Flash X-ray radiography technique to study the high velocity impact of soft projectile on E-glass/epoxy composite material

In the present paper, the high velocity impact of 9 mm soft lead projectile on 10 mm and 30 mm thick Eglass/epoxy composites was studied using a 450 kV Flash X-ray radiography(FXR) system. The basic parameters of FXR imaging, such as effect of ratio of target to film(TF) and source to target(ST) distances and X-ray penetration thickness of the composite material were optimized based on clarity and the actual dimensions of the objects. The optimized parameters were used in the FXR imaging of the ballistic event of 9 mm soft projectile on E-glass/epoxy composite. The real time deformation patterns of both the projectile and composite target during the ballistic impact were captured and studied at different time intervals. The notable failure modes of the 10 mm thick target with time include fibre breakage, bulging on the back side, delamination, recovery of the bulging, reverse bulging and its recovery. However, with increase in thickness of the target to 30 mm the only failure mechanism observed is the breaking of fibres. The ballistic impact event was also numerically simulated using commercially available LS-DYNA software. The numerically simulated deformation patterns of the projectile and target at different time intervals are closely matching with the corresponding radiographic images.

Greatly enhanced corrosion/wear resistances of epoxy coating for Mg alloy through a synergistic effect between functionalized graphene and insulated blocking layer

The poor corrosion and wear resistances of Mg alloys seriously limit their potential applications in various industries.The conventional epoxy coating easily forms many intrinsic defects during the solidification process,which cannot provide sufficient protection.In the current study,we design a double-layer epoxy composite coating on Mg alloy with enhanced anti-corrosion/wear properties,via the spin-assisted assembly technique.The outer layer is functionalized graphene(FG)in waterborne epoxy resin(WEP)and the inner layer is Ce-based conversion(Ce)film.The FG sheets can be homogeneously dispersed within the epoxy matrix to fill the intrinsic defects and improve the barrier capability.The Ce film connects the outer layer with the substrate,showing the transition effect.The corrosion rate of Ce/WEP/FG composite coating is 2131 times lower than that of bare Mg alloy,and the wear rate is decreased by~90%.The improved corrosion resistance is attributed to the labyrinth effect(hindering the penetration of corrosive medium)and the obstruction of galvanic coupling behavior.The synergistic effect derived from the FG sheet and blocking layer exhibits great potential in realizing the improvement of multi-functional integration,which will open up a new avenue for the development of novel composite protection coatings of Mg alloys.

Studies on Mechanical Properties of Jute/E-Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Hybrid materials of any class are essential for current demands. This paper deals with the hybrid effect of composites made of jute/E-Glass fibers which are fabricated by hand layup method using LY556 Epoxy resin and HY951 hardener. The properties of this hybrid composite are determined by testing like tensile, flexural, impact, and inter laminar shear strength which are evaluated experimentally according to ASTM standards. The result of the test shows that hybrid composite of jute/ E-glass fiber has far better properties than that of jute fiber composite. However, it is found that the hybrid composite has better strength as compared to jute fiber composite fabricated separately with glass fiber.

Cardo poly (ether sulfone) toughened E51/DETDA epoxy resin and its carbon fiber composites

A toughener that can effectively improve the interlaminar toughness in carbon fiber composites is crucial for various applications.We investigated,the toughening effects of phenolphthalein-based cardo poly(ether sulfone)(PES-C)on E51/DETDA epoxy and its carbon fiber composites(CFCs).Scanning electron microscopy showed that the phase structures of PES-C/epoxy blends change from island(of dispersed phase)structures to bi-continuous structures(of the matrix)as the PES-C content increased,which is associated with reaction-induced phase separation.After adding 15 phr PES-C,the glass transition temperature(T_(g))of the blends increased by 51.5℃,and the flexural strength,impact strength and fracture toughness of the blends were improved by 41.1%,186.2%and 42.7%,respectively.These improvements could be attributed to the phase separation structure of the PES-C/epoxy sys-tem.A PES-C film was used to improve the mode-II fracture toughness(G_(IIC))of CFCs.The G_(IIC) value of the 7μm PES-C film toughened laminate was improved by 80.3%compared to that of the control laminate.The increase in G_(IIC) was attributed to cohesive failure and plastic deformation in the interleaving region.

