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84 articles for “weight reduction”
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Optimizing Green Composites for Automotive Applications Using Taguchi-Based Grey Relational Analysis
Abstract: The increasing demand for sustainable and lightweight materials in the automotive industry has driven the exploration of green composites as an alternative to conventional synthetic composites. This study focuses on optimizing the mechanical properties of green composites using Taguchi-based Grey Relational Analysis. Four natural fibers—pineapple, sisal, coir, and Nava—were reinforced with cashew resin and synthetic resin matrices, incorporating silica and granite fillers of varying sizes. Key properties, including hardness, impact …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 743–754 Read article
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Design and Implementation of Lightweight Polymer-Based Drone System for Targeted Agricultural Spraying
Abstract: Agriculture has entered a new era of innovation, with drone technology emerging as a key tool in pesticide and fertilizer application. Unlike conventional methods that expose farmers to hazardous chemicals resulting in health issues such as skin disorders, neurological impairments, and in extreme cases, fatal illnesses drone-based spraying offers a safer and more efficient alternative. In India, the adoption of this technology is accelerating due to its ability to reduce …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 476–486 Read article
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Performance Analysis of GLARE Composites in Aerospace Engineering
Abstract: The fuel consumption of an aircraft is largely governed by its payload, which emphasizes the continuous demand for advanced lightweight structural materials to enhance the lift-to-weight ratio and improve overall fuel efficiency. Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) have emerged as a novel class of hybrid materials that combine alternating layers of thin metals with fiber-reinforced polymer composites, thereby offering mechanical properties superior to those of the individual constituents. Among the different …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 771–779 Read article
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Superplasticity Behavior of Aluminium Alloys Through FSP: A Review
Abstract: Friction Stir Processing (FSP), an advanced modification of Friction Stir Welding (FSW), has emerged as a highly effective technique for fabricating surface composites with superior mechanical and metallurgical properties. FSP enhances the microstructure and superplastic behavior of materials, particularly aluminium alloys, by subjecting them to high strain rates at relatively low temperatures. This review paper critically examines the development and optimization of FSP for aluminium alloys, emphasizing key factors such …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 65–77 Read article
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Experimental Evaluation of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Structural Applications
Abstract: Composites made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) are currently one of the most widely used material classes in advanced engineering applications because of their remarkable environmental resistance, dimensional stability, and strength-to-weight ratio. The vacuum bag moulding method was used in this study to create CFRP laminates with different fiber-to-resin weight ratios: 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, and 70:30. The reinforcement phase was made of unidirectional carbon fibre fabric and the …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 401–415 Read article
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Mechanical Characterization of Al6061 Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Boron Carbide and Fly Ash via Stir Casting
Abstract: The growing demand for lightweight, cost-effective, and high-performance materials in structural and automotive sectors has accelerated the development of hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMCs). This study investigates Al6061 alloy as the matrix material, reinforced with varying weight fractions of boron carbide (B₄C), a high-hardness ceramic, and fly ash, an economical industrial byproduct, to assess their synergistic effects on mechanical properties. Hybrid composites were synthesized using the stir casting technique to …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1711–1719 Read article
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Corrugated Tube Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Using Epoxy-Based Polymer Composite Coatings for Lightweight and Efficient Thermal Systems
Abstract: Corrugated tube geometries are widely recognized for their ability to enhance heat transfer through boundary layer disruption and secondary flow generation. In this study, a combined experimental and computational investigation is carried out to evaluate the thermo-hydraulic performance of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger incorporating corrugated stainless steel tubes integrated with an epoxy-based polymer composite coating and housed within a mild steel shell. Unlike conventional metallic systems, the present work introduces …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 603–617 Read article
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Influence of Epoxy-Based Thermally Conductive Polymer Composites on the Thermo-Hydraulic Performance of Finned Helical Coil Heat Exchangers Across Flow Regimes
Abstract: The use of polymer composites in heat exchanger applications has gained increasing attention due to their advantages in weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. However, their relatively low thermal conductivity compared to conventional metallic materials remains a key limitation for efficient heat transfer. In this study, the thermo-hydraulic performance of a finned helical coil heat exchanger is investigated with particular focus on epoxy-based polymer composites reinforced with thermally conductive …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 586–602 Read article
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Structural Optimization of FDM-Processed ASA Polymer Frames through Acetone Solvent Welding, Variable Infill Strategy, and Layer Orientation: Experimental Validation via Quadcopter Flight Testing
Abstract: Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) is an amorphous terpolymer with superior UV resistance compared to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), as its acrylate rubber phase lacks photodegradation-prone carbon–carbon double bonds. This study proposes acetone solvent welding as a polymer joining method to produce monolithic structures from FDM-processed ASA components, addressing three processing challenges: achieving structural continuity through polymer chain interdiffusion at solvent-wetted interfaces, correcting thermal warping via post-print geometric correction during welding, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 689–703 Read article
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Eco-Efficient Skies: Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint Minimization of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in Aerospace Application
