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11 articles for “Bio-inspired composites”
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Bio-Inspired FGPCs for Biomedical and Structural Applications
Abstract: Bio-inspired functionally graded polymer composites (FGPCs) represent a new class of smart materials that use gradient material distributions to enhance mechanical and biological properties, mimicking natural systems like bones, shells, and plant stems. FGPCs exhibit smooth gradient distributions across interfaces, which improves biocompatibility and reduces the risk of failure under complex loading and environmental conditions. In this study, bio-inspired FGPCs were designed, fabricated, and validated using a combined experimental and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 456–481 Read article
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Self-Healing Structural Polymer Composites Incorporating Bio-Inspired Nanofillers
Abstract: Self-healing polymer composites become an attractive family of intelligent materials that are capable of autonomously repairing damage, which will enhance their durability, reliability and service life in extreme engineering applications. The materials are based on the principles of nature, using the nanofillers that are derived from biological systems to improve mechanical properties and self-healing capabilities by utilizing hierarchical structures and multifunctional interface interactions. The recent developments on the formulation of …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
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Advances in Membrane Technology: A Comprehensive Review of Materials, Processes, and Applications
Abstract: Membrane technology has become a critical platform for sustainable separation processes across water treatment, energy generation, chemical processing, and healthcare. Over recent decades, advances in materials, fabrication methods, and process design have dramatically expanded the performance, efficiency, and applications of membrane-based systems. Polymeric membranes dominate the industry due to cost-effectiveness and scalability, while ceramic, metallic, and composite membranes offer enhanced thermal and chemical resistance for specialized environments. Nanostructured and bio-inspired …
Published in International Journal of Membranes · Vol. 2, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 1–6 Read article
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Biomimicry of Eucalyptus Leaf Design for Optimization and Fabrication of Airfoil
Abstract: Biomimicry is the practice of drawing inspiration from natural forms to solve engineering problems, which has become progressively popular for refining design efficiency and performance. This work discovers how biomimicry can be applied to airfoil design, precisely through the unique structure of Eucalyptus leaves, a concept rarely explored in airfoil profiling. The work presented here, focuses on enhancing airfoil designs by incorporating the intricate features of these leaves. The airfoil …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 359–372 Read article
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Advancements in Nanostructured Membranes for Gas Separation: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract: Gas separation is vital in petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries, yet traditional methods like distillation and cryogenic separation are energy-intensive and inefficient. Nanostructured membranes present a promising alternative, utilizing nanomaterials such as titanium dioxide, silica, carbon nanotubes, zeolite, and metal-organic frameworks to enhance separation efficiency and selectivity while reducing energy consumption. These membranes fall into various categories: polymeric nanostructured membranes, including mixed matrix and thin-film composites; inorganic membranes, such as …
Published in International Journal of Membranes · Vol. 1, Issue 1, 2024 · pp. 31–36 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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Biomimetic Approaches to Damage Tolerance: Lessons from Natural Materials
Abstract: Biomimicry has emerged as a powerful and innovative strategy for designing materials with enhanced damage tolerance by drawing inspiration from biological systems found in nature. Various natural materials, such as bone, nacre (mother-of-pearl), and spider silk, display exceptional mechanical properties, including high toughness, superior strength, and inherent self-healing capabilities. These remarkable attributes arise from their complex hierarchical architectures and adaptive mechanisms, which have been refined over millions of years through …
Published in International Journal of Fracture Mechanics and Damage Science · Vol. 3, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 11–16 Read article
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Bio-inspired Thermo-responsive and Self-Healing Polymer–PCM Hybrids for Next-Generation Smart Textile Applications
Abstract: The integration of phase change materials (PCMs) into flexible polymers represents a promising strategy for developing smart textiles with advanced thermal regulation and mechanical adaptability. However, the challenges of PCM leakage, poor mechanical strength, and durability under cyclic stress have limited their practical applications. In this study, we present a novel self-healing and elastic composite based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) incorporating 30 wt% microencapsulated PCM (mPCM) and dynamic disulfide bonds …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 4, 2025 · pp. 228–238 Read article
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3D Printing of Polymer-Based Functionally Graded Materials: Recent Developments and Challenges
Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM), specifically 3D printing, has become a useful technique for fabricating functionally graded materials (FGMs) because it can facilitate the spatial distribution of materials. Polymer FGMs (P-FGMs) have gained a great deal of interest due to their lightweight, customizable, multifunctional properties. In comparison to conventional fabrication, 3D printing allows better control of composition and microstructure, which results in materials with controlled mechanical, thermal, and biological properties. This review …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 338–347 Read article
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Bio-Inspired Nanostructured Catalysts for CO2 Valorization: Green Chemistry Approaches in Polymer Nanocomposites for Sustainable Energy Solutions
Abstract: Artificial photosynthesis is a pioneering technology inspired by natural photosynthetic processes, offering a sustainable solution to address global energy crises and mitigate environmental impact. By harnessing solar energy, artificial photosynthesis aims to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water into high-energy chemicals, such as methanol and hydrogen, while concurrently reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative process represents a transformative shift toward carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative energy production, helping reduce dependency …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 38–46 Read article
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Advanced Water Purification Techniques for Sustainable Clean Water Management: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract: The growing global demand for safe drinking water, coupled with increasing pollution from industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural activities, has intensified the need for efficient and sustainable water purification technologies. Conventional water treatment processes often fail to remove emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and heavy metals. Advanced water purification technologies—including membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), nanotechnology-based adsorbents, photocatalysis, electrochemical treatment, and bio-inspired purification systems—have emerged as promising …
Published in Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research · Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 47–52 Read article