Effect of Epoxy Resin on the Properties of Recycled Asphalt

To promote the recycling of reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP),epoxy resin was used to prepare the epoxy-recycled asphalt mixtures.The effect of epoxy resin on the properties of aged asphalt binder was investigated based on the tensile test,flexural creep test,and laser scanning confocal microscopy.The curing characteristics and the mechanical performance of recycled asphalt with different epoxy contents were explored.The results show that the low-temperature performance,ductility,and strength of the aged asphalt binder were significantly improved when the epoxy content reached 40%.The curing time of epoxy-recycled asphalt should be at least 4 d to ensure the formation of good internal spatial network structure.

Recyclable bio-based epoxy resin thermoset polymer from wood for circular economy

Due to their extraordinary durability and thermal stability,Epoxy Resin Thermosets(ERTs)are essential in various industries.However,their poor recyclability leads to unacceptable environmental pollution.In this study,Wu et al.successfully synthesized a completely bio-based ERT using lignocellulose-derived building blocks which exhibit outstanding thermal and mechanical properties.Remarkably,these bio-materials degrade via methanolysis without the need of any catalyst,presenting a smart and cost-effective recycling strategy.Furthermore,this approach could be employed for fabricating reusable composites comprising glass fiber and plant fiber,thereby expanding its applications in sustainable transportation,coatings,paints or biomedical devices.

Optimization Mechanism of Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber-Epoxy Resin Composites by Interfacially Enriched Distribution of Nano-Starch Crystals

Fibre reinforced polymer composites have become a new generation of structural materials due to their unique advantages such as high specific strength,designability,good dimensional stability and ease of large-area monolithic forming.However,the problem of interfacial bonding between the resin matrix and the fibres limits the direct use of reinforcing fibres and has become a central difficulty in the development of basalt fibre-epoxy composites.This paper proposes a solution for enhancing the strength of the fibre-resin interface using maize starch nanocrystals,which are highly yield and eco-friendly.Firstly,in this paper,corn starch nanocrystals(SNC)were prepared by hydrolysis,and were deposited on the surface of basalt fibers by electrostatic adsorption.After that,in order to maximize the modification effect of nano-starch crystals on the interface,the basalt fiber-epoxy resin composite samples were prepared by mixing in a pressureless molding method.The test results shown that the addition of basalt fibers alone led to a reduction in the strength of the sample.Deposition of 0.1 wt%SNC on the surface of basalt fibers can make the strength consistent with pure epoxy resin.When the adsorption amount of SNC reached 0.5 wt%,the tensile strength of the samples was 23.7%higher than that of pure epoxy resin.This is due to the formation of ether bond homopolymers between the SNC at the fibre-epoxy interface and the epoxy resin,which distorts the originally smooth interface,leading to increased stress concentration and the development of cracks.This enhances the binding of basalt fibers.The conclusions of this paper can provide an effective,simple,low-cost and non-polluting method of interfacial enhancement modification.

Mechanical behavior of nanorubber reinforced epoxy over a wide strain rate loading

Nanorubber/epoxy composites containing 0,2,6 and 10 wt%nanorubber are subjected to uniaxial compression over a wide range of strain rate from 8×10^(-4) s^(-1) to~2×10^(4) s^(-1).Unexpectedly,their strain rate sensitivity and strain hardening index increase with increasing nanorubber content.Potential mechanisms are proposed based on numerical simulations using a unit cell model.An increase in the strain rate sensitivity with increasing nanorubber content results from the fact that the nanorubber becomes less incompressible at high strain,generating a higher hydro-static pressure.Adiabatic shear localization starts to occur in the epoxy under a strain rate of 22,000 s^(-1) when the strain exceeds 0.35.The presence of nanorubber in the epoxy reduces adiabatic shear localization by preventing it from propagating.

