COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Optimized design on bonding and microwave absorption properties of MWCNT—NH₂ reinforced epoxy adhesive

ZHENG Kunpeng, WANG Juntao, LIU Zetong, HAO Jingye, SHI Jianheng, CHEN Dingding

2025, 0(10): 1-5. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.001

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The design and preparation of functionalized composite structures often require adhesives with both mechanical properties and excellent electrical performance. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and surface-aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT—NH₂) were used as reinforcing fillers to investigate the effects of their contents and surface amination on the bonding and microwave absorption properties of epoxy adhesives. Results show that MWCNT significantly regulate the adhesive properties: with increasing content, the bonding strength exhibits a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, while the microwave absorption performance gradually enhances. Surface amination modification improves the interfacial compatibility between MWCNT—NH₂ and the epoxy matrix, thereby significantly optimizing the bonding performance. However, the introduction of surface functional groups alters the electronic structure of MWCNT—NH₂ and disrupts the conductive network, resulting in a substantial decline in the microwave absorption performance of the MWCNT—NH₂-modified adhesive compared to that of the unaminated MWCNT system.

A multi-channel sensor-based system for inverting the deformation of variable curvature structures

WANG Tianxiao, LI Xuyang, GUO Xiaogang

2025, 0(10): 6-12. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.002

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The extensive application of carbon fiber composite materials has put forward higher demands on deformation monitoring technology. The current commonly used non-contact/contact deformation monitoring technologies are difficult to simultaneously meet the requirements of global deformation monitoring and real-time performance. Based on the Ko theory, this paper combines the working principle of strain sensors to construct a continuous bending deformation inversion theoretical framework. Through the spatial circular arc interpolation method, a visualization curve reflecting the deformation characteristics is obtained. In combination with the application requirements of the deformation inversion theory, a multi-channel sensor is developed. The sensor integrates 7 sensing units and an integrated plug-in gold finger interface. Each individual sensing unit has sensing performance comparable to commercial strain gauges. The measurement of circular rings with different geometric dimensions using the multi-channel sensor proves that the curvature radius error of the sensing results is less than 2.5%. Finally, the deformation inversion system is used to test the deformation states of the simulated wing trailing edge structure. The inversion results show a high degree of consistency with the actual deformation results.

The application prospects of MOFs containing functional groups in liquid-phase adsorption and the application prospects of the composite of MOFs containing functional groups and smart substrates

SU Yuxing, LAN Xin, ZHANG Dawei

2025, 0(10): 13-21. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.003

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In recent years, the adsorption of impurities in liquid-phase systems has received increasing attention due to prominent environmental and other issues. Since the adsorbents in liquid-phase adsorption, whether ions or molecules, all have their own characteristics, targeted adsorbents are required for the adsorption of different types of adsorbents. Metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) are widely used due to their good specific surface area and abundant reaction sites. Further, MOFs with functional groups can be more specifically customized for adsorbents with their own characteristics. That is, such MOFs containing functional groups can often become targeted adsorbents, enabling high efficiency and low cost. This article focuses on MOFs containing functional groups, comprehensively summarizes the approaches for introducing functional groups, as well as the ways in which different types of groups achieve targeted adsorption of adsorbates. Finally, the selection strategies of MOFs and adsorbents containing functional groups were proposed. This strategy enables the structural analysis of specific adsorbates, thereby guiding the selection of MOFs with appropriate functional groups for adsorption. However, the inherent powder form of MOFs limits their applications, compositing them with suitable smart substrates can overcome this limitation. In the future, MOFs/smart substrate composites have significant development potential.

Effects of the polyurethane sizing agent on surface and its interfacial properties for the aramid fiber

DENG Zhikang, ZHANG Peng, KONG Haijuan, YU Muhuo

2025, 0(10): 22-27. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.004

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Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) sizing agent was used to modify aramid fiber (AF) and improve the interfacial bonding properties for AF and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin. The structure, surface element composition and morphology of AF were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that WPU sizing agent was successfully coated on the AF surface. The effects of WPU content on the surface energy, interlaminar shear strength of aramid fibers and TPU were studied. It is found can improve the surface roughness and surface energy of fiber surface with various WPU content. When the content of WPU sizing agent is 0.8wt%, the surface energy of WPU-AF is increased by 28.91%, while the interlaminar shear strength is 32.7 MPa, increased by 37.9%.

