Results
- Showing results for:
- Reset all filters
Search results
-
Journal articleHong Y, Azcune I, Rekondo A, et al., 2024,
Additive manufacturing of shape memory thermoset composites with directional thermal conductivity
, Advanced Functional Materials, Vol: 34, ISSN: 1616-301XShape memory epoxy vitrimers and their composites are candidate materials for multiple engineering applications due to the commercial availability of their precursors combined with their functionality, mechanical properties, and recyclability. However, the manufacturing of vitrimer composites through conventional mould-casting limits the flexibility in the design of complex parts. In this work feedstock inks are formulated based on reduced graphene oxide and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) to 3D-print epoxy vitrimer-based composites by direct ink writing (DIW). The introduction of hBN platelets (up to 22 vol.%) and their alignment during printing enhances the fracture resistance of the material and induces directional thermal transport. The in-plane thermal conductivities (3 W m−1 K−1) are nearly one order of magnitude higher than the matrix material. The high conductivity results in faster actuation times and can be combined with the printing process to build structures designed to manage heat flow.
-
Journal articleZhou S, Tirichenko IS, Zhang X, et al., 2024,
Embedded 3D printing of microstructured multi-material composites
, MATTER, Vol: 7, ISSN: 2590-2393 -
Journal articleLi M, Guan Q, Li C, et al., 2023,
Self-powered hydrogel sensors
, Device, Vol: 1, ISSN: 2666-9986Emergent sensing technologies such as wearable electronic devices and skins, monitors for human-computer interaction, etc., are turning to versatile hydrogel chemistry to facilitate the detection of physical and chemical signals. These technologies require portable, non-invasive sensors able to work autonomously for extended periods of time in different environments. The ability of the sensor to self-generate the energy required for its operation is critical because these sensors often work isolated from a power source in highly mobile scenarios. We aim to inform researchers working in similar and allied areas that could benefit from the technology and help those already working in this field to form a comprehensive picture of the state of the art.
-
Journal articleZhou S, Cai Q, Tirichenko IS, et al., 2023,
Additive manufacturing of Al2O3 with engineered interlayers and high toughness through multi-material co-extrusion
, Acta Materialia, Vol: 246, ISSN: 1359-6454The additive manufacturing of ceramic composites with tailored microstructures is still challenging and timeconsuming. However, there is great interest as it may enable the implementation of novel materials architectures following computer designs. In this work, we demonstrate a straightforward method to obtain ceramicswith a network of continuous weak interlayers designed to increase fracture resistance using alumina as a modelsystem. This is achieved by combining direct ink writing with the coextrusion of multi-material pastes withcarefully matched rheology based on thermally reversible hydrogels and inorganic powders. The printed Al2O3bars with and without weak interlayers exhibit strengths ranging between 180 and 360 MPa and KIC ~ 3MPa•m1/2. The introduction of weak interlayers using different raster patterns, such as length wise and Bouligand alignments can be used to direct crack propagation and promote gradual failure. The result is animprovement in the fracture energy up to 230 J/m2 and KJ up to 9 MPa⋅m1/2. These results suggest the potentialof manufacturing ceramics with enhanced mechanical properties by using robocasting with multi-material inksto engineer complex interlayer networks.
-
Journal articleCai Q, Meille S, Chevalier J, et al., 2023,
3D-Printing of ceramic filaments with ductile metallic cores
, Materials & Design, Vol: 225, ISSN: 0261-3069The additive manufacturing of composite structures can open possibilities in the design and fabrication of devices but also demands new approaches. In this work, we use thermally reversible pastes to fabricate ceramic matrix (Al2O3) composites reinforced with continuous metallic fibres (steel). The approach is based on the micro-extrusion of ceramic–metal filaments with core–shell and layered arrangements. These filaments are employed in the additive manufacturing of dense and light-weight cellular structures that combine the stiffness and strength of the ceramic shell with the fracture resistance and energy absorption capabilities provided by the metal core. The approach can be used to extrude filaments with thin porous interlayers separating the core and the shells to create a weak fibre/matrix interphase. The cellular structures fabricated with these filaments exhibit higher compressive strengths and energy absorption capabilities than those fabricated from pure ceramics. The works of fracture of the dense composites are one to two orders of magnitude above those of the ceramic matrix (103 J/m2) while the bending strengths remain comparable to those of 3D printed alumina (200–350 MPa). The technique could be easily extended to other material combinations opening new opportunities in the additive manufacturing of multi-material parts and devices.