Enhanced corrosion resistance of epoxy resin coating via addition of CeO_(2) and benzotriazole

The use of fillers to enhance the corrosion protection of epoxy resins has been widely applied.In this work,cerium dioxide(CeO_(2))and benzotriazole(BTA)were introduced into an epoxy resin to enhance the corrosion resistance of Q235 carbon steel.Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the CeO_(2) grains were rod-like and ellipsoidal in shape,and the distribution pattern of BTA was analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscope.The dynamic potential polarization curve proved the excellent corrosion resistance of the composite epoxy resin with CeO_(2) and BTA co-addition,and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test analysis indicated the significantly enhanced long-term corrosion protection performance of the composite coating.And the optimal protective performance was provided by the coating containing 0.3%(mass)CeO_(2) and 20%(mass)BTA,which was attributed to the barrier performance of CeO_(2) particles and the chemical barrier effect of BTA.The formation of corrosion products was analyzed using X-ray diffraction.In addition,the corrosion resistance mechanism of the coating was also discussed in detail.

Evaluation of the injection and plugging ability of a novel epoxy resin in cement cracks

Sustained casing pressure(SCP)is a crucial issue in the oil and gas production lifecycle.Epoxy resins,exhibiting exceptional compressive strength,ductility,and shear bonding strength,have the potential to form reliable barriers.The injectivity and sealing capacity of the epoxy resin is crucial parameters for the success of shallow remediation operations.This study aimed to develop and assess a novel solid-free resin sealant as an alternative to Portland cement for mitigating fluid leakage.The investigation evaluated the viscosity,compressive strength,and brittleness index of the epoxy resin sealant,as well as its tangential and normal shear strengths in conjunction with casing steel.The flow characteristics and sealing abilities of conventional cement and epoxy resin were comparatively analyzed in cracks.The results showed that the application of a viscosity reducer facilitated control over the curing time of the epoxy resin,ranging from 1.5 to 6 h,and reduced the initial viscosity from 865.53 to 118.71 m Pa,s.The mechanical properties of the epoxy resin initially increased with a rise in curing agent content before experiencing a minor decrease.The epoxy resin containing 30%curing agent exhibited optimal mechanical properties.After a 14-day curing period,the epoxy resin's compressive strength reached81.37 MPa,2.12 times higher than that of cement,whereas the elastic modulus of cement was 2.99 times greater than that of the epoxy resin.The brittleness index of epoxy resin is only 3.42,demonstrating high flexibility and toughness.The tangential and normal shear strengths of the epoxy resin exceeded those of cement by 3.17 and 2.82 times,respectively.In a 0.5 mm-wide crack,the injection pressure of the epoxy resin remained below 0.075 MPa,indicating superior injection and flow capabilities.Conversely,the injection pressure of cement surged dramatically to 2.61 MPa within 5 min.The breakthrough pressure of0.5 PV epoxy resin reached 7.53 MPa,decreasing the crack's permeability to 0.02 D,a mere 9.49%of the permeability observed following cement plugging.Upon sealing a 2 mm-wide crack using epoxy resin,the maximum breakthrough pressure attained 5.47 MPa,3.48 times of cement.These results suggest that epoxy resin sealant can be employed safely and effectively to seal cracks in the cement.

Advances in Liquid Crystal Epoxy:Molecular Structures,Thermal Conductivity,and Promising Applications in Thermal Management

Traditional heat conductive epoxy composites often fall short in meeting the escalating heat dissipation demands of large-power,high-frequency,and highvoltage insulating packaging applications,due to the challenge of achieving high thermal conductivity(k),desirable dielectric performance,and robust thermomechanical properties simultaneously.Liquid crystal epoxy(LCE)emerges as a unique epoxy,exhibiting inherently high k achieved through the self-assembly of mesogenic units into ordered structures.This characteristic enables liquid crystal epoxy to retain all the beneficial physical properties of pristine epoxy,while demonstrating a prominently enhanced k.As such,liquid crystal epoxy materials represent a promising solution for thermal management,with potential to tackle the critical issues and technical bottlenecks impeding the increasing miniaturization of microelectronic devices and electrical equipment.This article provides a comprehensive review on recent advances in liquid crystal epoxy,emphasizing the correlation between liquid crystal epoxy’s microscopic arrangement,organized mesoscopic domain,k,and relevant physical properties.The impacts of LC units and curing agents on the development of ordered structure are discussed,alongside the consequent effects on the k,dielectric,thermal,and other properties.External processing factors such as temperature and pressure and their influence on the formation and organization of structured domains are also evaluated.Finally,potential applications that could benefit from the emergence of liquid crystal epoxy are reviewed.

