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J. Compos. Sci.
Special Issues
Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution
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Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 7438

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Julfikar Haider

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Interests: metal matrix composites; fiber-reinforced polymer composites; nanocomposites; composites in dentistry; tribology; surface engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Swadesh Kumar Singh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering & Technology, Telangana 500090, India
Interests: metal forming; material modelling; bio-composites; finite element method; green composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable and green composites refer to materials that are developed with a focus on environmental friendliness and longevity. These composites typically integrate natural fibers such as bamboo, hemp, or flax with bio-based resins or recycled polymers. By utilizing renewable resources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, they help mitigate the environmental impact of traditional composite materials.

One key advantage of sustainable composites is their reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional counterparts, as they require less energy to produce and often sequester carbon dioxide during growth. Additionally, these materials can offer comparable or even superior mechanical properties, making them suitable for various applications including automotive, construction, and consumer goods.

The production process for sustainable composites also tends to generate less waste and fewer emissions, further contributing to their eco-friendliness. Moreover, their biodegradability or recyclability at the end-of-life stage ensures a closed-loop system, minimizing waste accumulation and resource depletion.

Overall, sustainable and green composites represent a promising avenue for creating durable, environmentally responsible materials that align with the principles of a circular economy and sustainable development. Continued research and innovation in this field hold the potential to further enhance their performance and widen their applicability across industries.

Dr. Julfikar Haider
Prof. Dr. Swadesh Kumar Singh
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymer composites
  • biobased composites
  • metallic composites
  • nanocomposites
  • natural fibre based composites
  • smart composites

