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Highlights Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) was used to enhance the interfacial strength of composites due to its large specific surface area, uniform pore size, and high stability. Morphology‐controllable ZIF‐8 nanocrystals were synthesized by solvent method and a layer of small‐sized and height crystalline ZIF‐8 was deposited on carbon fibers via an efficient electrophoretic deposition (EPD) way. The results showed that interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and tensile strength (TS) of carbon fibers/epoxy composites and the TS of carbon fiber were enhanced by 43.56% and 25.48%, respectively. The strong interfacial adhesion strength between carbon fibers and epoxy was attributed to improving the wettability, ionic interaction and the mechanical interlocking effect induced by porous ZIF‐8, which led to effective energy absorption and load transfer. This highly efficient and controllable method is believed to improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites for a wide range of industrial uses. ZIF‐8s in different sizes and morphology were synthesized by solvent method. MOF was deposited firstly onto carbon fibers though electrophoretic deposition. Materials Studio was used to evaluate the strong anchoring strength. ILSS of composites was enhanced by 43.56%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interface between the fiber and polymer matrix is a crucial region that plays a major role in the mechanical performance of fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) materials. The properties of this zone are recognized to have a significant influence on the fracture and failure of FRPCs. As a result, strong adhesion at the interface is required for effective stress transfer and load distribution within the composite material. In light of this, the aim of this work is to provide an up-to-date review of test methods for assessing fiber/matrix interface adhesion in FRPCs under static and dynamic loadings, along with advancements in interface modification techniques. At the outset, we give an overview of the different modification treatments used thus far, alongside interface testing methods, in order to optimize fiber/matrix compatibility, improve interfacial bonding and scrutinize their impact on interfacial adhesion properties. Particular attention is then focused on the description of the main mechanical characterization techniques used to assess the fiber/matrix interfacial properties. In the final outlook, we highlight the key findings and discuss potential directions for characterization of the fiber/matrix interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various sizing agents were prepared to enhance the interfacial properties between aramid fiber (AF) and polycarbonate (PC), as well as to enhance the mechanical properties of AF/PC composites. It was found that PC sizing agent, P‐GO sizing agent, and PSi‐GO sizing agent effectively coated the surface of AF from the FTIR and XPS and SEM results. The IFSS and mechanical properties of composites reinforced with fibers treated by the sizing agents exhibited significant improvement, as well as their single fiber tensile strength also improved. Specifically, when AF was treated with PSi‐GO sizing agent, the interfacial shear properties between AF and PC increased by a remarkable 78.69%, reaching 22.89 MPa compared to the original AF/PC composite, the tensile strength of the single‐filament exhibited an increment of 12.4% to 26.4 cN/dtex. Moreover, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength of the composite increased by 5.43%, 77.74%, and 54.71%, respectively. These improvement can be attributed to the GO with a higher concentration of chemical groups and excellent dispersion with modified with the silane agent. These findings suggest that coating the AF with sizing agents can effectively enhance its interfacial adhesion with the matrix, which is useful for its application as the reinforcement in the composites. Highlights: Adding GO to the sizing agent to change the Aramid fabric surface properties.Silane coupling agent was used to improve the dispersion of GO on the fiber surface.GO modified sizing agent can improve the flexural strength, tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Z-scheme photocatalysts for solar-driven overall water splitting have attracted tremendous attention due to their strong redox abilities and enhanced solar-light absorptions. This study focuses on the theoretical design of XAu 2 Y (X, Y S, Se, Te) heterostructures for solar-driven photocatalytic water splitting based on first-principles calculations. The band edges and internal electric fields indicate that SAu 2 S/TeAu 2 Te, SeAu 2 Se/TeAu 2 Te, TeAu 2 Te/SAu 2 Se and TeAu 2 Te/SeAu 2 S are highly efficient Z-scheme photocatalysts for solar-driven overall water splitting, with enhanced optical absorbances by 1.5–2 times and high solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiencies of 20.47%, 19.94%, 16.50% and 22.81%. Furthermore, taking TeAu 2 Te/SeAu 2 S as an example, HER (Δ G H * = 0.16 e V) and OER (U = 2.25 V) reactions show excellent photocatalytic performances. These results extend the scope of solar-driven overall-water-splitting photocatalysts to group-11 chalcogenides heterostructures, which is expected to inspire the experimental fabrications