Gradient design and ballistic performance of hybrid fiber composites

ZHANG Huihui, QIN Bin, DONG Fangdong

2025, 0(10): 28-33. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.005

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This study investigated the influence of gradient design on the ballistic performance of aramid fiber and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber hybrid composites. Five gradient schemes with varying UHMWPE content (corresponding to 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 layers) were designed, with the total areal density strictly controlled below (6±0.05) kg/m² for all configurations. Ballistic tests were conducted, utilizing both aramid and UHMWPE as the impact faces, to systematically analyze the effects of fiber content and stacking sequence on the ballistic limit velocity V₅₀ and ballistic performance index (BPI) of the laminates. Based on the experimental data, a cubic nonlinear regression quantitative relationship model (R²>99%) between fiber content and ballistic performance is established,which provides a scientific basis for the gradient design of hybrid fiber composites and the development of ballistic protection equipment.

Effect of resin properties and preparation processes on the anti-elastic properties of UHMWPE fiber/waterborne polyurethane composites

ZHOU Ziyan, ZHAI Wen, DONG Bin, WEI Rubin

2025, 0(10): 34-40. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.006

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Using waterborne polyurethane as matrix and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber as reinforcement, unidirectional and orthogonal composite soft bulletproof layer was prepared. Based on ballistic penetration test and non-destructive testing, the effects of resin modulus, resin content, fiber development degree and other technological parameters on the elastic resistance of the soft bulletproof layer of advanced composites were studied. The results show that the UHMWPE composites prepared with low resin content, low modulus resin and proper placement rate present better ballistic penetration performance. The low resin content increases the fiber proportion, resulting in more fiber bearing capacity per unit surface density. The low modulus resin can reduce the stiffness of the composite, allowing more fibers to pull out and break in the affected area. Although the faster arrangement rate can improve the production efficiency, it will generate more tension and damage the fiber during the production process. By analyzing the influence of various factors on the ballistic properties of composites, the technological parameters of ballistic composites can be better designed and the soft bulletproof layer of advanced composites can be prepared.

Finite element analysis of 2D/3D fabric architecture on ballistic performance of armor-grade panel

YANG Yanfei, WANG Yi, LIU Junzhi, CAO Wanwan

2025, 0(10): 41-52. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.007

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In comparison with the common two-dimensional (2D) fabric reinforced composite panel, the three-dimensional (3D) angle-interlock fabric possesses the binding warp yarns through the thickness direction, which not only exhibits obvious better interlayer delamination resistance, but also displayed excellent mouldability for the curved surface, which can be applied for complex doubly-curved shapes without cutting. However, it is still not fully understood that the mechanisms of different fibers assembly structures of fabrics on ballistic energy absorption of composite target plates. In this study, several 3D and 2D fabrics with the same areal weight and weave density, but with different weaves were manufactured and processed into the laminated panels. Ballistic tests and finite element (FE) simulation are used for investigation. Experimental results show that for a given areal weight of fabric and weave density of yarns, the angle-interlock fabric (TW₄) displayed similar energy absorption as the four-layer twill fabric (TW₄), but lower than that of the four-layer plain fabric (PW₄) with the same yarn count. Fabric laminated panel exhibited the same trend. FE results show that in the 3D angle-interlock fabric, the stress wave velocity is faster in the straight warp and weft yarns in comparison with the 2D fabric. The binding warp yarns in the 3D angle-interlock fabricare prone to failure earlier due to even higher crimp ratio, which result in less energy dissipation.

Study on the influence of graphene on the creep behavior of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers

JIANG Bo, WANG Zhengwei, CHENG Feng, ZHAO Lili, WANG Qingna, CAO Yiru, LI Jie, SU Jiakai

