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Carbon fibre-reinforced ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are considered a class of promising materials for several applications, the most appealing ones being in the aerospace sector. Reinforcement is necessary to overcome the brittleness and low thermal shock resistance of ceramics and is often provided through the addition of carbon fibres or other carbon-based phases, such as nanotubes, graphene, and graphite. The present work is focused on the toughening of UHTCs through incorporation of 30−50 vol% thin, ordered graphite layers from conventional filter paper followed by hot pressing sintering. Cellulose filter paper was selected because it undergoes thermolysis with no melting stage forming a strong carbonaceous residue that can be used as toughener. Microstructure and mechanical properties of toughened composites were compared to those of other materials reinforced with short carbon fibres and the effect of different distribution of graphite was studied. Addition of graphite allowed toughness to be increased from 3−4 MPa·m1/2 (for un-reinforced materials) to 5.1−5.5 MPa·m1/2, similar to results obtained with short fibre reinforcement. The high-temperature properties, such as strength and toughness as well as oxidation resistance at 1500 ℃, were also examined.

Traditionally, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) production has primarily relied on virgin cellulose sources. Yet, the shift to using paper mill sludge (PMS) as a source for CNF underscores the significance of reusing and recycling industrial byproducts. PMS contains significant amounts of cellulose that can be extracted as a raw material. The purpose of present study is to provide a sustainable approach to PMS utilization as a paper coating additive in the cellulose nanofibrils (CNFPMS) form via simply scalable wire-wound rod coating method. The effect of CNFPMS additive amounts at two coating layers on microstructure and surface properties of coatings such as porosity, air permeability surface roughness and optical properties such as brightness, gloss and CIE L*a*b* is studied, which they can also provide insight for the eventual print performance. Results indicated that the obtained CNFPMS in paper coating shows 52% decrease in porosity, presenting significant improvement in the coating microstructure. The marginal increase in permeability coefficient and surface roughness, 54% and 10%, respectively, suggests improving color reproduction and preventing color density losses. Optical analysis showed slight decrease in brightness and gloss, as was expected. Notably, the lightness was improved, which also indicates increasing color gamut volume in printing applications. As a result, the current work offers a sustainable approach to manage PMS for use in paper coatings as a high-value-added material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is a kind of renewable material that exists widely and has important application prospects. However, previous studies have mostly focused on the macromechanical properties of paper but lack micro theory based on paper fiber networks. We present a comprehensive experimental and computational study on the mechanical properties of fibers and fiber networks under the influence of microstructure. A beam-spring model was established based on a beam-fiber network to simulate the behavior of fiber networks. Simulations were performed to demonstrate the influence of fiber microstructural parameters such as fiber bond strength, stiffness, failure strength, size, and network density on mechanical features. Mechanical experiments verified that the fiber bond strength had a greater influence on the paper properties than did the fiber strength. This result is highly consistent with that of the model. All the simulations were validated by experimental measurements. Finally, we provided computational insights into the interfiber bond damage pattern with respect to different fiber microlevels and demonstrated that the proposed beam-spring model can be used to predict the response of fiber networks of paper materials. The above research can be used to optimize the formulation, process, and treatment of paper to meet specific application needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the friendly recycling of paper industry effluent sludge has gained great prominence due to the ecological and economic benefits. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of the incorporation of paper industry effluent sludge into a red wall tile formulation (BIII group), replacing natural limestone material by up to 10 wt.%. For this purpose, five red wall tile formulations were developed by the dry process, pressed at 47 MPa, and fired at 1170 ºC by using a fast-firing cycle. The wall tile formulations were characterized in terms of chemical analysis, thermal analysis (DTA-TG), and dilatometric analysis. The influence of paper industry effluent sludge on the technical properties (apparent density, water absorption, and flexural strength) and sintered microstructure was investigated. The results showed that red wall tiles containing up to 10 wt.% of paper industry effluent sludge have very good usable final properties, indicating their suitability for the wall tile industrial production (BIII group - ABNT NBR ISO 13006). Such results emphasize the feasibility of ecological and economic recycling of paper industry effluent sludge for the production of red wall tiles.

