Lightweight Composites Materials: Sustainability and Applications, Volume II

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Composites Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 7350

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Arts et Métiers ParisTech Metz, CNRS, University of Lorraine, LEM3-UMR 7239 CNRS, 57070 Metz, France
2. Cetim Grand Est, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
Interests: composites materials; finite element method; damage modeling; impact and dynamic response; renewable marine energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. LPMAT Laboratory, FSAC, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20100, Morocco
2. REMTEX Laboratory, ESITH, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
Interests: nanocomposite modelling; tidal energy; additive manufacturing; polymers; textile composites; biocomposite; fiber reinforced composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The special issue discusses major research issues in the specified fields of interest and their applications in the business markets, in technical and industrial areas, from resource assessment to market and policy developments, drawing on leading experiences worldwide. In addition,  this special issue is dedicated to cutting-edge research that addresses the scientific needs of academic researchers, industrial and professionals to explore new horizons of knowledge on various topics in interlink between materials and energy applications fields.

We encourage contributions of significant and original works of lightweight composites materials and their applications. The Special Issue will cover topics including but not limited to the following:

  • Mechanical Engineering;
  • Additive Manufacturing;
  • Composites Manufacturing Process;
  • Nanoparticles and Fibers Reinforced Composite Materials;
  • Renewable Energy Composites Applications;
  • Composites Hygrothermal Degradation;
  • Composites Recycling;
  • Natural Fibres and Thermoplastics-Based Composite;
  • Carbone Nanotubes and Graphene-Based Composite;
  • Composites Multi-scale Modeling;
  • Composite Damage Modeling;
  • Impact and Dynamic Response of Composite;
  • Micromechanics of Composites;
  • Homogenization of Composites;
  • Biocomposites and Nanocomposites Materials;
  • Artificial Intelligence for Composite Materials.

Dr. Mourad Nachtane
Dr. Marwane Rouway
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

  • composites
  • nanocomposite
  • biocomposite
  • tidal energy
  • additive manufacturing
  • nanoparticles
  • natural fibers
  • reinforced composites
  • carbon nanotubes
  • graphene composites
  • multi-scale damage
  • micromechanics
  • homogenization
  • thermoplastics
  • renewable energy
  • composites recycling
  • hygrothermal degradation
  • impact and dynamic response

