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.

The chemical composition, quality control and pharmacological effects of Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia Decoction: a review

Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia Decoction(GXBD)is a traditional Chinese herbal formula including four traditional Chinese medicines:Gualou(Trichosanthis Fructus,TF),Xiebai(Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus,AMB),Banxia(Pinelliae Rhizoma,PR)and yellow wine.It is a classical therapy for chest stuffiness and pain syndrome and is widely used in the clinical treatment of coronary heart disease.It also shows significant therapeutic effects on pulmonary heart disease,hyperlipidemia,and arrhythmia.This study conducted a literature review and collected information on GXBD from databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and ScienceDirect.The result indicated that the main active ingredients of GXBD are steroids,flavonoids,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,and organic acids.Trigonelline,macrostemonoside and cucurbitacin B can provide reference for its quality control.GXBD may exert therapeutic effects on coronary heart disease through AMPK,PI3K-AKT,oxLDL,VEGF,and NF-κB signal pathways.This review provides a comprehensive analysis and summary of the chemical composition and in vivo metabolism of three traditional Chinese medicines(TF,AMB,and PR),along with an evaluation of the chemical composition,quality control,pharmacological effects,and clinical application of GXBD.Based on these,areas requiring further research on GXBD have been proposed to provide a reference for its further development and new drug research.

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.

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.

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.

Impact of dietary nutrition regimens based on body composition analysis on bone metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease patients

BACKGROUND Body composition analysis(BCA)is primarily used in the management of conditions such as obesity and endocrine disorders.However,its potential in providing nutritional guidance for patients with Alzheimer’s disease(AD)remains relatively unexplored.AIM To explore the clinical efficacy of BCA-based dietary nutrition scheme on bone metabolism in AD patients.METHODS This retrospective study included 96 patients with AD complicated by osteoporosis who were admitted to The Third Hospital of Quzhou between January 2023 and December 2024.Based on data from previous similar studies,the patients were randomly assigned to either a routine diet(RD)group(n=48)or a personalized nutrition(PN)group(n=48).The RD group received conventional dietary guidance,while the PN group received individualized diet intervention measures based on human BCA.The intervention period lasted for 12 weeks.Bone mineral density(BMD),body mass index(BMI),muscle mass,mineral content,osteocalcin,25-hydroxyvitamin D,procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide(PINP),beta C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen(β-CTX),and serum calcium were measured and compared between the two groups before and 12 weeks after the intervention.RESULTS No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of age,sex,height,BMI,or other baseline data(P>0.05).In both groups,BMI did not show significant changes after the intervention(P>0.05),whereas muscle mass and mineral content were significantly increased(P<0.05).After the intervention,BMI in the PN group did not differ significantly from that of the RD group,but muscle mass and mineral content were significantly higher in the PN group(P<0.05).After the intervention,a higher proportion of patients in the PN group had a T score>-1 compared to the RD group(P<0.05).The mini-mental state examination(MMSE)score was similar in both groups before the intervention.However,12 weeks after the intervention,the MMSE score in the PN group was significantly higher than that in the RD group(P<0.05).In both groups,the MMSE score significantly increased 12 weeks post-intervention compared to pre-intervention levels(P<0.05).Before the intervention,the levels of osteocalcin,serum calcium,PINP,β-CTX,and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).After 12 weeks of intervention,the PN group exhibited higher levels of osteocalcin,serum calcium,and 25-hydroxyvitamin D,as well as lower levels of PINP andβ-CTX,compared to the RD group(P<0.05).In both groups,osteocalcin,serum calcium,and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly higher,while PINP andβ-CTX levels were significantly lower after 12 weeks of intervention compared to baseline(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The human BCA-based dietary nutrition regimen plays a crucial role in improving BMD and bone metabolism,with effects that surpass those of conventional nutrition strategies.The findings of this study provide strong evidence for the nutritional management of AD patients.