The microstructure of fibrous paper plays an important role in its property investigation. In this study, an approach is proposed to extrapolate a 2D image into a virtual 3D microstructure. Five types of handsheets made of different pulps were prepared. Then, a hybrid function of two-point correlation and lineal-path function (S2&L2) and co-occurrence correlation functions (CCFs) was used in the simulated annealing reconstruction method. Thus, microstructures of two-phase fiber-pore handsheets were reconstructed using 2D scanning electron microscopy images. Finally, penetration simulations and calculations of the absolute permeability of handsheets were conducted. The statistical values of two-point correlation function (S2) and lineal-path function (L2) extracted from the reconstructed images were used to characterize the reconstruction accuracy, and the comparisons of reconstruction accuracy and time were made. The study results showed that the 3D microstructures of fibrous handsheets could be reconstructed effectively by S2&L2 and CCFs, identifying with the targets. The accuracies were around 10−5, and the reconstruction times by CCFs were shortened by 30–60% compared with S2&L2. Moreover, the visual permeability simulation results could reflect the structural difference of handsheets, according to the calculated absolute permeability. These findings provide a guidance for 3D reconstruction of natural fiber paper.

In this work, stacked SiC fibers paper‐reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (SiCnf/SiC CMCs) were prepared by nanoimpregnation and transient eutectic (NITE) process using ultra‐long single‐crystal SiC nanofibers. The effect of the SiCnf surface modification via boron nitride (BN) interphase deposition as well as the sintering additive (Al2O3–Y2O3) content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of SiCnf/SiC CMCs has been investigated systematically. The results revealed that the laminated SiCnf/SiC CMCs feature a significant saw‐tooth‐like curve on the load–displacement test, which indicates that the obtained laminated structure with the weak interlayer binding owning to the BN coating treatment possesses significant toughening to the SiC ceramics. Specifically, the SiCnf/SiC CMCs with the sintering additive content of 12 wt% revealed a fracture toughness of over 10 MPa m1/2 after 60 min of BN interface deposition, which is 104.31% higher than that of the composites prepared without BN coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive soil exhibits significant swellings and shrinkages, which may result in severe damage or the collapse of structures built upon it. Calcium-based admixtures, such as lime, are commonly used to improve this problematic soil. However, traditional chemical additions can increase significant environmental stress. This paper proposes a sustainable solution, namely, the use of lignin fiber (LF) from the paper industry to partially replace lime as an amendment for expansive soils. Both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the lignin fiber-treated expansive soil are extensively studied. The results show that the mechanical properties of expansive soil are improved by using lignin fiber alone. Under the condition of an optimal dosage of 8%, the compressive strength of lignin fiber-modified soil can reach 193 kPa, the shear strength is increased by 40% compared with the untreated soil, and the water conductivity is also improved with the increase in dosage. In addition, compared with 2% lime-modified soil, the compressive strength of 8% lignin fiber- and 2% lime composite-treated expansive soil increased by 50%, the cohesion increased by 12%, and the water conductivity decreased significantly. The microstructure analysis shows that at an 8% lignin fiber content, lignin fibers interweave into a network in the soil, which effectively enhances the strength and stability of the improved soil. Simultaneously, the fibers can form bridges across the adjacent micropores, leading to the merging of pores and transforming fine, dispersed micropores into larger, connected macropores. Lime promotes the flocculation of soil particles, forming larger aggregates and thus resulting in larger pores. The addition of fibers exerts an inhibitory effect on the flocculation reaction in the composite-improved soil. In conclusion, lignin fibers are an effective addition used to partially replace calcium admixture for the treatment of expansive soil, which provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment scheme for reducing industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) is chosen as a coating material on industrial Kraft paper substrates to impart a barrier against air, grease, and water. This is an excellent initiative to replace the existing non-biodegradable and petroleum-based coating materials used in many industrial products such as packaging and coated abrasives. In this study, the effect of the crystallinity of PLA on its barrier properties is evaluated. Initially, amorphous and semi-crystalline PLA (sc-PLA) are compared for properties such as coating weight, gloss, heat seal strength, air resistance, grease resistance, contact angle, water resistance, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Sc-PLA is observed to show better barrier properties than its amorphous counterpart. To understand if the barrier properties imparted by a biodegradable coating material on Kraft paper will improve with an increase in crystallinity, sc-PLA is compared to a more crystalline biodegradable polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL). The results indicate that PCL shows compromised results with respect to sc-PLA as a barrier coating material. The theory behind this effect is discussed, and the two bio-based polymers, namely, PLA and PCL, are also comparatively evaluated against the conventionally used synthetic barrier coating materials, acrylic, and varnish, on identical paper substrates under identical