Jiajia Zhang, Mingfang Qian, Xuexi Zhang, Aibin Li, Lin Geng
{"title":"Enhancement of strength-plasticity matching in multimodal grained (SiCnp + GNS)/Al composites","authors":"Jiajia Zhang, Mingfang Qian, Xuexi Zhang, Aibin Li, Lin Geng","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108926","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108926","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the strength-plasticity inversion in conventional Al matrix composites (AMCs), two strategies—hybrid reinforcement and heterogeneous configuration—have been proposed. However, excessive reinforcements in hybrid composites can lead to cracking, while coarse grains in heterogeneous composites improve plasticity but reduce strength. This study combines hybrid reinforcement with heterogeneous configurations for fine structural design of multimodal grained composites using a zonal ball milling process. The reinforcements were selected and the zonal ball milling process was tuned to create three grain zones: (1) nano grain zones enriched with hard SiCnp from high-energy ball milling, (2) submicron grain zones uniformly dispersed by flexible GNS as a transition, and (3) micro grain zones primarily composed of pure Al. The multimodal grained (SiCnp + GNS)/Al composites were produced with grain zone ratios of 35:35:30 and 40:40:20. Results showed that the size and distribution of nano grain zones significantly influenced the strengthening effect of the heterogeneous composites. Com40-40-20 exhibited strong bonding between grain zones, enhancing strain compatibility. Compared to homogeneous (SiCnp + GNS)/Al, Com40-40-20 demonstrated approximately 122 % improved plasticity and about 12 % increased strength without any loss. This refined grain zone design offers valuable insights for optimizing high-performance heterogeneous Al matrix composites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108926"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhanced strength and toughness of continuous carbon fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composite ring component prepared by indirect extrusion","authors":"Jiming Zhou , Yunfeng Bai , Xiaobo Li , Lehua Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108931","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108931","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Preparing large-sized, high-performance carbon fiber reinforced aluminum matrix (CF/Al) composite ring components presents significant challenges in the aerospace industry. This study introduces an innovative fabrication method based on indirect extrusion (IE) for CF/Al composite ring components. The influence of the preform structure on the molding quality was investigated, elucidating the alloy liquid infiltration mechanism during the IE process. Additionally, the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms were systematically analyzed. The results showed that the IE composites had better forming quality with a 15% increase in tensile strength and a 17% increase in shear strength compared to composites prepared by direct extrusion (DE). In addition, based on the area calculation under the stress–strain curve, the tensile and shear energy absorption capacities of IE composites were improved by 98% and 73%, respectively. This process provides a solid foundation for the high-quality preparation and application of composite ring components in advanced aerospace engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108931"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vincent K. Maes , Shu Minakuchi , Neha Chandarana , James Kratz
{"title":"Shape change of composite corners due to tooling pressure distribution effects","authors":"Vincent K. Maes , Shu Minakuchi , Neha Chandarana , James Kratz","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study combined pressure mapping and shape sensors to track and correlate dynamic consolidation events during curing of composite prepreg corners made using external, internal, and matched tooling. Even though parts should nominally be equivalent, a clear influence of tool configuration was captured on pressure distributions and laminate shape. External tooling was found to create excess pressure in the corner region, leading to laminate thinning in the corner apex, while internal tooling showed reduced pressure due to bridging, resulting in local corner thickening in the final cured shape. The matched tooling showed a reduced corner pressure, indicative of lack of contact due to bulk factor in the flange regions that prevented proper seating the tooling, again leading to a final corner shape that showed relative thickening. Across all cases, shape change occurred due to material movement from higher to lower pressure regions and occurred within the low viscosity, pre-gelation time window which correlated roughly with the first dwell in the cure cycle. The shape of the corners changed from one with a constant curvature to one with a variable curvature, meaning the corner ovalized and was no longer equivalent to a quarter circle. Understanding pressure-driven shape change during consolidation enables better design and manufacturing optimization needed to produce high-quality composite parts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 108924"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research on the quasi-static/dynamic mechanical properties and impact resistance of 3D woven composites under salt spray aging","authors":"Lulu Liu, Feng Jin, Jian Ji, Xinying Zhu, Zhihao Xie, Wei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108923","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108923","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>3D woven composites excel in the thickness direction due to their fiber structures, overcoming delamination issues and showing superior impact resistance, ideal for aerospace. Aircraft operating in marine environments are chronically exposed to high humidity and salt spray, causing