Materials and Properties
SONG Xinyu, LIU Boxian, HUA Chenxi, CHEN Peng, CHENG Changli, LIU Yu, WANG Zhenyu
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In this work, hexagonal boron nitride/silicone rubber (hBN/SR) composite materials were fabricated into ordered porous lattice structures of varying architectures using direct⁃write 3D printing. The ink formulation was optimized based on rheological behavior and filler dispersibility, and printing parameters were fine⁃tuned through single⁃filament extrusion experiments to achieve stable printing with a line width of 400 μm. Optical microscopy confirmed excellent shape fidelity and structural integrity of the printed hBN/SR composites. Compression tests revealed that all three lattice designs exhibited good shape recovery, yet displayed markedly different mechanical responses. Specifically, the AABB structure demonstrated the lowest elastic modulus (0.8 MPa) and the longest stress plateau region (42.52 %), while the FCT architecture achieved the highest compressive strength (4.11 MPa). Drop⁃hammer impact tests further showed that the AABB structure delivered superior impact protection, with a peak contact force of 22.4 kN. In terms of thermal performance, the FCT structure exhibited the highest thermal conductivity, 58 % greater than that of the SC structure.
LIU Guanyu, HU Fangyuan, WANG Yinxiang, LI Aimin
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This study investigates the degradation behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic tableware and pure PLA under specific hydrothermal conditions (190 ℃). The physical and chemical changes in PLA before and after hydrothermal treatment were characterized using multiple analytical techniques, including mass loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy, high⁃performance liquid chromatography, and Fourier⁃transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The kinetics of lactic acid generation and the evolution of macrostructure during hydrothermal depolymerization were systematically analyzed.Results indicated that solid⁃phase degradation of PLA reached completion (100 %). The presence of lactic acid in solution significantly accelerated the hydrolysis of PLA without compromising the final lactic acid conversion yield (>90 %). In contrast, common additives in PLA tableware, such as talc, cellulose, and other formulation components, moderately enhanced the initial hydrolysis rate but ultimately suppressed the lactic acid conversion efficiency. Notably, polyethylene glycol exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on PLA hydrolysis. FTIR analysis revealed that hydrolysis proceeded primarily through cleavage of ester bonds, generating terminal —OH and —COOH groups. Consequently, the concentration of degradation products containing hydroxyl groups increased markedly, whereas the abundance of carbonyl⁃containing species remained largely unchanged.
SHI Hongyang, NIU Zheyu, ZHAO Lingjun, DING Dayong
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12 )
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In this study, a novel composite material was developed by first acetylating unbleached bamboo fibers, followed by melt compounding with polypropylene (PP) via twin⁃screw extrusion and subsequent hot pressing to fabricate acetylated bamboo fiber/PP composites. The influence of acetylated bamboo fibers with varying degrees of modification on the interfacial compatibility, mechanical performance, and thermal stability of the resulting composites was systematically investigated. Results showed that the APP⁃1.0 composite exhibited a 26.48 % increase in tensile strength and a remarkable 106 % enhancement in flexural strength compared to neat polypropylene. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that the incorporation of acetylated fibers promoted both the crystallization rate and overall crystallinity of the composites. These findings demonstrate the potential of acetylated bamboo fiber composites in lightweight and eco⁃friendly applications within the light industry sector.
FU Yating, NIE Siying, YAN Xingwang, LIU Shuai, YU Kejing, QIAN Kun, WANG Jun
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A series of high⁃strength foam composites featuring axial gradient structures and varying fiber loadings (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) were fabricated using nickel⁃plated carbon fibers and stainless⁃steel fibers as magnetic reinforcing phases, respectively. The effects of fiber orientation and spatial distribution on cellular morphology were systematically examined through scanning electron microscopy, open/closed cell ratio analysis, and cell density measurements. To elucidate the relationship between pore architecture and the mechanical and thermodynamic performance of the foams, a comprehensive suite of characterizations, including thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, quasi⁃static compression, and tensile testing, was employed, and the underlying interaction mechanisms were analyzed. Results indicated that when stainless steel fibers were used at a loading of 0.5 wt%, the resulting gradient foam exhibited the most pronounced structural features, with a cell size distribution spanning 11.53 μm. This sample achieved a compressive strength of 4 578.96 kPa and a specific energy absorption of 340.75 kJ/m³·g, 1.74 times higher than that of the neat (fiber⁃free) foam. In tensile tests, it also demonstrates a fracture stress of 2 736.25 kPa and an elongation at break of 51.76 %, representing substantial improvements over the baseline material. These findings confirm that the incorporation of magnetic fibers effectively promotes the formation of controlled axial gradient pore structures, thereby enhancing both mechanical strength and energy⁃absorbing capacity, key attributes for protective and lightweight structural applications.
