- 00393806522232
Carlo Santulli
Università degli studi di Camerino UNICAM, Architecture, Faculty Member
- Carlo Santulli is associate professor of Materials Science and Technology in Università degli Studi di Camerino, wher... moreCarlo Santulli is associate professor of Materials Science and Technology in Università degli Studi di Camerino, where he lectures on materials science, waste management and materials sustainability. His research interests are on composite materials and nanocomposites, natural fibres and sustainable materials, waste upcycling, bio-inspired design and biomimetics.edit
The substitution of synthetic fillers, such as carbon black, with biobased ones in natural rubber (NR) is a trend of interest in view of increased sustainability and exploitation of agroforest waste in the materials sector. In this work,... more
The substitution of synthetic fillers, such as carbon black, with biobased ones in natural rubber (NR) is a trend of interest in view of increased sustainability and exploitation of agroforest waste in the materials sector. In this work, NR was filled with short fibers extracted from Sansevieria cylindrica (SC) leaves of various length (10, 20, 30, or 40 mm) and in different amounts (3, 6, or 10 g per 100 g NR). The 12 different composite combinations obtained are compared among them and with the unfilled NR, as regards properties, such as density, tensile performance, and tear strength. Density was gradually increased by filling the matrix by higher amounts of SC fibers. The introduction of up to 30 g SC fibers enabled strengthening and stiffening the pure matrix, while some decline was indicated by increasing SC fibers content to 40 g. In absolute terms, though, the best tensile performance was offered by the combination including 20 g of 6-mm-long SC fibers, namely resulting in 10.44 MPa tensile strength, 627.6% elongation at break, and 2.36 MPa Young's modulus. The superiority of this combination is confirmed when dealing with tear strength, which was always improved by the introduction of SC yet reached 34.99 N/mm for the composite with 20 g of 6-mm-long fibers. Morphological fracture observation using scanning electron microscope indicated the likeliness of pullout by interference caused when an excessive amount of SC fibers is introduced, showing rather clean fiber surface when separating from the matrix. In general terms, SC/NR composites showed improvement over the pure matrix, yet some interfacial issues need to be addressed by better compatibilization of the natural fibers.
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The importance of environmental education is widely recognized worldwide: an important objective is that the citizens are accustomed to apply the best available practices in their life, while asking the administration and the government... more
The importance of environmental education is widely recognized worldwide: an important objective is that the citizens are accustomed to apply the best available practices in their life, while asking the administration and the government to gradually enforce measures leading to a reduction of the environmental impact and to a more sustainable lifestyle. This requires a formation starting at an early age: however, in Italy the relevant indications from the National Curriculum are still limited and do not suggest explicitly the performance of any practical activity, tailored on the specific school setting. This inadequacy of the Curriculum becomes particularly apparent in cases where other concerns are present, for example the areas in the Marche region affected by the 2016 earthquake: here, the need to resume a day-by-day routine put a kind of "damper" on other questions, such as environmental issues. This had an effect also in children's life: on this question, school needs to take a stand, which is the objective of this study. This work concerns an approach to environmental education in a multi-classes primary school context (age 6-10) in a small village school, located in the Central Apennine in Italy. This is performed through an experience carried out by investigating the behavior towards waste production of the community, as perceived by children at school. It is therefore articulated through the application of 4R (Respect, which encompasses Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) applying and extending the indications from the Italian National Curriculum. The project leads also to an experience of self-production of objects by the use of waste, to improve their awareness of the possibilities included in their upcycling. Feedback on the experience is finally acquired from the children and discussed, especially in the sense of creating future citizens with a more sensible and reasonable behavior towards the environment and leading possibly to zero-waste strategies in their family and work setting. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and different themes about waste production were singled out.
