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271 articles for “functional composites”
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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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Structure–Optical Property Correlation of Co-Doped TiO₂ and ZnO Nanofillers for Advanced Functional Composite Applications
Abstract: This study investigates the enhancement of the structural and optical properties of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles through cobalt (Co) doping. Pristine TiO₂ and ZnO are widely studied metal oxides; however, their large band gaps and limited visible-light absorption restrict their performance in optoelectronic, photocatalytic, and environmental applications. Co doping is employed as an effective strategy to overcome these limitations by inducing band-gap narrowing, creating defect-related electronic …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1374–1394 Read article
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Combustion Synthesis and Comprehensive Characterization of Pure and Ni-Doped CuFe₂O₄ Nanoparticles for Functional Composite Applications
Abstract: The CuFe2-xNixO4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) nanoparticles were synthesized using a combustion method and comprehensively characterized to understand their suitability for polymer-based composite applications. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a single-phase spinel ferrite structure with crystallite sizes of 20–30 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy verified the successful incorporation of Ni ions into the CuFe₂O₄ lattice, while FE-SEM analysis revealed uniformly dispersed nanoscale particles desirable for composite reinforcement. …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1–11 Read article
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Valorization of Human and Cattle Dental Waste into Functional Composite Biomaterials: A Detailed Comparative Analysis
Abstract: This study investigates the conversion of human and cattle (goat and cow) teeth into bioactive hydroxyapatite-based composites and presents a detailed comparative evaluation of these biogenic materials with laboratory-synthesised (synthetic) hydroxyapatite (HAp). In this work, hydroxyapatite was extracted from human and bovine teeth through controlled calcination and milling, while synthetic HAp was prepared using a standard wet chemical precipitation route. All materials were subsequently sintered at 900 °C and fabricated …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 340–354 Read article
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Fabrication and Multi scale Characterization of Functionally Graded Composites Reinforced with Hybrid Ceramic–Metallic Phases
Abstract: Using composite materials as functionally graded composites (FGM) can improve its excellent material properties. In this work, magnesium peroxide, silicon carbide, and aluminum are used to create four-layer FGMs. The sintering process, which blends the particles of each material using a powder methodology, has been used to complete the fabrication process. Three factors, including sintering time, sintering temperature, and compacting pressure, are taken into account when fabricating FGM. The FGM …
Published in International Journal of Mechanical Dynamics and Systems Analysis · Vol. 3, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 1–11 Read article
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Polymer–Gel Composite Phase Change Materials: A Functional Polymer Composite Approach for Solar-Thermal Energy Storage in Building Facades
Abstract: This study investigates polymer–composite phase change materials (PCMs) in the form of polymer–gel hybrids as multifunctional systems for solar–thermal energy storage in building façades. Paraffin- and PEG-based PCMs were embedded into polyurethane and acrylic gel matrices to create shape-stabilized polymer–composites with high PCM loading (70–80 wt%). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirmed distinct melting/freezing transitions at ~56°C (paraffin) and ~42°C (PEG), with enthalpy values of 120–150 J/g, closely matching theoretical predictions, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 36–51 Read article
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Multi-Objective Optimization of Polymer-Based Functionally Graded Composites for Lightweight Structures
Abstract: Functionally graded composites (FGCs) improve lightweight structural performance by allowing material properties to change smoothly across a component. Polymer-based FGCs (P-FGCs), in particular, are gaining prominence in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, tunability, and ease of processing. However, optimizing these materials for lightweight structural applications requires addressing conflicting design objectives, such as maximizing stiffness while minimizing weight or enhancing thermal resistance while maintaining manufacturability. …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 961–973 Read article
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AI-Driven Prediction of Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Polymer-Based Functionally Graded Composites
Abstract: The proposed architecture of the current paper is an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven model of forecasting mechanical and thermal aspects of polymer-based functionally-graded composites (FGCs). Traditional micromechanical and finite element models, which are practical in homogeneous composites, might not be able to account in nonlinear interaction that is caused by compositional gradient. To overcome the challenge, machine learning (ML) models like artificial neural network (ANN), support vectors regression (SVR), and gradient-boosted …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 70–89 Read article
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Optimizing Vehicle Structures Using Functionally Graded Materials of Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites
Abstract: This article investigates the optimization of vehicle structures through application of functionally graded materials (FGMs), specifically aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Such materials, known as FGMs, are characterized by spatial variations in composition and structure designed to improve so-called performance attributes. For the purposes of this research, the material properties of aluminium and CFRP composites are taken to be randomly distributed in thickness direction of a FGM …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 478–489 Read article
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Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Cd²⁺ Doped NiAl₂O₄ Nanoparticles for Advanced Polymer Composite Integration
Abstract: Ni1-xCdxAl2O4, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, was successfully synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation technique, a scalable and cost-effective route suitable for composite material applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a crystalline cubic spinel structure for the resulting nanoparticles, with determined crystallite sizes ranging from 36 to 12 nm for NiAl2O4 and Cd-doped NiAl2O4. The respective band gaps for the materials were found to be 3.51 and 4.18 eV. Infrared …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 59–72 Read article
