.In this study,the fast differential scanning calorimetry(FSC)test was performed to study the influence of cooling rate on the non-isothermal crystallization behavior and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of a copolymer polypropylene(PP BC03B).The results show that the crystallization temperatures and crystallinity decrease as the cooling rate increases.In addition,two exothermic peaks occur when cooling rate ranges from 30 to 300 K·s^(-1),indicating the formation of another crystal phase.Avrami,Ozawa and Mo equations were used to explore the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics,and it can be concluded that the Mo method is suitable for this study.

Characterization and Modeling of Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Coconut Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

In the face of the increased global campaign to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases and the need for sustainability in manufacturing, there is a great deal of research focusing on environmentally benign and renewable materials as a substitute for synthetic and petroleum-based products. Natural fiber-reinforced polymeric composites have recently been proposed as a viable alternative to synthetic materials. The current work investigates the suitability of coconut fiber-reinforced polypropylene as a structural material. The coconut fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites were developed. Samples of coconut fiber/polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Tests were then conducted on the mechanical properties of the composites for different proportions of coconut fibers. The results obtained indicate that the composites loaded with 2 wt% exhibited the highest tensile and flexural strength, while the ones loaded with 3 wt% had the highest compression strength. The ultimate tensile and flexural strength at 2 wt% were determined to be 34.13 MPa and 70.47 MPa respectively. The compression strength at 3 wt% was found to be 37.88 MPa. Compared to pure polypropylene, the addition of coconut fibers increased the tensile, flexural, and compression strength of the composite. In the study, an artificial neural network model was proposed to predict the mechanical properties of polymeric composites based on the proportion of fibers. The model was found to predict data with high accuracy.

Comparative impact behaviours of ultra high performance concrete columns reinforced with polypropylene vs steel fibres

Polypropylene(PP) fibres have primarily used to control shrinkage cracks or mitigate explosive spalling in concrete structures exposed to fire or subjected to impact/blast loads, with limited investigations on capacity improvement. This study unveils the possibility of using PP micro-fibres to improve the impact behaviour of fibre-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete(FRUHPC) columns. Results show that the addition of fibres significantly improves the impact behaviour of FRUHPC columns by shifting the failure mechanism from brittle shear to favourable flexural failure. The addition of steel or PP fibres affected the impact responses differently. Steel fibres considerably increased the peak impact force(up to 18%) while PP micro-fibres slightly increased the peak(3%-4%). FRUHPC significantly reduced the maximum midheight displacement by up to 30%(under 20°impact) and substantially improved the displacement recovery by up to 100%(under 20° impact). FRUHPC with steel fibres significantly improved the energy absorption while those with PP micro-fibres reduced the energy absorption, which is different from the effect of PP-macro fibre reported in the literature. The optimal fibre content for micro-PP fibres is 1% due to its minimal fibre usage and low peak and residual displacement. This study highlights the potential of FRUHPC as a promising material for impact-resistant structures by creating a more favourable flexural failure mechanism, enhancing ductility and toughness under impact loading, and advancing the understanding of the role of fibres in structural performance.

Vertically aligned montmorillonite aerogel-encapsulated polyethylene glycol with directional heat transfer paths for efficient solar thermal energy harvesting and storage

The conversion and storage of photothermal energy using phase change materials(PCMs)represent an optimal approach for harnessing clean and sustainable solar energy.Herein,we encapsulated polyethylene glycol(PEG)in montmorillonite aerogels(3D-Mt)through vacuum impregnation to prepare 3D-Mt/PEG composite PCMs.When used as a support matrix,3D-Mt can effectively prevent PEG leakage and act as a flame-retardant barrier to reduce the flammability of PEG.Simultaneously,3D-Mt/PEG demonstrates outstanding shape retention,increased thermal energy storage density,and commendable thermal and chemical stability.The phase transition enthalpy of 3D-Mt/PEG can reach 167.53 J/g and remains stable even after 50 heating-cooling cycles.Furthermore,the vertical sheet-like structure of 3D-Mt establishes directional heat transport channels,facilitating efficient phonon transfer.This configuration results in highly anisotropic thermal conductivities that ensure swift thermal responses and efficient heat conduction.This study addresses the shortcomings of PCMs,including the issues of leakage and inadequate flame retardancy.It achieves the development and design of 3D-Mt/PEG with ultrahigh strength,superior flame retardancy,and directional heat transfer.Therefore,this work offers a design strategy for the preparation of high-performance composite PCMs.The 3D-Mt/PEG with vertically aligned and well-ordered array structure developed in this research shows great potential for thermal management and photothermal conversion applications.