Showing papers on "Flexural strength published in 2017"

3D printing for continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites: mechanism and performance

Abstract: Purpose Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTPCs) are becoming more significant in industrial applications but are limited by the high cost of molds, the manufacturing boundedness of complex constructions and the inability of special fiber alignment. The purpose of this paper is to put forward a novel three-dimensional (3D) printing process for CFRTPCs to realize the low-cost rapid fabrication of complicated composite components. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, the mechanism of the proposed process, which consists of the thermoplastic polymer melting, the continuous fiber hot-dipping and the impregnated composites extruding, was investigated. A 3D printing equipment for CFRTPCs with a novel composite extrusion head was developed, and some composite samples have been fabricated for several mechanical tests. Moreover, the interface performance was clarified with scanning electron microscopy images. Findings The results showed that the flexural strength and the tensile strength of these 10 Wt.% continuous carbon fiber (CCF)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) specimens were improved to 127 and 147 MPa, respectively, far greater than the one of ABS parts and close to the one of CCF/ABS (injection molding) with the same fiber content. Moreover, these test results also exposed the very low interlaminar shear strength (only 2.81 MPa) and the inferior interface performance. These results were explained by the weak meso/micro/nano scale interfaces in the 3D printed composite parts. Originality/value The 3D printing process for CFRTPCs with its controlled capabilities for the orientation and distribution of fiber has great potential for manufacturing of load-bearing composite parts in the industrial circle.

Properties of 3D-printed fiber-reinforced Portland cement paste

Abstract: First insights into a 3D-printed composite of Portland cement paste and reinforcing short fibers (carbon, glass and basalt fibers, 3–6 mm) are presented, resulting in novel materials that exhibit high flexural (up to 30 MPa) and compressive strength (up to 80 MPa). Alignment of the fibers, caused by the 3D-printing process is observed, opening up the possibility to use the print path direction as a means to control fiber orientation within the printed structures. Apart from completely dense cementitious bodies, hierarchically structured bodies, displaying precisely adjusted macroporosity, are presented, the latter exhibiting a unique combination of strength and materials efficiency.

Static and dynamic compressive properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) with hybrid steel fiber reinforcements

Abstract: Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is promising in construction of concrete structures that suffer impact and explosive loads. In order to make UHPC structures more ductile and cost-effective, hybrid fiber reinforcements are often incorporated. In this study, a reference UHPC mixture with no fiber reinforcement and five mixtures with a single type of fiber reinforcement or hybrid fiber reinforcements of 6 and 13 mm in length at a total dosage of 2%, by the volume of concrete, were prepared. Quasi-static compressive and flexural properties of those mixtures were investigated. Split Hopkinson press bar (SHPB) testing was adopted to evaluate their dynamic compressive properties under three impact velocities. Test results indicated that UHPC with 1.5% long fiber reinforcements and 0.5% short fiber reinforcements demonstrated the best static and dynamic mechanical properties. The static compressive and flexural strengths of UHPC with 2% long fiber reinforcements were greater than those with 2% short fiber reinforcements, whereas comparable dynamic compressive properties were observed. Strain rate effect was observed for the dynamic compressive properties, including peak stress, dynamic increase factor, and absorbed energy. The reinforcing mechanisms of hybrid fiber reinforcements in UHPC were eventually discussed.

Optimization and performance of cost-effective ultra-high performance concrete

Abstract: This paper presents a mix design method for ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) prepared with high-volume supplementary cementitious materials and conventional concrete sand. The method involves the optimization of binder combinations to enhance packing density, compressive strength, and rheological properties. The water-to-cementitious materials ratio is then determined for pastes prepared with the selected binders. The sand gradation is optimized using the modified Andreasen and Andersen packing model to achieve maximum packing density. The binder-to-sand volume ratio is then determined based on the void content, required lubrication paste volume, and compressive strength. The optimum fiber volume is selected based on flowability and flexural performance. The high-range water reducer dosage and w/cm are then adjusted according to the targeted mini-slump flow and compressive strength. Finally, the optimized UHPC mix designs are evaluated to determine key properties that are relevant to the intended application. This mix design approach was applied to develop cost-effective UHPC materials. The results indicate that the optimized UHPC can develop 28-days compressive strength of 125 MPa under standard curing condition and 168–178 MPa by heat curing for 1 days Such mixtures have unit cost per compressive strength at 28 days of 4.1–4.5 $/m3/MPa under standard curing.

Improving flexural performance of ultra-high-performance concrete by rheology control of suspending mortar

Abstract: This study develops a rheology control method to improve steel fiber distribution and flexural performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) by adjusting the rheological properties of the suspending mortar of UHPC before steel fibers are added. Correlations among the plastic viscosity of the suspending mortar, the resulting steel fiber distribution, and flexural properties of UHPC are established. This was done by changing the dosage of viscosity modified admixture (VMA) for investigated UHPC mixtures. The optimal plastic viscosity of the suspending mortar that allows for the optimized fiber distribution and flexural performance of UHPC is determined. The plastic viscosity is correlated with the mini V-funnel flow time, which provides a simple alternative to evaluate the plastic viscosity. For a UHPC mixture with 2% micro steel fibers, by volume, the optimal mini V-funnel flow time of suspending motar was determined to be 46 ± 2 s, which corresponded to the optimal plastic viscosity (53 ± 3 Pa s) that ensures the greatest fiber dispersion uniformity and flexural performance of UHPC. However, increasing the VMA dosage retarded the hydration kinetics and reduced the degree of hydration, compressive strength, and the bond properties of the fiber-matrix interface of UHPC.

