Catalytic Performance of Carbon Smoke over Ag-LSCF Composite Catalysts

To improve the catalytic performance of La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.2)Fe_(0.8)O_(3)(LSCF)towards carbon soot,we utilized the impregnation method to incorporate Ag into the prepared LSCF catalyst.We conducted a series of characterization tests and evaluated the soot catalytic activity of the composite catalyst by comparing it with the LaCoO_(3) group,LaFeO_(3) group,and catalyst-free group.The results indicate that the Ag-LSCF composite catalyst exhibits the highest soot catalytic activity,with the characteristic temperature values of 376.3,431.1,and 473.9℃at 10%,50%,and 90%carbon soot conversion,respectively.These values are 24.8,20.2,and 23.1℃lower than those of the LSCF group.This also shows that LSCF can improve the catalytic activity of soot after compounding with Ag,and reflects the necessity of using catalysts in soot combustion reaction.XPS characterization and BET test show that Ag-LSCF has more abundant surface-adsorbed oxygen species,larger specific surface area and pore volume than LSCF,which also proves that Ag-LSCF has higher soot catalytic activity.

Graphene Aerogel Composites with Self‑Organized Nanowires‑Packed Honeycomb Structure for Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

With vigorous developments in nanotechnology,the elaborate regulation of microstructure shows attractive potential in the design of electromagnetic wave absorbers.Herein,a hierarchical porous structure and composite heterogeneous interface are constructed successfully to optimize the electromagnetic loss capacity.The macro–micro-synergistic graphene aerogel formed by the ice template‑assisted 3D printing strategy is cut by silicon carbide nanowires(SiC_(nws))grown in situ,while boron nitride(BN)interfacial structure is introduced on graphene nanoplates.The unique composite structure forces multiple scattering of incident EMWs,ensuring the combined effects of interfacial polarization,conduction networks,and magnetic-dielectric synergy.Therefore,the as-prepared composites present a minimum reflection loss value of−37.8 dB and a wide effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)of 9.2 GHz(from 8.8 to 18.0 GHz)at 2.5 mm.Besides,relying on the intrinsic high-temperature resistance of SiC_(nws) and BN,the EAB also remains above 5.0 GHz after annealing in air environment at 600℃ for 10 h.

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.

Moment Redistribution Effect of the Continuous Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer-Concrete Composite Slabs Based on Static Loading Experiment

This study aimed to investigate the moment redistribution in continuous glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP)-concrete composite slabs caused by concrete cracking and steel bar yielding in the negative bending moment zone.An experimental bending moment redistribution test was conducted on continuous GFRP-concrete composite slabs,and a calculation method based on the conjugate beam method was proposed.The composite slabs were formed by combining GFRP profiles with a concrete layer and supported on steel beams to create two-span continuous composite slab specimens.Two methods,epoxy resin bonding,and stud connection,were used to connect the composite slabs with the steel beams.The experimental findings showed that the specimen connected with epoxy resin exhibited two moments redistribution phenomena during the loading process:concrete cracking and steel bar yielding at the internal support.In contrast,the composite slab connected with steel beams by studs exhibited only one-moment redistribution phenomenon throughout the loading process.As the concrete at the internal support cracked,the bending moment decreased in the internal support section and increased in the midspan section.When the steel bars yielded,the bending moment further decreased in the internal support section and increased in the mid-span section.Since GFRP profiles do not experience cracking,there was no significant decrease in the bending moment of the mid-span section.All test specimens experienced compressive failure of concrete at the mid-span section.Calculation results showed good agreement between the calculated and experimental values of bending moments in the mid-span section and internal support section.The proposed model can effectively predict the moment redistribution behavior of continuous GFRP-concrete composite slabs.

Intricate interplay between shear stress and extrusion temperature in Mg−Al composite rods

The Mg−Al composite rods of aluminum core-reinforced magnesium alloy were prepared by the extrusion−shear(ES)process,and the microstructure,deformation mechanism,and mechanical properties of the Mg−Al composite rods were investigated at different extrusion temperatures and shear stresses.The experimental results show that the proportion of dynamic recrystallization(DRX)and texture for Al and Mg alloys are controlled by the combination of temperature and shear stress.The texture type of the Al alloys exhibits slight variations at different temperatures.With the increase of temperature,the DRX behavior of Mg alloy shifts from discontinuous DRX(DDRX),continuous DRX(CDRX),and twin-induced DRX(TDRX)dominant to CDRX,the dislocation density in Mg alloy grains decreases significantly,and the average value of Schmid factor(SF)of the basalslip system increases.In particular,partial grains exhibit a distinct dominant slip system at 390℃.The hardness and thickness of the bonding layer,as well as the yield strength and elongation of the Mg alloy,reach their maximum at 360℃as a result of the intricate influence of the combined temperature and shear stress.

