Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113417
Junhao Ni , Carola Böhmer , Markus Koenigsdorff , Andreas Richter , Gerald Gerlach , E.-F. Markus Vorrath
Stretchable electronic devices with micro-to sub-millimeter thickness are increasingly used in soft robotics, wearable healthcare, and human-machine interfaces. However, the mechanical isotropy of commonly used elastomers leads to undesirable deformation in transverse directions, reducing actuation efficiency, sensing precision, and geometric stability. Here, we present a low-cost, easy-to-produce and readily applicable carbon fiber elastomer film (CFEF) that imparts pronounced mechanical anisotropy when laminated onto isotropic elastomers. The CFEF is fabricated by embedding unidirectionally aligned carbon fiber monofilaments within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The composite exhibits high stiffness along the carbon fiber axis, while remaining highly compliant in the direction perpendicular to the fibers. Fabrication requires only commercially available materials and standard processes, ensuring compatibility with existing devices. For a 200 μm thick PDMS film, it suppresses transverse strain by 95%. Applied to strip-type multilayer dielectric elastomer actuators, the CFEF increases actuation strain by 22%. In dielectric elastomer sensors, an anisotropy ratio of 80.6:1 is achieved. This approach offers an effective and manufacturing-friendly solution for tailoring directional mechanical properties in thin, soft electronic systems without compromising flexibility.
{"title":"A carbon fiber elastomer film for mechanically anisotropic enhancement of stretchable electronics","authors":"Junhao Ni , Carola Böhmer , Markus Koenigsdorff , Andreas Richter , Gerald Gerlach , E.-F. Markus Vorrath","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113417","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113417","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stretchable electronic devices with micro-to sub-millimeter thickness are increasingly used in soft robotics, wearable healthcare, and human-machine interfaces. However, the mechanical isotropy of commonly used elastomers leads to undesirable deformation in transverse directions, reducing actuation efficiency, sensing precision, and geometric stability. Here, we present a low-cost, easy-to-produce and readily applicable carbon fiber elastomer film (CFEF) that imparts pronounced mechanical anisotropy when laminated onto isotropic elastomers. The CFEF is fabricated by embedding unidirectionally aligned carbon fiber monofilaments within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The composite exhibits high stiffness along the carbon fiber axis, while remaining highly compliant in the direction perpendicular to the fibers. Fabrication requires only commercially available materials and standard processes, ensuring compatibility with existing devices. For a 200 μm thick PDMS film, it suppresses transverse strain by 95%. Applied to strip-type multilayer dielectric elastomer actuators, the CFEF increases actuation strain by 22%. In dielectric elastomer sensors, an anisotropy ratio of 80.6:1 is achieved. This approach offers an effective and manufacturing-friendly solution for tailoring directional mechanical properties in thin, soft electronic systems without compromising flexibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 113417"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113504
Qisen Chen , Yaping Xiao , Zezhong Li , Mengze Li , Di Yang , Weiwei Qu , Han Wang
This study concerns the effect of tow-to-tow gaps and their distribution induced by automated fiber placement on the mechanical performance of large composite structures. A gap volume element (GVE) model is first presented for cross-scale analysis of the mechanical behavior of composite panels with tow gaps under realistic engineering conditions. In the GVE model, the mesh elements containing gap defects can be homogenized to account comprehensively for the effects of the geometric volume fraction and spatial distribution of gaps within the solid elements, along with the influence of tow angle deviation. Based on simulated tests under elastic property identification loading and micromechanical theory, the equivalent in-plane elastic stiffness matrix and strength matrix of the elements containing gap defects were reconstructed. Subsequently, the GVE model was validated against the available uniaxial tensile tests on specimens containing triangular gaps, and excellent agreement was obtained. Finally, based on the GVE model, a sequential hierarchical multiscale evaluation framework was established to assess the influence of different gap distribution schemes on the mechanical behavior of composite panels. The evaluation results indicate that a more uniform distribution of gaps within the panel is beneficial to the structural load-bearing capacity.