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 2756 KiB  
Article
Utilizing Pistachio Shell Biochar to Replace Carbon Black in Natural Rubber Composites
by Steven C. Peterson and Bret J. Chisholm
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(11), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8110482 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 319
Abstract
Biochar is a promising source of renewable carbon that potentially can serve the same purpose as carbon black (sourced from fossil fuels) to reinforce rubber composites. Pistachio shells are a prolific agricultural waste product that is a suitable feedstock for biochar. Unlike many [...] Read more.
Biochar is a promising source of renewable carbon that potentially can serve the same purpose as carbon black (sourced from fossil fuels) to reinforce rubber composites. Pistachio shells are a prolific agricultural waste product that is a suitable feedstock for biochar. Unlike many other agricultural residues, pistachio shells are a feedstock that yields biochar with a high concentration of carbon (>80%) and low concentration of ash (<5%), which is necessary to replace carbon black without detrimental effects to the final composite. Filler blends of pistachio shell biochar and carbon black were explored to see how much carbon black could be replaced before composite properties were affected. Pistachio shell biochar was able to replace up to 40% of the carbon black while improving the tensile strength, elongation, and toughness of the rubber composites, but a reduction in modulus was observed. Based on the results obtained, pistachio shell biochar would be suitable for partially replacing carbon black in applications like hoses, seals, belts, and gloves, thereby enabling a new application for this sustainable, agricultural waste product that will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution)
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10 pages, 4984 KiB  
Article
Processing Influence on the Properties of Injection-Molded Wood Plastic Composites
by Christoph Burgstaller and Károly Renner
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100403 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 721
Abstract
Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) utilize wood particles as the reinforcing phase. These particles are susceptible to thermal degradation, which can happen while processing the WPCs in usual thermoplastic processes. In this work, we investigated the influence of different processing parameters in injection molding and [...] Read more.
Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) utilize wood particles as the reinforcing phase. These particles are susceptible to thermal degradation, which can happen while processing the WPCs in usual thermoplastic processes. In this work, we investigated the influence of different processing parameters in injection molding and their influence on WPC properties. To achieve that, WPCs with wood contents ranging from 10 to 50 wt% were processed using different process settings, and then characterized using mechanical testing and appearance changes. We found that the melt temperature showed a major influence, due to degrading the interface between the wood and the polymer matrix, while other parameters, like mold temperature and dwell pressure, showed only minor influence. Overall, the WPCs exhibited good process stability and, with proper process settings, their performance can be improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution)
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13 pages, 1073 KiB  
Article
Extrusion and Injection Molding of Polyethylene Loaded with Recycled Textiles: Mechanical Performance and Thermal Conductivity
by Mateo Gasselin, Adib Kalantar, Sofi Karlsson, Peter Leisner, Mikael Skrifvars and Pooria Khalili
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100399 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 894
Abstract
The aim of this project was to assess the thermal conductivity of polyethylene (PE) filled with carbon black (CB), specifically for geothermal pipes. The project explored the potential modification of PE’s thermal conductivity by incorporating recycled textile fibers. Different types of shredded recycled [...] Read more.
The aim of this project was to assess the thermal conductivity of polyethylene (PE) filled with carbon black (CB), specifically for geothermal pipes. The project explored the potential modification of PE’s thermal conductivity by incorporating recycled textile fibers. Different types of shredded recycled fibers were tested, including two types of polyamide fibers with varying contaminations and one type of polyester fiber. Following several preparation steps, various composite materials were manufactured and compared to bulk PE using various testing methods: Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis (DSC), mechanical testing (flexural and tensile), and laser flash analysis (LFA). The results revealed alterations in the mechanical properties of the composite materials in comparison to PE filled with CB. The LFA tests demonstrated the effectiveness in reducing polymer thermal diffusivity at higher temperatures, particularly when the material was loaded with recycled polyester fillers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution)
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13 pages, 5562 KiB  
Article
Advancing Thermochromic Glass Durability: Reinforcing Thermosensitive Hydrogels with Enhanced Adhesion Techniques
by Dewei Qian, Suili Peng, Tao Zhang, Liang Qin and Weijia Wen
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090371 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 646
Abstract
The growing use of glass in architecture has driven research into reducing its energy consumption. Thermochromic (TC) glass technology shows promise for enhancing building energy efficiency by regulating solar heat dynamically. Although TC glass helps reduce heat radiation, additional solutions like Low-E or [...] Read more.
The growing use of glass in architecture has driven research into reducing its energy consumption. Thermochromic (TC) glass technology shows promise for enhancing building energy efficiency by regulating solar heat dynamically. Although TC glass helps reduce heat radiation, additional solutions like Low-E or vacuum glass are needed to control heat convection and conduction. Low-E glass, while effective in lowering heat transfer, may increase surface temperature. Thermo-sensitive hydrogels, known for their light-scattering properties at high temperatures, have been explored to complement TC glass. However, their stability at elevated temperatures remains a challenge, especially for applications requiring durability under varying weather conditions. This study proposes enhancing the adhesion between hydrogel and glass by introducing silica–oxygen bonds. As a result, TC glass demonstrates stable performance over 100 cycles within temperature ranges from 85 °C to 30 °C in summer and 40 °C to −20 °C in winter. Furthermore, by incorporating ethylene glycol, the freezing point of TC glass is reduced to −26 °C, rendering it suitable for use in colder regions. The implementation of TC glass effectively addresses the dual requirements of summer shading and winter heating in areas with both cold winters and hot summers, significantly reducing building energy consumption. This study contributes substantially to developing advanced intelligent building materials, paving the way for more sustainable architectural designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution)
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23 pages, 12241 KiB  
Article
Bridging Behavior of Palm Fiber in Cementitious Composite
by Selamawit Fthanegest Abrha, Helen Negash Shiferaw and Toshiyuki Kanakubo
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090361 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 800
Abstract
This study addresses the growing need for sustainable construction materials by investigating the mechanical properties and behavior of palm fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC), a potential eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fiber reinforcements. Despite the promise of natural fibers in enhancing the mechanical performance of [...] Read more.
This study addresses the growing need for sustainable construction materials by investigating the mechanical properties and behavior of palm fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC), a potential eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fiber reinforcements. Despite the promise of natural fibers in enhancing the mechanical performance of composites, challenges remain in optimizing fiber distribution, fiber–composite bonding mechanism, and its balance to matrix strength. To address these challenges, this study conducted extensive experimental programs using palm fiber as reinforcement, focusing on understanding the fiber–matrix interaction, determining the pullout load–slip relationship, and modeling fiber bridging behavior. The experimental program included density calculations and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis to examine the surface morphology and diameter of the fibers. Single fiber pullout tests were performed under varying conditions to assess the pullout load, slip behavior, and failure modes of the palm fiber, and a relationship between the pullout load and slip with the embedded length of the palm fiber was constructed. A trilinear model was developed to describe the pullout load–slip behavior of single fibers, and a corresponding palm-FRCC bridging model was constructed using the results from these tests. Section analysis was conducted to assess the adaptability of the modeled bridging law calculations, and the analysis result of the bending moment–curvature relationship shows a good agreement with the experimental results obtained from the four-point bending test of palm-FRCC. These findings demonstrate the potential of palm fibers in improving the mechanical performance of FRCC and contribute to the broader understanding of natural fiber reinforcement in cementitious composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution)
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Review