Experimental investigation on the anti-detonation performance of composite structure containing foam geopolymer backfill material

The compression and energy absorption properties of foam geopolymers increase stress wave attenuation under explosion impacts,reducing the vibration effect on the structure.Explosion tests were conducted using several composite structure models,including a concrete lining structure(CLS)without foam geopolymer and six foam geopolymer composite structures(FGCS)with different backfill parameters,to study the dynamic response and wave dissipation mechanisms of FGCS under explosive loading.Pressure,strain,and vibration responses at different locations were synchronously tested.The damage modes and dynamic responses of different models were compared,and how wave elimination and energy absorption efficiencies were affected by foam geopolymer backfill parameters was analyzed.The results showed that the foam geopolymer absorbed and dissipated the impact energy through continuous compressive deformation under high strain rates and dynamic loading,reducing the strain in the liner structure by 52%and increasing the pressure attenuation rate by 28%.Additionally,the foam geopolymer backfill reduced structural vibration and liner deformation,with the FGCS structure showing 35%less displacement and 70%less acceleration compared to the CLS.The FGCS model with thicker,less dense foam geopolymer backfill,having more pores and higher porosity,demonstrated better compression and energy absorption under dynamic impact,increasing stress wave attenuation efficiency.By analyzing the stress wave propagation and the compression characteristics of the porous medium,it was concluded that the stress transfer ratio of FGCS-ρ-579 was 77%lower than that of CLS,and the transmitted wave energy was 90%lower.The results of this study provide a scientific basis for optimizing underground composite structure interlayer parameters.

Pushing the Boundaries of Starch Foams: Novel Laminar Composites with Paper Reinforcement

This work explores the development of biodegradable laminar composite foams for cushioning applications.The focus lies on overcoming the inherent brittleness of starch foams by incorporating various paper types as rein-forcement.Tapioca starch and glutinous starch were blended in varying ratios(100:0–0:100)to optimize the base material’s properties.The morphology,density,flexural strength,and impact strength of these starch blends were evaluated.The results revealed a trade-off between impact strength and density,with increasing glutinous starch content favoring impact resistance but also leading to higher density.The optimal ratio of tapioca to glutinous starch for achieving maximumflexural strength and modulus was determined to be 60:40.Theflexural strength of the composite material at this ratio reached a peak value of 5.3±0.6 MPa,significantly surpassing theflexural strength of pure tapioca foam,which was measured to be 3.5±0.4 MPa.Building on this foundation,novel lami-nar composite foams were fabricated using the 60:40 starch blend reinforced with mulberry paper,kraft paper,and newsprint paper.To enhance the interfacial adhesion between the starch matrix and paper reinforcement,a silane coupling agent was employed at a 10 wt%loading on the paper.The incorporation of paper reinforcement into starch foams was found to enhance their mechanical properties.Specifically,flexural strength values increased from 5.3±0.6 MPa for the unreinforced starch foam to 6.8±0.6 MPa,8.1±0.9 MPa,and 7.4±0.1 MPa when reinforced with mulberry paper,kraft paper,and newsprint paper,respectively.Notably,kraft paper reinforcement led to the most enhancements inflexural strength,flexural modulus,and impact strength.This research paves the way for developing sustainable cushioning materials with competitive mechanical properties using bio-based resources like starch and paper.

Significant improvement of machinability of C_(f)/SiC composites through matching laser scanning spacing and abrasive belt grain size

To improve the application and service of C_(f)/SiC composites as advanced hightemperature structural materials,it is critical to achieve their high-efficiency and low-damage machining.In this study,the laser-ablating assisted grinding(LAAG)method was presented,and the connection of damage behavior and removal mechanism with laser and grinding processes was revealed.The results demonstrated that the surface of C_(f)/SiC composites after laser ablation was covered with a substantial number of loose oxides primarily composed of SiO2.Laser ablating process,grinding parameter and abrasive belt selection have a significant impact on the machining results.By fabricating an ablative layer with small laser scanning spacing,and selecting small abrasive grains and feed rate during grinding,the machinability was improved and a relatively lowerdamage grinding surface could be obtained.Under the optimal combination of process parameters,the grinding force and temperature of LAAG could be reduced by up to 85%and 35%,respectively.In this case,the subsurface damage of C_(f)/SiC composites occurred only in the form of microcracks rather large-scale fracture,and the formation of interface debonding and matrix cracking was significantly reduced.Furthermore,the grinding chips were mostly shown as micron-sized powders,indicating that the removal mechanism of C_(f)/SiC composites was primarily the microfractured and attrition wear of laser-ablated layer.