{"title":"Gap volume element model for cross-scale analysis of mechanical behavior of composite panels with AFP-induced gaps","authors":"Qisen Chen , Yaping Xiao , Zezhong Li , Mengze Li , Di Yang , Weiwei Qu , Han Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113504","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113504","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study concerns the effect of tow-to-tow gaps and their distribution induced by automated fiber placement on the mechanical performance of large composite structures. A gap volume element (GVE) model is first presented for cross-scale analysis of the mechanical behavior of composite panels with tow gaps under realistic engineering conditions. In the GVE model, the mesh elements containing gap defects can be homogenized to account comprehensively for the effects of the geometric volume fraction and spatial distribution of gaps within the solid elements, along with the influence of tow angle deviation. Based on simulated tests under elastic property identification loading and micromechanical theory, the equivalent in-plane elastic stiffness matrix and strength matrix of the elements containing gap defects were reconstructed. Subsequently, the GVE model was validated against the available uniaxial tensile tests on specimens containing triangular gaps, and excellent agreement was obtained. Finally, based on the GVE model, a sequential hierarchical multiscale evaluation framework was established to assess the influence of different gap distribution schemes on the mechanical behavior of composite panels. The evaluation results indicate that a more uniform distribution of gaps within the panel is beneficial to the structural load-bearing capacity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"315 ","pages":"Article 113504"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113439
Di Gai , Shengjie Yu , Zhipeng Yao , Lingkang Zhao , Lin Huo , Jiaming Zhang , Chudi Wang
The stiffness discontinuity in conventional Quad (QD) laminates is a primary cause of interlaminar delamination in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bending beams. To systematically investigate the interlaminar optimization mechanism of Double-Double (DD) laminates, this study designs multiple comparative specimens—including DD configurations matched to QD in global stiffness and variants with systematically varied stacking sequences and interlayer angle differences—and employs four-point bending tests coupled with digital image correlation (DIC) to capture full-field strain evolution during failure. Experimentally validated finite element models and anisotropic elasticity theory further enable stress field simulation and interlaminar stress analysis. Results reveal that DD laminates exhibit reduced stiffness mismatch between adjacent plies compared to QD, significantly lowering interlaminar shear stress concentrations while maintaining comparable flexural rigidity. This stress homogenization enhances failure load and flexural strength by 31.4 % and 21.4 %, respectively. Moreover, DD laminates achieve more uniform edge stress distributions, reducing localized stress concentrations. Stacking sequence governs stress transfer paths: theoretical analysis shows that positioning high-stiffness layers closer to the surface enhances flexural rigidity but intensifies edge interlaminar stresses, reducing strength—a stiffness-strength trade-off. Finally, interlayer angle difference directly modulates crack propagation: large angles (e.g., 85°) impede and deflect cracks via fiber-matrix interface interactions, forming regular matrix debonding zones, whereas small angles promote crack growth along fibers, causing irregular debonding. Collectively, DD laminates enhance interlaminar performance through multi-mechanism strategies including stress homogenization, load-path tailoring, and crack suppression, offering a structural optimization pathway for CFRP bending beams.