JI Jianchao, CHEN Yuhong, HA Enhua
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The rapid advancement of electronic technology has led to the widespread application of electromagnetic waves, particularly in information transmission and detection. This growth has concurrently increased the demand for solutions against electromagnetic pollution and detection, thereby accelerating the development of electromagnetic shielding materials. Among these, conductive polymers are promising due to their light weight, low cost, and tunable electrical properties, such as controllable resistance and dielectric constant. Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most studied conductive polymers; however, its standalone electromagnetic shielding and absorption performance is often limited, struggling to achieve high loss and broad bandwidth simultaneously. Current research strategies to enhance PANI's performance include: (1) controlling its synthesis to produce microstructures like fibers and spirals, and (2) compounding it with other dielectric or magnetic loss materials to create high⁃performance composites. This review outlines the working mechanisms of shielding and absorbing materials, summarizes the properties and evaluation metrics of various PANI⁃based composites, and discusses their recent progress in this field. The advantages and challenges of these materials are analyzed, and future research directions are proposed.
GUO Xin, CEN Tingting, XU Haiyun, ZHAO Xiaoying, XIANG Aimin
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15 )
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Wound dressings play a critical role in the healing process. This study developed a series of wound dressings with potent and long⁃lasting antimicrobial properties using an electrospinning technique. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) served as the substrate, loaded with several antimicrobial agents. To enhance the antimicrobial performance of the PVA/Ag⁺ nanofiber membrane, wormwood (WW) decoction was incorporated as a secondary agent, producing a PVA/Ag⁺/WW composite nanofiber membrane. Fourier⁃transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of wormwood's active antimicrobial components into the fibers. Scanning electron microscopy further verified the presence of wormwood within the material. The incorporation of wormwood improved the membrane's wettability, reducing the water contact angle from 50.5 ° to 23.5 °. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that with a wormwood decoction concentration of 80 %, the inhibition zone diameters for the PVA/Ag⁺/WW membrane against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were 16.02 mm, 16.29 mm, and 16.22 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the nanofiber membranes maintained effective antimicrobial activity for five weeks. In conclusion, this work successfully combined silver ions and wormwood decoction to create a high⁃performance nanofiber membrane with enhanced and sustained antimicrobial efficacy, showing great promise for application in wound dressings and other medical fields.
WANG Ruiqi, XIAO Fangli, ZHENG Yanan, ZU Lei, LIU Yang, WANG Xiaodong, LIAN Huiqin
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In this study, the influence of binder composition and structure on the performance of black phosphorus⁃based anodes for lithium⁃ion batteries was investigated by using four binders, polyvinylidene fluoride, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, and sodium alginate. The electrodes were characterized through swelling, peeling, wetting, and scanning electron microscopy tests, while their electrochemical performance was assessed in terms of cycle stability and rate capability. Results demonstrated that the electrode utilizing a polyacrylic acid binder delivered the optimal comprehensive performance, exhibiting superior specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate performance. This electrode achieved a first reversible specific capacity of 1 960.4 mAh/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g and maintained a high capacity retention of 89.3 % after 50 cycles.
LIANG Nengde, TANG Shichao, CHEN Siyue, ZHONG Liu, WANG Qiwei
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Two readily synthesizable norbornene⁃based silane coupling agents (NMKSC and NHKSC) were designed and synthesized to modify kaolin, leading to the successful preparation of norbornene⁃based kaolin/polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) composites. The modified kaolin demonstrated excellent dispersion within the dicyclopentadiene monomer. Compared to unmodified PDCPD, the resulting composites exhibited a remarkable increase in impact toughness of up to 225 %, alongside approximately 10 % improvements in both tensile and flexural strength. Furthermore, the composites maintained good thermal stability.