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 21682 KiB  
Article
Particularities on the Low-Velocity Impact Behavior of 3D-Printed Sandwich Panels with Re-Entrant and Honeycomb Core Topologies
by Andrei Ioan Indreș, Dan Mihai Constantinescu, Oana Alexandra Mocian and Ștefan Sorohan
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100426 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 633
Abstract
This work describes, through experimental and numerical investigations, the mechanical behavior and energy absorption characteristics of 3D-printed sandwich panels with cellular cores subjected to low-velocity impact. Using fused deposition modeling techniques (FDM), three different sandwich panels, one with a regular hexagonal core and [...] Read more.
This work describes, through experimental and numerical investigations, the mechanical behavior and energy absorption characteristics of 3D-printed sandwich panels with cellular cores subjected to low-velocity impact. Using fused deposition modeling techniques (FDM), three different sandwich panels, one with a regular hexagonal core and two with re-entrant cores at 0 and 90 degrees, were fabricated. The sandwich panels were subjected to low-velocity impact, at impact energies of 10 J and 15 J. A comprehensive investigation of the panels’ behavior through experimental testing and numerical simulation was conducted. The results indicate that the sandwich panel with a 90 degrees re-entrant core is stiffer and absorbs the largest amount of impact energy but, at the same time, suffers significant damage to the upper facesheet. The 0 degrees re-entrant core is compliant and provides both impact resistance and good energy absorption characteristics. Such a sandwich panel finds its application in the construction of personal protective equipment, where the aim is to minimize the forces transmitted during low-velocity impacts and maximize the total absorbed energy. Re-entrant core sandwich panels prove to be very good candidates for replacing the honeycomb core sandwich, depending on the desired engineering application. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 9331 KiB  
Article
Water Resistance Analysis of New Lightweight Gypsum-Based Composites Incorporating Municipal Solid Waste
by Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal, Daniel Ferrández, Alberto Morón Barrios and Carlos Morón
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100393 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1159
Abstract
Incorporating waste to produce new environmentally friendly construction products has become one of the great challenges of the industry nowadays. The aim of this research is to analyse the behaviour of novel gypsum composites against water action, incorporating recycled rubber aggregates (up to [...] Read more.
Incorporating waste to produce new environmentally friendly construction products has become one of the great challenges of the industry nowadays. The aim of this research is to analyse the behaviour of novel gypsum composites against water action, incorporating recycled rubber aggregates (up to 8.5% vol.) and dissolved expanded polystyrene (up to 10.0% vol.). To this end, a total of 10 dosages have been proposed with the progressive substitution of natural resources by these secondary raw materials. The results show how it is possible to reduce the total water absorption of the gypsum composites by up to 8.3% compared to traditional gypsum material. In addition, it is also possible to reduce water absorption by capillary by up to 52.7%, resulting in lighter composites with good performance against water action. In all composites analysed, the mechanical strengths exceeded the minimum values of 1 MPa in bending and 2 MPa in compression, making them an optimal solution for the development of lightweight prefabricated products for damp rooms. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 22798 KiB  
Article
Design of a Lightweight Origami Composite Crash Box: Experimental and Numerical Study on the Absorbed Energy in Frontal Impacts
by Alberto Ciampaglia, Luca Patruno and Raffaele Ciardiello
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(6), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8060224 - 14 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1029
Abstract
Origami-shaped composite structures are currently being explored for their ability to absorb energy in a progressive and controlled manner. In vehicle passive safety applications, this prevents the occurrence of peak forces that could potentially cause injuries to vehicle passengers. The work presents the [...] Read more.
Origami-shaped composite structures are currently being explored for their ability to absorb energy in a progressive and controlled manner. In vehicle passive safety applications, this prevents the occurrence of peak forces that could potentially cause injuries to vehicle passengers. The work presents the design of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) crash box for a Formula Student race car, using a numerical model validated by experimental tests. An initial characterization of the material is conducted according to the standards. Following, six origami samples are manufactured and subjected to crash tests to gather accurate experimental data. The numerical model is validated on the tests and used for the design of the race car’s impact attenuator. The designed crash box meets the Formula Student requirements while reducing the total mass by 14% and the maximum deceleration of 21% compared with the previous design. The study confirms the potential use of origami structures to improve crashworthiness while reducing vehicle weight. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7084 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Sustainability in Construction: Investigating the Thermal Advantages of Fly Ash-Coated Expanded Polystyrene Lightweight Concrete
by Andi Prasetiyo Wibowo, Messaoud Saidani and Morteza Khorami
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040157 - 21 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1096
Abstract
This study investigates a sustainable coating method for modified expanded polystyrene (MEPS) beads to improve the thermal insulation of lightweight concrete intended for wall application. The method employed in this study is based on a novel coating technique that represents a significant advancement [...] Read more.
This study investigates a sustainable coating method for modified expanded polystyrene (MEPS) beads to improve the thermal insulation of lightweight concrete intended for wall application. The method employed in this study is based on a novel coating technique that represents a significant advancement in modifying Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads for enhanced lightweight concrete. This study experimentally assessed the energy-saving capabilities of MEPS concrete in comparison to control groups of uncoated EPS beads and normal concrete by analysing early-stage temperature, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, heat flux, and thermal diffusivity. The thermal conductivity of MEPS concrete is approximately 40% lower than that of normal concrete, demonstrating its usefulness in enhancing insulation. The heat flux calculated for MEPS concrete is significantly reduced (approximately 35%), and it has a 20% lower specific heat capacity than ordinary concrete, indicating a reduction in energy transfer through the material and, thus, potential energy-efficiency benefits. Furthermore, the study discovered that all test objects have very low thermal diffusivity values (less than 0.5 × 10−6 m2/s), indicating a slower heat transport through the material. The sustainable coating method utilized fly ash-enhanced thermal efficiency and employed recycled materials, hence decreasing the environmental impact. MEPS concrete provides a practical option for creating sustainable and comfortable buildings through the promotion of energy-efficient wall construction. Concrete incorporating coated EPS can be a viable option for constructing walls where there is a need to balance structural integrity and adequate insulation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 14563 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Lightweight Concrete Fabricated with Different Types of Strengthened Lightweight Aggregates
by Laith Mohammed Ridha Mahmmod, Anmar Dulaimi, Luís Filipe Almeida Bernardo and Jorge Miguel de Almeida Andrade
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(4), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8040144 - 12 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1217
Abstract
The vast majority of different waste building units have negative environmental impacts around the world. Crushed building units can be recycled and utilized in the concrete industry to solve these problems and maintain natural resources. This study investigated the feasibility of employing crushed [...] Read more.
The vast majority of different waste building units have negative environmental impacts around the world. Crushed building units can be recycled and utilized in the concrete industry to solve these problems and maintain natural resources. This study investigated the feasibility of employing crushed autoclaved aerated concrete (CAAC) and crushed clay brick (CCB) as a lightweight aggregate (LWA) to fabricate environmentally friendly recycled lightweight concrete (LWC). In addition, a lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) was also used as an LWA, namely to study how the high porosity of an LWA can adversely affect the properties of LWC. Through the experimental program, all types of LWAs were pre-treated and strengthened with two cementitious grouts, and then the performance of the produced LWC was assessed by determining the slump of fresh concrete, the dry density, the unconfined compressive strength, and the splitting tensile strength at ages of 3, 7, 28, and 56 days. The laboratory results revealed that both CCB and CAAC can be reused as full substitutions for normal-weight coarse aggregate to manufacture LWC with appropriate properties. The obtained data show that the properties of an LECA, CCB, and CAAC were improved, and the porous structure can be strengthened by pre-treatment and coating with grouts. In the same way, the mechanical performance of produced LWC is also enhanced. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 7711 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effect of the Composition of the Foam Glass Concrete on Its Flammability and Moisture Characteristics
by Jurga Šeputytė-Jucikė, Sigitas Vėjelis, Saulius Vaitkus, Agnė Kairytė and Arūnas Kremensas
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(3), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8030105 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1754
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the moisture and flammability characteristics of lightweight concrete with different aggregates and different amounts of cement according to different criteria. The moisture properties of the specimens were evaluated by the coefficient of water absorption due [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the moisture and flammability characteristics of lightweight concrete with different aggregates and different amounts of cement according to different criteria. The moisture properties of the specimens were evaluated by the coefficient of water absorption due to capillary action, short-term water absorption, and water vapour permeability. Short-term water absorption correlated with the density of the specimens, and capillary absorption was evaluated depending on the soaking time, amount of cement, and type of lightweight aggregate. The values of the water vapour diffusion resistance factor were estimated based on the amount of cement, the type of lightweight aggregate, the density, and the porosity. The porosity correlated with the amount of cement and the type of lightweight aggregate. The flammability properties of concrete with lightweight aggregate were evaluated by several methods, such as the single flame source test, the single burning item test, and the non-combustibility test. After assessing the flammability characteristics, a structure analysis of the samples was specifically performed to assess the processes that occur during the combustion of lightweight concrete. It was found that short-term water absorption depended mainly on the density, capillary absorption on the amount of cement, and the water vapour diffusion resistance factor, flammability, and thermal stability of lightweight concrete on the type of granules. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop