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Carbon materials are widely utilized as a versatile material for supercapacitors in energy storage for their extraordinary electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and cost‐effectiveness. But achieving commercial viability still poses a significant challenge in improving the capacitance and energy density. To meet the requirements, an N‐doped carbon nanofiber mat (porous carbon nanofiber (PCNF)) is prepared for free‐standing electrodes with polyacrylonitrile and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) electrostatically spun nanofibers as precursors. PVP is a pore‐forming agent that decomposes on the carbon nanofibers during calcination to form pores, and the unique porous structure results in a remarkable performance of supercapacitor. The result shows that the PCNF30 exhibits high flexibility and electrochemical properties with a specific capacitance of 255.6 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 about 2.5 times higher than PCNF0 (105.3 F g−1 at 2 A g−1) and satisfactory rate performance with only about 39.8% specific capacitance loss at 100 A g−1. In addition, the symmetrical supercapacitor of PCNF30//PCNF30 has high energy density, up to 8.85 Wh kg−1 at 1.25 kW kg−1, and a 90.8% retention rate after undergoing 10 000 cycles. Those results suggest an efficient approach for PCNFs‐based materials in flexible electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop a soft composite with high‐performance puncture resistance and self‐healing property property, herein, we introduced Pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA) into titania‐based nanocomposite hydrogels (PAMT) and then compounded hydrogel and aramid fabric to form gel‐matrix soft composites (GMSCs). The result shows that, with the addition of 5 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles, the hydrogels exhibited a fracture strain of 3898%, a toughness of 12.23 MJ/m3 and a self‐healing efficiency of 99.45% after healing at 100°C for 12 h, indicating multiple recycling feature. In addition, a series of mechanical tests had shown that the resultant GMSCs exhibited incredible spike puncture resistance and knife puncture resistance, 17.66 times and 13.78 times greater than that of pure fabrics, and could achieve 33.84% spike puncture self‐healing efficiency and 26.62% knife puncture self‐healing efficiency. The synergetic reinforcement mechanism of the hydrogel and fabrics was also analyzed. This study provides a valuable reference for designing a puncture resistant soft composite with rapid self‐healing and repeated recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its exceptional mechanical properties, polyurethane (PU) foam has found wide application in various fields. Microcellular foaming not only reduces weight but also enhances the cushioning properties of PU. However, current foaming methods have limitations in improving performance. Therefore, this study aimed to construct spring‐like sandwich‐structured flexible PU foam composites (SFFCs). These composites were prepared using a two‐step foaming method, utilizing a precise amount of polyol and isocyanate as raw materials, at room temperature (28–35°C). In the preparation process, warp‐knitted spacer fabrics (WKSFs) with spring‐like structures were encapsulated in the middle layer, while the top and bottom layers consisted of PUF (flexible PU foam with different ring radius differences) formed through the foaming process of polyol and isocyanate. The study focused on investigating the influence of the ring radius difference (r = 1, 1.5, 2) and the two‐layer layout (staggered, diagonal, overlapping) of the WKSFs on the compression and cushioning properties. The experimental results revealed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the PU with the incorporation of WKSFs. Particularly noteworthy was the excellent cushioning performance exhibited by the two‐layer WKSFs sample, RPUS‐1, in the dynamic impact test. RPUS‐1 absorbed 94.3% of the energy and reduced the impact value to 3921 N, which is 848 N (17.7%) lower than that of PU foam. Furthermore, even after 20 cycles of compression testing, the SFFCs retained excellent compressive properties, with the compressive stress only decreasing from 0.34 to 0.19 MPa. In conclusion, this study expands the application of PU in cushioning, demonstrating their potential in providing improved cushioning properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of particles with soft polyurethane (PU) foam aims to mechanically strengthen the PU foam as PU foam falls short of the mechanical expectation of academia and industries. In this study, the expanded polystyrene (EPS) particles are added to soft polyurethane foam, and composite foam with higher mechanical properties is successfully prepared by one‐step foaming process. The results show that under optimal conditions that is, EPS particle size of 0.5 mm and content of 2.5 wt% (EPS‐0.5‐2.5%), the synthesized foam has the smallest bubble pore diameter of 80 μm and has a stress of 0.284 MPa at 75% strain, which is much higher than that of blank polyurethane foam. As a result of a rise in the quantity of EPS particles, the composite PU foam shows a lower dependency on the strain rate. After the multiple cyclic compression test, PU foam exhibits a descending trend on the stress in the deformation plateau region. Besides, the low‐velocity impact test results indicate that the peak contact force of EPS‐0.5‐2.5% is lower than that of the control group by 632 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) possesses many advantages, especially biodegradability, and has subsequently been used in many regions. Unfortunately, its disadvantages, including