GUO Hanxiang, WANG Jinqing, DU Jianqiang, GU Shaojie, HUANG Yanhuang
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11 )
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This study successfully developed the industry's first polypropylene ultra⁃thin capacitor film produced via synchronous biaxial stretching. A comparative analysis of the structure and properties was conducted against commercially available asynchronously stretched films. The results revealed that the synchronously stretched films featured larger crystal grains, lower molecular orientation, and a reduced melting point. However, they also demonstrated significantly lower bidirectional structural differences and superior uniformity. While these films exhibit lower mechanical strength and higher thermal shrinkage, their dielectric breakdown behavior is more consistent, as evidenced by a more convergent Weibull distribution. The 10 %⁃probability critical breakdown strength is 15 % higher than that of asynchronous films, indicating superior insulation stability. Furthermore, the analysis confirms that the characteristic properties of the foreign (asynchronous) films, such as refined grains, high melting points, and consistent double⁃sided structure, confer distinct performance advantages in other areas.
Processing and Application
LIU Zhihua, GAO Zhikun, BAO Nannan, HUANG Zhaoxia, HE Hezhi
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The crosslinking of natural rubber (NR) is essential for developing its high elasticity and practical utility. Consequently, advancing vulcanization methods towards greener, more efficient, and energy⁃saving processes is a major research focus. This study introduces a novel vulcanization technique for NR using a cyclic pulsed force field. This method aims to enhance the reaction between NR and sulfur molecules through pulsed external force, thereby achieving "pulse forced vulcanization." The structural and property evolution of the vulcanized rubber was characterized using crosslink density measurements, FTIR, and DMA. The results confirm that the pulsed force field effectively promotes the reaction of carbon⁃carbon double bonds in NR, leading to the formation of more crosslinking sites and a more robust network structure. Mechanical tests demonstrate significant improvements over traditional vulcanization: the tensile strength increased by 33.7 % (from 13.857 to 18.527 MPa), hardness increased by 8.9 % (from Shore A 56 to 61), and density rose from 0.946 to 0.970 g/cm³. In conclusion, pulse forced vulcanization markedly enhances the mechanical properties of natural rubber, offering a promising new method for producing high⁃performance rubber materials.
ZHANG Enxiang, YANG Weimin, XU Xin, ZHANG Qi, JI Quanyu, XU Zhiming, CHI Baihong
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The growing demand for lightweight design and multifunctional integration in spacecraft presents significant challenges for traditional manufacturing techniques, which struggle to form complex structures and incorporate multi⁃physical field functionalities. This paper systematically reviews the research progress in using selective laser melting (SLM) for the integrated design and manufacturing of load⁃bearing and thermal management structures for spacecraft. It analyzes the characteristic SLM process parameters and their role in controlling material properties, summarizing the influence of key factors such as laser parameters and protective atmospheres on component performance. The review also highlights recent breakthroughs in SLM⁃compatible material systems, with a focus on polymer⁃metal composites that enable multifunctional integration. Finally, considering specific aerospace application scenarios, performance optimization strategies for SLM⁃fabricated lattice structures, large⁃scale components, and microchannel heat pipes are discussed. This work provides a theoretical foundation for the design of advanced, multifunctional spacecraft structures.
ZHAO Bingqi, PEI Wenyu, CHU Chaoyang, FU Zhongyu
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This study systematically investigated the crosslinking kinetics of additively manufactured two⁃component liquid silicone rubber using rheological methods. The effects of the vinyl⁃to⁃silanehydride molar ratio, curing temperature, and the active hydrogen content of the hydrogen⁃containing silicone oil on the vulcanization behavior were examined. Furthermore, the role of shear⁃induced molecular orientation on the curing characteristics was explored. Rheological results demonstrate that the gel point time is regulated by several competing factors: a higher vinyl⁃to⁃silanehydride ratio, increased temperature, and a greater active hydrogen content all contribute to an earlier gel time. Conversely, pre⁃shear⁃induced orientation of the silicone polymer chains was found to delay gelation, slowing down the crosslinking reaction.
