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179 articles for “lightweight composites”
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Polymer Matrix Characterization and Interfacial Engineering in Bamboo/Sisal/Chopped Mat Hybrid Fiber Composites
Abstract: The present investigation focuses on the characterization of polymer matrices and the interfacial behavior of bamboo, sisal, and chopped strand mat (CSM) fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The work aims to understand how natural fibers influence the curing, thermal, and adhesion properties of hybrid composite systems. Experimental analyses were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate curing …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 123–135 Read article
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Future Fibers for the Airport Engineering
Abstract: This paper explores the use of advanced fibers in drone technology, with a specific focus on textiles for drone body structures. As drones continue to evolve, selecting materials that enhance performance, durability, and sustainability has become increasingly critical. Traditionally, drone components rely on resin-based composites for strength and rigidity. However, recent advancements demonstrate that certain fibers can achieve exceptional structural performance without the need for resin. The study emphasizes materials …
Published in Journal of Aerospace Engineering & Technology · Vol. 15, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 14–18 Read article
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Optimal Dosage of Pumice in Lightweight Aggregate based Concrete
Abstract: Lightweight concrete (LWC) is a pioneering solution in the construction sector, characterized by its unique composition and versatile applications. Engineered with lightweight aggregates and additives, LWC achieves a significant reduction in dry density compared to conventional concrete, making it 23% to 87% lighter, with densities ranging from 300 to 1,840 kg/m³. This reduced weight makes LWC ideal for projects requiring load minimization, such as high-rise buildings and prefabricated elements. A …
Published in International Journal of Minerals · Vol. 1, Issue 1, 2024 · pp. 23–32 Read article
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Sustainable Development of Carbon–Sisal Reinforced Polyester Composites through Green Nanotechnology
Abstract: This study presents the sustainable development of carbon–sisal fiber reinforced polyester composites enhanced through green nanotechnology for improved mechanical performance and environmental compatibility. The hybrid composites were fabricated using varying fiber ratios - C1 (70% carbon, 30% sisal), C2 (60% carbon, 40% sisal), and C3 (50% carbon, 50% sisal) - with an optimized addition of 1 wt.% nano-silica (SiO2) synthesized via a green sol–gel route. The tensile, flexural, and impact …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1179–1194 Read article
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An assessment of the mechanical properties of a composite material composed of natural fibres and reinforced with polymer
Abstract: Composites are essential in contemporary engineering and production, providing a flexible and effective solution for various applications that demand lightweight materials with exceptional performance. Natural composites provide adaptable and eco-friendly solutions for various sectors and applications, promoting environmental sustainability and the preservation of resources. Further advancements in research and development in this discipline are anticipated to enhance the utilization of natural composites across several industries. For this investigation, two types …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 778–786 Read article
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Next-Generation Conductive Polymer Composites for Flexible and Wearable Electronics
Abstract: The rising demand for flexible and wearable electronics has accelerated research into conductive polymer composites (CPCs) due to their lightweight nature, electrical conductivity, and mechanical flexibility. Despite significant advancements, challenges such as reduced conductivity under mechanical deformation and limited durability persist. This study aims to develop next-generation CPCs with enhanced conductivity, flexibility, and self-healing capabilities. Hybrid nanofillers—graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and silver nanowires (AgNWs)—were incorporated into bio-based conductive polymers through …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 550–566 Read article
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Low-Weight, High-Durability Crankshaft Development Using Glass Fiber Composites: Numerical and Experimental Investigations
Abstract: The present paper aims towards the weight reduction of crankshaft by replacing conventional medium carbon steel for a two-wheeler with composite material. The replacement is such that it significantly reduces load on other components without compromising structural integrity. It will also serves in terms of operating reliability or durability over its life span. A geometric specifications and dimensions were obtained using a 3D CAD model developed in CATIA V5. The …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
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Experimental Investigation of Polymer Composite-Based Protective Structures for Mitigating Crash-Induced Mechanical Abuse in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of using polymer composite protective structures to protect against the mechanical abuses associated with crash impacts that affect lithium ion batteries in terms of their structural integrity and their overall safety. In addition to their use in electric vehicles, lithium ion batteries are also being increasingly used in renewable energy based energy storage systems because they have high energy densities, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
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Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Zn-Fap Composites
Abstract: The aerospace and automotive industries have experienced a substantial surge in interest in innovative composite systems driven by the ongoing demand for lightweight, high-performance materials. In this study, the mechanical properties of zinc (Zn) matrix composites reinforced with fluorapatite particles (Fap) are examined as a function of thermal treatment. Within the context of this investigation, we endeavoured to create composite materials containing Zinc-Fluorapatite powder. Stir casting was used to produce …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1101–1110 Read article
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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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Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Eutectic Al-Si Alloy Matrix Composites Reinforced with Kyanite and Graphite via Stir Casting
