1. Enhanced photothermal based-heat retention in regenerated cellulose fibers via ceramic particles and polyelectrolyte binders-based surface functionalizationÖzkan Yapar, Ajra Hadela, Alenka Ojstršek, Aleksandra Lobnik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: : There has been growing interest and increasing attention in the field of functional clothing textiles, particularly in product and process development, as well as innovations in heat-generating, retaining, and releasing fibers to maintain a healthy body temperature without relying on unsustainable energy sources. This study, for the first time, reports the various physio-mechanical properties of surface-functionalized regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs) coated with ceramic particles. The coating imparts photothermal conversion-based heat generation and retention properties with the aid of polyelectrolyte binders. In this design, ZrC enables the conversion of light energy into thermal energy, providing heat for the human body. A feasible coating process was employed, utilizing industrially feasible exhaustion methods to deposit the ZrC particles onto the RCF surface in conjunction with two distinctive polymeric binders, specifically polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC). The morphological characteristics and tensile properties of the coated RCFs were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and single-fiber tensile testing. Heat retention and release behaviors of a bundle of fiber samples were assessed using infrared (IR) imaging and an IR emission lamp setup. The SEM results confirmed the successful coating of the ZrC particles on the surface of the RCF samples, influencing negligible on their physical–mechanical properties. The heat retention of the coated RCFs with ZrC and both binders was higher than that of reference regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs), demonstrating their effective heat generation, retention, and heat release properties. Based on the highlighted prominent results for the coated RCFs, these findings highlight the suitability of the developed functional clothing textiles for targeted applications in non-extreme thermal conditions, ensuring thermo-physiological comfort by maintaining body temperature within a tolerable thermal range (36.5–37.5 ◦C), in contrast to studies reporting significantly higher temperatures (50–78 ◦C) for extreme thermal conditions. Ključne besede: regenerated cellulose fibers, RCFs, ceramic particles, zirconium carbide, ZrC, surface functionalization, heat generation and retention Objavljeno v DKUM: 01.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 131
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2. Statistical modeling and optimization of the drawing process of bioderived polylactide/poly(dodecylene furanoate) wet-spun fibersDaniele Rigotti, Giulia Fredi, Davide Perin, Dimitrios Bikiaris, Alessandro Pegoretti, Andrea Dorigato, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Drawing is a well-established method to improve the mechanical properties of wet-spun
fibers, as it orients the polymer chains, increases the chain density, and homogenizes the microstructure. This work aims to investigate how drawing variables, such as the draw ratio, drawing speed,
and temperature affect the elastic modulus (E) and the strain at break (εB) of biobased wet-spun fibers
constituted by neat polylactic acid (PLA) and a PLA/poly(dodecamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)
(PDoF) (80/20 wt/wt) blend. Drawing experiments were conducted with a design of experiment
(DOE) approach following a 24
full factorial design. The results of the quasi-static tensile tests on
the drawn fibers, analyzed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and modeled through the response
surface methodology (RSM), highlight that the presence of PDoF significantly lowers E, which instead
is maximized if the temperature and draw ratio are both low. On the other hand, εB is enhanced
when the drawing is performed at a high temperature. Finally, a genetic algorithm was implemented
to find the optimal combination of drawing parameters that maximize both E and εB. The resulting
Pareto curve highlights that the temperature influences the mechanical results only for neat PLA
fibers, as the stiffness increases by drawing at lower temperatures, while optimal Pareto points for
PLA/PDoF fibers are mainly determined by the draw ratio and the draw rate. Ključne besede: fibers, poly(lactic acid), furanoate polyesters, drawing, response surface methodology, genetic algorithms Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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3. Combined effects of metakaolin and hybrid fibers on self-compacting concreteNatalija Bede Odorčić, Gregor Kravanja, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: There is a need to develop new construction materials with improved mechanical performance and durability that are low-priced and have environmental benefits at the same time. This
paper focuses on the rheological, mechanical, morphological, and durability properties of synthetic
and steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing 5–15% metakaolin (M) by mass
as a green replacement for Portland cement. Testing of the fresh mixes included a slump-flow test,
density, and porosity tests. Mechanical properties were determined through compression and flexural
strength. A rapid chloride penetrability test (RCPT) and the chloride migration coefficient were used
to assess the durability of the samples. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersion
spectrometry (EDS) was used to study the concrete microstructure and the interfacial transition zone
(ITZ). The results show that a combination of metakaolin and hybrid fibers has a negative effect on
the flowability of SCC. In contrast, the inclusion of M and hybrid fibers has a positive effect on the
compressive and flexural strength of SCC. The fracture of SCC samples without fibers was brittle
and sudden, unlike the fiber-reinforced SCC samples, which could still transfer a considerable load
with increasing crack mouth opening deflection. Overall, the chloride migration coefficients were
reduced by up to 71% compared to the control mix. The chloride reduction is consistent with the
resulting compact concrete microstructure, which exhibits a strong bond between fibers and the
concrete matrix. Ključne besede: self-compacting concrete, synthetic and steel fibers, metakaolin, rheology, mechanical properties, chloride penetration, SEM-EDS Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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4. Full-scale test and load-bearing capacity evaluation of synthetic-polymer-fiber-reinforced concrete tetrapods under quasi-static loadingŽiga Unuk, Milan Kuhta, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This paper studies the load-bearing capacity of various concrete tetrapods under quasistatic loading. The tetrapods were made of plain concrete and synthetic-polymer-fiber-reinforced
concrete. Load tests of the tetrapods were performed. The maximum load-bearing capacity and
the residual-load-bearing capacity of the tetrapods (the load-bearing capacity after the first crack
or at different crack widths) were evaluated. The strength and residual-strength values were backcalculated from the load-bearing capacities, and compared with available data from the literature.