and relative investigations. Z-scheme heterostructures based on XAu 2 Y (X, Y S, Se, Te) are theoretically screened for solar-driven overall water splitting, which exhibit enhanced optical absorbances, high solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiencies and excellent redox reactions. [Display omitted] • The Z-scheme heterostructures are designed to effectively separate photogenerated carriers. • Constructing heterostructures promote the excellent optical absorbances. • The Z-scheme heterostructures possess high solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiencies. • High catalytic activities for HER and OER are confirmed by the Gibbs free energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polyimide (PI) resin matrix composites have great application potential in areas such as rail transport, medical devices, and aerospace due to their excellent thermal stability, dielectric properties, solvent resistance, and mechanical properties. However, the epoxy sizing agent used for traditional carbon fiber cannot withstand the processing temperature of polyimide resin, of up to 350 °C, resulting in the formation of pores or defects at the interface between the fiber and the resin matrix, leading to the degradation of the overall composite properties. To overcome this problem, in this study, a low-molecular-weight thermosetting polyimide sizing agent was prepared and the processability of the sized carbon fiber was optimized by a thermoplastic polyimide. Compared with the unsized carbon fiber polyimide composites, the interfacial properties of the composites after the polyimide sizing treatment were significantly improved, with the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) increasing from 82.08 MPa to 136.27 MPa, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) increasing from 103.7 to 124.9 MPa, and the bending strength increasing from 2262.2 MPa to 2562.1 MPa. The sizing agent acts as a bridge between the carbon fiber and polyimide resin, with anchorage and bonding at the interface between the fiber and resin, which are beneficial for enhancing the interface performance of composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The performance of incompatible blends is strongly depended on their morphology and interfacial properties that can be controlled by proper compatibilizers. This research systematically investigates the interfacial properties of the binary and the ternary blends based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MAH) through the melt linear viscoelastic rheological behavior of the blends and neat components analyzed by proper rheological models. Moreover, the relationship between rheology, phase morphology and mechanical properties of LDPE/PLA ternary blends with different amounts of PE-g-MAH was studied. In the rheological analyses via the additive rule indicated in the molten state, no consistent interfacial interaction between LDPE and PLA phases is made due to the presence of PE-g-MAH at the interface of the blend. However, the analyses based on the Palierne's model implied that the interfacial tension of compatibilized blends decreases. This not only resulted in improving PLA dispersed phase morphology in the compatibilized blends, but also forming in situ fibrillar composites where the compatibilizer amount was relatively high (5 and 7.5 wt.%). Unlike the molten state, because of the strong interactions between PE and PLA phases of compatibilized blends in the solid state, the tensile mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, strength and elongation-at break, could be reinforced up to 24%, 25% and 90%, respectively. Overall, findings make a profound realization of the amount depended performance of PE-g-MAH as the most common compatibilizer for PE/PLA blends, very helpful not only from scientific viewpoints but also in terms of the blend industry applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skutterudite (SKD)/Ni-Sn/Half-Heusler (HH) sandwich joining piece was developed and applied to fabricate segmented SKD/HH thermoelectric joints. The microstructure and interfacial properties of SKD/Ni-Sn/HH joints prepared by sintering and electroplating were studied by microstructure observation, aging test, and interface contact resistance test. The results show that the metallized transition layer of HH prepared by electroplating Ni can avoid the formation of intermetallic compounds between Ni and HH, significantly reducing the contact resistance of the joint. The SKD/Ni-Sn/HH joint was well bonded, and high melting point intermetallic compounds are formed at the joint interface before and after aging, resulting in no cracks. The weld microstructure has good thermal stability. After high-temperature aging at 600 °C, the weld microstructure does not undergo severe mutual diffusion with the thermoelectric material. The current flows smoothly through the bonding layer, resulting in low contact resistance. The total contact resistance of the joint before and after aging do not change significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of carbon fiber is treated with sizing agent containing hydroxylated carbon nanotubes, fullerenols, and graphene oxide, respectively. The effects of carbon nanomaterials and their structures on the surface properties of carbon fiber, the interfacial properties and the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites are investigated. All three types of carbon nanomaterial can improve the interfacial bonding strength and modulus, thereby enhancing the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of composites. Moreover, the ILSS increases with the increase of interfacial bonding strength, due to the roughness and the number of active groups. Compared with the composite without carbon nanomaterials, the interfacial bonding strength of the three nanoparticle‐modified composites increased by 14%, 5% and 4%, the modulus increased by 10%, 26%, and 9%, and the ILSS increased by 14%, 8%, and 7%, respectively. The interfacial bonding strength has a more significant impact on the ILSS than the interfacial modulus. Highlights: CNTs, graphene oxide and fullerenols regulate the surface characteristics of carbon fibers.The influence of carbon nanomaterials on the interfacial properties of composites.The relationship between the fiber surface, the interface and the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Two‐dimensional (2D) MXene (MX) and silane coupling agents are increasingly used to modify carbon materials for the fabrication of composite functional materials, which exhibit enhanced electrical, optical, and mechanical properties due to the synergistic effects of both MX and silane. We demonstrate the modification of carbon fibers (CFs) with MX and three different kinds of silane coupling agents, including 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3‐glycidyloxypropyldimethoxymethylsilane, and 3‐mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, which are named as CF‐MX@N, CF‐MX@O, and CF‐MX@S, respectively, and further prepare the CF‐MX@silane/epoxy (EP) composites. The utilized silane coupling agents serve as bridges between MX and CFs, forming CF‐MX@silane composites. Through comparative analysis, it is found that the CF‐MX@S composites form a strong interface phase through covalent bonds, significantly enhancing the interface compatibility and revealing strong interface adhesion. The interfacial shear strength of the molded CF‐MX@S/EP composites increases to 119.7 MPa, with an 173.9% enhancement comparing to unmodified composites. This work can offer useful guidance and reference for selecting appropriate silane coupling agent to modify CFs with 2D materials to form high‐performance composite materials. Silane coupling agents are used as bridges to graft MXene‐modified CFs The surface modification of CFs is achieved by a simple one‐step approach Excellent interfacial phase is constructed through forming strong covalent bonds Microstructure and failure interface are responsible to interface strengthen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of coal mining, when the mine roadways pass through water rich and structurally developed strata, it is easy to expose water channels and cause water inrush hazards. In order to improve the working performance of cement-based grouting materials in water rich environments, this paper used polyacrylamide (PAM) and water glass as additives to modify ordinary Portland cement. Also, using the molecular dynamics simulation method, an interface model of cement and admixture mixed products was constructed, and the number of interlayer water molecules was adjusted to simulate the different water content environments of hydration products. Furthermore, various microscopic characterization experiments were used to verify the simulation results. The results show that the PAM water glass structure exhibits a good hydrophilicity, and the strong hydrophilicity enables its binding with C–S–H to have strong adhesion, which can better adapt to water rich environments. The variation of debonding energy at the interface of cement − water − PAM − water glass exhibits irregularity. At a moisture content of 6%, the debonding energy at the interface of cement − water − PAM − water glass reaches the maximum critical point of 37 465.715 mJ/m2. At higher moisture contents, water molecules penetrate the pore structure and undergo deeper hydration reactions with the interior of the material, enhancing interface stability. The diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern are consistent with the predicted forms of C–S–H and PAM water glass in the computational simulation, confirming that polyacrylamide and water glass will react with Ca2+ and Si4+ generated during the cement hydration process. The SEM images show that there are a large number of hydration particles and micropores, including needle shaped and spherical crystals, at the interface between cement polyacrylamide and water glass. These hydration particles may be hydration products that enhance the interfacial adhesion formed by polyacrylamide and water glass participating in the cement hydration process. The presence of micropores is the main reason for the changes in interaction energy and debonding work observed in the simulation. Through molecular dynamics simulation and experimental results, it can be proved that the floc structure formed by PAM and water glass has good hydrophilicity. Compared with the traditional cement grouting materials, the floc structure in the PAM-water glass modified cement slurry has stronger adhesion properties with the cement hydration products C–S–H, which effectively locks the water between the layers of hydration products, thus improving the stability of the slurry in the water-rich environment.

