Preface

Composites are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties which remain separate and distinct within the finished structure. Basically, they can be categorized into two major types, i.e., structural composites with outstanding mechanical properties and functional composites with various outstanding physical, chemical or electrochemical properties. They have been widely used in a wide variety of products, e.g., advanced spacecraft and aircraft components, boat and scull hulls, sporting goods, sensor/actuator, catalysts and pollution processing materials, biomedical materials, and batteries, etc.

This book focuses on the fabrication, properties and their evaluation or modelling in various composites, e.g., the recently developed nanocomposites. The book has been divided into five parts, which deal with: functional and structural nanocomposites, numerical and theoretical modelling of various damages in textile and long fiber reinforced composites, design, processing and manufacturing technologies and their effects on mechanical properties of composites, characterization of mechanical and physical properties of various composites, and metal and ceramic matrix composites, respectively.

A list of chapters is given below along with short descriptions by providing a glimpse on the content of each chapter.

#### **Part 1. Nanocomposites**

*Chapter 1. Graphene-Boron Nitride Composite: A Material with Advanced Functionalities*  In this chapter, thermodynamics stability and electronic properties of boron nitridegraphene nanocomposite have been presented. Among several possible isomers, stability of a desired composite are discussed and analysed.

#### *Chapter 2. Graphene Nanocomposites*

This chapter focuses on the recent development in the research field of graphene and graphene-polymer nanocomposites. The description of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of graphene and graphene-polymer nanocomposites have been presented along with the detailed discussion on the influences of some important

#### X Preface

factors. Some fabrication techniques of graphene-polymer nanocomposites are also briefly introduced.

Preface XI

This chapter presents a comprehensive description on the resin transfer molding (RTM), which is one of the most promising technologies available today. The properties of the composites prepared by RTM and their current applications in the aerospace field are

The main focus of this book chapter is on a new concept for establishing virtual laboratories which is based on a 'netcentric' approach. In this approach, a netcentric virtual laboratory is a system considered as a part of devices, information and services, etc., that are interconnected by the internet. Accessing the system enables the possibility to conduct virtual experiments by means of designing and evaluating

In this chapter, the erosion and corrosion properties of composites made from polyester resin-matrix and Kevlar reinforced fiber and ramie reinforced fiber are

In this chpater, the influence of both rubber blends and rubber composites on the tire safety is explored. The special attention is paid to the influence of breaker angle on tire deformation and potential risks resulting from improper breaker construction and

In this chapter, friction coefficient and wear rate of different types of polymer and composite materials sliding against steel counterface are described. Effects of duration of rubbing, normal load, sliding speed, vertical vibration, horizontal vibration, natural

*Chapter 15. Frequency-dependent effective material parameters of composites as a function of* 

This chapter provides a comprehensive review on the theoretical background for modeling frequency-dependent permittivity and permeability of composites, especially by focusing on available mixing rules along with the analysis of their

*Chapter 16. Light Weight Composites Structure of Beetle Forewing and Its Mechanical Properties*  In this chapter, the light weight composites structure of beetle forewing, its mechanical properties and their applications are dealt with. Moreover, a new type of lightweight biomimetic composite that is more complicated and delicate than the present

*Chapter 13. The Chosen Aspects of Rubber Composite Influence on the Tire Safety* 

focused on from the aspects of both numerical and experimental explorations.

**Part 3 Design, Processing, and Manufacturing Technologies** 

*Chapter 11. Netcentric Virtual Laboratories for Composite Materials* 

*Chapter 10. Advanced Resin Transfer Molding in Aerospace* 

composite materials and their associating properties.

**Part 4 Mechanical and Physical Properties of Composites** 

reported by performing a massive amount of experiments.

*Chapter 14. Friction and Wear of Polymer and Composites* 

frequency of vibration on friction coefficient are explored.

advantages and drawbacks for particular applications.

honeycomb structure is presented.

rubber blend.

*inclusion shape* 

*Chapter 12. Characterizations of Environmental Composites* 

## *Chapter 3. Properties of MWNT-containing Polymer Composite Materials Depending on Their Structure*

In this chapter, the electrical and electromagnetic properties of polymethylmethacrylate and polystyrene matrix based composites using multiwall carbon nanotubes as fillers are investigated and discussed in detail.

*Chapter 4. C/Li2MnSiO4 Nanocomposite Cathode Material for Li-ion Batteries* 

In this chapter, synthesis of C/Li2MnSiO4 nanocomposite and investigation of its structural and electrochemical properties have been presented. Excellent electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties of this new nanocomposite are confirmed, leading to its hopeful use in Li-ion batteries.

## **Part 2 Damages and Fractures-Theoretical and Numerical Modelling**

#### *Chapter 5. Biaxial Tensile Strength Characterization of Textile Composite Materials*

This chapter presents a review of biaxial testing methods and some important experimental techniques developed and the corresponding results obtained by the authors to address the issue of accurate strength prediction of textile composites.

#### *Chapter 6. Modelling of Fracture of Anisotropic Composite Materials under Dynamic Loads*

This chapter presents a powerful numerical approach for simulating the impact problems of composites with foreign objects, by considering various complex damage phenomena. This approach is further applied to investigate the properties of composites in impact processes.

#### *Chapter 7. Finite Element Implementation of Failure and Damage Simulation in Composite Plates*

The review on several powerful numerical approaches for modelling and simulating the delamination propagation in laminated composite materials has been presented, and a new damage model is further proposed with the numerical verifications.

#### *Chapter 8. Numerical Modelling of Damage Evolution and Failure Behavior of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Composites*

The chapter comprehensively presents a work about an authors' model for simulating the damage evolution of continuous fiber reinforced composites under cyclically thermomechanical loading.

#### *Chapter 9. Molecular Simulations on Interfacial Sliding of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Alumina Composites*

This chapter focuses on the interfacial mechanical properties between walls in a multiwall carbon nanotube, and between a carbon nanotube (CNT) and an alumina matrix by performing a series of pull-out simulations based on molecular mechanics. The significant contribution of CNT cap area on the pull-out behaviours is emphasized.

#### **Part 3 Design, Processing, and Manufacturing Technologies**

#### *Chapter 10. Advanced Resin Transfer Molding in Aerospace*

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briefly introduced.

*Structure* 

factors. Some fabrication techniques of graphene-polymer nanocomposites are also

*Chapter 3. Properties of MWNT-containing Polymer Composite Materials Depending on Their* 

In this chapter, the electrical and electromagnetic properties of polymethylmethacrylate and polystyrene matrix based composites using multiwall

In this chapter, synthesis of C/Li2MnSiO4 nanocomposite and investigation of its structural and electrochemical properties have been presented. Excellent electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties of this new nanocomposite are confirmed,

This chapter presents a review of biaxial testing methods and some important experimental techniques developed and the corresponding results obtained by the authors to address the issue of accurate strength prediction of textile composites.

*Chapter 6. Modelling of Fracture of Anisotropic Composite Materials under Dynamic Loads*  This chapter presents a powerful numerical approach for simulating the impact problems of composites with foreign objects, by considering various complex damage phenomena. This approach is further applied to investigate the properties of

*Chapter 7. Finite Element Implementation of Failure and Damage Simulation in Composite* 

The review on several powerful numerical approaches for modelling and simulating the delamination propagation in laminated composite materials has been presented,

*Chapter 8. Numerical Modelling of Damage Evolution and Failure Behavior of Continuous* 

The chapter comprehensively presents a work about an authors' model for simulating the damage evolution of continuous fiber reinforced composites under cyclically

*Chapter 9. Molecular Simulations on Interfacial Sliding of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced* 

This chapter focuses on the interfacial mechanical properties between walls in a multiwall carbon nanotube, and between a carbon nanotube (CNT) and an alumina matrix by performing a series of pull-out simulations based on molecular mechanics. The significant contribution of CNT cap area on the pull-out behaviours is emphasized.

and a new damage model is further proposed with the numerical verifications.

carbon nanotubes as fillers are investigated and discussed in detail.

leading to its hopeful use in Li-ion batteries.

composites in impact processes.

*Fiber Reinforced Composites* 

thermomechanical loading.

*Alumina Composites* 

*Plates* 

*Chapter 4. C/Li2MnSiO4 Nanocomposite Cathode Material for Li-ion Batteries* 

**Part 2 Damages and Fractures-Theoretical and Numerical Modelling** 

*Chapter 5. Biaxial Tensile Strength Characterization of Textile Composite Materials* 

This chapter presents a comprehensive description on the resin transfer molding (RTM), which is one of the most promising technologies available today. The properties of the composites prepared by RTM and their current applications in the aerospace field are focused on from the aspects of both numerical and experimental explorations.

#### *Chapter 11. Netcentric Virtual Laboratories for Composite Materials*

The main focus of this book chapter is on a new concept for establishing virtual laboratories which is based on a 'netcentric' approach. In this approach, a netcentric virtual laboratory is a system considered as a part of devices, information and services, etc., that are interconnected by the internet. Accessing the system enables the possibility to conduct virtual experiments by means of designing and evaluating composite materials and their associating properties.

#### **Part 4 Mechanical and Physical Properties of Composites**

#### *Chapter 12. Characterizations of Environmental Composites*

In this chapter, the erosion and corrosion properties of composites made from polyester resin-matrix and Kevlar reinforced fiber and ramie reinforced fiber are reported by performing a massive amount of experiments.

#### *Chapter 13. The Chosen Aspects of Rubber Composite Influence on the Tire Safety*

In this chpater, the influence of both rubber blends and rubber composites on the tire safety is explored. The special attention is paid to the influence of breaker angle on tire deformation and potential risks resulting from improper breaker construction and rubber blend.