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A possibility increasingly experimented in the field of design to improve end-of-life sustainability is integration of agro-waste into materials. Design can "upcycle" waste, offering perceptive and aesthetical acceptance to objects... more
A possibility increasingly experimented in the field of design to improve end-of-life sustainability is integration of agro-waste into materials. Design can "upcycle" waste, offering perceptive and aesthetical acceptance to objects produced from it. On-field experimentations can foster awareness over the possibility to modify objects lifecycle, avoiding a "use-and-throw" perspective, and exploring the identity of materials in their prospected field of application. This will be aimed at creating a bond between user and objects, based both on function and on affection, also considering the modifications the material can undergo over time, making it adapted to different uses. This practice can have a significant educational value: in particular, this study moves from an experimentation carried out at July and September 2017 by design and materials engineering researchers, with several groups of 15 children, age 8-11, at Museo dei Bambini-Explora in Rome, investigating their "experience" and "creativity" on the topic. Conclusions are also drawn on possible modifications of the step-like procedure to introduce students of all ages to the knowledge of experimental method through the production of DIY bioplastics from waste. This "trial and error" procedure allows reflecting from a play-like point of view on aspects essential for the success of this operation, such as mode of coloration, effect of texture, possibility of obtaining curved or complex shapes, mechanical workability, optimal cooking and aromatization. The consequence of the exercise is customizing materials obtained from waste, with the idea of teaching how an expressive and functional success of the objects produced can make these "resilient" over time, therefore inherently sustainable. This would lead, through a combined and simple teaching of elements of experimental procedure and sustainability, to an awareness of their respective importance in design. The tool for this result is the development of DIY materials. The significance of this experience, which could be applied also in other age ranges, appeared to be to communicate the role of design to improve the perception of materials by transforming them into valuable objects. This proved to be better explained in the challenging case of waste, hence a substance bearing no longer any emotional or functional relation with us, with which this "bond" needs to be rebuilt through an experiential path.
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The importance of environmental education is widely recognized worldwide: an important objective is that the citizens are accustomed to apply the best available practices in their life, while asking the administration and the government... more
The importance of environmental education is widely recognized worldwide: an important objective is that the citizens are accustomed to apply the best available practices in their life, while asking the administration and the government to gradually enforce measures leading to a reduction of the environmental impact and to a more sustainable lifestyle. This requires a formation starting at an early age: however, in Italy the relevant indications from the National Curriculum are still limited and do not suggest explicitly the performance of any practical activity, tailored on the specific school setting. This inadequacy of the Curriculum becomes particularly apparent in cases where other concerns are present, for example the areas in the Marche region affected by the 2016 earthquake: here, the need to resume a day-by-day routine put a kind of "damper" on other questions, such as environmental issues. This had an effect also in children's life: on this question, school needs to take a stand, which is the objective of this study. This work concerns an approach to environmental education in a multi-classes primary school context (age 6-10) in a small village school, located in the Central Apennine in Italy. This is performed through an experience carried out by investigating the behavior towards waste production of the community, as perceived by children at school. It is therefore articulated through the application of 4R (Respect, which encompasses Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) applying and extending the indications from the Italian National Curriculum. The project leads also to an experience of self-production of objects by the use of waste, to improve their awareness of the possibilities included in their upcycling. Feedback on the experience is finally acquired from the children and discussed, especially in the sense of creating future citizens with a more sensible and reasonable behavior towards the environment and leading possibly to zero-waste strategies in their family and work setting. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and different themes about waste production were singled out.
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A thermoplastic starch (TPS) was produced, starting with potato starch, glycerol and acetic acid, to shape it in films of thickness around 100 microns. To TPS iron waste filing particles, in the amount of 12% the weight of starch, were... more
A thermoplastic starch (TPS) was produced, starting with potato starch, glycerol and acetic acid, to shape it in films of thickness around 100 microns. To TPS iron waste filing particles, in the amount of 12% the weight of starch, were introduced in different modalities: as received, reduced in size by the use of a mortar, after treatment with hydrochloric acid, and after treatment and removal of hydrochloric acid. Morphological studies were carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy and illustrated that the dispersion of iron filings was not optimal, though some improvement was observed by a reduced dimension of the particles. Tensile tests indicated the considerable improvement of stiffness offered by the insertion of iron particles to TPS, although the ultimate strain was reduced to less than 10%. Thermal characterization using thermogravimetry allowed revealing the three typical peaks for potato starch degradation, with only a slight decrease due to iron introduction. EDS allowed evaluating the presence of impurities in the iron filings and evidenced that the presence of iron was more effective on the surface than in the rest of the film. As a final consideration, An improvement in electrical conductivity by over an order of magnitude was obtained by the TPS+Fe+HCl film with respect to pure TPS.