The specimens with and without fibers achieved similar maximum load-bearing capacities, with
cracks occurring at identical locations. However, the differences in residual-load-bearing capacity
were more significant. The synthetic-polymer-fiber-reinforced concrete tetrapods exhibited relatively
high residual-load-bearing capacities, even at higher displacements and crack widths. Two different
calculation-procedures were used for the load-bearing-capacity evaluation. A load-displacement
calculation based on the moment-versus-curvature relation and the plastic-hinge approach was
performed, and additionally proved the applicability of the employed calculation-procedures for the
concrete tetrapod load-bearing-capacity evaluation. Ključne besede: tetrapods, concrete, synthetic-polymer fibers, load tests, load-bearing capacity, residual load-bearing capacity, load displacement, calculation Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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5. High resolution short response time fiber-optic temperature sensorNermin Sinanović, Simon Pevec, Matej Njegovec, Vedran Budinski, Denis Đonlagić, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This article presents an all-silica microwire optical sensor designed for both fast response time and high-resolution temperature detection. The sensor consists of a thin optical microwire created at the tip of an optical fiber, configured as a temperature sensitive Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI). For the purposes of achieving rapid response times, the sensing section of the sensor has a diameter of 11 µm. Experimental bench tests were set up to evaluate the sensor’s static and dynamic performance. The results indicate a sensor system resolution of about 5 mK and demonstrate a bandwidth of 38 Hz that corresponds to a response time of 4 ms in still air. The sensor’s functionality is shown through a basic periodic gas compression method detecting small temperature fluctuations. In addition, the sensor was demonstrated for operation up to 600 ◦C. Ključne besede: Fabry-Perot, high-resolution temperature sensor, micromachining, microwire optic sensor, optical fibers, short response time Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.02.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 7
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6. Development and characterization of novel ultra-high performance concrete with superhydrophobic and self-luminescent propertiesAhmad Rizwan Mumtaz, 2024, doktorska disertacija Opis: This study explores the potential of using basalt reinforced UHPC by incorporating simulta- neously self-cleaning and self-luminescent features, paving the way for sustainable advancements in civil engineering. New green formulations of UHPC were developed by integrating supplementary cementitious materials and optimizing water to the binder ratio, followed by using basalt fibers to enhance strength and ductility. The fabricated samples with high particle-packing density exhibit sufficient workability and compressive strength up to 136 MPa, and, when incorporating basalt fibers, a notable reduction in brittleness. The inner microstructure of basalt fibers was observed to be smooth, homogeneously distributed, and well adhered to the UHPC matrix. To ensure the desired long-lasting visual appearance of decorative UHPC and reduce future maintenance costs, a time-effective strategy for creating a light-emitting biomimetic surface design was introduced. The samples exhibit high surface roughness, characterized by micro to nano-scale voids, displaying superhydrophobicity with contact angles reaching up to 155.45◦. This is accompanied by roll-off angles decreasing to 7.1◦, highlighting their self-cleaning features. The self-luminescence feature showcased intense initial light emission, offering a potential energy-efficient nighttime lighting solution. Ključne besede: UHPC, basalt fibers, mechanical properties, morphology, superhydrophobic, self-luminescence Objavljeno v DKUM: 16.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 14
Celotno besedilo (12,91 MB) |
7. Composite materials based on waste chicken feather fibers for oil-spill managementSimona Strnad, Andraž Jug, Zdenka Peršin Fratnik, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Oil spills remain one of the greatest man-made ecological threats, despite numerous advanced cleanup approaches. They still pose a major challenge in the search for materials and technologies that work as efficiently and sustainably as possible. Promising natural materials include poultry feathers, which are produced in large quantities every day as a byproduct of the meat industry. In this study, the influence of different forms of absorbents (loose feathers, pillows, and sheets) based on chicken feathers and the addition of an inorganic absorbent, sepiolite, on their absorption capacity was investigated. The