Additive
ZHANG Wenli, XU Hui, XIA Jianjun, XU Pengwu, NIU Deyu, YANG Weijun, WENG Yiwei, MA Piming
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Two bio⁃based plasticizers, methyl acetyl oleate⁃salicylate (A⁃MO⁃SAE) and butyl acetyl oleate⁃salicylate (A⁃NBO⁃SAE), were synthesized from methyl oleate and butyl oleate through a three⁃step process involving epoxidation, reaction with salicylic acid, and acetylation with acetic anhydride. Their performance was compared with a commercial alternative, cyclohexane⁃1,2⁃dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH). The chemical structures of the synthesized plasticizers were confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The properties of plasticized PVC were evaluated through tensile tests and migration resistance measurements. Results demonstrated that A⁃MO⁃SAE, with its shorter alkyl chain, exhibited a superior plasticizing effect. The PVC film plasticized with A⁃MO⁃SAE showed enhanced thermal stability, with a 50 % weight loss temperature (Td-50 %) of 326 °C, 23 °C higher than that of DINCH. This film also exhibited a tensile strength of 35.2 MPa, an elongation at break of 462.9 %, and a light transmittance of 92 %. Furthermore, A⁃MO⁃SAE demonstrated lower volatility and better resistance to solvent extraction than DINCH. In conclusion, A⁃MO⁃SAE is a promising eco⁃friendly plasticizer with excellent comprehensive properties, capable of significantly enhancing the performance of PVC materials.
Plastic and Environment
MENG Haiyu, LI Danting, WU Zhiqiang, LIU Liwen, FAN Mengxu, LI Huaien
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This study investigates the co⁃pyrolysis behavior of mushroom residue (MR) and high⁃density polyethylene (PE⁃HD) at varying blending ratios and heating rates using thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The synergistic effects were evaluated through kinetic and thermodynamic analyses. The TG results indicated that the co⁃pyrolysis process occurred in four distinct stages: dehydration, decomposition of hemicellulose and cellulose, degradation of HDPE macromolecules and lignin, and finally, the continuous decomposition of lignin and carbonization into char. A significant interaction, involving active free radicals from PE⁃HD and intermediate products from MR, was observed within the temperature range of 410~550 ℃. At PE⁃HD blending ratios of 25 wt%and 50 wt%, a pronounced synergistic effect enhanced the production of volatile products and reduced the average activation energy of the co⁃pyrolysis process by 16.29 % and 29.70 % (KAS model), respectively, compared to theoretical values. Criado model analysis revealed that the reaction order and diffusion models (F1 and D1) best described the first main decomposition stage, while diffusion, geometrical contracting, and nucleation models (D4, R3, and A3/2) were more appropriate for the second stage. The kinetic mechanism for each stage was found to be dependent on the blending ratio. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis confirmed that co⁃pyrolysis facilitates the thermal decomposition reaction, as evidenced by a lower enthalpy change than theoretically predicted at 25 wt% and 50 wt% PE⁃HD, where the synergistic effect was most significant.
ZHANG Yanjun, DU Runping, SONG Xiaofei, XU Jie
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The resource utilization of waste plastics has become a global priority. This paper analyzes the current industrial landscape of plastic recycling, with a specific focus on thermochemical conversion technologies. From the perspective of addressing key application challenges, the development of pyrolysis and gasification for waste plastics was evaluated. Furthermore, four future trends were proposed for thermochemical recycling technologies and ten key predictions for the industry's development. The paper also provides an outlook on potential business models and the evolving structure of the plastic recycling industry. This analysis is intended to offer strategic direction for the advancement of thermochemical recycling and to serve as a reference for technology selection, thereby supporting the promotion of a circular economy for waste plastics in China.
ZHOU Tianyu, LI Jiuchong, LI Xiaorui
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In this study, the catalytic degradation of waste polyisocyanurate foam (PIR) was investigated using various perovskite and composite catalysts in the presence of an alcoholysis agent. The process effectively converted waste PIR into polyols, which were subsequently used to fabricate regenerated PIR foam. The degradation product was characterized by its viscosity, while the regenerated foam was evaluated based on its apparent density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, infrared spectrum, and thermal stability. Results demonstrated that the optimal LaNiO₃ perovskite catalyst loading was 0.02 g, yielding a polyol with a viscosity of 2 336.4 mPa·s. The resulting foam exhibited a compressive strength of 0.399 MPa, an apparent density of 0.046 4 g/cm³, and a thermal conductivity of 0.024 W/(m·K). A composite catalyst formulation of “0.2 g NaOH+0.01 g LaNiO₃” was also identified as optimal, producing a polyol with a viscosity of 2 201.6 mPa·s and a foam with a compressive strength of 0.395 MPa, an apparent density of 0.040 8 g/cm³, and a thermal conductivity of 0.023 W/(m·K). All key performance indicators, including density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity, met the requirements of the relevant national standard.
ZHANG Qinghai, CHEN Rupan, CHEN Junrong, WANG Xiaojun
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This study presents a green strategy to address two challenges simultaneously: the disposal of industrial by⁃product calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) and the high flammability of epoxy resin (EP). CaSO₄ was incorporated with piperazine pyrophosphate and melamine to fabricate flame⁃retardant EP composites. The mechanical and flame⁃retardant properties of these composites were systematically investigated. Results indicated that the addition of CaSO₄ had no significant adverse effect on the tensile strength of the epoxy. More importantly, it significantly enhanced the flame retardancy. For the EP/30CaSO₄ composite, the peak heat release rate and total heat release were reduced to 322.5 kW/m² and 44.0 MJ/m², representing decreases of 66.6 % and 49.5 %, respectively, compared to those of pure EP. Furthermore, the peak smoke production rate and total smoke production were reduced by 53.9 % and 40.1 %, respectively. Emissions of the harmful gases CO and CO₂ were also significantly suppressed, decreasing by 71.4 % and 72.2 %. Analysis of the residual char revealed that CaSO₄ promoted the formation of a more continuous and denser protective layer, which is crucial for inhibiting combustion. This work demonstrates a promising and sustainable approach for the valorization of industrial by⁃products and the development of high⁃performance, flame⁃retardant epoxy resins.
Review
WANG Di, MA Yitao, DANG Kaifang, CAI Dongjie, XIE Pengcheng, YANG Weimin
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Laparoscopic surgery is widely adopted in clinical practice owing to its minimally invasive nature and facilitation of rapid patient recovery. While traditional hemostatic techniques such as suture ligation and electrocoagulation are effective, they present drawbacks including operational complexity, potential for vascular damage, and risks associated with thermal injury. In contrast, tissue clipping offers a less invasive and more convenient alternative. However, conventional metal titanium clips are non⁃degradable and conductive, properties that can lead to postoperative complications and increase patient anxiety. Absorbable tissue clips based on poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) present a promising solution, combining requisite mechanical strength with controllable degradation profiles to overcome the limitations of existing devices. This review systematically summarized recent advances in the structural optimization and material modification of PGA⁃based absorbable tissue clips, with a particular focus on addressing the critical challenges of enhancing mechanical toughness and regulating the degradation rate. It discussed the impact of strategies such as polymer blending and graft toughening on the mechanical performance and degradation behavior of PGA. Furthermore, the review outlined the current challenges in the structural design and clinical translation of PGA clips and suggests future research directions. These include refining the material's toughness and degradation rate, improving its overall mechanical properties, enhancing biocompatibility, and strengthening clinical validation efforts to accelerate the widespread adoption of PGA absorbable clips in minimally invasive surgery.
WU Xihao, SHANG Xiaoyan, MA Liuliu, ZHU Congshan, TANG Junjie, DUAN Hao
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This review comprehensively analyzed the current state of research on polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile⁃butadiene⁃styrene (ABS) alloys. It begins by analyzing the critical factors governing the compatibility between PC and ABS, which directly influence the material's phase morphology and ultimate mechanical performance. The article subsequently provides a detailed overview of compatibilization strategies developed to enhance these properties, with a specific focus on reactive compatibilizers, particularly those based on maleic anhydride and epoxy functional groups, which have demonstrated superior efficacy. Finally, the review concludes by discussing future research trajectories and potential development directions for next⁃generation compatibilizers in PC/ABS systems.