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ABSTRACT During the last decade, interest in using natural fibre reinforced composites has increased due to their good specific mechanical properties. The results of an experimental study of the influence of temperature and impact... more
ABSTRACT During the last decade, interest in using natural fibre reinforced composites has increased due to their good specific mechanical properties. The results of an experimental study of the influence of temperature and impact velocity on the low velocity impact response of jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) composite laminates is presented. A series of low velocity impact tests were performed using an instrumented falling weight test system at three different temperatures (30, 50 and 75°C) and two impact velocities (1.5 and 2 m/s). The results indicate that jute/UP composites were able to withstand higher loads when tested at 30°C. The composites were subsequently subjected to three-point bending tests in order to investigate the flexural strength after impact (FAI) and it was found that FAI significantly decreased with increase in test temperature. Impact damage characterised by AE revealed delamination as a major failure mode.
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Damage following static indentation of jute/hemp (50 wt.% total fiber content) hybrid laminates was detected by a number of nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, in particular, near (NIR) and short-wave (SWIR) infrared reflectography... more
Damage following static indentation of jute/hemp (50 wt.% total fiber content) hybrid laminates was detected by a number of nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, in particular, near (NIR) and short-wave (SWIR) infrared reflectography and transmittography, infrared thermography (IRT), digital speckle photography (DSP), and holographic interferometry (HI), to discover and evaluate real defects in a laminate with a complex structure. A comparative study between thermographic data acquired in the mid- (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum bands, by pulsed (PT) and square pulse (SPT) thermography, is reported and analyzed. A thermal simulation by COMSOL
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L'obiettivo di questo lavoro è l'investigazione delle attività dei cattolici fiancheggiatori del fascismo e delle loro relazioni col Partito Popolare. I limiti temporali del lavoro sono l'inizio del... more
L'obiettivo di questo lavoro è l'investigazione delle attività dei cattolici fiancheggiatori del fascismo e delle loro relazioni col Partito Popolare. I limiti temporali del lavoro sono l'inizio del dibattito sulla legge Acerbo (15 luglio 1923) ed il decreto di scioglimento del Partito Popolare (9 novembre 1926), che segna la fine del periodo aventiniano e che rende di fatto impossibile per i cattolici antifascisti continuare l'attività politica.
ABSTRACT Voids in composites have been a perennial problem, since the amount of porosities is deemed to bear a strong relation with the degradation of service performance of laminates. On the other side, the effect of porosity on impact... more
ABSTRACT Voids in composites have been a perennial problem, since the amount of porosities is deemed to bear a strong relation with the degradation of service performance of laminates. On the other side, the effect of porosity on impact resistance of laminates is often dependant on their distribution in the material, especially with respect to the location and severity of impact damage in it. In this study, the influence of void content percentage on the residual flexural strength of CFRP laminates impacted at very low energy, in the region of 1 J, at different temperatures was investigated. Laminates were fabricated using 16 layers of Cycom 977-2 prepreg material in a [0/90/90/0]2S layup with different void contents in the range from 1 to 7% by varying cure conditions. Low velocity impact tests were conducted on three categories of laminates, defined as high pressure cured, low pressure debulked and low pressure non debulked respectively, each of these at ambient temperature (30 °C) and elevated temperatures of 50, 70 and 90 °C. Post-impact residual flexural strength of the laminates was measured by three-point bending tests followed in real time by acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. From the separation of frequency bands and of their amplitude levels, identification of the different failure modes, such as matrix cracking, delamination and fibre failure, was performed. The results indicated that in the case of very low impact energy high porosity laminates, such as non debulked ones, may possess slightly higher residual flexural strength and an enhanced delamination resistance with respect to debulked ones.
