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Structural Materials (structural + material)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Polymers and Materials Science	66%
Life Sciences	11%

Distribution within Polymers and Materials Science

General & Introductory Materials Science	40%
Polymer Science & Technology General	24%

Selected Abstracts

Application of Synchrotron Radiation Techniques for Model Validation of Advanced Structural Materials,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 6 2009
Annick Froideval
Abstract Synchrotron radiation techniques represent powerful tools to characterize materials down to the nanometer level. This paper presents a survey of the state-of-the-art synchrotron-based techniques which are particularly well-suited for investigating materials properties. Complementary X-ray absorption techniques such as extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) are used to address the individual local atomic structure and magnetic moments in Fe,Cr model systems. The formation of atomic clusters/precipitates in such systems is also investigated by means of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). Such advanced analytical techniques can not only offer valuable structural and magnetic information on such systems, they can also serve for validating computational calculations performed at different time and length scales which can help improve materials lifetime predictions. [source]

From Single Grains to Texture

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009
Kun Yan
Abstract Structural materials, such as metals, ceramics, and their composites are most often polycrystalline. The nature, morphology, and composition of their microstructure determine in large measure the mechanical properties of the final product, and the art to design novel materials is to find particular arrangements which make them harder, more shock absorbing, heat resistant, or self-recovering upon damage and aging. The understanding of the basic processes and their interplay in a polycrystalline structure are most important for improved simulation of plastic deformation and to predict their thermo-mechanical behavior. [source]

Structural materials underpinning functional materials: teaching old dogs new tricks

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2008
William A MacDonald
Abstract ,Structural' polymers are finding new applications underpinning new technology developments based on functional polymers. This paper discusses the use of polyester films as base substrates for flexible electronic applications based on conjugated polymers and low-temperature hydrogenated amorphous silica processing, and discusses the challenges involved in successfully developing substrates ,fit for purpose'. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source]

A parylene-based dual channel micro-electrophoresis system for rapid mutation detection via heteroduplex analysis,

ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18 2008
Sertan Sukas
Abstract A new dual channel micro-electrophoresis system for rapid mutation detection based on heteroduplex analysis was designed and implemented. Mutation detection was successfully achieved in a total separation length of 250,,m in less than 3,min for a 590,bp DNA sample harboring a 3,bp mutation causing an amino acid change. Parylene-C was used as the structural material for fabricating the micro-channels as it provides conformal deposition, transparency, biocompatibility, and low background fluorescence without any surface treatment. A new dual channel architecture was derived from the traditional cross-channel layout by forming two identical channels with independent sample loading and waste reservoirs. The control of injected sample volume was accomplished by a new u-turn injection technique with pull-back method. The use of heteroduplex analysis as a mutation detection method on a cross-linked polyacrylamide medium provided accurate mutation detection in an extremely short length and time. The presence of two channels on the microchip offers the opportunity of comparing the sample to be tested with a desired control sample rapidly, which is very critical for the accuracy and reliability of the mutation analyses, especially for clinical and research purposes. [source]

Mechanical Properties and Environmental Behavior of a Magnesium Alloy with a Nano-/Sub-Micron Structure

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 9 2007
E. Aghion
Abstract Newly developed magnesium alloys with a consolidated nano/sub-micron structure and substantially higher specific strength may be considered as an interesting candidate for super-light high-strength applications. Consolidated nano/sub-micron structure applies to alloys with a combined microstructure of nano-crystalline and sub-micron grains. The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanical and environmental behavior of a consolidated nano/sub-micron magnesium alloy with the composition of AZ31. This was required in order to evaluate the applicability of this new structured alloy for practical applications. Although the nano/sub-micron structured alloy has more than twice the hardness and strength of the conventional alloy, its ductility and corrosion resistance were significantly lower. In addition, its stress corrosion characteristics were inferior. The significant limitation of the nano-structured alloy, in terms of ductility and corrosion performance, restricts its potential use as a structural material for practical applications. [source]

Predicting the J integral fracture toughness of Al 6061 using the small punch test

FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 9 2007
E. BUDZAKOSKA
ABSTRACT The 6000 series aluminium alloys (Al,Mg,Si systems) are commonly used as medium-strength structural materials; in particular, the 6061 (Al,1Mg,0.6Si) alloy is widely utilized as a general-purpose structural material due to its excellent formability and corrosion-resisting capabilities. The objective of this study was to obtain a correlation between the small punch (SP) test estimated equivalent fracture strain (,qf) and fracture toughness (J1C) property for 6061 aluminium, and determine its viability as a non-destructive fracture toughness test technique for remaining life assessment of in-service components. Samples of 6061-T6 aluminium were cut from bulk plate, in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, for the as-received condition as well as subjected to three different over-ageing heat-treatment schedules. A strong linear correlation between valid J1C and SP estimated biaxial fracture strain ,qf is presented for aluminium 6061 at room temperature. [source]

Tailoring mechanical properties of nano-structured Eurofer 97 steel for fusion applications