{"title":"Mechanisms of interlaminar strength enhancement in CFRP bending beams via Double-Double laminate optimization: Effects of ply sequence and orientation","authors":"Di Gai , Shengjie Yu , Zhipeng Yao , Lingkang Zhao , Lin Huo , Jiaming Zhang , Chudi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The stiffness discontinuity in conventional Quad (QD) laminates is a primary cause of interlaminar delamination in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bending beams. To systematically investigate the interlaminar optimization mechanism of Double-Double (DD) laminates, this study designs multiple comparative specimens—including DD configurations matched to QD in global stiffness and variants with systematically varied stacking sequences and interlayer angle differences—and employs four-point bending tests coupled with digital image correlation (DIC) to capture full-field strain evolution during failure. Experimentally validated finite element models and anisotropic elasticity theory further enable stress field simulation and interlaminar stress analysis. Results reveal that DD laminates exhibit reduced stiffness mismatch between adjacent plies compared to QD, significantly lowering interlaminar shear stress concentrations while maintaining comparable flexural rigidity. This stress homogenization enhances failure load and flexural strength by 31.4 % and 21.4 %, respectively. Moreover, DD laminates achieve more uniform edge stress distributions, reducing localized stress concentrations. Stacking sequence governs stress transfer paths: theoretical analysis shows that positioning high-stiffness layers closer to the surface enhances flexural rigidity but intensifies edge interlaminar stresses, reducing strength—a stiffness-strength trade-off. Finally, interlayer angle difference directly modulates crack propagation: large angles (e.g., 85°) impede and deflect cracks via fiber-matrix interface interactions, forming regular matrix debonding zones, whereas small angles promote crack growth along fibers, causing irregular debonding. Collectively, DD laminates enhance interlaminar performance through multi-mechanism strategies including stress homogenization, load-path tailoring, and crack suppression, offering a structural optimization pathway for CFRP bending beams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113439"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113480
Haiqin Zhang , Yihao Li , Peng Wang , Song Shi , Lili Zheng , Tianle Zhang , Hongyao Xue , Zhiming Liu , Mingjia Li , Yan He
Safe and efficient operation of high-energy-density battery systems relies on thermal management. But current methods of thermal management are not always up to snuff when it comes to thermal response and flame resistance. By manipulating the microstructure of low-grade graphene through gas evaporation and directional freeze-drying, we were able to create a thermally switchable flame-retardant material that can undergo fast transitions. In 20 s at around 140 °C, the material goes from being conductive (1.23 W m−1 K−1) to being insulating (0.11 W m−1 K−1), thus combining the roles of efficient heat transfer and thermal insulation. By acting as a separator in nickel-manganese lithium-ion batteries, this material improves the stability of the modules and decreases the dangers of explosions caused by thermal runaway by drastically reducing heat diffusion. Additionally, a thermosensitive flame-retardant composite with many functions based on graphene was created to assist with responsive heat management. In order to facilitate proactive risk assessment, infrared imaging and real-time temperature data were used to detect early-stage thermal abnormalities using the machine learning system. A new, economical, and scalable method for controlling electric vehicle and energy storage battery safety has been developed through the combination of intelligent detection and thermal switching. This method promotes improvements in performance and inherent safety.
高能量密度电池系统的安全高效运行依赖于热管理。但是，当涉及到热响应和阻燃性时，目前的热管理方法并不总是令人满意。通过气体蒸发和定向冷冻干燥来控制低品位石墨烯的微观结构，我们能够创造出一种可以快速转变的热切换阻燃材料。在140°C左右的20秒内，材料从导电（1.23 W m−1 K−1）变为绝缘（0.11 W m−1 K−1），从而结合了高效传热和隔热的作用。作为镍锰锂离子电池的分离器，这种材料提高了组件的稳定性，并通过大幅减少热扩散来降低由热失控引起的爆炸危险。此外，基于石墨烯的热敏阻燃复合材料具有多种功能，有助于响应性热管理。为了便于进行前瞻性风险评估，利用机器学习系统，利用红外成像和实时温度数据来检测早期热异常。将智能检测与热开关相结合，开发了一种经济、可扩展的新型电动汽车和储能电池安全控制方法。这种方法提高了性能和固有安全性。
{"title":"Multifunctional graphene thermal switch material with adaptive heat control, flame retardant and machine learning-assisted monitor for high-efficiency battery management","authors":"Haiqin Zhang , Yihao Li , Peng Wang , Song Shi , Lili Zheng , Tianle Zhang , Hongyao Xue , Zhiming Liu , Mingjia Li , Yan He","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113480","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113480","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Safe and efficient operation of high-energy-density battery systems relies on thermal management. But current methods of thermal management are not always up to snuff when it comes to thermal response and flame resistance. By manipulating the microstructure of low-grade graphene through gas evaporation and directional freeze-drying, we were able to create a thermally switchable flame-retardant material that can undergo fast transitions. In 20 s at around 140 °C, the material goes from being conductive (1.23 W