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ABSTRACT In the present study, infrared vision and optical nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques were applied for the evaluation of emerging defects after artificially impacting composite materials reinforced with natural fibers. The... more
ABSTRACT In the present study, infrared vision and optical nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques were applied for the evaluation of emerging defects after artificially impacting composite materials reinforced with natural fibers. The samples were manufactured using wool felts and jute fibers inserted in an epoxy matrix. Infrared vision was applied by means of pulsed thermography (PT) and square pulsed thermography (SPT), evaluating two different thermal stimulation procedures; while the algorithms referred to as principal component thermography (PCT) and pulsed phase thermography (PPT) were used in order to enhance the information retrieval from the respective thermographic inspections. For comparison purposes, near-infrared reflectography (NIRR) and transmittography (NIRT), as well as laser speckle imaging techniques were also included. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) imaging technique was used on the laminates both as complementary approach and as reference for future inspections. Two particular zones highlighted by the latter technique were characterized using an XRF spectrophotometer revealing a reverse concentration of the Al, Si and Cl elements. The results produced from the above comparative study confirmed the synergy of the applied techniques and further indicated that the methodology followed in the present research work can be considered as an innovative approach for the characterization of eco-friendly laminates after an impact loading.
ABSTRACT Résumé Ce travail a pour but d’étudier la résistance à l’impact mécanique d’un composite à renfort de chanvre et matrice époxy, ainsi que l’influence de l’endommagement sur sa résistance en traction quasi-statique et en fatigue.... more
ABSTRACT Résumé Ce travail a pour but d’étudier la résistance à l’impact mécanique d’un composite à renfort de chanvre et matrice époxy, ainsi que l’influence de l’endommagement sur sa résistance en traction quasi-statique et en fatigue. Le composite étudié est constitué de 7 plis de renfort tissé de chanvre et le taux volumique de renfort est de 30%. Les tests d’impact ont été réalisés par tour de chute, à trois niveaux d’énergie : 2,5, 5 et 10 J. L’endommagement interne a été caractérisé par microscopie optique. Ces observations ainsi que les résultats des essais d’impact ont été comparés à ceux trouvés dans la littérature pour d’autres composites. Des essais de traction quasi-statique ont été réalisés sur des éprouvettes non impactées et impactées à chaque niveau d’énergie, pour caractériser l’influence de l’impact sur le comportement en traction quasi-statique. Des éprouvettes impactées à 5 J d’énergie ont été soumises à des essais de fatigue, avec R = 0,01, à la fréquence de 1Hz et pour trois niveaux de contrainte maximale : 80%, 60% et 40% de la contrainte maximale en traction quasi-statique. Le comportement en fatigue a été comparé à celui des éprouvettes non impactées et les endommagements ont été suivis par émission acoustique. Abstract The purpose of this work is to study the resistance to low velocity impact of woven hemp/epoxy composite and the influence of impact damage on its residual strength in tensile and fatigue loading. The composite consists of 7 plies of woven hemp fabric and the volume fraction of reinforcement is 35%. A falling dart testing machine was used to perform impact tests at three energy levels: 2.5, 5 and 10 J. Internal damage was characterized by optical microscopy. These observations and the impact tests results were compared to those found in the literature for other composites. Static tensile tests were performed on non-impacted and impacted specimens at each energy level to characterize the influence of the impact on the static tensile behaviour. Other specimens were impacted at 5 J and were tested in fatigue with R = 0.01, at frequency of 1Hz for three levels of maximum stress: 80%, 60% and 40% of the ultimate tensile stress. The fatigue behaviour was compared to that of non-impacted specimens and damage was monitored by acoustic emission.
ABSTRACT The purpose of this work is to study the resistance to low velocity impact of woven hemp/epoxy matrix composites and the influence of impact damage on their residual quasi-static tensile and cyclic fatigue strengths. Impact... more
ABSTRACT The purpose of this work is to study the resistance to low velocity impact of woven hemp/epoxy matrix composites and the influence of impact damage on their residual quasi-static tensile and cyclic fatigue strengths. Impact characteristic parameters were evaluated and critically compared to those found in the literature for other similar composites. Damage mechanisms were analysed by using AE monitoring and microscopic observations. An analytical model is used to predict the fatigue lifetime of impacted specimens. Moreover a damage scenario is proposed, reduced to two phases in post-impacted fatigue behaviour, instead of three phases for non impacted specimens.
