Current Materials Science - Volume 18, Issue 1, 2025

Superhydrophobic surfaces have broad application prospects in several fields due to their excellent hydrophobic properties, but the traditional methods of manufacturing superhydrophobic surfaces are time-consuming and laborious, the surface wear resistance is poor, and the chemical reagents contain toxic substances, making it difficult to promote the use of superhydrophobicity inexpensively.

To solve the problems of high cost, instability, and poor mechanical properties of superhydrophobic structures, we explore the preparation methods of superhydrophobic surface structures to improve the surface superhydrophobicity and reduce manufacturing and usage costs.

This paper provides an overview of the literature on preparing superhydrophobic structures and improving superhydrophobic properties. Based on the summary of the research results of other scholars, this paper focuses on the preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces by carbine-co-polymerization covalent grafting chemical reactions and the improvement of superhydrophobic properties by durable opaque coatings with vacuum-deposited layers.

These two methods are simple to operate and circumvent the problem of oxidative degradation of compounds in the natural environment to produce environmental pollutants. The method I produces a low surface energy stratified micro-nano composite structure on the fiber surface of the fabric by carbon copolymerization covalent grafting reaction. The method II prepares a durable opaque coating with a vacuum-deposited layer, particularly useful on mechanical components or for any other applications not requiring an optically clear coating.

This paper provides an important basis for optimizing the preparation process of superhydrophobic structures, synthesizing and developing environmentally friendly superhydrophobic materials, extending the service life of superhydrophobic materials, and provides specific guidance for improving the superhydrophobic properties and durability and enhancing the combination of superhydrophobic surfaces with additional functions.

The use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has become widespread in simulating the response of structural members subjected to impact loads. This review paper aims to provide an overview of FEA's application for predicting the response of structural members under impact loads.

The objectives of this review are to analyze the analytical and experimental methods used for studying the dynamics of vibration and impact loads, including Finite Element Analysis, Modal Analysis, Experimental Modal Analysis, Response Spectrum Analysis, and Design of Experiments Analysis.

The review paper thoroughly examines the principles of FEA, the various types of impact loads, and the different structural members involved. It analyzes the definitions, causes, effects, and analytical and experimental methods used to study vibration and impact loads.

The review paper highlights the significance of studying these dynamics, as failure to do so can result in catastrophic failures of structures and machines. It presents a comprehensive review of the effects of vibration and impact loads on structures and machines and the advantages and limitations of different analytical and experimental methods.

This review provides valuable insights into the dynamics of vibration and impact loads and their potential consequences on structural integrity. The findings emphasize the importance of employing appropriate analytical and experimental methods to accurately predict and assess the response of structural members under impact loads.

In the current research work, an attempt has been made to machine Ti6Al4V using Powder Mixed Electric Discharge Machining (PMEDM) technique.

The experiments were designed utilizing central composite response surface methodology by varying current, pulse on time, gap distance, and powder concentration at five different levels, whereas Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR), and Surface Roughness (Ra) were documented as responses. The MRR reduced with an increase in powder concentration until the concentration reached 7.5 g/l because incorporated particles observed the major proportion of heat, and at 10 g/l, MRR increased due to the bridging effect.

The TWR and Ra reduced with an escalation in powder concentration due to expansion in the spark gap, facilitating the flushing of machined debris. The surface topography revealed cracks, pits, globules, and craters. Moreover, with the addition of particles, surface quality improved owing to the elimination of re-melted layers.

The parameters were optimized using the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), and the combination of 2.5 g/l powder concentration, 20A current, 50 µs ton, and 4 mm gap distance offers the best machining performance.

Benzoic acid is widely applied in the food field, including beverages as the antimicrobial preservative due to its strong inhabitation role to bacteria and yeasts. However, excessive intake of benzoic acid can easily cause abdominal pain and diarrhea and can even result in metabolic diseases. Hence, it is important to seek simple, accurate and sensitive strategies to detect low-trace benzoic acid.

The aim of this study is to synthesize dysprosium oxide/bismuth oxide nanocomposites using dysprosium sulphate and sodium bismuthate as the raw materials and research the electrochemical sensing properties for the detection of benzoic acid.

Dysprosium oxide/bismuth oxide nanocomposites were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route. The dysprosium oxide/bismuth oxide nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

The dysprosium oxide/bismuth oxide nanocomposites are composed of nearly circular-shaped particles with polycrystalline cubic Dy2O3 and triclinic Bi2O3 phases. The size of the nearly circular-shaped particles is about 50 to 200 nm. The electrons are easier to transfer by the dysprosium oxide/bismuth oxide nanocomposite-modified electrode than the bare electrode. A pair of quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetry (CV) peaks located at -0.155 V and -0.582 V exist in the CV curve of 0.1 M KCl buffer solution containing 2 mM benzoic acid. The nanocomposite-modified electrode shows a linear detection range and detection limit of 0.001-2 mM and 0.18 μM, respectively, for benzoic acid detection.

The dysprosium oxide/bismuth oxide nanocomposite-modified electrode reveals superior electro-catalytic activity towards benzoic acid.

Polymer matrix composites have been utilized in various industries due to their low cost and good strength-to-weight ratios. AIM: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of filament-wound fiber-reinforced polymer composite pipes. The focus is on aluminized fabric tubes, which are flexible and heat-resistant tubes made from a glass fabric and laminated with a layer of aluminum.

These tubes offer unique properties that make them suitable for various applications, especially in environments with high temperatures or exposure to radiant heat.

Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) pipes are highlighted for their lightweight, easy transportation, low maintenance, corrosion resistance, design flexibility, and anti-freezing performance. The study delves into the use of aluminized glass fiber for high-temperature applications, with a specific focus on enhancing high-temperature withstanding properties.

In addition, the present research also conducts tests to study the structural strength of normal glass fabric tubes and aluminized glass fabric tubes. The fabrication of composite pipes is achieved through a filament winding process with a zero-degree winding angle using a manually operated filament winding machine. Mechanical testing and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations using ANSYS® are also performed to compare glass fiber-reinforced plastic pipes with hybrid aluminized fiber-reinforced plastic pipes.

The application of aluminized glass fiber in both the internal and external layers of the pipes improves the pipe’s strength and ability to endure high temperatures.