Rapid Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 Core-2-Layer-Shell Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin

In this work, magnetic nanoparticles based on magnetite were successfully prepared via rapid microwave-assisted synthesis. In order to obtain the ternary core–shell Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite, first magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were coated with a protective layer of silica (SiO2) and finally with titania (TiO2). The composite configuration comprising porous and photoactive shells should facilitate the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from water. Furthermore, the magnetic core is critical for processing the management of the photocatalytic powder suspension. The magnetization of the prepared magnetic nanoparticles was confirmed by vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), while the structure and morphology of the core–shell nanocomposite were investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Adsorption and photocatalysis were evaluated by investigating the removal efficiency of ciprofloxacin (CIP) as a model OMP using the prepared magnetic core–shell nanocomposite under UV-A light irradiation. It was found that the Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite showed good synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic properties. The measurement of iron in eluate confirmed that no leaching occurred during the photocatalytic examination. The recovery of magnetic nanocomposite by an external magnetic field confirmed that the magnetically separated catalyst is highly suitable for recycling and reuse.

Chiral-Lattice-Filled Composite Tubes under Uniaxial and Lateral Quasi-Static Load: Experimental Studies

Our research investigated the energy absorption characteristics of chiral auxetic lattices filled cylindrical composite tubes subjected to a uniaxial and lateral quasi-static load. The lattice structures were manufactured using a 3D printing technique. Carbon fiber composite tubes without filler material were initially subjected to uniaxial and lateral quasi-static crushing load. The same types of experiment were then performed on chiral lattices and chiral lattices filled composite tubes. For the different cases, the load–displacements curves were analyzed and the specific energy absorption (SEA) values were compared. The SEA capability for the axial quasi-static crushing of the chiral lattices filled composite tubes decreased in comparison with the hollow composite design. However, the most significant result was that the average SEA value in the case of lateral loading increased dramatically in comparison with the hollow composite configuration.

Laser writing of nitrogen-doped silicon carbide for biological modulation

Conducting or semiconducting materials embedded in insulating polymeric substrates can be useful in biointerface applications; however, attainment of this composite configuration by direct chemical processes is challenging. Laser-assisted synthesis has evolved as a fast and inexpensive technique to prepare various materials, but its utility in the construction of biophysical tools or biomedical devices is less explored. Here, we use laser writing to convert portions of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) into nitrogen-doped cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC). The dense 3C-SiC surface layer is connected to the PDMS matrix via a spongy graphite layer, facilitating electrochemical and photoelectrochemical activity. We demonstrate the fabrication of arbitrary two-dimensional (2D) SiC-based patterns in PDMS and freestanding 3D constructs. To establish the functionality of the laser-produced composite, we apply it as flexible electrodes for pacing isolated hearts and as photoelectrodes for local peroxide delivery to smooth muscle sheets.

Three-dimensional braided composites with zero, negative and isotropic thermal expansion behavior

Three-dimensional braided composites with zero, negative and isotropic coefficient of thermal expansion are presented based on an analytical homogenization technique. The configuration of the braided composites is worked out considering the exact jamming condition leading to higher fiber volume fraction. A total of four configurations of three-dimensional-braided composite representative unit cells were analyzed. Among these, two arrangements are 4-axes and the other two are 5-axes. Special emphasis is given on the detailed description of the representative unit cells. Analysis reveals that a three-dimensional-braided composite configuration with thermoelastic isotropic properties having same coefficient of thermal expansion along x-, y-, and z-axes is achievable. As a special case, the homogenization model is used to predict, for the first time, a configuration of braided architecture and material leading to zero coefficient of thermal expansion along x-, y- and z-directions.

Optimization of Functionally Graded Structural Members by Means of New Effective Properties Estimation Method

An innovative method of effective composite mechanical properties estimation is applied to optimize the distribution of reinforcement in a functionally graded structural element. The concept is based on the assumption of the mechanical equivalence between two configurations: The real heterogeneous composite configuration and the fictitious quasi-homogeneous one. It allows to obtain the analytical formulae describing the dependence of the effective elastic composite properties on the volume fraction of reinforcing inclusions. As an example of application, a circular bar subjected to torsion is considered.

Nonlinear Modal Interactions of a Parametrically Excited Composite Column

Nonlinear dynamics of a composite column loaded by axial periodic force is presented in the paper. The simply supported channel column is made of several layers of a laminate with an general arrangement, leading to mechanical deformation couplings. A reduced model of the column is represented by a set of nonlinear equations which includes geometric nonlinear terms and parametric excitation. For the selected configuration of the composite structure parametric instability zones and vibration modes coupling occur. In contrast to isotropic materials, a modification of the reinforcing fibres layout results in a change of structure dynamic properties and a location of parametric resonance zones. Furthermore, buckling phenomenon may occur through various scenarios, by the global or local mode activation. The effect of the composite configuration on the principal parametric resonance zones is presented.

Insight on the Li2S electrochemical process in a composite configuration electrode

A novel, low cost, environmentally sustainable cathode combining PEO, LiCF3SO3 and Li2S–C is reported for application in high-energy lithium batteries.