-
Journal articleLi M, Zhou S, Guan Q, et al., 2022,
Robust underwater oil-repellent biomimetic ceramic surfaces: combining the stability and reproducibility of functional structures
, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Vol: 14, Pages: 46077-46085, ISSN: 1944-8244Robust underwater oil-repellent materials combining high mechanical strength and durability with superwettability and low oil adhesion are needed to build oil-repellent devices able to work in water, to manipulate droplet behavior, etc. However, combining all of these properties within a single, durable material remains a challenge. Herein, we fabricate a robust underwater oil-resistant material (Al2O3) with all of the above properties by gel casting. The micro/nanoceramic particles distributed on the surface endow the material with excellent underwater superoleophobicity (∼160°) and low oil adhesion (<4 μN). In addition, the substrate exhibits typical ceramic characteristics such as good antiacid/alkali properties, high salt resistance, and high load tolerance. These excellent properties make the material not only applicable to various liquid environments but also resistant to the impact of particles and other physical damage. More importantly, the substrate could still exhibit underwater superoleophobicity after being worn under specific conditions, as wear will create new surfaces with similar particle size distribution. This approach is easily scalable for mass production, which could open a pathway for the fabrication of practical underwater long-lasting functional interfacial materials.
-
Journal articlePoloni E, Bouville F, Schmid AL, et al., 2022,
Carbon ablators with porosity tailored for aerospace thermal protection during atmospheric re-entry
, CARBON, Vol: 195, Pages: 80-91, ISSN: 0008-6223- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 10
-
Journal articleDelage J, Saiz E, Al Nasiri N, 2022,
Fracture behaviour of SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite at room temperature
, JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Vol: 42, Pages: 3156-3167, ISSN: 0955-2219 -
Journal articleMagrini T, Senol A, Style R, et al., 2022,
Fracture of hierarchical multi-layered bioinspired composites
, JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS, Vol: 159, ISSN: 0022-5096- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 6
-
Journal articleLi M, Li W, Guan Q, et al., 2021,
A tough reversible biomimetic transparent adhesive tape with pressure-sensitive and wet-cleaning properties
, ACS NANO, Vol: 15, Pages: 19194-19201, ISSN: 1936-0851Dry adhesives that combine strong adhesion, high transparency, and reusability are needed to support developments in emerging fields such as medical electrodes and the bonding of electronic optical devices. However, achieving all of these features in a single material remains challenging. Herein, we propose a pressure-responsive polyurethane (PU) adhesive inspired by the octopus sucker. This adhesive not only showcases reversible adhesion to both solid materials and biological tissues but also exhibits robust stability and high transparency (>90%). As the adhesive strength of the PU adhesive corresponds to the application force, adhesion could be adjusted by the preloading force and/or pressure. The adhesive exhibits high static adhesion (∼120 kPa) and 180° peeling force (∼500 N/m), which is far stronger than those of most existing artificial dry adhesives. Moreover, the adhesion strength is effectively maintained even after 100 bonding–peeling cycles. Because the adhesive tape relies on the combination of negative pressure and intermolecular forces, it overcomes the underlying problems caused by glue residue like that left by traditional glue tapes after removal. In addition, the PU adhesive also shows wet-cleaning performance; the contaminated tape can recover 90–95% of the lost adhesion strength after being cleaned with water. The results show that an adhesive with a microstructure designed to increase the contribution of negative pressure can combine high reversible adhesion and long fatigue life.
