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38 articles for “Matrix cracking”
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Impact of Polypropylene Fibres on the Properties of Concrete
Abstract: This review paper explores the effects of polypropylene fibres on the mechanical and structural properties of concrete. The integration of short, discontinuous fibres into plain concrete enhances its post-cracking behavior and overall performance, with notable improvements in tensile strength, fracture strength, toughness, impact resistance, and flexural strength. These fibres effectively control crack propagation, increase energy absorption, and improve durability under varying loading conditions. A comprehensive analysis of prior research highlights …
Published in Journal of Construction Engineering, Technology & Management · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2024 · pp. 55–60 Read article
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Basalt Fiber, Palm Fiber, and Seashell Powder Reinforced Hybrid Epoxy Composites: A Mechanical Characterization
Abstract: This study investigates epoxy-based composites reinforced with basalt fiber, palm fiber, and seashell powder fabricated via hand lay-up. Mechanical characterization included tensile, flexural, hardness, and impact testing, supported by ANOVA and TOPSIS analyses. The Basalt-Epoxy composite has the highest mechanical strength among the systems under investigation, with a tensile strength of 275 N/mm² and a yield stress of around 215 N/mm². Compared to Palm-Epoxy composite, which has the lowest mechanical …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1565–1575 Read article
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Fracture behavior of 2124Al- 10vol% SiCp composite tensile specimens for different heat treatment conditions
Abstract: This article presents experimental details on 2124Al-10vol% SiCp composite tensile specimens, which were made by squeeze casting process. Cast metal composites are generally very brittle and have poor mechanical properties. To strengthen the matrix and improve ductility, the specimens were heat-treated by solutionizing and aging. Experiments were carried out at 3 different solutionizing temperatures, solutionizing time, aging temperature and aging time to examine the influence of heat treatment process parameters …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 11, Issue 8, 2023 · pp. 279–291 Read article
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Synergistic Effects of Hybridized Nano-Silica and Hemp Fiber Reinforcement on Bio-Epoxy Composites
Abstract: Natural fiber-reinforced bio-epoxy composites have become promising sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic-fiber petroleum-based materials, but are often limited by low fiber-matrix interfacial bonding, low thermal stability, and high moisture absorption which limit their application in structural applications. These issues are discussed in this work, by carrying out a systematic investigation of the synergistic effects of the hybridization of nano-silica particles with alkali-treated hemp fibers in a bio-epoxy matrix the composites …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 214–228 Read article
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Damage Evolution and Delamination Resistance in Polymer Matrix Functionally Graded Laminates
Abstract: Functionally graded laminates (FGLs) in polymer-matrix systems represent a promising pathway to enhance damage tolerance and delay delamination in advanced structural composites. In this study, we explore the mechanisms of damage initiation, propagation, and delamination resistance in polymer matrix functionally graded laminates (PM-FGLs) through a combined experimental–computational approach. Laminates with linear, exponential, and bio-inspired gradation profiles were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and additive manufacturing techniques. Comprehensive mechanical …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 321–337 Read article
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Investigating the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of AA 7074 Composites with Silicon Nitride Reinforcement
Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural properties of AA 7074 aluminium alloy reinforced with 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), fabricated via the stir casting method, intended for structural aerospace applications. A thorough series of mechanical tests—comprising tensile, compression, hardness, impact, flexural, and wear tests—was performed to assess the influence of differing reinforcing content. The composite containing 5 wt% Si₃N₄ (SN5) demonstrated the most pronounced …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 268–281 Read article
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Effect of Silicon Carbide Filler on Mechanical and Damping Behavior of Basalt/Stainless Steel Hybrid Laminated Composites
Abstract: This study consolidates three experimental investigations on hybrid laminated composites reinforced with basalt fibre, stainless steel (SS) wire mesh, and silicon carbide (SiC) filler using vacuum infusion moulding. Three laminates were fabricated with filler variations of 0%, 1.5%, and 3% by weight of matrix material, maintaining a stacking sequence of [0B/0W/45B/0W/0B/45W]s with a thickness of 4–5 mm. The first investigation focused on impact strength. Drop-weight impact testing revealed a steady …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
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Effect of Nanoclay Loading on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites
Abstract: The effects of multilayer silicate loading on hardness, tensile, and impact properties were examined by developing epoxy–nanoclay composites with 0–5 wt% nanoclay. A desirable compromise between reduced void content and higher Shore D hardness was reached with an ideal nanoclay loading of 3 wt%, which reflected improved load transfer and increased matrix stiffness as a result of limited polymer chain mobility. Tensile strength and modulus rose up to 3 wt% …
Published in International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 36–45 Read article
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Deformation and Densification Behaviour of Sintered Aluminium Alloy and Chromium Carbide Metal Matrix Preforms
Abstract: This paper presents comprehensive experimental results focused on the deformation and densification behavior of sintered AA2618 - 2% Cr3C2 metal matrix preforms. The study specifically examines preforms with varying aspect ratios subjected to a cold upsetting process. To create the powder preforms, an initial theoretical density of 89% was achieved using a cylindrical die on a 600 kN hydraulic press. The sintering process was conducted in an electric muffle furnace, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 125–131 Read article
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Effect of Aging on the Performance of Polymer Composite: A Review