its brittleness, become an obstacle to its application and constrain its development. In this study, Polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐butene)‐b‐polystyrene (SEBS) is used as the toughener and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) is used as the compatibilizer. The melt‐blending technique for polymers is employed to modify PLA in order to produce PLA/SEBS membranes. For PLA/SEBS membranes, the optimal matrices are made of a blending ratio of PLA/SEBS/PP‐g‐MA being 57/40/3. Next, polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHGH) is combined with the optimal membranes to form PLA/SEBS antibacterial membranes, the crystallinity, thermal properties, and antibacterial properties of which are examined to determine the effect of the PHGH content. The test results show that an appropriate content of SEBS or PHGH has a positive influence on PLA/SEBS antibacterial membranes. Moreover, the antibacterial membranes exhibit greater antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (E. coli) than is gained with an increase in the PHGH content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable electronic skin with high sensitivity and self‐power has shown increasing prospects for applications, such as human health monitoring and intelligent electronic products. Here, AgNY/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)@TiO2/Ag/PVDF (APTAP) composite yarn with 3D hierarchically structure is fabricated by a conjugate electrospinning coating method and wet chemical deposition. The fabricated APTAP yarn has respectable piezoelectric performance whose voltage output and current output reached 1650 mV and 70 nA when the silver‐plated concentration is 2%. In addition, the composite piezoelectric yarn shows good mechanical properties that tensile strength and elongation at break of the piezoelectric yarn with a silver‐plated concentration of 3% reach 284.37 MPa and 61.80%. A fabric is woven based on this yarn and it has a respectable signal output and shows satisfactory sensitivity that can be used to detect subtle signals. Therefore, this fiber‐based sensor provides an idea for monitoring the subtle physiological signals of the human body and shows broad potential in the extended application of medical care and clinical diagnosis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of modern electronic technology, there is an urgent need to prepare multifunctional polymer composite materials with flame retardant and electromagnetic shielding functions. Herein, use the chemical activity of polydopamine (PDA) to modify polyphenylene (PP) fabric to enhance its interface compatibility. Then, the dipping method was used to achieve the successful deposition of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of the PP non‐woven fabric, and by adjusting the concentration of the Ag precursor and the immersion time of the flame retardant constructed a conductive composite material with lightweight, flexible and has good flame retardant properties. The results showed that when the concentration of AgNO3 solution was 2% and the thickness was 0.166 mm, the average shielding effectiveness shielding effectiveness (SE) and SSE/t of the composite fabric reached 25.01 dB and 6097.56 dB cm2g−1, respectively. In particular, the composite fabric still maintained stable electrical conductivity after flame retardant treatment, and the average shielding effectiveness SE and SSE/t of the composite fabric reached 20.20 dB and 1518.80 dB cm2 g−1. The multifunctional conductive composite fabric prepared in this study has broad development prospects in the fields of electromagnetic shielding and smart wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a high‐resilience foam‐core composite with bionic micro‐interface lattice structure using columnar lattice mold and two‐step foaming technique. This foam‐core composite uses polyamides nonwoven fabrics as the bionic surface layers and polyurethane foam as the bionic core layer. The foam cavity diameter and columnar interface area are adjusted by the polyols content and the column diameter, respectively. Effects of the cavity diameter and the column diameter on the compression resistance, static‐bursting strength, low‐velocity impact, and dynamic cushion efficacy of foam‐core composites are investigated. The results show that compression resistance, bursting strength, and cushion efficacy of the foam‐core composites are all increased by degrees with the cavity diameter when the content of polyols increases. When the cavity diameter was 195 μm, bionic micro‐interface foam‐core composite absorbed 99% low‐velocity impact energy. Existence of bionic micro‐interface lattice obviously improved the static compression and bursting properties. Bionic micro‐interface foam‐core composites with 16 mm‐diameter column have the lower and wider contact force peak compared to pomelo, 8 mm and 12 mm‐diameter column, indicating higher dynamic cushion efficacy. The resulted composite provides an idea of establishing bionic foam‐core cushion composites by foam interface, which is expected to be used as energy absorption material for commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the development of flexible intelligent wearable devices, flexible batteries have attracted widespread attention in energy storage systems. To satisfy the power supply as well as the integrity of flexibility for the flexible intelligent wearable devices, the development of batteries with both excellent electrochemical performance and wearable flexibility has attracted a lot attention. This review is focused on the discussion of how to realize battery flexibility from the perspective of flexible lithium‐ion batteries as one of the most ideal and promising