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 5 2010
M. Kozikowski
Abstract EUROFER 97 steel is a candidate structural material for future fusion reactors and Test Blanket Modules (TBMs). In the present work microstructure of Eurofer 97 was modified by hydrostatic extrusion in multi-step process with total true strain exceeding 3. TEM observations showed that HE causes significant grain refinement from about 400 to 80 nm. This is accompanied by improvement of the tensile mechanical properties and microhardness. On the other hand, there is a clear decrease in the resistance to brittle fracture as measured in the Charpy impact tests. In order to improve strength/ductility/fracture toughness balance, the extruded samples were annealed for 1 hour at temperature range of 473-1073K. The results obtained for samples after post-extrusion annealing are discussed in terms of mechanical properties of Eurofer 97 steel. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Preparation of ultrafine fibrous zein membranes via electrospinning

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2005
Takanori Miyoshi
Abstract Zein is a protein in corn gluten meal. It has been investigated for use as a structural material because it is renewable and biodegradable. Potential applications of zein include use in coating, film and fiber. In this paper, ultrafine fibrous zein membranes were produced by electrospinning of an 80 wt% ethanol aqueous solution. The morphology of fibers was affected by parameters such as polymer concentration and electric field. As the concentration of the solution increased, wrinkled beads became fewer and fibers became thicker. Fibers were mainly generated above a polymer concentration of 21 wt% with an electric field of 15 kV. However, with a 30 kV field fibers were already generated above 18 wt%. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source]

Predicting the J integral fracture toughness of Al 6061 using the small punch test

Specific aspects on crack advance during J -test method for structural materials at cryogenic temperatures

FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 2 2006
K. WEISS
ABSTRACT Cryogenic elastic plastic, J -integral investigations on metallic materials often show negative crack extension values with respect to resistance curve J - R. According to the present ASTM standard, the use of unloading compliance technique relies on the estimation procedure of the crack lengths during the unloading sequences of the test. The current standard, however, does not give any specific procedure for treating such negative data. To date, the applied procedure uses the shifting of the negative crack extension values either to the onset of the blunting line or to the offset of the resistance curve. The present paper represents a solution of the negative crack length problem on the basis of a mechanical evaluation procedure of the unloading slopes. The achieved progress using this evaluation technique is demonstrated on different materials such as cryogenic high toughness stainless steels, low carbon ferritic steel and aluminum alloys from the series of 7000 and 5000. In addition, this work deals with the crack tunnelling phenomenon, observed for high toughness materials, and shows the reduction of this crack extension appearance by using electro discharge machining (EDM) side groove technique. The differences between EDM processed side grooves and standard V-notch machining have been investigated within these test series. [source]

Processing of Bulk Metallic Glass

ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 14 2010
Jan Schroers
Abstract Bulk metallic glass (BMG) formers are multicomponent alloys that vitrify with remarkable ease during solidification. Technological interest in these materials has been generated by their unique properties, which often surpass those of conventional structural materials. The metastable nature of BMGs, however, has imposed a barrier to broad commercial adoption, particularly where the processing requirements of these alloys conflict with conventional metal processing methods. Research on the crystallization of BMG formers has uncovered novel thermoplastic forming (TPF)-based processing opportunities. Unique among metal processing methods, TPF utilizes the dramatic softening exhibited by a BMG as it approaches its glass-transition temperature and decouples the rapid cooling required to form a glass from the forming step. This article reviews crystallization processes in BMG former and summarizes and compares TPF-based processing methods. Finally, an assessment of scientific and technological advancements required for broader commercial utilization of BMGs will be made. [source]

Diatomaceous Lessons in Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials

ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 29 2009
Dusan Losic
Abstract Silicon, in its various forms, finds widespread use in electronic, optical, and structural materials. Research on uses of silicon and silica has been intense for decades, raising the question of how much diversity is left for innovation with this element. Shape variation is particularly well examined. Here, we review the principles revealed by diatom frustules, the porous silica shells of diatoms, microscopic, unicellular algae. The frustules have nanometer-scale detail, and the almost 100,000 species with unique frustule morphologies suggest nuanced structural and optical functions well beyond the current ranges used in advanced materials. The unique frustule morphologies have arisen through tens of millions of years of evolutionary selection, and so are likely to reflect optimized design and function. Performing the structural and optical equivalent of data mining, and understanding and adopting these designs, affords a new paradigm in materials science, an alternative to combinatorial materials synthesis approaches in spurring the development of new material and more nuanced materials. [source]

Application of the X-FEM to the fracture of piezoelectric materials

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 11 2009
E. Béchet
Abstract This paper presents an application of the extended finite element method (X-FEM) to the analysis of fracture in piezoelectric materials. These materials are increasingly used in actuators and sensors. New applications can be found as constituents of smart composites for adaptive electromechanical structures. Under in service loading, phenomena of crack initiation and propagation may occur due to high electromechanical field concentrations. In the past few years, the X-FEM has been applied mostly to model cracks in structural materials. The present paper focuses at first on the definition of new enrichment functions suitable for cracks in piezoelectric structures. At second, generalized domain integrals are used for the determination of crack tip parameters. The approach is based on specific asymptotic crack tip solutions, derived for piezoelectric materials. We present convergence results in the energy norm and for the stress intensity factors, in various settings. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Finite element analysis and evaluation of design limits for structural materials in a cyclic state of creep