2025, 0(10): 53-59. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.008

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UHMWPE fibers with graphene content ranging from 0% to 15% were prepared via a twin-screw extruder. The creep strain and creep rate of the fibers were measured using constant-load creep tests, and the creep behavior was predicted using the Burgers model. The results showed that as the graphene content increased from 0% to 8%, the fiber’s creep resistance improved. Within the initial 7.5 s of loading, the creep strain ε_7.5 decreased from 2.23% to 1.41%, and the creep rate dε_7.5 dropped from 0.28 s^-1 to 0.19 s^-1. During the stable loading stage, the creep strain ε_{12 000} fell from 7.95% to 3.86%, and the creep rate dε_{12 000} decreased from 3.67×10^-4 s^-1 to 1.83×10^-4 s^-1. However, when the graphene content exceeded 8%, fiber agglomeration reduced the creep resistance. Agglomeration also inhibited the formation of extended-chain crystals of polyethylene macromolecules, causing the peak temperatures of the fiber’s first and second endothermic peaks to decline. The Burgers model could predict the creep behavior of fibers with different graphene contents well, with a mean square error between the predicted and experimental results below 0.06. As the graphene content increased, the model’s elastic modulus (E_M, E_K) and viscosity (η_M, η_K) parameters rose significantly, confirming graphene’s inhibition on polymer chain slippage. As the graphene content increased, the fiber’s elastic modulus rose from 130.3 GPa for pure fibers to 210.3 GPa for fibers with 15% graphene content. When the graphene content exceeded 8%, the experimental values of fiber elastic modulus were lower than the theoretical predictions of the Mori-Tanaka model.

Advances in the application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers in ballistic and blast-resistant composite materials

ZHAO Lili, JIANG Bo, ZHAO Liang, CAO Yiru, SU Jiakai, LIU Meina

2025, 0(10): 60-67. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.009

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Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers have become a core component in ballistic and blast-resistant composite materials due to their high specific strength, lightweight nature, and excellent energy absorption capabilities. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the properties of UHMWPE fibers and their critical role in the protective mechanisms of composite materials. It systematically reviews recent advances and performance optimization strategies in key application areas such as ceramic composite armor, metal-based laminated structures, and hybrid systems. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative strategies—such as advanced surface functionalization, biomimetic gradient/multiscale architectures, and multifunctional integration—that have led to breakthroughs in enhancing interfacial strength, energy absorption efficiency, and resistance to multiple impacts. Despite significant progress, intrinsic challenges remain, including the material’s limited thermal resistance, the lack of core domestic production technologies for high-end fibers, and the need for cross-scale simulation and standardized evaluation systems. Future development trends are expected to focus on smart responsive composites, green and sustainable manufacturing, and integrated multifunctional materials.

Application of polyborosiloxane shear-shickening gel in bulletproof and explosion-proof fields

SU Jiakai, JIANG Bo, LIU Meina, RONG Zhizong, CAO Yiru, ZHAO Lili

2025, 0(10): 68-72. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.010

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Polyborosiloxane shear-thickening gel (PBS-STG) is an intelligent material that combines shear-thickening properties with high stability. Its unique dynamic cross-linked network structure enables rapid hardening under high-speed impact, effectively absorbing energy and dispersing impact forces, while maintaining softness and lightweight characteristics under static conditions. This article systematically analyzes the molecular structure and properties of polyborosiloxane, as well as the principle of bulletproof and explosion-proof effects, and focuses on exploring its application status in the fields of bulletproof vests, bulletproof armor, explosion-proof glass, explosion-proof clothing, explosion-proof containers, and shields. By integrating the latest research advances, this study also summarizes existing technical bottlenecks and future development directions, providing insights for the design of high-performance protective materials.

Performance study of single-component waterborne epoxy resin-based ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber composites

SHEN Quanjin, ZHOU Sumeng, OUYANG Shaoping

2025, 0(10): 73-76. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.011

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A one-component waterborne epoxy resin (WER) suitable for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber non-woven fabric was synthesized. Unidirectional (UD) orthogonal non-woven fabric and composite panels were prepared using a winding-composite-hot pressing process. The resin’s resistance to high/low temperatures and aging properties were investigated, along with the storage stability of WER-based UHMWPE non-woven fabrics under accelerated aging tests. The mechanical performance of composite panels at different temperatures and the ballistic limit V₅₀ value were also studied. The results indicate that the epoxy resin exhibits favorable high temperature resistance, the tensile shear strength of WRE resin is maintained at a high level at 80 ℃,and at a low temperature of -40 ℃, the performance does not decrease compared with the normal temperature state. Through accelerated aging simulations and calculations using the Arrhenius equation, the epoxy adhesive demonstrates performance attenuation after approximately 279 days in a 23 ℃ environment. The WER-based non-woven fabric displays excellent storage stability, maintaining stable performance for about 117 days under 23 ℃ conditions. Evaluated through V₅₀ ballistic testing, the ballistic performance of WER matrix composites was almost unchanged after 400 h with testing under double 85 conditions.