This study investigates the performance of sandwich composites composed of polyvinyl chloride cores reinforced with E-glass fibers and bonded with isophthalic and orthophthalic polyester skins. The aim is to comparatively assess the mechanical and morphological characteristics of these composite structures. The comparative analysis also included variations in the skin thickness of the sandwich composite. Mechanical tests such as compressive, impact, and hardness were carried out. Moreover, fracture tests specifically focusing on single-edge notched beam fracture (mode I) were conducted under different temperature conditions, low (−10 °C), ambient (25 °C), and high (100 °C) temperatures. Comparative analysis of the mechanical properties indicated that the isophthalic-based sandwich composites exhibited superior mechanical characteristics when compared to their orthophthalic counterparts. Fracture properties of both types of sandwich composites demonstrated higher values at lower temperatures, followed by room temperature, and then high temperatures. In both types of sandwich composites, using two layers of E-glass on both sides of the polyvinyl chloride foam resulted in superior properties. This improvement can be attributed to the increased skin thickness. The interfacial properties were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealing distinct spectroscopic features such as CH-stretching, C–O–C, CH bend, CN stretching, and NH stretching. Examination of the fractured surfaces through scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct features such as crushed fiber, fiber pull-out, honeycomb, riverline patterns, matrix-fiber delamination, and debonding, providing valuable insights into the composite's structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, we offer a model for estimating the tunneling conductivity of polymer-graphene nanocomposites based on interfacial properties, the proportion of networked graphene, and the wettability value between the polymer medium and the filler. The interfacial properties are influenced by the minimum diameter of the nanosheets (Dc), whose conductivity can be transferred to the medium via interfacial conduction (τ). These parameters impact the actual aspect ratio and the volume proportion of the filler, which, in turn, control the onset of percolation and the proportion of nanosheets in the network. We apply all these parameters to develop a novel model for estimating the conductivity of graphene systems. The predictions obtained from this model across different parameter ranges are discussed. Additionally, experimental measurements are employed to evaluate the proposed equations. High filler conductivity enhances the nanocomposite’s conductivity by a strong interfacial conduction. However, the conductivity cannot be transferred to the polymer medium under condition of weak interfacial conduction. Furthermore, a robust interphase and a small Dc contribute to increased conductivity. Ultimately, the developed equations accurately predict the onset of percolation and conductivity, validated by real experimental data.

In this study, high-resolution TEM was utilized to provide a detailed characterization of the precipitates in CuCrZr alloys induced by cryogenic treatment. Building on these findings, first-principles computational models were developed to investigate the mechanical properties of various precipitates and their interfacial bonding characteristics with the matrix. The results demonstrated that cryogenic treatment generated two submicron-sized secondary phases in the matrix: pure Cr particles with a BCC structure and Cu5Zr particles with an FCC structure. Additionally, we observed that nano-sized pure Cr particles were dispersed throughout the matrix and exhibited an orientation relationship of (−111) Cu//(0–11) Cr and [0–11] Cu//[−1−1-1] Cr. First-principles calculations revealed that all the above precipitates exhibited higher modulus and hardness compared to the matrix, with Cr particles being particularly notable. Additionally, the adhesion strength of the Cr/Cu interface was exceptional, surpassing that of the fully coherent CuSlab and CuTwin. Furthermore, the analysis of the electronic properties of the interface revealed that the strengthening effect could be attributed to the higher charge density and localized nature of the Cr atoms near the interface. In summary, precipitates with high hardness and strong adhesion to the matrix can more effectively hinder dislocation movement, which is crucial for enhancing the mechanical properties of the alloys.

