Search
10 articles for “vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding”
-
Tensile and Flexural Strength Quantification of Basalt-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Fabricated via Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding at Varied Fiber Volume Fractions Description
Abstract: Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been identified to possess excellent properties that render them very suitable in the aerospace, automotive, marine and renewable energy sectors. However, for the industrially scalable vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process, optimization of mechanical properties of basalt epoxy composites must be achieved systematically, which means that the effect of the fibre volume fraction(VF) on the mechanical properties of the composite needs to be quantified for different …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
-
Design and Validation of an Artificial Intelligence-Driven Digital Twin for Real-Time Monitoring and Control in Polymer Composite Manufacturing
Abstract: Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) have become indispensable in high-performance sectors such as aerospace and automotive engineering, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratios that outperform traditional metals in many demanding applications. However, the reliability of manufacturing PMCs via Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) is frequently undermined by stochastic process variabilities. Unpredictable fluctuations in thermal history, preform permeability, resin rheology, and ambient conditions often lead to some defects; namely voids, dry spots, and incomplete …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 224–233 Read article
-
Exploring The Performance Dynamics of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymers: Mechanical and Viscoelastic Insights
Abstract: Basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites are gaining significant attention as sustainable alternatives to traditional reinforcement materials due to their superior mechanical performance, thermal stability, and eco-friendliness. This study examines the tensile, flexural, impact, and viscoelastic properties of BFRP composites fabricated via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) using varying fibre volume fractions (20%, 30%, and 40%) and fibre orientations (unidirectional and bidirectional). The results reveal that composites with 40% fibre …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 12–22 Read article
-
Recent Developments in Hybrid and Nanostructured Basalt Fiber Composites: A Review of Mechanical and Processing Innovations
Abstract: This review delivers a critical analysis of recent advancements in basalt fiber-reinforced hybrid composites (BFRHCs), emphasizing their transformative potential for advanced structural and high-performance applications. Basalt fibers, derived from volcanic rock, exhibit superior tensile strength, excellent thermal stability, and chemical resistance, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional glass and carbon fibers. Hybridization of basalt fibers with synthetic (e.g., carbon, glass) and natural fibers (e.g., flax, hemp) results in …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 885–894 Read article
-
Next-Generation Lightweight Nanocomposite Structures for Electric Mobility
Abstract: The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) sector has intensified the demand for battery enclosures that are lightweight, mechanically strong, thermally stable, and environmentally sustainable. This research focuses on the design and sustainable fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites for advanced EV battery housings. The proposed material system integrates carbon fiber, glass fiber, and graphene nanoplatelets within a bio-based epoxy matrix, resulting in improved mechanical strength, enhanced thermal stability, and superior …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1147–1156 Read article
-
Lightweight Composite Materials for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Public and Private Transport
Abstract: The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) industry has intensified the demand for battery enclosures that are lightweight, durable, thermally stable, and environmentally sustainable. This study investigates the design and sustainable fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites for advanced EV battery housings. The proposed composite system combines carbon fiber, glass fiber, and graphene nanoplatelets within a bio-based epoxy matrix, resulting in superior mechanical strength, enhanced thermal stability, and excellent flame retardancy.A …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 470–481 Read article
-
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
-
Marine Algal Fiber Reinforced Bio-Composites with Embedded Humidity Sensors for Coastal Smart Infrastructure
Abstract: The development of sustainable structural materials with integrated sensing capabilities has emerged as an effective strategy for improving the durability and resilience of coastal infrastructure exposed to aggressive marine environments. In this study, a multifunctional marine algal fiber reinforced bio-composite incorporating an embedded flexible humidity sensor was developed for real-time structural health monitoring applications. Marine macroalgae (Ulva lactuca) fibers were chemically functionalized using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 5, 2026 Read article
-
Synergistic Effects of Hybridized Nano-Silica and Hemp Fiber Reinforcement on Bio-Epoxy Composites
Abstract: Natural fiber-reinforced bio-epoxy composites have become promising sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic-fiber petroleum-based materials, but are often limited by low fiber-matrix interfacial bonding, low thermal stability, and high moisture absorption which limit their application in structural applications. These issues are discussed in this work, by carrying out a systematic investigation of the synergistic effects of the hybridization of nano-silica particles with alkali-treated hemp fibers in a bio-epoxy matrix the composites …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 214–228 Read article
-
Comprehensive Review of Composite Materials: Classification, Manufacturing Methods, Mechanical Behavior, Failure Modes, and Emerging Applications
Abstract: Composite materials have emerged as one of the most significant classes of engineered materials due to their ability to deliver high strength to weight ratios, enhanced durability, and tailored multifunctionality. Over the past two decades, rapid progress in polymer chemistry, advanced reinforcement architectures, additive manufacturing, and automated fabrication has expanded the applicability of composites across aerospace, automotive, biomedical, civil, and renewable energy sectors. This paper provides a comprehensive review of …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 923–939 Read article