4. Matrix Composite Materials in Structural Reinforcement and Resilience Enhancement
4.1. Methods for Improving the Properties of Metal Matrix Composite
The strength and resilience improvement in metal matrix composite is one of the current research hotspots. Its new methods mainly focus on the stirring–casting method, material microstructure design, processing technology optimization, surface modification, and addition of appropriate second equalities. Rajaram studied the effect of particle weight fraction on the mechanical properties of metal matrix composite (MMC) by stirring–casting
[66][33]. Metal matrix was prepared using aluminum (Al7075) and quarry rock dust powder, with 0%, 5%, and 7.5% rock powder and Al7075 added. Hardness, bending, and wear tests were conducted, and machining was carried out according to ASTM standards. Th
ise research found that the quarry stone powder of Al7075 has a higher hardness and lower wear rate, and the metal matrix containing 7.5 wt.% has the highest bending degree. Therefore, sample 2 has higher hardness and wear resistance.
4.2. Methods for Improving the Properties of Ceramic Matrix Composite
The strength and resilience improvement in ceramic matrix composite is one of the research focuses in the field of composites. Among them, using new methods to enhance strength and resilience is one of the main directions of current research, and common methods include nanoparticle reinforcement, adding new elements, microstructure regulation, and powder metallurgy, among others. Li found that the Nb content and sintering temperature significantly affect the phase formation and microstructure of the sample, while the width of the
Ti2
AlC layered structure increases with the increase in sintering temperature
[80][34]. The optimal compressive strength of
Ti2AlC MAX phase ceramic matrix composites was obtained under optimized Nb content (1 wt.%) and sintering temperature (1300 °C). Th
ise work demonstrates that LPBF and sintering methods can be used to design composite materials, and explores the properties of
Ti2AlC MAX phase ceramics from the perspective of microalloying. Xi investigated the effect of mixed ceramic reinforcement content on the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites
[81][35]. They used laser powder bed fusion to prepare composites reinforced with different contents of (ZrC TiC) ceramic fractions. The results showed that with the increase in mixed ceramic content, the laser absorption behavior of the composite material is enhanced, and the fraction of nanoparticles increases. The composites containing 20 wt.% ceramics exhibited high micro- and nanohardness, and the elastic modulus and tensile strength of 15 wt.% (ZrC + TiC)/Al composite material were significantly higher than the unreinforced Al matrix, due to the formation of nanoprecipitates and coherent binding at the reinforcement/matrix interface.
4.3. Application of Matrix Composite Materials in Practical Engineering Projects
Matrix composite materials have a wide range of applications due to their special properties, and have been applied in recent years in biomedical, biodegradable, brake pads, radiation shielding, and other related fields. Manso studied how to improve the wear resistance of metal bone implants by adding hard reinforcements
[91][36]. Studying the use of nontoxic and nonallergenic β, two different in situ composite materials were prepared by adding NbC powder to Ti-Nb alloy as the matrix material. This strategy can achieve the synthesis of reinforcing phases during the manufacturing process and achieve strong interface bonding through high chemical compatibility. The results showed that the friction and corrosion properties of both composite materials were improved, and the wear amount was less than 50%. These results indicate that the matrix composite material is a potential bone implant material that can improve its wear resistance and degradation process. Kabir’s study introduced a zinc-based composite material for biodegradable implant materials, which added graphene nanosheets to improve its mechanical properties and corrosion behavior
[92][37]. The research results show that the composite material has high mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, making it a potential biodegradable implant material. In the past few years, carbon ceramic brakes have been favored for their light weight, high-temperature resistance, and long lifespan.
5. Other Composite Materials in Structural Reinforcement and Resilience Enhancement
5.1. Theoretical Research and Practical Application of Viscoelastic Materials
Viscoelastic materials have characteristics such as elastic behavior, noninstantaneous deformation, and viscosity, making them the main materials for manufacturing viscoelastic dampers. Xu developed viscoelastic materials based on different matrix rubbers and conducted experiments
[96][38]. The results indicate that the viscoelastic damper based on a nitrile rubber matrix has high energy dissipation capacity, while the viscoelastic damper based on a silicone rubber matrix has stable performance under different working conditions. To elucidate its mechanical properties, an equivalent high-order fractional derivative model considering temperature and frequency effects was proposed, and numerical results consistent with experimental results were obtained. Xu introduced the application of viscoelastic dampers in seismic reduction
[97][39]. Firstly, the mathematical model of VE dampers and the dynamic analysis of structures with VE dampers were introduced. Then, an equivalent standard solid model is used to describe the effect of temperature on the energy absorption characteristics of VE dampers. Finally, the response of a three-story reinforced-concrete frame structure with and without VE dampers was studied through elastic–plastic time field analysis, frequency field analysis, and shaking table tests. The results showed that VE dampers can be modeled using an equivalent standard solid model, and are effective in reducing structural seismic response. Xu introduced the preparation and performance testing of acrylic viscoelastic dampers
[98][40].