chemical and physical surface properties, like morphology, chemical composition, zeta potential, surface free energies and oil absorption capacities were analyzed. The Gibbs free energy of immersion wetting with oil and the work of adhesion of the adsorbents, calculated based on contact angle measurements, were confirmed by the tests of adsorption capacities according to the ASTM 726–12 standard. The results showed that pure loose feathers have the highest oil adsorption capacity, while feather pillows have only half, and composite sheets have only a quarter of this capacity. The addition of inorganic adsorbent sepiolite did not increase the absorption capacity of the composites. Ključne besede: chicken feather fibers, composites, sepiolite, surface properties, oil adsorption, oil-spill management Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.05.2024; Ogledov: 183; Prenosov: 24
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8. Cellulose–chitosan functional biocompositesSimona Strnad, Lidija Fras Zemljič, 2023, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Here, we present a detailed review of recent research and achievements in the field of combining two extremely important polysaccharides; namely, cellulose and chitosan. The most important properties of the two polysaccharides are outlined, giving rise to the interest in their combination. We present various structures and forms of composite materials that have been developed recently. Thus, aerogels, hydrogels, films, foams, membranes, fibres, and nanofibres are discussed, alongside the main techniques for their fabrication, such as coextrusion, co-casting, electrospinning, coating, and adsorption. It is shown that the combination of bacterial cellulose with chitosan has recently gained increasing attention. This is particularly attractive, because both are representative of a biopolymer that is biodegradable and friendly to humans and the environment. The rising standard of living and growing environmental awareness are the driving forces for the development of these materials. In this review, we have shown that the field of combining these two extraordinary polysaccharides is an inexhaustible source of ideas and opportunities for the development of advanced functional materials. Ključne besede: biocomposites, functional materials, cellulose–chitosan, fibers, films, hydrogels, nanofibers Objavljeno v DKUM: 19.02.2024; Ogledov: 293; Prenosov: 32
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9. Novel ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) enhanced by superhydrophobic and self-luminescent featuresAhmad Rizwan Mumtaz, Natalija Bede Odorčić, Núria Garro, Samo Lubej, Andrej Ivanič, Antonio Comite, Marcello Pagliero, Gregor Kravanja, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study explores the potential of using basalt reinforced UHPC by incorporating simultaneously self-cleaning and self-luminescent features, paving the way for sustainable advancements in civil engineering. New green formulations of UHPC were developed by integrating supplementary cementitious materials and optimizing water to the binder ratio, followed by using basalt fibers to enhance strength and ductility. The fabricated samples with high particle-packing density exhibit sufficient workability and compressive strength up to 136 MPa, and, when incorporating basalt fibers, a notable reduction in brittleness. The inner microstructure of basalt fibers was observed to be smooth, homogeneously distributed, and well adhered to the UHPC matrix. To ensure the desired long-lasting visual appearance of decorative UHPC and reduce future maintenance costs, a time-effective strategy for creating a light-emitting biomimetic surface design was introduced. The samples exhibit high surface roughness, characterized by micro to nano-scale voids, displaying superhydrophobicity with contact angles reaching up to 155.45°. This is accompanied by roll-off angles decreasing to 7.1°, highlighting their self-cleaning features. The self-luminescence feature showcased intense initial light emission, offering a potential energy-efficient nighttime lighting solutio Ključne besede: UHPC, basalt fibers, mechanical properties, morphology, superhydrophobic, self-luminescence Objavljeno v DKUM: 29.01.2024; Ogledov: 368; Prenosov: 448
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10. A microfluidic, flow-through, liquid reagent fluorescence sensor applied to oxygen concentration measurementDominik Gril, Denis Đonlagić, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: microfluidic, microfluidic sensing systems, capillary-based fluorescent chemical sensor system, fluorescent sensors, oxygen sensing, fluorescent decay time measurements, on-line liquid analysis, optical fibers, capillaries, liquid reagent Objavljeno v DKUM: 31.05.2023; Ogledov: 550; Prenosov: 76
Celotno besedilo (4,68 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |