Pressure-Strengthened Carbon Fibers from Mesophase Pitch Carbonization Processes.

Little attention has been devoted to studying the pressures during the mesophase pitches carbonization processes and their effects on the as-produced carbon fibers' mechanical properties. Herein, we study the pressure-enhanced graphitization of mesophase pitch and the promoted tensile stresses of the produced carbon fibers using full atomistic simulations based on reactive force fields. Results show that pressures increase the tensile stress of as-produced fibers by 3.

Laser Direct-Write Sensors on Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone for Smart Orthopedic Implants.

Mechanically close-to-bone carbon-fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK)-based orthopedic implants are rising to compete with metal implants, due to their X-ray transparency, superior biocompatibility, and body-environment stability. While real-time strain assessment of implants is crucial for the postsurgery study of fracture union and failure of prostheses, integrating precise and durable sensors on orthopedic implants remains a great challenge. Herein, a laser direct-write technique is presented to pattern conductive features (minimum sheet resistance <1.