-
Journal articleCollett H, Bouville F, Giuliani F, et al., 2021,
Structural monitoring of a large archaeological wooden structure in real time, post PEG treatment
, Forests, Vol: 12, Pages: 1-13, ISSN: 1999-4907Large archaeological wooden structures are potentially at risk of structural failure through deformation and cracking over time if they are left untreated and their structural health is not maintained. This could be in part due to, for example, the shrinkage of waterlogged wood as it dries, or time-dependent creep processes. These dimensional changes are accompanied by associated stresses. However, there are few studies analysing the movement of large wooden structures in real time as they dry, particularly after their conservation treatment. This paper follows the structural monitoring of the Mary Rose from after the conservation treatment, where it was sprayed with polyethylene glycol, through to the ship’s air-drying process and beyond to assess the effects that drying has had on the displacement of the timbers. A laser-based target system was used to collect displacement data between 2013 and 2020 and the data showed a significant slowing of displacement as the drying reached an equilibrium.
-
Journal articleLi M, Li C, Blackman BRK, et al., 2021,
Energy conversion based on bio-inspired superwetting interfaces
, Matter, Vol: 4, Pages: 3400-3414, ISSN: 2590-2385Bio-inspired superwetting interfaces can realize rapid transfer of liquid mass or momentum due to their unique surface structure and wetting characteristics. Combined with a suitably electrified material, these special interfaces can further promote the generation or transmission of electrons. Herein, we summarize the latest developments in water-energy collection technologies based on these interfaces, such as piezoelectric/triboelectric/pyroelectric nanogenerators. When it comes to harvesting energy generated by salinity gradients, reverse electrodialysis based on ion channels is now being widely investigated. We review the concept of “quantum-confined superfluids” on superwetting interfaces, and the conditions required to form a superfluid in molecular and ion channels. The applications of the superfluids in energy conversion are discussed, including the charging and discharging process of lithium batteries and harvesting salinity-gradient energy. This perspective identifies advantages, current challenges, and future directions in the development of energy-conversion devices using superwetting interfaces that could open the door to their broader application.
-
Journal articleLi M, Li C, Blackman BRK, et al., 2021,
Mimicking nature to control bio-material surface wetting and adhesion
, International Materials Reviews, Vol: 67, Pages: 1-24, ISSN: 0950-6608Nature has developed unique strategies to refine and optimise structural performance. Using surfaces designed at multiple length scales, from micro to nano levels, combined with complex chemistries, different natural organisms can exhibit similar wetting but different adhesion to liquids under specific environments. These biological surfaces have inspired researchers to develop new approaches to control surface wetting and liquid behaviour via surface adhesion. Here we review natural strategies to control the interaction of liquids with solid surfaces and the efforts to implement these strategies in synthetic materials designed to work in either atmospheric or underwater environment. Particular attention is paid to droplet behaviour on the special-adhesion surfaces in nature and artificial smart surfaces. We highlight recent progress, identify the common threads, and discuss the fundamental differences in a way that can help formulate rational approaches towards surface engineering, and identify current challenges as well as future directions for the field.
-
Journal articleGavalda-Diaz O, Manno R, Melro A, et al., 2021,
Mode I and Mode II interfacial fracture energy of SiC/BN/SiC CMCs
, Acta Materialia, Vol: 215, Pages: 1-11, ISSN: 1359-6454Quantifying the mixed mode fracture toughness of interfaces in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) is crucial for understanding their failure. In this work we use in situ micromechanical testing in the scanning electron microscope to achieve stable interfacial crack propagation in Mode I (Double Cantilever Beam) and Mode II (Push out) and measure the corresponding fracture resistances. We use this approach to measure the interfacial fracture resistance in SiC/BN/SiC CMCs and compare it to the fracture energy of the fibres. During in-situ testing, fracture paths can be observed while data is acquired simultaneously. We clearly observe debonding at the BN-fibre interface (i.e. inside adhesive debonding). The critical energy release rate of the BN-fibre interface for Mode I and II (GIc ≈ 2.1 ± 1.0 J/m2 and GIIc ≈ 1.2 ± 0.5 J/m2) are equivalent and is lower than that measured for the fibre using microscopic DCB tests (GIc ≈ 6.0 ± 2.0 J/m2). These results explain the generalized fibre debonding and pull out observed in the fracture of these CMCs. By enabling direct observation of crack paths and quantifying the corresponding fracture energies, we highlight possible routes for the optimisation and modelling of the new generation of CMC interphases.
-
Journal articleCao C, Lin Z, Liu X, et al., 2021,
Strong Reduced Graphene Oxide Coated Bombyx mori Silk
, ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Vol: 31, ISSN: 1616-301X -
Journal articleMagrini T, Kiebala D, Grimm D, et al., 2021,
Tough Bioinspired Composites That Self-Report Damage
, ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES, Vol: 13, Pages: 27481-27490, ISSN: 1944-8244- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 15
-
Journal articleLi C, Li M, Ni Z, et al., 2021,
Stimuli-responsive surfaces for switchable wettability and adhesion
, Journal of the Royal Society Interface, Vol: 18, ISSN: 1742-5662Diverse unique surfaces exist in nature, e.g. lotus leaf, rose petal and rice leaf. They show similar contact angles but different adhesion properties. According to the different wettability and adhesion characteristics, this review reclassifies different contact states of droplets on surfaces. Inspired by the biological surfaces, smart artificial surfaces have been developed which respond to external stimuli and consequently switch between different states. Responsive surfaces driven by various stimuli, e.g. stretching, magnetic, photo, electric, temperature, humidity and pH, are discussed. Studies reporting on either atmospheric or underwater environments are discussed. The application of tailoring surface wettability and adhesion includes microfluidics/droplet manipulation, liquid transport and harvesting, water energy harvesting and flexible smart devices. Particular attention is placed on the horizontal comparison of smart surfaces with the same stimuli. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects in this field are also identified.
-
Journal articleDe Meyere RMG, Song K, Gale L, et al., 2021,
A novel trench fibre push-out method to evaluate interfacial failure in long fibre composites
, Journal of Materials Research, Vol: 36, Pages: 2305-2314, ISSN: 0884-2914Traditional fibre push-outs for the evaluation of interfacial properties in long fibre ceramic matrix composites present their limitations—solutions for which are addressed in this work by introducing the novel trench push-out test. The trench push-out makes use of a FIB milling system and an SEM in-situ nanoindenter to probe a fibre pushed into a trench underneath, allowing in-situ observations to be directly correlated with micromechanical events. SiCf/BN/SiC composites—candidate material for turbine engines—were used as model materials in this work. Different fibre types (Hi-Nicalon and Tyranno type SA3) were coated with BN interphases, presenting mean interfacial shear stresses of 14 ± 7 MPa and 20 ± 2 MPa, respectively, during fibre sliding. The micromechanical technique enabled visualisation of how defects in the interphase (voids, inclusions & milled notches) or in the fibre (surface asperities, non-uniform coatings) affected the variability of interfacial property measurement.
-
Journal articleGavalda-Diaz O, Lyons J, Wang S, et al., 2021,
Basal plane delamination energy measurement in a Ti3SiC2 MAX phase
, JOM, Vol: 73, Pages: 1582-1588, ISSN: 1047-4838The {0001} basal plane delamination dominating the crack-wake bridging in MAX phases at a bulk scale has been investigated by studying the small-scale fracture of a Ti3SiC2. In situ micro-double cantilever beam (DCB) tests in a scanning electron microscope were used to grow a stable crack along the basal plane, measure the fracture energy, and study the crack propagation mechanism at the nanoscale. The results show that the fracture energy (10–50 J/m2) depends on small misorientations angles (e.g., 5°) of the basal plane to the stress field. This induces permanent deformation which can be observed once the DCB has been unloaded. The nanoscale study of the crack shows that the plasticity at the crack tip is small, but a number of pairs of dislocations are forming at each side of the crack. Hence, this study helps to explain the enhanced fracture energy values and possible sources of energy dissipation in basal plane delamination, which is the one of the main toughening mechanisms in the bulk fracture of MAX phases.