Wind Turbine Composite Blades:A Critical Review of Aeroelastic Modeling and Vibration Control

With the gradual increase in the size and flexibility of composite blades in large wind turbines,problems related toaeroelastic instability and blade vibration are becoming increasingly more important.Given their impact on thelifespan of wind turbines,these subjects have become important topics in turbine blade design.In this article,firstaspects related to the aeroelastic(structural and aerodynamic)modeling of large wind turbine blades are summarized.Then,two main methods for blade vibration control are outlined(passive control and active control),including the case of composite blades.Some improvement schemes are proposed accordingly,with a specialfocus on the industry’s outstanding suppression scheme for stall-induced nonlinear flutter and a new high-frequencymicro-vibration control scheme.Finally,future research directions are indicated based on existingresearch.

SARS-CoV-2 proteins show great binding affinity to resin composite monomers and polymerized chains

BACKGROUND Due to saliva and salivary glands are reservoir to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),aerosols and saliva droplets are primary sources of cross-infection and are responsible for the high human–human transmission of SARS-CoV-2.However,there is no evidence about how SARSCoV-2 interacts with oral structures,particularly resin composites.AIM To evaluate the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with monomers present in resin composites using in silico analysis.METHODS Four SARS-CoV-2 proteins[i.e.main protease,3C-like protease,papain-like protease(PLpro),and glycoprotein spike]were selected along with salivary amylase as the positive control,and their binding affinity with bisphenol-A glycol dimethacrylate,bisphenol-A ethoxylated dimethacrylate,triethylene glycol dimethacrylate,and urethane dimethacrylate was evaluated.Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina and visualised in Chimera UCSF 1.14.The best ligand–protein model was identified based on the binding energy(ΔG–kcal/moL).RESULTS Values for the binding energies ranged from-3.6 kcal/moL to-7.3 kcal/moL.The 3-monomer chain had the lowest binding energy(i.e.highest affinity)to PLpro and the glycoprotein spike.Non-polymerised monomers and polymerised chains interacted with SARS-CoV-2 proteins via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions.Those findings suggest an interaction between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and resin composites.CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 proteins show affinity to non-polymerised and polymerised resin composite chains.

B2-CuZr reinforced amorphous alloy matrix composites:A review

B2-CuZr phase reinforced amorphous alloy matrix composites has become one of the research hotspots in the field of materials science due to the“transformation-induced plasticity”phenomenon,which makes the composites show better macroscopic plastic deformability and obvious work-hardening behavior compared to the conventional amorphous alloy matrix composites reinforced with ductile phases.However,the in-situ metastable B2-CuZr phase tends to undergo eutectoid decomposition during solidification,and the volume fraction,size,and distribution of B2-CuZr phase are difficult to control,which limits the development and application of these materials.To date,much efforts have been made to solve the above problems through composition optimization,casting parameter tailoring,and post-processing technique.In this study,a review was given based on relevant studies,focusing on the predictive approach,reinforcing mechanism,and microstructure tailoring methods of B2-CuZr phase reinforced amorphous alloy matrix composites.The research focus and future prospects were also given for the future development of the present composite system.

High-temperature effect on continuous glass fiber reinforced polypropylene multilayer composite and corrugated sandwich panels

The high-temperature mechanical behaviors of Multi-Layer Composite Panels(MCP)and Corrugated Sandwich Panels(CSP)of Continuous Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene(CGFRPP)are critical for their application in aerospace fields,which have been rarely mentioned in previous studies.High-temperature quasi-static tensile and compression tests on CGFRPP MCP are conducted first.The results showed that the tensile and compression strength,stiffness,and tensile modulus of MCP decreased with increasing temperature.The Gibson model was found to be more suitable for predicting the high-temperature mechanical performance of MCP after comparing the calculated results of different theoretical models with experimental data.Secondly,hightemperature planar compression tests were conducted on the CGFRPP CSP,revealing that the main failure modes were corrugated core buckling and delamination between the face panel and core material,with delamination being intensified at higher temperatures.Therefore,we proposed a strength theoretical model that considers structural buckling failure and interface delamination failure,and introduced the influence factor to evaluate the effect of interface delamination on structural strength.

