On the homogenization of metal matrix composites using strain gradient plasticity

The homogenized response of metal matrix composites（MMC） is studied using strain gradient plasticity.The material model employed is a rate independent formulation of energetic strain gradient plasticity at the micro scale and conventional rate independent plasticity at the macro scale. Free energy inside the micro structure is included due to the elastic strains and plastic strain gradients. A unit cell containing a circular elastic fiber is analyzed under macroscopic simple shear in addition to transverse and longitudinal loading. The analyses are carried out under generalized plane strain condition. Micro-macro homogenization is performed observing the Hill-Mandel energy condition,and overall loading is considered such that the homogenized higher order terms vanish. The results highlight the intrinsic size-effects as well as the effect of fiber volume fraction on the overall response curves, plastic strain distributions and homogenized yield surfaces under different loading conditions. It is concluded that composites with smaller reinforcement size have larger initial yield surfaces and furthermore,they exhibit more kinematic hardening.

Enhanced gas separation performance of mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes containing post-functionalized S-MIL-53

Mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes（MMHFMs）filled with metal-organic frameworks（MOFs）have great potential for energy-efficient gas separation processes,but the major hurdle is polymer/MOFs interfacial defects and membrane plasticization.Herein,lab-synthesized MIL-53 was post-functionalized by aminosilane grafting and subsequently incorporated into Ultem-1000 polymer matrix to fabricate high performance MMHFMs.SEM,DLS,XRD and TGA were performed to characterize silane-modified MIL-53（S-MIL-53）and prepared MMHFMs.Moreover,the effect of MOFs loading was systematically investigated first;then gas separation performance of MMHFMs for pure and mixed gas was evaluated under different pressures.MMHFMs containing post-functionalized S-MIL-53 achieved remarkable gas permeation properties which was better than model predictions.Compared to pure HFMs,CO2permeance of MMHFM loaded with 15%S-MIL-53 increased by 157%accompanying with 40%increase for CO2/N2selectivity,which outperformed the MMHFM filled with naked MIL-53.The pure and mixed gas permeation measurements with elevated feed pressure indicated that incorporation of S-MIL-53 also increased the resistance against CO2plasticization.This work reveals that post-modified MOFs embedded in MMHFMs facilitate the improvement of gas separation performance and suppression of membrane plasticization.

Compressive failure analysis of unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite based on micro-mechanical models

A 2D micro-mechanical model was proposed to study the compressive failure of Uni Directional（UD） carbon/epoxy composite. Considering the initial imperfection and strength distribution of the fiber, the plasticity and ductile damage of the matrix, the failure of T300/914 UD composite under longitudinal compression and in-plane combined loads was simulated by this model. Simulation results show that the longitudinal compressive failure of the UD composite is caused by the plastic yielding of the matrix in kink band, and the fiber initial imperfection is the main reason for it. Under in-plane combined loads, the stress state of the matrix in kink band is changed, which affects the longitudinal compressive failure modes and strength of UD composite.The failure envelope of r_1–s_（12） and r_1–r_2 are obtained by the micro-mechanical model. Meanwhile,the compressive failure mechanism of the UD composite is analyzed. Numerical results agree well with the experimental data, which verifies the validity of the micro-mechanical model.

The transfer and resulting negative effects of nano-and micro-plastics through the aquatic trophic web—A discreet threat to human health

The ubiquitous occurrence of plastic nano-and micro-particle contamination has raised concerns about its potential risks and impacts on the global environment,especially in aquatic ecosystems.Hundreds of aquatic species,from different trophic levels,have been affected by this“new”contaminant,which has been reported mainly in their digestive tracts.Consequently,current knowledge about plastic nano-and micro-particle spread and the potential impact on aquatic biota is growing rapidly.However,there is a significant lack of understanding of the trophic spread of microplastic contamination and integration of knowledge derived from laboratory assays with that from field research is difficult.Field experiments are unable to deal with differentiating between directly and indirectly ingested plastic microparticles.On the other hand,laboratory assays evaluating the influence of plastic microparticles and of their adhered or constitutive toxins on representative species cannot satisfactorily simulate the real environment.As a result,little is known about the effective transfer of plastic particles through the trophic net and the resulting human health risks.The present review seeks to gather information that can give a more accurate idea of the current situation and future challenges to be faced in mitigating the environmental and human effects of plastic particle pollution in aquatic,particularly estuarine,ecosystems.