Review Article
Advances in Composite Structures: A Systematic Review of Design, Performance, and Sustainability Trends
Girmay Mengesha Aznaw*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
1-17
Received:
7 November 2024
Accepted:
6 December 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20250901.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Composite materials have become a mainstay in modern engineering for their superior strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and versatility. This review covers the developments in composite structures over the last decade with a focus on recent advances concerning design and performance optimization, with emphasis on sustainability. The main focus is on hybrid and bio-based composites, novel geometric configurations, and advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing and automated fiber placement. These further developments allow for greater customization, better load distribution, and more effective material use in industries. The review focuses on performance optimization in mechanical properties, damage tolerance, and fire resistance. It discusses the recent advances in SHM technologies, with particular emphasis on those using embedded sensors and artificial intelligence, which will help in enhancing damage prediction and durability. Thermal resilience, especially in fire-retardant composites for aerospace, automotive, and infrastructure applications, is also discussed. Besides that, it presents a critical focus on the exploration of lifecycle analysis and current trends in composite recycling or the strategies for EoL. Recycling challenges of thermoset- and thermoplastic-based composites are assessed together with progress regarding renewable, low-carbon composite materials for eco-friendly solutions. This review emphasizes the vital contribution composites make to reducing emission levels and enhancing energy efficiency across different sectors, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and renewable energy. The study identifies technological and economic challenges and outlines future research directions to promote sustainable advances in composite technologies. Recommendations for industry and policymakers are put forward with a view to facilitating the development of lightweight, high-performance, and environmentally responsible composite materials. This review thus serves as a roadmap for researchers and professionals in the field to tap the full potential of composite materials across diverse applications, addressing design, performance, and sustainability.
Abstract: Composite materials have become a mainstay in modern engineering for their superior strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and versatility. This review covers the developments in composite structures over the last decade with a focus on recent advances concerning design and performance optimization, with emphasis on sustainability. The main focus i...
Show More
Research Article
Orbital Hybridation-Driven Selective Adsorption in Cr-Doped C3N2 Monolayers: A DFT Exploration for High-Performance Insulating Gas Sensing
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
18-27
Received:
22 May 2025
Accepted:
9 June 2025
Published:
23 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20250901.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study uses first-principles DFT to investigate the regulatory mechanism of Cr doping on C3N2 monolayer adsorption of CH4, CO2, and C2N2. Results show Cr atoms stably incorporate into C3N2 pore sites (binding energy: -4.26 eV), altering electronic properties via Cr-3d/N-2p hybridization. Adsorption analyses reveal selective capture: C2N2 shows strong chemisorption via Cr-N covalent bonding (Eads: -2.148 eV, ΔQ: -0.034 e), CO2 moderate adsorption via Cr-O polar interactions (-0.866 eV, -0.082 e), and CH4 physical adsorption (-0.305 eV, 0.004 e). Density of states analysis clarifies hybridization mechanisms, while work function calculations show a 9.2% increase upon C2N2 adsorption, confirming its potential as a gas sensor. This work provides a novel 2D nitride design for insulation fault gas detection and advances understanding of gas-sensitive interfacial interactions.
Abstract: This study uses first-principles DFT to investigate the regulatory mechanism of Cr doping on C3N2 monolayer adsorption of CH4, CO2, and C2N2. Results show Cr atoms stably incorporate into C3N2 pore sites (binding energy: -4.26 eV), altering electronic properties via Cr-3d/N-2p hybridization. Adsorption analyses reveal selective capture: C2N2 shows ...
Show More
Research Article
Influence of Palm Kernel Shell/Wood Dust on Mechanical Properties with Epoxy Resin Composites
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
28-45
Received:
1 May 2025
Accepted:
12 May 2025
Published:
26 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20250901.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The enormous quantity of palm kernel shell (PKS) and wood dust released in the environment as byproduct of wood processing and oil processing respectively, poses a major threat to the environment through land, water and air pollution during the local waste handling methods of dumping and burning of these byproducts. This study aimed at investigates the influence of waste palm kernel shell/wood dust with epoxy resin. Physical properties of PKS and wood dust, chemical compositions of wood dust and mechanical characterization of it composites were carried out. Palm kernel shell were pretreated with hot distill water at 1000C with 5% sodium Hydroxide (NAOH) to eliminate impurities and then sun dried it for 4 days. The physical properties of PKS and wood dust; moisture content, apparent density, specific gravity and grain size distribution and PKS equivalent test were conducted. Chemical properties such as cellulose, lignin, pectin, hemicellulose contents for wood dust were investigated. Three different sample composition of twelve each was moulded with 40% of epoxy resin and PKS/wood dust content of 20/40, 25/35 and 30/30. Compressive strength, flexural strength, impact test and Water absorption rate were determined. It was observed that the PKS/wood dust that the averages of moisture content, apparent density, specific gravity and fineness modulus were 14.89%/25.27%, 0.72 gmL-3/0.21 gmL-3, 1.323/1.28 and 58.4/33.29 respectively with average PKS equivalent of 80.4%. The results showed that the compressive strength, flexural strength and impact strength were 11.58-15.77 MPa, 8.03-10.99 MPa and 249-258×〖10〗^6 KJ/m^2 respectively and water absorption was 13.22-64.79%. The minimum strength was observed at 20/40 while the maximum strength was observed at 30/30 content. PKS/wood dust with epoxy resin composite can promote the use local materials in building construction as wall tiles.
Abstract: The enormous quantity of palm kernel shell (PKS) and wood dust released in the environment as byproduct of wood processing and oil processing respectively, poses a major threat to the environment through land, water and air pollution during the local waste handling methods of dumping and burning of these byproducts. This study aimed at investigates...
Show More