Abstract: The exceptional robustness, corrosion resistance, and lightweight design, polymer composites (PCs) are crucial to modern engineering escalating the utilization of polymer composite in structural applications including aerospace engineering, automobile engineering, etc. With a greater number of positive aspects, the polymer composite also deteriorate by different environment conditions with their exposing duration considered as aging of polymer composites. However, a variety of elements influencing the ageing process determine their long-term performance. …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 752–768 Read article
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Nano-Silica Reinforced Crosslinked Biopolymer–PCM Composites for Improved Thermal Cycling Durability
Abstract: Crosslinked biopolymer–PCM composites reinforced with nano-silica were developed to enhance thermal cycling durability, leakage resistance, and structural stability for advanced thermal energy storage applications. A starch-based biopolymer was chemically crosslinked using citric acid to create a stable polymer network, while paraffin was employed as the phase-change medium and nano-silica (1–4 wt%) served as a multifunctional inorganic reinforcement. FTIR analysis confirmed successful esterification between citric acid and the polymer backbone, indicated …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–10 Read article
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A Comprehensive Review of Green Hybrid Polymer–Inorganic Composite Systems Incorporating Palm Tree Ash and Titanium Dioxide
Abstract: The increasing requests on sustainable and high performance systems have motivated extensive investigations on polymer-based hybrid systems with bio-derived and/or functional inorganic fillers. In this review, the importance of palm tree ash (PTA) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as synergistic fillers for polymer–inorganic hybrid composites, particularly about structure–property relations, interfacial adhesion and durability performance, is discussed. Agricultural waste-derived palm tree ash (PTA) plays as a silica-rich filler which not only aids …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1811–1820 Read article
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Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Hollow Bricks Incorporating Aerated Aggregates: A Polymer-Cement Composite Approach
Abstract: The rapid advancement of construction technologies has necessitated the development of lightweight, thermally efficient, and sustainable building materials. Hollow bricks, due to their inherent voids, offer substantial reductions in dead load and enhanced insulation properties. However, their mechanical performance often falls short when compared to conventional solid bricks. To address this limitation, this study explores the synergistic integration of aerated aggregates and polymer-cement composites (PCCs) in hollow brick production. Aerated …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 92–105 Read article
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Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Graphene Nanoplatelets
Abstract: This study investigates how incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) influences the mechanical performance of hemp fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Hemp fibers were chemically treated by alkali treatment to improve fiber–matrix adhesion owing to their high specific strength, stiffness, renewability, and environmental friendliness. Graphene nanoplatelets were dispersed in acetone by probe sonication and added to acetone epoxy matrix at a concentration of 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%, respectively. Composite laminates were prepared by …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 98–109 Read article
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Water Absorption and Mechanical Behaviour of Bagasse Fibre and Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Composite Materials
Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical behaviour and water absorption characteristics of bagasse fibre and groundnut shell particle (GSP)-reinforced hybrid composites using a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix. Varying weight fractions of GSP (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were incorporated into the composites, with bagasse fibre content kept constant at 30% by weight. Tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were measured, and the water absorption behaviour was evaluated following ASTM standards.The results indicated …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 115–124 Read article
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Characterization of Glass Fiber/Epoxy Laminates Modified with MWCNT–Al₂O₃ Hybrid Nanofillers
Abstract: Enhancing the performance of fibre-reinforced polymer composites increasingly involves the integration of nanoscale additives that can improve strength, toughness, and overall durability. In the present investigation, woven E-glass/epoxy laminates were modified using a hybrid nanofiller system consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles. The two nanomaterials were combined in a 2:4 proportion and introduced into the epoxy matrix at total loadings of 1%, 3%, and 5% …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 350–368 Read article
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Grey Relational Analysis of Cuttlefish Bone Particles–Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Abstract: This research examines the mechanical characteristics, water absorption performance, and thermal stability of epoxy composites reinforced with Cuttlefish Bone Particles (CFBP) and glass fibers. Composites were fabricated with varying CFBP contents (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) using an epoxy resin as the matrix material and glass fiber as the primary reinforcement. The experimental results revealed that the CFBP-0 composite (neat epoxy with glass fiber) exhibited the highest tensile strength, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 239–246 Read article
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Graphene-Derived Reinforced Polymer Composites for Self-Healing and Durability Enhancement in Concrete Structures
Abstract: This study presents a matrix-centric polymer-composite repair binder: an epoxy–polyamide network reinforced with graphene derivatives (GO/rGO, 0.1–1.0 wt%). The polymer drives function via segmental mobility that closes microcracks, while 2D-filler topology densifies the interphase, improves load transfer, and enforces tortuous moisture pathways. Adhesion was high: pull-off (ASTM D4541) reached 13.5 MPa at 2.0 mm displacement; slant-shear (ASTM C882) reached 12.1 MPa at 2.8 mm, with greater deformation capacity (zero stress …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 77–91 Read article