Effect of Accelerated Aging Temperature under Artificial Seawater on the Properties of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites and the Erosion Mechanism

In order to explore the effect of artificial accelerated aging temperature on the performance of carbon fiber/epoxy resin composites,we used artificial seawater as the aging medium,designed the aging environment of seawater at different temperatures under normal pressure,and studied the aging behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy composites.The infrared spectroscopy results show that,with the increase of aging temperature,the degree of hydrolysis of the composite is greater.At the same time,after 250 days of aging of artificial seawater at regular temperature,40 and 60 ℃,the moisture absorption rates of composite materials were 0.45%,0.63%,and 1.05%,and the retention rates of interlaminar shear strength were 91%,78%,and 62%,respectively.It is shown that the temperature of the aging environment has a significant impact on the hygroscopic behavior and mechanical properties of the composite,that is,the higher the temperature,the faster the moisture absorption of the composite,and the faster the decay of the mechanical properties of the composite.

Investigating the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of PDMS-Toughened Epoxy Resins for Advanced Adhesive Solutions

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties in epoxy resins modified with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for advanced adhesive applications. The research focuses on evaluating the tensile strength, thermal stability, and glass transition temperature (Tg) of PDMS-toughened epoxy resins. The primary objective of this study was to explore the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an impact modifier for epoxy resin. We successfully synthesized a grafting copolymer of diglycidyl ether bisphenol-A (DGEBA) and hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HTPDMS) through the condensation of hydroxyl groups. Triethylene tetraamine (TETA) was employed as the curing agent to cross-link both DGEBA and the HTPDMS copolymer. The chemical structure of the DGEBA-HTPDMS grafting copolymer was confirmed using fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Tensile testing of the cured materials indicated that the elongation at break increased upon addition of PDMS. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed improved thermal stability for the DGEBA system with the incorporation of HTPDMS. These findings suggest that the Si-O-Si segments within the PDMS contribute to the improved mechanical and thermal properties of the DGEBA-based resin.

Reinforcing Effect of Graphene in Epoxy Adhesives: Review

Due to its great strength, hardness, and chemical resistance, epoxy adhesives are becoming more and more used. They continue to have drawbacks, nevertheless, such as poor thermal stability, and poor electrical conductivity. Two-dimensional graphene is a wonderful substance with exceptional qualities including high strength, high electrical conductivity, and large surface area. Because of these characteristics, graphene has been thoroughly researched for its prospective uses in a variety of industries, including electronics, energy storage, and biomedical engineering. The use of graphene as an additive in epoxy adhesives to enhance the characteristics of such materials is one of its promising uses. This paper reviewed the latest findings about graphene’s effects on epoxy adhesives. The various methods to produce graphene-epoxy composites and their improvements are discussed. This research additionally discusses the challenges associated with the production and processing of graphene-epoxy composites, as well as the mechanisms behind the improvements in mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. The final section of this review discusses the challenges and prospective uses of graphene in epoxy adhesives in the future.