m<sup>−1</sup> K<sup>−1</sup>) to being insulating (0.11 W m<sup>−1</sup> K<sup>−1</sup>), thus combining the roles of efficient heat transfer and thermal insulation. By acting as a separator in nickel-manganese lithium-ion batteries, this material improves the stability of the modules and decreases the dangers of explosions caused by thermal runaway by drastically reducing heat diffusion. Additionally, a thermosensitive flame-retardant composite with many functions based on graphene was created to assist with responsive heat management. In order to facilitate proactive risk assessment, infrared imaging and real-time temperature data were used to detect early-stage thermal abnormalities using the machine learning system. A new, economical, and scalable method for controlling electric vehicle and energy storage battery safety has been developed through the combination of intelligent detection and thermal switching. This method promotes improvements in performance and inherent safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113480"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146171248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113478
Xinyong Guo , Tao Chen , Chunhui Li , Suyan Li , Shouji Yang , Disong Luo
Thermoplastic carbon fiber/polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composites show broad application prospects in aerospace structural manufacturing due to their excellent mechanical properties and recyclability. However, the heterogeneous structure of “strong-brittle” carbon fibers and “soft-tough” resin matrix poses significant challenges for high-quality hole making. gyroscopic milling technology, employing a unique conical pendulum tool motion, provides a new approach for high-quality, low-damage hole making in CF/PEEK composites by simultaneously reducing axial cutting force and heat. This study investigates the effects of spindle speed and feed rate on cutting force, cutting temperature, chip morphology, and hole quality during gyroscopic milling. It elucidates that the axial force is primarily governed by the feed rate and dynamically decreases due to the thermal softening effect. Increasing spindle speed and feed rate triggers dual effects: elevated cutting temperature promotes matrix softening and accentuates the anisotropic thermal conduction, resulting in a prolate temperature field with an increased aspect ratio at the hole exit; simultaneously, the enhanced gyroscopic moment fragments continuous arc-shaped chips, improving chip evacuation and suppressing adhesion. Analysis of fiber orientation influence reveals the formation mechanisms of defects such as fiber pull-out, pits, exit delamination, burrs, and discontinuous matrix side flow. A high spindle speed combined with a low feed rate effectively suppresses hole wall damage and improves hole quality while maintaining material removal efficiency. This study provides a basis for optimizing high-quality hole-making processes for CF/PEEK composites.
{"title":"Mechanism and machining quality in gyroscopic milling of thermoplastic carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composites","authors":"Xinyong Guo , Tao Chen , Chunhui Li , Suyan Li , Shouji Yang , Disong Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermoplastic carbon fiber/polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composites show broad application prospects in aerospace structural manufacturing due to their excellent mechanical properties and recyclability. However, the heterogeneous structure of “strong-brittle” carbon fibers and “soft-tough” resin matrix poses significant challenges for high-quality hole making. gyroscopic milling technology, employing a unique conical pendulum tool motion, provides a new approach for high-quality, low-damage hole making in CF/PEEK composites by simultaneously reducing axial cutting force and heat. This study investigates the effects of spindle speed and feed rate on cutting force, cutting temperature, chip morphology, and hole quality during gyroscopic milling. It elucidates that the axial force is primarily governed by the feed rate and dynamically decreases due to the thermal softening effect. Increasing spindle speed and feed rate triggers dual effects: elevated cutting temperature promotes matrix softening and accentuates the anisotropic thermal conduction, resulting in a prolate temperature field with an increased aspect ratio at the hole exit; simultaneously, the enhanced gyroscopic moment fragments continuous arc-shaped chips, improving chip evacuation and suppressing adhesion. Analysis of fiber orientation influence reveals the formation mechanisms of defects such as fiber pull-out, pits, exit delamination, burrs, and discontinuous matrix side flow. A high spindle speed combined with a low feed rate effectively suppresses hole wall damage and improves hole quality while maintaining material removal efficiency. This study provides a basis for optimizing high-quality hole-making processes for CF/PEEK composites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113478"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146171297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113443
Jianfeng Kang , Minwei Yu , Yanlong Wu , Jingwei Yang , Haichen Zhang , Jian Qiao , Xu Chen