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Keratins extracted from Merino wool (KM) and Brown Alpaca fibres (KA) by sulphitolysis and commercial hydrolyzed keratins (KH) were used as fillers in poly(l-lactic) acid based biocomposites processed by solvent casting in chloroform.... more
Keratins extracted from Merino wool (KM) and Brown Alpaca fibres (KA) by sulphitolysis and commercial hydrolyzed keratins (KH) were used as fillers in poly(l-lactic) acid based biocomposites processed by solvent casting in chloroform. Different contents (1 wt.% and 5 wt.%) of keratins were considered and the morphological, thermal, mechanical, chemical and biological behaviours of the developed PLLA biocomposites were investigated. The results confirmed that surface morphologies of biocomposites revealed specific round-like surface topography function of different microsized keratin particles in different weight contents, such as the analysis of bulk morphologies which confirmed a phase adhesion strictly dependent by the keratin source. Transparency and thermal responses were deeply affected by the presence of the different keratins and their interaction with the PLLA matrix. Tensile test results underlined the possibility to modulate the mechanical behaviour of PLLA selecting the keratin type and content in order to influence positively the elastic and/or plastic response. It was demonstrated that surface characteristics of PLLA/KA systems also influenced the bovine serum albumin adsorption, moreover PLLA and PLLA biocomposites based on different kinds of keratins supported the culture of human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells, indicating that these biocomposites could be useful materials for medical applications.
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ABSTRACT Introduction Cellulosic Reinforcements (CR) Interaction of CNR with Different Nanoreinforcements Ternary Polymeric Systems Based on CNR Conclusions Acknowledgments
ABSTRACT The need to fi nd environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic fi bres such as glass fi bres to be used as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites has attracted a growing interest in natural plant fi bres in the... more
ABSTRACT The need to fi nd environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic fi bres such as glass fi bres to be used as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites has attracted a growing interest in natural plant fi bres in the last decade. In this regard, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview on a less common, but promising, natural fi bre known botanically as Abelmoschus esculentus . It focuses on the origin, history and use of this plant with a particular emphasis on the fi bres extracted from the stem of this plant, also known as okra fi bres. A comprehensive mechanical, morphological and thermal characterization of the fi bres is addressed in this work aiming at investigating their possible use as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. The addition of okra fi bres in thermoplastic and thermosetting matrices is reviewed, while the last part of the chapter is devoted to the development of cellulose-based nanocomposites, which is unanimously perceived as one of the most promising research fi elds related to plant-based products. The extraction of cellulose nanocrystals from okra fi bres and their incorporation in thermoplastic composites is described. The problems that appear as limiting factors for possible application of okra fi bres as reinforcement for semi-structural components are high- lighted and discussed.
Abstract Thermal endurance tests have been carried out on low voltage cable specimens insulated with two PYC-based compounds. Specimens have been aged at three test temperatures (110, 120 and 130degC) with the induced-current method. A... more
Abstract Thermal endurance tests have been carried out on low voltage cable specimens insulated with two PYC-based compounds. Specimens have been aged at three test temperatures (110, 120 and 130degC) with the induced-current method. A proof-test procedure, based on withstand-voltage tests, has been chosen for determining specimen times to the end-point. During thermal aging some physical quantities-ie permittivity, loss factor, dissipation factor and AC volume resistivity-that characterize the dielectric ...
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Abstract: The impact properties of commingled E-glass-polypropylene composites with varying fibre architectures have been investigated. The fabric structures include balanced and unbalanced twill weaves and a three-dimensional woven... more
Abstract: The impact properties of commingled E-glass-polypropylene composites with varying fibre architectures have been investigated. The fabric structures include balanced and unbalanced twill weaves and a three-dimensional woven fabric. Comparative data for glass mat thermoplastics are included and additional comparisons with crossply continuous filament tape laminates are also made. All the materials were processed into flat panels via non-isothermal compression moulding. First, voidage was correlated with processing ...
