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Polymers
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High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites
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High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Fibers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 7243

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zhou Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
Interests: biomaterials; nanofiber; composite; flexible sensing technology
Dr. Yong Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
Interests: composite materials; aerogel; nanofiber; sound insulation; sound absorption
Prof. Dr. Cao Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui, China
Interests: nanofiber; composite; thermal protection; electromagnetic wave absorption

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Short-fiber-reinforced polymer composites (SFRPC) are a new type of composite material composed of short fibers and polymer matrix material. They have the advantages of low density, high strength, good stiffness, good processability and design plasticity and are widely used in aviation, aerospace, automotive, machinery and other fields. Most composites do not simply mix several materials together but optimally combine material components with different properties into composites with different microscopic models, mechanical properties and other unique properties.

This Special Issue aims to collect recent articles and reviews in the field of functional high-performance short-fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This Special Issue will cover topics such as short glass/ceramic/natural/organic fibers, carbon nanotubes and nanofibers and related numerical simulation.

Dr. Zhou Chen
Dr. Yong Yang
Prof. Dr. Cao Wu
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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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

  • short fiber
  • composites
  • polymer
  • microstructure
  • performance

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 7167 KiB  
Article
Robust Strain Sensor with High Sensitivity Based on Polymer-Encapsulated Microfiber Mach–Zehnder Interferometer
by Bin Xiao, Funa Zhuang, Jing Wang, Zhongyu Yao and Shanshan Wang
Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2810; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192810 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1106
Abstract
A robust strain sensor is demonstrated based on a microfiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) encapsulated by the polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Benefiting from the low Young’s modulus of PDMS, both a robust structure and high sensitivity can be realized based on three different encapsulations. In [...] Read more.
A robust strain sensor is demonstrated based on a microfiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) encapsulated by the polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Benefiting from the low Young’s modulus of PDMS, both a robust structure and high sensitivity can be realized based on three different encapsulations. In the experiment, the proposed sensors are fabricated and tested with strain sensitivities ranging from −20.95 pm/με to 127.00 pm/με within the wavelength range of 1200–1650 nm. Compared with the bare MMZI sensor, at least one order of magnitude higher sensitivity is reached. To further evaluate the performance of the sensor, the dependences of sensitivity on probing wavelength and the different types and quantities of polymers used in encapsulation are discussed. Results show that the sensitivity of the sensor will increase with the probing wavelength. The type and quantity of polymer used are also very critical to sensitivity. Additionally, a response time of 24.72 ms can be reached. Good recoverability and repeatability of the sensor are also demonstrated by repeated experiments. The strain sensor demonstrated here shows the advantages of simple fabrication, robust structure, high and tunable sensitivity, fast response, good recoverability and repeatability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites)
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16 pages, 5565 KiB  
Article
Analysis and Evaluation of Load-Carrying Capacity of CFRP-Reinforced Steel Structures
by Jian Zhao, Yongxing Huang, Kun Gong, Zhiguo Wen, Sinan Liu, Yanyan Hou, Xuewu Hong, Xuecheng Tong, Kai Shi and Ziyi Qu
Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2678; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182678 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 647
Abstract
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) can be used to reinforce steel structures depending on its high strength and lightweight resistance. To analyze and evaluate the load-carrying capacity of CFRP-reinforced steel structures. This study uses the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the experimental tests [...] Read more.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) can be used to reinforce steel structures depending on its high strength and lightweight resistance. To analyze and evaluate the load-carrying capacity of CFRP-reinforced steel structures. This study uses the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the experimental tests combined to investigate the influence that the reinforcement patterns and the relevant parameters have on the load-carrying capacity. We made specimens with different reinforcement patterns. Take the steel beam specimen with full reinforcement as an example. Compared with the load-carrying capacity of the steel beam reinforced by two-layer CFRP cloth, that respectively increases by 5.16% and 11.1% when the number of the CFRP cloth increases to four and six, respectively. Based on a specimen set consisting of CFRP-reinforced steel structures under different reinforcement patterns, the random forest algorithm is used to develop an evaluation model for the load carrying. The performance test results show that the MAE (Mean Absolute Error) of the evaluation model can reach 0.12 and the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) is 0.25, presenting a good prediction accuracy, which lays a solid foundation for the research on the CFRP-based reinforcement technology and process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites)
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14 pages, 4579 KiB  
Article
A Fast and Efficient Approach to Strength Prediction for Carbon/Epoxy Composites with Resin-Missing Defects
by Hongfeng Li, Feng Li and Lingxue Zhu
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060742 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 823
Abstract
A novel method is proposed to quickly predict the tensile strength of carbon/epoxy composites with resin-missing defects. The univariate Chebyshev prediction model (UCPM) was developed using the dimension reduction method and Chebyshev polynomials. To enhance the computational efficiency and reduce the manual modeling [...] Read more.
A novel method is proposed to quickly predict the tensile strength of carbon/epoxy composites with resin-missing defects. The univariate Chebyshev prediction model (UCPM) was developed using the dimension reduction method and Chebyshev polynomials. To enhance the computational efficiency and reduce the manual modeling workload, a parameterization script for the finite element model was established using Python during the model construction process. To validate the model, specimens with different defect sizes were prepared using the vacuum assistant resin infusion (VARI) process, the mechanical properties of the specimens were tested, and the model predictions were analyzed in comparison with the experimental results. Additionally, the impact of the order (second–ninth) on the predictive accuracy of the UCPM was examined, and the performance of the model was evaluated using statistical errors. The results demonstrate that the prediction model has a high prediction accuracy, with a maximum prediction error of 5.20% compared to the experimental results. A low order resulted in underfitting, while increasing the order can improve the prediction accuracy of the UCPM. However, if the order is too high, overfitting may occur, leading to a decrease in the prediction accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites)