-
Journal articleLeung CLA, Elizarova I, Isaacs M, et al., 2021,
Enhanced near-infrared absorption for laser powder bed fusion using reduced graphene oxide
, Applied Materials Today, Vol: 23, Pages: 1-10, ISSN: 2352-9407Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a revolutionary manufacturing technology that fabricates parts with unparalleled complexity, layer-by-layer. However, there are limited choices of commercial powders for LPBF, constrained partly by the laser absorbance, an area that is not well investigated. Carbon additives are commonly used to promote near infra-red (NIR) absorbance of the powders but their efficiency is limited. Here, we combine operando synchrotron X-ray imaging with chemical characterisation techniques to elucidate the role of additives on NIR absorption, melt track and defect evolution mechanisms during LPBF. We employ a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) additive to enable LPBF of low NIR absorbance powder, SiO2, under systematic build conditions. This work successfully manufactured glass tracks with a high relative density (99.6%) and overhang features (> 5 mm long) without pre/post heat treatment. Compared to conventional carbon additives, the rGO increases the powder's NIR absorbance by ca. 3 times and decreases the warpage and porosity in LPBF glass tracks. Our approach will dramatically widen the palette of materials for laser processing and enable existing LPBF machines to process low absorbance powder, such as SiO2, using a NIR beam.
-
Journal articleAzcune I, Huegun A, Ruiz de Luzuriaga A, et al., 2021,
The effect of matrix on shape properties of aromatic disulfide based epoxy vitrimers
, European Polymer Journal, Vol: 148, Pages: 1-10, ISSN: 0014-3057Aromatic disulfide based vitrimers show elasticity driven shape-memory and plastic reprocessability via associative rearrangement of dynamic covalent crosslinks. Those processess represent the two sides of a coin: the storage and relaxation of the strain energy caused by a deformation load. The key temperatures that trigger the underlying mechanisms, i.e. phase transition and disulfide exchange reaction, are extremely sensitive to the molecular structure of the polymer and under certain condition overlap. To gain insight on the relationship between the structure, dynamic and shape-changing properties, five aromatic disulfide-based epoxy networks with a range of Tg values (32–142 °C), molecular structure and crosslink densities (2252–462 mol m−3) were synthesized. The epoxy matrices were formulated combining different ratios of rigid bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) and flexible poly(propylene glycol) diglycidic ether (DGEPPG) epoxy monomers crosslinked by 4-aminophenyldisulfide hardener.
-
Journal articleAldegaither N, Sernicola G, Mesgarnejad A, et al., 2021,
Fracture toughness of bone at the microscale
, Acta Biomaterialia, Vol: 121, Pages: 475-483, ISSN: 1742-7061Bone's hierarchical arrangement of collagen and mineral generates a confluence of toughening mechanisms acting at every length scale from the molecular to the macroscopic level. Molecular defects, disease, and age alter bone structure at different levels and diminish its fracture resistance. However, the inability to isolate and quantify the influence of specific features hampers our understanding and the development of new therapies. Here, we combine in situ micromechanical testing, transmission electron microscopy and phase-field modelling to quantify intrinsic deformation and toughening at the fibrillar level and unveil the critical role of fibril orientation on crack deflection. At this level dry bone is highly anisotropic, with fracture energies ranging between 5 and 30 J/m2 depending on the direction of crack propagation. These values are lower than previously calculated for dehydrated samples from large-scale tests. However, they still suggest a significant amount of energy dissipation. This approach provides a new tool to uncouple and quantify, from the bottom up, the roles played by the structural features and constituents of bone on fracture and how can they be affected by different pathologies. The methodology can be extended to support the rational development of new structural composites.