process conditions. SEM and DSC analyses on amorphous PLA, sc-PLA, and PCL coatings are also conducted to decipher the microstructural traits of these macromolecules. Sc-PLA serves as an ideal barrier coating material on Kraft paper, and it possesses better hydrophobic properties than untreated, PCL-treated, acrylic-treated, or varnish-treated Kraft paper substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive soil exhibits significant swellings and shrinkages, which may result in severe damage or the collapse of structures built upon it. Calcium-based admixtures, such as lime, are commonly used to improve this problematic soil. However, traditional chemical additions can increase significant environmental stress. This paper proposes a sustainable solution, namely, the use of lignin fiber (LF) from the paper industry to partially replace lime as an amendment for expansive soils. Both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the lignin fiber-treated expansive soil are extensively studied. The results show that the mechanical properties of expansive soil are improved by using lignin fiber alone. Under the condition of an optimal dosage of 8%, the compressive strength of lignin fiber-modified soil can reach 193 kPa, the shear strength is increased by 40% compared with the untreated soil, and the water conductivity is also improved with the increase in dosage. In addition, compared with 2% lime-modified soil, the compressive strength of 8% lignin fiber- and 2% lime composite-treated expansive soil increased by 50%, the cohesion increased by 12%, and the water conductivity decreased significantly. The microstructure analysis shows that at an 8% lignin fiber content, lignin fibers interweave into a network in the soil, which effectively enhances the strength and stability of the improved soil. Simultaneously, the fibers can form bridges across the adjacent micropores, leading to the merging of pores and transforming fine, dispersed micropores into larger, connected macropores. Lime promotes the flocculation of soil particles, forming larger aggregates and thus resulting in larger pores. The addition of fibers exerts an inhibitory effect on the flocculation reaction in the composite-improved soil. In conclusion, lignin fibers are an effective addition used to partially replace calcium admixture for the treatment of expansive soil, which provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment scheme for reducing industrial waste.

This paper describes the fabrication and characterization of porous SiC ceramics derived from highly-filled preceramic papers. The SiC ceramics were obtained by spark plasma sintering of stacked preceramic papers at temperatures of 2100 and 2200 °C under pressures of 5–60 MPa for 10 min. The microstructure and phase composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Gas permeation tests were performed using hydrogen permeation cell at room temperature. It is revealed that the porosity of sintered SiC can be varied from 9 to 45 % depending on the sintering parameters. The shrinkage of the materials during spark plasma sintering occurs in four stages. The linear shrinkage value of the material increases from 7 to 47 % at 2100 °C and from 20 to 50 % for the samples sintered at 2100 and 2200 °C, respectively. Correlation dependencies between porosity and mechanical properties of the fabricated SiC were established. The obtained porous SiC ceramics exhibit high bending strength of 165 MPa and gas permeation flux of 78 molH 2 /m2/s at the porosity of 36 % that make it suitable for ceramic-based membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collect screen paperboard of mine power transformer and ordinary power transformer in practical lifetime cycle to make insulation test samples, and according to the standard of power, use test means such as viscosity tester, scanning electron microscopy to compare and analyze microstructures of insulation paper such as polymerization degree, surface morphology of mine power transformer and ordinary power transformer, as well as electrical properties such as partial discharge and electrical strength; at the same time, effect of microstructure changes on electrical performances during aging was discussed. The analysis results show that the insulation defects gradually form and expand in the insulation paper during the aging process; compared with the insulation paper of ordinary power transformers, the surface morphology changes of the insulation paper of mine power transformers are more obvious, and the formed defects are more significant.In the aging process, the polymerization degree of insulation paper of ordinary power transformer and mine power transformer presents a gradual decline trend, but the decline speed of polymerization degree of mine power transformer insulation paper is faster.The operating environment of mining area is the main reason that the aging of insulation paper of mine power transformer is more serious than that of ordinary power transformer.In the process of operation, the insulation paper of mine power transformer will produce more discharge quantity, more discharge times and wider discharge phase than ordinary power transformer.In the aging process, the electrical strength of insulation paper of both ordinary power transformer and mine power transformer decreases gradually, but the electrical strength of insulation paper of mine power transformer is lower than that of ordinary power transformer.The microstructural defects of insulation paper of mine power transformers are the direct causes of the more significant changes in their electrical properties.In the process of state monitoring and maintenance of power equipment, it is suggested that the insulation state monitoring of mine power transformers should be carried out strictly according to the power standards,electrical property parameters are more suitable for insulation status monitoring and fault diagnosis of mine power transformer.