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17 pages, 38582 KiB  
Article
Effect of Resin-Missing Defects on Tensile Behavior of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites
by Hongfeng Li, Feng Li and Lingxue Zhu
Polymers 2024, 16(3), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030348 - 28 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1456
Abstract
This study explores the impact of resin-missing defects on the mechanical properties of composite laminates through experimental and finite element methods. Specimens with varying defect contents (5.3%, 8.0%, 10.7%, 13.3%, and 16.7%) were prepared via Vacuum Assistant Resin Infusion process. Experimental tests were [...] Read more.
This study explores the impact of resin-missing defects on the mechanical properties of composite laminates through experimental and finite element methods. Specimens with varying defect contents (5.3%, 8.0%, 10.7%, 13.3%, and 16.7%) were prepared via Vacuum Assistant Resin Infusion process. Experimental tests were conducted with the assistance of Digital Image Correlation measurements to illustrate the impact of resin-missing defects on failure characteristics. The experimental results indicate that the existence of resin-missing defects altered the stress distribution, increased the local stress, and reduced the tensile strength of the composite laminate. The DIC results indicate that the presence of defects weakens the matrix, leading to premature damage and deterioration. Numerical modeling with a progressive damage analysis method was developed to simulate the failure process and the influence of the resin-missing defects. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results, and the maximum error was 3.06%. The failure modes obtained from finite elements are consistent with the experimental and DIC results. Furthermore, a study was conducted on how the location of resin-missing defects affects the mechanical properties of composite laminates. The findings suggest that defects situated at the edges or on the surface of the material have a more significant impact on the tensile strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites)
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16 pages, 10092 KiB  
Article
Computational and Experimental Analysis of Surface Residual Stresses in Polymers via Micro-Milling
by Fuzhong Sun, Guoyu Fu and Dehong Huo
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020273 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1207
Abstract
This research conducts an in-depth investigation into the residual stresses in resin micro-milling processes. Considering that resin is the most crucial matrix material in composites, the construction of a precise machining theory for it is not only key to achieving high-quality- and efficient [...] Read more.
This research conducts an in-depth investigation into the residual stresses in resin micro-milling processes. Considering that resin is the most crucial matrix material in composites, the construction of a precise machining theory for it is not only key to achieving high-quality- and efficient processing of composite materials but also fundamental to enhancing the overall performance of the materials. This paper meticulously examines the surface integrity and accuracy of epoxy polymers following precision machining, primarily revealing the significance of residual stresses and size effects in extending the lifespan of precision components and promoting their miniaturization. We have adopted an innovative finite element (FE) simulation method, integrated with the Mulliken–Boyce constitutive model, to profoundly analyze the impacts of residual stresses on the surfaces and sub-surfaces of thermosetting polymers. This research further explores the influence of critical machining parameters such as chip thickness, cutting edge radius, feed per tooth, and axial depth on cutting forces, as well as the inherent size effects in polymers. Utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology, we accurately measured the residual stresses generated during the micro-milling process. The close correlation between FE simulations and experimental results validates the accuracy and effectiveness of our method. This study represents a substantial breakthrough in finite element simulation techniques for high-precision machining of polymer materials, injecting valuable theoretical and practical knowledge into the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites)
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14 pages, 4579 KiB  
Article
Mechanical, Crystallization, Rheological, and Supercritical CO2 Foaming Properties of Polybutylene Succinate Nanocomposites: Impact of Carbon Nanofiber Content
by Zhou Chen, Xichen Yin, Hui Chen, Xuguang Fu, Yuyue Sun, Qian Chen, Weidong Liu and Xiao Shen
Polymers 2024, 16(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16010028 - 20 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1453
Abstract
As a substitute for conventional polymers for the preparation of biodegradable microcellular polymeric foams, polybutylene succinate (PBS) presents one of the most promising alternatives. However, the low melt strength of PBS makes it difficult to produce high-performance microcellular foams. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
As a substitute for conventional polymers for the preparation of biodegradable microcellular polymeric foams, polybutylene succinate (PBS) presents one of the most promising alternatives. However, the low melt strength of PBS makes it difficult to produce high-performance microcellular foams. This study aimed to improve the melt strength of PBS and explore the mechanical, thermal, crystalline, rheological, and supercritical CO2 foaming properties of PBS nanocomposites by using carbon nanofibers (CNFs). This study found that nanocomposites containing 7 wt% CNF exhibited the highest tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and bending strength. Moreover, the CNF nanofillers were well dispersed in the PBS matrix without significant agglomeration, even at high filler concentrations. Furthermore, the nanocomposites demonstrated improved melting temperature and crystallinity compared with pure PBS. The rheological analysis showed that the addition of CNFs significantly increased PBS viscosity at low frequencies due to the interaction between the PBS molecular chains and CNFs and the entanglement of CNFs, resulting in a more complete physical network formation when the CNF content reached above 3 wt%. During the supercritical CO2 foaming process, the addition of CNFs resulted in increased cell density, smaller cells, and thicker cell walls, with good laps formed between the fibers on the cell walls of nanocomposite foams. Moreover, the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of the foamed material were studied, and a nanocomposite foam containing 7 wt% CNF showed good electrical conductivity (4.5 × 10−3 S/m) and specific EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) (34.7 dB/g·cm−1). Additionally, the nanocomposite foam with 7 wt% CNF also exhibited good compression properties (21.7 MPa). Overall, this work has successfully developed a high-performance, multifunctional PBS-based nanocomposite foam, making it suitable for applications in various fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Short-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites)
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