Inspired by the layered aragonite platelet/nanofibrillar chitin/protein ternary structure and integration of extraordinary strength and toughness of natural nacre, artificial nacre based on clay platelet/nanofibrillar cellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol) is constructed through an evaporation-induced self-assembly technique. The synergistic toughening effect from clay platelets and nanofibrillar cellul...

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) have proved to be important structural ceramics. High strength and fracture toughness make them attractive candidates for a number of demanding applications. It was established that these advantageous properties are strongly influenced by the ceramic microstructure [1]. The relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties ...

It is challenging to reinforce and toughen thermoset epoxy resins. We describe a slurry-compounding technique to transfer a uniform dispersion of chitin nanowhiskers (CW) in ethanol into an epoxy matrix. The incorporation of the hydrophilic CW reinforces the oil-soluble diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The resultant CW/epoxy bionanocomposites were transparent and showed considerably enh...

The paper focuses on the strength and toughness of joints produced by transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding in the Cu–Sn system. It is motivated by potential applications of TLP bonding in attachment of high-temperature wide bandgap devices to ceramic substrates. Model test specimens suitable for mechanical testing are developed, utilizing substrates of oxide dispersion strengthened copper. Thre...

Motivated by the high level of strength and toughness of spider silk and its multifunctional nature, this paper reports on the engineering properties of individual fibers from Nephila Clavipes spider drag line under uniaxial tension, transverse compression and torsional deformation. The tensile properties were compared to the Argiope Aurentia spider silk and show different ultimate strength but...

Shielded metal arc welding and submerged arc welding were used to prepare experimental weld metals with variations in nickel, manganese and carbon contents. The weld metals contained Ni between 6.6 and 10.5 wt. %, Mn between 0.5 and 2.0 wt. % while carbon was varied between 0.03 and 0.11 wt. %. Mechanical properties were found to be sensitive to alloying content. However once the optimum level ...

It is of critical importance to improve toughness, strength, and wear-resistance together for the development of advanced structural materials. Herein, we report on the synthesis of unoxidized graphene/alumina composite materials having enhanced toughness, strength, and wear-resistance by a low-cost and environmentally benign pressure-less-sintering process. The wear resistance of the composite...

In this experimental work, AISI 304 was welded via metal inert gas (MIG) welding process with Argon (Ar) as shielding gas. In the present study, AISI 304 was subjected to different heat input using a standard 308L electrode. Weld quality i.e. ultimate tensile strength, toughness, microhardness, and microstructure of AISI 304 were examined. Microstructures of welded joints were studied using sca...