The interfacial and emulsion properties of mixed albumin‐rich fractions extracted from sunflower seeds at pH 3 and pH 5 were analyzed. SDS‐PAGE under reducing and non‐reducing conditions was used to visualize differences between the protein fractions. The interfacial activity of the albumin‐rich fractions was analyzed via drop contour measurement. The viscoelasticity of the protein film the interactions between the protein molecules, and the network forming within the protein film were measured by interfacial shear rheology. Besides being both surface active, albumin‐rich fractions extracted at pH 5 were found to form interfacial films that exhibited a greater stability against deformation. In consequence, emulsions prepared with pH 5 extracts showed better properties represented by a smaller oil droplet size and a lower creaming index. The results proof that mixed albumin‐rich fractions can stabilize emulsions. Moreover, the presence of co‐extracted phenolic compounds seems to be important to generate systems with increased elastic properties of the interfacial film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The impact of carbon fiber (CF) composites sizing with graphene oxide (GO) to form brick‐and‐mortar structures on their mechanical properties and thermal conductivity has not been closely examined. This study systematically investigates the effect of GO sheet size on the interfacial properties and thermal conductivity of CF composites. Three sizes of GO—small (0.11 μm), medium (0.33 μm), and large (0.97 μm)—were used to modify CF surfaces via layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly, forming the brick‐and‐mortar structures. The mechanical properties were assessed through flexural tests, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests and tensile tests, while thermal conductivity was measured using a thermal constant analyzer. The results revealed that medium‐sized GO (GO‐M) significantly enhanced the interfacial strength and toughness of the composites. This improvement is attributed to the orderly arrangement of GO‐M on the CF surface, which enhances stress transfer between the fiber and the matrix. In contrast, small‐sized GO (GO‐S) tended to scatter, resulting in less effective reinforcement, while large‐sized GO (GO‐L) exhibited stacking and agglomeration, limiting its reinforcement effectiveness. However, GO‐L provided the highest thermal conductivity due to the formation of continuous heat conduction pathways. These findings suggest that GO‐M offers a balanced improvement in mechanical properties, whereas GO‐L is more suitable for applications requiring high thermal conductivity. This work underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate GO sheet size to optimize the interfacial properties and thermal conductivity of CF composites, which is crucial for enhancing their performance in high‐end engineering applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and marine industries. Modification of CF composites by GO‐M sheets significantly improved toughness and strength. GO‐L sheets formed an effective heat transfer channel with the highest thermal conductivity. The study emphasized the critical role of selecting the appropriate GO sheet size to optimize the mechanical and thermal properties of CF composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review comprehensively explores the multifunctional applications of pectins derived from food waste and by-products, emphasizing their role as versatile biomaterials in the medical-related sectors. Pectins, known for their polyelectrolytic nature and ability to form hydrogels, influence the chemical composition, sensory properties, and overall acceptability of food and pharmaceutical products. The study presents an in-depth analysis of molecular parameters and structural features of pectins, such as the degree of esterification (DE), monosaccharide composition, galacturonic acid (GalA) content, and relative amounts of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), which are critical for their technofunctional properties and biological activity. Emphasis is placed on pectins obtained from various waste sources, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. The review also highlights the importance of structure–function relationships, especially with respect to the interfacial properties and rheological behavior of pectin solutions and gels. Biological applications, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, are also discussed, positioning pectins as promising biomaterials for various functional and therapeutic applications. Recalled pectins can also support the growth of probiotic bacteria, thus increasing the health benefits of the final product. This detailed review highlights the potential of using pectins from food waste to develop advanced and sustainable biopolymer-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we offer a model for estimating the tunneling conductivity of polymer-graphene nanocomposites based on interfacial properties, the proportion of networked graphene, and the wettability value between the polymer medium and the filler. The interfacial properties are influenced by the minimum diameter of the