#### *Chapter 14. Friction and Wear of Polymer and Composites*

In this chapter, friction coefficient and wear rate of different types of polymer and composite materials sliding against steel counterface are described. Effects of duration of rubbing, normal load, sliding speed, vertical vibration, horizontal vibration, natural frequency of vibration on friction coefficient are explored.

#### *Chapter 15. Frequency-dependent effective material parameters of composites as a function of inclusion shape*

This chapter provides a comprehensive review on the theoretical background for modeling frequency-dependent permittivity and permeability of composites, especially by focusing on available mixing rules along with the analysis of their advantages and drawbacks for particular applications.

*Chapter 16. Light Weight Composites Structure of Beetle Forewing and Its Mechanical Properties*  In this chapter, the light weight composites structure of beetle forewing, its mechanical properties and their applications are dealt with. Moreover, a new type of lightweight biomimetic composite that is more complicated and delicate than the present honeycomb structure is presented.

#### XII Preface

*Chapter 17. Comparative Review Study on Elastic Properties Modelling for Unidirectional Composite Materials* 

This chapter presents an exploration on the effectiveness of various analytical and numerical models for evaluating the effective material properties of fiber reinforced composites.

#### **Part 5. Metal and Ceramic Matrix Composites**

#### *Chapter 18. Manufacturing and Properties of Quartz (SiO2) Particulate Reinforced Al-11.8%Si Matrix Composites*

This chapter describes the process of manufacturing, as well as the properties of quartz-silicon dioxide particulate reinforced LM6 aluminium alloy composites. The tensile strength, impact, hardness, density, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity are explored in detail by conducting mechanical and physical tests.

#### *Chapter 19. YSZ Reinforced Ni-P Composite by Electroless Nickel Co-deposition*

This chapter provides an overview on physical characteristic, e.g., electrical conductivity, of YSZ ceramic reinforced Ni-P matrix composite being fabricated by electroless nickel co-deposition.

#### *Chapter 20. Characterisation of aluminium matrix syntactic foams under static and dynamic loading*

In this chapter, the performance of energy absorption capability for aluminium matrix syntactic foams under static and dynamic loading is explored using experimental and numerical techniques.

#### *Chapter 21. Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Alumina Composite Materials*

This chapter presents a novel processing approach based on the precursor method to fabricate the nanocomposites of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and alumina. The MWCNTs used in this study are modified with an acid treatment, which leads to improved mechanical properties.

#### *Chapter 22. Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites*

In this chapter, fabrication methods, mechanical properties, and industrial applications of different types of metal matrix composites are discussed comprehensively.

#### **Acknowledgements**

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the authors of the chapters in this book for their excellent contributions and for their efforts involved in the publication process. I do believe that the contents in this book will be helpful to many researchers in this field around the world.

**Ning Hu, Ph.D.** 

Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan

XII Preface

*Composite Materials* 

*11.8%Si Matrix Composites* 

electroless nickel co-deposition.

improved mechanical properties.

numerical techniques.

**Acknowledgements** 

in this field around the world.

**Part 5. Metal and Ceramic Matrix Composites** 

composites.

*loading* 

*Chapter 17. Comparative Review Study on Elastic Properties Modelling for Unidirectional* 

This chapter presents an exploration on the effectiveness of various analytical and numerical models for evaluating the effective material properties of fiber reinforced

*Chapter 18. Manufacturing and Properties of Quartz (SiO2) Particulate Reinforced Al-*

This chapter describes the process of manufacturing, as well as the properties of quartz-silicon dioxide particulate reinforced LM6 aluminium alloy composites. The tensile strength, impact, hardness, density, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity are explored in detail by conducting mechanical and physical tests.

This chapter provides an overview on physical characteristic, e.g., electrical conductivity, of YSZ ceramic reinforced Ni-P matrix composite being fabricated by

*Chapter 20. Characterisation of aluminium matrix syntactic foams under static and dynamic* 

In this chapter, the performance of energy absorption capability for aluminium matrix syntactic foams under static and dynamic loading is explored using experimental and

This chapter presents a novel processing approach based on the precursor method to fabricate the nanocomposites of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and alumina. The MWCNTs used in this study are modified with an acid treatment, which leads to

In this chapter, fabrication methods, mechanical properties, and industrial applications

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the authors of the chapters in this book for their excellent contributions and for their efforts involved in the publication process. I do believe that the contents in this book will be helpful to many researchers

Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chiba University,

**Ning Hu, Ph.D.** 

Japan

1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522,

of different types of metal matrix composites are discussed comprehensively.

*Chapter 19. YSZ Reinforced Ni-P Composite by Electroless Nickel Co-deposition* 

*Chapter 21. Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Alumina Composite Materials* 

*Chapter 22. Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites* 

**Section 1** 

**Nanocomposites** 