Compositional and Hollow Engineering of Silicon Carbide/Carbon Microspheres as High-Performance Microwave Absorbing Materials with Good Environmental Tolerance

Microwave absorbing materials(MAMs)characterized by high absorption efficiency and good environmental tolerance are highly desirable in practical applications.Both silicon carbide and carbon are considered as stable MAMs under some rigorous conditions,while their composites still fail to produce satisfactory microwave absorption performance regardless of the improvements as compared with the individuals.Herein,we have successfully implemented compositional and structural engineering to fabricate hollow Si C/C microspheres with controllable composition.The simultaneous modulation on dielectric properties and impedance matching can be easily achieved as the change in the composition of these composites.The formation of hollow structure not only favors lightweight feature,but also generates considerable contribution to microwave attenuation capacity.With the synergistic effect of composition and structure,the optimized SiC/C composite exhibits excellent performance,whose the strongest reflection loss intensity and broadest effective absorption reach-60.8 dB and 5.1 GHz,respectively,and its microwave absorption properties are actually superior to those of most SiC/C composites in previous studies.In addition,the stability tests of microwave absorption capacity after exposure to harsh conditions and Radar Cross Section simulation data demonstrate that hollow SiC/C microspheres from compositional and structural optimization have a bright prospect in practical applications.

Research and development of advanced copper matrix composites

Copper matrix composites(CMCs)offer promising applications by combining the functional characteristics of copper with composite phases.With the rapid advancement in aerospace,microelectronics,and intelligent terminal engineering,the demand for CMCs with superior mechanical and electrical properties has become increasingly critical.This paper reviews the design principles,preparation methods,microstructures and properties of some typical CMCs.The existing form of composite phases in the Cu matrix and their effects on microstructure evolution and comprehensive properties are summarised.Key underlying mechanisms governing these enhancements are discussed.The results provide a systematic understanding of the relationship between reinforcement phases and properties,offering insights for the future development of CMCs aimed to achieve much better comprehensive properties.The paper concludes by outlining the development trends and future outlook for the application of CMCs.

Effects of Sinusoidal Vibration of Crystallization Roller on Composite Microstructure of Ti/Al Laminated Composites by Twin-Roll Casting

A new,innovative vibration cast-rolling technology of “electromagnetic stirring+dendrite breaking+asynchronous rolling” was proposed with the adoption of sinusoidal vibration of crystallization roller to prepare Ti/Al laminated composites,and the effect of sinusoidal vibration of crystallization roller on composite microstructure was investigated in detail.The results show that the metallurgical bonding of titanium and aluminum is realized by mesh interweaving and mosaic meshing,instead of transition bonding by forming metal compound layer.The meshing depth between titanium and aluminum layers (6.6μm) of cast-rolling materials with strong vibration of crystallization roller (amplitude 0.87 mm,vibration frequency 25 Hz) is doubled compared with that of traditional cast-rolling materials (3.1μm),and the composite interfacial strength(27.0 N/mm) is twice as high as that of traditional cast-rolling materials (14.9 N/mm).This is because with the action of high-speed superposition of strong tension along the rolling direction,strong pressure along the width direction and rolling force,the composite linearity evolves from "straight line" with traditional casting-rolling to "curved line",and the depth and number of cracks in the interface increases greatly compared with those with traditional cast-rolling,which leads to the deep expansion of the meshing area between interfacial layers and promotes the stable enhancement of composite quality.

Effect of modified aramid nanofiber on compatibilization of natural rubber/epoxidized natural rubber composites

The combination of natural rubber(NR)with epoxidized natural rubber(ENR)could improve the wet slid resistance,mechanical properties,abrasion resistance and thermo-oxidative aging resistance of NR,which showed important research significance.Aramid nanofiber,as a new nano filler for polymer developed in recent years,had the advantages of both macroscopic fibers and polymer nanomaterials.The NR/ENR composites were prepared by dry mixing with NR and the pre-composite prepared from ENR latex and the modified aramid nanofibers(t-ANF).

Functionally graded structure of a nitride-strengthened Mg_(2)Si-based hybrid composite

The ex-situ incorporation of the secondary SiC reinforcement,along with the in-situ incorporation of the tertiary and quaternary Mg_(3)N_(2) and Si_(3)N_(4) phases,in the primary matrix of Mg_(2)Si is employed in order to provide ultimate wear resistance based on the laser-irradiation-induced inclusion of N_(2) gas during laser powder bed fusion.This is substantialized based on both the thermal diffusion-and chemical reactionbased metallurgy of the Mg_(2)Si–SiC/nitride hybrid composite.This study also proposes a functional platform for systematically modulating a functionally graded structure and modeling build-direction-dependent architectonics during additive manufacturing.This strategy enables the development of a compositional gradient from the center to the edge of each melt pool of the Mg_(2)Si–SiC/nitride hybrid composite.Consequently,the coefficient of friction of the hybrid composite exhibits a 309.3%decrease to–1.67 compared to–0.54 for the conventional nonreinforced Mg_(2)Si structure,while the tensile strength exhibits a 171.3%increase to 831.5 MPa compared to 485.3 MPa for the conventional structure.This outstanding mechanical behavior is due to the(1)the complementary and synergistic reinforcement effects of the SiC and nitride compounds,each of which possesses an intrinsically high hardness,and(2)the strong adhesion of these compounds to the Mg_(2)Si matrix despite their small sizes and low concentrations.