-
Journal articlePoloni E, Bouville F, Dreimol CH, et al., 2021,
Tough metal-ceramic composites with multifunctional nacre-like architecture
, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, Vol: 11, ISSN: 2045-2322- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 8
-
Journal articleCao C, Peng J, Liang X, et al., 2021,
Strong, conductive aramid fiber functionalized by graphene
, COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING, Vol: 140, ISSN: 1359-835X -
Journal articleDiaz OG, Marquardt K, Harris S, et al., 2020,
Degradation mechanisms of SiC/BN/SiC after low temperature humidity exposure
, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Vol: 40, Pages: 3863-3874, ISSN: 0955-2219The environmental degradation of SiC/BN/SiC CMCs under low temperature water exposure is still an unexplored field. This work shows how the effect of low temperature humid environments can be detrimental for turbostratic BN interphases, leading to a drop in mechanical properties. Furthermore, initial low-temperature humid environments can induce a faster degradation during subsequent thermal exposure. In order to understand how low temperature water exposure affects the CMC and how these changes affect the material response to subsequent exposures, intermediate temperature (800 °C) exposures have been studied before and after the low temperature humidity tests. The main challenge of this work consists of understanding how different constituents of the CMC structure (e.g. fibres and interphases) are degrading and consequently affecting the overall bulk mechanical performance and failure modes of the material. For this, linking the change in morphology and chemistry of the interphases with the micromechanical properties each constituent has been crucial.
-
Journal articleMcGilvery C, Jiang J, Rounthwaite N, et al., 2020,
Characterisation of carbonaceous deposits on diesel injector nozzles
, Fuel: the science and technology of fuel and energy, Vol: 274, Pages: 1-9, ISSN: 0016-2361Diesel injector nozzles are highly engineered components designed to optimise delivery of fuel into the combustion chamber of modern engines. These components contain narrow channels to enhance spray formation and penetration, hence mixing and combustion. Over time, these injectors can become clogged due to fouling by carbonaceous deposits which may affect the long-term performance of a diesel engine. In this paper we explore the chemical composition and structure of deposits formed within the nozzle at the nanometre scale using electron microscopy. We focus on comparing deposits generated using a chassis dynamometer-based test with Zn fouled fuel with a DW10B dirty up test. We have developed and applied a method to precisely section the deposits for ‘top view’ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the morphology and relative accumulation of deposits formed during chassis dynamometer and engine based dirty-up tests. We extend this analysis to finer length scales through lift-out of ~70 nm thick electron transparent cross section foils, including both the metal substrate and deposit, using focussed ion beam (FIB) machining. These foils are analysed using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and STEM-EDS. These thin foils reveal thin-film growth and chemical stratification of Zn, C, O and other elements in the organic deposit layers developed during growth on the steel substrate during industry standard fouling tests.
-
Journal articleRocha VG, Saiz E, Tirichenko IS, et al., 2020,
Direct ink writing advances in multi-material structures for a sustainable future
, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 8, Pages: 15646-15657, ISSN: 2050-7488Novel manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing (AM, also referred to as 3D printing) will play a critical role in building a sustainable future. AM will reduce waste, energy consumption and production time by eliminating the need to assemble components. It will also enable the mass customization of complex devices. To reach their full potential, additive manufacturing technologies should be able to combine different materials in a single processing step. Although the development of multi-material printing is in its infancy, it could have a massive impact in fields as diverse as energy storage and generation, electronic devices, healthcare or structural composites to name a few. Here we provide a critical perspective on the advances and potential of multi-material printing using direct extrusion-based printing, also known as direct ink writing (DIW) or robocasting. We will show examples of devices and structures combining a wide range of materials from ceramics to metals, polymers and carbon with particular focus on three promising applications: energy storage, lightweight composites and sensors. The goals are to assess the progress made so far, to point out specific challenges and areas for further development and to provide guidelines to those interested in multi-material DIW.