Phlorotannins from Brown Algae as a Sustainable Aquatic Feedstock for Epoxy Resins

Bisphenol A (BPA) is the primary chemical used in the production of epoxy resins but as of today is not widely available in a bio-based form. BPA is also classified as a substance of very high concern due to its reproductive toxicity and endocrine-disrupting effects. Phlorotannins, a type of polyphenols, offer a promising structural alternative to bisphenol A as a more sustainable option. They are found in high quantities in brown algae, which are already harvested for alginate production. As a result, phlorotannins present an under-researched yet promising marine resource for the chemical industry, particularly in the area of epoxy resin formulation. In this study, a model epoxy resin compound based on phloroglucinol, the simplest phlorotannin, was chosen to explore its reactivity and the thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy resins based thereof. As hardeners well-established systems like isophorone diamine for ambient temperature cure as well as heat-curing anhydrides and dicyandiamide were used. Across all cases, thermosets with glass transition temperatures above 100?C were achieved under cross-linking conditions similar to those used today. One phthalic anhydride derivative yielded a glass transition temperature of 198?C, highlighting the significant potential of these algae-based epoxy resins for industrial uses, such as impregnating resins for fiber-reinforced plastics.

Dental Post Based on Epoxy Resin/Zirconium Phosphate Composite Aiming Prosthetic Dentistry

The aim of this research was to develop an intrarradicular dental post based on epoxy resin/nano zirconium phosphate composite with potential appli-cation in prosthetic dentistry. Zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoparticle was synthesized by a reaction between phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and zirconium (IV) oxide chloride 8-hydrate (ZrOCl2·8H2O) and applied as filler. Commer-cial epoxy resin and hardener were used as polymer matrix. The composites were prepared at different proportions of epoxy resin/hardener, filler amount, reaction time and temperature. Infrared revealed that degree of conversion decreased with amount of ZrP. Insoluble matter was upper than 97%. Thermogravimetry indicated two steps of degradation. The best values of flexural modulus and flexural strength were achieved for the post desig-nated as 1:0.25:0.25. Laser scanning confocal microscopy suggested that the morphology of the posts fractured surface varied according to epoxy-resin:hardener ratio and the ZrP amount. From atomic force micros-copy, the topographic view exposed the shape and size of ZrP particles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy indicated good adhesion between epoxy resin matrix-ZrP and that the pres-ence of phosphate rendered brittle the fracture surface.

Fabrication and Characterization of Bamboo—Epoxy Reinforced Composite for Thermal Insulation

As global warming intensifies, researchers worldwide strive to develop effective ways to reduce heat transfer. Among the natural fiber composites studied extensively in recent decades, bamboo has emerged as a prime candidate for reinforcement. This woody plant offers inherent strengths, biodegradability, and abundant availability. Due to its high cellulose content, its low thermal conductivity establishes bamboo as a thermally resistant material. Its low thermal conductivity, enhanced by a NaOH solution treatment, makes it an excellent thermally resistant material. Researchers incorporated Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGM) and Kaolin fillers into the epoxy matrix to improve the insulating properties of bamboo composites. These fillers substantially enhance thermal resistance, limiting heat transfer. Various compositions, like (30% HGM + 25% Bamboo + 65% Epoxy) and (30% Kaolin + 25% Bamboo + 45% Epoxy), were compared to identify the most efficient thermal insulator. Using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) ensures uniform distribution of fillers and resin, creating a structurally sound thermal barrier. These reinforced composites, evaluated using the TOPSIS method, demonstrated their potential as high-performance materials combating heat transfer, offering a promising solution in the battle against climate change.

Development of epoxy resin with superior breakdown strength:A Review

Epoxy resin(EP)has been widely utilized in electrical equipment and electronic devices due to its fascinating electric,thermal,and mechanical properties.However,the complex insulation structures of modern power devices in high-voltage direct current systems pose several challenges for EP-based dielectrics.The most significant among these challenges is the need for EP to stably operate under greater electric fields,requiring superior breakdown strength.This paper summarizes the key factors influencing the breakdown strength of EP and reviews reported methods for enhancing this property.Recognizing the limitations of existing approaches,we propose that the emerging technology of molecule design offers a potentially optimal solution for developing EP with enhanced breakdown strength.Furthermore,we anticipate the future development direction of EP with satisfactory insulation properties.We believe that enhancing the breakdown theory of solid dielectrics,exploring new research and development methodologies,and creating environmentally friendly EP with high performance are primary focus areas.We hope that this paper will offer guidance and support for the future development of EP with superior breakdown strength,proving valuable in advancing EP-based dielectrics.