nanosheets (Dc), whose conductivity can be transferred to the medium via interfacial conduction (τ). These parameters impact the actual aspect ratio and the volume proportion of the filler, which, in turn, control the onset of percolation and the proportion of nanosheets in the network. We apply all these parameters to develop a novel model for estimating the conductivity of graphene systems. The predictions obtained from this model across different parameter ranges are discussed. Additionally, experimental measurements are employed to evaluate the proposed equations. High filler conductivity enhances the nanocomposite's conductivity by a strong interfacial conduction. However, the conductivity cannot be transferred to the polymer medium under condition of weak interfacial conduction. Furthermore, a robust interphase and a small Dc contribute to increased conductivity. Ultimately, the developed equations accurately predict the onset of percolation and conductivity, validated by real experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous film-forming foam is being phased out due to the environmental impacts of fluorinated surfactants contained in the firefighting foams. To develop an environmentally friendly firefighting foam, it is important to understand the factors controlling the firefighting performance of surfactants. Fuel transport through foam has been considered as a dominant mechanism for foam collapse. Therefore, the impact of fuels (heptane, octane and trimethylbenzene (TMB)) on surfactant microstructure was studied for three different types of surfactants (Capstone, Glucopon, and siloxane) that have applications in firefighting foam. Multiple techniques were used to identify the microstructure and interfacial properties of surfactants with and without exposure to liquid fuel. The ignition time of fuel vapor through foam and solubility of fuel through liquid surfactant solution were measured as well. This work shows fuel solubility has an impact on the surfactant microstructure and interfacial properties. In addition, fuel solubility and vapor pressure affect the ignition time of fuel vapors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to create thermoplastic composites based on carbon fiber fabric reinforced enhanced mechanical and interfacial properties, based on PA12 (polyamide 12). In line with these objectives, it is aimed to develop carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite materials with improved interfaces by sizing chemical modification and interfacial compatibility suspension development using hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) nanomaterial. The production of bare and silanized hBN sizing grafted CF (carbon fiber)-PA12 plates was followed by various mechanical, thermal, and SEM analyses. When the mechanical test results of CF-PA12 and hBN-APTES (3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane) Sizing Coated Composite Specimens are compared; it is proved that hBN-APTES sizing improves the mechanical properties. Furthermore, sizing coated CF-PA12 composite specimens showed improvements in flexural strength of 20.67% and compressive strength of 19%, respectively. The significance of these results is to enhance the critical interfacial properties in the manufacturing of carbon fiber composite materials based on PA12, and to produce high-quality products that can be used in a variety of industries, including sports equipment, automotive, and aerospace, all of which have a constant demand worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the properties and applications of liquid metals, which are metals with low melting points. Liquid metals, such as gallium, have unique characteristics that make them useful in various fields, including electronics, biomedical devices, energy storage, and catalysis. The special issue on Liquid Metals for Functional Materials features 49 manuscripts that cover different aspects of liquid metal research, including energy and electrochemistry, biomedical and healthcare applications, catalysts and reactions, composites and multiphase materials, electronics and conductors, fabrication and patterning, and interfacial properties. The articles highlight the multidisciplinary nature of liquid metal research and provide insights into future directions in this field. [Extracted from the article]

Two series of lactone-terminated alkanethiol adsorbates with five- and six-membered lactone groups, γ-COCnSH and δ-COCnSH (n = 11, 12), were synthesized and employed to create nanoscale self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold substrates to mimic the properties of commercially available poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) surfaces. 