-
Journal articleJones LD, Vandeperre LJ, Haynes TA, et al., 2020,
Theory and application of Weibull distributions to 1D peridynamics for brittle solids
, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol: 363, Pages: 1-11, ISSN: 0045-7825Peridynamics is a continuum mechanics modelling method, which is emerging as a solution for – in particular – the modelling of brittle fracture. The inherent variability of brittle fracture is captured well by the Weibull distribution, which describes the probability of fracture of a given material at a given stress. Recreating a Weibull distribution in peridynamics involves adjusting for the fact that the body is made up of a large number of bonds, and the distribution of strengths associated with these bonds must be different to the distribution of strengths associated with the peridynamic body. In the local case, where the horizon ratio, m=1 is used, Weibull’s original simple size scaling gives exact results, but the overlapping nature of non-local bonds that occurs in higher m cases, typically used in the peridynamics literature (such as m=3), causes a significant distortion of Weibull distributions. The cause of these distortions is spurious toughening and partial component failures as a result of the reduced localisation associated with larger horizon ratios. In order to remove these distortions, appropriate size scaling is used for the bonds, and a methodology that is capable of reflecting the heterogeneity of the material in the model, is proposed. The methodology described means Weibull parameters measured at specimen or component level can be reproduced for higher values of m.
-
Journal articleZhou T, Wu C, Wang Y, et al., 2020,
Super-tough MXene-functionalized graphene sheets
, Nature Communications, Vol: 11, ISSN: 2041-1723Flexible reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets are being considered for applications in portable electrical devices and flexible energy storage systems. However, the poor mechanical properties and electrical conductivities of rGO sheets are limiting factors for the development of such devices. Here we use MXene (M) nanosheets to functionalize graphene oxide platelets through Ti-O-C covalent bonding to obtain MrGO sheets. A MrGO sheet was crosslinked by a conjugated molecule (1-aminopyrene-disuccinimidyl suberate, AD). The incorporation of MXene nanosheets and AD molecules reduces the voids within the graphene sheet and improves the alignment of graphene platelets, resulting in much higher compactness and high toughness. In situ Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations reveal the synergistic interfacial interaction mechanisms of Ti-O-C covalent bonding, sliding of MXene nanosheets, and π-π bridging. Furthermore, a supercapacitor based on our super-tough MXene-functionalized graphene sheets provides a combination of energy and power densities that are high for flexible supercapacitors.
-
Journal articleBhowmik A, Lee J, Adande S, et al., 2020,
Investigating spatio-temporal deformation in single crystal Ni-based superalloys using in-situ diffraction experiments and modelling
, Materialia, Vol: 9, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 2589-1529In this study, we perform a detailed analysis of room temperature deformation of a [100]–orientated singlecrystal Ni-based superalloy, CMSX-4 micropillar, using a combinatorial and complimentary characterisation approach of micro-Laue diffraction coupled with post-deformation microscopy and crystal plasticity modelling.Time-resolved micro-Laue data indicated that deformation was initiated by activation of multiple slip (after 5%engineering strain) which led to the generation of a plastic strain accumulation accompanied by a two-foldincrease in the dislocation density within the micropillar. Subsequent to that, slip occurred primarily on two systems (11̄1)[101] and (111)[1̄01] with the highest Schmid factor in the single crystal micropillar thereby resultingin little accumulation of unpaired GNDs during a major part of the loading cycle, upto 20% strain in this case.Finite element crystal plasticity modelling also showed good agreement with the experimental analyses, wherebysignificant strains were found to develop in the above slip systems with a localisation near the centre of themicropillar. Post-deformation transmission electron microscopy study confirmed that deformation was mediatedthrough a/2<110> dislocations on {111} planes in the 𝛾-phase, while high stress levels led to shearing of the 𝛾′precipitates by a/2<110> partials bounding an anti-phase boundary free to glide on the {111} planes. Duringthe deformation of the single crystal micropillar, independent rotations of the 𝛾 and 𝛾′ phases were quantified byspatially resolved post-deformation micro-Laue patterns. The degree of lattice rotation in the 𝛾-phase was higherthan that in the 𝛾′-phase.
This data is extracted from the Web of Science and reproduced under a licence from Thomson Reuters. You may not copy or re-distribute this data in whole or in part without the written consent of the Science business of Thomson Reuters.