Dynamic In-Plane Compression and Fracture Growth in a Quasi-Isotropic Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite.

This study presents an experimental investigation of the quasi-static and dynamic behavior of a quasi-isotropic carbon-fiber-reinforced composite subjected to in-plane compressive loading. The experiments were performed at strain rates ranging from 4×10-5 to ∼1200 s-1 to quantifythe strain-rate-dependent response, failure propagation, and damage morphology using advanced camera systems. Fiber bridging, kink band formation, dominance of interlaminar failure, and inter-fiber failure fracture planes are evidenced through post-mortem analysis.

Sustainable Transformation of Cellulose-Containing Textile Waste into Multifunctional Panels with Tailored FR-Lignocellulosic Fibres.

The fashion industry significantly impacts the environment, mainly through the substantial generation of waste textiles fostered by fast fashion business models. This study introduces an innovative approach to textile waste management by recycling waste textiles without the use of chemical or mechanical treatments. Herein, we developed a method adhering to the principles of circular economy to transform these textile wastes into high-quality construction panels using a papermaking process.

Evaluation of masks and mask material suitability for bioaerosol capture.

Non-medical masks such as disposable non-medical, commercially produced cloth, and homemade masks are not regulated like surgical masks. Their performance, in terms of filtration efficiency and breathability, is variable and unreliable. This research provides a quantitative evaluation of various non-medical masks, assesses their fabrics' potential for the reduction of transmission of bioaerosols such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and compares them to surgical masks and N95 filtering facepiece respirators.

The thermal 'Buddha Board'-application of microstructured polyolefin films for variable thermal infrared transparency materials.

In this study, we explore the innovative application of biological principles of scattering foams and structural colouration of white materials to manipulate the transmission properties of thermal infrared (IR) radiation, particularly within the 8-14 μm wavelength range in polyolefin materials. Inspired by the complex skin of organisms such as chameleons, which can dynamically change colour through structural alterations, as well as more mundane technologies such as Buddha Boards and magic water colouring books, we are developing methods to control thermal IR transmission using common thermoplastic materials that are semi-transparent to thermal IR radiation. Polyethylene and polypropylene, known for their versatility and cost-effectiveness, can be engineered into microstructured sheets with feature sizes spanning from 5 to 100 μm.

Towards High Efficiency and Rapid Production of Room-Temperature Liquid Metal Wires Compatible with Electronic Prototyping Connectors.

We present in this work new methodologies to produce, refine, and interconnect room-temperature liquid-metal-core thermoplastic elastomer wires that have extreme extendibility (>500%), low production time and cost at scale, and may be integrated into commonly used electrical prototyping connectors like a Japan Solderless Terminal (JST) or Dupont connectors. Rather than focus on the development of a specific device, the aim of this work is to demonstrate strategies and processes necessary to achieve scalable production of liquid-metal-enabled electronics and address several key challenges that have been present in liquid metal systems, including leak-free operation, minimal gallium corrosion of other electrode materials, low liquid metal consumption, and high production rates. The ultimate goal is to create liquid-metal-enabled rapid prototyping technologies, similar to what can be achieved with Arduino projects, where modification and switching of components can be performed in seconds, which enables faster iterations of designs.