In this work, we report a unique and facile approach to the manufacture of fluorine-free superamphiphobic paper. Based on the principle that Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) arranged along the direction of a magnetic field, the mixture of Fe3O4 NPs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was coated on kraft paper through self-assembly and thermal-curing at a high temperature in a magnetic field, fabricating a mushroom-like microstructure on the paper. At an Fe3O4 NPs content of 75%, the radius of the mushroom-like pillar caps (RCAP) and center-to-center spacing between two pillars (S) obtained the optimal size of 37 ± 18 μm and 237 ± 38 μm, respectively. The oil-contact angle and water-contact angle of the fabricated paper were up to 156° and 160.4°, respectively. It also showed excellent oleophobic stability; the oil-contact angle was still maintained at 141.9° after 1 h. In addition, the contact angles of milk, ethylene glycol and castor oil were all above 150°, and the contact angle of diiodomethane was 134.2°. Moreover, the sample showed great oil resistance with a kit rating value of 12/12 and permeability of 1800+ s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a high-quality interlamination reinforcement material, but the high viscosity of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) prevents good fusion between MWCNTs and PEEK. This study proposes a method to achieve the complete integration of MWCNTs and PEEK through the preparation of a composite film using the vacuum suction filtration (VSF) method and optimizes the process parameters. An orthogonal experiment with three factors (filter paper pore size, ultrasonic dispersion time, and PEEK content) at three levels is designed, and mechanical performance testing and microscopic morphology observation are conducted. The influence of the three factors of filter paper pore size, ultrasonic time, and PEEK content on the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the film is investigated. The results are a filter paper pore size of 0.45 μm, ultrasonic time of 8.3 h, and PEEK content of 336.524 mg. The mechanical performance obtained under the optimal process parameters are an elastic modulus of 2437.5723 MPa and a tensile strength of 46.5196 MPa. This optimal process increases the elastic modulus by 12.3152% while maintaining a high tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a new approach to gradient porous composites based on the Ti3Al(Si)C2 MAX phase. This approach is based on the production of preceramic paper with the different content of the powder filler based on MAX phases and their spark plasma sintering. The analysis of the microstructure and phase composition is conducted for these composites. It is shown that the obtained composites have a clear interface between layers with different porosity. It is found that the content of organic components in preceramic paper affects the phase composition of the fabricated composites. The MAX phase content in dense and porous layers is 86 and 56 vol.%, respectively. Microhardness measurements performed in the composite cross-section show the hardness of 600 to 800 HV, depending on the layer porosity and phase composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 18th International Conference on Aluminium Alloys (ICAA18) was held in Toyama, Japan from September 4 to 8, 2022, and the special issue entitled "Aluminium and Its Alloys for Zero Carbon Society" was published on Materials Transactions in February 2023 (Vol. 64, No. 2). The biennial conference covered a wide range of current trends in aluminium research; e.g. "modeling and simulation", "casting, solidification, recycling and refining", "additive manufacturing", "foams and composite materials", "mechanical properties and advanced processing", "thermomechanical processing, texture and recrystallization", "heat treatment, phase transformation and precipitation", "corrosion and surface treatments", "joining, emerging processes and multi material" and "advanced characterization". This article briefly reviews selected papers from the conference with significant experimental outcome and discussion on aluminium alloys. The author hopes that these papers are useful for all the researchers who develop next-generation technologies and materials concerning aluminium alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies physical properties of an interesterified palm‐based fat (EIEPO) that predict oil binding capacity (OBC). A 100% EIEPO sample, 50% EIEPO sample diluted with 50% soybean oil (SBO), and a 20% EIEPO sample diluted with 80% SBO were used to test how saturation level impacts OBC. All samples were crystallized using either a fast (6.4°C/min) or slow (0.1°C/min) cooling rate as well as with or without the application of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU; 20 kHz) to generate a wide range of physical properties. Immediately after crystallization, the sample's physical properties, including crystal microstructure, solid fat content (SFC), viscoelasticity (G′, G″, and δ), melting behavior, hardness, and OBC (centrifuge method) were quantified. The samples were then stored for 48 h at 22 and 5°C and the aforementioned physical properties were measured again, with one additional measurement for