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74 articles for “Lightweight polymer systems”
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Multiphysics Optimization of Polymer–Metal Hybrid Electrode Geometry in Electrostatic Precipitators for Enhanced Particle Collection Efficiency
Abstract: Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) remain one of the most effective technologies for controlling fine particulate emissions in industrial exhaust systems. However, their performance is strongly influenced by electrode geometry and material characteristics, which govern electric field distribution, corona stability, and particle migration behaviour. In this study, a comprehensive numerical investigation is carried out to optimize electrode geometry using a multiphysics modelling framework, while introducing a novel polymer–metal hybrid design to enhance …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 701–716 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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Thermo–Electrical Performance Enhancement of a Lightweight Polymer–Metal Hybrid Electrostatic Precipitator Using Epoxy-Based Composite Housing for Industrial Particulate Control
Abstract: Airborne particulate emissions, particularly PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ produced by industrial activities and combustion processes, they continue to pose a significant threat to both the environment and public health. Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are widely recognized for their ability to achieve high collection efficiencies; however, conventional metallic constructions often lead to increased system weight, higher fabrication costs, and long-term corrosion-related challenges. In this study, a lightweight hybrid material approach is proposed by …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 652–668 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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Experimental and CFD Investigation of an Epoxy-Based Thermally Conductive Polymer Composite U-Tube Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger: A Lightweight Alternative to Conventional Metal Systems
Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers continue to play a critical role in industrial thermal systems; however, their conventional design based on fully metallic materials often leads to challenges related to weight, corrosion, and cost. In recent years, thermally conductive polymer composites have emerged as promising alternatives, offering improved corrosion resistance and design flexibility. In this study, the thermo-hydraulic performance of a U-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger is investigated by partially replacing conventional metallic …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 685–700 Read article
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Computational Analysis of Leaf Spring System with Functionally Graded Materials Using ANSYS
Abstract: Leaf springs are important parts of a vehicle’s suspension system, and their main function is to absorb shocks, improve stability, and make the ride more comfortable. Traditionally, ASTM A36 steel is used because it is strong, long-lasting, affordable, and easy to get. However, this type of steel is very dense, which makes vehicles heavier. This extra weight makes the vehicle less efficient and increases emissions. Because of these issues, there …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 380–397 Read article
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Development of Polymer–Micro-Aluminum Composites for Lightweight Engineering Applications
Abstract: This research focuses on the systematic development of polymer–micro aluminum composites, with polypropylene (PP) and epoxy selected as representative polymer matrices. Micro aluminum fillers in the range of 5–25 wt.% were incorporated through melt blending (PP) and casting (epoxy), and the resulting composites were evaluated in terms of mechanical performance, microstructural integrity, and crystalline characteristics. Tensile strength of the composites increased significantly, from 31 MPa in neat PP to 44 …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 1–12 Read article
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Polymer Composite-Enabled UAV Platform for Edge AI-Based Precision Agriculture: A System-Level Evaluation
Abstract: This study investigates the system-level role of commercially available polymer composite materials in enabling lightweight and energy-efficient unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms integrated with edge artificial intelligence for real-time agricultural monitoring. Rather than developing or experimentally characterizing new composite materials, the work evaluates fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and epoxy-based laminates as enabling structural components whose established properties support UAV performance in precision agriculture. Their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 · pp. 218–240 Read article
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Modelling -Based Evaluation of Hybrid Natural Synthetic Fiber Polymer Composites for Sustainable Energy Applications
Abstract: The growing need of lightweight, high-performance, and green energy system materials has increased the research on hybrid polymer composites. This paper gives a modelling-based evaluation of polymer matrix composites which are reinforced using natural fibers like jute, sisal, bamboo in a combination with synthetic glass fibers to be used in sustainable energy sources. An analytical model has been used to assess the effect of hybrid fiber composition on mechanical, thermal, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 682–688 Read article
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Performance and Exergy Loss Analysis for a Single Slope Solar Still Using PMMA