corrosion-driven deterioration of mechanical properties in structural components and materials, which significantly compromises flight safety. This study conducts salt spray aging tests on 3D angle-interlock woven composites, employing dynamic mechanical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to assess hygroscopic characteristics and changes in physical and chemical properties pre- and post-exposure. Subsequently, quasi-static tensile and compression tests, along with dynamic compression tests, are conducted on specimens post-salt mist exposure to evaluate changes in mechanical properties. Finally, ballistic impact tests on the aged composites elucidate the mechanisms by which salt spray aging affects their impact resistance. This study delivers critical framework for structural design and durability maintenance of 3D woven composites operating under marine service conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108923"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chengjun Zeng , Zhengxian Liu , Liwu Liu , Wei Zhao , Xiaozhou Xin , Yanju Liu , Jinsong Leng
{"title":"Effect of prolonged isothermal exposure and thermal cycling on mechanical properties and shape recovery behavior of shape memory polymer composites","authors":"Chengjun Zeng , Zhengxian Liu , Liwu Liu , Wei Zhao , Xiaozhou Xin , Yanju Liu , Jinsong Leng","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the thermal environmental durability of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy-based shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) under isothermally elevated/cryogenic temperatures and thermal cycling. The mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of the SMPCs were evaluated through quasi-static tensile tests, cyclic tensile tests, and shape recovery experiments. Findings indicated some variations in mechanical properties during environmental exposure. Isothermal low-temperature exposure enhanced mechanical properties, while thermal cycling significantly reduced them due to residual thermal stresses at the fiber/matrix interface. Cyclic tensile tests showed that thermal exposure influenced cyclic mechanical properties, including cyclic life, hysteresis loop evolution, and modulus degradation. Despite these changes, the shape memory performance remained largely unaffected by prolonged isothermal exposure or thermal cycling, exhibiting only a slight delay in shape recovery response and a minor reduction in shape recovery rate (<4%).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108921"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143823661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kaiming Yang , Feifei Wang , Bingrui Shi , Zhenlong Zhang , Weixu Feng , Guoquan Qi , Hongxia Yan
{"title":"Low-temperature curing epoxy self-lubricating anticorrosion coatings synergistically enhanced by hyperbranched polysiloxanes and MoS2/h-BN heterojunction particles","authors":"Kaiming Yang , Feifei Wang , Bingrui Shi , Zhenlong Zhang , Weixu Feng , Guoquan Qi , Hongxia Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108920","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108920","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developing low-temperature curing and high-performance self-lubricating anticorrosion coatings is a challenge for solving energy waste and environmental problems caused by wear and corrosion. Herein, molybdenum disulfide/hexagonal boron nitride (MoS<sub>2</sub>/h-BN) heterojunction particles, prepared by an inexpensive, efficient and solvent-free ultrasonic-assisted ball milling method, are used as solid lubricants and corrosive media barrier. Meanwhile, hyperbranched polysiloxane with terminal epoxy groups (HSiEp) is utilized to improve both the dispersion of the particles and the interfacial bonding strength between the particles and the epoxy binder. Compared with neat epoxy coating, the average friction coefficient of 45.0 wt% MoS<sub>2</sub>/h-BN/6.0 wt% HSiEp/EP coating decreases from 0.38 to 0.19, while the coating resistance (R<sub>1</sub>) increases from 9.98 × 10<sup>5</sup> Ω·cm<sup>2</sup> to 3.33 × 10<sup>6</sup> Ω·cm<sup>2</sup>. This is mainly attributed to the “soft-hard” particle synergy and the high barrier synergy of HSiEp and MoS<sub>2</sub>/h-BN heterojunction particles. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the development of low-energy-consumption and high-performance epoxy self-lubricating anticorrosion coatings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108920"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rotatory additive manufacturing of grid-stiffened continuous fiber-reinforced polymer tubular structures","authors":"Kaicheng Ruan , Yilin Peng , Yiwei Weng , Limin Zhou , Yi Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Continuous Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) tubular structures are widely used due to their lightweight and superior mechanical performance. However, rapid and cost-effective methods for fabricating small-to-medium sized CFRP tubular structures remain scarce. This study presents a novel Rotary Additive Manufacturing (RAM) system that utilizes a coextrusion process and a 4-axis motion system to fabricate grid-stiffened CFRP tubular structures with complex stiffener designs. Compression performance was evaluated through experimental tests and high-fidelity simulations, examining the effects of grid-stiffening, stiffener pattern, and thickness. The results validate the effectiveness of CFRP stiffeners, as evidenced by significantly improved peak force and specific energy absorption(SEA). Additionally, the ability to tune the mechanical performance of these structures by optimizing the stiffener design was demonstrated. The proposed design and fabrication process enables the creation of high-performance and innovative grid-stiffened CFRP tubular structures for applications such as aircraft fuselages, prosthetic sockets, and beyond.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108896"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vincent Mathel , Shazed Aziz , Xiao Guo , Karl Bertling , Aleksandar D. Rakić , Michael T. Heitzmann , Luigi-Jules Vandi