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.

Laser‑Induced and MOF‑Derived Metal Oxide/Carbon Composite for Synergistically Improved Ethanol Sensing at Room temperature

Advancements in sensor technology have significantly enhanced atmospheric monitoring.Notably,metal oxide and carbon(MO_(x)/C)hybrids have gained attention for their exceptional sensitivity and room-temperature sensing performance.However,previous methods of synthesizing MO_(x)/C composites suffer from problems,including inhomogeneity,aggregation,and challenges in micropatterning.Herein,we introduce a refined method that employs a metal–organic framework(MOF)as a precursor combined with direct laser writing.The inherent structure of MOFs ensures a uniform distribution of metal ions and organic linkers,yielding homogeneous MO_(x)/C structures.The laser processing facilitates precise micropatterning(<2μm,comparable to typical photolithography)of the MO_(x)/C crystals.The optimized MOF-derived MO_(x)/C sensor rapidly detected ethanol gas even at room temperature(105 and 18 s for response and recovery,respectively),with a broad range of sensing performance from 170 to 3,400 ppm and a high response value of up to 3,500%.Additionally,this sensor exhibited enhanced stability and thermal resilience compared to previous MOF-based counterparts.This research opens up promising avenues for practical applications in MOF-derived sensing devices.

Impact resistance performance and optimization of the sand-EPE composite cushion in rock sheds

Rock sheds are widely used to prevent rockfall disasters along roads in mountainous areas.To improve the capacity of rock sheds for resisting rockfall impact,a sand and expandable polyethylene(EPE)composite cushion was proposed.A series of model experiments of rockfall impact on rock sheds were conducted,and the buried depth of the EPE foam board in the sand layer was considered.The impact load and dynamic response of the rock shed were investigated.The results show that the maximum impact load and dynamic response of the rock shed roof are all significantly less than those of the sand cushion.Moreover,as the distance between the EPE foam board and rock shed roof decreases,the maximum rockfall impact force and impact pressure gradually decrease,and the maximum displacement,acceleration and strain of the rock shed first decrease and then change little.In addition,the vibration acceleration and vertical displacement of the rock shed roof decrease from the centre to the edge and decrease faster along the longitudinal direction than that along the transverse direction.In conclusion,the buffering effect of the sand-EPE composite cushion is better than that of the pure sand cushion,and the EPE foam board at a depth of 1/3 the thickness of the sand layer is appropriate.

12.6μm-Thick Asymmetric Composite Electrolyte with Superior Interfacial Stability for Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries

Solid-state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)show great promise in terms of high-energy-density and high-safety performance.However,there is an urgent need to address the compatibility of electrolytes with high-voltage cathodes/Li anodes,and to minimize the electrolyte thickness to achieve highenergy-density of SSLMBs.Herein,we develop an ultrathin(12.6μm)asymmetric composite solid-state electrolyte with ultralight areal density(1.69 mg cm^(−2))for SSLMBs.The electrolyte combining a garnet(LLZO)layer and a metal organic framework(MOF)layer,which are fabricated on both sides of the polyethylene(PE)separator separately by tape casting.The PE separator endows the electrolyte with flexibility and excellent mechanical properties.The LLZO layer on the cathode side ensures high chemical stability at high voltage.The MOF layer on the anode side achieves a stable electric field and uniform Li flux,thus promoting uniform Li^(+)deposition.Thanks to the well-designed structure,the Li symmetric battery exhibits an ultralong cycle life(5000 h),and high-voltage SSLMBs achieve stable cycle performance.The assembled pouch cells provided a gravimetric/volume energy density of 344.0 Wh kg^(−1)/773.1 Wh L^(−1).This simple operation allows for large-scale preparation,and the design concept of ultrathin asymmetric structure also reveals the future development direction of SSLMBs.