Study on the influence of interface structure on the propagation of impact stress waves in composite materials

TANG Bo

2025, 0(10): 77-82. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.012

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Composite materials are widely used in the field of ballistic and explosion prevention due to their excellent overall toughness and impact resistance, and the internal stress wave propagation of composite materials is very important to their impact resistance. The finite element software is used to study the effect of different interface structures and structural parameters on the stress wave propagation of the impact material composed of two layers of composite materials under the impact load generated by explosion. The results show that the impact load generated by explosion continues to propagate in the form of stress wave when reaching the composite material. When arriving at the interface, the stress wave will be reflected and transmitted due to different wave impedances of materials on both sides. Compared with the flat interface, the triangle interface has stronger attenuation effect on the stress wave. With the decrease of the angle of triangular interface, the peak value of stress wave reaching the second layer of composite decreases gradually. Under the same angle, the peak value of stress wave decreases first and then increases with the increase of interface thickness. This research is important in the field of ballistic and explosion protection.

Ultrasonic intelligent testing technology for sandwich honeycomb composite structure of aircraft horizontal tail

TU Simin, CHEN Zhenhua, ZHANG Junyan, TU Dongkun, XU Yunlin, LU Chao

2025, 0(10): 83-90. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.013

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The honeycomb composite structure of aircraft horizontal tail has large size, complex material structure and high quality requirements. The water-jet ultrasonic focusing imaging detection technology can realize the imaging detection of honeycomb structure. The evaluation of a large number of detected images depends on the rich engineering experience and high-intensity work of technicians, which inevitably leads to poor evaluation reliability due to the influence of subjective factors. Therefore, an intelligent recognition technology of ultrasonic C-scan detection image of honeycomb composite material of aircraft horizontal tail based on deep learning network is proposed. Firstly, the C-scan detection image of the horizontal tail of the aircraft is collected by the water-jet ultrasonic focusing detection method, and the data set of the ultrasonic detection image of the horizontal tail of the aircraft is constructed and expanded. Secondly, based on the amplitude distribution of the detection signal corresponding to the detection image, the detection image is divided into three target area categories according to the degree of bonding integrity. Thirdly, the Faster R-CNN network is constructed and optimized to form an intelligent recognition network for small feature changes in the ultrasonic C-scan area of honeycomb composite structures. Finally, the performance of the intelligent recognition model was measured by experimental methods to verify its ability to evaluate the ultrasonic C-scan images of honeycomb structures. The research results show that the average accuracy of the intelligent model based on deep learning for the classification and recognition of honeycomb composite materials reaches 88.2%, and the average accuracy of the worst bonding area (three class of region) can reach 91.9%, which can be used for classification and statistics of ultrasonic C-scan detection images of honeycomb composite structures.

Numerical analysis of the impact behavior of composite casing with bolted structures

ZHENG Jingbo, WEI Lin, CHI Xue, LIU Lulu, ZHAO Zhenhua, CHEN Wei

2025, 0(10): 91-96. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.014

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In order to obtain the containment capability of the composite casing with bolted structures, the numerical analysis of the impact behavior of the bolted structures was carried out by using the simulated blade projectiles in the simulation software. It was found that: the simulated blade projectiles were rebounded impacting the 6 mm thick bolted connection structure of laminates with three different layups of [45/0/-45/90]_12S, [-45/-0/45/90]_12S and [90/45/0]_16S and metal plate at 130 m/s, 150 m/s and 165 m/s impact velocity, respectively. The simulated blade projectiles penetrated the laminates with the impact velocity of 180 m/s. As the impact velocity increases, the value of energy absorbed by the laminates during the impact process is larger, and the damage is more serious. Under the containment condition, the laminates with [45/0/-45/90]_12S layup has the best energy absorption and impact resistance ability. Under the impact of the simulated blades, a large area of fiber breakage and delamination damage occurr in the laminates, which is mainly concentrated at the blade impact location and at the chamfered corners of the mounting edges. The screws of the two middle-most bolts of the structure are subjected to high stresses during impact and plastic deformation occur.