5.2. Theoretical Research and Practical Application of Magnetorheological Materials
Magnetorheological fluid has the characteristics of adjustability, fast response speed, small size, and light weight, making it the main material for manufacturing magnetorheological dampers. Xu conducted research on magnetorheological fluids and their composite materials
[101][41]. Magnetorheological fluid is an intelligent material widely used for structural vibration reduction, consisting of iron particles, carrier fluid, and additives. One of the research hotspots is the expectation that ferromagnetic particles have low density and high magnetic properties. Th
ise article uses ultrasonic and mechanical stirring–grafting techniques to coat multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) onto carbonyl iron (CI) particles; an electron microscope image is shown in
Figure 17. In addition, shear yield stress tests were conducted on self-made composite materials, and the test results were compared with the theoretical values of the single- and double-chain micromechanical model to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model. Xu discussed how to control the vibration response in aerospace or precision instrument platforms in the frequency range of 0 to 500 Hz
[102][42].
Figure 17. The electron micrographs of (
A) original CI particles and (
B) MWNTs (adapted from [101]).
5.3. Performance Improvement and Practical Application of Concrete Mortar Composite Materials
Concrete and mortar composite materials are widely used in the construction industry, and their strength and resilience are key factors affecting their performance. In recent years, researchers have proposed various new methods to improve the strength and resilience of concrete and mortar composite materials, for example, the addition of nanomaterials, the use of additives, and microstructure regulation. Malakopoulos and Salifoglou studied the properties of mortars composed of Portland limestone cement, calcium carbonate, butyl stearate, and oleic acid [107]. The results indicate that compared to ordinary Portland limestone cement mortar, adding calcium carbonate, butyl stearate, and oleic acid to the mortar mixture can improve durability. The use of alkaline activators to chemically polymerize aluminosilicate materials for the production of alkaline-activated materials can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ordinary Portland cement (OPC) (approximately 73%).
Dobiszewska studied the effect of concrete production on the environment and used waste byproducts as substitutes for clinker [111]. Rock dust is considered a potential alternative material for the production of cement composite materials. However, there are conflicting findings in the literature regarding the effect of partial substitution of cement on the physical and mechanical properties and durability of cement composite materials. The effect of using rock dust instead of cement is mainly related to the filler effect. The higher the amount of replacement cement, the lower the mechanical properties and durability of cement composite materials. However, replacing cement with up to 10–15% rock powder will not affect the performance of cement composite materials. Sara uses construction and demolition (C&D) waste instead of natural sand, and uses ground and granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) instead of cement to manufacture self-compacting mortar [112]. The research results indicate that using recycled concrete sand (RCS) instead of natural sand can produce self-compacting mortar, with an optimal yield of 50%. Replacing cement with GGBFS can offset the negative effects of mortar porosity and capillary water absorption, and improve long-term compressive strength.
) MWNTs (adapted from [41]).
5.3. Performance Improvement and Practical Application of Concrete Mortar Composite Materials
Concrete and mortar composite materials are widely used in the construction industry, and their strength and resilience are key factors affecting their performance. In recent years, researchers have proposed various new methods to improve the strength and resilience of concrete and mortar composite materials, for example, the addition of nanomaterials, the use of additives, and microstructure regulation. Malakopoulos and Salifoglou studied the properties of mortars composed of Portland limestone cement, calcium carbonate, butyl stearate, and oleic acid [43]. The results indicate that compared to ordinary Portland limestone cement mortar, adding calcium carbonate, butyl stearate, and oleic acid to the mortar mixture can improve durability. The use of alkaline activators to chemically polymerize aluminosilicate materials for the production of alkaline-activated materials can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ordinary Portland cement (OPC) (approximately 73%).
Dobiszewska studied the effect of concrete production on the environment and used waste byproducts as substitutes for clinker [44]. Rock dust is considered a potential alternative material for the production of cement composite materials. However, there are conflicting findings in the literature regarding the effect of partial substitution of cement on the physical and mechanical properties and durability of cement composite materials. The effect of using rock dust instead of cement is mainly related to the filler effect. The higher the amount of replacement cement, the lower the mechanical properties and durability of cement composite materials. However, replacing cement with up to 10–15% rock powder will not affect the performance of cement composite materials. Sara uses construction and demolition (C&D) waste instead of natural sand, and uses ground and granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) instead of cement to manufacture self-compacting mortar [45]. The research results indicate that using recycled concrete sand (RCS) instead of natural sand can produce self-compacting mortar, with an optimal yield of 50%. Replacing cement with GGBFS can offset the negative effects of mortar porosity and capillary water absorption, and improve long-term compressive strength.
6. Conclusions
Advanced composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced composites, laminated composites, matrix composites, and other advanced variants, possess distinct advantages in enhancing structural reinforcement and improving resilience. The main representatives of fiber-reinforced composite materials, CFRP and GFRP, are characterized by their light weight and high strength, and are widely used in civil engineering, aerospace, and automotive industries. Laminated composite materials can exhibit excellent crack resistance and resilience by changing the deposition sequence and optimization modeling, and are widely used in fields such as electrical components and piezoelectric sensors. The addition of nanoparticles or fiber-reinforced materials to the matrix enhances the performance of the matrix itself. It has good structural reinforcement effect, while also providing a certain degree of resilience and durability, and is widely used in fields such as construction and shipbuilding. Other advanced composite materials, such as viscoelastic materials and magnetorheological fluids, are very good energy dissipation materials with good resilience, and are widely used in the production of dampers and applied in other engineering fields. They are of great significance for seismic reduction and reinforcement of buildings.