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Hypothesis:The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cochlear implant electrode insertion on middle-ear low frequency function in humans.Background:Preservation of residual low frequency hearing with addition of electrical... more
Hypothesis:The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cochlear implant electrode insertion on middle-ear low frequency function in humans.Background:Preservation of residual low frequency hearing with addition of electrical speech processing can improve the speech perception abilities and hearing in noise of cochlear implant users. Preservation of low frequency hearing requires an intact middle-ear conductive mechanism in addition to intact inner-ear mechanisms. Little is known about the effect of a cochlear implant electrode on middle-ear function.Methods:Stapes displacement was measured in seven patients undergoing cochlear implantation. Measurements were carried out intra-operatively before and after electrode insertion. Each patient acted as his or her own control. Sound was delivered into the external auditory canal via a speaker and calibrated via a probe microphone. The speaker and probe microphone were integrated into an individually custom-made ear mould. Ossicu...
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ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of low-velocity multiple impacts at ambient (35℃) and elevated temperature (65℃ and 85℃) on unidirectional glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. Low-velocity repeated... more
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of low-velocity multiple impacts at ambient (35℃) and elevated temperature (65℃ and 85℃) on unidirectional glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. Low-velocity repeated impact tests were conducted using a falling weight tower at a constant velocity of 1.5 m/s. The dominant parameters such as energy, contact force, and deflection were recorded during multiple impacts. The residual strength of laminates following repeated impact was evaluated by conducting three-point bending tests with acoustic emission (AE) real time monitoring. The temperature was revealed to play a key role in the impact response of composite materials, especially due to the progressive softening of the epoxy matrix. The nature and extent of damage during multiple impacts at ambient and elevated temperatures was investigated using real time AE monitoring: this analysis indicated delamination as a predominant failure mode, whose extent and criticality depended on temperature and number of impact events.
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Abstract In this work, type 2024-O aluminium from ALCOA with a nominal thickness of 0.5 mm was stacked on both sides of a hemp polypropylene composite with stacking sequence 1Al/10PP/1H/10PP/1Al. Tensile and planar indentation loading of... more
Abstract In this work, type 2024-O aluminium from ALCOA with a nominal thickness of 0.5 mm was stacked on both sides of a hemp polypropylene composite with stacking sequence 1Al/10PP/1H/10PP/1Al. Tensile and planar indentation loading of the fibre–metal laminates so obtained have been followed in real time using acoustic emission monitoring and related to damage characterisation obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The results confirm that natural fibre-based fibre–metal laminates may have significant potential in ...
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Abstract: In this work, testing on okra fibres (Abelmoschus esculentus) when included in a® Bakelite matrix was performed. Two types of treatment were considered for the fibres to be included in the composite, scouring and bleaching.... more
Abstract: In this work, testing on okra fibres (Abelmoschus esculentus) when included in a® Bakelite matrix was performed. Two types of treatment were considered for the fibres to be included in the composite, scouring and bleaching. These led to surface modifications on the fibres, which were detailed using SEM micrographs. In particular, composites obtained including a small amount of scoured okra fibres, not exceeding 5%, resulted in some improvement in the tensile and flexural strength. In contrast, the introduction of higher ...
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ABSTRACT This work introduces and describes a number of projects, which are aimed at reusing waste materials in design objects, aiming at reducing the environmental impact of their disposal, by providing to them an added value. This would... more
ABSTRACT This work introduces and describes a number of projects, which are aimed at reusing waste materials in design objects, aiming at reducing the environmental impact of their disposal, by providing to them an added value. This would also allow verifying specific opportunities for development offered by this approach to innovation and revaluation of productive sectors, in particular focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating locally. A methodology was followed, which was based upon the integration of different know-how and oriented to promote the glitch of creativity process. Waste used included polystyrene disposable crockery, woodchips, molten rock powder and kaolin, steel plates and glass. This approach may offer results in different contexts, at different scales and in different market sectors, conferring added value to disposed materials, by 'upcycling' them. In this respect, it is also proposed that other applications, involving either the same materials or other wastes that are difficult to be collected and recycled are developed in the future.