Abstract: The purpose of this work is to enhance the mechanical performance of a eutectic Al–Si alloy by incorporating hard ceramic (kyanite) and soft solid lubricant (graphite) reinforcements using a liquid-state stir casting route. Metal matrix composites were fabricated with kyanite contents of 2, 4, and 6 wt.% and a constant 2.5 wt.% graphite. Their microstructures and mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. The microstructure was examined using optical microscopy and energy …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 90–100 Read article
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Polymer-Inspired Underwater Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum–Copper Composite Joints
Abstract: The problem of high-performance dissimilar joints and their compatibility with polymer and composite engineering applications is the impetus to the current work. This paper seeks to investigate the possibility of applying the polymer-based composite ideas with underwater friction stir welding (UWFSW) to improve the performance of AA5083 aluminumcopper joints. To achieve this a systematic experimental method was followed by varying the tool rotational speed, traverse speed and tilt angle and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 372–383 Read article
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Advancements in Polymer Composites for Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Market Potential and Future Directions
Abstract: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are essential for moving on the right track towards trying to achieve the future of sustainable transport by playing the following roles of increasing efficiency and reduction in emissions. Partner commodity materials contribute to this shift because of their features like lightweight and high-stiffness and are exemplified by polymer composites. These materials improve the HEV performance by enabling weight reduction of the vehicle, thus leading to …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 416–431 Read article
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Carbon-Al Synergy: Investigation of Fiber Stacking and Orientation on the Mechanical Properties of Al-CFRP Metal Matrix Composites
Abstract: The current study examines the mechanical behaviour of Aluminum-Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (Al-CFRP) composites fabricated using compression moulding technique, a novel approach combining lightweight aluminium’s ductility with CFRP’s high strength-to-weight ratio. The polymer composites were fabricated by stacking aluminum alloy sheet of 0.5mm thickness and pre-impregnated by 12 layers of carbon fiber cloth of 200 gsm, with epoxy resin between layers, followed by consolidation under controlled temperature and pressure in …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 340–354 Read article
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Advanced Polymer Composites for Energy Storage: Accelerating the Electric Vehicle Revolution
Abstract: The automotive sectors are going through dynamic changes as electric vehicles EVs are being adopted as sustainable solutions to the ever-emerging transport and environmental issues. The underpinning changes that are attributed to the transition process are the advancement in the energy storage systems which are central in improving the viability of the EVs. Of the emergent materials, polymer matrix composites have attracted much interest because of their features as lightweight, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 540–549 Read article
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Machine Learning Assisted Design and Analysis of Polymer Composite Materials for Sustainable Renewable Energy Systems
Abstract: Accurate prediction and optimization of polymer composite properties is of paramount importance in the design of these lightweight, durable, and sustainable materials within renewable energy technologies. This work will provide a holistic machine learning-assisted framework that unites materials informatics with domain-specific features and state-of-the-art ML methodologies in the prediction of the mechanical properties of polymer composites, such as tensile strength. This includes embedding several ensemble models, including Random Forest and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 391–402 Read article
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Enhancing The Mechanical Performance of Al6061/Graphite Composites Reinforced with Sic and Aluminium Oxide Processed by Stir Casting
Abstract: The study investigates the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy Al6061 reinforced with varying proportions of silicon carbide (SiC) (0 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, and 6 wt%) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) (0 wt%, 4 wt%, 3 wt%, and 2 wt%), with a constant addition of 1 wt% graphite. The composites were fabricated using the stir casting process, an efficient and economical method for uniformly distributing ceramic reinforcements within the metal …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 66–74 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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Thermo-Hydraulic Enhancement of Annular Finned Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Using Epoxy-Based Polymer Composites: A Material–Geometry Coupled CFD Investigation
Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers remain a backbone of industrial thermal systems, yet their performance is often limited by relatively low shell-side heat transfer and the weight and cost associated with conventional metallic components. In this context, the integration of polymer composite materials offers a promising pathway toward lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and performance-tunable heat exchanger designs. The present study investigates the thermo-hydraulic performance of a straight-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger equipped with annular fins, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 669–684 Read article
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Design and Computational Analysis of Hybrid Carbon Fiber-Enhanced Metal Matrix Composite Spur Gears
Abstract: The automobile industry has to find the alternative solution for steel grade gears to overcome the weight to high strength ratio and thermal consideration with high damping properties. This study describes the design, FEM analysis, and performance evaluation of three new hybrid composite spur gears: a monolithic carbon fiber/epoxy (80/20 weight percent) composite (A), and two hybrids with steel (B) and aluminum (C) matrices (64% CF, 21% Epoxy, 15% metal). …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 158–172 Read article