Valorization of Tree Bark-Derived Suberin in Applications for the Bio-Based Composites Industry–A Recent Review

Bark extracts are sustainable sources of biopolymers and hold great promise for replacing fossil fuel-based polymers,for example,in wood-based composites.In addition to primary and secondary metabolites,tree bark also contains suberin,which plays a major role in protecting the tree from environmental conditions.Suberin is a natural aliphatic-aromatic cross-linked polyester present in the cell walls of both normal and damaged external tissues,the main component of which are long-chain aliphatic acids.Its main role as a plant ingredient is to protect against microbiological factors and water loss.One of the most important suberin monomers are suberin fatty acids,known for their hydrophobic and barrier properties.Therefore,due to the diverse chemical composition of suberin,it is an attractive alternative to hydrocarbon-based materials.Although its potential is recognized,it is not widely used in biocomposites technology,including wood-based composites and the polymer industry.The article will discuss the current knowledge about the potential of suberin and its components in biocomposites technology,which will include surface finishes,composite adhesives and polymer blends.

Sustainable Biocomposites Materials for Automotive Brake Pad Application:An Overview

Research into converting waste into viable eco-friendly products has gained global concern.Using natural fibres and pulverized metallic waste becomes necessary to reduce noxious environmental emissions due to indiscriminately occupying the land.This study reviews the literature in the broad area of green composites in search of materials that can be used in automotive brake pads.Materials made by biocomposite,rather than fossil fuels,will be favoured.A database containing the tribo-mechanical performance of numerous potential components for the future green composite was established using the technical details of bio-polymers and natural reinforcements.The development of materials with diverse compositions and varying proportions is now conceivable,and these materials can be permanently connected in fully regulated processes.This explanation demonstrates that all of these variables affect friction coefficient,resistance to wear from friction and high temperatures,and the operating life of brake pads to varying degrees.In this study,renewable materials for the matrix and reinforcement are screened to determine which have sufficient strength,coefficient of friction,wear resistance properties,and reasonable costs,making them a feasible option for a green composite.The most significant,intriguing,and unusual materials used in manufacturing brake pads are gathered in this review,which also analyzes how they affect the tribological characteristics of the pads.

Numerical Optimization by Finite Element Method of Stainless Steel/Glass-Epoxy Composite Bolted Joint under Tension and Compression

The aim of this study was to optimize the geometry and the design of metallic/composite single bolted joints subjected to tension-compression loading. For this purpose, it was necessary to evaluate the stress state in each component of the bolted join. The multi-material assembly was based on the principle of double lap bolted joint. It was composed of a symmetrical balanced woven glass-epoxy composite material plate fastened to two stainless sheets using a stainless pre-stressed bolt. In order to optimize the design and the geometry of the assembly, ten configurations were proposed and studied: a classical simple bolted joint, two joints with an insert (a BigHeadR insert and a stair one) embedded in the composite, two “waved” solutions, three symmetrical configurations composed of a succession of metallic and composites layers, without a sleeve, with one and with two sleeves, and two non-symmetrical constituted of metallic and composites layers associated with a stair-insert (one with a sleeve and one without). A tridimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to model each configuration mentioned above. The FE models taked into account the different materials, the effects of contact between the different sheets of the assembly and the pre-stress in the bolt. The stress state was analyzed in the composite part. The concept of stress concentration factor was used in order to evaluate the stress increase in the highly stressed regions and to compare the ten configurations studied. For this purpose, three stress concentration factors were defined: one for a monotonic loading in tension, another for a monotonic loading in compression, and the third for a tension-compression cyclic loading. The results of the FEM computations showed that the use of alternative metallic and composite layers associated with two sleeves gived low values of stress concentration factors, smaller than 1.4. In this case, there was no contact between the bolt and the composite part and the most stressed region was not the vicinity of the hole but the end of the longest layers of the metallic inserts.