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ABSTRACT Damage in а 6061-А1/А12Озр composite was studied by the acoustic emission technique. Tension and compression tests were performed on the composite after either T4 or T6 aging treatments. The comparative analyses of the acoustic... more
ABSTRACT Damage in а 6061-А1/А12Озр composite was studied by the acoustic emission technique. Tension and compression tests were performed on the composite after either T4 or T6 aging treatments. The comparative analyses of the acoustic emission evolution and the micro structural observations of the materials tested allowed to investigate the effects of matrix strength and of loading condition on damage accumulation rate.
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Abstract: This report presents the results of tensile tests carried out to evaluate damage to metal matrix composites by monitoring acoustic emissions. The aim was to follow damage evolution during the tests by observing mechanical... more
Abstract: This report presents the results of tensile tests carried out to evaluate damage to metal matrix composites by monitoring acoustic emissions. The aim was to follow damage evolution during the tests by observing mechanical behaviour shown in the stress-strain curves. Aluminium alloy 2014 reinforced with 20% volume alumina particles was subjected to testing along with the non-reinforced alloy 2014 and the results compared. Damage mechanisms occurring in the two materials were then identified by use of fractographic ...
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ABSTRACT The effect of different treatments on the mechanical (tensile), thermal behavior (TGA), FTIR, and morphology of Phormium tenax fibers has been studied with the aim to investigate methods to improve their compatibility with... more
ABSTRACT The effect of different treatments on the mechanical (tensile), thermal behavior (TGA), FTIR, and morphology of Phormium tenax fibers has been studied with the aim to investigate methods to improve their compatibility with polymer matrices. Applied treatments included sodium hydroxide (NaOH), silane (APTES, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane), and the combined application of silane treatment after NaOH. The effectiveness of the treatments in the removal of non-structural matter from the fibers was confirmed by FTIR investigation and TGA measurements, suggesting also that the alkali treatment has a strong effect on their thermal behavior. The study of tensile properties of the fibers performed using Weibull statistics indicates that the tensile properties are somewhat reduced by chemical treatment. The morphological investigation of treated fibers through scanning electron microscopy indicates that silane treatments, both on raw fibers and on alkalized ones, result in limited fiber degradation.
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ABSTRACT a b s t r a c t The environmental degradation of the mechanical properties of pultruded jute and jute/glass hybrid rein-forced polyester composites with high fibre volume fraction (0.70) has been investigated with special focus... more
ABSTRACT a b s t r a c t The environmental degradation of the mechanical properties of pultruded jute and jute/glass hybrid rein-forced polyester composites with high fibre volume fraction (0.70) has been investigated with special focus on the effects of water ageing and moderate temperature (up to 80 °C). Water absorption tests were conducted by immersing specimens in distilled water at room temperature until saturation (4076 h). Water absorption curves and characteristic parameters such as coefficient of diffusion and equilibrium moisture content were determined. The composites exhibited a deviation from the Fickian behaviour with a positive role played by the addition of glass fibres in terms of moisture resistance. The influence of water uptake on tensile and flexural properties of composites was evaluated and a significant reduc-tion in both strength and modulus was observed, with a superior strength retention offered by hybrid composites. Acoustic emission (AE) and scanning electron microscopy enabled to identify the weakening of fibre/matrix interface induced by water ageing. The effects of temperature were mitigated by glass fibres if compared with the higher degradation experienced by jute fibres.
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A limited number of comparative studies on falling weight impact properties of different composites exist, especially using non-destructive techniques (NDTs). In this work, two types of woven fabric composites, reinforced respectively... more
A limited number of comparative studies on falling weight impact properties of different composites exist, especially using non-destructive techniques (NDTs). In this work, two types of woven fabric composites, reinforced respectively with E-glass fibres and basalt fibres, were subjected to low velocity impact at different energies (7.5, 15 and 22.5 J). Comparative indications were offered by impact hysteresis cycles and the integration of data between different enhanced vision methods, namely interferometric and IR thermographic ...