Abstract: The increasing integration of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in aerospace structures necessitates a rigorous evaluation of their environmental sustainability throughout their entire life cycle. This study presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint analysis of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites applied to structural and semi-structural components in commercial aerospace applications. Following ISO 14040/14044 standards and employing the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) impact …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 147–160 Read article
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Thermo-Fluid Characterization of Corrugated U-Tube Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger with Polymer Composite Tube Wall: A Combined CFD and Experimental Investigation
Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers built with metallic tubes work well thermally, but corrosion problems, extra weight, and the inability to adjust the wall’s thermal properties through material choice remain genuine engineering headaches, particularly for corrosive or weight-critical applications. Over the past few years there has been a fair amount of interest in replacing metal tubes with polymer composite alternatives, since blending thermally conductive fillers — graphite nanoplatelets, boron nitride platelets and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 Read article
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Thermo-hydraulic Performance of Annular-Finned Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger: Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Metallic and Polymer Composite Tube Wall Materials
Abstract: Double-pipe heat exchangers are central to the process industries — dependable, easily maintained, and straightforward to fabricate. Their conventional form relies on metallic tube materials, most often copper or stainless steel. Both metals conduct heat well, but they are dense, prone to corrosion in aggressive service environments, and increasingly at odds with the light-weighting goals that drive modern system design. Fibre-reinforced polymer composites, epoxy-based materials, and thermally enhanced thermoplastics such …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 891–909 Read article
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Design and Development of Lightweight Polymer Composite Manifold Using CF-ABS and GFRP for Aerodynamic Energy Recovery in Electric Vehicles
Abstract: Electric vehicles provide a number of advantages over conventional fuel vehicles due to their low to no emissions. High energy efficiency improves the driving performance of Electric vehicles. However, they have to face certain challenges such as the high purchase cost of batteries and lack of battery charging facilities. The major drawback of an Electric vehicle is to store sufficient energy to run the vehicle for a long time. This …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 Read article
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Polymer Nanocomposites: Cutting-Edge Material for The Aviation Sector
Abstract: Due to current market demands and a need to produce structural materials for use in both military and civilian aircraft more efficiently, the aerospace industry is always pushing for higher productivity. The design and manufacturing of aeronautical components in the present and the future are heavily reliant on materials of the polymer composite class. The building of many airplane components uses polymer composites, which are generally helpful. Based on their …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 12, Issue 5, 2024 · pp. 227–234 Read article
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Dynamic Analysis of Honeycomb Sandwich Laminated Composite Plate using ANSYS
Abstract: A structural sandwich is a peculiar form of a laminated composite comprising of a combination of distinct materials which are bonded together to use effectively the properties of each separate component to the structural advantage of the whole assembly. Two thin, rigid and quite strong faces in the framework are partitioned by a thick, light and weaker core. The faces are attached adhesively to the core to ensure effective load …
Published in International Journal of Mechanical Dynamics and Systems Analysis · Vol. 4, Issue 2, 2026 Read article
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Advancements in Metal-Plastic Hybrid Structures: Experimental Analysis and Design Optimization of 3D-Printed Honeycomb Frameworks
Abstract: The exploration of metal-plastic hybrid structures has gained significant attention due to their potential for lightweight, high-strength applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. This study investigates the experimental and design enhancements of a metal-plastic hybrid structure utilizing a honeycomb architecture produced through 3D printing. By integrating metals with plastic polymers in a honeycomb configuration, this hybrid approach aims to combine the high strength and stiffness of metals …
Published in Trends in Machine design · Vol. 11, Issue 3, 2024 · pp. 36–43 Read article
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Effect of Heat Exposure on Structural Integrity of Geopolymer Concrete Composites
Abstract: The research evaluates the thermal degradation effects of high temperatures on Geo Polymer Concrete Composite (GPCC) by examining alccofine concrete, concrete made with alccofine and porcelain waste aggregates. Knowing how GPCC behaves under high temperatures proves essential for protecting buildings during fires as well as industrial applications. Each mix design received composite concrete samples that underwent increased heating conditions from 100°C to 700°C at 200°C intervals. Post-heating, various parameters were …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 318–328 Read article
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Characterization of Nano-Clay Reinforced Polymer Composites: Enhancing Performance for Extreme Applications
Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and chemical resistance properties of nano-clay-reinforced polymer composites and polymer concrete. The incorporation of 1-5 wt% nano-clay resulted in a significant enhancement across all properties. Mechanical testing revealed a 42.86% increase in tensile strength (35 MPa to 50 MPa), 40% improvement in flexural strength (50 MPa to 70 MPa), and 46.67% rise in compressive strength (75 MPa to 110 MPa), attributed to …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 105–114 Read article
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A Review on Evolution of Aircraft Fuselage Materials: From Wood to Composites & Functionally Graded Materials
Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of materials for construction of aircraft fuselages, with a focus on the expanding use of polymer composites and functionally graded materials (FGMs) in modern aerostructures. The baseline fuselage design is thought to be from wood, to be followed by metallic systems such as aluminum, titanium, and nickel alloys. All systems improved manufacturability, strength, and longevity, but there was a substantial revolution …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 447–455 Read article
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Topology Optimization of Press Tools for Additive Manufacturing: Reducing Manufacturing Time
Abstract: This research paper presents a topology optimization study of a press tool consisting of a punch and a die, with the aim of optimizing the press tool topology to reduce material usage, and manufacturing time while maintaining necessary strength. The tools will be manufactured using additive manufacturing technology with Polylactic Acid (PLA) material. The Additive Manufacturing method can be used to make prototypes of press tools in the development stages. …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 11, Issue 8, 2023 · pp. 40–56 Read article