the samples stored at 5°C—OBC using a filter paper method (OBCp). The results indicate that OBC can be optimized in a palm‐based fat by modifying the physical properties which was achieved via the processing conditions. Both measurements of OBC were significantly correlated with SFC, hardness, δ, and enthalpy. A model was developed to predict a sample's OBCc using the following dominant variables—SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and the number of crystals. These results suggest that OBC can be predicted using a sample's SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and number of crystals and that SFC, hardness, and enthalpy are main drivers of OBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the potential use of discarded plasterboard paper as fibers from buildings to reinforce concrete. Various concentrations of wastepaper fibers (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% by weight of the binder) were investigated in this research. To mitigate the water absorption effect of the paper fibers, metakaolin was employed as a partial cement replacement. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of the wastepaper fiber enhances the mechanical and durability performance of the concrete. The optimal fiber proportion was identified as 1%, leading to a 29% increase in the compressive strength, a 38% increase in the splitting tensile strength, a 12% decrease in the water absorption, and a 23% decrease in the drying shrinkage with respect to the concrete containing 20% metakaolin. However, exceeding this optimal fiber content results in decreased mechanical and durability properties due to the fiber agglomeration and non-uniform fiber distribution within the concrete matrix. Based on the microstructural analysis, the improved performance of the concrete is ascribed to decreased porosity, more refined pore structure, and reduced propagation of microcracks within the concrete matrix in the presence of wastepaper fiber. According to the results, concrete containing 20% metakaolin and 1% wastepaper fiber exhibits durability and mechanical properties comparable to those of the traditional concrete. This finding highlights the significant promise of reducing dependency on conventional cement and incorporating suitable recycled materials, such as discarded plasterboard, and secondary by-products like metakaolin. Such a strategy encourages the preservation of resources, reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and a decrease in the ecological footprint resulting from concrete production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As two important industrial manufacturing materials, ceramics and metals have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The field of material manufacturing has witnessed efforts to develop technical processes that can properly combine these two alloys, aiming to effectively use their respective advantages. The welding technology for ceramics and metals, as a research topic with broad prospects, is comprehensively and deeply analyzed in this review. The current research progress in this field is analyzed from different process perspectives such as fusion welding, brazing welding, diffusion welding. By using appropriate intermediate materials between these two materials, the residual stress and brittle intermetallics near the interface of the transition joint can be minimised by solving the thermal expansion mismatch, reducing the bonding temperature and pressure.

Abstract Building bricks were produced by utilizing deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) and alluvial soil by varying percentage of sludge at different firing temperatures. Different mix proportions were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of DPMS incorporation in alluvial soil by weight. Three firing temperatures of 900 °C, 950 °C and 1000 °C were investigated to simulate the typical condition of kiln. The density, firing shrinkage, water absorption, efflorescence, apparent porosity, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of the bricks were determined. The XRD and microstructural analysis of brick specimens were also studied. The optimum firing temperature was 950 °C. The thermal conductivity decreases with increase in percentage of deinking paper mill sludge. It was found that 15% deinking paper mill sludge gives optimum strength at firing temperature of 950 °C. Developed bricks satisfy the requirements of class 10 of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in terms of efflorescence, compressive strength and water absorption. Thermal conductivity results show that the developed brick was thermally more insulated than the conventional bricks and can be used as alternative to conventional bricks. This will address the issue of waste management through cleaner production and show the ways towards sustainable, economical and energy efficient construction. Highlights • Building bricks were developed utilizing deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) & soil. • Maximum level of DPMS in production brick is 15% at firing temperature of 950 °C. • The developed bricks satisfies the requirement of class 10 bricks of BIS. • Developed bricks are sustainable and thermally insulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]