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31 pages, 4611 KiB  
Review
Composite Panels from Wood Waste: A Detailed Review of Processes, Standards, and Applications
by Isuri Tamura Amarasinghe, Yi Qian, Tharaka Gunawardena, Priyan Mendis and Benoit Belleville
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100417 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2009
Abstract
The global demand for sustainable building materials has fuelled research into composite panels from wood waste. Despite their potential, the widespread adoption of this practice is hindered by the absence of quality standards, inconsistent material properties, and uncertainties about durability and strength. This [...] Read more.
The global demand for sustainable building materials has fuelled research into composite panels from wood waste. Despite their potential, the widespread adoption of this practice is hindered by the absence of quality standards, inconsistent material properties, and uncertainties about durability and strength. This paper critically reviews existing standards, manufacturing processes, and the suitability of panels from wood waste. A systematic review is conducted to identify the influencing processes and parameters affecting panel performance, from waste collection to the finishing stages. The findings indicate that incorporating 10–30% of wood waste can enhance the mechanical and physical properties, with particularly improved hygroscopic properties and greater dimensional stability. By establishing comprehensive standards and optimizing manufacturing processes, wood waste-based panels can emerge as a viable and eco-friendly alternative. Furthermore, the potential for repeated recycling in a closed-loop process offers promising environmental benefits, though it necessitates balancing resource conservation with product quality. By addressing these challenges, wood waste-based panels can significantly contribute to environmental conservation and resource management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution)
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30 pages, 13909 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Current State of Research and Future Prospectives on Stimulus-Responsive Shape Memory Polymer Composite and Its Blends
by Rajita Sanaka, Santosh Kumar Sahu, P. S. Rama Sreekanth, K. Senthilkumar, Nitesh Dhar Badgayan, Bathula Venkata Siva and Quanjin Ma
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(8), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8080324 - 16 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1058
Abstract
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) possess unique properties that respond to external stimuli. The current review discusses types of SMPs, fabrication methods, and the characterization of their mechanical, thermal, and shape recovery properties. Research suggests that SMP composites, when infused with fillers, demonstrate enhanced mechanical [...] Read more.
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) possess unique properties that respond to external stimuli. The current review discusses types of SMPs, fabrication methods, and the characterization of their mechanical, thermal, and shape recovery properties. Research suggests that SMP composites, when infused with fillers, demonstrate enhanced mechanical and thermal characteristics. On the other hand, blends, particularly incorporating polylactic acid (PLA), exhibit the most efficient shape recovery. Furthermore, the crosslinking density in polymer blends impacts the shape recovery force, showcasing a correlation between energy storage capacity and shape recovery force in SMP networks. Overall, SMP blends show promising mechanical, thermal, and shape recovery features, rendering them advantageous for applications of artificial muscles, soft actuators, and biomedical devices. This review also discusses the future prospectives of SMP for robust applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composites: A Sustainable Material Solution)
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