Brittle bio-ceramics materials intrinsically lack a favorable trade-off between strength and toughness, limiting their ability to achieve bone-matched mechanical properties and clinical applications. Inspired by the hierarchical architecture and composition of natural bone, ceramic-polymer interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) were designed and fabricated by combining 3D-printed porous β-TCP ceramics with subsequent PCL infiltration. Three representative triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) architectures with varied wall thicknesses were employed to regulate the volume fraction and spatial distribution of ceramic and polymer phases inside the IPCs. Using by microstructural characterization, quasi-static compression testing, and dynamic cyclic loading-unloading, the influences of geometric topology and structural parameters on the strength-toughness response were thoroughly investigated. The response relationship and mechanism between structure and mechanical properties were further analyzed. The results showed that polymer fully infiltrated the continuous channels within the porous ceramics and formed strong mechanical interlocking at both the phase interface and ceramic internal micropores. The strength and strain energy density of the β-TCP/PCL IPCs were improved by 5–11 and 7–30 times respectively, and their mechanical response was dependent on the biphasic volume fraction and interfacial bonding. Compared with brittle fracture of porous ceramics, the IPCs transformed into ductile energy-dissipative deformation. Under dynamic cyclic compression, the composites possessed excellent deformation recovery and high energy-dissipation capability. The study will provide important foundation for the development of high-performance personalized biomedical implants by linking IPCs’ architecture to their mechanical functionality.
{"title":"Mechanical properties regulation of high-strength and high-toughness ceramic/polymer composites with interpenetrating phase","authors":"Jianfeng Kang , Minwei Yu , Yanlong Wu , Jingwei Yang , Haichen Zhang , Jian Qiao , Xu Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brittle bio-ceramics materials intrinsically lack a favorable trade-off between strength and toughness, limiting their ability to achieve bone-matched mechanical properties and clinical applications. Inspired by the hierarchical architecture and composition of natural bone, ceramic-polymer interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) were designed and fabricated by combining 3D-printed porous β-TCP ceramics with subsequent PCL infiltration. Three representative triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) architectures with varied wall thicknesses were employed to regulate the volume fraction and spatial distribution of ceramic and polymer phases inside the IPCs. Using by microstructural characterization, quasi-static compression testing, and dynamic cyclic loading-unloading, the influences of geometric topology and structural parameters on the strength-toughness response were thoroughly investigated. The response relationship and mechanism between structure and mechanical properties were further analyzed. The results showed that polymer fully infiltrated the continuous channels within the porous ceramics and formed strong mechanical interlocking at both the phase interface and ceramic internal micropores. The strength and strain energy density of the β-TCP/PCL IPCs were improved by 5–11 and 7–30 times respectively, and their mechanical response was dependent on the biphasic volume fraction and interfacial bonding. Compared with brittle fracture of porous ceramics, the IPCs transformed into ductile energy-dissipative deformation. Under dynamic cyclic compression, the composites possessed excellent deformation recovery and high energy-dissipation capability. The study will provide important foundation for the development of high-performance personalized biomedical implants by linking IPCs’ architecture to their mechanical functionality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113443"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113466
Yong Li , Yan Fu , Yonggao Lu , Jiachen Wang , Qizhuang Li , Kai Zheng , Yaao Di , Long Chen , Shanling Han
The performance degradation of damaged materials primarily manifests as the cross-scale evolution of microcracks. However, existing models for predicting microcrack evolution often suffer from significant discreteness and limited generalization capabilities. The Fractal Neural Network of Cracks (FNNC) is a novel model, proposed for the first time based on the common intrinsic characteristics of self-organizing, scale-invariance, and self-similarity shared by cracks, complex networks and fractal geometry, to predict the evolution of the fractal dimension of material microcracks. Specifically, we have proposed, for the first time, a suite of three novel components: a crack-oriented self-organizing convolutional algorithm (Coso) to extract high-resolution cracks; an adaptive scale-invariance power-law activation function (Asip) that adjusts according to crack distribution; and a Neighborhood-Pooling Self-Similar Graph Attention Mechanism (Nsga) to capture the multiscale weighting of cracks. In polymer creep experiments, FNNC maintains an average absolute error of approximately 6.2%, offering a novel approach for predicting fractal dimension evolution of cracks through the integration of crack structures, complex networks, and fractal geometry.