{"title":"Wood/PHAs biocomposites with mechanical properties comparable to conventional plastics: Model-based prediction and experimental validation","authors":"Vincent Mathel , Shazed Aziz , Xiao Guo , Karl Bertling , Aleksandar D. Rakić , Michael T. Heitzmann , Luigi-Jules Vandi","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of cost-effective, biodegradable engineering materials as drop-in replacements for traditional plastics is crucial for mitigating global plastic pollution. Recent research has focused on biocomposites combining biodegradable bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) with waste-derived fibres to enhance circularity, reduce costs and improve biodegradation. However, current PHA-based biocomposites lack the performance needed to replace conventional plastics, limiting market adoption. This study presents innovative wood fibre biocomposites based on PHAs like poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) blends, achieving properties equivalent to polypropylene and polyethene. The optimal biocomposites achieved a tensile strain at break of 12.1–29.5 %, tensile stress of 20–23 MPa, and tensile modulus of 1814–2329 MPa, depending on P34HB content. Thermal analysis and predictive modelling indicate strong interactions between PHBV, P34HB and wood fibres, with mechanical behaviour varying based on P34HB content. The addition of P34HB enhances ductility and flexibility, increasing tensile strain but reducing modulus and strength, while wood fibres improve modulus but reduce strength and strain. Microcrystalline and blend morphology analyses via scanning near-field optical microscopy highlight sensitivity to P34HB content and blending conditions. Optimised screw profiles with reduced shear zones minimise PHA thermal degradation, enhancing mechanical properties. The predictive models developed accurately forecast tensile properties, providing a framework for designing wood/PHAs biocomposites as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108916"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yizhuo Gu , Ruiqi Guo , Yubo Zhou , Shaokai Wang , Min Li
{"title":"Effects of porogen content on curing process and performances of needled fiber preform reinforced phenolic aerogel composite using process simulation and comprehensive experiments","authors":"Yizhuo Gu , Ruiqi Guo , Yubo Zhou , Shaokai Wang , Min Li","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A type of needled quartz/carbon fiber preform reinforced phenolic aerogel composite (NQCF/PR) was fabricated by impregnating fiber preform with precursor solution, followed by sol–gel polymerization and porogen drying. Porogen serves as pore-forming agent, shaping aerogel’s pore structure and influencing mechanical and thermal properties of aerogel composites. By adjusting porogen content, optimal pore structure and material properties can be tailored to meet specific requirements. However, evaporation of porogen during sol–gel polymerization could lead to reduction in porogen content and cause deviations from expected outcomes. In this study, impact of porogen content on curing process was investigated through process simulation incorporating resin curing and porogen evaporation kinetic models. Effects of porogen content on temperature distribution, resin curing degree and porogen conversion degree in a large hemispherical aerogel composite component were analyzed. The coupling of curing temperature, resin curing degree and residual porogen content induces variations in aerogel structure, and affects material performance. Experimental results show that as porogen content increases, compressive performance of NQCF/PR decreases significantly, while thermal insulation performance initially increases and then declines. Among these, NQCF/PR with 85 wt% porogen content achieves an optimal balance of lightweight properties (0.23 g/cm<sup>3</sup>), excellent thermal insulation (0.066 W/m·K), and compressive strength (0.27 MPa).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108902"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lu Che , Shuo Liu , Binbin Zhang , Guodong Fang , Jun Liang
{"title":"Micromechanical modeling for fiber-reinforced composites based on element-based peridynamics","authors":"Lu Che , Shuo Liu , Binbin Zhang , Guodong Fang , Jun Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108919","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108919","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The microstructure of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites exhibits complex multiphase heterogeneity and inherent defects, posing challenges for the study of composite microstructures. This study proposes a micromechanical analysis framework for composite materials based on the element-based peridynamics (EBPD), which is used to predict the macroscopic mechanical properties and damage evolution process of composite structures. A microscale model with randomly distributed fibers and periodic boundary conditions is established within the framework of EBPD. The effective elastic constants and stress distribution status of representative volume element (RVE) are predicted by using the micromechanical model based on the EBPD. The accuracy and applicability of the proposed model are verified by comparing with the experimental results. Furthermore, the advantages of the EBPD model over the finite element method (FEM) pixel grid model in predicting stress and the initiation location of cracks within the microstructure of FRP composites have been evaluated through two numerical examples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":282,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing","volume":"194 ","pages":"Article 108919"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}