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Polymer Nanocomposites and Functional Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems: Materials, Interfaces, and Performance Perspectives
Abstract: The growing need for high-performance energy storage solutions in electric vehicles, renewable energy applications, portable electronics, and other sectors has accelerated research and development efforts in Lithium-Ion Battery–Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS). By combining the high energy density of lithium-ion batteries with the high power density and fast charge/discharge characteristics of supercapacitors, HESS offers a promising approach to meeting diverse energy storage requirements. Nevertheless, several critical challenges remain that …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 · pp. 96–113 Read article
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AI-Designed Functionally Graded Polymer Composites for Multifunctional Thin Films
Abstract: The design of multifunctional polymer composite thin films requires simultaneous optimization of mechanical, optical, barrier, and thermal properties—objectives often in conflict when using conventional homogeneous materials. This study presents an artificial intelligence-driven framework for designing functionally graded material (FGM) architectures in polymer nanocomposite thin films. We integrated machine learning with physics-based modeling to optimize compositional gradients across film thickness, achieving superior performance compared to homogeneous and discrete multilayer alternatives. A …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1026–1041 Read article
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Enhancing Delamination Resistance in CFRP Composites through surface Functionalization of Woven carbon Fiber by CuO Nanostructures
Abstract: In order to produce a nanostructured interphase that improves the interfacial interaction with an epoxy resin matrix, copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures were hydrothermally formed onto woven carbon fibers (WCF). Hexagonal CuO nanorods were created using a two-step, seed-assisted solvothermal technique on plain woven carbon fiber. This study investigates the effects of surface modification of carbon fibers by the formation of CuO nanostructures using a hydrothermal technique on the mechanical properties …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 589–602 Read article
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Polymer Chemistry-Driven Design of a Severable Dental Prophylaxis Instrument: Leveraging PEEK and Composites for Enhanced Functionality
Abstract: Polymer chemistry unlocks new possibilities for dental prophylaxis instruments by leveraging molecular design for enhanced functionality. This study explores Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, in a novel instrument with a severable working end, featuring a tubular structure with internal screw threads (0.5–0.8 cm) anchoring replaceable elements via a threaded mechanism. PEEK’s aromatic backbone, alternating ether and ketone groups, yields a tensile strength of ~100 MPa, chemical inertness against …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 869–877 Read article
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Polymer-Coated Composite Granules of Clarithromycin: Design, Characterization, and Functional Evaluation for Taste Masking and Antibacterial Performance
Abstract: Background: Masking the unpleasant taste of clarithromycin is essential to improve patient adherence, especially among pediatric and elderly groups. However, enhancing palatability while maintaining its antibacterial effectiveness remains a significant formulation challenge. This study focused on developing polymer-coated clarithromycin granules (B1–B10) using novel non-sugar-based polymers and assessing their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus Methods: Clarithromycin granules were produced using a fluidized bed coating technique with non-saccharide polymers, specifically Eudragit E-100 …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1042–1050 Read article
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Design and Synthesis of Functionalized Copolymers for Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility in Polymer Matrix Composites
Abstract: Interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix reinforcing phase affects significantly the mechanical and thermal behavior of polymer composites. The study reports on the design and synthesis of functionalized copolymers in the efforts to establish interfacial compatibility based on chemical design. The reinforcements were functionalized doping polar functional groups such as glycidyl methacrylate and maleic anhydride during free-radical copolymerization to form copolymerizing reactive sites that interacted with the reinforcement surfaces. Confirmation …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1404–1418 Read article
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Thermal Conductivity and Energy Storage Performance of Paraffin Wax-Based Composites Reinforced with Amine Functionalized Graphene as a Nanofiller
Abstract: In this study, amine-functionalized graphene (AFG) was employed as a nanofiller/nanomaterial to enhance the thermal and structural properties of a paraffin wax (PW)-based polymeric composite, formulated as a phase change material (PCM). The PW/AFG composite was synthesized with varying nanofiller volume fractions (0.20%, 0.40%, 0.80%, and 1.60%), and its thermal conductivity, stability, and energy storage performance were systematically analyzed. The incorporation of AFG into the polymer matrix significantly improved the …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 355–374 Read article
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Development and Characterization of Rubber Composites using E-Waste Residue as Functional Filler
Abstract: In the present study, residue generated during the recycling of end-of-life printed circuit boards (PCBs) was utilized as a functional filler in natural rubber to fabricate eco-friendly composites using mixing and molding techniques. Chemical analysis of the residue revealed the presence of several metals, including copper, iron, lead, tin, and zinc. The presence of these metals highlights the need for proper recycling and safe management of PCB residues, as their …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 512–523 Read article
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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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Advanced Functional Polymers and Their Synergistic Role in Smart Composite Materials for Sustainable Industrial Applications
Abstract: Advanced functional polymers have revolutionized composite materials, offering enhanced properties such as self-healing, electrical conductivity, environmental adaptability, and high mechanical strength. These innovations are reshaping industries by enabling smarter, more efficient, and sustainable solutions. Functional polymers play a pivotal role in producing high-performance composite materials to meet the growing demands of sustainable industrial applications. Significant improvements in material properties mechanical strength, durability, thermal stability, and recyclability are achieved through the …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 4, 2025 · pp. 12–27 Read article