Flexural behavior of geopolymer composites reinforced with steel and polypropylene macro fibers

Abstract: Like ordinary Portland cement concrete, the matrix brittleness in geopolymer composites can be reduced by introducing appropriate fiber reinforcement. Several studies on fiber reinforced geopolymer composites are available, however there is still a gap to understand and optimize their performance. This paper presents the flexural behavior of fly ash-based geopolymer composites reinforced with different types of macro steel and polypropylene fibers with higher aspect ratio. Three types (length-deformed, end-deformed and straight) of steel fibers and another type of length-deformed polypropylene fiber with optimum fiber volume fraction of 0.5% are studied. The effects of different geometries of the fibers, curing regimes (ambient cured and heat cured at 60 °C for 24 h) and concentration of NaOH activator (10 M and 12 M) on the first peak strength, modulus of rupture and toughness of the geopolymer composites are investigated. The quantitative effect of fiber geometry on geopolymer composite performance was also analyzed through a fiber deformation ratio. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural toughness are significantly improved with macro fibers reinforcement and heat curing. The results also show that heat curing increases the first peak load of all fiber-reinforced geopolymers composites. End-deformed steel fibers exhibit the most ductile flexural response compared to other steel fibers in both heat and ambient-cured fiber reinforced geopolymer composites.

Mechanical behavior and toughening mechanism of polycarboxylate superplasticizer modified graphene oxide reinforced cement composites

Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted increasing interests for the use as nano-reinforcement in cement composites. However, the dispersion problem of GO nanosheets in alkaline cement matrix has been restricting its real application. In this paper, polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PC) modified GO (PC@GO) 1 was used to improve the dispersion of GO and the mechanical behavior of cement composites. The results show that PC@GO disperses uniformly in alkaline cement matrix and exhibits reinforcing effects on mechanical behavior of cement composites. With the addition of ∼0.242 wt% PC@GO (PC 0.22 wt%, GO 0.022 wt%) of cement, the compressive strength, flexural strength, Young's modulus and flexural toughness can be increased to 34.10%, 30.37%, 32.37% and 33%, respectively at early days. The toughening mechanism of PC@GO is attributed to its resistance to the formation and growth of cracks based on the characterization of cracks in scanning electron microscope images. This work has opened an effective way to use GO as a nano-reinforcing material for cement composites.

Mechanical and optical properties of monolithic CAD-CAM restorative materials.

Abstract: Statement of problem Achieving natural tooth appearance with sufficient mechanical strength is one of the most challenging issues of computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials. However, limited evidence is available regarding their optical and mechanical properties for proper and evidence-based material selection in clinical practice. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the translucency and biaxial flexural strength of 5 monolithic CAD-CAM restorative materials. Material and methods Disk-shaped specimens (n=30) of each material (Lava Ultimate [LU], Vita Enamic [VE], Vitablocs Mark II [VMII], Vita Suprinity [VS], and IPS e.max CAD [IPS]) with a diameter of 12 mm and a thickness of 1.2 ±0.05 mm were prepared. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the translucency parameter. The specimens were then subjected to a biaxial flexure test using 3 balls and loaded with a piston in a universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure occurred (International Organization for Standardization standard 6872). Weibull statistics were used to evaluate the characteristic strength and reliability of each material. Chemical compositions were analyzed using an energy dispersive spectrometer, and microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey honest significant difference test (α=.05). Results Significant differences were found among the materials concerning translucency and biaxial flexural strength ( P Conclusions Based on the results of the present study, zirconia-reinforced glass-ceramic revealed higher mean translucency and biaxial flexural strength than resin nanoceramic, feldspathic ceramic, lithium disilicate ceramic, and dual-network ceramic.

Nanodiamond nanocluster-decorated graphene oxide/epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical behavior and thermal stability

Abstract: Novel hybrid fillers composed of nanodiamond (ND) nanocluster-decorated graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated and incorporated in an epoxy matrix using a facile thermoregulatory liquid-liquid extraction method. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed a chemical bonding between the (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-functionalized ND and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane-functionalized GO. The morphology of the hybrid filler (GN) was characterized by field-emission transmission electron microscopy. ND nanoclusters with an average diameter of 50–100 nm were uniformly grown on the GO surface. The hybrid filler provided significant enhancement of mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness. In particular, the epoxy composite containing 0.1 wt% of GN hybrid exhibited a stronger mechanical behavior compared to that containing 0.2 wt% of GO. As the GN loading increased, the thermal stability, the integral procedural decomposition temperature, and the activation energy increased as well. The toughening mechanism was illustrated by a microcrack theory based on the microscopic analysis of the fracture surfaces. The presence of ND nanoclusters not only hindered the aggregation of the GO sheets, but also played a crack pinning role in the polymer-matrix composites, which could significantly enhance its fracture toughness.

Brittle Fracture of 2D MoSe2.

Abstract: An in situ quantitative tensile testing platform is developed to enable the uniform in-plane loading of a freestanding membrane of 2D materials inside a scanning electron microscope. The in situ tensile testing reveals the brittle fracture of large-area MoSe2 crystals and measures their fracture strength for the first time.