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of(TiC+TiB)/TA15 composites prepared by an in-situ synthesis method

Titanium matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles are considered a promising engineering material due to their combination of high specific strength,low density,and high modulus.In this study,the TA15-based composites reinforced with a volume fraction of 10% to 25%(TiB+TiC)were prepared using powder metallurgy and casting technique.Microstructural characterization and phase constitution were examined using optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and X-ray diffraction(XRD).In addition,the microhardness,room temperature(RT)and high temperature(HT)tensile properties of the composites were evaluated.Results revealed that the reinforcements are distributed uniformly even in the composites with a high volume of TiB and TiC.However,as the volume fraction exceeds 15%,TiB and TiC particles become coarsening and exhibit rod-like and dendritic-like morphology.Microhardness increases gradually from 321.2 HV for the base alloy to a maximum of 473.3 HV as the reinforcement increases to 25vol.%.Tensile test results indicate that a reinforcement volume fraction above 20% is beneficial for enhancing tensile strength and yield strength at high temperatures,but it has an adverse effect on room temperature elongation.Conversely,if the reinforcement volume fraction is below 20%,it can improve high-temperature elongation when the temperature exceeds 600℃.

Strength and elastic modulus enhancement in Mg-Li-Al matrix composites reinforced by ex situ TiB2 particles via stir casting

A novel Mg^(-1)0Li-3Al(wt.%,LA103)matrix composite reinforced by ex situ micron TiB_(2) particles was developed in the present study.The ball milling and cold pressing pretreatment of the reinforcements made it feasible to prepare this material under stir casting conditions with good dispersion.The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites prepared by different pretreatment methods were analyzed in detail.The TiB_(2) particles in the Al-TiB_(2)/LA103 composite using the pretreatment process were uniformly distributed in the microstructure due to the formation of highly wettable core-shell units in the melt.Compared with the matrix alloys,the Al-TiB_(2)/LA103 composite exhibited effective strength and elastic modulus improvements while maintaining acceptable elongation.The strengthening effect in the composites was mainly attributed to the strong grain refining effect of TiB2.This work shows a balance of high specific modulus(36.1 GPa·cm^(3)·g^(-1))and elongation(8.4%)with the conventional stir casting path,which is of considerable application value.

Indispensable gutter layers in thin-film composite membranes for carbon capture

Industrial thin-film composite(TFC)membranes achieve superior gas separation properties from high-performance selective layer materials,while the success of membrane technology relies on high-performance gutter layers to achieve production scalability and low-cost manufacturing.However,the current literature predominantly focuses on the design of polymer architectures to obtain high permeability and selectivity,while the art of fabricating gutter layers is usually safeguarded by industrial manufacturers and appears lackluster to academic researchers.This is the first report aiming to provide a comprehensive and critical review of state-of-the-art gutter layer materials and their design and modification to enable TFC membranes with superior separation performance.We first elucidate the importance of the gutter layer on membrane performance through modeling and experimental results.Then various gutter layer materials used to obtain high-performance composite membranes are critically reviewed,and the strategies to improve their compatibility with the selective layer are highlighted,such as oxygen plasma treatment,polydopamine deposition,and surface grafting.Finally,we present the opportunities of the gutter layer design for practical applications.

Mechanical behaviors of backfill-rock composites: Physical shear test and back-analysis

The shear behavior of backfill-rock composites is crucial for mine safety and the management of surface subsidence.For exposing the shear failure mechanism of backfill-rock composites,we conducted shear tests on backfill-rock composites under three constant normal loads,compared with the unfilled rock.To investigate the macro-and meso-failure characteristics of the samples in the shear tests,the cracking behavior of samples was recorded by a high-speed camera and acoustic emission monitoring.In parallel with the experimental test,the numerical models of backfill-rock composites and unfilled rock were established using the discrete element method to analyze the continuous-discontinuous shearing process.Based on the damage mechanics and statistics,a novel shear constitutive model was proposed to describe mechanical behavior.The results show that backfill-rock composites had a special bimodal phenomenon of shearing load-deformation curve,i.e.the first shearing peak corresponded to rock break and the second shearing peak induced by the broken of aeolian sand-cement/fly ash paste backfill.Moreover,the shearing characteristic curves of the backfill-rock composites could be roughly divided into four stages,i.e.the shear failure of the specimens experienced:stage I:stress concentration;stage II:crack propagation;stage III:crack coalescence;stage IV:shearing friction.The numerical simulation shows that the existence of aeolian sand-cement/fly ash paste backfill inevitably altered the coalescence type and failure mode of the specimens and had a strengthening effect on the shear strength of backfillrock composites.Based on damage mechanics and statistics,a shear constitutive model was proposed to describe the shear fracture characteristics of specimens,especially the bimodal phenomenon.Finally,the micro-and meso-mechanisms of shear failure were discussed by combining the micro-test and numerical results.The research can advance the better understanding of the shear behavior of backfill-rock composites and contribute to the safety of mining engineering.