flexible power sources. Also, the development of flexible lithium‐ion batteries in recent years and the methods to achieve the flexibility are reviewed from the aspects of battery materials and electrode structures, to provide new ideas for research about flexible lithium‐ion battery with a high energy density in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, CNT/PP/PC conductive composite films were prepared by compounding PP (polypropylene)/PC (polycarbonate) (1:1) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) using a physical blending and hot pressing method. Next, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and water contact angle measurement are conducted in order to characterize the properties of CNT/PP/PC conductive films. The results showed there is no chemical reaction inside the PP/PC composite film with the addition of CNT. Neither the CNT composite film containing 3 wt% nor the control film decomposed thermally within 220°C. The water contact angle increased from 88.5° for the control film to 110.99° for the composite film containing 3 wt% CNT. This indicates that the film has good thermal stability and hydrophobic properties. The percolation threshold was obtained when the content of CNT was 3 wt%, and the best conductivity of the CNT/PP/PC composite film was 5.53 S/m at this time. In order to improve the tensile properties of the film, a small amount of polyurethane (TPU) was added to the film, and the maximum tensile strength was 24.91 Mpa when the content of TPU was 6.7%. This study can provide a strategy for the practical application of flexible electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanded vermiculite (EV) powder was treated with a plasma, and the organic material polyurethane (PU) was combined with the inorganic material EV powder and fabric by means of particle reinforcement and surface reinforcement to prepare a PU cushioning composite material. EV was processed with plasma treatment beforehand. The resulting PU foam cushioning composites were evaluated for static compression performance and dynamic buffering performance, thereby examining the influences of plasma treatment time and fabric type. According to the correlation between the structure and compression performance, the presence of EV provides more nucleation sites during the foaming, which in turn increases the cell density and the compression performance of the PU cushioning composites. In particular, after plasma treatment of 800‐mesh EV for 20 and 30 min, the resulting composite foam had reduced cell diameter and increased density, and enhanced mechanical properties. Besides, in terms of surface reinforcement, covering the surface with fabric will make the foam enter the densification stage in advance, and its compression performance will be enhanced. As for the dynamic cushioning test, the surface‐covering fabric can increase the impact performance, and the foam cushioning material covered with double‐sided fabric is better. Specifically, PU foam covered with warp‐knitted spacer fabric on both sides exhibits a maximal dynamic compression performance as the impact load is attenuated to 5941 N, suggesting an energy absorption of 96.20%. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric textiles have earned widespread acceptance in the application of wearable sensors owing to the stabilized energy conversion properties, high sensitivities and steady mechanical properties. In this study, silver‐coated nylon yarns are used as a core with poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers as a wrap material, forming piezoelectric wrapped yarns. The effect of spinning process parameters on the structure and crystallinity of the piezoelectric yarn is investigated through studying the mechanical properties, β‐phase ratio, crystallinity and piezoelectric properties. The results indicate that the crystallinity of the wrapped yarn reaches 49.57% in this experiment, and when used for piezoelectricity, the piezoelectric voltage constant can reach up to 0.4323 mV m N−1. The wrapped yarns possess good softness and structural advantages of the sensing layer and thus show a great variety of application potential, such as in wearable and flexible sensors. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by adding melamine and bentonite to the polyurethane (PU) foam, a porous composite material with heavy metal adsorption properties is obtained. The cell size of the PU porous composite foam was affected by the addition of melamine and bentonite particles. With the increase of particles amount, the cell size decreased. The compression performance of the composite foam increased by 54% after adding 8 wt% melamine particles. The optimal adsorption conditions such as pH, adsorption time, and initial concentration of PU porous composites were also explored. Result shows that porous composite foam had a good removal effect on Pb2+. Moreover, the Langmuir model, the Freundlich model, and the adsorption kinetic model are used to evaluate the adsorption capacity of the porous composite foam. It is of great significance to obtain porous composite with good heavy‐metal adsorption and high‐strength performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for textiles equipped with multiple functionalities is high. This work aimed to develop ultralight versatile protective polyurethane/graphene fabrics with excellent water‐protective, antistatic, UV protection and crocking performance using pad knife coating technology. The prepared fabrics were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The effects of graphene and toluene concentrations on the morphological, water‐protective, electrical, UV protection and crocking properties were evaluated. Results showed that fabrics coated with 3 wt% graphene had better antistatic property (298.3 kV/1.23 s), good water repellency (80%), outstanding water resistance (153 kPa), relatively high water contact angle (103.2°) and modest crocking and mechanical performance (grade 3, 15.06/11.86 N). Furthermore, UV protection abilities increased from 35.71 to 2000, up to fivefold higher than those of previously reported graphene‐based coated fabrics. As a polar solvent, toluene exerted a positive effect on the promotion of molar polarization, improving the antistatic property. The facile coating technology is simple, can be used in versatile protective applications and is suitable for large‐scale production. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonwoven fabrics have been fabricated for oil–water separation, but simplifying the manufacturing processes is still a challenge. In this work, a facile and easily scaled up approach based on thermal bonding and one‐step solution immersion has been successfully developed to prepare nonwoven fabrics with high separation efficiency and flux of oil. Here, polypropylene (PP) and low‐melt‐point polyester (LPET) fibers with a unique sheath–core structure are employed to form PP/LPET nonwoven fabrics. Thermal bonding by hot press and hydrophobic treatment with 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyl‐1‐thiol (PFDT) are used to manufacture oil–water separation nonwoven fabrics. Effects of the ratio of LPET fibers and the concentration of PFDT are discussed in terms of mechanical properties, morphology, surface chemical composition, water contact angle and performance of oil–water separation and flux of the nonwoven fabrics. The results show that the strength of the nonwoven fabrics gradually increases with increasing ratio of LPET fibers. After immersion in PFDT, the nonwoven fabrics show high hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 143°. They can be used to separate oil–water mixtures. The separation efficiency is 97–99% and the oil flux is 62 364.92 L m−2 h−1. This study provides a new prospect for simple introduction of a hydrophobic agent on a nonwoven fabric to achieve various functional oil–water separation materials. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexible polyurethane (PU) foam‐filled composite sandwiches are constructed using three types of needle‐punched fabrics (upper layer), PU foam (core layer), and nylon (bottom layer). Different contents of deionized water were used to adjust the pore size and bulk density of PU foam by free‐foaming. Effects of needle‐punched fabric components, cell structure, and fabric‐foam interface on sound absorption and compressive property of the composite sandwiches were investigated. Fabric‐foam interface contributes to improve high‐frequency sound absorption efficiency. When containing 0.5 wt% water in the core and nylon‐glass grid needle‐punched composite fabric (NPUN‐G) in the upper face, the composite sandwiches exhibited optimal sound absorption of 0.78 at low frequency of 450 Hz, and optimal compressive strength of 14.4 kPa. Combination of needle‐punched composite fabric improved the sound absorption coefficient and compressive strength, as high as 223% and 121%, respectively, compared with pure PU foam. This study provided an important basis for the preparation of high‐strength composite sandwiches with low‐frequency sound absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isocyanate, polyether polyol, a flame retardant (10 wt%), and aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) are used to form the rigid polyurethane (PU) foam, while nylon nonwoven fabrics and a polyester aluminum foil are combined to serve as the panel. The rigid PU foam and panel are combined to form the rigid foam composites. The cell structure, compressive stress, combustion resistance, thermal stability, sound absorption, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the rigid foam composites are evaluated, examining the effects of using aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Compared with magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide exhibits superior performance to the rigid foam composites. When aluminum hydroxide is 20 wt%, the rigid foam composite has an optimal density of 0.153 g/cm3, an average cell size of 0.2466 mm, a maximum compressive stress of 546.44 Kpa, an optimal limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 29.5%, an optimal EMI SE of 40 dB, and excellent thermal stability and sound absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated composites are subject to delamination. This study aims to address this drawback and obtain structurally stable, lightweight, thin laminated composites through a novel manufacturing method that involves blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), low‐melting polyester (LMPET), and Kevlar. Nonwoven LMPET/Kevlar fabrics are first processed through a nonwoven technique and then combined twice with TPU sheets through the sheet extrusion method. The mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and combustion resistance of the laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites are then evaluated. Results show that LMPET fibers strengthen adhesion between TPU and nonwoven laminates, and the addition of a small amount of TPU increases the peeling strength of the laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites by 1.9‐fold. The distribution of Kevlar fibers enhances the tensile properties and flame resistance of the laminated composites. Specifically, the tensile strength of the laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites reaches 18.85 MPa, and their combustion rate is significantly reduced. The proposed manufacturing design efficiently reduces delamination, thus