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were employed to characterize the adsorbate molecules. The thicknesses of the corresponding self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were evaluated by ellipsometry. The conformational characteristics of the SAMs were analyzed using polarization modulation infrared reflection adsorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), with a focus on the C-H antisymmetric stretching vibrations of the alkyl spacers. To evaluate the packing densities of the monolayers, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were performed. Separately, contact angle measurements provided insights into the wettability of the surfaces. Remarkably, the contact angle data across a broad range of probe liquids for the γ-COC11SH and γ-COC12SH SAMs were consistently similar to each other and to the contact angle values of the PLGA surface, rather than to PGA. This finding suggests that the lactone-terminated SAMs investigated in this study effectively mimic nanoscale polyester surfaces, enabling the exploration of interfacial properties of polyesters in the absence of swelling and/or surface reconstruction phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modification method of grafting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, abbreviated as CNT in this paper) on the surface of flax fibers was investigated, i.e. CNT were grafted onto the surface of flax fibers by silane coupling agent under the action of ultrasonic waves to form covalent bonding. The tensile strength of CNT grafted flax fiber is 22% higher than that of untreated flax fiber monofilament. The tensile strength of FFRP composites after CNT grafting treatment increased by 14.2%; however, the tensile modulus of single fiber and composites did not show a significant increase, the interfacial shear strength of the fiber-resin is 38.3% higher than that of untreated filament. The improvement of the contact angle after grafting was investigated by observing the surface morphology, and the surface of flax filament was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Also the elemental changes of the flax single fiber surface before and after the treatment were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the tensile strength of flax single fibers, its composites, and interfacial shear strength of fiber-matrix was improved after CNT grafting treatment but the increase of modulus was not obvious.

The increase in the mechanical performance of Al–Cu alloys through TiC particle reinforcement represents a significant improvement in the field of aluminum alloy strengthening. However, the precipitation behavior at the aluminum matrix and TiC interface requires further exploration. In this study, the induced precipitation mechanisms at the TiC interface and the impact of interface precipitates on bonding were investigated through scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and first-principles calculations. The results indicate that θ′-Al2Cu exhibits heterogeneous nucleation on the TiC substrate, and the (100) Al/(110) θ′-Al2Cu/(100) TiC interface structure possesses the lowest formation energy. Consequently, the precipitation of θ′-Al2Cu at the Al/TiC interface demonstrates thermodynamic preference and energy stability. Tensile simulations reveal that the presence of interface precipitates effectively enhances the strength of the interface structure. Electronic structure analysis indicates a “barrel effect” in the stretched interface model, with fracture occurring in the weakest-bonded Al lattice near the phase interface. Additionally, θ′-Al2Cu, acting as an interface adhesive, enhances the chemical bond strength between Al and TiC interface atoms. This work provides novel insights into particle-induced interface precipitation behavior and interface fracture mechanisms.

Emulsions stabilized by natural biocompatible polymers, such as proteins and polysaccharides, have become increasingly prevalent in the food industry. However, lipid and protein oxidation inevitably occur in emulsions during storage, which have a significantly negative impact on the application of emulsions in the food industry. Polyphenols, as natural antioxidants, can bind to proteins and polysaccharides and regulate the oxidative stability of emulsions stabilized by proteins, polysaccharides or their complexes by altering the structure, interfacial properties, and antioxidant activity of proteins and polysaccharides. Furthermore, polyphenols, owing to their robust ability to scavenge free radicals, reduce metal ions, and promote the formation of interfacial barriers by emulsion stabilizers, represent a highly cost-effective option for enhancing the lifetime and quality of food emulsions stabilized by natural biocompatible polymers. Nevertheless, few studies have elaborated on the mechanism of the impact of polyphenols on the oxidative stability of emulsions stabilized by proteins, polysaccharides or their complexes. On this ground, this article first describes the co-oxidation mechanism of lipids and proteins in food emulsions and summarizes the interaction of polyphenols with proteins, polysaccharides and their complexes. Next, the impacts of types and amounts of polyphenols on the structures, interfacial properties, and antioxidant activities of polyphenol-protein/polysaccharide and polyphenol-protein-polysaccharide complexes are analyzed. Finally, the effects and underlying mechanisms of polyphenols on the oxidative stability of protein, polysaccharide or protein-polysaccharide stabilized emulsions are discussed. The findings of this review provide a theoretical basis for improving the application of food emulsions in the food industry.