Advanced perspectives on MXene composite nanomaterials: Types synthetic methods, thermal energy utilization and 3D-printed techniques

A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Nanosilica as a Toughening Agent for Enhanced Epoxy Composites for Aerospace Applications

This review provides a thorough review on nanosilica as a strengthening component in epoxy composites, with a specific emphasis on its suitability for use in aerospace applications. The study commences by examining the distinctive characteristics of nanosilica, encompassing its methods of synthesis as well as its efficacy in augmenting the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy-based composites. A substantial part of the review focuses on assessing the efficiency of nanosilica-reinforced glass fiber composite laminates, particularly in the field of aerospace structural applications. The issue of low toughness in epoxy composites, specifically the occurrence of crack growth and propagation when subjected to stress, is tackled through the investigation of different toughening techniques. These techniques involve the addition of nanosilica and liquid rubber tougheners such as ETBN. In addition, this review presents the techniques used to distribute nanosilica particles within epoxy resins and offers a detailed examination of the mechanical testing and characterization methods employed for these nanocomposites. The study determines that nanosilica, owing to its substantial surface area and mechanical durability, greatly improves the resilience and overall mechanical efficacy of epoxy composites, rendering it a highly promising material for the aerospace sector. This study suggests that addition of nanosilica in epoxy-based composites until 5% by weight gives the best possible outcomes with respect to increment in mechanical properties like modulus, strength, and toughness.

Printed High-Adhesion Flexible Electrodes Based on an Interlocking Structure for Self-Powered Intelligent Movement Monitoring

Two-dimensional transition metal carbide nitrides (MXenes) have been extensively explored in diverse areas, such as electrochemical energy storage and flexible electronics. Although the solution-processed MXene-based device has made significant achievements, it is still a challenge to develop large-scale and high-resolution printing methods for flexible printed electronics. In this work, we reported a novel strategy of a porous interlocking structure to obtain flexible MXene/laser-induced graphene (LMX) composite electrodes with enhanced adhesion and high printing resolution. In comparison to traditional printed MXene electrodes, the LMX electrode with an interlocking interface possesses enhanced mechanical properties (adhesive strength of 2.17 MPa) and comparable electrical properties (0.68 S/mm). Furthermore, owing to the outstanding stability and flexibility, the LMX-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can be used as a self-powered sensor to monitor finger-bending movement. A support vector machine (SVM)-assisted self-powered motion sensor can distinguish the bending angle with high recognition accuracy and can effectively identify different angles. The successful experience of directly printing flexible electrodes with excellent mechanical and electrical properties can be promoted to other solution-processed two-dimensional materials. Our strategy opens up a promising perspective to develop flexible and printed electronics.