Abstract: A solar still constructed using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) represents an improved approach to solar desalination, in which conventional materials such as metal or concrete are substituted or reinforced with PMMA- based composites PMMA sheets are often used as the transparent glazing cover of the solar still instead of glass. It allows maximum solar radiation to pass into the basin, heating the saline/brackish water effectively. A tubular solar still made from …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 799–807 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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MXene-Infused Conductive Nano-Polymers for Edge-Computing Enabled Flexible Environmental Monitoring Devices
Abstract: MXene-infused conductive polymer composites have emerged as highly promising materials for next-generation flexible environmental monitoring devices because they combine electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, analyte sensitivity, and compatibility with low-power electronics. In this work, a Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene–TPU/PVA conductive nano-polymer composite was developed as a multifunctional sensing platform for edge-computing enabled environmental monitoring. The composite was fabricated by dispersing MXene nanosheets into a thermoplastic polyurethane/poly(vinyl alcohol) (TPU/PVA) matrix, coating the conductive precursor …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
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Development of Chemi-resistive Polymeric Sensors for Innovations in Smart Buildings Interfacing with AI Systems
Abstract: The Elevator efficiency has become a critical concern in modern buildings, where frequent, unnecessary stops are a major inconvenience for tenants and contribute to significant energy consumption. Traditional elevator systems often halt on every floor, even when not required, leading to inefficiencies that are particularly costly in high-rise buildings. This paper proposes a smart elevator system using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and image processing to address these issues. By intelligently analyzing …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1426–1438 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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AI-Assisted Design and Theoretical Aerodynamic Evaluation of a Multistage Conical Diffuser Micro Wind Turbine Fabricated from Polymeric Composites
Abstract: The rising demand for compact, lightweight, and high-efficiency renewable energy systems has accelerated the development of micro wind turbines capable of delivering stable performance under low wind conditions. Traditional bare-rotor micro turbines suffer from limited aerodynamic efficiency, motivating the adoption of diffuser-augmented architectures and advanced polymer-based composite materials. This study presents the AI-assisted conceptual design and theoretical aerodynamic evaluation of a multistage conical diffuser micro wind turbine fabricated using a …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1111–1118 Read article
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ML-Driven Defect Detection in Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Composites Using Thermal Imaging
Abstract: Polymer-based flexible biosensors have emerged as a pivotal technology in continuous health monitoring, yet their deployment in real-world settings is often hindered by undetected micro-defects and signal distortion caused during fabrication or usage. Existing diagnostic frameworks typically rely on post-hoc processing or bulky instrumentation, failing to offer scalable, real-time detection during additive manufacturing workflows. This study introduces an end-to-end, thermographic imaging-integrated framework for in-situ defect identification during the additive manufacturing …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 201–215 Read article
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Machinability and Reliability Analysis of Al6063–Al2O3 Metal Matrix Composites Using Image-Based Flank Wear Evaluation
Abstract: This study explores the machinability and reliability characteristics of Al6063–Al2O3 metal matrix composites (MMCs) as analogues for polymer–metal hybrid composite systems, focusing on their potential use in lightweight structural and metal matrix composite-integrated applications. The composite specimens were fabricated through stir casting with 3% and 9% Al2O3 reinforcements, followed by mechanical characterization that confirmed significant enhancements in hardness and strength compared to unreinforced Al6063. Machining experiments were performed using a …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 264–290 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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A High-Efficiency Fuzzy-Logic-Controlled Wireless Charger Enabling the Safe Integration of Electronics in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer E-Bikes
Abstract: The integration of advanced electronics into structures made from carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) presents significant challenges, including thermal management constraints, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the imperative for lightweight components. This study addresses these challenges by designing and validating a fuzzy logic-based wireless charging system specifically engineered for lightweight E-Bikes employing CFRP frames. The system mitigates thermal risks associated with the low thermal conductivity of polymer composites by implementing a …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 1159–1172 Read article
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Polymer Based Optoelectronics in Clinical Application Treated with Sodium Fluoride and Aqueous Dimethyl Sulfoxide Solutions
Abstract: In polymer science, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sodium fluoride (NaF) are frequently combined to dissolve, modify, or treat particular polymers, most notably in the processing of cellulose and the creation of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The viscosities, ultrasonic velocities, and sodium fluoride densities of aqueous solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been measured at T=303.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15 K. Fluorides (such as NaF or TBAF) help break inter-chain hydrogen …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 20–29 Read article