{"title":"Fractal neural network of cracks","authors":"Yong Li , Yan Fu , Yonggao Lu , Jiachen Wang , Qizhuang Li , Kai Zheng , Yaao Di , Long Chen , Shanling Han","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The performance degradation of damaged materials primarily manifests as the cross-scale evolution of microcracks. However, existing models for predicting microcrack evolution often suffer from significant discreteness and limited generalization capabilities. The Fractal Neural Network of Cracks (FNNC) is a novel model, proposed for the first time based on the common intrinsic characteristics of self-organizing, scale-invariance, and self-similarity shared by cracks, complex networks and fractal geometry, to predict the evolution of the fractal dimension of material microcracks. Specifically, we have proposed, for the first time, a suite of three novel components: a crack-oriented self-organizing convolutional algorithm (Coso) to extract high-resolution cracks; an adaptive scale-invariance power-law activation function (Asip) that adjusts according to crack distribution; and a Neighborhood-Pooling Self-Similar Graph Attention Mechanism (Nsga) to capture the multiscale weighting of cracks. In polymer creep experiments, FNNC maintains an average absolute error of approximately 6.2%, offering a novel approach for predicting fractal dimension evolution of cracks through the integration of crack structures, complex networks, and fractal geometry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113466"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146171244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113420
Yongqiang Ye , Bo Xu , Yanmei Xiong , Xueyuan Yang , Wenchao Huang
Phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA) is a lightweight ablative material extensively used in thermal protection systems. However, its performance is limited by the poor oxidation resistance of carbon fibers and the insufficient thermal stability of the phenolic matrix at elevated temperatures. To address these challenges, a Si–Zr binary-modified carbon fiber-reinforced phenolic aerogel composite (denoted as SaZb-CF/PA) was fabricated via a two-step sol–gel process. A SiO2–ZrO2 ceramic coating was formed in situ on the fiber surface, serving as an effective barrier against oxygen diffusion. The resulting composite exhibits a low density (∼0.70 g/cm3), high compressive strength, and excellent oxidation and ablation resistance. After exposure to air at 1000 °C, SaZb-CF/PA retained 47.5 wt% of its original mass, whereas the unmodified composite retained only 2 wt%. Under oxyacetylene flame testing (2 MW/m2 for 60 s), the composite demonstrated low linear and mass ablation rates of 0.0160 mm/s and 0.0048 g/s, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of a dense and continuous SiO2–ZrO2-rich ceramic layer that effectively protects the underlying structure during ablation. These results indicate that fiber-level ceramic modification via sol–gel coating is a promising strategy for developing high-performance lightweight ablative composites for extreme thermal environments.