Study on the bending performance of three-dimensional braided composite hat-stiffened single-ribbed panels

LUO Hui, LI Qianqian, LI Wei

2025, 0(10): 97-104. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.015

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Preforms of hat-stiffened single-ribbed structures with skin-to-stringer braiding row ratios of 3∶5, 4∶4, 5∶3, and 6∶2 were fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) braiding technology. It is then cured by the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The influence of variations in the number of braiding rows between the skin and the stringer on the bending performance and failure process of 3D braided hat-stiffened single-ribbed panels is analyzed through four-point bending tests combined with three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC). The results indicate that the panel with a braiding row ratio of 4∶4 exhibits the highest load-bearing capacity, while the panel with a ratio of 3∶5 demonstrates the best resistance to bending deformation. During bending,stress concentration and cracking occur at the interface between the web and flange of the 3D braided hat-stiffened single-ribbed panel. The cracking at this junction has no significant impact on the overall load-bearing capacity,and the reduction in load-bearing capacity of the ribbed panel is primarily caused by brittle fracture of the skin. These findings provide a reference for the structural design of 3D braided hat-stiffened single-ribbed panels.

The investigation of composite material envelope curing deformation affected by layout structure and cementing

GAO Xiang, HU Jiandong, XIE Xiaolin, LI Wenbo, WANG Ziqiang, AN Lin

2025, 0(10): 105-113. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.016

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The design of stringer arrangement structure not only affects the mechanical properties of aircraft envelope, but also affects the curing deformation during forming. Therefore, it is very important to study the influence of stringer arrangement structure and cementing effect on aircraft envelope forming. In this paper, curing degree,glass transition temperature, internal stress, and strain changing over time have been analyzed based on simulation, more over comparing the influence of hat section stringer layout structure and cementing effect on residual internal stress and curing deformation of composite skin and verified by experiment. The results indicate that, the stress increases rapidly as composite material envelope cured. It will exceed 49.1 MPa after demoding, and further extend to 51.7 MPa while the cementing effect is taken into account. The curing deformation along the length and width change slightly, range from 0.19~0.31 mm, primarily influenced by cure shrinkage. However, the warping deformation of the envelope is influenced by the combined effect of mold bonding and stringer cementing, and the stringer cementing having a more significant impact. As the cementing area decreases, the warping deformation decreases from 2.50 mm to 1.19 mm, and the deformation distribution becomes more uniform. By contrast, the middle stringer has a greater impact on warping deformation and more pronounced stress concentration than outer stringer.

A brief review of the automated lay-up processing property of thermosetting prepregs tackiness

LU Kangyi, FENG Bin

2025, 0(10): 114-122. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.017

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Automated lay-up of prepregs is a crucial processing technique for manufacturing high-performance composites in aerospace industry. The quality, efficiency, and stability of automated lay-up is significantly influenced by the processing properties of prepregs, which are commonly evaluated by tackiness and drapability. This article provides a description of the formation of prepreg tackiness and an analysis of internal and external influencing factors as well as the mechanism. The major quantitative testing methods for tackiness and the domestic current progress in manufacturers and applications are summarized. And the application prospect on prepreg tackiness is outlined.

Study on the influencing factors of Z-shaped partition frame roll forming defects in aviation composite fuselage

SUN Daoping, YUE Guangquan, LIU Weiping, LI Zhefu, SONG Qinghua, LU Xin

2025, 0(10): 123-132. DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20251028.018

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In this paper, Z-shaped frame parts with curvature and complex structure were prepared by the automatic roll forming technology of composite materials. However, during the roll forming process, the prepreg is subjected to complex thermal/mechanical effects, resulting in defects such as in-plane buckling or out of plane wrinkles in the frame. In this paper, different process parameters and structure parameters were analyzed theoretically and studied experimentally. The effects of temperature, speed and lay-up structure on the formation of defects were discussed through defect observation and characterization. The temperature affects the state of the resin in the prepreg, which affects the change of the slip mechanism and leads to the defects. The velocity determines the sufficiency of structural response of prepreg. The change of layering changes the interlayer shear, interlayer slip and friction, and then affects the generation of defects such as wrinkles. The results show that the best roller preforming effect is achieved at the temperature of 50 ℃ and the speed of 50 mm/min. The research results in this paper can provide theoretical guidance for parameter optimization of roller preforming process.

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