extending the application range of laminated TPU/LMPET/Kevlar composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E550–E558, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study uses the solution mixing method to combine plasticized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a matrix, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcement to form PVA/MWCNTs films. The films are then laminated and hot pressed to create PVA/MWCNTs composites. The control group of PVA/MWCNTs composites is made by incorporating the melt compounding method. Diverse properties of PVA/MWCNTs composites are then evaluated. For the experimental group, the incorporation of MWCNTs improves the glass transition temperature ( Tg), crystallization temperature, Tc), and thermal stability of the composites. In addition, the test results indicate that composites containing 1.5 wt % of MWCNTs have the maximum tensile strength of 51.1 MPa, whereas composites containing 2 wt % MWCNTs have the optimal electrical conductivity of 2.4 S/cm, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of −31.41 dB. This study proves that the solution mixing method outperforms the melt compounding method in terms of mechanical properties, dispersion, melting and crystallization behaviors, thermal stability, and EMI SE. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43474. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene nano-sheets (GNs) composites are produced via solution mixing and melt compounding methods, where multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are added during process. After that, the test results show that PVA/GNs composites composed of 0.25 wt% GNs possess the optimal tensile strength, while the others composed of 2 wt% GNs have a higher thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). The addition of MWCNTs provides the PVA/GNs composites with better synergy that can enhance the tensile properties, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and EMI SE of composites. In comparison to the melt compounding method, the solution mixing method can yield improved properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study focused on the fabrication and mechanical evaluation of nonwoven reinforced flexible polyurethane foam composites. Effects of perforation ratio, aperture size, and perforation depth on bursting and low-velocity impact responses of perforated composite panels were investigated. The nonwoven fabric used for cover sheet was composed of flame retardant polyester, low-melting point polyester, and recycled Kevlar staple fibers. Blending ratio of Kevlar fiber was confirmed to have relation to mechanical mechanism of cushioning layer. The highest mechanical strength value was obtained at 5 wt % of Kevlar ratio because of the highest cohesive force among recycled Kevlar, flame retardant polyester, and low-melting point polyester fibers was provided at the blending ratio. The perforated high-density flexible polyurethane foam composites panel was adhered with intra-ply hybrid laminates with various areal densities on each face to form sandwich structural composites. The results revealed that perforation ratio and aperture significantly influenced the bursting and low-velocity impact resistance behaviors of the perforated composites panel. Perforated composites with 10% perforation ratio and 4 mm aperture lead to maximum bursting strength of 437 N. Additional hybrid laminates significantly promoted the maximum bursting strength of the semiperforated hybrid composites by 212%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42288. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this study, freezing was used to separate a solute (polymer) and solvent (deionized water). The polymer in the ice crystals was then crosslinked with solvents, and this diminished the linear pores to form a porous structure. Gelatin and chitosan were blended and frozen, after which crosslinking agents were added, and the whole was frozen again and then freeze-dried to form chitosan/gelatin porous bone scaffolds. Stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, compressive strength testing, porosity testing, in vitro biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity were used to evaluate the properties of the bone scaffolds. The test results show that both crosslinking agents, glutaraldehyde (GA) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide, were able to form a porous structure. In addition, the compressive strength increased as a result of the increased crosslinking time. However, the porosity and cell viability were not correlated with the crosslinking times. The optimal porous and interconnected pore structure occurred when the bone scaffolds were crosslinked with GA for 20 min. It was proven that crosslinking the frozen polymers successfully resulted in a division of the linear pores, and this resulted in interconnected multiple pores and a compressively strong structure. The 48-h cytotoxicity did not affect the cell viability. This study successfully produced chitosan/gelatin porous materials for biomaterials application. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41851. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The current study focused on fabrication and mechanical evaluation of intra/interply hybrid laminates -reinforced high-density flexible foam composites. The effects of composite thickness and expansion factor on the tensile and compressive characterization of the hybrid -laminated composites were experimentally investigated. Double face sheets were made of high-strength intra/interply hybrid laminates containing recycled Kevlar nonwovens and glass woven fabric. The results revealed that the hybrid laminates face sheet apparently promoted the tensile strength and tear resistance of the high -density flexible polyurethane foam. Tearing resistance in perpendicular direction exceeded more than twice the value in parallel direction. In terms of dynamic cushioning properties, cushioning force increased with the increase in composite thickness and the decrease in expansion factor , whereas the cushioning capacity loss, however, showed a different trend with the variation of the parameters. Most samples buffered more than 95% incident force under dynamic loading. Composite thickness and expansion factor exhibited significant influence on compression and indentation properties, including hardness, initial hardness factor , and indentation modulus. Except the composites with 10 mm thickness, the intra/interply hybrid laminated composites exhibited hysteresis loss of indentation force deflection ranging from approximately 30 to 38%, which was due to the fiber and thermal bonding point failure of hybrid laminates as unrecoverable damage. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41438. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this study, flame-retarding property of PU foam was realized by compounding with flame-retarding nonwovens in order to stop flame burning and spread. Followed with global warming, thermal-insulating materials are also used inside of building for energy conservation. This article presents preparation technique and property evaluation of PU composite board composed of composite nonwovens and PU foam by integrating foaming process. By optimization of composite nonwoven, effects of foam density and nonwoven composition on flame-retarding and thermal-insulating properties were discussed. Puncture resistance property of composite board was also investigated for resisting against sharp-object impacts. The resultant composite board would be applied as partition materials in future building decoration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40463. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining photodynamic antimicrobials with nonwovens is prospective. However, common photosensitizers still have drawbacks such as poor photoactivity and the inability to charge. In this study, a photodynamic and high‐efficiency antimicrobial protective material was prepared by grafting bis benzophenone‐structured 4,4‐terephthaloyl diphthalic anhydride (TDPA) photosensitizer, and antimicrobial agent chlorogenic acid (CA) onto spunbond‐meltblown‐spunbond (SMS) membranes. The charging rates for ·OH and H2O2 were 6377.89 and 913.52 μg/g/h. The light absorption transients structural storage remained above 69% for 1 month. High electrical capacity remained after seven cycles indicating its rechargeability and recyclability. The SMS/TDPA/CA membrane has excellent bactericidal performance when under illumination or lightless conditions, and the bactericidal efficiency of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reached over 99%. The construction of self‐disinfection textiles based on the photodynamic strategies proposed in this paper is constructive for expanding and promoting the application of textile materials in the medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shear thickening fluid (STF) features a rheological property, and rigid polyurethane (PU) foams feature low thermal conductivity and excellent acoustic insulation. In this study, an STF/PU rigid foam composite sandwich structure was designed using different contents (0, 0.5, 1, or 1.5 wt %) of STF that contained 14 nm, 40 nm, or 75 nm silicon dioxide (SiO2). The effects of STF content and silica size on the cell structure, mechanical performance, acoustic absorption, and thermal performance of the STF/PU foam were explored. The test results show that STF/PU foam exhibited three characteristic acoustic absorption peaks, and the maximum acoustic absorption coefficient reached 0.841. STF addition increased compression, bending strength, and maximum acoustic coefficient, as well as initial mass loss temperature. STF‐filled PU foam composites containing 14 nm and 40 nm SiO2 had a mild rise in thermal insulation. The rigid STF/PU foam composites with a cell structure had the maximum thermal conductivity of 0.22 W m−1 K−1 and sound absorption coefficient of 0.841, which confirm that they are a good candidate for sound‐absorbing energy conservation materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47359. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine wastewater has a high concentration of organic matter, suspended solids, and higher ammonia nitrogen, odor, complex polluting ingredients, and large emissions. A two-chambered cubic microbial fuel cell ( MFC) was used to evaluate the effect of a novel three-dimensional ( 3D) electrode made of 3D iron composites and 3D stainless composites on the electricity generation. Swine wastewater with a total chemical oxygen demand ( TCOD) of 3688 ± 300 mg/L was used as the feedstock in the anode chamber. The MFC reactor was incubated with an initial pH of 7.0 in an air shaker with a temperature of ~35°C and 100 rpm in the fed-batch mode. A fixed external resistance ( R) of 100 Ω was connected between the electrodes, and the closed-circuit potentials of the MFCs were recorded every 5 min. The results showed that using an iron-carbon fiber composite 3D electrode resulted in a peak electricity generation of 321 mV on the first 2 days and maintained a stable voltage of 163 mV during the second to sixth days. The COD removal efficiency could reach 75%. Using a stainless-carbon fiber 3D electrode could generate a peak voltage of only 29.5 mV and a stable voltage of 15.2 mV with a COD removal efficiency of 54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]