{"title":"Enhancing high-temperature antioxidation and ablation resistance of phenolic aerogel composites with Si–Zr ceramic-coated carbon fibers","authors":"Yongqiang Ye , Bo Xu , Yanmei Xiong , Xueyuan Yang , Wenchao Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA) is a lightweight ablative material extensively used in thermal protection systems. However, its performance is limited by the poor oxidation resistance of carbon fibers and the insufficient thermal stability of the phenolic matrix at elevated temperatures. To address these challenges, a Si–Zr binary-modified carbon fiber-reinforced phenolic aerogel composite (denoted as S<sub>a</sub>Z<sub>b</sub>-CF/PA) was fabricated via a two-step sol–gel process. A SiO<sub>2</sub>–ZrO<sub>2</sub> ceramic coating was formed in situ on the fiber surface, serving as an effective barrier against oxygen diffusion. The resulting composite exhibits a low density (∼0.70 g/cm<sup>3</sup>), high compressive strength, and excellent oxidation and ablation resistance. After exposure to air at 1000 °C, S<sub>a</sub>Z<sub>b</sub>-CF/PA retained 47.5 wt% of its original mass, whereas the unmodified composite retained only 2 wt%. Under oxyacetylene flame testing (2 MW/m<sup>2</sup> for 60 s), the composite demonstrated low linear and mass ablation rates of 0.0160 mm/s and 0.0048 g/s, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of a dense and continuous SiO<sub>2</sub>–ZrO<sub>2</sub>-rich ceramic layer that effectively protects the underlying structure during ablation. These results indicate that fiber-level ceramic modification via sol–gel coating is a promising strategy for developing high-performance lightweight ablative composites for extreme thermal environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113420"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146171245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113445
Jie Xiao , Han Shi , Zhonghao Mei , Lele Cheng , Dongxu Kang , Ruize Gao , Yinle Qin , Jianxin Zhang , Muhuo Yu , Zeyu Sun
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) drive shafts—consisting of composite tubes and metal connectors (e.g., spline forks, flanges)—face critical challenges at the heterogeneous composite-metal interface, which directly governs transmission stability. To address this, an integrated filament winding process based on non-geodesic trajectories was proposed for manufacturing CFRP drive shafts with heterogeneous connection regions. Leveraging differential geometry and slip theory, fiber angular transition zones were designed at both shaft ends to achieve gradual fiber angle variation, thereby eliminating defects induced by abrupt angle changes (e.g., fiber accumulation, bridging). The validity of the non-geodesic trajectories was verified via simulations using CADWIND winding software. Furthermore, dynamic performance (natural frequency and damping properties), as a key indicator of transmission stability was systematically investigated as the core optimization target. The pulse vibration excitation technique (PVET) was employed to experimentally evaluate the effect of transition zone design on vibration characteristics, while finite element analysis (FEA) was used to predict natural frequencies. FEA results showed good agreement with experimental data (relative error <5 %), confirming the reliability of the proposed design. For small winding angles (25°–35°), the transition zone (proportion ≥20 %) enhanced the damping ratio by 518 %–740 % while limiting natural frequency loss to <2.5 %. This study provides a dynamic performance-oriented novel manufacturing strategy for high-performance CFRP drive shafts and offers valuable design guidelines for enhancing dynamic stability in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy transmission systems.
{"title":"Integrated filament winding of composite drive shafts with fiber angular transition zones: Design, manufacturing, and vibration performance","authors":"Jie Xiao , Han Shi , Zhonghao Mei , Lele Cheng , Dongxu Kang , Ruize Gao , Yinle Qin , Jianxin Zhang , Muhuo Yu , Zeyu Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) drive shafts—consisting of composite tubes and metal connectors (e.g., spline forks, flanges)—face critical challenges at the heterogeneous composite-metal interface, which directly governs transmission stability. To address this, an integrated filament winding process based on non-geodesic trajectories was proposed for manufacturing CFRP drive shafts with heterogeneous connection regions. Leveraging differential geometry and slip theory, <strong>fiber angular transition zones</strong> were designed at both shaft ends to achieve gradual fiber angle variation, thereby eliminating defects induced by abrupt angle changes (e.g., fiber accumulation, bridging). The validity of the non-geodesic trajectories was verified via simulations using CADWIND winding software. Furthermore, dynamic performance (natural frequency and damping properties), as a key indicator of transmission stability was systematically investigated as the core optimization target. The pulse vibration excitation technique (PVET) was employed to experimentally evaluate the effect of transition zone design on vibration characteristics, while finite element analysis (FEA) was used to predict natural frequencies. FEA results showed good agreement with experimental data (relative error <5 %), confirming the reliability of the proposed design. For small winding angles (25°–35°), the transition zone (proportion ≥20 %) enhanced the damping ratio by 518 %–740 % while limiting natural frequency loss to <2.5 %. This study provides a dynamic performance-oriented novel manufacturing strategy for high-performance CFRP drive shafts and offers valuable design guidelines for enhancing dynamic stability in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy transmission systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113445"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113434