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 14 2003
M. Boulbibane
Abstract In this paper a direct non-time stepping method derived from the minimum theorems given by the authors (European Journal of Mechanics , A/Solids 2002; 21:915,925) is outlined. This method can be used in the prediction of the deformation and life assessment of structures subjected to cyclic mechanical and thermal loadings. It produces accurate predictions of failure modes based on material behaviour incorporated into constitutive equations. It also can be used to define limit loads related to certain design criteria. Generally, for complex geometries and load histories, the identification of load histories that correspond to predefined design conditions, in the form of time or number of cycles to failure, can only be achieved by extensive and repeated calculations. For the Linear Matching Method, however, the representation of materially non-linear stress and strain fields by linear behaviour with spatially varying moduli, indicates the possibility that direct evaluation of loads and temperature ranges that correspond to a design restriction may be evaluated directly through the construction of the exact cyclic state and via sequence of approximations. The technique employs the finite element method combined with the cyclic state solution. The description of the material behaviour is given by a non-linear viscous model (Norton's law). It can also apply to any class of material behaviour that includes internal state variables. This technique has been applied successfully to a set of characteristics problems (Bree problem and plate containing a circular hole and subjected to radial temperature gradient). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Quantitative studies of pyrocarbon-coated materials using synchrotron radiation

JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 1 2008
Poonamlata S. Yadav
Phase-contrast imaging provides enhanced image contrast and is important for non-destructive evaluation of structural materials. In this paper, experimental results on in-line phase-contrast imaging using a synchrotron source (ELETTRA, Italy) for objects required in material science applications are discussed. Experiments have been carried out on two types of samples, pyrocarbon-coated zirconia and pyrocarbon-coated alumina microspheres. These have applications in both reactor and industrial fields. The phase-contrast imaging technique is found to be very useful in visualizing and determining the coating thickness of pyrocarbon on zirconia and alumina microspheres. The experiments were carried out at X-ray energies of 16, 18 and 20,keV and different object-to-detector distances. The results describe the contrast values and signal-to-noise ratio for both samples. A comprehensive study was carried out to determine the thickness of the pyrocarbon coating on zirconia and alumina microspheres of diameter 500,µm. The advantages of phase-contrast images are discussed in terms of contrast and resolution, and a comparison is made with absorption images. The results show considerable improvement in contrast with phase-contrast imaging as compared with absorption radiography. [source]

Cement-Based 0-3 Piezoelectric Composites

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 2 2002
Zongjin Li
To meet the requirements of development for smart or intelligent structures in civil engineering, new functional materials that have good compatibility with civil engineering structural materials are needed. In this study, for the first time in the field of piezoelectric materials, cement-based 0-3 piezoelectric (PZT) composites were fabricated by the normal mixing and spreading method. The new materials have very good compatibility with portland cement concrete. The cement-based 0-3 piezoelectric composites were shown to have a slightly higher piezoelectric factor and electromechanical coefficient than those of 0-3 PZT/polymer composites with a similar content of PZT particles; thus, they are adequate for sensor application. There is potential for the application of cement-based 0-3 PZT composites in civil engineering because of their better piezoelectric properties and good compatibility with portland cement concrete. [source]

Trends in industrial polymer research

MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, Issue 1 2003
Volker Warzelhan
Abstract In the past decades a shift in paradigm took place in industrial polymer research for structural materials. Only a few new polymers based on new monomeric building blocks were developed. The main focus is now on tailoring improved "old polymers" with well-defined structure and properties based on a set of low cost "old" monomers using controlled polymerization mechanisms. [source]

Understanding the properties of aerobic sludge granules as hydrogels

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 5 2009
Thomas Seviour
Abstract Aerobic sludge granules are larger, denser microbial aggregates than activated sludge flocs with a smoother and more regular surface, which facilitates greater wastewater treatment intensity. Factors important in their growth are still poorly understood, which is an impediment to the construction and operation of full-scale aerobic sludge granule processes. Data in this article obtained with granules treating an abattoir wastewater provide evidence that aerobic sludge granules are hydrogels. The results also demonstrate a method for characterizing macromolecular associations. The rheological profile of these granules was found to be analogous with that of typical polymer gels. Water uptake or swelling reflects an equilibrium between granule elastic modulus and osmotic pressure, whereby uptake is increased by reducing solute concentration or the elastic modulus. A weakening of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix as demonstrated with mechanical spectroscopy was induced by several environmental factors including temperature, pH and ionic strength. Uniform and elastic deformation was observed at low strain. Enzymatic degradation studies indicate that proteins and ,-polysaccharides were the major granule structural materials. The aerobic sludge granules in the current study were therefore protein,polysaccharide composite physical hydrogels. While aerobic sludge granules treating an abattoir wastewater are used as a case study, many of the fundamental principles detailed here are relevant to other granulation processes. The paradigm established in this study can potentially be applied to better understand the formation of aerobic sludge granules and thus overcome a hurdle in the acceptance of aerobic sludge granulation as an alternative to more traditional wastewater treatment processes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1483,1493. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]