Seawater Effects on Thermally Aged Ambient Cured Carbon/Epoxy Composites: Moisture Kinetics and Uptake Characteristics.

Carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites using ambient- and moderate-temperature curing non-autoclave processes have broad applicability in marine, offshore, and naval applications. This research focuses on the characterization of moisture kinetics of ambient cured carbon/epoxy composites subject to immersion in seawater for up to 72 weeks after prior periods of extended thermal aging. A two-stage model is shown to best describe the overall kinetics and response.

Effect of Thermal Exposure on Residual Properties of Wet Layup Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

Ambient cured wet layup carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites used extensively in the rehabilitation of infrastructure and in structural components can be exposed to elevated temperature regimes for extended periods of time of hours to a few days due to thermal excursions. These may be severe enough to cause a significant temperature rise without deep charring as through fires at a small distance and even high-temperature industrial processes. In such cases, it is critical to have information related to the post-event residual mechanical properties and damage states.

A Novel Strategy for Creating an Antibacterial Surface Using a Highly Efficient Electrospray-Based Method for Silica Deposition.

Adhesion of bacteria on biomedical implant surfaces is a prerequisite for biofilm formation, which may increase the chances of infection and chronic inflammation. In this study, we employed a novel electrospray-based technique to develop an antibacterial surface by efficiently depositing silica homogeneously onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film to achieve hydrophobic and anti-adhesive properties. We evaluated its potential application in inhibiting bacterial adhesion using both Gram-negative () and Gram-positive () bacteria.

Flexible Carbon Nanotube/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite for the De-Icing of Airplane Wings.

In the aviation industry, the process of de-icing is critical for stable flying because of the occurrence of airplane icing. To solve the icing problem, an electrical heating system is applied for airplane de-icing. Among the materials used in the electrical heating system, carbon-nanotube polymer composites are appropriate for an ice-prevention system owing to their rapid heating properties and flexibility.

Effect of Filler Alignment on Piezo-Resistive and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Composites.

Highly aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) polymer composites were fabricated via a roll-to-roll milling process; the alignment of the MWCNTs could be controlled by varying the speed of the rotating rolls. The effect of MWCNT alignment on the polymer matrix was morphologically observed and quantitatively characterized using polarized Raman spectroscopy. To provide a more detailed comparison, MWCNT composites with alignment in the transverse direction and random alignment were fabricated and tested.

Development of Multi-Functional Graphene Polymer Composites Having Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and De-Icing Properties.

We developed a multi-functional graphene composite with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and de-icing properties. Two-dimensional graphene fillers were homogeneously dispersed in a polymer by three-roll milling. The electrical properties and percolation threshold of the graphene composites were measured with various graphene contents.

Adsorption of Nitrate and Phosphate on Basalt Based Nanostructured Zeolite 13X.

In this work, we prepared basalt based nanostructured zeolite 13X by alkali fusion and hydrothermal synthesis process. The sample prepared was characterized using XRD, SEM, and low-temperature nitrogen analysis. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetic characteristics of ammonia nitrogen (NH₄-N) and phosphate phosphorus (PO₄-P) were investigated.

Synthesis of zeolitic material from basalt rock and its adsorption properties for carbon dioxide.

A zeolitic 4A type material was successfully prepared from natural basalt rock by applying an alkali fusion process and hydrothermal synthesis. In particular, the optimum synthetic conditions were examined at different crystallization times. Several methods such as XRD, SEM, EDX, and N and CO adsorption analysis were used to characterize the synthesized 4A type zeolite.