Yang Zhao , Xinhai He , Jinpeng Fan , Xichen Zhang , Hao Zhou , Ze Liu , Fei Liu , Xiaogang Chen
Driven by the growing need for high-performance lightweight materials in aerospace, defense, and renewable energy, three-dimensional (3D) woven and braided composites are emerging as a promising class of structure–function integrated materials, enabled by their high specific properties, outstanding damage tolerance, and architecture-level design flexibility. This review synthesizes key advances across the full lifecycle of 3D woven or braided composites, spanning intelligent preform architecture design, advanced forming and in-situ process monitoring, multiscale digital modeling and structure–property prediction, testing and characterization, and green end-of-life recycling. Representative quantitative progress is highlighted: optimized 3D fiber architectures deliver ∼128 % higher flexural strength and ∼47 % higher flexural modulus than conventional configurations, while novel interlayer reinforcement strategies can more than double energy-absorption capacity. In manufacturing, resin transfer molding coupled with real-time sensing enables precise fabrication of complex parts with minimal defects, and process simulations can predict resin-flow evolution within ∼5 % of experimental measurements. For sustainability, emerging thermal and chemical recycling routes recover carbon fibers retaining ∼80–90 % of their original tensile strength, offering tangible reductions in end-of-life impacts. Remaining gaps include fragmented technology chains, insufficient interdisciplinary integration for multifunctionality, and unresolved sustainability/scale-up challenges. To address these, a coordinated development roadmap that jointly optimizes structural, functional, and environmental performance is proposed, along with future directions such as digital-twin modeling, artificial intelligence-assisted design optimization, intelligent sensing integration for closed-loop manufacturing, and closed-loop recycling.
{"title":"Recent advances in full lifecycle technologies of 3D woven or braided composites: Design, molding, prediction, characterization, application and recycling","authors":"Yang Zhao , Xinhai He , Jinpeng Fan , Xichen Zhang , Hao Zhou , Ze Liu , Fei Liu , Xiaogang Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compositesb.2026.113434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Driven by the growing need for high-performance lightweight materials in aerospace, defense, and renewable energy, three-dimensional (3D) woven and braided composites are emerging as a promising class of structure–function integrated materials, enabled by their high specific properties, outstanding damage tolerance, and architecture-level design flexibility. This review synthesizes key advances across the full lifecycle of 3D woven or braided composites, spanning intelligent preform architecture design, advanced forming and in-situ process monitoring, multiscale digital modeling and structure–property prediction, testing and characterization, and green end-of-life recycling. Representative quantitative progress is highlighted: optimized 3D fiber architectures deliver ∼128 % higher flexural strength and ∼47 % higher flexural modulus than conventional configurations, while novel interlayer reinforcement strategies can more than double energy-absorption capacity. In manufacturing, resin transfer molding coupled with real-time sensing enables precise fabrication of complex parts with minimal defects, and process simulations can predict resin-flow evolution within ∼5 % of experimental measurements. For sustainability, emerging thermal and chemical recycling routes recover carbon fibers retaining ∼80–90 % of their original tensile strength, offering tangible reductions in end-of-life impacts. Remaining gaps include fragmented technology chains, insufficient interdisciplinary integration for multifunctionality, and unresolved sustainability/scale-up challenges. To address these, a coordinated development roadmap that jointly optimizes structural, functional, and environmental performance is proposed, along with future directions such as digital-twin modeling, artificial intelligence-assisted design optimization, intelligent sensing integration for closed-loop manufacturing, and closed-loop recycling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10660,"journal":{"name":"Composites Part B: Engineering","volume":"314 ","pages":"Article 113434"},"PeriodicalIF":14.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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